41 Best Cocktail Bars near Del Mar

“Beautiful Ambiance, Friendly Servers and Delicious Foods. Highly Recommend this place. Cheers!“

“Cute place in Del Mar for coffee and breakfast/lunch.
We sat outside and enjoyed the view and weather.
Breakfast was ok, it was tasty but more like diner food. The hash browns are like a brick.
I wish the Greek omelette had the feta on the inside and not just sprinkled on top“

“Best grilled shrimp taco I've ever had, quite literally. The flavors, the presentation, it was exquisite. I walked in on a whim, due to the inviting ambiance, and the food, drink, and service (special shout out to Rudy!) was phenomenal. Highly recommend when visiting Del Mar!“

“Queso fundido the elites and the steak plate“

“Great atmosphere and super service“

“Very intimate and romantic setting and great drinks.“

“The atmosphere was great. The food was amazing. Everything we ordered was great. We had the Caesar “Twinkie” salad, which the croutons are to die for. Not your regular croutons. We had the pork chop. Never knew pork chop could be so tender and juicy. Then we were pleasantly surprised by “the hamburger” for dessert. Looks like a hamburger, but definitely not a hamburger- the ice cream and the warm caramel cake hit the spot.“

“Very friendly environment, bartenders are very nice and inviting, fun karaoke/pool/darts. Great time every time i go!“

“great cocktails...... ....“

“Casual spot with some of the best poolside food! The beer and tequila clams were some of the best I’ve ever had and my steak frites was cooked perfectly to medium rare. It typically comes with chimichurri but I couldn’t have that, so chef prepared a delicious garlic and herb compound butter for me instead. Thoroughly enjoyed how delicious my meal was and it was made all the better by great service and atmosphere. Attentive service from Zack and an all round fantastic dining experience with some fabulous views of the sunset.“

“Great meal. Dessert was a wow.“

“Normally I like to keep gems like this to myself, but walking through literal back alleys in San Diego to be introduced to this incredible Hi-Fi listening speakeasy was just too awesome and I hope everyone I love gets a chance to get on the reservation list, stat. I'm a speakeasy veteran with a coast to coast cocktail sipping resume that spans from SF to Boston and New Orleans to Chicago, and this spot has definitely landed in my top ten. The atmosphere, the staff, the tunes, and the drinks are all so special and perfectly curated for maximum delight. Every aspect of CMB is comfortable and balanced, and so very easy to enjoy. They found a great groove and kept it going.“

“I recently went to Sago and honestly loved the whole experience. The vibe was very tropical Tulum-inspired super cute, aesthetic, and perfect for a cute date, night out with girls or content spot!
We tried a few dishes and everything was so good:

The kimchi marble potatoes were crispy and flavorful with the cilantro, chimichurri, and chive crema (definitely one of my favorites). The cucumber salad was really fresh and light with a nice kick from the serrano and ponzu. We also had the hamachi ceviche, which tasted super fresh, and the Japanese fried chicken with chive kaluga caviar which was crispy, juicy, and just a really fun, unique dish.

The drinks were also super refreshing and slightly tropical, perfect with the food.

Overall, the atmosphere, presentation, and flavors were all on point. Such a cute Encinitas spot and I’ll definitely be back to try more.“

“Loved the ambiance and all the cocktails we tried were amazing!!“

“Delicious, fresh food, made from scratch pasta, wood fired meat and pizzas....and outstanding service!“

“Amazing service and amazing food in a perfect setting. Not only is the resort top notch but the food options are up there as well. One place in particular is Pacific Point which offers high top seating, bar seating, and a very comfortable outdoor space as well. My wife and I had an early dinner one evening in the bar area and our food was great. Also, the service was excellent as well. Our server was accommodating, answered any and all questions, and checked on us frequently. Definitely a great spot if you are looking for an amazing meal and service.“

“great sound, and stage. often there is a drum set and bass amp. Jay Cain is a great host!“

“We loved our stay at the charming Cormorant Hotel! We enjoyed sitting on our deck which overlooked La Jolla Cove, shops and downtown LaJolla. The staff was really helpful and friendly; Megan went above and beyond to make sure our Anniversary stay was memorable with a welcome round of drinks to celebrate! Their Rooftop Restaurant, the Birdnest, was excellent as well, with great food and drinks and a view hard to beat! Note to travelers: as a smaller boutique hotel, there isn’t an elevator, but they do have a lift available, if needed.“

“Had the most amazing lunch there this afternoon - lovely calm atmosphere and the best tuna carpaccio I have ever had. The server was really knowledgeable and friendly. Pity we're only visiting because this is one place I would definitely do repeat visits.“

“This is an excellent new-style restaurant perfect for dates, as well as a high-end eatery with outstanding reviews. It boasts an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere, making it suitable for dating, birthday celebrations, and business dinners alike— the vibe is incredibly comfortable. The restaurant specializes in American-French fusion cuisine crafted from fresh local ingredients, and has established itself as one of the benchmarks for SD Fine Dining, thanks to its consistently high-quality dishes and sophisticated ambiance. We decided to check it out this time because our AE credit card got a new credit limit this quarter, and this restaurant is on the list— we just had to come and experience it 🍴

Our first appetizer was raw oysters. They were small but extremely fresh, and when paired with a mix of two sauces, they were absolutely delicious! The flavor lingered on the palate, leaving a memorable impression that’s hard to forget. The lemon was wrapped in gauze, which was such a thoughtful detail! The second dish was the Lobster Ravioli appetizer— ravioli stuffed with lobster. It was our first time trying this, and the ravioli were surprisingly large and quite tasty! The third dish was Mixed Seafood, featuring three types of fish: Ahi tuna, Salmon, and Sea Bass, served with a trio of sauces. The fish was pan-fried to a crispy exterior and tender interior— a must-try for fish lovers! The fourth dish we ordered was roast duck, but it didn’t live up to the innovative roast duck we had at Juniper and Ivy before, so you might want to opt for something else. For example, their signature dishes include Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops (crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside), Pan-Seared Scallops (served with citrus butter sauce, sweet and sour to cut through richness), and Wild Mushroom Risotto (rich in mushroom flavor with chewy rice grains). Among the desserts, the Salted Caramel Pudding is a safe bet that never disappoints— definitely worth a try. The wine list also features a wide selection of high-quality wines from SD, offering great value when paired with the dishes 🍷

The restaurant’s waitstaff were extremely professional and attentive— they helped us take photos 📷, recommended dishes and wines, and ensured a smooth dining experience. Fresh bread was served before the meal, and refills were unlimited. They also checked in regularly to clear the table. If you’re dining to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, they even offer a complimentary cake 🍰 and custom pig-shaped cookies— the sense of ritual is truly on point!

The overall decor of the restaurant is fresh and innovative— it looks high-end yet unique. The walls are adorned with murals of pigs 🐖 and geese 🦢, along with matching decorations, which add a distinctive touch! Considering it’s a high-end restaurant, the value for money is excellent— the four dishes we ordered cost less than $100 per person. So if you’re looking to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, and you prioritize taste and a sense of ritual, this is the perfect choice! Don’t forget to wear a nice dress, enjoy delicious food, and take beautiful photos 🤩

💡 Tip: Make a reservation in advance— the restaurant is closed every Monday.“

“Great food cooked by some great guys“

“Awesome place , great food and exceptional service/ staff.“

“Great food, wonderful service!“

“This restaurant never disappoints us! Always amazing food and service! Love love coming here.“

“This restaurant has it all. The food is excellent with the best flavors of Mexico's finest dining experiences. The vegan options are delicious, not just an afterthought as is usually the case in so many restaurants. I had the Caldo de Piedra which is a very flavorful seafood soup and which wasn't overly spicy but just spicy enough. It had a wide variety of the freshest seafood, and was brought out in a steaming rock bowl. A chef made our guacamole right by our table side with the freshest ingredients, and then they handed us the best, tasty, house-made tortilla chips. That was a unique and creative experience. Our main server, Christian, was attentive and charming. The whole evening was outstanding.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ South of Nick’s – Mexican Kitchen & Cocktail Bar
South of Nick’s is an upscale Mexican dining experience with amazing food, a top-tier cocktail program, and a great atmosphere. Tia was our server and she was outstanding, anticipating everything we needed and making our early dinner effortless. We sat outside for the fresh California air and even though it was a little chilly, the radiant heaters kept it warm and cozy. The bar is fully stocked with a tequila selection that’s second to none, and my margarita was perfectly balanced. I had the Combo Tres Enchiladas and it was excellent, and others loved the Cabo shrimp. We also shared the chips with black bean dip, guacamole, taquitos, and tacos — everything fresh and packed with flavor. I also loved the kitchen windows where you can see how clean and dialed-in the team is behind the scenes. Parking is easy in the automated garage, but I’d recommend going early — and next time I’m grabbing the fire pit seating and working through more of the drink menu.“

“Best burger I've had in a very long time. Fries are amazing too! For the same amount you would spend at McDonald's you could come to Hamburger Hut a w and get way better quality food. I was shocked at how low the prices were. A burger, fries and a drink cost me $14.“

“Carne asada tacos were fire and the margaritas were really good.“

“Great food and great service from a very friendly and attentive staff! Had an awesome date night! Our first time here but won’t be our last.“

“Great JAPANESE Tonkatsu served with shredded cabbage salad just like in Japan“

“I had an amazing experience at Cutwater Spirits Tasting Room & Kitchen! Our server, Danielle, took exceptional care of us and truly made my birthday feel special. The drinks were delicious, the ambience was perfect, and the Christmas décor was absolutely on point festive without being overwhelming. Everything came together for a memorable night. I enjoyed myself so much that I'll definitely be back, even all the way from the Carolinas!“

“Solana Beach Kitchen was amazing. Each dish was spectacular. Loved the Surf & Turf Nachos, the Calamari was the best I have ever had. The Mac n Cheese with brisket was a recommendation from the fabulous Tracy and it was incredibly delicious. Everything was so good that we returned the next night!! Highly recommend SB Kitchen.“

“My favorite Nashville hot chicken sandwich and tenders!!!!!!“

“My favorite place in North County San Diego. The nachos are to die for“

“Nine of us had lunch here on a busy Saturday-glad we had reservations! The waitress did a fabulous job taking care of us and all our many requests. The food was excellent as well-the only exception might be the funfetti pancakes, which were a little sweet. My one BIG complaint was the LOUD MUSIC, especially the THUMPING BASS. I asked several times if they could turn down the volume, but no luck. I want to preserve my hearing, and for that reason I will not dine here again.“

“Amazing sushi and noodles at Ayu Sushi & Noodles in Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley. We loved everything, the tempura udon, the yume, sachi, and anata rolls, the bluefin crudo, and the salmon hand rolls. Great selection of species on the menu, next time will need to get more nigiri and sashimi. Great service, friendly and quick. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Recommend!“

“Super attentive service. From the Hostesses, wait staff to buss boys. Food is delectable. Entrees were well prepared, fresh ingredients, served hot & salads crisp. Highly recommended.“

“We had a yummy and fun 40th birthday celebration at Zen. Di (server) took such great care us us - which really transformed our experience. They have plenty of space and the menu has a bit of something for everyone - highly recommend it for groups.“

“Great service, atmosphere, and the food is amazing. The drinks are wonderful. I will definitely come back again.“

“Amazing service, staff& sea food“

“We hosted our wedding after party here and were thrilled! Hennessey's Tavern were very accommodating throughout the planning process and the servers were fabulous the night of - our guests were very happy sitting around the fire pit, eating good food, and drinking good beer.“