The best bars & nightlife in Encinitas

Easygoing restaurant fixing up local staples such as burgers, tacos & wings, plus craft beer on tap.

17877 Von Karman Ave Unit 110 (Irvine)

Intimate, low-key spot for craft cocktails, beer and wine, plus live music and board games.

1261 Garnet Ave (San Diego)

Snug, cash-only beachfront bar with a menu of burgers & tacos, plus a vast patio with sunset views.

710 Oliver Ct (San Diego)

An over-the-top ambiance sets the stage for a fusion menu of French & Italian favorites.

2015 Birch Rd #720 (Chula Vista)

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

13130 Jamboree Rd (Irvine)

Compact cocktail joint serves standard drinks in a sailor-themed venue with a laid-back atmosphere.

1310 Scott St (San Diego)

A contemporary-styled eatery showcasing 25+ domestic & global wines by the glass.

2907 Shelter Island Dr Unit 108 (San Diego)

Relaxed cafe offering freshly brewed coffees and espresso drinks such as vanilla lattes and cappuccinos plus fresh pastry and lunch fare…

2907 Shelter Island Dr Unit 107 (San Diego)

An old-style, underwater-themed bar offering traditional cocktails in a dimly lit space.

4927 Newport Ave (San Diego)

Unassuming cocktail bar features an array of house drinks & pool in an old-school spacious interior.

5034 Newport Ave (San Diego)

Chic, breezy place with patio seats for New American fare with flair & clever cocktails.

19530 Jamboree Rd (Irvine)

Live music plays at this retro bar opened in 1972 with red velvet wallpaper & pin-up art.

2370 N Tustin Ave (Santa Ana)

Laid-back hangout with a rooftop lounge known for its extensive selection of craft brews on tap.

305 E 4th St Ste 200 (Santa Ana)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

800 Paseo del Rey (Chula Vista)

Outpost of a craft brewery specializing in ales & lagers, situated inside the Lamppost PIzzeria.

14450 Culver Dr Ste E (Irvine)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

2015 Birch Rd Ste.2400 (Chula Vista)

Chic bistro & wine shop offering regional small plates & weekend brunch, plus happy-hour specials.

2265 Bacon St (San Diego)

Open 24 hours a day, this club offers card games such as blackjack & poker, plus drinks & food.

285 Bay Blvd (Chula Vista)

Live music venue draws crowds with popular rock, alternative, jazz & blues acts, plus food.

3503 S Harbor Blvd (Santa Ana)

Candy Shop Topless Nightclub blends high-energy club vibes with stage shows, DJs and concerts, while the Candy Shop Sweeties deliver live…

4000 Kearny Mesa Rd (San Diego)

619 Spirits North Park is a neighborhood distillery and cocktail bar turning out smooth, house-distilled pours and easygoing American…

3015 Lincoln Ave (San Diego)

Karl Strauss Brewing Company in Carlsbad is pouring award-winning beers alongside cheffy comfort hits like the Wagyu Royale Burger, Beer…

5801 Armada Dr (Carlsbad)

Black Rail Kitchen + Bar nails that polished-but-relaxed thing with a brunch and dinner lineup that hits the Californian-with-a-twist sweet…

6981 El Camino Real (Carlsbad)

Industrial-style wine bar offering simple dishes made with local ingredients, and a popular happy hour.

2981 Michelson Dr Ste e (Irvine)

Dance-friendly hot spot for beer, wine, cocktails and mixed drinks, with themed events.

401 G St (San Diego)

This 1933 institution outlasted the waterfront but still draws crowds with pub grub & happy hour.

2044 Kettner Blvd (San Diego)

Warm eatery offering seasonal fare alongside classic cocktails and beer in modern quarters.

18555 Jamboree Rd (Irvine)

Lively, low-key option decked in tropical decor, offering cocktails and karaoke.

7123 El Cajon Blvd (San Diego)

Cozy, family-run restaurant known for seafood dishes and traditional Italian fare, plus a vast wine selection.

1445 India St (San Diego)

Casual eatery & bar featuring craft beer, grilled sausages & sides in a cozy, modern interior.

996 N Coast Hwy 101

Laid-back bar serving cocktails & beer alongside pool tables, darts, live music & sports on TV.

1542 N Coast Hwy 101

Laid-back bar featuring Japanese-inspired cocktails, tiki cocktails and highballs.

3829 30th St (San Diego)

Historic tri-level hangout serves pub grub & signature drinks alongside games, comedy & live music.

770 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Sports TV & DJs accompany visits to this mod spot, known for craft beer, bourbon & flatbread pizzas.

600 Fifth Ave #6916 (San Diego)

Hip tasting room with industrial decor elements offering a selection of craft cider.

10045 Carroll Canyon Rd A (San Diego)

Elevated pub grub, burgers & dozens of local brews are served in a relaxed historic space.

641 S Coast Hwy 101

Charming spot offers eclectic fare, wine flights & a fixed-price menu served at communal tables.

3731 India St B (San Diego)

Upscale speakeasy cocktail bar with a hidden entrance offering custom drinks and themed cocktails, plus a set menu.

777 G St (San Diego)

Comedy club featuring big names & up-and-comers, plus offering a full food & drink menu.

527 Spectrum Center Dr (Irvine)

Shared plates, burgers & pizza served in a casual brewhouse with a warm, industrial vibe & a patio.

6133 Innovation Way Suite 101 (Carlsbad)

Vintage-chic restaurant for eclectic American fare & cocktails, plus live entertainment nightly.

517 S Coast Hwy 101

Dive bar, located in iconic City Heights building since 1932, offers full bar, live shows & jukebox.

4757 University Ave (San Diego)

Relaxed bakery hiding a speakeasy-style bar (via a hidden door), offering Japanese-inspired dishes and cocktails.

634 14th St #110 (San Diego)

Intimate, moody bar pairing handcrafted drinks with New American plates featuring exotic meats.

629 Kettner Blvd (San Diego)

Cozy pub with more than 30 international beers on tap has bison, ostrich & other unusual burgers.

1044 S Coast Hwy 101

Longtime local watering hole with a retro vibe offering a full bar, live music & billiards.

656 S Coast Hwy 101

Small, casual tavern known for cocktails, burgers & fries, offered amid vintage decor.

1863 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

This industrial-chic spot serving elevated Southern classics stocks an extensive array of whiskeys.

18169 Von Karman Ave (Irvine)

Neighborhood bar for casual drinks & bites plus popular karaoke & other theme nights.

4012 30th St (San Diego)

Open, airy fixture offers a range of thoughtfully sourced wines amid a cool mixed-material backdrop.

2219 30th St (San Diego)

Late-night casual dive featuring live music, a dance floor and a patio.

2531 S Coast Hwy 101 (Cardiff)

Festive eatery serves classic Mexican cuisine in a colorful dining room with roving mariachi bands.

1901 Calle Barcelona (Carlsbad)

Lively, tropical-themed restaurant and lounge offering Asian-fusion fare, cocktails, and a wine list.

485 S Coast Hwy 101

Sleek, barrel-lined restaurant offering Mediterranean small plates & house-label wines on tap.

934 N Coast Hwy 101

Relaxed, contemporary-styled eatery featuring local eats and a wide array of wines.

1440 University Ave (San Diego)