50 Best Bars near Imperial Beach

“Had a lot of fun. Highly recommended“

“I was there for the first time this past weekend for the Canelo vs. Charlo fight and loved all of the positive vibes at this establishment.

The owners (Otto & Selena) are amazing!!

One thing I noticed is despite how busy they all were Otto had a smile on his face the entire time.

Normally when it's busy and chaotic people tend to lose their smile because their stressed out. This is proof that when your doing something your passionate about it's fun and you enjoy every minute of it.

All of the staff provided excellent customer service. Regina is my favorite!! ?

Dj's Money Miner & Jay 2 we're in the mix playing all the old school jams!! At one time all the boys took over the dance floor just vibing out Lol!! I know because theirs video footage Hahaha!!! ??‍♂️?

Can't wait to go back to try their food!!

Highly recommend checking out The Scorebord if you're ever in the area. You will not be disappointed!“

“Great venue. Right on the beach. Has inside bar area and great outdoor patio. Knocked off 1 star because the drinks are pretty weak. $9 for a tito cranberry in a small glass with a 3 count pour. They could suffer to be a tad more generous with the booze at a dive bar.“

“Food & Folks are always Fabulous“

“I just had an out of body experience with the most amazing food and birria at the Bullpen in Imperial Beach. We had the birria taco, potato (loaded with birria and fricken deliciousness), beans and marinated cucumbers. Oh my goodness!!!! The flavor is so good and the sweetest woman is here putting all the love behind it. They are here every other Tuesday and we will be back. You have to come and check it out. She does catering and special events too. — with Jason Shirley at The Bullpen I.B.“

“Amazing! We have a place on Seacoast and I highly recommend this Grill! We give it a 10!!!! We we are so happy with the food and service. Two nights in a row!!!“

“Kaon Kraft is an absolute gem! This Japanese-themed speakeasy has a beautiful atmosphere and an amazing vibe that instantly sets the mood. The drinks were outstanding—highly recommend the Nina, which was perfectly crafted, and my partner loved the old fashioned. We also tried the buffalo cauliflower, and it was exceptional. This place is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and memorable cocktail experience!

Vegetarian options: There are vegetarian options available.

Parking: Hard to find street parking.

Kid-friendliness: This establishment is not kid friendly.

Wheelchair accessibility: This establishment was wheelchair accessible.“

“Absolutely amazing atmosphere, 10/10 service, and bomb drinks. What more could you want. Easily one of the best tiki bars period.“

“You can't call it a dive bar when they have $300 bourbons on the shelf! Erin is great. We went there twice and will probably go back again later. And there are pinball machines and a pool table and other arcade games. Fun place.“

“Really good drink specials good atmosphere chill bar“

“What a fantastic place! Food was excellent and great proportions, likely the best flatbread I’ve ever had. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend and will return if in the area again.“

“One of my favorite spots in SD!
Great coffee in the morning and some nice breakfast options. Delicious drinks and friendly bartenders in the afternoon/evening. I made new friends here, since the place has a lot of regulars. Highly recommend!
PS: try the meatballs!“

“Had a date night here because of a TikTok we had seen. The concept was original. A three course meal inspired drink menu. The TikTok I had seen was 3 custom drinks according to your liking and style. However, the first and third course are now “picked” for you. I was able to make some adjustments to my third however my boyfriend and i still decided to switch, as it was too strong for my liking. Id also like to add that our bartender had left for a break. I feel like this is important because he had got to know us for the first two courses that I feel like my third course would've been tailored a lot better with someone that was more so my style, which is the whole concept. My second course, that's completely tailored to you, was perfect. I asked for tropical, creamy, sweet but not overly sweet, and tart. I got exactly what I asked for! If I came again and my bartender took a break I would simply just ask if I could wait for mine to come back because of them simply getting to know you and your palate for drinks. But overall, the experience was amazing and I'm thinking of coming back with a group for my birthday.... Also, they do not have any food just “snacks”given for a palate cleanser.“

“Great place for food, drinks and games. Have a wonderful time.“

“The Whiskey house isn’t just for whiskey! We enjoyed a great brunch outdoors. The cinnamon pancakes are to die for! Great service from Jackie!“

“One of the best speakeasy’s I’ve ever been to. Been to several in LA, SF, Vegas, Miami, and NYC and this one compares. So glad that it’s in my city! Speakeasy’s are the way to go! Bravo 👏🏻“

“We had a business dinner here and I'm still thinking about the whole experience a week later. The food is a culinary explosion in your mouth. Highly recommend getting several things and sharing with the table. The risotto and seafood pasta were incredible. I cannot even describe the flavors. The cocktails were also indescribably brilliant. Our server was perfect. She was friendly but professional. She had the perfect balance of being on top of everything, but not being on top of us. All around perfect experience.“

“We had our pregame, Puerto Rican Heritage Padre, celebration there yesterday and the staff and food were AMAZING!!!!!! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🇵🇷🇵🇷“

“Everything about Fernside is great!“

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

“the best brewery in the south bay!!! live bands and DJ are epic, you can chill or dance the night away! great options for beers and ciders!

Vegetarian options: ciders available for those who don't drink beer! like me, im vegetarian ✨️“

“HAPPY HOUR: 4:00-6:00PM...this is a great way to get drunk before an evening Padres Game! It was quite busy, but my friend and I managed to grab the last available table. Staff was friendly and efficient, we got our drinks and food quite quickly given the crowd. 5 Stars during Happy Hour, maybe 4 Stars after Happy Hour.

$8 Cocktails include Gimlets, Old Fashioneds, and Vodka Mules...I drank Gimlets as they cheap, refreshing and delicious! And much cheaper than inside the stadium.

$8 Nachos...nice snack, its a small dish, but still satisfying.
$6 Fries...good enough

$17 Burger...not a happy thing, described as Double Smashed Patty, Swiss, Bacon and Special Sauce. Good burger, I've had better, and it sadly did not come with any fries. Hence the extra side order of fries above.“

“🙂👍 Gonzalo and the entire staff are awesome!“

“Excelente cantina en Chuka Vista, 100% Mexicana. Gran atención de Omar.“

“Excellent drinks.. beautiful view…come on down!!“

“I just celebrated my bday at Trailer Park After Dark and reserved the small trailer for my party. Blake and the bar staff went above and beyond to make this night special for us and accommodated all of my requests...I was worried I was being high maintenance but they came through and hung up a pinata I brought, set up this birthday backdrop I dropped off to take photos in front of and they even had a photo booth they set up for us. Everything came together so perfectly! I couldnt have asked for a more perfect night! We all had a blast! You should def consider this place for any event or just a night out with friends. Thanks again TPAD!!“

“Great karaoke! Friendly staff!“

“Definitely not a place that gets going all night like a club would but a very cool and quaint spot to grab a drink with a group friends. Pool tables and a variety of drinks on tap. Bartenders are receptive as well. Juke Box is a plus to play music of one’s choice.It’s honestly kind of it’s own place in the middle of everything, but wouldn’t mind staying here for a night and drink the night away. The Elwood is nearby too.“

“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 ?“

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

“Our first time to visit Nicolosi's and we loved it! Went to the Gaslamp location - a short walk from our home. We got there in time to try the Happy Hour appetizers offered so we opted for a pepperoni pizza to start. Four pieces - just the right amount to share with our friends. It was delicious! The crust was perfect - thin but still some chew to it and really good. We will definitely keep this place in mind when seeking out pizza again! I had the trio pasta dish - spaghetti, lasagna & raviolis - I must say the best raviolis I've ever had. One was meat-filled and the other cheese and I'd go back for the meat-filled anytime! My husband had the spaghetti & meatballs and he really enjoyed it. Our friends - one had the chicken, peppers & linguine and the other the chicken marsala - both loved their choices. I would say you can't go wrong with whatever you select! The place wasn't busy at all though for a Friday night - too bad! I hope they make it in the Gaslamp!“

“Old dive bar! Been goin here for awhile… 25 plus years! Xoxox.. glad they cleaned it up but kept the dive feel“

“There’s no losing in Dice - you can only win: win with free drink or win by buying drinks for your friends. Best to get the “read ahead” on rules from Naval Aviator before “winning” and buying entire round a shout(round).“

“Spectacular.💯 Amazing views of Petco. Great staff.“

“Good restaurant, delicious food. I recommend everyone to try it“

“My favorite happy hour!!! The food, drinks the elegance! everything is absolutely exquisite! They have the best bartender in San Diego, every drink this man makes is outstanding especially the cosmopolitans! And the prices are affordable. Thank you! I will recommend to everyone I knowI just came on 3/14/24 again for happy hour and I wanted to give praise to Moneyshh, being his first week as the bar tender and server, this gentleman made us feel so welcome and was so attentive. We noticed something was different on our charcuterie board and with no questions he spoke with the chef and fixed it. The customer service is wonderful thank you!“

“This is my favorite hole in the wall bar in Logan. Best michelada, great music, someones always putting money in the jukebox and corridos always playing. Plus they have a small pool table in there. CASH ONLY THO! Plus they have regular beer only no craft stuff like all the other bars do...“

“This place is exactly what you'd hope to find in the Gas Lamp Quarter. It's obvious that it has been a staple in this community for a VERY long time by the decor, clientele, and servers there.

You know when you've found a place like this because you're greeted with a smile, welcoming demeanor, and some strong pours for a reasonable price.

I went in for the first time in a few years. I was happy to stumble back on this place after originally finding it in 2018 on another business trip.

Tonight was specifically unique because The Zach Gutierrez Trio was playing live. Can't say enough good stuff about the music!

If you're looking for a place where you'll be welcomed with friendly and attentive staff, a laid back vibe, and occasional live music, you have to check this place out!

10/10 recommend!“

“Great service great food will be back soon.“

“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.“

“GR8 service, friendly atmosphere, cold drinks and Happy customers.“

“Just go to the Top! The view is amazing!“

“Great times, pool tables, and good prices. Fun staff and a jukebox. Luv it here“

“Great place to hang out and watch a show. The staff were helpful, friendly, and professional. We didn't have any food but the drinks were good and reasonably priced

Parking: Plenty of parking but the best bet was the valet for us, reasonable too

Wheelchair accessibility: Very easy for wheelchair to get around“

“Tap house with friendly and generous owner.
Keeping one of the most Varietal selections in San Diego. From local California and national breweries
Located on 3rd ave filled with eateries. Always a must to stop by and drink dessert.
You know us adults who choose our sweets 😋 😉 😏 😜“

“Being a big Buffett guy, I love me a margaritaville experience! This spot is in a great location in gaslamp close to petco park and is easy to find. I’ve had better food in other locations. Not sure what happened with the chips but they were stale. The fish tacos were great though! But the best part of this experience is Corey! Super lively and very much on top of his game. Very courteous, respectful, and takes the role of serving customers seriously! Before I could even ask for refills or anything, he was beating me to it. Would go back just for him!“

“Great music,vibe, and scenery“

“Pretty delightful spot to watch a game or holler at the top your lungs at the sports ball. Guinness of course as a debonair gentleman does. Emily is a charming young lady, Maddy & Natalie (not to be confused with Natalia) are cool teux. I’ll be back!“

“A very relaxed place to be.

No bigots, no fear mongering

People can be themselves here. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly fun. Halloween night thus year was very alive. The bartenders are easy to talk to and very efficient, the man out front is very welcoming, and the crowd is pleasant.

Officially my favorite nightlife spot.“

“I came to Casablanca with the 619 party and had an absolute blast with my friends. This one was definitely one of my favorites out of the entire bar crawl with amazing service and such a fun atmosphere to celebrate the reopening of San Diego at!! Great place for a hangout for friends to catch up at!“