The Lion’s Share

Perched on Kettner Boulevard in San Diego, The Lion’s Share is a hybrid of restaurant and cocktail lounge built upon a bold concept: upscale, adventurous food tied to wild game, elevated by serious drinkcraft and a distinctly quirky ambiance. Walking in, you immediately get the tone: its décor features taxidermy, animal heads, moody lighting, dark woods, and artful touches that feel theatrical without tipping into gimmick. As several reviewers note, it has an “Alice in Wonderland with a darker twist” vibe. On the drinks side, The Lion’s Share is no afterthought: its cocktail program is robust, featuring hand-crafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients (with some signature names and rotating features). Their happy hour is a notable draw — $11 craft cocktails during 4pm–6pm most days, plus discounted beer and wine. The food menu is equally adventurous. The Lion’s Share specializes in game meat and exotic offerings — think elk, boar, venison sliders, sausage boards, wild boar carbonara, and other meat-forward dishes. One standout, often cited by patrons, is their Sausage Board — featuring in-house sausages like elk, duck, camel, served with pickles and grilled toast. Service and ambiance are key parts of the experience. Reviewers praise the attentive bartenders, intimate size, and willingness to let guests linger. Though the place isn’t huge, reservations are recommended, especially for dinner. In mid-2025, a new chapter began: chefs Danny and Dante Romero (with partner Darius Yasiejko) acquired The Lion’s Share, promising to evolve the space gently rather than overhaul it. They intend to preserve the identity, staff, and core offerings while gradually introducing new ideas. All told, The Lion’s Share is a place for drinkers who also want to explore surprising meats, for diners who enjoy theatrical ambiance, and for locals who want a bar that’s distinctive, moody, and rooted in craft.