50 Best Bars near National City

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

“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 ?“

“Craft beer places are a dime a dozen in SD, but I knew after one visit that Machete is easily going to become a favorite water hole to visit when I am in the mood for a good variety of craft beer. They have a bunch of different styles, and a selection of beers from breweries that I either haven't heard of or never tasted before. Love that. It gets boring seeing the same 3-4 breweries at every place that offers craft beer in SD.Vibe is super chill, casual and divey.Staff here is really nice. I didn't get his name, but he let me try a few different beers and gave great recommendations based on the styles I like.No food here, but the Papi’s Teppanyaki food truck is here from time to time. Check their IG for their schedule. Not sure if there are ever other options since I only recently found out about this place.Cheers!Edit: I came back a second time and the super cool bartender's name is Jett. If you come in on a day he's manning the bar, you're in great hands. :)

Kid-friendliness: There was a young family here with a stroller, but it wouldn't be my first choice for places to visit with kids.“

“Used to go there after work at. USN. back in 1982-3. They had excellent chili and a great cheeseburger. I think it only cost a buck at the time😀“

“The dj knew exactly how to keep the crowd going. The drinks were amazing. A place that stays open much later the the normal 2am close time like others. People were friendly and willing to mingle. Even had a few games for people that were just there to enjoy the atmosphere“

“Great hidden gem in the heart of National City’s Market on 8th food hall!Excellent craft beer tap list goes along perfectly with the vast food options available in this open air food hall.Bar staff was very knowledgeable about craft beer and made some great recommendations.Came on a nearly 100 degree San Diego day and couldn’t even tell it was hot out with all the windows open & the cool ocean breeze blowing through.Highly recommend grabbing a beer here whenever you can“

“Food was delicious, service was great, place is clean. I will be back for more😋😋😋“

“Beautiful!! A wonderful entrance through a Japanese bakery (which is also delicious) and into one of the most calming yet energetic bars I’ve been to. There’s a bamboo garden alongside high quality cocktails and really yummy food. Will become a repeat customer!!“

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

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

“One of my favorite bars in San Diego! They’ve got pretty much any whiskey you can think of, and the staff makes you feel right at home. Special shoutout to Lee — hands down one of the best bartenders in town.

There’s a fun arcade room, pool tables, and a laid-back outdoor patio with a local food truck. And I almost forgot — they have free popcorn! Solid vibes all around.“

“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.“

“Best burger ever. Juicy and perfect, don’t mess with it. Thick slice of tomato and onion lettuce mayo and sesame bun. It’s awesome!!!“

“Love the vibe. Ality is super welcoming and kind. The way she designed the place is amazing and cozy / intimate and engaging. Loved the in the woods mocktail and love the NA beer options. So glad they are here and a perfect place for me and my sober girls to meet up to catch up and play some card games.“

“I had an early dinner with my partner. We had a reserved table on the patio and the weather was perfect. We were warmly greeted by all the staff and made to feel welcome. 0ur waitress/server was so nice and made our evening so special. Several of the staff checked in on as as well and had pleasant conversations. The food/drinks were delicious and very prompt. It was so good we ordered a second serving! The prices were modest and we felt really good about our evening out. I recommend Happy Medium and will be a repeat customer.“

“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.“

“You can't call it a dive bar when they have $300 bourbons on the shelf! Erin is great. We went there twice and will probably go back again later. And there are pinball machines and a pool table and other arcade games. Fun place.“

“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.“

“Love the food joint that’s been added to this bar. Amazing food and people!“

“Great music! Fun space! Friendly staff. I would love to hang out here again.“

“It was a cool way to enter a speakeasy. The drinks took a while to come out. Not crazy long though. But the drinks in quality were pretty basic. Most whiskey based drinks tasted like a regular old fashioned.

Update: Decided to try this place again and it was a good experience. Staff were friendly and attentive. My drink was delicious.“

“Phenomenal food! Great atmosphere, kid friendly!“

“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!“

“Great all around dining experience.“

“All good dudes hang out at Clem’s.“

“It was my first time visiting Coin Haus, and I had an amazing time. The atmosphere was fun and full of good vibes. Jose, one of the staff members, was fantastic—he took the time to explain how everything worked and was super friendly throughout our visit, which made the experience even better. I will definitely be coming back, and I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a great time with a welcoming atmosphere!“

“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.“

“Every time I come in here, I wonder why I don't come more often. (Possibly the atmosphere, it's clean but not the coziest. No music or TV, not much to look at.) But the food, wow! I always get three different tacos, they're all loaded with such amazing flavors and textures. The fresh salsas are also spectacular. I need to start making this a weekly visit.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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 Whiskey house isn’t just for whiskey! We enjoyed a great brunch outdoors. The cinnamon pancakes are to die for! Great service from Jackie!“

“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“

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

“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!“

“They usually have good bands and a dear friend of mine does kareoke there and you meet a lot of nice people there and friends that you know and street tacos are great. The bartenders are all great. Service sometimes is slow but they pack house on werkends so get there early to get a seat i have recommened to get one more bartender on busy nights.“

“Everything about Fernside is great!“

“Good restaurant, delicious food. I recommend everyone to try it“

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

“There’s no losing in Dice - you can only win: win with free drink or win by buying drinks for your friends. Best to get the “read ahead” on rules from Naval Aviator before “winning” and buying entire round a shout(round).“

“🙂👍 Manny's an awesome bartender!“

“Excellent drinks.. beautiful view…come on down!!“

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

“the best brewery in the south bay!!! live bands and DJ are epic, you can chill or dance the night away! great options for beers and ciders!

Vegetarian options: ciders available for those who don't drink beer! like me, im vegetarian ✨️“

“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.“

“Bartenders were great and friendly! Fun place to watch games! Love my girl Jordan!“

“Loved the space, the sound, and the people's energy. I look forward to djing and performing there again.“

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

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