EAST COUNTY
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Cat Daddy’s
518 E. Main St., El Cajonwww.members.cox.net/rzbar/catdaddys.htm
A self-proclaimed “dirty old man place,” Cat Daddy’s is as unpretentious as they come. On their website, they brag: “Some good customers, Very Sexy bartenders, Good management, Live music.” Go there and let us know if it’s all true.
Centifonti
8365 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesawww.centifontis.com
If your main purpose for coming to Centifonti is to tackle the infamous Beer Boot, keep your eyes straight ahead until you reach the bar and are staring at the box of Flutie Flakes. If you’re not in the drinking mood, or you just want to make the Beer Boot an even bigger challenge, let yourself be seduced by the selection of sweets to your right, including malt-ball-covered candy apples and homemade ice-cream sandwiches.
Chico Club
7366 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesawww.chicoclub1940.com
One of San Diego’s oldest bars has somehow become a “pirate bar,” whatever that means. We’re guessing it’s college-kid slang for “cool dive.”
Dirk’s Niteclub
7664 Broadway, Lemon Grove619-469-6344
Get your kicks at your own risk at this East County watering hole. Thanks to its primo location—in front of a GTM Discount store and next to a porn shop—it creates an East County Bermuda Triangle of sorts, where many enter, but very few leave. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
El Cajon Grand
437 E Main St. El Cajon619-749-7355
All the cool kids are flocking to the Grand, with its flashy new interior and flat screens galore. But keep in mind this is El Cajon, so when we say “cool kids,” we mean the ones with ultra-white flat-billed caps and sneakers to match, sporting at least one tribal tattoo and driving a lifted truck that proudly displays a set of Truck Nutz.
Gio
8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa619-462-9100
Located in the unexpectedly adorable La Mesa Village, Gio is a casual yet classy wine bar with interior design playing upon an interesting wine-barrel theme. Try some tapas and have bar manager Ryan recommend a glass from the impressively extensive list.
Grover’s Tavern
3315 Buena Vista Ave., Lemon Grove619-469-1190
A beer-and-wine bar frequented by Lemon Grove locals, but don’t wander in thinking you’ll find a vintage Cabernet and a rare, imported brew. Good place to knock back a few High Lifes on a Wednesday afternoon after getting back from the unemployment office.
Hooley’s Irish Pub & Grill
2955 Jamacha Road, Suite 21, Rancho San Diegowww.hooleys.com
What do you get when you cross a classic Irish dish with a San Diego specialty? Corned-beef tacos at Hooley’s. Just add beer.
The Landing
1185 E. Main St., El Cajon619-442-0258
Picture the nightly karaoke at The Lamplighter. Now add a few cowboys and a popcorn machine.
Main Tap Tavern
518 E. Main St., El Cajonwww.maintaptavern.com
There’s a crap-ton of beers here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and while you wait for your brew, you can admire the ornate glass tap handles. When it’s NFL season, Main Tap opens at 10 a.m. and offers free hot dogs and happy-hour prices all day.
Mr. G’s Tavern
7081 University Ave., La Mesa619-469-3834
Mr. G’s Saturday-night karaoke is a local favorite. Spend (lose) the money you save on the cheap drinks at the Lotto scratcher vending machine in the corner.
Parky’s
6149 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa619-464-9119
This tiny hole-in-the-wall offers the company and encouragement necessary for consuming alcohol at 6 a.m.
Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room
7777 University Ave., La Mesawww.rivierasupperclub.com
This cook-your-own dinner spot has one of the coolest lounges anywhere in the county. Even if it’s crowded, stick around and make sure to order one of the signature cocktails—it’ll knock you on your ass.
Shenanigans Pub
7030 University Ave., La Mesa619-668-1256
Shenanigans’ Twitter feed inspires deep thought. For instance, on July 25, there was this one: “now features Seagrams Sweet Tea Vodka, $4.25.” (Try wrapping your mind around “sweet tea vodka”). And, we’ve yet to puzzle out July 3’s Tweet: “Missy doesn’t like tomatos.”
Thornton’s Irish Pub
1221 Broadway, El Cajonwww.thortonsirishpub.com
Live music on the weekends promises a crowd, and an El Cajon crowd promises great people-watching.
The Wagon Wheel
8861 North Magnolia Ave., Santee619-448-8550
Everything you would expect from a Santee bar called The Wagon Wheel. A hearty blend of country music and hip-hop provide the soundtrack to beer pong and “Rock, Paper, Scissors” tournaments on Tuesday nights.
