North Park’s long-time local favorite Polite Provisions reopened this February. Who’s ready for a cocktail?
We recently planned a date night at North Park’s Polite Provisions, one of the city’s most beloved cocktail establishments. This February, it made triumphant return after temporarily shutting down in late 2024 for a legal issue regarding a liquor license. Located in the vibrant North Park neighborhood, this 1920s apothecary-inspired bar gives you a Prohibition era experience.
What Is Polite Provisions?
Polite Provisions is a craft cocktail bar inspired by the nostalgia of neighborhood drugstores and soda fountains. Part of Consortium Holdings’ hospitality portfolio, this joint has been praised for its quality mixology since being named a James Beard bar semifinalist in 2016.
Our Visit
Upon entering Polite Provisions, we were enticed at once by the vintage environment. The ambient lighting and gold accents complement the shelves of bottles behind the long bar. There is a mix of bar seating, tables, and cozy, dim-lit booths creating the perfect date-night atmosphere.
As for the cocktail menu, it’s a mixologist’s dream, a stunning 80 pages of libations. First up was the “Cactus Jack,” a refreshing, well-balanced brew that exemplified the bar’s focus on quality. If you are looking for something different, we recommend getting the “Purple Haze” which consists of London Dry gin, lychee, hibiscus and several more flavors that pop up prominent in your mouth. The difference you will find at Polite Provisions is the level of attention to detail in service. Enthusiastic and well-informed bar staff were welcomed to walk all of us through a lengthy menu and even recommend custom designed drinks
Things You Should Know
Before you visit this cocktail oasis, you should know:
- Reopened: After a shutdown following a liquor license violation, Polite Provisions reopened in February 2025.
- Address: 4696 30th Street (University Heights/North Park neighborhood of San Diego.
- Expect to wait: The bar is often busy, and during weekends you may need to wait for a table to open up.
- Food options: Although Polite Provisions is primarily a drink-focused place, you can order food from sister restaurant, Fortunate Son, next door.
- Parking: Street parking only.
- Non-alcoholic options: Polite Provisions offers a variety of mocktail options for the sober and sober-curious folks.
As a whole, Polite Provisions is more than a great drink. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just seeking a unique night out, this bar deserves a spot at the top of your “must-visit” list when in San Diego.
Photos in this post courtesy of Beth Legg Photography.
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