50 Best Bars near Lemon Grove

“I love coming to Grover's Tavern to grab an Ice cold $10 mini pitcher of space dust or modelo, when the beautiful bartender Ruby is working.On Friday Night's & Sunday afternoon's She is a whole vibe. Her happy, positive energy is contagious & unforgettable. What a wonderful time it is when Ruby is serving her specialty drinks while providing amazing spectacular hospitality. She is pure Gold. Ruby Keep shining bright like a diamond ?“

“I Came Here For Fundraiser Benefit For My Family Member Gabe Garza. We Appreciate The Love And Kindness From This Awesome Little Bar In Lemon Grove. I Definitely Can See Why Gabe Loved This Joint. Oh Yeah The Bar Tenders Are Hard Working & Very Kind. I Seriously Like How You Feel Welcomed Her. I Definitely Recommend This Place.“

“Was ORIGINALLY disappointed because they didn't serve liquor. HOWEVER, they do have wine and 'sporty bombs', which were actually pretty tasty (shot of sake and cider). Otherwise, have domestics on draft plus a few IPA varieties (Elysian 'Spacedust' and Sculpin in bottle). The two pool tables are clean ($.75/game) and even. Although the place puts 'dive' in dive bar, the atmosphere was pretty cool! Good conversation with the other patrons there and the jukebox selection was a good variety. Look... it is not your typical downtown or PB location, but since I only live“

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

“In town for the weekend and came across this speakeasy! Love that it was a true speakeasy with a hidden entrance. The hostess was super friendly and was able to seat us at the bar within just a few minutes (we didn’t have a reservation). It was a little snug and it took one of the two bartenders some time to acknowledge us and take our orders both times so I’m giving 4 out of 5 stars for these reasons. The hostess really set the bar because she was so nice but the bartenders were just too busy. However the drinks were worth the wait! Great price point and even better taste. We got the pandan and banana cocktails. Will definitely visit when in town and try the food next time, plus more yummy drinks!“

“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.“

“If an Old Fashioned had a younger cousin who ditched the cigar lounge, took a red-eye to the tropics, and came back wearing linen with a little attitude Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is where you’d meet them.

You walk in and the place is doing that effortless “vacation brain” thing: light, airy, calm—but not sleepy. It’s the kind of room that makes your shoulders drop an inch without asking permission. And then the live music hits and suddenly it’s not just “nice,” it’s a whole vibe—that rare sweet spot where you can actually talk, actually listen, and still feel like you’re somewhere worth putting your phone down for.

Now, the bar program here doesn’t feel like it’s chasing trends. It feels like it’s chasing precision. That became obvious the moment I came across Hells Kitchen an Top chef award winning Chef Lawless and yeah, the demeanor was strict. Not rude. Not performative. Just the posture of someone who doesn’t do “close enough.” The energy was: I will tolerate nothing that comes between me and a drink done right. Which, honestly? Respect.

What came out of that seriousness was a cocktail that didn’t have a name at first because some drinks aren’t born with names, they’re born with purpose. It landed somewhere between a mimosa’s bright optimism and bourbon’s grown-up gravity. Citrus forward. A whisper of sweetness. A snap of carbonation that makes the whole thing feel lifted like it’s floating a half inch above the glass. Refreshing. Light. But still with teeth.

I kept trying to pin it down Is this a hazy IPA situation? A beer cocktail? Some clever riff? and the answer was better than any category: it was the perfect collision of beer and Old Fashioned logic, like someone took the blueprint of a classic, opened a window, and let the air in. It tasted like “citrus dream meets Old Fashioned concept,” and the insane part is it didn’t feel like a gimmick. It felt inevitable like a cocktail that should’ve existed all along.

Then came the moment every good bar needs: the naming ceremony. Ask enough questions, show enough genuine curiosity, and you get let in on the lore. That drink? That little bright, fierce, carbonated flex? That was the Lauren Special confirmed with the calm confidence of someone who knows they just made something you’re going to talk about later.

And that’s the thing about Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar: it’s relaxed without being lazy. Polished without being precious. It can sit in the Fashion Valley orbit without feeling like it’s trying to impress Fashion Valley. It’s paradise, but with standards. A place where you can unwind and still be surprised.

If you go, don’t overthink it. Get the drink that tastes like sunshine grew up and learned how to fight. And if Chef Lawless is behind the bar, trust the process. She’s not there to make you a cocktail.

She’s there to make you the cocktail.“

“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.“

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

“Hated that my friend who was over fifty was refused to be served bec she forgot her ID. Really guys. I get the need to card ppl but at some point it is more flattering then necessary.“

“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.“

“The bouncer here was so kind and friendly, he made *my night after the bouncer down at seven grand was pretty rude to me (and I wound up having to pry my id out of his hands after telling him I wouldn’t be coming in- based on How he was treating me over there). I had let my date know I wouldn’t be going in to the first place and said I understood if he didn’t want to go elsewhere, but he came out and we walked down to this bar instead…here, the bouncer had a whole different vibe: he was attentive and watching who was coming in, but he was warm & welcoming. I got an apple martini (yes, I’m a little older but it’s a great drink) and it was so incredibly good and well made. I felt so calm and relaxed in this atmosphere- the bar tender was also very chill and polite. I drove from pretty far but I would definitely come here again. Thank you so much for making my night better after the other bouncer was so rude. Not the best date ever but the drink was amazing
**I live pretty far but plan to come back soon based on how welcoming the employees were and how good the drink was..the bar tender literally made it perfect“

“Great all around dining experience.“

“Cocktails are great and the kale salad cannot be missed. I've just found on the last few visits the pizzas and patas are very tired though and haven't been changed in so long. Menu needs a little liven up. Wine by the ounce is so good though!“

“My husband was in a business dinner and they walked some of gaslamp afterwards. After they parted ways, he needed to use the bathroom so he ran in the closest restaurant. They said he couldn't use it unless he was a customer. I totally get that but they were packed out so it made no sense.... Either way, he bought a chicken quesadilla to go. He brought it back to the room for me and our sons to have. It tasted good...until my youngest son spit out a piece of plastic he found inside the quesadilla. My Husband called about it the next day bc they were then closed. Their response was "oops sorry" like wth?! They then said "bring it back along with the plastic." No mention of a refund or investigation of how it happened. And by that point, room service had come and took the box of the rest of the food plus no one wanted to fight downtown traffic and pay to park to have them possibly offer us another quesadilla . 🙄 Again the food we did eat, minus the plastic, was good but the service wasn't.“

“One of my favorite bars in the city! Great cigars, deals on drinks, and a vibe that’s always chill but never boring. Staff makes you feel at home every time. I even love bringing in my board games here it’s the perfect spot to relax, hang with friends, and just enjoy the night. Easily one of my favorite bars in the city.“

“All good dudes hang out at Clem’s.“

“Excellent food and very good service. Everything was delicious and the portions were huge. It was expensive for breakfast, but great for a special occasion.“

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

“Everything about Fernside is great!“

“Best Sports bar in North Park! Food is fabulous, great drink selection, and they show soccer women’s soccer (with sound!!!)“

“We wandered into Coin Haus during the Oktoberfest and were thrilled we did so. It has a great business model where you fill your own cups. Since I really enjoy the variety of different drinks this was exactly what I wanted but didn’t know existed. I spent probably 30 minutes working my way around the different beverages. Plus there are super fun arcade games on the perimeter that use the same payment system, so it’s a one stop shop.

Big fan and I can’t wait to come back in a bit to try their new seasonal flavors.“

“the food and service here are great! i love the location and design of the restaurant, and was super excited to try out some new vegan food. they have a very solid menu selection, and i like how many protein options they have. i tried the nachos and the taco platter, which were both delicious! the vegan proteins are very well made, and i thought that the sauces and flavor combinations were very well thought out. personally, my favorite taco that i tried was the plantain taco as it was unique in terms of flavor profile. the guac is also made fresh here and was quite tasty. the food also came out really fast given that there were quite a few people ordering and eating in the restaurant. it was a little bit loud inside the restaurant, but it wasn't crazy or anything. overall, i would definitely recommend tacotarian for some quick service and delicious tacos!“

“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.“

“Phenomenal food! Great atmosphere, kid friendly!“

“Favorite college neighborhood bar. Their natural wine selection is always on point as well as their beer selection. Food is delicious. I love that they always have seasonal menu items depending on what’s in season. Pool is free, AC kicks butt, and they have a great outdoor space if you ever did have a larger group. Dogs are also allowed which is nice if we ever wanna bring our pup.“

“What a great place!! We stumbled across this place when we were out to dinner. The staff is friendly and kind. The owner Deano does all the work with the awesome bands they host on the weekends. From Country to hard rock. We haven’t heard one band we haven’t loved. If your looking for a great bar with great music this is the place. Everyone is welcome in this bar. Great atmosphere and you can even order food and eat while while you listen to fantastic music or play pool and watch sports. This is a true fabulous neighborhood bar. Come And enjoy. Char and Mark Handy“

“The beers were good and the atmosphere was also excellent. There was a private event in the 'dance hall' so can't comment on that but those folks seemed to be having a good time.
The food options were good. I had the loaded nachos with BBQ pulled chicken. Pretty good.
I'd go again.“

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

“Music 4-5 nights a week!“

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

“I over the drinks, ambiance and location/space. I’ll return again soon.“

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

“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 👏🏻“

“The food and service is magnificent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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!“

“Super fun place to celebrate anything!“

“🙂👍 Rachel does a great job!“

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

“I honestly love coming to this bar — it’s hands down my favorite spot. It’s one of those places where you walk in and instantly feel at home. The atmosphere is always on point, the drinks are great (they make the best tequila mule 👌), and the kitchen never disappoints. Whether it’s a quick bite or a full meal, the food is always solid and hits the spot.
Big love to Amy, Rob, Dylan, Dani, Dobbs, Elise, Elisa, Erica, Dave, and James — you guys are the reason I keep coming back. The laughs, the chats, and the way you remember people and make everyone feel welcome really means a lot. It never feels like “just a bar,” it feels like my bar.
Appreciate all of you (and the awesome kitchen team!) for always making it such a good time. See you again soon 🍻“

“Casual, fun, good music, cool workers.“

“Fantastic Ramen. It's a must!!“

“great Club to play music at. Friendly staff and patronage“

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

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

“Great beer selection awesome vibes and great service“

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

“good place to eat and relax“

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

“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.“