50 Best Cocktail Bars near La Mesa

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

“Very high priced, but I ordered the A5 Wagyu (which is the Rolls Royce of beef), and I also ordered the A5 Wagyu tallow fries, and a real ice cream vanilla shake, so I expected to pay a high price. I waited more than 30 minutes for my meal as did a couple of other customers. I was hoping for that perfect, crispy outside and juicey inside, but my burger was so over cooked, it was really dry. (Such a waist of beautiful beef) The french fries were spot on delicious, but the shake was like milk. I think they made the shake way before the meal was ready to serve. I'm not sure if I'll go back there or not. I do love A5 Wagyu, though.“

“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“

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

“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“

“Love the short rib and saffron risotto!“

“It was a wonderful experience! The decor drew us into the patio area with quaint Mexican architecture and design. We were seated directly and we found the service by the staff was top shelf! There was an excellent menu and drinks list to choose from. We ordered from the menu offering entrees for two and we were not disappointed! The food was delicious and we had room for dessert which had a great choice of desserts to choose from. Overall it was a great experience!!! We will definitely return!!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“This place has thought of everything!!! The aesthetic is incredible, every detail better than the next, and the food and drinks are tastyyyyy with just as thoughtful service!! Shout out to our server Emmy, she was so sweet and on top of all our orders, thank you!“

“Very intimate and romantic setting and great drinks.“

“Great music with Whitney Shay“

“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!“

“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.“

“Phenomenal service, GREAT bourbon, fantastic food.

Tried the Thai & bourbon wings were both delicious, the lobster ravioli was fantastic and the tri tip tacos were awesome too. For dessert we got the churros and they were incredible!“

“🙂👍 Manny's an awesome bartender!“

“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!!“

“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!!!!!!“

“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 ?“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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.“

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

“Great staff, great atmosphere, great karaoke!“

“The best late night bar with food orders taken up to 12:30pm in the neighborhood!!!!
Great food and great people..........just saying!

Vegetarian options: Plenty of options available for late night bar food in Hillcrest.“

“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!“

“Honestly was not expecting to find this kind of vibe in Hillcrest. Free pool tables, great patio, not overcrowded, good selection of divey but not biker gang music at just the right volume to have light conversation, chill patrons, great drink specials, friendly service. Went on a Sunday night and Nico is a great bartender with helpful drink recommendations. I will definitely come back when I'm the area!“

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

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

“Service was great! There is a newer bartender in there who is not so friendly! Younger chick! But the other ones that have been there a while are excellent! Tacos and burritos were served in the back YUMMY! No pics to show but the new Dirks is nice and chill atmosphere.“

“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“

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

“Great karaoke! Friendly staff!“

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

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

“A dive bar with a couple pool tables, a few TVs, adequate service and overpriced booze. The main attraction here is karaoke on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. The locals are mostly friendly, there is an enclosed patio for smokers and the bathroom is usually clean.“

“Cannot wait to go back and enjoy the the food, excellent service and ambience of this restaurant. We often each brunch here and their chef events are amazing! I savor every bite 🤤“

“Gorgeous view and atmosphere“

“Fist time here. The quality of food was excellent. We ordered a birria taco, a shrimp taco, and a coctel. It was delicious. They also recommend the aguas Frescas from the fruit shop next door. The service was excellent, and I highly recommend this place if you're looking for good food.“

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

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

“Great bar“

“The Chefs Cheese Wheel pasta was absolutely amazing!!“

“Amazing food, amazing cocktails, amazing service, and amazing ambience. Highly recommend!!!“

“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.“

“Tony Wallace is the best guy ever!! He’s such a nice, personable guy. He makes this place special and memorable. Give him a raise!

The smoked Gouda burger is actually worth 17 dollars it’s so good. Also all the nostalgic games are awesome“