Realm of the 52 Remedies
Step inside the cozy and otherworldly speakeasy that is 52 Remedies.
Located inside the bustling beer bar Common Theory. 52 Remedies is arguably one of the most impressive works of “art” I have ever seen.
Stepping inside you are greeted into a their apothecary, a lightly lit room with herbs, tinctures, and medicine. Made to emulate a pharmacy it nails it, with its bright walls and almost uncomfortable white lights. Fear not, this is a temporary loading zone, your host introduces you to the speakeasy and explains the idea behind the bar. Place your hand on the wall of ancient script of 52 remedies of aliments, and boom the wall opens! A dark hallway greets you and although you’re confused, you venture onward into the darkness.
Now you’re in.
You are shown to your table and handed a small booklet. Looking around you see mostly two tops but a few large tables are nestled in the corners. Remind yourself to throw a party here... Back to the menu you are greeted by a plethora of unique. Some Ingredients you have never heard of, names that sounds oddly therapeutic, I mean this is a “pharmacy” after all. I highly recommend ordering two types of drinks from their talented team led by Chris Lee, however I am sure that every. single. cocktail. is amazing.
Straight up - “Opium Den”
Monkey Shoulder Bourbon, Sherry, Armagnac, Shiitake Mushroom Cordial, Texas Sea Salt, all in a Hickory Smoked Glass
Mixed - “Farewell my Concubine”
Nikka Coffey Vodka, Blinking Owl Orange Vodka, Nostrum Asian Pear Shrub, Ginger, Bittermens Spiced Cranberry Bitter, Lime, Cranberry Air
Be sure to check out the bathroom
Yeah yeah I know the bathroom might seem like the least important part of the bar. However I beg to differ. It shows that the ownership took the time to follow thru and really give it a 100% on creativity. Stepping in you are greeted by a COMPLELTEY different vibe. Think 1980 Tokyo Subway Station at night. Bright blue neon lights, subway tiles and black toilets really make this bathroom shine. Maybe it was the drinks but honestly that part really took me back.
All in all, I highly recommend checking this place out. Definitely a place to take your fellow cocktail lovers as you will be thrown for a loop and remember that wow maybe I haven’t seen it all…
Photos courtesy of Eater San Diego, CYTIES