The Carrisa - San Luis Obispo, California

Steve C.

BEWARE!!
Complete rip off. $5 cover charge. For what? Live music? NO Outstanding service ? NO. We waited 40 min for our drink order and we got there at 4:30 PM. Fancy drinks? See pic of hibiscus margarita. No disclosure on the cover charge by anyone until you got the bill. The rooms were marginally decorated but most were small and reserved anyways. The drinks were ok. Very overpriced and way overhyped. Save your $$$

Christopher L.

Christmas at the Carissa offers a truly enchanting holiday experience, brilliantly blending festive cheer with culinary innovation. As someone who has visited this gem twice this season, I am deeply impressed by its vibrant atmosphere and the unique twist it brings to food and drinks, perfectly embodying the spirit of the holidays.

The menu, curated with a festive theme in mind, is both intriguing and diverse. The dishes, though fittingly seasonal, might not cater to all palates, as I found some to be not entirely to my liking. However, the quality and creativity behind each item are undeniable, making it a culinary adventure worth embarking on.

What truly sets Christmas at the Carissa apart are its drinks. Expertly crafted, these beverages capture the essence of the holidays. Their ability to adjust the sweetness levels without compromising the flavors shows a commendable level of skill and attention to detail. This thoughtful customization enhances the overall dining experience, making the drinks a must-try.

The ambiance of the Carissa, bustling and lively, adds to the allure. It's a testament to its popularity and the joy it brings to the community during the festive season. The chef and staff deserve praise for their excellent work and the festive spirit they infuse into each aspect of the dining experience.

Christmas at the Carissa is a five-star over all experience in big groups especially for those seeking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit through innovative cuisine. While some dishes may not be to everyone's taste, the adventure of trying new, seasonally inspired foods is worthwhile. I eagerly recommend any pop-up event hosted by the Carissa, as they consistently deliver a blend of culinary excellence and festive charm.

Shirley Y.

Here is the best place to have drink with friends and family for holiday gathering.
During thanksgiving we had a great dinner at Novo and saw this place with all holiday decorations but we don’t have time to try it.
Today we are on the way to SoCal again and decided to check out this place.
It’s around 2pm so we only ordered drinks and took a lot of pictures 😆
The waitress is the same lady work at Novo, she is friendly.
I ordered avalanche spritz and latte for my daughter. We both enjoyed the drink and had a great time.

Michelle C.

What a fun holiday bar. If you want something festive for the holidays this place is it. Fun holiday drinks great atmosphere adorable decor. Even had little ones with us and the out is in a cozy area with couches and the kids had a great time too. Love the ski lift chair too.

Rachel L.

This year Christmas pop up was horrible! Felt like we were in a maze and the drinks were terrible! Had 8 people in our party and every single drink was just as bad. The lights in the tree in the back and bar was dark with no lights on. Last year’s decor and vibe was way more enjoyable. Was not worth the cover charge.

Jackie H.

We have been 3 years in a row and this week we went on Friday night and we're highly disappointed. They charge 10 dollars a person to get in now. Said fee is waived if you buy a bottle for 1 person. Went to buy the bottle and they were out. The outdoor section was not decorated yet . I ordered a pumpkin martini and it tasted like a chocolate cherry . And had no cookie or anything like the description said. Told waitress and she just said hmm weird. Ordered the cookie jar and got 6 cold hard cookies . Awful for 20 dollars. Went for the nostalgia of coming every year but likely will not come back next year

lori T.

Great service from hostess, bartender, server, and bar back. The food was good. Drinks were delightful. It is an experience, and definitely the atmosphere will put any grinch in the Christmas spirit. Had a blast listening to music and sharing in the experience.
Rod and Hammer fun at it best.

Elizabeth S.

Was here for a private event. I know it was communicated that I have issues with gluten and dairy… i was a bit disappointed with the dairy and gluten on almost every option provided. Croutons on the salad that appeared to have a cream/dairy dressing, Parmesan cheese on the roasted veggies, dairy in the mashed potatoes, bread roll was obviously not an option… I ate salmon and prime rib. I mean the protein was good! But I was bummed. I know my dietary restrictions were communicated but such a bummer to go to dinner and not be able to eat much. I had to stop and pick up food on the way home…