50 Best Cocktail Bars near La Mesa

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

“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.“

“We really enjoyed our meals and the overall experience of dining at Casa Gabriela. Our waitress, Samantha was excellent! She was professional, very attentive & super friendly. She was one of the best waitresses all tree of us have ever had. They have a real gem there. We will definitely be back soon.“

“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“

“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!“

“Wow - what a great night! My husband and I were there for the first time last night - Amadeus took special care of us - what a guy! So friendly, knowledgeable and just all around a perfect host. He was patient and explained all the whisky in detail and had great suggestions. My husband chose a whisky flight and I had something close to an old fashioned. Wonderful and the food - we started with the oysters then he suggested the chicken sliders and the arincini balls - perfect! We were definitely full but the suggestions were spot on! I finished with a cocktail that Amadeus makes himself - it was like a cinnamon toast crunch desert - divine!!! We will definitely be back and thank you Amadeus - we will definitely ask for you!“

“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!!“

“First time since switching to the menu, and it remains an outstanding experience. The menu items give freedom to do some more planning (particularly enjoyed the shaved cucumber ice in my drink, for example) and you can still talk through what you want for the second course. The customers are fun, and Francesca and Austin were on point behind the bar“

“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.“

“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!!!!!!“

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

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

“Very intimate and romantic setting and great drinks.“

“Fantastic tequila selection and happy hour - 5 stars“

“Great music with Whitney Shay“

“This is a great stop to make if you are looking for some awesome fish tacos. It is off the beaten path of downtown SD, but worth the trip. Very small seating area and you may have to wait, but worth it! Nice staff and service.“

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

“I’ve been here quite a few times, both on weekdays and weekends, and it’s easily my favorite cocktail bar in North Park. On my most recent visit, I ended up third-wheeling my friends’ date night 😅 after they invited me along. Since it was a weekday, the place was surprisingly quiet. I’m so used to seeing long waits and packed crowds here that it almost felt like a different bar. We started with a few shots and then moved on to cocktails. The Misa Misa was okay, and the Spirited Away was good, but my absolute favorite was the Heads Will Roll. It was delicious and probably one of the better cocktails I’ve had here. One thing I really appreciate about this place is how much thought goes into their signature drinks. The presentation, the flavors, even the glassware all feel intentional and unique. This was also the first time I tried their food. The truffle fries were absolutely delicious and paired perfectly with the drinks. We also ordered the vegetable gyoza, which was pretty good. My friends got the disco fries and seemed to really enjoy them. The only miss for us was the yakitori both the vegetable and New York strip skewers were both way too salty and ended up being our least favorite dishes of the night. Overall, I’d still give this place a solid 5/5 for cocktails and around a 4/5 for food. The drinks alone keep me coming back.“

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

“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.“

“Upscale and romantic Turkish restaurant with halal kebobs. Must try Bosforo Kebab. They only make 50 kebabs a day so book your reservation in advance. Definitely the best kebab I’ve tried in years. Very rich, decadent, and flavorful. Also try their bosforo hummus. Surprised this is not a Michelin star rated restaurant yet lol. Perfect place for date night.“

“I went on a Wednesday around 7pm and found the atmosphere very welcoming and the late night snack menu with the prosciutto was delicious. Merrari was a fantastic bartender and offered a few great additional suggestions for bars and speakeasies to visit while I was in Sand Diego.“

“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 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.“

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

“Booze. All the booze. Drink it. Live while you still can.“

“Stopped by Ferchaladas Birria & Mariscos and really enjoyed it. We tried the birria tacos and the octopus. The birria tacos were really good, but the octopus was definitely my favorite. It was cooked perfectly and full of flavor.

The place has a great local vibe, and the food was fresh and came out quickly. Just a heads up, they only accept cash or Venmo, so come prepared. Parking can be a little difficult depending on the time of day, but it's definitely worth it once you try the food.

We'll definitely be back to try more from the menu!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Delicious food and drinks. Great staff, very comfortable bar seating. Also has tables and chairs if you prefer. Sometimes live music that anyone could enjoy and never too loud. Conveniently located on the first floor in the heart of the mall and not in the fast food court.“

“One of the most unique experiences in San Diego.“

“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!“

“🙂👍 Manny's an awesome bartender!“

“My partner and I were so excited when this place open. I think we heard that it was coming to San Diego at least 6:00 to 8 months before it actually arrived. To have a non-alcoholic bar in San Diego is such a wonderful thing and I hope that people choose to follow suit. The inspiration behind this establishment is wonderful, and their intentions to bring sober and mentally helpful cocktails to San Diego is beautiful. I highly recommend looking them up, reading what they're about on their website and giving them a visit. They have a wide variety of adaptogenic cocktails, CBD cocktails, and standard non-alcoholic cocktails that are still quite imaginative. There are also open during the day with entirely different menus etc. I still have not managed to make it down from Encinitas to go there in the morning but we plan to. We have been several times at night at it is one of our favorite hangouts. Being able to go to a bar without drunk people stumbling around making lots of noise and messes is a wonderful thing. As someone who got sober myself a little while back, it is utterly refreshing to see other people dedicated to having you sober evening.“

“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 ?“

“Gorgeous view and atmosphere“

“Great Brunch and John is an amazing bartender.“

“Acqua Farina was amazing! Delicious food, a very special vinegar, incredible pasta and sauce, and wonderful fresh bread. The atmosphere, music, and friendly staff made it even better. Roberto, Cristiano, and Anel were the best servers ever—so attentive and helpful, and they made our first visit truly special. We loved the place and can’t wait to come back!“

“Great vibes awesome food and the service was 👍🏼“

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

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

“Yesterday my friends and I went to your restaurant. I tried brioche French toast (banana foster 🍌 with strawberries 🍓 and whipped cream). WOW 😲! It was very delicious 😋, well-flavored, light, spongy, melt in your mouth, irresistible 😁, and heavenly 😇. I loved it 🥰. And sugar free vanilla latte, very good 😊 and comforting ☺️. Your restaurant is amazing 🤩 and peaceful. You have a great service 😃. Your employer is kind and courteous. I hope you in other occasion.“

“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!“

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

“Came here from Sacramento to visit and glad this was my first experience in SD's gayborhood! My bartender, Melissa, was super attentive and fun to talk to and so were the people nearby. Was fun connecting with strangers. I had a Hemingway Daquiri to drink and a grilled cheese, fries, and onion rings to eat, all of which were delicious. Love the vintage-y aesthetic, had a homey vibe to it.“

“As someone who occasionally visits this bar, I'll say my opinion matters far more than the other reviews... ha.. They get 5 star for food because you can bring your own. 5 star for service because they can make you feel like family,,,, they go out of their way to serve a drink exactly the way you like it. They won't put up with rude but reward kindness.. 5 stars for atmosphere. It's a lively mix of regulars and first time guests, where anyone is welcome. The vibe is have fun, be social, respectful, go with the flow and you may make a friend or two. The pool tables are my favorite part, great starter pool bar to learn with dedicated amateurs if you interested in joining a league, ask some of them.. 5/5 stars for this place.“

“Made a work trip & birthday alone - amazing🤍Thank you! And food/drinks bomb!“

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