50 Best Cocktail Bars near Lemon Grove

“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.“

“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.“

“Strongly recommend as best bar in SD right now. Navigating requires going thru 1st restaurant to beer keg door, and no menu so expect a bartender conversation to customize what you get.

Great experience and(relatively speaking) great value“

“The food was just okay, but the cocktails were absolutely fantastic. Every single one we tried was a true work of art! I was especially impressed by the non-alcoholic option — I honestly didn’t expect it to be so flavorful and unique. Highly recommended for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol — you won’t feel like you’re missing out at all!“

“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.“

“Always an amazing experience at Animae!“

“Great music with Whitney Shay“

“Very intimate and romantic setting and great drinks.“

“🙂👍 Manny's an awesome bartender!“

“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 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.“

“Go the Duck Tacos and checkout the voodoo/ black magic background“

“Love going there for their happy hour. All the people that work there are very friendly and make excellent cocktails. They also have some good local beer and the food is very tasty and reasonably priced. I also like the atmosphere. Very laid back and always playing good music. I recommend it. Their happy hour is every day from 3-5.“

“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!“

“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 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 ?“

“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!!!!!!“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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“

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

“Delicious Happy Hour today at Bar by Red Door!! �“

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

“"Hi Barbie!"
"Hi Ken!"
Team Barbie and I rolled in Coronado's sole dive bar around 9:30am on Thursday, July 4th. A little preparty before marching in the famous Coronado 4th of July Parade. Interior is from the 1980s or 70s...but still clean, dark, faded red carpet, vintage wood panel walls, beer decor, a single pool table in the back, an older, friendly and gentlemanly bartender, and a clientele that was 90% men at this early hour.

Three craft lager beers and a generous mimosa was $29, which I thought was very reasonable in an expensive, ritzy, and yuppy filled city like Coronado.“

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

“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“

“Lovely staff and delicious food“

“Service and ambiance, exceptional service and night life… live dj, good musical and still able to have conversation“

“I first started going to Nunu's in 2000, way before it became hip. On a recent trip there, I was happy to see that it still has a fair amount of seediness, although I prefer my seedy bars to be more dimly lit! Btw, what happens at Nunu's, stays at Nunu's!!!“

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

“Great staff, great atmosphere, great karaoke!“

“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!“

“Fabulous food served in a no-frills, casual atmosphere. The service was excellent and Chef Luciano Cibelli comes out of the kitchen and checks with every table to see how diners are doing. Great place to celebrate a special occasion. We enjoyed the seafood fettucini, chicken parmesian, and the catch of the day, which was sea bass on a bed of roasted vegetables, with beet purée and a delicious beurre blanc. Delish!“

“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.“

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

“Gorgeous view and atmosphere“

“Great bar“

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

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

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

“Love the music, dancing, DJ, Open Space in the back and the Pool Table.“

“Great karaoke! Friendly staff!“

“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!“

“Best hole in the wall (in the most respectful way) just great service, atmosphere, and people. That’s all you need. No frills no extras. Great spaghetti on Thursday and karaoke with the locals. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink and enjoy a moment of your life just come here. No judgements just drinks and drunks. Tip your bartenders always! Shout out Britney (my apologies on spelling) just always kicking ass at her job!“

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

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

“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 🤤“

“JUST WANNA TAKE THE TIME TO SHARE SOME WORDS ABOUT FERCHALADAS AND MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE OWNER, 1. THE FOOD IS AMAZING! 2. IT'S THE PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR MARISCOS CRAVING AND TO KICK BACK AND HAVE A COLD ONE! 3. THE OWNER AND HIS FAMILY MET ME WITH OPEN ARMS AND FED ME WHEN I NEEDED IT THE MOST! FOR THAT I SAY THANK YOU. I PRAY YOU GUYS CONTINUE TO PROSPER AND GROW. - WAVY 🌊“