The best bars & nightlife in San Diego

Hip, casual watering hole with reclaimed-wood decor & a menu of burgers, tacos & elevated pub grub.

8758 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Buzzing spot with a heated patio, 20+ beers on tap & a wide selection of high-quality cigars.

8282 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Relaxed venue offering an array of wines by the flight or glass in a friendly setting.

8167 Center St (La Mesa)

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

1261 Garnet Ave

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

710 Oliver Ct

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

2015 Birch Rd #720 (Chula Vista)

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

1310 Scott St

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

2907 Shelter Island Dr Unit 108

Easygoing, local pub featuring live music from local bands (cover charge), plus pool and darts.

8528 Magnolia Ave #105 (Santee)

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

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

4927 Newport Ave

Casual restaurant offering breakfast-to-dinner comfort fare and a large selection of beer.

9621 Mission Gorge Rd #101 (Santee)

Charming Italian option plating time-honored dishes in a sophisticated space with a patio.

8131 Broadway (Lemon Grove)

Casual spot for drinks and pool plus live music performances in a down-to-earth setting.

9924 Campo Rd (Spring Valley)

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

5034 Newport Ave

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

5500 Grossmont Center Dr (La Mesa)

Longtime gathering place offers cocktails & pub grub in simple surrounds with shuffleboard & pool.

5505 Jackson Dr (La Mesa)

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

800 Paseo del Rey (Chula Vista)

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

2015 Birch Rd Ste.2400 (Chula Vista)

Unassuming tavern features standard drinks in laid-back surrounds with live music & karaoke nights.

10761 Jamacha Blvd Ste c (Spring Valley)

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

2265 Bacon St

Cocktails & a menu of traditional Mexican dishes in a contemporary restaurant & bar.

8384 La Mesa Blvd (La Mesa)

Lively sports tavern dispensing American dishes such as burgers & pizza alongside beers on tap.

10053 Maine Ave (Lakeside)

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

285 Bay Blvd (Chula Vista)

Main Tap Tavern stacks the taps and the fun, with a draft and bottle lineup that keeps things interesting, a legit food menu, and weekly…

518 E Main St (El Cajon)

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

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

3015 Lincoln Ave

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

401 G St

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

2044 Kettner Blvd

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

7123 El Cajon Blvd

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

1445 India St

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

3829 30th St

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

770 Fifth Ave

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

600 Fifth Ave #6916

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

10045 Carroll Canyon Rd A

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

3731 India St B

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

777 G St

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

4757 University Ave

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

634 14th St #110

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

629 Kettner Blvd

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

1863 Fifth Ave

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

4012 30th St

Old-school local sports bar serves cocktails in a roomy venue with live music & karaoke nights.

13321 Hwy 8 Business (El Cajon)

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

2219 30th St

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

1440 University Ave