Education of the Modern Doctor: Marcus Welby vs. House 
DOWNTOWN & EAST VILLAGE
30-TWO
327 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-501-8424
www.30-two.com
This club is for members only. If you dine at adjoining Rama, you can enjoy a bit of 30-TWO—but not all of it.
4TH & B
345 B St., Downtown
619-299-2583
www.4thandb.com
A great place to catch bands that used to play stadiums (like Duran Duran) and up-and-comers that one day might.
57 Degrees
1330 G St., East Village
619-234-5757
www.fiftysevendegrees.com
A tucked-away spot that you wouldn’t know was there if not for the Christmas lights on the patio. The former wine-storage facility is totally mellow and an ideal place to get together with a couple of friends.
Altitude Skybar
660 K St., East Village
619-696-0234
www.altitudeskybar.com
The sleek outdoor bar from which you can throw ice cubes at whichever Padres’ pitcher is blowing the game.
Aubergine
500 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-232-8100
The place named after eggplant is upscale in the early evening while people are eating and down-and-dirty on the dance floor when the lights go out and the DJs come on.
Bareback Bar & Grill
624 E St., Downtown
619-237-9990
www.barebackgrill.com
First we get an Aussie bar and restaurant (Bondi). Now the Kiwis move in. There are two BBG locations—the second being in P.B. They serve beer in “schooners”—32-ounce glasses.
Basic
410 10th Ave., East Village
619-531-8869
www.barbasic.com
Half pizza joint, half spacious bar, Basic has big garage-door-like windows that open up in the summer. The vibe’s mellow and the pizza’s excellent, but having concrete interior walls means the conversation and music can get rather loud.
Belo
919 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-231-9200
www.belosandiego.com
This club is literally underground (hence the name). The three rooms are decorated in pop-art/mod style and attract the Gaslamp girls in short black dresses and the financial-planner-by-day dudes who love ‘em.
The Bitter End
770 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-338-9300
www.thebitterend.com
Two upper levels of swanky surroundings perfect for first dates and cocktail sipping with friends, plus an underground space re-branded as Backstage @ The Bitter, which means they now feature live bands and karaoke.
Blarney Stone Pub
502 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-233-8519
People watching from the patio barstools is a favorite activity at this Gaslamp pub. The Blarney is good for a beer before or after the game, though it can sometimes get overrun by tourists.
Bondi
333 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-342-0212
thebondi.com
The spacious, attractive restaurant and bar offers a fantastic selection of Australian beers and wines. Try the Coopers Pale Ale or Little Creatures. Heck, try ‘em all.
C Lounge
756 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-233-2838
www.myspace.com/redclounge
The tiny Gaslamp club somehow manages to book better DJs than bigger, fancier joints nearby. House of Rep handles “Basement Service” on Wednesday, and Friday nights are all about “Soul Sauce.”
Café Sevilla
555 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-233-5979
www.cafesevilla.com
Sip sangria (the drink menu includes a white sangria, “sangratini” and “sangarita”) while watching live Flamenco dancing in the tapas bar, or head downstairs to Club Sevilla, where theme nights include rock en espanol, salsa and reggaeton.
The Cask Room
550 Park Blvd. #2104, East Village
619-822-1606
www.caskroom.com
Cozy and quaint, decorated with wine casks. The wine menu, which changes every couple of weeks, includes in-depth descriptions of the available vino.
Candelas
416 Third Ave., Downtown
619-702-4455
www.loungecandelas-sd.com
The upscale bar/lounge generally attracts hip, urban and international types looking for something a little off the Gaslamp’s beaten path.
Chee-Chee Club
929 Broadway, East Village
619-234-4404
Having a bus stop just outside the door means Chee-Chee sees a unique blend of patrons. Leave your shopping cart at the door, listen to bartender Terry’s stories and don’t be surprised if the patron next to you asks if he can pay with EBT stamps.
Confidential
901 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-696-8888
www.confidentialsd.com
The restaurant/lounge/club offers one of the best happy hours in the Gaslamp—from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, enjoy half of everything (and by everything, we mean everything).
The Corner Restaurant & Bar
369 10th Ave., East Village
619-531-8804
www.thecornersd.com
The new ballpark-adjacent spot celebrated its official grand opening this month. The urban-warehouse décor is easy on the eyes and the menu includes fried pickles. A fried pickle and a beer = Yum.
Croce’s Jazz Bar
802 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-233-4355
www.croces.com
The group of out-of-towners with name tags from the Convention Center, a small group of local hardcore jazz fans and you will enjoy the live music and old-school ambiance.
Deco’s
731 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-696-3326
www.decos.tv
This South Beach-style club has indoor and outdoor dance floors, a bed lounge and a new Thursday night 18-and-up event that has the kiddies lining up around the block.
Dick’s Last Resort
345 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-231-9100
www.dickslastresort.com
The rude-waiter concept at his dive restaurant and bar never gets old. Or does it?
Dizzy’s @ the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
200 Harbor Drive #120, Downtown
619-231-6400
www.dizzyssandiego.com, www.sdwineculinary.com
The jazz bar moved to new digs awhile ago and folks couldn’t be happier. Located in a chill spot just outside the Gaslamp, sip a glass of wine on the patio before the show or, now, order that glass during the show (at Dizzy’s former spot, no booze was allowed).
Double Deuce
528 F St., Downtown
619-235-6100
www.myspace.com/dou bledeucesd
Formerly the Martini Ranch (and Shaker Room), Double Deuce has the country theme going and, according to its MySpace page, $2 “vokda” (yes, vokda) drinks on Tuesday nights.
Dussini’s
275 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-233-4323
www.dussini.com
The upstairs “Fireside Loft” (yes, there’s a fireplace) is where you can watch your friends shoot pool from a mohair-upholstered barstool. The bar has a built-in frozen strip on which you can set your drink to keep it cool.
East Village Tavern & Bowl
930 Market St., East Village
619-677-BOWL
www.bowlevt.com
The tavern part’s full of TVs blaring sports and bikini-clad girls, but the adjoining bowling lanes are rad. Sunday through Thursday, it’s way cheaper to play than weekends. Don’t forget your socks.
Envy / Eden @ The Ivy Hotel
845 Sixth Ave., Downtown
619-814-1000
www.ivyhotel.com
The party goes on all day at Eden’s rooftop pool and lounge; at night, designer bikinis make way for designer couture. Downstairs, ultra-posh Envy puts the term “basement bar” to shame. In the wee hours, beds serve as seating and tables double as dance floors.
EXY
789 6th Ave., Downtown
619-238-0412
www.exysandiego.com
This upscale Greek spot serves cocktails made with ouzo—a liqueur that’s said to have originated during ancient times—and has a special weekend late-night happy hour (starting at 10:30 p.m.).
Faces Night Club
835 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-237-8888
www.facessd.com
We’d like to thank Faces for its dress-code ban on plain white tennis shoes. If they could just add Crocs to that list, we’re stoked.
The Field
544 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-232-9840
www.thefield.com
The corned beef and cabbage will help soak up that Irish whiskey with a Guinness chaser.
The Fleetwood
639 J St., East Village
619-702-7700
www.thefleetwood.com
Mondays mean half-off wine bottles at this upscale EV spot. On Thursdays, groove to DJ G*Roy; on Saturdays, DJ Ramsey and on Sunday, squeeze the last drop of fun out of your weekend singing karaoke.
Fumari
330 G St., Downtown
619-238-4949
www.fumari.com
Being under 21 ain’t easy in San Diego—thank goodness for cool hookah bars like this one that offer yummy tobacco flavors like watermelon and mint chocolate chip and DJs playing the best in contemporary house music.
Gaslamp Tavern
868 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-239-3339
www.gaslamptavern.com
Put the Tavern anywhere else, and it’s an above-average sports bar. Put it Downtown, and it’s a refreshing change of pace. Plenty of plasma TVs, tasty bar food and an open, breezy atmosphere make it a good place to start the night.
The Grape
823 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-238-8010
San Diego’s first wine bar (opened in 1996, so it’s not exactly old) also offers a large selection of martinis. Go figure.
The Guild
1805 Newton Ave., East Village/Barrio Logan
619-564-7584
www.theguildrestaurant.com
The new sake lounge that opened not too long ago upstairs from the main restaurant comes complete with a “sake sommelier.” It’s a beautiful space, minimalist in design and incorporating Paul Basile’s clean, modern furniture.
Hard Rock Hotel
207 Fifth Ave., Downtown
www.hardrockhotelsd.com
Beautiful people come here. They’re in Sweetwater Saloon (“a den of glamour”) and upstairs, at the poolside Moonstone Lounge, they may or may not be throwing ice cubes at the schmucks on the street. But average folks can have a seat at the bar in the retro-modern MaryJane’s Coffeeshop.
Hennessey’s Tavern
708 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-239-9994
www.hennesseysgaslamp.com
Hennessey’s Gaslamp location (there’s two others, in Pacific Beach and Carlsbad) offers patrons three rooms to drink in. Split your time between the two full-service bars or head to the lounge in the back
Henry’s Pub
618 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-238-2389
www.henryspub.com
The owners come from Norway (hence the Nordic décor), but the music doesn’t. Lady Dottie and the Diamonds perform free every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m., and rockabilly group The Stilettos have had the Tuesday slot for as long as we can remember.
Hong Kong Nite Club
1030 Broadway, East Village
619-239-4798
Cheap beer, dirty bathrooms, strange regulars, Cup Noodles for sale behind the bar and hot exotic bartenders are just a few of the highlights at Hong Kong.
House of Blues
1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-299-BLUE
www.hob.com/sandiego
There’s not much to criticize about this mid-sized venue (with adjoining bar and restaurant) except this: When no one’s sitting in the balcony seats, why not open them up to some lucky general admits?
Jade Theater
701 C St., Downtown
866-471-5233
www.jadetheater.com
The edamame at this new C Street spot is spicy hot and so are the tiny little dresses the sexy cocktail waitresses and female bartenders wear.
Jbar
616 J St., East Village
619-531-8744
www.jsixsandiego.com/jsixjbar/
Tips for hanging out at this poolside hotel bar: Wear your designer sunglasses, order the ceviche and go ahead and jump in (members of the opposite sex dig spontaneity and all things dripping wet).
Jimmy Love’s
672 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-595-0123
www.jimmyloves.com
The place to dance to ‘80s cover bands among people who know that Roger, Nick and John aren’t related but Stewart and Ian are.
Jolt’n Joes
379 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-230-1968
www.joltnjoes.com
Looking to play pool? Correct us of we’re wrong, but this is the only pool hall in all of Downtown. And it’s rad.
Karl Strauss
1157 Columbia St., Downtown
619-234-BREW
www.karlstrauss.com
The late-night happy hour on weekends is super. But check out the fun little “Beer vs. Wine” chart on the KS website. Who knew the Stargazer I.P.A. went so well with sharp cheddar?
KIN Lounge
One Market Place, Downtown
619-358-6773
www.kinlounge.com
This spot, just opened last month, aims to attract the “It” crowd and people “in the know.” If you fit that definition, this is your place.
La Puerta
560 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-696-3466
www.taco619.com
A rockin’ new spot, located just off of Market Street, where you can get a tasty TJ-style hot dog or street taco (served until 1 a.m.) to accompany your cerveza.
The Lime
653 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-238-5463
This place is all about tequila—the sippin’ kind. Do your body shots elsewhere.
The Local
1065 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-231-4447
www.thelocalsandiego.com
The down-to-earth drinkin’ bar has excellent appetizers, good happy-hour deals and a big chubby bartender who’s as friendly as a less creepy version of Mr. Rogers.
Lucky D’s
615 Eighth Ave., East Village
www.luckyds.com
This spot doesn’t open until Aug. 20, but we’re already intrigued since it shares the same name (and website) as the youth hostel it’s located under.
Maloney’s Tavern
777 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-232-6000
www.maloneystavern.com
Part of a southwest chain, San Diego’s incarnation is known as a meet-me-for-a-drink kind of place that can get a little crowded on weekend nights.
Marin Lounge
548 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-234-5760
This hip, underground spot (literally) is popular with the after-dinner crowd that goes there to sip on drinks like the Jamaica Martini, made from vodka and hibiscus-flower juice.
Minus One @ The Keating
432 F St., Downtown
619-814-5700
www.thekeating.com
Unless you’re a hotel guest or a “who’s-who of Southern California” (whatever that means), don’t expect to get in here.
Mr. Tiki Mai Tai Lounge
801 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-233-1183
www.cohnrestaurants.com
In a city that’s lost almost all of its authentic tiki bars, Mr. Tiki fills a niche with its giant fruity drinks, pupu platters and a ton of tiki-themed artwork.
Neighborhood
777 G St., East Village
619-446-0002
You might know this spot as a burger joint, but did you know about the beer selection? Twenty-eight taps. Wow-ee. They just added “Sunday Beery Sunday,” when, for $7, you get four six-ounce samplers of your choice.
Nicky Rotten’s
560 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-702-8068
www.nickyrottens.com
Two important “B” words, “burgers” and “beer,” come to mind when Nicky Rotten’s name is dropped.
On Broadway
615 Broadway, Downtown
619-231-0011
www.obec.tv
Big-name house and trance DJs, B-list celebrities and lots and lots of good-looking people are said to hang out here.
Onyx Room/Thin
852 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-235-6699/(619) 231-7529
www.onyxroom.com, www.thinroom.com
The best jazz night in all of San Diego happens Tuesday nights downstairs at Onyx while a well-dressed clientele gets its dance moves on at upstairs’ Thin.
Patrick’s II
428 F St., Downtown
619-233-3077
www.patricksii.com
It’s rare to find a club in San Diego that features blues and soul music—especially in the ‘lamp—but Patrick’s has it seven nights a week.
Red Circle
420 E St., Downtown
619-234-9211
www.redcirclesd.com
The lounge and bar recently got a makeover and the end result is pretty cool. It’s Gaslamp chic, but, in our experience, the bartenders are super-friendly and make a perfect martini.
Red Pearl Kitchen
440 J St., Downtown
619-231-1100
www.redpearlkitchen.com
The spacious lounge area of this Asian-fusion spot serves up elegant cocktails that go well with a tasty plate of edamame.
Rock Bottom Brewery
401 G St., Downtown
619-231-7000
www.rockbottom.com
We like to tease friends who once worked here and had to answer the phone, “Hello, you’ve reached Rock Bottom.” Ha.
Roseary Room
947 E St., East Village
619-702-7160
www.myspace.com/therosearyroom
The sangria at this beer-and-wine punk-rock dive bar is about as good as it gets. Also, the place still hosts shows every now and then, but you have to keep your ear to the ground in order to know when they’re happening.
SIN Nite Club
526 F St., Downtown
619-234-4746
www.sinsd.tv
DJ Corey Biggs spins here every now and then, as does DJ Fingaz, G*Roy and lots of other super-sweet mashup masters.
The Shout House
655 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-231-6700
www.theshouthouse.com
The home of the “rock ‘n’ roll sing-along dueling pianos.”
Stage Saloon
762 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-651-0707
www.stagesaloon.com
This new joint combines the VIP feel of upscale Gaslamp spots with a loose, casual appeal. Owned by musicians, the club dedicates three nights a week to local acts, and the inexpensive, BBQ-heavy menu and daily happy hour should keep rocker-types buzzed.
Star Bar
423 E St., Downtown
619-234-5575
In a sea of Gaslamp douchebaggery, the Star Bar stands out like a rusty unapologetic barnacle; going inside is like taking a trip back in time to 1980s Manila. A round of their signature 99 Bananas shot is de rigueur.
Static Lounge
634 Broadway, Downtown
619-544-1609
www.myspace.com/staticloungeandcafe
You would have loved to hang out here when you were 18. But the further you get from 18, the less likely this is your spot. Still, it’s home to Maystar’s Pop Noir and some rather interesting theme nights. And there’s beer and sake for the legals.
Stout House
1125 Sixth Ave., Downtown
619-702-7933
A pleasant, new-ish pub with lots of seating, making it ideal for a drink before or after a show at nearby House of Blues.
Stingaree
454 Sixth Ave., East Village
619-544-9500
www.stingsandiego.com
Save up some shillings and party like you’re part of The Hills cast in this tri-level super-club’s mezzanine or in one of its beyond-exclusive rooftop cabanas. Lauren and Heidi would approve.
Tilted Kilt
310 10th Ave., East Village
619-814-5458
www.tiltedkilt.com
All you need to know is that the smokin’ hot servers wear outfits that give the illusion that their skimpy tops can’t possibly contain their ample breasts. And there are mammoth TVs for those who can manage to look at something else.
Tivoli
505 Sixth St., Downtown
619-232-6754
The Gaslamp’s oldest surviving bar (and that’s saying something) is all about game-day specials and people watching from the patio.
Top of the Hyatt
One Market Place, Downtown
619-232-1234
Yeah, so the owner of this spot’s contributed a bunch of money to the anti-gay-marriage initiative. When that initiative fails in November, feel free to once again enjoy the views from this 40-floors-up bar.
Visions Restaurant & Lounge
555 Market St., Downtown
619-501-4772
www.visionsrestaurant.com
The word on this spot is mixed—it’s got a spacious dance floor and a granite-topped bar area, but folks are grumbling about the new $5 cover and creepy male clientele. But, hey, $5 is better than $20.
Whiskey Girl
600 Sixth Ave., Downtown
619-236-1616
www.thewhiskeygirl.com
With its floor-to-ceiling windows, this place is the Gaslamp’s fishbowl. Go here if you want everyone to see you (and stand outside to learn the latest dance moves or get a good laugh).
W Hotel
421 West B St., Downtown
619-231-8220
www.wbeachbar.com
Take your pick of the lobby lounge, Magnet Bar or rooftop Beach Bar, complete with real sand (heated in the winter) and, occasionally, short films projected up on the hotel’s exterior wall.
Xavier’s Bar & Grill
750 Fifth Ave., Downtown
619-233-0500
www.xaviersbarngrill.com
A movie-themed bar with a happy hour that goes ‘til 8 p.m. Independent Film Night happens on Mondays.
Yard House
1023 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619-233-9273
www.yardhouse.com
Folks come here for the ridiculously large beer selection. Be prepared for a wait on weekends.
The Jewel Box
805 16th St., East Village
619-236-8685
A mirrored disco ball starts spinning at 7 a.m., the same time the hooch starts flowing at this East Village crown jewel. Come for the cheap booze and food specials and stay for the tight-knit neighborhood feel. Shuffleboard, anyone?
LITTLE ITALY & MIDDLETOWN
Airport Lounge
2400 India St., Little Italy
619-685-3881
www.airportloungesd.com
The retro airline-themed décor is charming, and if you get a seat on the outdoor patio, you can practically tickle the bellies of jet planes landing at Lindbergh.
Anthology
1337 India St., Little Italy
619-595-0300
www.anthologysd.com
This place ain’t cheap—but they’re helping us poor folks out by recently adding “Half-Price Tuesdays” and the monthly Friday night “Late Night Live,” when tickets are only $10.
Princess Pub
1665 India St., Little Italy
619-702-3021
www.princesspubandgrille.com
CityBeat’s resident experts say they do a great half-and-half here (Guinness on top of lager). The patio seating’s nice and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some hot local rugby players.
The Waterfront
2004 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy
619-232-9656
www.waterfrontbarandgrill.com
A good meeting, eating and drinking place where casual and relaxed is the unofficial raison d’être.
The Aero Club
3365 India St., Middletown
619-297-7211
www.aeroclubbar.com
We think they have one of the better signs on all of San Diego. And, um, where else can you order a whiskey while enjoying high-speed free wi-fi?
The Casbah
2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown
619-232-HELL
www.casbahmusic.com
What would the indie-rock loving, PBR-drinking hipster masses do without The Casbah?
Kava Lounge
2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown
619-543-0933
www.kavalounge.com
The Burning Man crowd hangs out here for three reasons: good electronic music, organic alcoholic drinks and a free-minded vibe.
HILLCREST, BANKERS HILL & MISSION HILLS
The Alibi
1403 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-295-0881
www.myspace.com/thealibiclub
Home of the “Bloody Beer” (Budweiser and tomato juice) and the “Big Dippers” (23-ounce Bud and Bud Light for $3).
Baja Betty’s
1421 University Ave, Hillcrest
619-269-8510
www.bajabettyssd.com
Gays, straights and everyone lost somewhere in between rely on Betty’s for its huge selection of tequilas, burritos and quesadillas and specialty cocktails like the blended “Banana Blow.”
Bamboo Lounge
1475 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-291-8221
www.myspace.com/bambooloungesd
Stop by for the monthly wine tastings and the reccurring stand-up comedy events.
Bar Dynamite
1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills
619-295-8743
www.bardynamite.com
The place is small, but people pack in to see Ikah Love on Fridays and DJ Beatnick on Saturdays.
Blue Lotus Lounge
729 W Washington St., Mission Hills
619-260-0033
www.bluelotussd.com
The décor in this new spot is lovely—all blue—and on Fridays you can catch DJ Ratstar (goes well with the 10 p.m.-to-midnight drink specials). Rumor is they make an especially nice Grey Goose martini.
The Brass Rail
3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
619-298-2233
www.thebrassrailsd.com
The newly reinvented bar is still a home for drag queens, bears and twinks with a hankering for a good cheap drink, but with Junior the Disco Punk playing his sweet selection of ‘80s music for the new(ish) Manic Mondays event, the ‘80s fan inside us all has a place to play, too.
The Caliph
3100 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill
619-298-9495
The eccentric piano players and quirky regulars who jump in for some impromptu karaoke keep Caliph in the top-five of the “Bars to be visited at least once” list.
The Cherry Bomb
2237 First Ave., Bankers Hill
619-544-1173
A dark, tiny dive nestled in an old strip mall in Bankers Hill, the Bomb is a haven for drunks and hipsters alike who are strapped for cash.
CJs
222 West Washington St., Mission Hills
619-296-2721
This is the spot to go for a drink if you’re waiting for your seat at nearby Sushi Deli. Lots and lots of TVs.
The Flame
3780 Park Blvd., Hillcrest
619-295-4163
www.flamesd.com
From the city’s most happening goth night to drag shows and Donna Summer after-parties, The Flame isn’t just a lesbian club anymore.
Flicks
1017 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-297-2056
www.sdflicks.com
Wednesdays are the nights to go—throw back $2 you-call-its while VJ David mashes up the hot gay video action on the many television screens.
Hula’s Beach Bar & Grill
142 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-501-2506
www.hulas.com
Hula’s moved into Hillcrest’s cursed corner—University and Second—where no business survives for long. But on a recent Wednesday, the place was frickin’ booming while other nearby spots were EMP-ty. Urban Mo’s has found its match.
Imperial House
505 Kalmia St., Bankers Hill
619-234-3525
Why this place isn’t consistently jam-packed is beyond us—and we like it like that. Rick Lyon on Friday and Saturday nights is da bomb, as is anything that Bartender Dave mixes up (including his mix CDs).
Lamplighter
817 West Washington St., Mission Hills
619-298-3624
Karaoke, karaoke and more karaoke (yep, every single night of the week).
The Loft
3610 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
619-296-6407
If you’re a male under 50, you’ll feel like the belle of the ball at this no-frills bar. The regulars get depressed whenever Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” plays from the jukebox but go wild when the bartender activates a blaring red siren that rests inconspicuously by the pool-table area.
Martinis Above Fourth
3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest
619-400-4500
www.martinisabovefourth.com
This place has a long list of specialty martinis and plenty of loyal patrons who hate the word “queer.”
Modus Supper Club
2202 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill
619-236-8516
www.modusbarlounge.com
Gourmet drinks like the “Italian Stallion,” which features muddled orange peppers, basil and rum among other things, are the ingredients that make Modus sophisticated and fun.
Number One Fifth
3845 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
619-299-1911
A seven-hour-long happy hour (noon to 7 p.m.) every day of the week. That’s just crazy.
Numbers
3811 Park Blvd., Hillcrest
619-294-7583
www.numberssd.com
On Thursdays and Saturdays, men and women don Apple Bottom jeans and boots with the fur for Numbers’ pumpin’ hip-hop night; and every Friday, lady-lovin’ ladies come out in droves for “Bad Kitties” night—meow.
Nunu’s
3537 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
619-295-2878
This is a more-rum-than-coke sort of rum-and-coke bar popular among uptowners and hipsters, thanks to cheap drinks and a steady stream of hilarious cartoons on the TV, like Family Guy and Robot Chicken.
Prado
Balboa ParK
619-557-9441
www.cohnrestaurants.com
There’s nothing quite so satisfying as scoring one of the Prado’s back-patio tables for cocktails. Cocktails are of the Spanish and South American variety, like mojitos, pisco sours and caipirinhas.
Rich’s
1051 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-295-2195
www.richssandiego.com
With a new outdoor patio and VIP area, the old Hillcrest workhorse is worth rediscovering. Theme nights abound, and high-energy thumps blare in this bona-fide dance emporium.
San Diego Sports Club
1271 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-299-7372
Tony Vee sold the place, but we’ve been told the new owners are only going to make things better.
Shakespeare
3701 India St., Mission Hills
619-299-0230
www.shakespearepub.com
Looking to watch a Chelsea vs. Manchester City football match? Live? This is your spot for all things British—Smith’icks, Harp, Boddingtons and, when you’ve had too much, a cup of P.G. Tips.
SRO Lounge
1807 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill
619-232-1886
www.srolounge.com
The owner makes a potluck for the customers on the weekends—oh, and the customers are mostly nice old gay guys and beautiful young trannies.
Starlite
3175 India St., Mission Hills
619-358-9766
www.starlitesandiego.com
Just what San Diego needed, with its super-stylin’ design by Bells and Whistles. And, no, the doorguy with the hat and moustache isn’t the big meanie that everyone thinks he is. Tip: try the Starlite Mule.
Top of the Park
3167 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill
619-296-0057
www.parkmanorsuites.com
Chat it up with Jersey, the elevator girl, on your way up to the Park Manor’s seventh-floor rooftop hub. A cornucopia of advice, from the romantic to the financial, she’s like Dear Abby, but fiercer and with bejeweled jeans.
The Tractor Room
3687 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
619-543-1007
www.thetractorroom.com
This place is all that is man when it comes to meat and drinks—they serve Bloody Marys with steak and jerky in ‘em, for Chrissake.
Universal
1202 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-692-1900
www.universalhillcrest.com
Marketed as a “unisexual” bar (whatever that means), mad props to Universal for its same-sex wedding day afterparty, not to mention the swank décor and swankier “mixology” drinks.
Urban Mo’s
308 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-491-0400
www.urbanmos.com
The home of Wednesday’s Dream Girls drag revue and Thursday’s line dancing goes by the motto “Always a happy ending.” About their Kick Ass Margaritas, a hostess once put it, “A few of those, and you’ll be where you want to be.”Bottoms up! (tops and versatiles, too).
Wet Stone Wine Bar
1927 4th Ave., Bankers Hill
619-255-2856
This new Uptown spot, located in a Victorian house, gets high marks for its hip, cozy feel. If you’re lucky, they’ll be serving their tasty sangria, and if you’re not a wine drinker, there are Belgian ales available.
The Wine Encounter
690 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-543-9463
www.thewineencounter.com
This spot has a new wine-tasting class or special event almost every day of the week.
The Wine Lover
3968 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
619-294-9200
www.thewinelover.us
This is the spot to head to after a movie at the nearby Hillcrest Landmark. The patio seating’s especially nice.
Wine Steals
1243 University Ave., Hillcrest
619-295-1188
www.winestealssd.com
This place can get busy and loud—the feel’s a little more bar than wine bar. And for some people, that’s just fine. Staff recommendations, in our experience, have been spot-on. Note: a second location opened not too long ago at Liberty Station.
The Wit’s End
420 Robinson Ave., Hillcrest
619-294-4848
We were sad to say goodbye to original owner Neal Wasserman, but word is that the new owners have kept as eclectic a beer selection as Neal offered and added karaoke.
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, NORMAL HEIGHTS & KENSINGTON
Air Conditioned Lounge
4673 30th St., Normal Heights
619-501-9831
www.airconditionedbar.com
AC management recently opened the club up to new promoters—the result? A new lineup including “Boombox Thursdays” with DJs Edgartronic and Groundfloor.
Bourbon Street
4612 Park Blvd., University Heights
619-291-4043
www.bourbonstreetsd.com
Join the gym and wax your eyebrows before drinking it up here or prepare to be shunned. Friday is “Balls to the Wall” night, famous for the ice-cold $2 Jager shots. Sunday welcomes the ladies wet T-shirt contest. Amen to that.
Cheers
1839 Adams Ave., University Heights
619-298-3269
www.cheerssandiego.com
Go hog-wild at the legendary bar’s “Welfare Wednesday” from 9 p.m. to midnight, when well drinks are just a buck and, by the end of the night, true to its namesake, everybody will know your name.
Kadan
4696 30th St., Normal Heights
619-640-2500
www.kadanclub.com
Homos, hoochies and hooligans are said to hang here, as are cool kids who get down to the sounds of broken beats (we’re talking about BrokenBeat, a quality night of electronic music that happens every first Saturday of the month).
Kensington Club
4079 Adams Ave., Kensington
619-284-2848
www.myspace.com/thekensingtonclub
Half neighborhood dive, half live-music club (featuring local rock and punk bands), 100-percent rad.
Kensington Vine
4187 Adams Ave., Kensington
619-282-8463
www.kensingtonvine.com
Kensington locals seem pretty stoked about this new-ish wine bar that also offers beer, lots of wine-friendly apps and sweets from nearby Just Desserts.
Lancer’s Cocktail Lounge
4671 Park Blvd., University Heights
619-298-5382
www.lancerscocktaillounge.com
This neighborhood joint has plenty of bar games like darts and video poker to keep you entertained. We miss the old jukebox, though.
Lei Lounge
4622 Park Blvd., University Heights
619-813-2272
www.leilounge.com
The comfortable outdoor patio, lazy Sunday brunches and cocktails like the “Hawaiian Mojito” make going to Lei feel a lot like going to an exclusive little island.
Lestat’s
3342 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
619-282-0437
www.lestats.com
We heart Lestat’s. Why? It’s got the best in acoustic live music on one side (Lestat’s West) and a 24-hour geeks-and-freaks fest (in a good way) on the other.
Lou Jones’ Inn
3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
619-563-9350
A neighborhood favorite that fits well with Adams Avenue’s low-key vibe. With darts, pool and cheap, strong drinks, what more could you want?
The Ould Sod
3373 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
619-284-6594
www.theouldsod.com
Classic Irish pub in one of San Diego’s most bohemian districts. Karaoke on Thursdays and Saturdays, live tunes on Fridays and free wi-fi for those who like sip on a Guinness while gettin’ their Internet on.
Ponce’s
4050 Adams Ave., Kensington
619-282-4413
www.poncesrestaurant.com
The Mexican restaurant by day attracts a happy-hour crowd thirsty for the mind-altering margaritas, like the El Picante, made with a dash of Tabasco sauce. Every second Sunday of the month is El Domingo, featuring street tacos, drink specials and DJs.
Rosie O’Grady’s
3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
619-284-7666
rosieogradyspub.com
You can still enjoy watching the games and eating chili made by Rosie’s patrons, but now, with the addition of Proprietor’s Reserve Wine Bar out back, you can sip up to 60 different wines by the glass, order tapas and even take a bottle or case of wine to go.
Triple Crown Pub
3221 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
619-281-0263
Here you’ll find ping-pong, pool and foosball all under one roof. At least one CityBeat staffer admits an addiction to the “mystery white sauce” pretzel dip.
NORTH PARK, SOUTH PARK & GOLDEN HILL
Bacchus House
3054 University Ave., North Park
619-299-2032
www.bacchushouse.com
Unleash your inner wine god in this North Park haunt where pretty much every night is Latin night. Wear a raincoat to their weekly “It’s Raining Men” wet-underwear contest. If you plan on hooking up, wear a raincoat as well.
Bar Pink
3829 30th St., North Park
619-564-7194
www.barpinkelephant.com
The bar formerly known as Bar Pink Elephant still has the same things going for it that it did under its former name, like Tiki Tuesday, Shake Shack (last Thursday of the month) and great bands and DJs every day in between.
Bluefoot Bar & Lounge
3404 30th St., North Park
619-756-7891
www.bluefootsd.com
Sometimes the bar hosts cutting-edge dance performances and art shows, but most of the time it’s just a neighborhood bar with a bit of a sports theme.
Chasers Cocktails
3615 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
619-255-7224
More City Heights than North Park, it’s where former Scolari’s Office regulars go to bitch about the former dive’s recent makeover. One of the few truly punk-rock bars in San Diego.
El Uno Bar
3412 University Ave., North Park
619- 282-8959
Secretary of State’s travel warning to TJ got you down? Head south of the border without having to leave town. Sticky and dark, it’s the kind of place you’d go to celebrate after murdering a Coahuila Street hooker.
Gilly’s Bar
2306 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
619-298-6008
www.secondwindbars.com
The karaoke here packs ’em in Thursday through Sunday nights. Every other night, locals come here to shoot pool or see what’s on tap—the beer selection changes monthly, and if you’re not sure what to drink, the ’tender will gladly give you a sample.
Hamilton’s Tavern
1521 30th St., South Park
619-238-5460
www.hamiltonstavern.com
A beer-and-wine-only spot with a great selection of brews. The newly added adjoining eatery has received rave reviews for its creative, tasty pub grub.
L Bar @ The Lafayette Hotel
2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
619-296-2101
www.lafayettehotelsd.com
Once called the Starlight Lounge (why change a good thing?), you can order a drink here and sip it next to the pool that Tarzan built.
Lips
3036 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
619-295-7900
www.lipsshow.biz
Whether its Bitchy Bingo or Gospel Sunday, the drag queens will earn your every penny with their lip-synching skills and explosive dance moves.
Live Wire
2103 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
619-291-7450
www.myspace.com/livewirebar
The hipster fashion here will blow your mind, and so will the jukebox selection and tallboy PBRs (useful side note: They now accept plastic).
The Office
3936 30th St., North Park
619-296-3546
The angsty screams and whaling riffs of the old Scolari’s have been completely muffled by the new sharper, sleeker look and feel of The Office. The prices were recently lowered and the happy hour extended, so if you tried out the new digs early on, go back and try again.
Pecs
2046 University Ave., North Park
619-296-0889
www.pecsbar.com
Screw cologne. Dab a little honey behind your ears and prepare to be devoured by the bears. Bartender Jasper serves up the grizzliest drinks this side of Yosemite.
The Radio Room
3519 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
619-284-3323
www.myspace.com/radioroom
The former Zombie Lounge gets a new life as a somewhat improved and tidied-up version of the punk-rock/rockabilly live-music venue.
Red Fox Room
2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
619-297-1313
Nostalgia drips from the decades-old wooden walls in this old-school piano bar and restaurant.
Redwing Bar & Grill
4012 30th St., North Park
619-281-8700
Is this a gay bar? We’re not sure—hard to tell. There’s a subtle sports-bar theme, but this is mostly a friendly neighborhood spot not too far from North Park’s main drag.
Ritual Tavern
4095 30th St., North Park
619-283-1618
www.ritualtavern.com
This new spot has a great beer selection available in the cozy, British-pub-like bar that sits just off the main dining room. They have an especially nice selection of Belgians, and all draught beer is $3.50 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
San Diego Eagle
3040 North Park Way, North Park
619-295-8072
www.sandiegoeagle.com
The only place in town where after ordering a drink you’ll hear: “Would you like a flogging with that?” Trendy hipsters, leave your bandanas at home. Trust us.
South Park Bar & Grill
1946 Fern St., South Park
619-696-0096
Go for Sunday night’s live jazz and half-off bottles of wine.
Tobacco Rhoda’s
2591 University Ave., North Park
619-291-7621
This is one of the last dive bars in gentrifying North Park. Did we mention that this is a dive bar? Yep, it’s a dive bar. Lowlifes of the world, unite!
Toronado
4026 30th St., North Park
619-282-0456
www.toronadosd.com
San Diego’s hop-happy beer lovers were overjoyed when this popular San Francisco bar expanded southward. It’s still a work-in-progress and gets ear-shatteringly loud when full, but it has 3,794,610,528 varieties of top-shelf brews, so who cares?
Turf Supper Club
1116 25th St., Golden Hill
619-234-6363
www.myspace.com/turfsupper club
The piano crooners on Sundays and the DIY-grill make the Turf as unique and beautiful as a ghost orchid, er, uh, a ghost orchid that smells a tad like old beer.
U-31
3112 University Ave., North Park
619-584-4188
www.myspace.com/u31sandiego
New-ish North Park nightspot caters to the dancing masses with an array of local DJs, plus live bands and a (Too Cool for) Karaoke night. Oh, and San Diego’s only mechanical bull (Mondays).
Whistle Stop Bar
2236 Fern St., South Park
619-284-6784
www.whistlestopbar.com
To know the Whistle is to love it: From the board-game-themed Friends Chill on Tuesdays to Skull Kontrol on Saturdays, to Citizen Video-curated movie nights, DJ Claire Sundays and trivia with that Adam Gimbel guy.
CITY HEIGHTS & COLLEGE AREA
Beauty Bar
4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights
619-516-4746
www.myspace.com/thebeautybar
The recent change of bar managers hasn’t really put a dent in the bar’s rep as the leading place to get your electro/indie fix
The Boulevard
6949 El Cajon Blvd., College Area
619-464-9945
Reportedly, if you look up “dive bar” in the dictionary, there’s a little photo of this place. Or so we’ve been told.
Last Call
4977 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights
619-287-9505
www.lastcallsd.com
Last Call refers to itself as “just a cool little bar in the middle of nowhere!” Actually, it’s located in the middle of City Heights and features live bands a couple of days a week and $2 Pacifico on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Lucky Star Restaurant
3893 54th St., City Heights
619-229-8228
www.luckystaronline.com
On Thursdays, the Chinese restaurant transforms into a ballroom, big-band and all. The crowd’s older (like AARP-membership age), but they dance better than anyone you know.
Nancy’s Pub
4246 University Ave., City Heights
619-280-5834
This spot got a makeover through City Heights’ storefront improvement plan, going from a total dive to quite a looker with its big, red-paint-trimmed, red-curtained windows.
Round Table Cocktail Lounge
1723 Euclid Ave., City Heights
619-264-6000
Home to weekly performances by Destiny Roots, who formed San Diego’s first reggae sound system more than 20 years ago, this low-key spot offers live music throughout the week, as well as karaoke on Sunday and Tuesday nights.
Tower Bar
4757 University Ave., City Heights
619-284-0158
www.thetowerbar.com
Kill Me Tomorrow’s Dan Wise bartends here, and owner Mick is “one of the hottest rockabilly guys in San Diego” says one CityBeat insider. Who doesn’t love the Tower Bar?
MISSION VALLEY AREA
Albie’s Beef Inn (@ the Travelodge)
1201 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley
619-291-1103
www.netsv.com/albies
Partake in old-fashioned food and drink while tapping your toes to the sounds of piano man David Smith, who plays five nights a week.
Blue Agave
6608 Mission Gorge Road, Allied Gardens
619-521-3194
www.blueagavesd.net
The spot to bailar, salsa dance and rock en espanol.
Camel’s Breath Inn
10330 Friars Road, Mission Valley
619-281-1722
This place is decorated with camels (hence the name). Other than that, it’s a typical bar with pool tables, not-quite-ready-for-prime-time karaoke and stiff drinks.
Club Rio
1299 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley
619-299-3544
As “William P.” on Yelp puts it: “I showed up and was promptly shot in the chest and shanked by a group of latinas while the bouncers watched and laughed. However, the $4 Long Island here at “Club Murder” was good. I’ll be back!”
Dave & Busters
2931 Camino del Rio North, Mission Valley
619-280-7115
www.daveandbusters.com
Video games, lots of them. And Skeeball. Who doesn’t love Skeeball?
Gordon Biersch
5010 Mission Center Road, Mission Valley
619-688-1120
www.gordonbiersch.com
GB is a large chain brewery restaurant located in a larger suburban-style shopping center and popular with the after-work crowd. Serves better-than-average pub food and has a nice covered patio.
In Cahoots
5373 Mission Center Road, Mission Valley
619-291-1184
www.incahoots.com
Three words: country line-dancing. Or is that two words?
JT’s Clubhouse
5821 Mission Gorge Road, Mission Valley
619-280-4698
The music’s surprisingly eclectic in this neighborhood-style sports bar when it’s coming from the XM Radio. Plenty of TVs for game watching, the drinks are well-poured and the patio was recently expanded, which is nice.
Kelly’s Restaurant & Irish Pub
500 Hotel Circle West, Mission Valley
619-291-7131
Old folks dig the restaurant, and young(ish) folk dig the sweet sing-along piano bar.
The Library
7459 Mission Gorge Road, Allied Gardens
619-583-5839
Sure, there’s a library in Allied Gardens. And then there’s The Library, a cozy strip-mall bar with pool tables, dartboards and lots of locals.
McGregor’s Grill & Ale House
10475 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley
619-282-9797
Long the unofficial bar of the Padres (back when they did their thing in Mission Valley) and the Chargers, McGregor’s is a lively joint with TVs everywhere and pool tables for those who like to “rack ‘em” for a good time. Good grub, too.
San Diego Brewing Co.
10450 Friars Road, Mission Valley
619-284-2739
www.sandiegobrewing.com
Seven signature beers are brewed on location, and more than 30 local brews are available on tap.
Second Wind
8515 Navajo Road, Navajo
619-465-1730
www.secondwindbars.com
Friday and Saturday nights are all about classic rock. What would bands like Serious Guise do without Second Wind? (A second location is in Santee.)
OLD TOWN & BAY PARK
Brick by Brick
1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park
619-275-5483
www.brickbybrick.com
One of San Diego’s main music venues, Blue Oyster Cult, Kid Koala, the Dead Kennedys and Henry Rollins have all graced the Brick’s stage.
Jolly Boy Saloon
4016 Wallace St., Old Town
619-291-3200
Happy hour goes until 9 p.m. on weekdays. And they serve absinthe—not a big deal to anyone who’s tried it, but the late happy hour is.
Kelly’s Pub
222 San Diego Ave., Old Town
619-543-9767
The bartenders can actually pour a perfect clover in your Guinness at this proper Irish haunt.
Morena Club
1319 Morena Blvd., Bay Park
619-276-1620
www.myspace.com/morenaclub
A self-proclaimed “dive lounge” (recently rehabbed), Morena Club is where you’ll catch DJs playing old-school hip-hop, reggae and roots-rock.
O’Connells
1310 Morena Blvd., Bay Park
619-276-5637
Recently remodeled, O’Connells is moving from its Irish roots toward being more of a live-music club, featuring a bigger stage, new sound system and live music every night of the week.
O’Hungry’s
2547 San Diego Ave., Old Town
619-298-0133
O’Hungry’s is very proud of the fact that they serve beer by the yard. It’ll set you back $11 to $12, but it’s a yard of beer—what did you expect?
Offshore Tavern
2253 Morena Blvd., Bay Park
619-276-2253
www.offshoretavern.com
Happy hour goes all day long on Mondays, and there’s a special late-night ode to drink specials from 9 p.m. to close on Saturday and Sunday at this new Bay Park pub.
Old Town Saloon
2495 San Diego Ave., Old Town
619-298-2209
We kinda liked what one of the bartenders told us for last year’s issue: “No kids, no strollers, no mom-and-dad kind of crap, just a regular dive bar.”
Tio Leo’s
5302 Napa St., Bay Park
619-542-1462
www.tioleos.com
This Mexican restaurant has four San Diego locations (see the website), but this is the one that hosts live music—from indie to rockabilly to zydeco on Thursdays, when they also offer free dance lessons.
POINT LOMA, MIDWAY & THE ISLANDS
The Brigantine
2725 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island
619-224-2871
www.brigantine.com/brigantine
Longtime San Diegans love the happy hour (especially the fish tacos) in the bar area of this almost 30-year-old institution.
C Level
880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island
619-298-6802
www.cohnrestaurants.com
The spot with some of the most amazing views of San Diego serves up a great selection of wine flights that will make everything all better. Trust us.
Desi-N-Friends
2734 Lytton St., Midway
619-224-6409
desiscocktails.com
The tagline of this quaint dive (yes, a dive can be quaint) is “your favorite bar.” With free pool on Tuesdays and $2.50 draft beer on Thursdays (both after 7 p.m.), it just might be.
The Hole
2820 Lytton St., Point Loma
619-226-9019
www.thehole.com
Afloat among a sea of Point Loma strip clubs, The Hole stands out as the favorite gay bar in a military neighborhood. Even straight regulars get excited about Monday Night’s “Wet ‘n’ Wild” underwear contest.
Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge
2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island
619-224-3577
www.humphreysbythebay.com
The smaller sibling to Humphrey’s bigger mainstage, the lounge books mostly blues, classic-rock and soul bands.
Kristy’s MVP Sports Bar
3225 Midway Drive, Midway
619-222-0388
www.kristysmvp.com
Owners Kristy Kim and Dean Walker wanted to create their “dream sports hangout.” Thus, Kristy’s was born. Inside you’ll find a massive display of sports memorabilia—and a paddle with which newcomers will get spanked (lightly, of course).
Mellow Wine Bar
2556 Laning Road, Point Loma
619-223-3348
www.mellowawinebar.com
One of the new additions to Liberty Station offers a monthly Wine 101 class for only $15, so you won’t look like an idiot and pair a port with your pork chop.
The Pearl Hotel
1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma
877-PEARL-SD
www.thepearlsd.com
If you’re going to do the bottle-service thing anywhere, it should be in one of The Pearl’s poolside cabanas, preferably during “Dive-In” movie night. And if you get too liquored up, get one of hip hotel’s rooms for $79 (plus tax and subject to availability, of course).
Rhythm Lounge
3048 Midway Drive, Midway
619-224-4835
Rhythm Lounge is an all-out dive, but punk, indie and hip-hop bands love to play here, and the fans keep coming back.
Riley’s Sports Bar
2901 Nimitz Blvd., Point Loma
619-255-8635
New management is hoping to bring in a range of musical acts, but don’t worry: Smokin Joe’s live blues jam is still happening from 7 p.m. until midnight each Sunday.
Soma
3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway
619-226-7662
www.somasd.com
One of San Diego’s few all-ages venues, Soma caters to the underage emo/screamo crowd who need someplace to burn off all that extra energy.
Twin Decks Lounge
2150 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island
619-291-9110
www.tomhamslighthouse.com
Will the newly remodeled, newly renamed spot live up to the old-school-cool former Harbor View Lounge? That’s for you to decide. While you’re making up your mind, take advantage of the $2 beer and wine and half-off food specials from 4 to 7 p.m.
OCEAN BEACH & MISSION BEACH
Arizona Café
1925 Bacon St., Ocean Beach
619-223-0847
The Arizona’s recent remodel is impressive (it’s now called The A Z). The dive was left behind for expensive new electronic pool tables, fancy décor and a new clientele that, believe it or not, doesn’t dress in hemp-wear or Chaco sandals.
The Beachcomber
2901 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
858-488-2644
This south Mission Beach bar is known for three things: $2 specials on 32-ounce cervezas, attracting every bro on the beach and being the hangout for a group of old dudes in workout gear otherwise known as OMBAC (Old Mission Bay Athletic Club).
‘Canes
3105 Ocean Front Walk,
Mission Beach
858-488-1780
www.canesbarandgrill.com
Located on the boardwalk, ’Canes looks smaller than it actually is and features better acts than you might expect. Bit o’ trivia: It’s where David Cross filmed part of his DVD Let America Laugh.
Cheswick’s West
5038 1/2 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-225-0733
An O.B. institution and a chill spot, the Harleys line up in front, sometimes 20 at a time.
Coaster Saloon
744 Ventura Place, Mission Beach
858-488-4438
www.coastersaloon.com
Across from—you guessed it—the Giant Dipper rollercoaster at Belmont Park, the Coaster was once voted the No. 1 dive bar in the world. No kidding. Despite a remodel after a kitchen fire in 2007, the Coaster still comes through with cheap drinks and free popcorn.
Dream Street
2228 Bacon St., Ocean Beach
619-222-8131
www.dreamstreetlive.com
Best known for: Metalheads checking out their buddies’ bands.
Gallagher’s
5046 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-222-5300
Formerly Bullfrog’s, Gallagher’s opened only recently, but the hip Irish spot is already packing ‘em in.
Guava Beach Bar & Grill
3714 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
858-488-6688
www.guava-beach.com
Despite its mahogany interior, fireplace and massive fish tanks full of exotic fish, Guava Beach is totally casual and does the Taco Tuesday thing—who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday?
The Harp
4935 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-222-0168
Another new Irish bar with big front windows that open up to the street, plus live bands like Lady Dottie and the Diamonds on Thursday and punk-rock Irish bands.
Lucy’s Tavern
4906 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach
619-224-0834
Loyal patrons come here to play pool, shuffle board and foosball and may or may not show up when it opens at 6 a.m.
Mac’s Cocktails
2205 Mendocino Blvd., Ocean Beach
619-223-4106
A cool little play-pool-drink-and-hang-out bar.
Open Bar
4302 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
858-270-3221
Open Bar gets full of people ready to drink on its famous outdoor patio on the beach. Monday night drink specials and hip-hop tunes are geared toward the college crowd.
Pacific Shores
4927 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-223-7549
Known by locals as “Pac Shores,” you can live out your Little Mermaid fantasies through the bar’s black-lit underwater artwork. With a rockabilly vibe, you’ll find more sideburns here than at other spots in O.B.
The Pennant
2893 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
858-488-1671
This legendary Mission Beach bar has been in the same spot since 1962 and so have a lot of its regulars. Still, young’uns flock to The Pennant’s outdoor upper deck.
Sandbar Sports Grill
718 Ventura Place, Mission Beach
858-488-1274
www.sandbarsportsgrill.com
The Sandbar functions at high volume from 9 a.m. until 2 the next morning. The best time to go, though, is Friday evening when the sun is setting and cocktails are half off.
South Beach Bar & Grill
5059 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-226-4577
They have some of the best fish tacos in town and, according to a reliable source, they “pretty much only hire hot girls.” Good to know: If you go there to eat and drink, you have to pay for your drink separately.
Sunshine Company
5028 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-222-0722
On the weekends, the TVs are tuned to sports. There are a lot of pool tables and a nice upstairs patio with a bar. If you smoke, or don’t mind being around people who do, this is your place to hang.
Tilted Stick
4970 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach
619-222-6895
www.tiltedstick.com
A tiny place with good bar food and a patio out back. It’s rather under the radar, so don’t go blabbing to your pals about this spot.
Tiny’s Tavern
4745 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach
619-523-1002
tinystavernob.com
The beer-and-wine-only drink menu keeps the cocktail crowd away, but the pool tables, shuffleboard and friendly crowd make up for you not getting your Jack and Coke.
Tony’s
5034 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
619-223-0558
A loungey spot that specializes in fancy martinis, like the Creamsicle.
The Wave House
3125 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach
858-228-9283
www.wavehouse.com
Question: Where can I drink a beer and watch people ride that Belmont Park wave machine thing? Answer: The Wave House bar.
Winston’s
1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach
619-222-6822
www.winstonsob.com
Winston has a lot of different ass-kicking nights: Don’t miss the stand-up shows by Ocean Beach Comedy, the weekly Drunk Poet’s Society readings, OB-oke with host Jose Sinatra and the live music.
PACIFIC BEACH
710 Beach Club
710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-483-7844
www.710beachclub.com
Catering to P.B.’s informal-wear beach crowd, 710 (formerly Blind Melons) hosts tons of live music that veers heavily toward reggae and ska. Beer pong and other games every Tuesday night.
Bar West
959 Hornblend St., Pacific Beach
858-273-9378
www.barwestsd.com
A slightly upscale bar (by P.B. standards) that doesn’t take itself too seriously, not too long ago hosting a Jell-O shot party. No confirmation yet on whether those shots were topped off with whipped cream.
Bub’s Dive Bar and Grill
1030 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-270-7269
www.bubsdive.com
Big brother is watching at this P.B. haunt, where, to get in, your ID must be digitally scanned at the door. A pachyderm’s wet dream, the bar offers bottomless baskets of peanuts. Year-round Christmas lights and bar tabs secured snugly by rat traps add to the classy feel.
Cabo Cantina
1050 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-270-0805
A typical P.B. sports bar with Mexican décor. Corona in a bucket? Check.
Cass St. Bar & Grill
4612 Cass St., Pacific Beach
858-270-1320
A little beach dive bar that’s off P.B.’s beaten path (literally and figuratively). No liquor, but plenty of beer and wine.
The Dog
4479 Everts St., Pacific Beach
858-581-0149
A popular little dive among people wanting to avoid the regular P.B. scene. Holla at Wednesday night $1 drink specials (holla! holla!).
Firehouse
722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach
858-274-3100
www.firehousepb.com
Part lounge, part patio, Firehouse can get packed. Up on the roof, they’ve got the cabana thing going with a fire pit, full bar and great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Froggy’s
954 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach
858-488-8102
If you’ve got something against frogs, don’t come here. But if you’re wandering in wearing flip flops, and don’t mind the amphibian art, this is your spot. Order the Froggy Fries with your beer.
Good Time Charlie’s
910 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach
858-274-3834
Another favorite among P.B. locals looking to escape the P.B. scene. GTC’s is friendly, mellow and big enough to accommodate the whole neighborhood.
Gringo’s Cocina y Cantina
4474 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach
858-490-2877
www.gringoscantina.com
Gringo’s is known for its margaritas, made with the bar’s own homemade mix and your choice of more than 100 kinds of tequila.
Johnny V’s
945 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-272-4745
www.johnnyvsd.com
Johnny V’s is a plush lounge with surround sound and DJs spinning “the beach area’s boomingest music.” Made-up words aside, Friday is all about $2 drinks and free appetizers from 4 to 9 p.m.
Lahaina Beach House
710 Oliver Ave., Pacific Beach
858-270-3888
Small and usually packed, Lahaina is 100-percent beach bar serving beer in plastic cups to customers in bathing suits. If you can maneuver around the deck, the view is gorgeous.
London’s West End Pub
5157 La Jolla Blvd., Pacific Beach
858-488-1191
www.thewestendpub.com
On the border between P.B. and La Jolla, it’s the place to play pool, darts and down $3 Jager shots on Thursdays.
Miller’s Field
4465 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach
858-483-4143
www.millersfield.com
Formerly a Pizzeria Uno, this P.B. spot has thankfully been changed into a friendly indoor/outdoor sports bar. With high ceilings, loft-style exposed brick walls and high-def plasma TVs everywhere, it’s a great place for the beach crowd to booze and snack on Caesar-style chicken wings.
Moondoggies
832 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-483-6550
www.moondoggies.com
A big place with lots of big-screen TVs and a big patio. Sit next to one of the faux fire pits and watch the P.B. circus cruise by.
Nick’s at the Beach
809 Thomas Ave., Pacific Beach
858-270-1730
www.nicksatthebeach.com
Oyster shooters and an ocean-view deck are just a few of the things that make Nick’s so agreeable. Split your time between the bar and billiards, or just sit and watch the sunset.
Nite Owl Cocktail Lounge
2772 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-274-3676
A cocktail lounge in a dark little corner of P.B. that looks like it’s been around for decades (in a good way). A place to go for strong drinks, cheap beer and pool.
Pacific Beach Bar & Grill
860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-272-4745
www.pbbarandgrill.com
Who’s not heard of (or been to) the P.B. Bar & Grill? Located within walking distance of Crystal Beer, er, Pier, it’s got food, happy hour, more than 125 flat-screen TVs (OK, that’s overkill), Sunday brunch, live music, games and a nightclub.
P.B. Pub
4471 Gresham St., Pacific Beach
858-274-9090
With no lines, no patio and strong drinks, this dive tends to attract folks who dig $5 pitchers on Monday night.
P.B. Shore Club
4343 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach
858-272-7873
www.pbshoreclub.com
Want an ocean view? Grab a brew and a seat at one of the long tables near the big windows facing the shore. Booze ban? What booze ban?
Plum Crazy
1060 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-270-1212
www.plumcrazypb.com
Best get there before they start charging a cover. What draws people here, we’ll never know (drink specials?), but it’s always crowded or getting damn close.
RT’s Longboard Grill
1466 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-270-4030
www.myspace.com/longboard grill
Underneath the surf bar exterior, RT’s is all about Boston sports. Some people find that rather hot.
Silver Fox
833 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
www.silverfoxlounge.com
The Fox houses an 80-foot bar and is home to two pool leagues, a soccer league and a softball league. One CityBeat staffer calls it “the best bar in P.B.” There are daily drink specials but, alas, no beers on tap.
Sinbad Café & Hookah Bar
1050 Garnet Ave., Ste. B, Pacific Beach
858-866-6006
If you don’t get the whole hookah-smoking thing, don’t go here. If you do, this place stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends and serves beer to go with your puff of Fruit Roll-Up.
The Tap Room
1269 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-274-1010
www.pbtaproom.com
The Tap Room shows love to locals Stone Brewing and Port Brewing (aka, the beer of Pizza Port). Get a side of Garlic Knots to go with your beer: pizza dough tied in knots, baked in butter and garlic and served with a side of marinara sauce. Yum!
Tavern at the Beach
1200 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-272-6066
www.tavernatthebeach.com
This place can get wicked crowded on weekends, so to avoid the cover charge and line, try Monday, when you can get a beer and a shot for $5. (Psst: Did you hear? Monday’s the new Thursday.)
Thrusters Lounge
4633 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach
858-483-6334
www.thrusterslounge.com
Thrusters is a member of the Green Restaurant Association and received the San Diego Recycler of the Year award in 2004, and they put pepperoncinis in their Bloody Marys, which is damn near genius.
Tiki House
1152 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-273-9734
Live music just about every night is the draw here, a narrow bar with a small stage where there’s absolutely no need to dress to impress.
TOWER @ Tower23
723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach
858-270-5736
tower23hotel.com
Don’t get TOWER mixed up with the Tower Bar in City Heights. Because that would be foolish.
Tropicoso
1261 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-270-5100
The Latin-inspired dance club invokes the crowded, sweaty, passionate dance parties that go off in Brazilian favelas.
The Turquoise
873 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach
858-488-4200
www.cafeturquoise.com
Go early for the tapas and stay late for blues, jazz and occasional flamenco.
Typhoon Saloon
1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-373-3444
www.typhoonsaloon.com
Note: Metal Skool has changed its name to Steel Panther.
THE MESAS
Blarney Stone Pub
5617 Balboa Ave., Clairemont
858-279-2033
www.blarneystonesandiego.com
How can you not love a pub whose website counts down the days to St. Patrick’s Day? And shows hurling matches on TV, too. Hurling’s cool.
Blue Bayou Lounge
4766 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont
858-565-0807
Devoted regulars of this hole-in-the-wall Clairemont bar come for Keno and stay for drinks.
The Carriage House
7945 Balboa Ave., Kearny Mesa
858-278-2597
Not much to look at, but one of San Diego’s more popular karaoke bars on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you need a little liquid courage, the drinks are stiff and cheap.
Epicentre
8450 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa
858-271-4000
www.epicentre.org
In addition to hosting live bands—local and touring indie-rock, mostly—the Epicentre houses a recording studio and offers some pretty fantastic classes for youth in audio engineering, beatmaking and live-sound production.
The Filling Station
9522 Miramar Road, Mira Mesa
858-578-0757
A karaoke dive right by MCAS Miramar, The Filling Station is usually packed with Marines looking to get their buzz on. But don’t be turned away by the meatheads—load up on cheap drinks, belt out an impromptu version of “Don’t Stop Believing” and try your hand at the “porn claw” arcade game.
Hungry Stick
4664 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont
858-272-1412
Fifty-cent pool and $5 beer. What more could you want?
O’Brien’s Pub
4646 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa
858-715-1745
www.obrienspub.net
“The hoppiest place on earth” for beer snobs posts a list of what’s on tap on its website. The list of bottled beers is, like, the size of a book—a small book, but a book nonetheless that includes lots of Belgians.
Padre Gold
7245 Linda Vista Road, Linda Vista
858-277-8681
By day: An American Legion meeting spot. By night: A neighborhood drinker’s bar that hosts one of San Diego’s only Big Beautiful Women (BBW) club events every Saturday night.
Peter D’s
5149 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont
858-277-3217
A friendly local sports bar just down the street from the Hungry Stick. Be wary of pool sharks; be excited about karaoke, Thursday through Sunday.
Players Sports Bar
7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa
858-277-7060
The owners are from Boston, so that means there’s a New England vibe and Sox games on whenever possible. Just don’t be singing Manny Ramirez’s praises, or else you’re in trouble.
LA JOLLA
Che Café
9500 Gilman Drive,
Bldg. 161, La Jolla
858-534-2311
www.checafe.ucsd.edu
If this student-run venue on the UCSD campus kinda feels like an abandoned house, well, that’s because it is. Drawing mostly underground hardcore and indie acts, the vegan snacks and intimate stage area add to its D.I.Y. feel. Shows here can get wild, even though they don’t serve alcohol.
Jack’s La Jolla
7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla
858-456-8111
www.jackslajolla.com
A ginormous superbar, Jack’s almost has too much going for it with five lounges. Sit in a cabana next to a crackling fire at the Ocean Room Bar on the top level while you debate whether to hit up the wine bar, beach bar or piano bar next.
Jose’s Courtroom Cantina
1037 Prospect St., La Jolla
858-454-7655
www.joses.com
This bar reportedly holds the second-oldest liquor license in La Jolla. The margaritas, only $5 during happy hour, are a steal.
La Jolla Brew House
7536 Fay Ave., La Jolla
858-456-6279
www.lajollabrewhouse.com
In addition to its own daily brews on tap, LJBH offers a nicely edited list of specialty bottles and “guest beers” (but what’s with including Miller Light on that list?).
Porter’s Pub
UCSD Campus, La Jolla
858-587-4828
www.porterspub.com
UCSD’s resident pub gives discounts to grad students and stocks its bar with rare beers to keep even the smartest hopheads guessing.
Prospect Bar and Lounge
1025 Prospect St. #210, La Jolla
858-454-8092
www.prospectbar.com
Formerly the Excelsior and newly remodeled, you might opt to face away from the flat-screen TVs (unless you’re there to watch sports) and toward La Jolla Cove.
The Spot
1005 Prospect St., La Jolla
858-459-0800
www.thespotonline.com
The Spot looks like a sailors’ bar from the outside, but since it’s in La Jolla, you know it’s not. Known for its good pub grub.
The Whaling Bar & Grill @ La Valencia Hotel
1132 Prospect St., La Jolla
858-551-3761
www.lavalencia.com
Though it’s been open for more than a half-century, the Whaling Bar’s got the dark-leather-booth thing going. The martinis and Bloody Marys get high marks.
NORTH COAST
The Alley
421 Grand Ave., Carlsbad
760-434-1173
Daytime regulars are replaced by a younger beach crowd at night when this little dive turns into a dance party. Sweating and general rowdiness are de rigeur.
Bar Leucadian
1542 N. Coast Hwy., Encinitas
760-753-2094
Surfers, old-school bar flies and rock ‘n’ roll cougars alike call the Leucadian home. See and be seen on Tuesdays from midnight ‘til close for the bar’s late-night happy hour.
Belly Up Tavern
143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach
858-481-9022
www.bellyup.com
The North County spot to catch a show. Lots of seating—with great views of the stage—for old(er) folks who’d prefer to sit rather than dance.
Boar Cross’n
390 Grand Ave, Carlsbad
760-729-2989
Locals still line up at the door to get in and don’t seem to mind paying a cover on Fridays when bands take the stage.
Bub’s Whiskey Dive
301 Pier View Way, Oceanside
760-757-2827
On the small side, this biker-friendly bar only serves hard liquor on the weekend. And peanuts.
Coyote Bar & Grill
300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad
760-729-4695
Coyote is casual, but nice, with an outdoor patio and live music and karaoke every Monday and Tuesday until a DJ takes over. Sit near the fire pit and enjoy the breeze.
Daley Double Saloon
546 Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
760-753-1366
Open since 1957, the Double is Encinitas’ favorite dive bar. It’s a saloon, which explains the antlers and pioneer murals on the walls.
Duke’s Cardiff Office
110-A Aberdeen Drive., Cardiff
760-753-7766
Duke’s is a small, dark dive full of questionable smells and dirt-cheap drinks. It can get crowded, but there’s a jukebox and, again, dirt-cheap drinks.
First Street Bar
656 South Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
760-944-0233
Under new ownership, First Street has gotten a makeover. Customers were glad to say goodbye to the old cash-only policy, sad to see the pool tables go and skeptical about the addition of flat-screen TVs.
Gaffney’s Wine Bar
897 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
760-633-1011
www.gaffneyswinebar.com
Gaffney’s is considered one of Southern California’s best wine bars, yet it’s stayed a mom-and-pop outfit, run by a friendly couple who love their wine.
The Golden Tee Cocktail Lounge
1065 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad
The Tee manages to score the perfect dive trifecta: Dingy neighborhood feel, check. Stiff drinks that start getting served at 6 a.m., check. Indoor smoking? Cough and check.
Hensley’s Flying Elephant Pub & Grill
850 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad
760-729-4996
www.hensleyspub.com
Owner Matt Hensley is the accordionist for Flogging Molly, so he likes live music and lots of it. He also likes to host cool art exhibits and has been known to show a film every now and then and serve free popcorn.
The Kraken
2531 S Coast Highway 101, Cardiff by the Sea
760-436-6483
With no food, no tourists and the occasional live music show, the Kraken, unlike most things in North County, remembers how it all started.
The Shanty Cocktail Lounge
126 Chesterfield Drive, Cardiff by the Sea
760-753-1548
This ain’t your granddaddy’s dive bar. Oh, hold on—it is. The Shanty has been packing ‘em in like sardines for generations. September through October, for some unknown reason, it becomes Halloween central.
Surf & Saddle
123 W. Plaza, Solana Beach
858-755-9474
Tuesday night’s goldfish races are a must in this North County watering hole. And, after a long weekend of horseplay, nothing hits the spot quite like their Sunday Bloody Marys. Second ones are always just a buck.
Tidewater Tavern
221 N. Highway 101, Solana Beach
858-755-4115
For $1, you can blow into a breathalyzer and check your level of inebriation, which seems to amuse patrons to no end.
The Village Pub
2990 State St., Carlsbad
760-434-2114
The Village Pub is located next to the train tracks at State Street and Carlsbad Village Drive. When the train goes by, you can get a draft beer for just $1.50.
Yogi’s
2633 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff
760-943-9644
Yogi’s recently moved closer to the beach. The upside: You’ll practically fall into this place if you surf Swami’s. The downside: It’s right by that stinky lagoon and the parking sucks.
Z Ocean Bar @ Epazote
1555 Camino Del Mar #322,
Del Mar
858-259-9966
Z Ocean is an upscale hotel bar best known for martinis and margaritas. On Sunday and Wednesday nights, wine is half-price.
CORONADO
Babcock & Story Bar (@ the Hotel Del Coronado)
1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-522-8490
www.hoteldel.com/dining/babcock.com
Named after Hotel Del founders Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, the handcrafted mahogany bar and gleaming wood floors are everything you’d expect at the Del.
Coronado Brewing Co.
170 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-437-4452
www.coronadobrewing
company.com
A tasty local brewery with one unfortunate rule: only three beers per customer. But ya gotta make it back over the bridge, right?
Danny’s Palm Bar & Grill
965 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-435-3171
Yeah, it’s a bit of a dive, but people come from near and far for one thing: the Slamburger. The quarter pound of meat in a bun is among the best in San Diego.
Eno @ the Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-522-8546
www.enowinerooms.com
This is a pretty upscale spot, but the quality matches the cost. If you’re watching your wallet, take advantage of special deals, like ENO-versity and “Tasting Tuesdays.”
Island Sports & Spirits
104 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-435-3456
www.islandsportsandspirits.com
With an array of video games, live music and karaoke, a full bar and nine high-def flat-screen TVs, the only thing this bar doesn’t have is a pool table—because they traded it in to make space for a kitchen.
Little Club
132 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-435-5885
Yeah, it is little, but the tiny dive opens its doors at 7 a.m., serving up Bloody Marys to locals and a regular influx of Navy SEALS.
Mc P’s Irish Pub & Grill
1107 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-435-5280
www.mcpspub.com
Around since the ‘80s, this is another Coronado hangout popular among Navy folks—and owned by ex-Navy SEAL Greg McPartlin.
SOUTH COUNTY
Café La Maze
1441 Highland Ave., National City
619-474-3222
Mmmm….steak. They’re also turning up the heat on the live-music side of things, so you may want to check it out.
Dock’s Cocktail Lounge
317 3rd. Ave., Chula Vista
619-422-1556
The array of red lights makes even the ghastliest of regulars appear flawless during the nightly karaoke. Are you a Jon Bon Jovi suffering from male pattern baldness? No problem! Obese Shania Twain? Step right up. Just tell them Dumpster Dolly sent’cha.
Over the Border
3008 Main St., Chula Vista
619-427-5889
www.overtheborder.net
This South County live-music venue and dance club is only open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, but they pack dancers wall-to-wall on most nights. The dress code is formal, but it’s worth donning your best gear for shows by international touring acts and the area’s best rock en espanol DJs.
Ye Olde Plank Inn
24 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach
619-423-5976
Ahoy matey! This retired Navy SEAL-owned joint is the most Southwestern bar in the continental U.S. and the definition of a beach dive. “Margarita Mondays” and “Daiquiri Wednesdays” make the mostly military and beach bum crowd go nuts.
EAST COUNTY
Cat Daddy’s
518 E. Main St., El Cajon
619-579-3537
members.cox.net/rzbar/catdaddys.htm
This dive bar’s website has a prominently displayed button on it that says, “Back to the dirty old man place.” If that’s where you want to be, by all means give it a click.
Dirk’s Niteclub
7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove
619-469-6344
www.dirksniteclub.com
Highlights: Dart and pool leagues during the week, cover bands on the weekends and vending machines filled with every processed food you could ever think of.
El Cajon Grand
351 W. Main St., El Cajon
619-444-0949
The Grand’s owner bought the old Caddy Shack Carousel bar, completely gutted it and added pool tables, dart boards, horseshoe pits and eight flat screens. The new, improved Grand just opened its doors a few weeks ago.
The Falcon’s Lure
7745 University Ave, La Mesa
619-464-7525
Coolest dive-bar name. Ever.
Grover’s Tavern
3315 Buena Vista Ave., Lemon Grove
619-469-1190
A regular old beer-and-wine bar that caters to Lemon Grove locals
Mr. G’s Tavern
7081 University Ave., La Mesa
619-469-3834
Those who’ve heard of it have a deep fondness for this locals-loving dive bar, featuring an insane karaoke night and happy hour all day Saturday and Sunday.
Hooley’s Irish Pub & Grill
2955 Jamacha Road, Ste. 21,
Rancho San Diego
619-670-7468
www.hooleys.com
The Irish joint features live music on the weekends, open mic on Mondays and, sometime this fall, plans are to open a new location in La Mesa.
Joe ‘n Andy’s Hole in the Wall
8344 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa
619-589-8684
www.myspace.com/joenandys holeinthewallsounds
Now that it’s under new ownership, this place may be the hippest thing La Mesa has going for it. Check their MySpace page for the live-music lineup.
The Landing
1185 E. Main St., El Cajon
619-442-0258
The Landing is the Lamplighter of El Cajon, meaning you can sing karaoke every single night of the week.
Parky’s
6149 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa
619-464-9119
This tiny hole-in-the-wall features Fred Keith and The Sidewinders playing old-school blues almost every other Sunday.
Thornton’s Irish Pub
1221 Broadway, El Cajon
619-447-5665
www.thortonsirishpub.com
For just $20, you can join the pub’s monthly whiskey-tasting event and sample a few of the 60 whiskies they have on the menu.
The Wagon Wheel
8861 North Magnolia Ave., Santee, 619-448-8550
www.thewheelsandiego.com
Everything you might expect from a Santee bar called The Wagon Wheel. On Tuesdays you can join the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” tournament. If that’s too daunting, there’s a beer-pong tournament on the day after Monday, too.
…AND MORE!
The Liar’s Club
2806 Alpine Blvd., Alpine
619-722-6549
One year we forgot to include the Liars Club in this issue and we felt just awful about it. But then they up and moved from Mission Beach to Alpine. What’s up with that? Anyhow, we hear the folks in Alpine are digging it. So, if you live out that way or are looking to take a drive, the beer and burgers here are fab.
Jumping Turtle
1660 Capalina Road, San Marcos
760-471-7778
Known for hosting events like Metal Fest and performers like Abysmal Dawn and the Dead Serial Killers, the Jumping Turtle also offers more then 49 bottled and draft beers to go with your hair.
ounders Sports Pub
125 W Grand Ave., Escondido
760-739-1288
Escondido’s favorite dive bar is a European-style pub that sees locals on the weekdays and everyone else on the weekends. Good for people watching when the front wall opens up to the street.
Blurbs written by: Athena Davis, Kelly Davis, Todd Kroviak, Enrique Limon, Kinsee Morlan and David Rolland
Did we miss your favorite spot? Write to editor@sdcitybeat.com and tell us about it.
