Recommended dishes: Spicy Caesar Salad, French Fries, Spicy Ceaser Salad, Chorizo Deviled Eggs, Celery Salad
Aaron Fulkerson
Juan Jasper’s Wine Bistro - A Golden Hill Treasure
Don’t let the simple “wine bar and restaurant” description fool you - Juan Jasper’s is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars before they’ve finished their first glass of wine. Tucked away in Golden Hill, this cozy spot has mastered what so many other places try to manufacture: genuine community.
Let’s talk about the food, because it deserves the spotlight. They serve what might just be the best fries in San Diego - no small claim in a city full of great food. Their burger? It’s a standout served with bordelais. The menu changes regularly, offering a thoughtful selection of global classics that pair perfectly with their wine selection.
Speaking of wine, Juan Jasper’s maintains an impressive and ever-rotating selection of wines from around the world. Whether you’re staying to enjoy a glass (or bottle) with your meal or picking something up to take home, their knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
But what truly sets this place apart is the atmosphere. Walk in and you’ll likely be greeted with a hug rather than a formal hello. Regulars welcome newcomers like old friends, making introductions all around. It’s the kind of place where solo diners end up joining other tables, where conversations flow freely between strangers, and where everyone seems to be having a wonderful time together—even former strangers.
This isn’t a pretentious wine bar or an exclusive club - it’s a neighborhood gem where great food, excellent wine, and genuine hospitality come together to create something magical. If you’re looking for a new favorite spot in San Diego, Juan Jasper’s should be at the top of your list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ev Harper
Best restaurant in San Diego, hands down. I had the best experience with my wife and plan on going back for the next special occasion. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Corey Bruins
Such a lovely spot with great people, decent wine, and solid food options. The ambiance and service staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return. The wine selection, while not extensive, offers quality choices at reasonable prices. Their menu features reliable dishes that satisfy without being overly ambitious.
BEWARE: The payment situation is a significant drawback that potential customers should know about. For months, the business has been exclusively accepting Cash, Zelle, and Venmo for payment - no credit or debit cards. The signage about payment methods is inadequately displayed, leading to awkward situations when the bill arrives. This policy, coupled with poor communication about it, raises concerns about the business's transparency and legitimacy. It's particularly jarring given the otherwise pleasant dining experience.
The lack of traditional payment options feels out of step with modern dining expectations, especially for a sit-down restaurant. While the food and atmosphere merit praise, this payment policy creates an unnecessary point of friction that detracts from the overall experience. I recommend calling ahead to confirm current payment methods if you plan to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Wen
Great food in a fun and intimate atmosphere. Delicious burger, salad and fries. Service was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adrian Bravo
Amazing place to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Landon
This hidden gem is always a hit! The staff is one of the tightest knit crews around (always fun and entertaining)!
The daily food specials are always on point, delicious, and innovative!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Willenbring
What an amazing find from amazing food to the friendly staff & great environment.
Stopped in with my friend on a Wednesday evening at 6 and we sat at the bar inside. We both got a glass of wine ($16 and $14) and split the spicy Caesar salad ($10). I got the Juan Jasper burger ($17). It is a plain cheeseburger (meat, cheese, bun) with bordelaise sauce. Fell a little flat for me as it was too plain and the cheese was too melted. Would have liked something else to round out the burger. Friend got the gnocchi with sausage ($26) and it looked very good.
Overall a nice spot. I plan on returning on a Friday or Saturday and will opt for the steak and a nice bottle of wine.
You can pick the meat you want from next door and they cook it for you— nuff said! Awesome food and great wait staff. Only a 4 star because the seating is so limited and so that this place doesn’t blow up. Love these guys.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rita M.
Limited seating so gettingthere early is recommended. 8 counter seats, outdoor seating. Enjoyed sitting inside at lower bar; allowed us to better engage with the chefs and wait staff. Very friendly, neighborhood hangout. Interesting wine selection from smaller vineyards. Daily menu specials along with regular items. Had the tomato salad, cabbage rolls, sheepshead fish. Everything was very well prepared.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Beef Tartare, French Fries, Chorizo Deviled Eggs
Sam Gaston
You can pick the meat you want from next door and they cook it for you— nuff said! Awesome food and great wait staff. Only a 4 star because the seating is so limited and so that this place doesn’t blow up. Love these guys.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rita McCarthy
Limited seating so gettingthere early is recommended. 8 counter seats, outdoor seating. Enjoyed sitting inside at lower bar; allowed us to better engage with the chefs and wait staff. Very friendly, neighborhood hangout. Interesting wine selection from smaller vineyards. Daily menu specials along with regular items. Had the tomato salad, cabbage rolls, sheepshead fish. Everything was very well prepared.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Beef Tartare, French Fries, Chorizo Deviled Eggs
Alex Stachowiak
Amazing staff, wine and food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Caesar Salad, Cheeseburger, French Fries, Spicy Ceaser Salad
This is a must go too... Amazing- top to bottom
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Caesar Salad, French Fries, Spicy Ceaser Salad, Chorizo Deviled Eggs, Celery Salad
Juan Jasper’s Wine Bistro - A Golden Hill Treasure
Don’t let the simple “wine bar and restaurant” description fool you - Juan Jasper’s is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars before they’ve finished their first glass of wine. Tucked away in Golden Hill, this cozy spot has mastered what so many other places try to manufacture: genuine community.
Let’s talk about the food, because it deserves the spotlight. They serve what might just be the best fries in San Diego - no small claim in a city full of great food. Their burger? It’s a standout served with bordelais. The menu changes regularly, offering a thoughtful selection of global classics that pair perfectly with their wine selection.
Speaking of wine, Juan Jasper’s maintains an impressive and ever-rotating selection of wines from around the world. Whether you’re staying to enjoy a glass (or bottle) with your meal or picking something up to take home, their knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
But what truly sets this place apart is the atmosphere. Walk in and you’ll likely be greeted with a hug rather than a formal hello. Regulars welcome newcomers like old friends, making introductions all around. It’s the kind of place where solo diners end up joining other tables, where conversations flow freely between strangers, and where everyone seems to be having a wonderful time together—even former strangers.
This isn’t a pretentious wine bar or an exclusive club - it’s a neighborhood gem where great food, excellent wine, and genuine hospitality come together to create something magical. If you’re looking for a new favorite spot in San Diego, Juan Jasper’s should be at the top of your list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best restaurant in San Diego, hands down. I had the best experience with my wife and plan on going back for the next special occasion. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a lovely spot with great people, decent wine, and solid food options. The ambiance and service staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return. The wine selection, while not extensive, offers quality choices at reasonable prices. Their menu features reliable dishes that satisfy without being overly ambitious.
BEWARE: The payment situation is a significant drawback that potential customers should know about. For months, the business has been exclusively accepting Cash, Zelle, and Venmo for payment - no credit or debit cards. The signage about payment methods is inadequately displayed, leading to awkward situations when the bill arrives. This policy, coupled with poor communication about it, raises concerns about the business's transparency and legitimacy. It's particularly jarring given the otherwise pleasant dining experience.
The lack of traditional payment options feels out of step with modern dining expectations, especially for a sit-down restaurant. While the food and atmosphere merit praise, this payment policy creates an unnecessary point of friction that detracts from the overall experience. I recommend calling ahead to confirm current payment methods if you plan to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food in a fun and intimate atmosphere. Delicious burger, salad and fries. Service was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing place to eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This hidden gem is always a hit! The staff is one of the tightest knit crews around (always fun and entertaining)!
The daily food specials are always on point, delicious, and innovative!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What an amazing find from amazing food to the friendly staff & great environment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptional!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger, Beef Tartare, Spicy Ceaser Salad, Chorizo Deviled Eggs, Salad
Stopped in with my friend on a Wednesday evening at 6 and we sat at the bar inside. We both got a glass of wine ($16 and $14) and split the spicy Caesar salad ($10). I got the Juan Jasper burger ($17). It is a plain cheeseburger (meat, cheese, bun) with bordelaise sauce. Fell a little flat for me as it was too plain and the cheese was too melted. Would have liked something else to round out the burger. Friend got the gnocchi with sausage ($26) and it looked very good.
Overall a nice spot. I plan on returning on a Friday or Saturday and will opt for the steak and a nice bottle of wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
You can pick the meat you want from next door and they cook it for you— nuff said! Awesome food and great wait staff. Only a 4 star because the seating is so limited and so that this place doesn’t blow up. Love these guys.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Limited seating so gettingthere early is recommended. 8 counter seats, outdoor seating. Enjoyed sitting inside at lower bar; allowed us to better engage with the chefs and wait staff. Very friendly, neighborhood hangout. Interesting wine selection from smaller vineyards. Daily menu specials along with regular items. Had the tomato salad, cabbage rolls, sheepshead fish. Everything was very well prepared.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Beef Tartare, French Fries, Chorizo Deviled Eggs
You can pick the meat you want from next door and they cook it for you— nuff said! Awesome food and great wait staff. Only a 4 star because the seating is so limited and so that this place doesn’t blow up. Love these guys.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Limited seating so gettingthere early is recommended. 8 counter seats, outdoor seating. Enjoyed sitting inside at lower bar; allowed us to better engage with the chefs and wait staff. Very friendly, neighborhood hangout. Interesting wine selection from smaller vineyards. Daily menu specials along with regular items. Had the tomato salad, cabbage rolls, sheepshead fish. Everything was very well prepared.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Beef Tartare, French Fries, Chorizo Deviled Eggs
Amazing staff, wine and food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Caesar Salad, Cheeseburger, French Fries, Spicy Ceaser Salad
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