Quick Details
Person
Ages 21+ | Up to 10 People
60 plus 20% gratuity
Wine, Cocktails, Delicious Tastings & Dessert!
Serving up a delicious dinner, creative cocktails, scandalous stories and lots of laughs:
Learn how Carlsbad played a big role in keeping Americans supplied with illegal booze in this era of rumrunners, secret passageways and rebellion.
Make the most of your time in Carlsbad with our experienced guides as they introduce you to our town’s best bars and restaurants. Sample some of California’s delicious wines in Carlsbad. Enjoy some of San Diego’s best cocktails. Your tour will also include delicious pasta, which is a good base for the booze. On our Prohibition Tour, you’ll feel like you’re drinking with friends in your hometown bar or maybe you are!
Learn how to create a delicious Old Fashion Cocktail with our Mixology Class at Same Same:
You will also learn “All About Whiskey” during this tour with our whiskey presentation:
The history of whiskey dates back to ancient distillation practices, believed to have originated in Mesopotamia for perfumes and medicines. By the 12th century, distillation spread to Ireland and Scotland, where monks refined the process, creating “uisce beatha” (Gaelic for “water of life”). Whiskey evolved over centuries, gaining popularity during the 15th and 16th centuries as monasteries dissolved, and production moved to homes and farms.
The craft expanded globally with colonization, especially to North America, where bourbon and rye emerged. Whiskey became a cultural staple, facing challenges like Prohibition but remaining a cherished spirit worldwide.
Sample Menu:
Cicciotti’s – Pasta & Expresso Martini Tasting
Witch Creek Winery
Wine Tastings
Strawberry Shack
Strawberry Shortcake
Same Same
Old Fashion Cocktail – Mixology Class
Mixology Class Content: Old Fashioned Cocktail
Introduction to the Old Fashioned
- The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century.
- It is celebrated for its simplicity and emphasis on quality ingredients.
- The cocktail is a staple of mixology and a must-know for any aspiring bartender.
Fun Facts
- The Old Fashioned was named as such to distinguish it from newer, more complex cocktails in the late 1800s.
- It was famously referenced in the TV show Mad Men, where it was Don Draper’s drink of choice.
Class Activity
- Your Bartender will demonstrate how to create a classic Old Fashioned, focusing on mastering the balance between whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
- Attendees will learn to properly muddle ingredients and stir cocktails like a professional.
End the class with a toast to the timeless art of mixology!
No drink substitutions may be made on this tour
Get ready for a wild ride through our uncensored history. From the hidden brothels and audacious rum runners to secret passageways and rebellion. We promise a riveting experience packed with the scandalous stories you were never meant to hear. Despite its reputation for opulence, Carlsbad hasn’t always played by the rules.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy plenty of food for dinner and delicious drinks, swap tales of speakeasies and admire colorful murals, soak in the sunset and discover the best dinner restaurants in Carlsbad Village. Expect an elevated experience and don’t expect a “G” rated tour. Savor the scandal on this spirited journey of dining, revelry, history and FUN!
Added Value: “All About Whiskey presentation”
The history of whiskey dates back to ancient distillation practices, believed to have originated in Mesopotamia for perfumes and medicines. By the 12th century, distillation spread to Ireland and Scotland, where monks refined the process, creating “uisce beatha” (Gaelic for “water of life”). Whiskey evolved over centuries, gaining popularity during the 15th and 16th centuries as monasteries dissolved, and production moved to homes and farms.
The craft expanded globally with colonization, especially to North America, where bourbon and rye emerged. Whiskey became a cultural staple, facing challenges like Prohibition but remaining a cherished spirit worldwide.
-
Elevate your event with crafted cocktails using natural ingredients.
Become a master of ‘Mixology’ in this fun interactive cocktail class
in Carlsbad hosted at one of the best cocktail bars located the village.
Old Fashion
-
During Prohibition, Carlsbad’s Twin Inns became a hub for secretive social gatherings and bootleg deliveries. The Kentners operated a hidden speakeasy in its basement, catering to guests—often Hollywood stars in route to Tijuana—who sought privacy and forbidden cocktails. Discovered during renovations by chef Rob Ruiz, the space was revived as the Charles Kenneth Speakeasy, a nostalgic venue accessed by a password. This historical connection echoes in nearby Rancho Santa Fe, where Bing Crosby and other celebrities built an exclusive retreat, establishing North County San Diego as a glamour-filled escape.
Crosby, an icon in Hollywood, later helped cement the region’s allure by co-founding the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and hosting Hollywood elite at his private residence and golf events. Stars like Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra frequented nearby La Costa Resort, valuing the area’s secluded, luxurious atmosphere. Together, these elements created a modern homage to Carlsbad’s Prohibition-era roots, with speakeasies and exclusive venues preserving the charm and exclusivity Crosby and others sought.
In the concrete walled cellar in the ornate Twin Inns, Chef Eddie Kentner ran a secret speakeasy for thirsty guests during the prohibition era.
Nearly 100 years latter it was reopened as the The Charles Kenneth Speakeasy and then closed again at the beginning of COVID.
For More information: The Charles Kenneth Speakeasy
-
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT DO THE TOUR ACTIVITY LEVELS MEAN?
EASY – Walking tours are designed for a leisurely pace but may include uneven sidewalks, some stairs and a combination of walking and standing for up to two hours.
WHAT FOOD WILL WE BE TASTING?
On our food tours you’ll discover our unique Carlsbad cuisine, sampling delicious specialties from local eateries, bakeries, restaurants, and culinary landmarks. Our menu shifts depending on seasonal availability. Each tour has 2-3 savory tastings, 1-2 wine or beer and 1-2 desserts.
WHAT IF I HAVE ALLERGIES OR DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
We do our best to accommodate the special dietary needs of our guests, however we can’t guarantee all stops will be able to do so. When you book a food tour, let us know about any dietary needs/preferences (eg. allergies, vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free) and your guide will help identify items you might want to avoid.
HOW MUCH FOOD IS SERVED ON THE TOUR?
Our food tastings and portions are generous and roughly equal to a good-sized lunch. We recommend coming on the tour with an appetite as most guests leave comfortably full.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
We present tours rain or shine, bring your umbrella or jacket with hood.
HOW MUCH WALKING IS INVOLVED?
Our tours cover approximately one mile of walking, and we move at a relaxed and leisurely pace. On our food tours, you’ll have regular opportunities to sit down during tastings.
WHAT IF I AM HARD OF HEARING?
Our professional guides are skilled public speakers and work hard to make sure everyone can hear during the tour. If you are hard of hearing, please let your guide know and we’ll ensure you get a front-row seat.
IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
For Downtown Tours:
There is free street parking spaces throughout the village. There is also parking at the Carlsbad Village Train Station at 2775 State Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008, located next to the meeting location.WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR CHANGE MY BOOKING?
We offer both a flexible date change service at no additional cost and a fully refundable cancellation policy for our Taste of Carlsbad Food Tour.
WHAT IF I AM UNHAPPY WITH THE TOUR?
Our #1 priority at Carlsbad Food Tours is giving great tours. If you don’t have a great experience, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit.
ARE BATHROOMS AVAILABLE DURING THE TOUR?
There are restrooms available along the tour route.
ARE TOURS OFFERED ONLY IN ENGLISH?
Yes, we only offer tours in English currently. Please email or call us if you would like to plan for your own interpreter to join the tour.
SHOULD I TIP MY TOUR GUIDE?
If you feel your tour guide has provided a great experience, gratuities are encouraged— and welcomed—at the end of your tour. We believe that recognizing excellent service is a personal matter, though 15-20% of your booking fee is a good rule of thumb. Gratuities for your guide are always appreciated, but never expected.
DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out well in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.