Little Italy’s thriving dynamic pulses to an eclectic cultural beat. Although once authentic, hearty Italian cuisine-centric, India Street now welcomes a colorful clique of upscale art galleries, clothing boutiques, and notoriously atypical bars and lounges. However, tipping the Little Italy district into a new dimension of demand is Anthology.

No classification--not even supper club-- does this unique venue justice. Anthology’s rich concept manifests in discreet details.

Heading southbound on India Street, patrons in-route will sense Anthology’s character before they arrive. Immersed within the scene, Anthology is not. Located delicately between the Gaslamp’s luster and the hype of Little Italy, Anthology lounges alone beside posh condo complexes, gazing out into the harbor aglow with the Star of India. Nothing but a subtle, florescent blue sign indicates your Anthology arrival.

Anthology is a two-story 1940’s-inspired supper club that spotlights fine live music on the center stage. But unlike your average venue, Anthology excels in luxury interior design, premier acoustics, award-winning chefs, charming dining accommodations, swanky bar setup, and extravagant lounge décor. With three stories of stunning, sophisticated amenities, Anthology is a three-course feast for the eyes, ears, and epicurious palate.

Mezzo

Guests immediately meet the first level upon entrance. Housing the bar, mezzanine, and main stage, the busy first level functions with flawless elegance. The classic white-clothed dining room is chic in simplicity, without distracting from the grandeur of the adjacent center stage. Out of the spotlight, guests may also dine in soft ivory booths adoring an elevated wall right of the stage. The dark wooden bar, directly behind dining quarters, offers tall tables and casual seating for perusing guests mingling amid the music.

Maximum

Anthology’s unique blueprint ensures sound clarity and stage visibility from every dining destination in the house. The second floor features an additional full bar, informal dining, jocund lounge ambiance, and an outdoor VIP area. In the form of deep brown wooden tables overlooking the main stage, the casual dining maintains a formal feel. Upstairs lounge seating playfully manifests in plush rolling white cushions, paired with oversized tic-tack-toe games adorning central wooden tables. A 18’ horizontal fireplace creates a soothing mood with feeble flames and an artistic ambience.  

Through exclusive double doors, Anthology’s A-list is ushered to an outdoor balcony lounge overlooking the harbor lights. The intimate VIP outdoors invites guests to relax in oversized white couches and enjoy the brilliant echo of sounds below.        

From the basics: wood, concrete, and glass, Anthology’s multi-zoned, unique design is born.

Acoustics

Subtle curvilinear architecture creates a natural acoustic throughout the entire Anthology. Together, the acoustics and upscale digital sound, video and lighting system create a superlative live music venue. At Anthology, powerful sound resonates soft and sensual.

Music

Anthology features a harmony of jazz, classic rock, Latin, r&b, and world music and entertainment. Spotlight performances include Arturo Sandoval, Chick Corea, Jessie Colin Young, and Jazz Fusion Superstars. 

Men

Vision

Howard Berkson, CEO of Anthology, envisioned Anthology as a mature, Chicago-inspired cultural entertainment experience combining great food and better music. The dream, now a reality, is turning Little Italy into a world class city paying homage to Chicago and New York.

Chefs

Anthology’s Consulting Chef, Bradley Ogden, is an nationally renowned Executive Chef famous for pioneering American cuisine with subtle inspiration—fresh ingredients and simple combinations to bring out natural flavor. From Chef of the Year by the Culinary Institute of America, to Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation for his new Las Vegas enterprise, the list of acclaim ever continues. 

Anthology’s Executive Chef, Jim Phillips of Pamplemousse Grille, has an artistic flair for food. Phillips utilizes fresh, local ingredients to craft a personal, unique menu original to San Diego. Phillips has been awarded Chef of the Year by Club Corporation of America and is a prominent San Diego chef with a dedicated following.

Menu

The interactive culinary dynamic of Phillips and Ogden results in a decidedly alluring menu of new American fare, well on its way to fantastic. Anthology’s menu will change with the ebb and flow of seasons. Highlights of the Spring menu include:

Ahi Tuna Tartare, served with crispy fennel croquette and Paddle Fish cavier.

Linguine with Aqua Gem Clams, served with Monterey Squid, Florida Rock Shrimp garlic broth.

Prime Rib Cap Steak, served with buttermilk whipped potatoes with horseradish red wine reduction and crisp shallot straws.

Anthology is a modern San Diego spin on 1940’s idealism and native Chicago flavor. From external inspiration to internal details, the three-course feast is a raving success.