50 Best Bars near Santee

“Casual, fun, good music, cool workers.“

“If you like whiskey then you gotta try Woodson Whiskey 🥃 🔥 Back home in Nor Cal, the liquor stores sell out same day it’s delivered and I can see why. My husband is a chef & uses it as a marinade… and let me tell you, it’s 🔥🔥🔥“

“went to birthday/graduation/going away event bns was electric plenty of room terrific beer and spirits selections all made on sight at very reasonable prices pool tables pinball machines the party also had cornhole and an added feature mechanical bull riding excellent experience“

“Outstanding service and food was very good! Great atmosphere 😊“

“Relaxed atmosphere, and quick service. Server took and delivered my order fast, and made sure had everything I needed.“

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

“Fun atmosphere, fun drinks and great staff!“

“Absolutely outstanding experience at The Tower Bar! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm, stylish, and inviting. The staff were incredibly attentive and friendly, making sure everything was perfect throughout the visit. The drinks were expertly crafted—balanced, creative, and beautifully presented. The food was just as impressive, with every dish full of flavor and clearly made with care.

What really sets this place apart is the vibe—perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying a special night out. Everything felt top-notch, from service to ambiance. I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended!
★★★★★“

“All good dudes hang out at Clem’s.“

“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“

“I picked up some ribs and a sandwich for dinner last night and the food was awesome as always. Portions were big enough that I had leftovers. Corbin O'Reilly and Vince always make me feel special!“

“Everything about Fernside is great!“

“My wife and I stumbled upon Majorette while exploring Rolando Village. It looks like a dive bar, but it has a really good beer selection and great food. I'm a fried chicken sandwich snob, and it doesn't get much better than their fried chicken thigh sando. The only real option for my wife (who is vegetarian) was the grilled cheese sandwich. While it was delicious, it would be nice if they would at least offer an Impossible burger substitute for their smash burger. I also wish they were open for lunch instead of just dinner, but such is life. We will definitely be back soon!“

“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“

“Music 4-5 nights a week!“

“First time going here! I was skeptical at first because it’s a bit smaller than i’d like, but it turns out its a lot of fun and not as intimidating as the bigger places and $7 for 1 good sized beer, that’s a good deal! I will be returning soon, so much fun and they play plenty of todays hits and songs I know how to dance to, also no cover charge on Wednesdays!!“

“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. 🖤“

“The girl with purple hair with no name tag was very attentive. This was on a Tuesday night. The atmosphere was very chilled. She was amazing 👏
Also very fast on serving my drinks. I will definitely cone back again. The wings were phenomenal!!“

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

“Very fast service, friendly people. Delicious food especially the ramen.“

“good place to eat and relax“

“I had the arancini, pistacchiosa on my first visit. Both were excellent choices. The arancini were well crusted on a delicious ragu bed. I decided not to add any extra parmesian or red pepper in order to enjoy the original flavor of the pistacchiosa. I look forward to returning and trying other items like the risotto and tiramisu. Grazie Trattoria da Sofia for a pleasant experience!“

“This is my kind of place! It's cozy, the person at the door and the bartenders were friendly and welcoming, the beers were *reasonably priced*. There were a couple of street taco vendors outside, where we had some delicious tacos during the band's break (just enough room in front of the stage to dance!). I'll be back, for sure park nearby, in a well-lighted area and have someone walk you to your car when you leave. Better yet, rideshare. The area can be sketch. Just saying. Besides, the money you save on the drinks will more than pay for your Lyft or Uber.“

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

“5 out of 5 for stars.... best hidden gem in San Diego“

“🙂👍 Manny's an awesome bartender!“

“I Came Here For Fundraiser Benefit For My Family Member Gabe Garza. We Appreciate The Love And Kindness From This Awesome Little Bar In Lemon Grove. I Definitely Can See Why Gabe Loved This Joint. Oh Yeah The Bar Tenders Are Hard Working & Very Kind. I Seriously Like How You Feel Welcomed Her. I Definitely Recommend This Place.“

“Went in on a Friday night with a couple friends and had a pretty good time. The place had a relaxed vibe, not too loud, and it was easy to actually have a conversation. Bartender was friendly and gave a few suggestions when we couldn't decide what to order. Drinks came out quick and tasted great. The crowd was mixed and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Prices were fair for the area too. Nothing overly fancy, just a solid neighborhood bar where you can kick back for a few hours. I'd definitely come back when I'm in the area again.“

“New owners who have revamped the place for the better. More lighting, better TV's and sound system. Also, great place to hang on a hot day because of the AC. Great happy hour specials and nice friendly bartenders. The have free food during special events like UFC and Boxing fights. They occasionally have food vendors mostly tacos on certain days. Don't sleep on this place!“

“Great little dive bar with awesome live music and reasonably priced drinks. Friendly staff and dedicated owner who has improved the place continually since he bought it.“

“Had the most amazing Polish cuisine I’ve had since dining in my Polish Grandmother’s kitchen! Can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough!“

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

“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“

“I love the food at this restaurant.“

“A local fav! Laidback friendly atmosphere.“

“Visiting this fest in particular was a first for me. I thought they did a good job about having variety among vendors. It would be nice to see more authentic oktoberfest food options, although I'm new to CA so- not sure if that cuisine is here or not. Great Brat/Sausage varieties and a couple pretzel spots. That was the most I saw within Bavarian cuisine though.

Could also use some seating or public restroom Options outside of the ticketed Beirgarten areas. Overall a nice visit though.“

“Laidback, good wine and friendly“

“This has become a favorite spot for our family. They’re always adding new menu items, and the staff is consistently kind and welcoming to both us and our kids. It’s a great casual sushi restaurant for families who want to try different dishes without spending a fortune.

We appreciate having an affordable local restaurant where we can enjoy a fun night out without breaking the bank.“

“If you’re looking for a spot with great vibes, good people, and live music, Poway Irish Pub is the place to be. I’ve been coming here every weekend, and it never disappoints. The live bands always bring energy, the pool tables keep things fun, and it’s super easy to meet and socialize with genuinely cool people.

It’s one of those rare places where you can just relax, enjoy the music, play a few games, and feel right at home.
Definitely my go to weekend spot, highly recommend checking it out!“

“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“

“There is a covered patio dinning outside area and a enclosed dining area in the back of the restaurant.
Both would hold a large group.
We reserved the enclosed dining area.
This was perfect for the group.
Only, problem...the room requires more lighting for evening dining especially above the buffet/food table.“

“Been going to Kelly's for a few years now and mad a few friends here. The ladies behind the bar are all friendly, gorgeous and good people. I never have an empty glass when at Kelly's and prices are affordable.

Kelly's has fresh popcorn but doesn't serve food. There is a Mexican Take-out next door though if you get hungry.

-Tiny-“

“Was ORIGINALLY disappointed because they didn't serve liquor. HOWEVER, they do have wine and 'sporty bombs', which were actually pretty tasty (shot of sake and cider). Otherwise, have domestics on draft plus a few IPA varieties (Elysian 'Spacedust' and Sculpin in bottle). The two pool tables are clean ($.75/game) and even. Although the place puts 'dive' in dive bar, the atmosphere was pretty cool! Good conversation with the other patrons there and the jukebox selection was a good variety. Look... it is not your typical downtown or PB location, but since I only live“

“Although service is slow and you need plenty of patience. They only have one bartender at a time She's awfully busy and never stops. The She's great at what she does. never misses a beat. I like that she cleans my glass before she serves my wine.“

“Exactly what you want from your neighborhood bar/tavern: no frills good food, good drinks, friendly and quick service, and good vibes. My kid enjoyed playing on the gravel (wish we had brought his trucks though!). All was well 😄“

“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“

“The karaoke is wild! I’ve been here a few times now since it’s the neon moon. The staff if so cool and this is divey not douchey! As for the people, honestly while here someone paid for the entire tab of everyone in the bar. The woman running the night is the sweetest. It’s awesome to see what is has turned into.“

“Great local bar and always a good time . Pool tables and juke box to play all your favorite songs . Love all the liquor selection they have especially Don Fulano reposado tequila. Great spot any day of the week . They also allow you to bring in outside food , tacos from across the street . Welcoming for everyone, there was people from 25 to older age group.“