Looking for a great night out on the town? Check out our list of the best bars in downtown San Diego!
Bars in San Diego are as unique as the neighborhoods that surround them, and they provide a fantastic opportunity to mix with locals and have a drink.
Rooftop bars, underground lounges, and high-energy VIP clubs are all well recognized in downtown San Diego for a night out.
It always starts in the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego where it becomes one of the most exciting places on the West Coast for partying. The bars are booming with world-class DJs, the handcrafted cocktails are works of art, and dance floors are packed with people soaking up San Diego’s vibrant atmosphere after dark. With 16 stroll-able blocks crammed with over 180 restaurants, 50 bars, and 10 clubs, it all begins in the Gaslamp Quarter.
The western edge of Downtown San Diego, which is also known as the “Embarcadero,” is located adjacent to Downtown along the Big Bay, bordered by the waterfront. This is a cruise-ship haven known for seafood, Navy Pier, souvenir shops in Seaport Village, high-end restaurants, and boutiques.
Little Italy consists of the northern part of Downtown San Diego where there is a broad spectrum of cozy patios, international restaurants, breweries, wineries, art galleries, and much more. This neighborhood is an iconic historical area and popular tourist attraction where many come to celebrate their own Italian heritage.
The lively East Village, which is located just south of downtown, has a trendy social scene and trendy cafés, craft beer bars, and a high-energy atmosphere.
You’ll find Barrio Logan, the heart of San Diego’s Hispanic community, to the west of downtown. The colorful murals and exquisite cuisine are well worth the drive.
These establishments in all areas of Downtown San Diego offer something for everyone, from sports fans to party animals. Whether you’re looking for a place to watch the game or let loose and dance, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to raise a glass to an amazing night out!
False Idol
Address: 675 W Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 5:00 P.M. – 1:00 A.M. (Monday – Thursday), 5:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. (Friday – Sunday)
Website: www.falseidoltiki.com
False Idol can easily check all the boxes for a speakeasy type of bar located in the heart of Little Italy. The location can often be easily overlooked and missed but it is right inside Craft and Commerce off Kettner Boulevard.
You’ll want to make an online reservation ahead of time through Open table if you have a large party or an occasion that you are celebrating since this spot can get crowded.
Once you get inside, the décor is more of a low dimmed, and intimate tiki vibe. There is an extensive list of fancy drinks to choose from which makes for a perfect spot for a casual gather, girls or guys night out, or a date night.
Noble Experiment
Address: 777 G Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-888-4713
Hours: 6:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. (Daily)
Website: www.nobleexperimentsd.com
The Noble Experiment is one of San Diego’s hidden gems that reflects a speakeasy environment. There is no physical menu to look at, but instead, the bartenders are knowledgeable enough to create a drink based on your preferences and a series of questions that they ask. This spot is worth the wait and makes for a unique environment.
The Noble Experiment is a bar hidden inside a restaurant called Neighborhood: What appears to be a stack of kegs by the restroom is, in reality, a secret door leading into a bar so exclusive and elite that it requires reservations several days in advance. A reservation can be made ahead of time through Open Table.
Werewolf
Address: 627 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-234-0094
Hours: 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 A.M. (Daily)
Website: www.thewerewolf.net
In 2014, two cousins who run The Waterfront, San Diego’s Oldest Tavern, launched Werewolf in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Join the Yelp waitlist ahead of time to avoid the crowds or better yet, go early on a weekday and shouldn’t experiment a long wait at all.
Not only is this an exceptional bar for the nighttime crowd, but offers brunch with specialty mimosas, breakfast shots, mules, bloody Mary’s, and Irish coffees. The food is exceptional along with the unique drinks.
Karaoke is offered every Tuesday through Saturday between 8:00 P.M. and 1:00 A.M.
Trailer Park After Dark
Address: 835 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-1550
Hours: 5:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. (Thursday), 5:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. (Friday – Saturday), Closed (Sunday – Wednesday)
Website: www.trailerparkafterdark-sandiego.com
The name itself says it all, encompassing the trailer park life. This is a fun spot to go because the trailers are well put together with a vintage vibe and old-school music playing in the background. There are picnic tables with fold-out chairs and shopping carts for seats.
The attention to detail is impeccable here and makes for a comical environment to host an event.
If you plan to come in a large group or 8 or more, you will want to reserve a trailer online. These are private lounges that can accommodate up to 25 people depending on which one you select.
Happy Hour is offered on Thursdays only from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. This is including $4 Coors Drafts and $6 well drinks.
The Lion’s Share
Address: 629 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-564-6924
Hours: 4:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. (Tuesday – Sunday), Closed (Monday)
Website: www.lionssharedsd.com
First established in 2011, The Lion’s Share is an eclectic and creative bar that serves a variety of quality cocktails and American food.
The ambiance has more of a dark and artsy feel inside including outdoor dining as well.
Happy Hour is between 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Tuesday through Sunday.
They also offer reservations online through Open Table.
The Nolen
Address: 453 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-769-6536
Hours: 5:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. (Monday – Thursday), 5:00 P.M. – 1:00 A.M. (Friday – Saturday), 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 A.M. (Sunday)
Website: www.thenolerooftop.com
Everything tastes better with a view!
You won’t want to miss the signature rooftop views at The Nolen.
Happy Hour offers $7 select cocktails and bites from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Monday through Wednesday and even Sundays from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Conclusion for the Best Bars in Downtown San Diego
We all know that parking in any type of downtown area can be a hassle and quite limited. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a fee to park in a parking structure. We highly recommend taking public transportation to get to Downtown San Diego, especially if you’re looking to grab a few drinks at one of these bars.
The selection of bars that we recommend is based on the ambiance of each location because we know a drink or two is paired well in a fun environment.
In addition to the ambiance and atmosphere, the extensive drink menu and how the cocktails are crafted, along with the food selection are another great takeaway.
Other articles you might like:
103 Comments
Comments are closed.