17 Best Beer Bars near El Cajon

“Loved everything we got tonight, the chicken sandwich, pulled pork, amazing! So were the fried Mac and cheese balls!!!!“

“Absolutely love Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill.
The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented — some of the best sushi in the area. Service is attentive without being overbearing, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is modern, relaxed, and perfect whether you’re out on a date or grabbing dinner with friends. Every visit has been a great experience. Highly recommend.“

“My roommate and I have been coming here for a while, it's easily one of our favorite regular spots. The atmosphere is stylish and gives off great vibes and always feels welcoming. The food is always fresh coming from local California farms. The drink menu is solid with all of the staples and some with added twists. The owners Chris and Jenn are amazing, they and their staff are always kind and provide incredible service. Other points to consider are the burger of the month, a rotating culinary delight often themed and always delicious, and the establishment holds many different events from art shows, drink and paint, trivia and so many others. Honestly, it's always a great place with friendly people. Chris and Jenn are leaders in the community and work to not only provide delicious food, and a great experience but also work hard to make the community better. Would recommend, and do recommend to everyone and anyone. 5/5 stars.“

“Friends of Friends and Wavy Burgers - This is my favorite coffee shop in National city. It’s artistic, unique, and fun. I always find something new and delicious, and that’s selling it short. I’d take friends or family from out of town here, and I have. Definitely a highlight of National city and the owners should be very proud.

Only vice is sometimes the music is a touch too loud or vile with expletives over and over again… no thanks. Those days I just grab my food and dip. That’s a knock on an atmosphere star.

I will keep coming here! I’m a big fan of their orange Thai tea latte :)“

“Retro arcade conveniently located in La Mesa. Don't drink so can't speak to the beer selection but they have a wife variety of taps. If theres a beeryou wanted to try this is a phenomenal opportunity. Played for about 45 min, 2 ppl cost $27 incl good tip. Sundays are free play all day. I'll be back“

“Update June 2026: still my number 1 favorite brewery. Always a great experience. Tonight the beer was perfect, the band (Setting Sons) was excellent, and the food truck was great ( Surf Me A Taco, or is it Surf Meat Taco) ! Great place. Praguenosis, haze for horses, King Rufus - incredible beers.

Original: Great place, friendly with awesome beer! The old brick building and the patio with lights is just a perfect atmosphere for a beer!“

“I picked up some ribs and a sandwich for dinner last night and the food was awesome as always. Portions were big enough that I had leftovers. Corbin O'Reilly and Vince always make me feel special!“

“good food and beer on tap“

“Everything about it is fantastic! The beers are delicious and the owners are so welcoming! Thank you for hosting my 29th birthday!!!💕“

“Craft beer places are a dime a dozen in SD, but I knew after one visit that Machete is easily going to become a favorite water hole to visit when I am in the mood for a good variety of craft beer. They have a bunch of different styles, and a selection of beers from breweries that I either haven't heard of or never tasted before. Love that. It gets boring seeing the same 3-4 breweries at every place that offers craft beer in SD.Vibe is super chill, casual and divey.Staff here is really nice. I didn't get his name, but he let me try a few different beers and gave great recommendations based on the styles I like.No food here, but the Papi’s Teppanyaki food truck is here from time to time. Check their IG for their schedule. Not sure if there are ever other options since I only recently found out about this place.Cheers!Edit: I came back a second time and the super cool bartender's name is Jett. If you come in on a day he's manning the bar, you're in great hands. :)

Kid-friendliness: There was a young family here with a stroller, but it wouldn't be my first choice for places to visit with kids.“

“Went there last night 07/14 for my husband and I's first wedding anniversary. We came about an hour to closing but despite that staff was amazing. Our server was very kind and attentive. The food was absolutely amazing as well and they weren't upset when we misspoke and accidentally ordered the wrong thing, they corrected it and were patient. Have always really liked this location for the friendly staff and will continue to be a patron!“

“Laidback, good wine and friendly“

“Although service is slow and you need plenty of patience. They only have one bartender at a time She's awfully busy and never stops. The She's great at what she does. never misses a beat. I like that she cleans my glass before she serves my wine.“

“Love all the art 🙂👍“

“I picked up a box of sandwiches for a party… They were so delicious! Everyone at the party was so excited when they saw they were from board and brew. Highly recommend… My new go to place for any event! The staff was extremely friendly and efficient…“

“Our waitress Laurie was absolutely amazing! She went above and beyond to make our visit unforgettable, and every dish we tried was bursting with authentic Italian flavor. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto in Mission Valley continues to deliver the best combination of delicious food, warm atmosphere, and outstanding service in all of San Diego.“

“Don't let the rating fool you. This place is great! The staff always takes of me when I go in. I was there tonight.“