50 Best Bars in San Diego

“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 🥃“

“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.“

“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“

“Great food, service, atmosphere, and view.“

“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.“

“Yes, if you say no, you’re wrong.“

“Fabulous oysters! Definitely worth the wait!“

“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.“

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

“Our group of 9 all enjoyed our visits to Single Fin while we were in town. They have a good selection of signature cocktails. Everyone in our group found something they enjoyed. We also enjoyed our food so much our first visit, we made it a point to go back a second time. Teddy was wonderful and provided great service, laughs, and advice of things to check out while we’re in town. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who enjoys delicious and flavorful food and a relaxed atmosphere!“

“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!“

“Best dive bar in San Diego“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“A Hidden Gem in an Office Park: A Night at The WineSeller & Brasserie You wouldn’t expect to find a culinary treasure tucked away in an office park, but The WineSeller defies all expectations. Downstairs, it’s a literal wine cellar where patrons can store their own bottles. Upstairs, you step into a dining room that feels like a delightful throwback to the ‘90s—nostalgic in the best possible way. What made our experience truly exceptional was the personalized seven-course tasting menu. Our friend had a collection of his own wines stored there and gave them to Lisa, the warm and welcoming owner. She and Chef Oscar then crafted a menu specifically to pair with those wines. The result was simply unforgettable. Every course was amazing, but a couple stood out as pure genius. One highlight was a half lobster served two ways: one side topped with beef tartare, the other with lobster tartare. As someone who loves tasting menus, I was blown away by the creativity. Another standout was the clams with chorizo in a broth that was just out of this world. And who knew chicken could be so extraordinary? The chicken roulade was unbelievably tender and flavorful. Finally, the venison with mole sauce was cooked to absolute perfection and left us all speechless. Chef Oscar’s talent and humility shone through each dish, and Lisa’s hospitality made the night even more special. While we didn’t try the regular menu, I have no doubt it’s just as delightful. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a personal touch, The WineSeller is a must-visit.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Sensational on all fronts.“

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

“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. 🖤“

“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!“

“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!“

“Literally one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever had. They delivered 25 min after my order was placed. Fries were still crispy!!! Very delicious.“

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

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

“Super fun place to celebrate anything!“

“I’ve traveled all over the country and Bar Ella is far and above my favorite place to relax. The food, the atmosphere, the staff… all top notch and made the evening quite memorable. Congrats on your Grand Opening!! 🥂“