50 Best Dive Bars near National City

“Great local vibe. Competent staff...friendly. Wings and Philly quesadilla were wow. I needed a chill night on my travels and they delivered Cool dive bar experience.“

“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😀“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“The Casbah is a great venue. It is small, so you are close to the bands. A great place to see a concert and they have a wide range of acts come through.

The location is a little odd, but there is plenty of parking around it, a lot of it free.“

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

“Great local hangout!!! Great food!!!“

“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.“

“My absolute favorite place“

“Definitely not a place that gets going all night like a club would but a very cool and quaint spot to grab a drink with a group friends. Pool tables and a variety of drinks on tap. Bartenders are receptive as well. Juke Box is a plus to play music of one’s choice.It’s honestly kind of it’s own place in the middle of everything, but wouldn’t mind staying here for a night and drink the night away. The Elwood is nearby too.“

“good place to eat and relax“

“I came here after work on a Friday night. It just so happen to be a Padres vs Dodgers game and this place was packed! I mean, for your regular local bar... it was poppin'!
Everyone had a good, positive vibe watching the game regardless of the rivalry (there was a mix of both fans here) they didn't have the jukebox playing, so it was strictly game time vibes!
But as soon as the game ended, Jaqui, the bartender at the time, turned the music UP!
Jaqui was the ONLY bartender serving the patrons all night! She not only was running around like crazy but she kept such an inviting, friendly smile the whole time! She made sure to keep a conversation going with her guests as well.
While I was here, I didn't hear of any complaints about the service. Jaqui made sure my refreshments 😜 were always full as well. She's by far the best I've seen yet!!
Overall, it's a cool bar to chill at during baseball games or even to have a night cap after work! & with Jaqui as your bartender, you'll leave here on a positive note and I bet you'll be back 😋😉“

“Great beer selection awesome vibes and great service“

“great service.....small crowds. the best part is that they have a fuzzball table. whatever you do, do not do not play against Ms. Tracy Osborn. The women will take your soul! great bar“

“Dive bar vibes, but good and very affordable non-blended cocktails. The bartender ladies are always AWESOME! Major props to them. They all work so hard. I’ve probably ordered from at least four of them and they’re all wonderful and attentive.“

“Great neighborhood bar. I've gone there off and on for 30 years. One pool table. Touch Tunes jukebox, smoking area. Close to restaurants. Only packaged snacks are available. Affordable prices. An intimate and friendly atmosphere. This is a gay bar and welcoming to respectful non-gay clientele as well.“

“Didn't eat so hard to rate but anywhere willing to have a kitchen behind the bar has gotta be pretty cool .
Drinks wre amazing. Duno what brand of champagne they had but it was the BEST champagne I've EVER had.
10/10“

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

“Great staff, great food.... one if San Diegos hidden gems!!“

“Best dive bar in San Diego“

“Great little tavern in South Park. Nice area, amazing old school vibe. Friendly staff, reasonable drink prices. Good music!“

“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 ?“

“GR8 service, friendly atmosphere, cold drinks and Happy customers.“

“First time back in 19 years to what used to be our Tuesday date night spot. Still a great bar.“

“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“

“THANK YOU CINDY ❤️I won $466 in my first try gambling. Good luck to anyone returning or first visiting. I passed by here while getting my cars windows tinted and I would never regret the comfy environment they introduced me in.Served the special they had on the board and beers I was happy with entering and leaving.The taco shop next door served me rolled tacos fast so If your hungry that’s ++Chill served liquor is available. Games like Pool and table tennis or ping pong are at the ready with regulars. A lot of hugs I notice.Small but cozy with food on the side ~Zen“

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

“I love their chicken wings mostly, with buffalo sauce. Other recommendations include their mac n cheese, chicken alfredo, and loaded fries.“

“Depending on the day you will see some seedy characters. People of the streets often frequent this bar. But it is a neighborhood bar and the drinks are inexpensive and have a decent amount of alcohol in them. It is worth it to stop by and have a drink or two after a hard day.“

“This place is like Cheers. So many fun games to play as well“

“Had a lot of fun. Highly recommended“

“I’m A wonderful place to go. Although I’ve had some experiences with An ex partner who to belittled me and said bad things about me to the ownership. Now I have been a constant customer for the last 10 years. I have done nothing but promote attract customers. Basically an ambassador. However, I was 86 because my ex cast dispersions upon me.And the people that were my friends. Took their back to me. I will not go back as of soon. But once MANAGEMENT and myself clear this up I’m sure that it will be my home bar again. But do enjoy this establishment.!!!“

“Cool fun little quaint corner bar in the central normal heights section. Bartenders are receptive and friendly. Lively crowd and there are occasions where they host a DJ which is always fun. Located within a block radius of other bars nearby so a perfect spot to start or end a bar crawl with friends.“

“Lived in San Diego for decades. Rarely went out but always passed Chicos. Finally went there. Just found a neighborhood watering hole. Met a nice regular, a chef from the Grant. Bartender was great. Using the website, he made the unique frappe I asked for. Next it was beer for me. The selection was good and prices more than competitive. There are several pool tables and the Padre game was on the biggest screen. We'll be going back.“

“Great dive bar, easy access off and on the freeway and a great oasis on the way to magnolia to see a concert Friendly staff as well as the patrons“

“I’ve been literally obsessed with this place for the longest time. However, it’s EMBARRASSING that their playlist is repeating itself every hour-ish! Seriously!? Their busiest day!? The music was so much better when there was a DJ. He was really good. Bottomline is: if you’re going to save money, at least make a proper playing to avoid embarrassment. 😘“

“I had long time that I didn't really like going out until I came across this place it's very welcoming and the vibes are great I also feel taken care by the bartenders nino and nena are great and friendly. I just love how comfortable and safe I feel there 😊“

“"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.“

“Love the 80s night and the live music“

“Its a fun little place to go to before Padre games .. Dorothy ( I think thats her name ) is an AWESOME bartender.. The guy on the grill was funny too .. he can grill a burger 🍔 thats for sure !!“

“Nunu's is incredible. Lighting, atmosphere, and, as if this wasn't enough, the food is absolutely remarkable!

The chef is clearly in love with taste and takes his craft very seriously. Please retain this man at all cost.“

“I go in before my bike ride around Coronado on Sunday mornings. I get the .25 coffee and a $5.00 Bloody Mary on the way back. The morning bar tender always has a wonderful attitude and does an awesome job. Great atmosphere and good people.“

“Love Jaime and the chill environment“

“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.“

“I love it here and love the bartender Jess and Bernie and the djs“

“Great staff, great atmosphere, great karaoke!“

“Great bar“

“The Catalina Lounge has been our "football hang-out" for the last few weeks and we've had a BLAST. Speaking of Blast-From-The-Past" we found two of our favorite bartenders here Brie and Brandon working the football crowd. It was refreshing to see that they remember all of us as soon as we walked in (by name!!!!) and what was also awesome they remembered what we drank, talk about those two making us feeling special. The ambiance on Sunday's is football, football, fun, and good times. During half time my husband and his friend like to play pool and additionally they put out some good eats (for FREEEEEEEEEEE) - yesterday it was nachos, 7 layer dip, juicy full size hot dogs (not the cheapies) and some yummy cookies and cakes. I don't know any other bar that goes that far. If you enjoy your SunFunDays watching games with friends (or by yourself, people are extra friendly there) having a ice cold beverage of choice and a GREAT time head on over.....Thanks AGAIN Brie and Brandon- you gave 10 PLUS service yesterday, see you NEXT Sunday!“

“Been a hot minute since going … but from last visit:

Mixed feelings. Went on a very busy pride night. If you've been to a leather bar before, you know the drill.

**Please do not be that friend who brings your sassy girlfriends to what is considered a “men’s” leather bar.**

Very small location. But there is a dark room. Just very very compact!“