This Speakeasy In Old Town Sits On The Edge Of A Cemetery!

Oculto 477 in Old Town, a project from Be Saha Hospitality Group (Tahona, Wormwood, Botanica), is the only speakeasy in the world known to be located next door to a cemetery – one of the most interesting and unique environments you’ll find to have top-shelf cocktails in San Diego!

Oculto 477 Speakeasy in Old Town San Diego
Photo credit: Arlene Ibarra

Spooky cocktails with stunning presentation

Hidden within the bar area of Old Town mezcaleria, Tahona, Oculto 477 has an extensive cocktail menu offering creative takes on classic cocktails and often reminiscent of Prohibition-era drinks. But the drinks are anything less than ‘typical’.

Oculto’s collection of cocktails includes several libations that pay homage to its unexpected location on the edge of Old Town’s historic El Campo Santo Cemetery, which dates back to 1849 and where 477 bodies are buried (hence Oculto 477’s name).

Oculto Zombie | This blend of four rums with Falernum liqueur, mole grenadine, cinnamon syrup, grapefruit juice, fresh lime and angostura bitters is finished with a dash of absinthe.

Garden of Death | Mezcal mixes with Alma Tepec chile liqueur made in Oaxaca, lemongrass, ginger, fresh lemon, serrano and mole bitters.

Fire in the Cemetery | Smoky Laphraoig single malt scotch whisky meets made-in-California Argonaut brandy, alongside amaro, D’Aristi Xtabentun liqueur, demerara and angostura bitters.

Calavera #2 | Mezcal Cupreata and Mexican corn whiskey, smoked Amaro Montenegro, saffron-infused Strega liqueur, Lapsang (smoke-dried black tea) demerara and angostura bitters.

Deconstructed Painkiller | Appleton Estate Jamaica rum and Paranubes rum from Oaxaca mixed with fortified cream, roasted pineapple, dry-hopped kumquat oleo, fresh lemon and tiki bitters.

Photo credit: Arlene Ibarra

Several more new cocktails have also joined Oculto 477’s creative menu, like the highly visual Manzanita which is served in a miniature bathtub, an assortment of shims (low ABV cocktails) and mocktails, and CBD-centric, Gin & Chronic.

And for those who like surprises, Oculto 477’s Dealer’s Choice invites guests to choose their preferred spirit and style, then be surprised by the bartender’s creation. Alternately, bar-goers can opt in to the Risk It All and roll three dice to determine the fate of their next cocktail.

Photo credit: Arlene Ibarra

Reservations at Oculto 477

Oculto 477 really feels like a speakeasy – it’s hidden, small, and hard to get into. Just the way it should be.

It typically books up weeks in advance, so be sure to make your reservations early.

Learn more and make reservations in advance here.

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Post
The Latest
big list of things to do in san diego this weekend
Check out this week’s Big List of Things to Do in San Diego this weekend and make your plans! Art Alive is turning the San...
Arts District Liberty Station Open-Air Gallery
There’s a new reason to stroll through Arts District Liberty Station this spring—the launch of their Open-Air Gallery, a fresh and interactive way to experience...
Pool House Sundays
San Diego’s rooftop scene heats up this spring with the return of Pool House Sundays at The Pool House, Pendry San Diego’s third-floor day club...
Spring Nama Sake Festival
Spring is here—and so is nama season. If you’ve never tried raw, unpasteurized sake, the 2025 Spring Sake Festival is the perfect place to start....
Ilan-Lael Spring Workshops
Looking to spark your creativity this season? The Ilan-Lael Spring Workshops are back, offering a rare chance to learn hands-on art techniques in one of...
Natalie Gonzalez creation
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, visually stunning cultural experience this spring, Ventana Huichola at Oceanside Museum of Art should be on your list. This...
Recently Featured Restaurants
Dora, a vibrant new Southern Italian restaurant from the husband-and-wife team behind Cori Trattoria, is set to open in La Jolla’s Theater District this fall—and...
There’s a breezy new addition to Little Italy’s dining scene! Brisa, an island vibes and Latin-Japanese fusion restaurant, is now open at the corner of...
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...
Tajima Crown Point is the latest addition to San Diego’s beloved ramen scene, officially opened on December 14 at 3782 Ingraham Street. Known for its...
Wildland in Carlsbad Village is officially opening its doors, bringing rustic cuisine and coastal-inspired dining to North County. This all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery from...
Aldea in La Jolla, a 2024 runner-up for San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant,” is setting a new standard for bold Baja-inspired cuisine and elevated...