44 Best Dive Bars in San Diego

“No issues, and the bartender was very kind and respectful. They we playing bingo. I went to support a friend in his pool league.

Drinks are readonably priced. Staff was great. If you're looking for a mellow, inexpensive night out, this is a great place!

There were a couple of issues with the patrons being rowdy. I would assume this is not normal, but something to note.“

“If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re desperately hunting for a place that lives up to (or outlives) what you thought was your old favorite spot. We’ve done the rounds. Everywhere. And nothing touches this scene.

Great drinks. Even better people. The kind of place where you walk in for “just one” and somehow look up three hours later wondering how you got so comfortable, so fast.

Whether it’s your first stop of the night or your last, you’ll spend the entire time grinning like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be and nowhere you’re supposed to be.

Pro tip: mention the name Lee at the door for free popcorn all night.
(Okay, fine. The popcorn’s already free. But now you’ve got an excuse to say Lee’s name with confidence.)

Get yourselves down here and plug into the energy. We’re officially hooked.

See you at Aero Club.“

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

“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...“

“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.“

“Come for the beer, booze, burger, and Bonnie the Bartender! Bonnie is the best! (Say that 5 times fast)

Me: got any specials?
Bonnie: everything is special here. We are the cheapest bar in town. What’s your favorite flavor?
Me: whiskey
Bonnie: (laughs) I got you. Just trust me.

And she was right! Even my partner got one in the next round. she took great care of me and the crew.“

“My absolute favorite place“

“I stepped in here looking for a friend, and the place was packed. It was loud and there was a happy vibe. Lots of folks having a good time and more people showing up as I left. I've never been here before, but the crowd suggests they're doing something well.“

“Best dive bar in San Diego“

“Great beer selection awesome vibes and great service“

“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 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.“

“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!!“

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

“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“

“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“

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

“best ol school bar in town!!“

“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.“

“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 !!“

“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.“

“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.!!!“

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

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

“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.“

“Its a locals dive bar.. what you'd expect cheap drinks and plenty of good people to talk with. This is what I look for in bars. If you want bougie overpriced drinks and spotless atmosphere go somewhere else and save this gem for locals. Good place to enjoy a few after work and watch sports and people play pool. Bartender was quick and handled a packed place by himself. Will definitely come back.“

“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 love Nicole the bartender“

“Its in OB, what else is there to say? While all other beach hoods have terrible parking, you can always get close to lucys. But if you have to walk half a block, its like being in a Norman Rockwell hood if he was a chill beach hippie that liked tattoos and beer. Three pool tables. Avid and amenable local bar shooters. Solid tenders. Free pool on Tuesdays.“

“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.“

“Great local fun hangout, bartenders are nice, food truck was great, all you need for a good local dive bar !!“

“Great staff, great atmosphere, great karaoke!“

“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!“

“What an absolute gem the Duck Dive is! The decor was amazing, down to every last touch. The food was perfect, the halloumi burger was out of this world, every last thing on the plate was tasty and the portions were generous! The service was professional. Every aspect of my visit was superb. I cant wait to go again!“

“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!“

“I had a great time at lamplighter tonight“

“If there was ever a place that should smell like sulfur and/or methane emitted from humans, it would be this place, but surprisingly I've never had that experience. It's definitely enjoyable if you like to get excessive human interaction, both Un and intentionally. The bartenders have always done their best with what they have to work with and the music is usually decent. 4 stars just because it's usually tight and hot, especially near the front but not so much once you pass the bar.“