The Revolving Fireplace: 7 Secrets Behind Raised By Wolves, San Diego’s Most Exclusive Speakeasy
Step inside a seemingly normal liquor store in a San Diego mall, and you might miss the most exclusive cocktail experience on the West Coast. As of December 2025, *Raised By Wolves* in La Jolla’s Westfield UTC continues to be one of the city's most talked-about and highly-rated bars, not just for its world-class mixology, but for its utterly unique and theatrical entrance.
This establishment, a masterpiece from the visionary team at Consortium Holdings (CH Projects), is a full-sensory transport back to the Gilded Age, blending a high-end bottle shop with a decadent speakeasy hidden behind one of the coolest doorways in the world. If you're planning a visit, understanding the concept is key to unlocking the full magic of this Art Nouveau marvel.
The Genesis: Concept, Location, and Core Team
The story of *Raised By Wolves* is a testament to the power of conceptual design in the modern hospitality industry. It is the brainchild of Consortium Holdings, the influential San Diego-based hospitality group led by Principal Arsalun Tafazoli, known for challenging norms and creating immersive environments.
The name itself is an homage to the Roman mythology of Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of Rome who were famously suckled by a she-wolf. This theme of nurture, loyalty, and a hidden, wild nature is subtly woven into the entire experience, from the decor to the cocktail menu.
What makes the location so disruptive is its placement: inside a high-end shopping center, Westfield UTC, in the affluent La Jolla neighborhood. This subverts the typical downtown or Gaslamp Quarter speakeasy model, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the 'hidden' concept.
- Location: Westfield UTC, La Jolla, San Diego, CA.
- Concept: Speakeasy Cocktail Bar and High-End Bottle Shop.
- Hospitality Group: Consortium Holdings (CH Projects).
- Principal: Arsalun Tafazoli.
- Design Firm: BASILE Studio.
- Lead Designer: Paul Basile.
- Inspiration: Romulus and Remus Mythology, 19th-Century French Art Nouveau.
- Accolades: Named Cocktail Bar of the Year (2019) by Imbibe Magazine.
The Ultimate Hidden Entrance: How to Get In
The most famous and curiosity-driven aspect of *Raised By Wolves* is its secret entrance, an element that elevates the bar from a simple cocktail lounge to a theatrical experience.
When you first arrive, you are greeted by a beautifully appointed retail space that looks exactly like a high-end liquor store. This "Bottle Shop" is fully functional, selling everything from standard spirits to rare, expensive bourbons, including bottles valued at over $30,000.
The true entrance to the speakeasy is not a hidden door or a bookshelf, but a magnificent, velvet-lined revolving fireplace. Once your reservation is confirmed, a host will guide you to this centerpiece. The fireplace and the chairs surrounding it then slowly rotate, transporting guests from the bright, modern retail space into the dim, decadent world of the hidden bar.
This revolving fireplace mechanism, a hallmark of designer Paul Basile's innovative approach, is a stunning piece of engineering and performance art that sets the mood for the entire evening.
A Masterpiece of Art Nouveau and Victorian Rococo Design
The interior of *Raised By Wolves* is a lavish, no-expense-spared environment that immerses guests in a world inspired by 19th-century French Art Nouveau and Victorian Rococo Revival styles.
Paul Basile of BASILE Studio, the design genius behind other iconic CH Projects like *Born & Raised* and *Craft & Commerce*, meticulously crafted the space to feel like a luxurious, forgotten library or a private club from the 1920s.
Key Design Entities and Elements:
- Style: French Art Nouveau and Victorian Rococo Revival.
- Materials: Decadent use of stained-oak cabinetry, rich velvet upholstery, and dark, polished brass.
- The Bar: The main bar area features stunning, ornate details, often inspired by nature and organic forms—a core tenet of the Art Nouveau movement.
- The Restrooms: Even the restrooms are a design statement, often cited in reviews as an unforgettable part of the experience, continuing the theme of opulence and surprise.
The atmosphere is intentionally dark and moody, punctuated by the glow of custom-designed lighting fixtures, creating an intimate setting perfect for savoring a high-end cocktail. This commitment to total environmental control is what gives the venue its incredible topical authority in the world of luxury speakeasies.
The Mixology Menu: Signature Cocktails You Must Try
While the design and the revolving fireplace draw you in, the world-class cocktail program is what keeps *Raised By Wolves* at the pinnacle of San Diego's nightlife scene. The menu focuses on elevated classics and innovative original creations, often incorporating rare spirits and house-made ingredients.
The bartenders, true artisans of mixology, deliver complex, balanced drinks that honor the golden age of cocktails while pushing modern boundaries.
Must-Try Signature Drinks (LSI Keywords):
- The Iron Ranger: A famous bourbon-based tiki cocktail that sets a bold, tropical tone, often featuring a high-proof whiskey base.
- Tongue Twister: An herbal, complex take on a daiquiri, typically featuring Mezcal and Green Chartreuse for a smoky, botanical profile.
- Island Old Fashioned: A modern twist on the classic, often incorporating unique ingredients like Irish whiskey, coconut-infused banana liqueur, and pandan.
- Pelvic Sorcery: Cited by patrons as a perfectly balanced and delicious drink, showcasing the bar's playful yet precise approach to flavor.
- Hideaway Honey: A cocktail that speaks to the bar's theme, likely a sweet yet sophisticated blend that appeals to a wide palate.
For those interested in taking the experience home, the front retail bottle shop is the perfect place to purchase the unique spirits and bartending accessories used in the bar, further solidifying its role as a complete "Cocktail Supply Store."
Consortium Holdings and the San Diego Cocktail Empire
*Raised By Wolves* is a cornerstone of the Consortium Holdings (CH Projects) portfolio, which has redefined the San Diego hospitality landscape. Understanding the group's other venues provides essential context for the bar's quality and design philosophy.
CH Projects, under Arsalun Tafazoli, is known for creating venues that are not just places to eat or drink, but fully realized, conceptual worlds. Other notable Consortium Holdings establishments that share this commitment to high design and quality include:
- Born & Raised: A lavish, multi-story steakhouse known for its theatrical presentation and Art Deco design.
- Craft & Commerce: A pioneering venue known for its literary theme and commitment to craft cocktails.
- Polite Provisions: A celebrated neighborhood bar focused on classic cocktails and an unpretentious atmosphere.
- Kindred: A gothic-themed vegan restaurant and bar that proves conceptual design works across all culinary genres.
- Leila Middle Eastern Restaurant: One of the group’s newest ventures, opening in 2024, continuing their expansion into diverse culinary concepts.
The success of *Raised By Wolves* is deeply intertwined with the reputation of CH Projects and its consistent commitment to innovative, high-quality experiences, ensuring the bar remains a timeless, must-visit destination in San Diego.
Detail Author:
- Name : Sydney Klein
- Username : cayla64
- Email : russel.francis@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1976-08-22
- Address : 63099 Wilson Burgs Suite 651 Lake Jadenborough, NY 29790
- Phone : 223.597.6567
- Company : Raynor-Hudson
- Job : Bartender
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