Restaurant
Unclaimed profileC Level Lounge
San Diego, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
C Level Lounge's beverage program swings wide: a fat-washed Old Fashioned, a habanero-infused Bloody Mary, and a wine list spanning a dozen countries. The cocktail menu shows genuine craft ambition, while the zero proof section gives designated drivers something to talk about. Happy hour deals run weekdays from 3:30 to 5:30. Exact pricing is absent from available materials, but the program's breadth is evident.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Snake River Farms Old Fashioned for its Wagyu fat-washed bourbon and torched rosemary. The Mayan Magic blends mezcal, pox, and banana for a complex tropical pour. For something lighter, the Prime Thyme uses gin, Aperol, and grapefruit soda.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive combinations and wine drinkers who appreciate a list with global reach. The dedicated zero proof section appeals to non-drinkers, and the local craft beer lineup suits locals and visitors wanting regional flavors.
- When should I go?
- This is a good window for sampling several items at a better value.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Exact prices are not listed in available menus. A 5% supplemental fee is added to all guest checks, which may factor into the final bill.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program's use of fat-washed bourbon, house-infused spirits, and unusual ingredients like pox and cardamom sets it apart. The wine list's depth, including multiple vintages of Taylor Fladgate port, adds a distinctive layer. A creative zero proof menu shows attention to non-alcoholic drinkers.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A robust signature cocktail list with creative ingredients: fat-washed bourbon, house-infused habanero vodka, and international spirits. Dessert cocktails and happy hour features add variety.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of fat-washed bourbon and house-infused spirits.
- — Broad range of styles from tiki to barrel-aged.
Standout selections
- — Snake River Farms Old Fashioned: Wagyu fat-washed Elijah Craig bourbon, smoked walnut bitters, torched rosemary.
- — Mayan Magic: Los Javis CRG mezcal, pox, creme de banana, pineapple, lime, cinnamon, cardamom.
- — C-Level's Famous Mary: habanero vodka, housemade mix, candied bacon, shrimp, pickled veggies.
Pricing: Exact prices not listed in available materials.
Wine
A broad wine selection organized by style and region, from sparkling to old world reds. Includes premium dessert ports and a flight. No sommelier notes or specific recommendations are mentioned.
Menu strengths
- — Wide geographic coverage including Italy, France, New Zealand, and Argentina.
- — Premium port selections with multiple aged tawnies and a flight option.
Standout selections
- — Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain from Reims, France.
- — Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast.
- — Faust by Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.
Pricing: Exact prices not listed in available materials.
Beer
A solid local craft beer list featuring breweries like Karl Strauss and Stone. Happy hour offers select cans. Includes a non-alcoholic option, but the selection is narrower than cocktails and wine.
Menu strengths
- — Emphasis on local craft breweries.; Includes a non-alcoholic beer option.
Standout selections
- — Karl Strauss Aurora Hoppyalis, a style IPA.
- — Mother Earth Milk Truck Latte Stout, a stout with coffee notes.
Pricing: Exact prices not listed in available materials.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated zero proof section with three creative non-alcoholic cocktails using Lyre's spirits and house infusions. Happy hour includes zero proof options.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of non-alcoholic spirits and house-made syrups.
Standout selections
- — 7 Rings: Lyre's NA dry London spirit, passionfruit, orgeat, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger ale.
- — Garden Cooler: Lyre's NA white cane spirit, cucumber syrup, mint, lime, soda water.
Pricing: Exact prices not listed in available materials.
Spirits
A diverse range of spirits appears as cocktail ingredients, including bourbon, vodka, gin, rum, mezcal, and reposado. No dedicated spirits list or by-the-glass options are documented.
Menu strengths
- — Includes premium brands like Elijah Craig and Casa Noble.
Standout selections
- — Elijah Craig Bourbon, used in the Snake River Farms Old Fashioned.
- — Los Javis CRG Mezcal, featured in Mayan Magic.
Pricing: Exact prices not listed in available materials.
How it sits with the food
The menu includes seafood-focused dishes. The habanero-infused Bloody Mary with its candied bacon and shrimp garnish could complement brunch-style plates. The wine selection, from crisp sauvignon blanc to robust cabernet, offers pairing flexibility across the seafood menu.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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