Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Red Door
San Diego, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Red Door pairs an Italian-forward wine list with a cocktail menu that swings from a peaty Blue Smoke to an Antique Negroni. Wines by the glass start at $15, and the list reaches into Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone. A single zero-proof option, Don't Tell Shirley, covers the non-alcoholic corner. Dessert cocktails and amari extend the evening.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Antique Negroni ($18), a Tanqueray, Luxardo Abano, and Carpano Antica build. For wine, a glass of Chardonnay, Silvestri ($15) or a bottle of Brunello, Frescobaldi ($125). Finish with a Taylor 20 Year Tawny Port.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine drinkers who favor Italian reds and cocktail fans seeking classic and signature mixes. The zero-proof Don't Tell Shirley suits designated drivers. Dessert cocktail and amari drinkers will find a fitting end to a meal.
- When should I go?
- Evenings suit the wine-bar vibe; the adjacent bar with live music may extend the night. Dessert cocktails pair well after dinner.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $13 to $18; wines by the glass start at $15; bottles run $48 to $150. Corkage is $30 per bottle. The zero-proof cocktail is $7 to $10.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A wine list curated by Chef Luciano Cibelli leans Italian with Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone, plus a cocktail menu that includes a blue cheese olive martini and a rye-Benedictine-Luxardo blend. Dessert cocktails and a small amari selection round out the program.
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 solid cocktail list with both classic and signature options. Prices align with the bar's wine-bar positioning, though a price discrepancy exists between the wine list and drinks page. Dessert cocktails extend the program.
Menu strengths
- — Offers dessert cocktails to complement the dessert menu
Standout selections
- — Blue Smoke: Tito's, Laphroaig, blue cheese olive ($18)
- — Antique Negroni: Tanqueray, Luxardo Abano, Carpano Antica ($18)
- — Golden Eye: Bourbon, lemon, curacao, orange & Peychaud's bitters ($18)
Pricing: $13-$18 depending on source
Wine
An Italian-forward list with notable reds and a range of prices. Glasses start at $15, and the selection includes Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone. Corkage is available at $30 per bottle.
Menu strengths
- — Italian focus with Old World and New World selections
- — Wines by the glass available for many selections
Standout selections
- — Brunello, Frescobaldi (Italy '16, $125 bottle)
- — Chardonnay, Silvestri (Monterey '21, $15 glass / $60 bottle)
Pricing: Glasses from $15; bottles $48-$150; corkage $30
Nonalcoholic
A single zero-proof cocktail, Don't Tell Shirley, made with ginger beer and cherry syrup. It's priced reasonably and fills a niche, though options are limited.
Standout selections
- — Don't Tell Shirley: Ginger beer, Fabbri cherry syrup ($7 or $10)
Pricing: $7 or $10
Spirits
Spirits appear as cocktail ingredients and digestives. A range of base spirits supports the cocktail menu, and the digestives include aged tawny ports and amari for after-dinner drinking.
Menu strengths
- — Range of base spirits used in cocktails; Digestives and amari offered for after-dinner drinks
Standout selections
- — Taylor 20 Year Tawny Port; Amaro Cynar
How it sits with the food
Pairing suggestions accompany the wine list, and the Italian-forward list complements the kitchen's local sourcing. Dessert cocktails like Irish Coffee and Carajillo are positioned to follow the dessert menu.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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