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!!!💕“

“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.“

“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 ?“

“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😀“

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

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

“Sensational gem , we will return soon! Stylistically Japanese interior, comfy seating, noise level perfect that you can hear each other speak. Mature crowd and accommodating hosts. Loved the croquettes and hoping to see at least one other veggie item added to the menu. White Lover was my favorite cocktail 🤩 Kanpai 🥃“

“Great all around dining experience.“

“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.“

“A San Diego landmark. Used to frequent this classic dive bar and whiskey emporium up until about 10 years ago when I moved. They’ve spent some money and updated it and it’s all for the better. Ashley helped me and was a pleasure. It’s a true gem. A must hit spot and close to parking and the airport.“

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

“The variety and quality of the tacos was so unexpected and delicious! As a vegan when I try a new place I prepare myself to be disappointed. Not at Tacotarian! We tried four different tacos, the Carne Asada, the Al Pastor, the Gabacho and the Baja. Each one was incredible! I loved the Baja best. The fried avocado and sauce were sublime. The salsas were very tasty. We had margaritas also tasty and yes they contained tequila! Then we had dessert, the coconut cake and in the words of my boyfriend, “very yummy!”“

“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.“

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

“This venue is beautiful 😍“

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

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

“Fabulous oysters! Definitely worth the wait!“

“Yes, if you say no, you’re wrong.“

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

“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.“

“Everything, from the communication leading up to our visit, to the elegant service, delicious food (even with an electrical problem in the kitchen causing a limited selection - so well handled we hardly noticed!), to the buzzing ambience, to the superb setting and decor - all came together in a perfectly beautiful evening. We will be back very soon and look forward to it!!!“

“All good dudes hang out at Clem’s.“

“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 👏🏻“

“Phenomenal food! Great atmosphere, kid friendly!“

“Everything about Fernside is great!“

“Really enjoyed our first visit to Parkhouse. Definitely coming back. Food and drinks were delicious. The service was exceptional“

“Retro arcade conveniently located in La Mesa. Don't drink so can't speak to the beer selection but they have a wife variety of taps. If theres a beeryou wanted to try this is a phenomenal opportunity. Played for about 45 min, 2 ppl cost $27 incl good tip. Sundays are free play all day. I'll be back“

“Best dive bar in San Diego“

“Great spot! The service was fast, the staff was super friendly, and the tacos were absolutely delicious. They also have a great selection of cocktails. Everything we tried was fresh and flavorful, and the atmosphere made the whole experience even better. Definitely a place I’d come back to!“

“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.“

“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.“

“A fun place to visit before Padres games, or if you're interested in visiting a local distillery. Storyhouse distills Boubon, Rye,
Vodca, & Tequila, and mixes numerous drinks at the bar. We also had Blackened Fish Tacos & Wings which were good. They do have a decent menu which includes burgers, fries, pizza, etc. Recommended.“

“Music 4-5 nights a week!“

“10/10 service, food, and drinks. Very dog friendly and the food is fantastic. The staff offered our dog a free pup cup (basically a whipped cream ice cream cone). Service was fast and drinks are tasty and fun. Feels like a bar for millennials by millennials. Great happy hour deals too! (They have a girl dinner in their happy hour menu)“

“🙂👍 Rachel does a great job!“

“I attended Juniper & Ivy for a small post-wedding reception. The space was nice and sectioned off from the rest of the restaurant, although it was loud at times because it’s separated by a curtain. It did still feel private, which was great. Although I was the photographer at this wedding, the staff was still super nice and was able to get me a vegetarian meal. They also let the couple bring in their own cakes, which was great! I’d recommend this spot for a smaller reception for sure.“

“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.“

“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!“

“The Last Meal of the San Diego Stay at My Favorite Dinner Spot. Its Downtown Little Italy. Great 10/10 Service. Bar Staff Outstanding. Overall Service. DESTINATION SPOT.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Sensational on all fronts.“

“where do I even begin my experience was STUPENDOUS?! Thank you to the honorable mc and host who is a pillar in the representation of the LGBTQ+ community recognized by the city of San Diego for their philanthropy and activism I only found out after the show when I searched for a proper way to tag @ParisSukomiMax and that would be. . . #ParisIsMyHomegirl . she really is! she handled 👏 every guest with hilarity and grace!!! the outfits were 😍🤩 the numbers were PHENOMENAL ORIGINAL and beyond the entertainment I deserve at 1030am over brunch 😍. . I wish this fabulous team of entertainers the very best of clientele guests and fellow performers. . Thank you for having us 🙏 ❤️ ABSOLUTELY returning! . . We stay good in every hood and you should too regulators mount up support the arts and advocate for allyship 🏳️‍🌈 always, lest we forget. 🖤“

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

“Went for the first time to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday and it was a great experience! The cocktails made by Sam were top tier. My boyfriend and I love Negronis and Sam made the most elevated and fresh version of a Negroni we’ve ever had. Definitely made his birthday extra special with that drink. Overall, the place is uniquely decorated, quaint, and vibey — worth the visit. My favorite drink was the Celtic Knot although all the drinks there are excellent!“

“The skirt steak will make you cry. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Blarney Stone Pub delivers an exceptional experience from start to finish. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between lively and cozy, making it a great spot whether you're out with friends or just unwinding after a long day. The staff are genuinely welcoming and attentive, creating a friendly vibe that makes you feel right at home.

The food is outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Pair that with a great selection of drinks, and you’ve got everything you need for a fantastic night out. Service is quick without feeling rushed, and the overall energy of the place keeps you coming back for more.

If you're looking for a place with great food, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Blarney Stone Pub is hard to beat. Highly recommended!“

“So good! I visited solo on a Friday night and was immediately seated at the bar. Went for the tasting menu which was a very healthy amount of food - 7 small dishes total, served in 4 courses. Everything down to the salad was amazing, and the main course included an excellent grilled swordfish and maybe the best patatas bravas I've ever had.

Service was excellent, started out with a cocktail and moved on to a really nice vinho verde to pair with the main course. All in all one of the highlights of my time in San Diego - would absolutely return if I'm ever back in town!“

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