Starlite

Lounging

location > 3175 India Street, Little Italy
phone > 619-358-9766
web site > starlitesandiego.com

TIM MAYS (Casbah and Turf Club) dropped another gem on San Diego by turning Six Degrees, a former lesbian bar, into a modern lounge. Lacking a sign (forthcoming) and prominent location, Starlite seems hush-hush, but it’s by design. Enter its hardwood hexagonal tunnel and be transported into a realm of quality cocktails and genuine lounging.

VIBE: A dapper doorman opens a frameless glass door, welcoming guests into a 1950s-era lounge sporting a social dining atmosphere. The crowd varies, often made up of Mission Hills residents, professionals and a heavy concentration of hipsters and creative types. Eclectic tunes whisper through the space, allowing conversations to control the mood. Starlite brings a feel-good sophistication to San Diego that’s rich with character.

DÉCOR: Local design firm Bells & Whistles utilized sustainable materials that dress the midsize dining room in earth tones. Low-lying black leather couches hint of Herman Miller and surround a sunken, central bar beneath a metallic chandelier. Above, the opal-colored recess reflects light into a stargazer’s dream. Stone walls are adorned with staghorn ferns and lead guests to an outdoor patio, where semiprivate tables rest under the stars and a covered bar lines one side.

EATS & DRINKS: Starlite swaps bottle service for personalized service. A well-groomed menu of rare and high-end alcohol sets the tone for complex specialty drinks ($8) like the Devil’s Share and the Starlite Mule. Just beware: They all kick. An adventuresome approach characterizes the beers, tequilas, liqueurs and a long list of small-batch bourbons. Pappy Van Winkle, anyone? The appetizer-heavy menu balances the equilibrium with cheese and sausage boards, marinated olives and a spectacular fritto misto. Entrées use local, seasonal ingredients to achieve a new American focus.

MISCELLANEOUS: Bring a little curiosity to Starlite. The staff is an artists’ colony in itself, made up of musicians, painters, writers, mixed-media artists and friends. Bar manager Kate crafted the list of cocktails and spirits with general manager Matt Hoyt, and either can lend a lesson or story with the offerings.

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