The 10 Best Bars In San Diego, California

Photo of Talitha Duncan-Todd
Talitha Duncan-Todd
9 February 2017

San Diego is a perfect spot to enjoy a drink on the terrace of a bar, soak up the beautiful rays and enjoy the views of the ocean with a cocktail or beer in your hand. This popular city of California has a variety of bars. Each one is different and distinct in its own unique style. In this article, we’ve highlighted the 10 best bars in San Diego for you to enjoy a drink at.

Noble Experiment

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, $$$
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Noble Experiment, San Diego
Noble Experiment, San Diego | © Jeremy Noble/WikiCommons
If you can find the entrance hidden inside the neighborhood restaurant, the cloak-and-dagger scene at this tiny East Village speakeasy is perfect for a romantic date thanks to its sophisticated, intimate atmosphere and décor of golden skulls and mirrors. The skilled bartenders, who are dressed very smartly, mix excellent cocktails, and though the drinks are costly, you will have an elite, enlightening experience at the Noble Experiment.
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777 G Street, Core-Columbia, San Diego, California, 92101, USA
+16198884713
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Polite Provisions

Don’t expect a quick drink at North Park’s hot spot, Polite Provisions, for cocktail enthusiasts and hipster types, because the bartenders mix and muddle the strong, amazingly delicious drinks with delicate precision, drawing upon dozens of bitters and other artisanal ingredients. The true work of art, however, is the bright, airy setting, which features a beautiful old-fashioned drugstore look. Take your pick from the variety of cocktails and spirits on the menu or the beer and wine menu that rotates daily.
4696 30th St, San Diego, CA, USA, +1 619 677 3784

The Aero Club Bar

Bar, American, $$$
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The Aero Club Bar
The Aero Club Bar | © billlutzius/Flickr
The wall of whiskey is unbeatable at The Aero Club, which is a comfortable, low-key dive bar. By the airport, the bar stocks enough scotch, bourbon and rye (800-plus varieties) to calm any travellers or locals with any shaky nerves. Professional and friendly bartenders keep the drinks flowing while pool tables provide some entertainment and the aeronautical décor is rife with a historical feel.
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3365 India Street, MIddletown, San Diego, Louisiana, 92103, USA
+16192977211
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High Dive Bar And Grill

Bar, Restaurant, American, $$$
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The High Dive is a San Diego neighborhood bar and restaurant, situated in the enchanting heart of Bay Park. The bar carries 20 local craft beers on tap and serve up an array of tiki-inspired cocktails. Enjoy some fresh air on the lovely outdoor patio or watch the big game inside. Here, guests can play their favorite songs on the jukebox or challenge Cookie to a game of pinball. The High Dive acts as a home away from home, and the venue has been spreading positive vibes and love since 2006.
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1801 Morena Boulevard, Clairemont, San Diego, California, 92110, USA
+16192750460
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The Regal Beagle

Bar, Restaurant, American
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The Regal Beagle
The Regal Beagle | © AJ Batac/Flickr
The Regal Beagle is a quaint little joint nestled in Mission Hills, boasting a fine selection of craft beer and a complete menu of artisan sausages and other delectable items. The Regal Beagle is a pet-friendly restaurant. Dogs are welcomed on the patio and the bartenders will gladly fill the dog dish with fresh water. A cask system matches the variety of the weekly specials and occasional trivia night, and go perfectly with the tasty sausages. Make sure to check out the mustard station, which has a wonderful variety of options.
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3659 India Street, MIddletown, San Diego, California, 92103, USA
+16192972337
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Tiger! Tiger!

Tiger! Tiger! have a fantastic selection of beer and bartenders who are very knowledgeable. The crowd is usually full of hipsters and others toasting this family-friendly North Park alehouse. With an airy, cabin-like interior and a patio, this is a very popular bar. Their inspired bar fare (e.g. wood-fired sandwiches) is quite delicious too, though there can be a bit of a wait to order at the counter due to its popularity with the locals.
3025 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA, USA, +1 619 487 0401

Pâté at Tiger! Tiger! | © Kirk K/Flickr

Small Bar

Bar, Gastropub, American, $$$
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Small Bar, San Diego
Small Bar, San Diego | © Rama/WikiCommons
It may be a small bar but the relaxed, local clientele love this unpretentious University Heights tavern, where a great craft beer selection and delicious gastropub grub can be had without breaking the budget. It can get busy with the crowds during the happy hour. Enjoy the food on the menu that’s great for any time of day, whether it is for brunch, lunch, or dinner. There’s indoor dining including long tables and bar tops towards the opposite side of the bar; and additionally, there’s an outdoor area where you can sit during the day.
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4628 Park Boulevard, University Heights, San Diego, California, 92116, USA
+16197957998
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Prohibition

Bar, American, $$$
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Prohibition Lounge, San Diego
Prohibition Lounge, San Diego | © Jet Lowe/WikiCommons
Prohibition, a stylish red-hued haunt with a 1930s flair, is a speakeasy-style lounge located in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Once you’ve found the location, you can enjoy a newly-renovated plush décor, handcrafted cocktails, world-class service, and a soothing, upbeat blend of music including live jazz and blues. Enjoy the company of the bartenders and their artistic talent, but do be aware that the bar adheres to a dress code on the weekends. Shorts, flip flops and baseball caps are included on the not-to-wear list.
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548 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, California, 92101, USA
+16195011919
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Hamilton’s Tavern

Bar, Pub Grub, American
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Hamilton’s Tavern is a traditional neighborhood alehouse located in the heart of the historic South Park area of San Diego. Its street has been licensed to serve beer and wine for over 75 years, making it the oldest beer and wine licensed location in San Diego. Formerly the beloved dive bar, Sparky’s, Hamilton’s opened in 2006 under new ownership and is now solely focused on offering the highest quality ales, real ales and craft beers from around the world. Whilst at the tavern, treat yourself to their homemade sausages
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1521 30th Street, South Park, San Diego, California, 92102, USA
+16192385460
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Blarney Stone Pub

Bar, Pub, Irish, American, $$$
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The Blarney Stone Pub is San Diego’s original Irish pub, featuring live authentic Irish music along with an old Ireland atmosphere. The pub offers a full bar with a wide selection of draft and bottled beers. Customers can watch the large flat-screen TV for all sporting events and use one of the few old-steel-tip dartboards in town. Here, there’s something happening every night.
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5617 Balboa Avenue, Clairemont, San Diego, California, 92111, USA
+18582792033
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