50 Best Cocktail Bars near La Mesa

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

“Overall an amazing and exceptional experience. The food is unique and nothing you can find in any other Mexican restaurant. Quality is superb and the presentation and creativity was inspiring.

But my favorite part was the amazing quality of the service! We felt like we were welcomed into someone's home. Our server was fantastic, but so was every other server we saw. They seemed genuinely happy and proud to be there. They took time to acknowledge everyone, not just their tables. I rubbed my arms a little and immediately had the nicest guy come right over and light the heater.
We are excited to go back to try more things on the menu.“

“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“

“went on my birthday with family. great mexican food with fun mocktails as drinks. has great festive atmpsohere for any location and plenty of parking at grossmont area“

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

“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!“

“This is not a place for food, but the drinks are so delicious! I need to go back to be able to try the rest of the drinks. That's basically the reason why I didn't give 5 stars, I really would wish more opportunity to try the other drinks. Overall I am in love with the place.“

“This place is awesome! Whether you are vegan or not, the food is delicious and creative! The music, the food and the atmosphere (decor) JUST TRY IT!! It’s set in a great area.“

“I ordered the salmon sushi and it was so delicious, super fresh and full of flavor. I also tried some of my friend's order (I think it was fries with chicken bites) and it was just as amazing! Definitely comfort food done right.

I had a mocktail which was refreshing and beautifully presented. My friends let me try a sip of their cocktails, super tasty, though they mentioned they were pretty strong (in a good way!).

The vibe was great, the food was a solid 10/10, and the overall experience made for a perfect night out. Can’t wait to go back! 🙌🍣🍹“

“Very intimate and romantic setting and great drinks.“

“Great music with Whitney Shay“

“Very odd little place that has the best name. 🤣 We got a mix of cocktails and some snacks. Service was good, decor was definitely on the quirky side (Ronald McDonald says hi). I also had the No-loko which was a great caffeine boost for midday.“

“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.“

“Cool Spot! Always an interesting spot to hang out, have a few pops and people watch...“

“angel was a gem, he went home before we can give him his tip. Give this man a raise! Period, king period! Thank you so much our engagement and sister in laws bday was 10 more times enjoyable because of you!“

“Went there to see my good friend DJ Yodah spin, and enjoyed the views and rooftop views for photo opps/selfies…“

“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 ?“

“First time here. It’s your typical dive, don’t expect anymore, don’t expect any less. Quarter machine was out of order so could play some of the games we wanted to but the bartender was pretty nice which is always great when it comes to drive bars“

“Great food and great service! Food was fresh and expertly prepared! Probably the best service I have ever experienced and the place was busy at the time we were there!!“

“Amazing food. Delicious & unique drinks. All very reasonable. Will definitely return & highly recommended!!“

“I always wait to post reviews until I've been to a place more than once. This place doesn't disappoint. The Bar Chemists are Masters of Craft Cocktailing. Ben & Frank are super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and untra creative. Room 56 is our new favorite hangout.“

“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 😊“

“what a wonderful experience. they are so well cared for. beautiful cats that are so friendly and need so much love very clean and the cats have so much to climb on, play with, see and sleep. the hosts were amazing and even let me stay a bit longer. I had the best time. I'm coming bk!!!!!!“

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

“Best food, drink, service and atmosphere I have experienced in a long time. Rivals Michelin restaurants.“

“ok will edit my last review. Money was right its the screwed up new fangled computer billing system that they useI'm old give me paper anyway. I did have fun there and seen alot of old friends. I just want to say to the one lady that said they where racist against blacks well the owners are black and they even welcome us white folk lol“

“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!“

“🙂👍 Manny's an awesome bartender!“

“Nunu's is incredible. Lighting, atmosphere, and, as if this wasn't enough, the food is absolutely remarkable!

The chef is clearly in love with taste and takes his craft very seriously. Please retain this man at all cost.“

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

“One of my favorite barcades in San Diego. We came for the comedy show (which is located in the back) but it was too small and crowded. However, it’s the best place for the vibes to chill and play some games with friends.

Not to mention great cocktails and specials.

My favorite? The New Pink Pony Club!“

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

“Love love love this place. It’s the perfect mix of great drinks and mellow vibes always with shows next door. Instantly a perfect vibe for the weekend or last minute after work drink. Padded bar makes it a comfy spot, and Hannah is always pours well.“

“Legitimately inedible. I hate posting this, because we were excited to be here. Cocktails were decent (solid at best), but food has been inedible or forcibly eaten as we just want to leave and don't want to ask them to remake it. The beef was cold and the potato was the worst latke I've ever eaten. The surprise guava on the creme brulee was tough and similarly inedible. Will stop at in n out for a half decent meal on the way home.“

“Great staff, great atmosphere, great karaoke!“

“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.“

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

“A Culinary Masterpiece: An Unforgettable Evening with Chef Jiwoo Choi From the moment my girlfriend, Kassandra, and I stepped into the Choi’s in downtown San Diego, we knew we were about to experience something truly special. What followed was an extraordinary seven-course tasting menu crafted by the incredibly talented Chef Jiwoo Choi, a chef whose passion for food is evident in every detail of his dishes. Chef Choi created the menu around several questions sent via email before the date. He truly took his time to understand his customers and who they were. The dinner was designed around my girlfriend, for whom the night was centered around for Valentines Day. The customer service was impeccable from the start. The hostess greeted us warmly, immediately making us feel at home, and the entire staff was attentive yet unobtrusive throughout the evening. We were sat at an oval table exclusively to ourselves with candles and wonderful ambiance. Included was a little note card that read “A Dinner Written By You” . Wow. Our server was Chef Choi himself. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the ingredients, offering insightful explanations of each dish, telling the story of the meal, and even sharing about the inspiration behind his creations. The entire team worked seamlessly together, ensuring that every moment of our dining experience felt effortless and elegant. Now, onto the food—a true work of art. Each course was not just a meal but a beautifully presented masterpiece that engaged all the senses. Chef Choi has a remarkable ability to balance flavors, textures, and aromas in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish had a story, each bite revealing new layers of complexity and creativity. Some standout dishes included: A delicate amuse-bouche that set the tone for the evening, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Inspired by Kimchi, a sauce enveloped the bits of tofu with a fried rice cake. A The main course was an Australian Wagyu with fingerling potatoes in a chile con carne sauce based from my girlfriend’s childhood. The wagyu melted in our mouths. Potatoes so crispy and delicious you forgot what other potatoes tasted like. A sauce so savory, bursting with tomatillo, garlic, and other flavors. Perfectly balanced as all things should be. The unexpected dish that left me in so much shock was the Greek wedding soup. A cold dish that is better experienced than explained. If I could eat that everyday for the rest of my life it would never be enough. Nothing I could say would live up to the incredible flavors. I ate mine and half my girlfriend’s portion. Finally, a dessert course that was as stunning as it was delicious, showcasing unexpected flavor combinations that worked in perfect harmony. A hot desert, a play on sticky rice. Cardamon, sugar, a small stone fruit with rich notes of raisin and plum. The second dessert was unexpected and intended for my likes (which I found to be such a class act). A ferment plum wine reduction that he infused into a frozen dish (somewhere in the realm of sorbet meets gelato) with a crème brûlée top. Amazing, outstanding. Chef Choi himself took the time to visit our table, a gesture that truly elevated the experience. He shared his inspiration for the menu, spoke about the ingredients, and genuinely wanted to ensure that we were enjoying ourselves. This level of dedication and personal touch is rare and speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft and his guests. He even orchestrated a surprise set of roses for my girlfriend and played it off like I planned it. By the end of the evening, Kassandra and I were completely in awe. The attention to detail, the passion behind every dish, and the warmth of the staff made this one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. Chef Jiwoo Choi and his team went above and beyond, creating an evening we will never forget. Five stars are simply not enough!“

“Great burgers, quick service. Good value for money.“

“Great bar“

“Gorgeous view and atmosphere“

“Comida riquísima!!! Authentically delicious! 🔥🇲🇽“

“Great Brunch and John is an amazing bartender.“

“Loved our lunch at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar at the Fashion Valley Mall! Such relaxing vibes, it feels like you’re on vacation. We had to get the frozen pina colada and Mai tai to match the vibe. We decided to do just appetizers and were very pleased with our choices of ahi tuna tacos, coconut shrimp, steak flatbread, and chicken tacos. Very friendly and accommodating service. Dog friendly. Recommend!“

“Ferchalada’s has some of the best ceviche in San Diego! The portions are huge and super fresh, so you definitely get your money’s worth. The Mango Wango ceviche is my favorite – the mix of mango sweetness with the tangy citrus and seafood is perfect. Friendly vibe, tasty food, and easy to recommend if you’re craving ceviche.“

“I visited the Good News Bar for the first time last week and returned again today. The customer service is phenomenal. Feli helped me both times and was incredibly patient while I decided on my order. She even remembered my drink from my last visit! Everyone here is welcoming and friendly, and the atmosphere is super chill—perfect for hanging out or studying.“

“Absolutely the most creative menu in the City! Great Atmosphere, great choices. We always leave amazed at our experience and eager to return“

“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.“

“Everything about that place! Just AMAZING!“

“The food, drinks & service were amazing!! I’m coming back for sure 👌🏻“