27 Best Cocktail Bars near El Cajon

Don's Cocktail Lounge Cocktail Bar • $
13321 Hwy 8 Business, El Cajon

“Its a dive bar. Not terrible, but very dive bar ish. I've seen a band there, the place is small and can feel a little crowded. But it was fun. Also very loud. But again, fun. Bartender was very busy, so not very fast, but she was very nice. Busy is not her fault. Maybe additional help during blush nights?
IDK. Im just one person. It was fine. Not great or amazing, but fun and fine.“

3.8 Good49 Reviews
Suerte Cantina Mexican • $
5459 Casino Way, El Cajon

Customers` Favorites

Complimentary Tortilla Chips
Ceviche
Salsa

“No mention of the lazy river, it’s the main reason I go in the summer. The only problem with it is the loud crappy music so early in the morning. Such a beautiful place to relax… in silence or at least relaxing music. No one wants BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! So early.. lord! 😩 One thing for sure, management won’t listen, maybe it’s to drive older people out of there and into casino to gamble… lol“

4.5 Superb24 Reviews
The Study Lounge Bar • $
1678 Greenfield Dr, El Cajon

“Fun af. Partner went in. We’re gay. Really welcoming straight pool bar. Won 2. Lost 1. lol. For all you straight dudes…. Couple hot women. Nothing Special. Not a hook up bar. Have gone back several times. Clean. Parking great. Fair prices. Amazing pool players. Check it out.“

4.2 Good65 Reviews
Retreat Pool & Cabanas Lounges • $$
5469 Casino Way, El Cajon

“The LAZY River. So many pools/jacuzzis to choose from. Staff always cleaning 🧼!👍🏽“

3.9 Good185 Reviews
Full Circle Saloon Cocktail Bar • $
8528 Magnolia Ave #105, Santee - 2.48 miles

Customers` Favorites

Whiskey Ridge

“I went to the Full Circle Saloon and they played this degrading song that said “A lap dance is better when the stripper is crying. Well I find it quite a thrill when she grinds me against her will.” More lyrics from this song say ” I told Bambi I wanted to skin her….. and wear her face like a mask. I have to admit it was even more of a turn-on when I found out she was doin’ me to buy baby formula.” This is a a song appropriate for serial killers and John’s who rape sex workers who are forced by their situation to work against their will. The bartender was angry and irritated with me when I asked to him to please turn it off. Two other female workers were unconcerned. The Female owner Michelle Bailey said she will not be a song N*** and did not offer to do anything about it. Oh She said there is a guy there that likes to play this song when he plays pool. If people there accept this happening I will vote by not going there.“

4.6 Superb73 Reviews
Hearth House Cocktail Bar • $
5505 Jackson Dr, La Mesa - 3.41 miles

“Relaxed atmosphere with live entertainment, reasonably priced drinks and friendly staff“

4.3 Superb83 Reviews
Spring Valley Inn Cocktail Bar • $
9034 Campo Rd, Spring Valley - 3.75 miles

“Love this place, the owners and the bartenders. Amazing Blood Mary's and breakfast.“

4.5 Superb31 Reviews
N City Sports Lounge Bar • $
2511 Sweetwater Rd, National City - 11.27 miles

“I enjoyed myself ??? The co-owner was awesome as she moved around the crowd and spoke to ppl and seen her help clear tables ? The dj on Friday night was dope, had me dancing ?? The bartender (white dude with long hair ??) he has stellar customer service ?? met friendly people and staff! I like how they have a smoking area where you could still hear the music dead on , but they could have dimmer lights in the smoking section coz it bothered my eyes ???? I didn't get to try the food but I look forward to doing so soon!! Security was on it, great communication skills amongst each other and they paid attention all around; I felt safe.. I don't think anyone would mess with ??. Bathroom was very clean and the long mirror A+ ???. I ordered patron and redbull, I suggest they keep their redbulls chilled since a customer like myself orders the entire can ? price was decent!! I went earlier so parking was great for me but probably not for the late heads ?“

4.5 Superb25 Reviews
Dirk's Nite Club Cocktail Bar • $$
7662 Broadway #64, Lemon Grove - 5.44 miles

Customers` Favorites

Empanadas

“I had long time that I didn't really like going out until I came across this place it's very welcoming and the vibes are great I also feel taken care by the bartenders nino and nena are great and friendly. I just love how comfortable and safe I feel there 😊“

4.2 Good52 Reviews
Shooters Cocktails Cocktail Bar • $$
10761 Jamacha Blvd ste c, Spring Valley - 4.54 miles

“The first time you go your a stranger but it didn't feel uncomfortable because you could tell that you were in a friendly atmosphere. Good singers, delicious drinks, good company, excellent bartenders and an attentive KJ! Karaoke is on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 pm until closing. Pool tables and darts. If you don’t sing come by anyway … you’ll be glad you did. Hey you’ll probably see me there!“

4 Good55 Reviews
The Luau Bar • $
7123 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego - 5.22 miles

Customers` Favorites

Boochcraft Hard Kombucha
Chardonnay La Crema
Champagne Barefoot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Kalua Pork Nachos
The Luau Shooter
Negra Modelo
Stone
Shot

“Great aloha vibe, cocktail selection and live music. Perfect spot to chill with friends.“

4.7 Superb92 Reviews
Mike's Cocktails Cocktail Bar • $
629 Sweetwater Rd, Spring Valley - 6.56 miles

“Enjoy the place every time I'm here.“

3.4 Good23 Reviews
Casa Gabriela American • $$
8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa - 3.77 miles

Customers` Favorites

Camarones A la Diabla Quesadilla
Chef Gaby's Famous Tres Leches
Ancho Chocolate Bread Pudding
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Golden Beet & Kale Salad
Chicken Barbacoa Nachos
Grilled Chicken Nachos
Pan Seared Scallops
La Reina Mariscos
Korean Beef Tacos

“1st time trying this restaurant. It was highly recommended by my son and daughter in law and it did not dissappear. I ordered the Tampequena plate and it was a unique and well presented plate. The steak was tender and perfectly prepared and the enchilada and potatoes complemented the entire plate. Loved the atmosphere and the pitcher of margs was natural tasting.“

4.2 Good594 Reviews
Giardino Italian • $$
8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove - 4.95 miles

Customers` Favorites

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan
Crab and Shrimp Ravioli
Crab & Shrimp Ravioli
Fettuccine Maremonte
Fettuccine Carbonara
Spaghetti Meatballs
Cheese Wheel Pasta
Roasted Pear Pizza
Fettuccine Alfredo
Papparadelle Ragu

“The food is so good! 100% recommend the vodka sauce! Stuffed mushrooms are fantastic. Ambiance is fabulous and service is so good. Alex was our server, he’s a keeper. This is our new go to Italian restaurant.“

4.4 Superb453 Reviews
Antica Trattoria Italian • $$
5654 Lake Murray Blvd, La Mesa - 4.07 miles

Customers` Favorites

Calamari E Gamberi One Serving
Cioppino Livornese One Serving
Butternut Squash Risotto
Penne with Smoked Salmon
Brazed Beef Short Ribs
Fettuccine Carbonara
Burrata One Serving
Risotto One Serving
Gnocchi One Serving
Carpaccio Di Manzo

“3/5 for a first timer during restaurant week… the special menu was $50 per person…. we never got any bread with our dinner (and didn’t realize we were left out until we were on dessert)… and, portions were small, so the bread would have been nice, especially for $50… also, the server made us make our food order at the same time as our drinks… personally, i like to have a drink or two before i order my food… so, the service was rushed in that sense… and no one asked me if i wanted a second glass of wine i had the veal and my friend had the lobster ravioli… both tasted decently but, again, small portions… the burrata was amazing and the desserts (tiramisu and lava cake) were pleasant i think i’d like to try again on a night that isn’t as busy, and order off of the actual menu“

4.4 Superb400 Reviews
Chief's Da Tiki Bar Bar • $$
4154 Bonita Rd, Bonita - 10.42 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Katsu and Macaroni Salad
Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Seafood Dynamite
Chicken Kelaguen
Fried Gyoza
Dragon Roll

“Great place highly recommended, amazing drinks awesome, come check them out and have a fantastic time“

4.6 Superb50 Reviews
Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room Steak House • $$
7777 University Ave, La Mesa - 4.5 miles

Customers` Favorites

The Riviera Standard Cheeseburger
Bacon Chocolate Cake
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Prime Rib French Dip
Buffalo Cauliflower
Jumbo Chicken Wings
French Onion Soup
Soy Garlic Wings
Mashed Potatoes
Turquoise Tots

“Best bar in San Diego super nice staff and great food“

4.4 Superb188 Reviews
Hacienda Grill Jamul Mexican • $
13881 Campo Rd Suite C-6, Jamul - 7.25 miles

Customers` Favorites

Carne Asada Plate

“We went to Hacienda Grill over the weekend for a birthday. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was awesome! Our server was very attentive and kind. I highly recommend this place. We will be coming back soon. 😊“

4.5 Superb46 Reviews
The Bancroft Bar Bar • $
9143 Campo Rd, Spring Valley - 3.74 miles

“Great little dive bar with awesome live music and reasonably priced drinks. Friendly staff and dedicated owner who has improved the place continually since he bought it.“

4.4 Superb58 Reviews
Stadium Club Bar • $$
6065 Fairmount Ave, San Diego - 8.09 miles

“This place is like Cheers. So many fun games to play as well“

4.4 Superb47 Reviews
Casa De Pico Mexican • $$
5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa - 2.94 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chile Relleno Cheese Enchilada Guacamole & Bean Tostada
Carne Asada & Huevos Rancheros Especiales
Taco Quesadilla Chile Relleno
Seafood Enchiladas Supremas
Tequila Lime Shrimp Platter
Ensalada de Carne Asada
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Carne Asada Tampiqueña
Carne Asada Tampiquena
Chicken Tortilla Soup

“Excelente servicio esta buena la música con el mariachi muy rica la comida nos tocó de mesero el Sr Alfonso muy amable muy buen servicio.“

4.3 Superb265 Reviews
Ferny's Mexican Grill Mexican • $
10320 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee - 3.1 miles

Customers` Favorites

Surf and Turf Fries with Cheese
Beef Taco \u0026 Enchilada
Bacon Breakfast Burrito
Big Breakfast Burrito
California Burrito
Chilaquile Burrito
Hot Cheeto Burrito
Carne Asada Fries
Spicy Shrimp Taco
Carne Asada Taco

“God, everything is delicious! I used to work in front of the restaurant so I’ve tried many options on the menu and today I drove from home (UTC La Jolla) just to have the steak and eggs burrito plus I took one carne assada burrito to go. Without mentioning their sauces are the best. I don’t mind driving from home bc the quality is the best in the city - it’s extremely fresh! 5 starts ❤️🙏 thank you for making me so happy! 🤤“

4.3 Superb115 Reviews
JIVe Lounge Bar • $$
14145 Campo Rd, Jamul - 8.25 miles

“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.“

4.3 Superb3 Reviews
La Sirena Cantina Bar • $
4286 University Ave, San Diego - 8.84 miles

Customers` Favorites

Negra Modelo

“es un buen lugar para comer rico y es divertido“

3.7 Good6 Reviews
Neon Moon Bar Bar • $
8203 Winter Gdns Blvd, Lakeside - 4.4 miles

“I really want to absolutely love this place but I’ve come in twice during karaoke and had to leave due to headaches caused by the sound system being way too loud or not mixed well for higher harsher tones. Never left a review like this but hoping it helps. I want to come back and not have to leave because my head hurts. Hope you guys can figure out the sound a little better. Love the place though!“

4.1 Good35 Reviews
26

Alibi

Alibi Bar • $
9179 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee - 3.65 miles

Customers` Favorites

Vodka Cran

“The Alibi is no longer, it is now the Malt House. What a refreshing difference. From the lighting to the layout this place is fab. They have pool and shuffle board and plenty of TVs for all of the sports fans. The bartender that I met is Eric and he is a really nice guy. He is courteous, sociable and efficient, these are qualities all bartenders should have. For those of us who were not regulars of the Alibi were not treated very well by the night bartender Laura. Well, she's no longer tending bar and it's a whole new atmosphere. If you're going to Santee or even just passing through I recommend a visit to the Malt House. Oh, I almost forgot, the bathrooms and patio that were in desperate need of an overhaul were remodeled, job very well done. I will definitely be patronizing the Malt House more often.“

3.9 Good51 Reviews
Johnny B's Burgers, Brew & Spirits Bar & Grill • $
8393 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa - 3.75 miles

Customers` Favorites

French Fries and Onion Rings
Sweet Thai Chicken Wings
Buffalo Chicken Fries
Hickory Bacon Burger
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken Sandwich
Jalapeno Burger
The Wedge Salad
Potato Skins
Steak Fries

“All the staff here are AMAZING! They have been such a great staff and has welcomed me and my daughter since day 1. The buffalo chicken strips are amazing along with the blue cheese side which is phenomenal and the steak fries are so good. Burgers are amazing too. Love Johnny B’s!“

4 Good132 Reviews