Topside Terrace, Downtown, San Diego

http://hotelrepublicsd.com/dine/topside-terrace-kitchen-bar/

3.5 🍅's

My friend Terri, recently asked the question, “what do you do to relax?”, on her Instagram. In my response, I posted an exercise and drinking emoji! Whether it’s a walk on the beach, the gym, or getting my flow on during yoga, exercise is a great way to relax.

I'm a sucker for a great view and a stellar brunch. There’s something about taking in gorgeous views while enjoying delicious cocktails and a meal, that just puts my mind at ease. So, when I heard about a new spot downtown San Diego, Topside Terrace, at the Hotel Republic, I was eager to check it out.

When I find a place that is able to accommodate exercise, great views, and a delectable brunch, I’m totally there. Topside Terrace checks all those boxes and then some. On Saturdays, Topside offers a free yoga class for hotel guests and locals alike, before their brunch starts. So, I grabbed my yoga mat and headed downtown to get my flow on. There was something peaceful and simultaneously powerful about doing yoga on a terrace surrounded by skyscrapers. My mind and body felt strong. After yoga, each yogi received a glass of fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade. A much-appreciated gesture, since I hadn’t eaten yet.

Since this particular Saturday was a little chilly and gloomy, after yoga, I decided to grab a seat by the fire pit, with one of their blankets. I started out with the bloody mary (no surprise there). The bloody mary from Topside Terrace is classy yet sassy. I love the glass it is served in and it is garnished with a lime wedge, bacon, and habanero salt rim. The classic garnish and sleek glassware was no indication of the sassy cocktail hiding inside of the glass. The Topside bloody mary has a rich and deep smokiness that warmed my insides on that chilly day. A flavor of tang and acidity from the fresh lime juice balances out perfectly with the salty and savoriness of the tomato base and there is a subtle heat that nips at the tip of your tongue. A perfect cocktail to replenish your body after a great yoga workout. For food, my guest and I went with the chilaquiles with shrimp on top, for some added protein and my guest went with the Croque Madame; delicious. 

The best part about dining out and spending your Saturday at a hotel is the above and beyond service you get. When I had first arrived for yoga I was the only person there and as I mentioned, it was quite chilly that day. A manager of the hotel brought me a hot cup of coffee up from their hotel breakfast in the lobby and turned the fire pit on to warm me while I waited, now that’s 5-star service! I also got to meet some cool people while brunching at Topside. I met some writers traveling from China for National Geographic (I want their job) and also met some awesome people from Southern California Life Magazine. Topside Terrace is definitely a hopping spot!

If you’re looking for a cozy, yet hip place to hang this summer, Topside Terrace is most certainly a recommendation. You can sit at the sleek bar, under the cabanas in the shade, or grab a cushioned wicker chair around the fire pit, all while taking in the city views. The yoga and brunch on Saturdays is a great way to re-energize and refuel and Sunday brunch with live music makes for a perfect Sunday Funday. You never know who you’ll run into at Topside Terrace and the service is 5-star!