The Best Bars In City Heights, San Diego

Steak Sandwich - Pugg Mahones AUD16 | © Alpha/Flickr

9 February 2017

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City Heights is a large, dense, and ethnically diverse neighborhood in San Diego, California. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, stop by a few of these top bars and order your favorite drink.

Turf Tavern, Oxford | © Peter Trimming/Flickr

The Ritual Tavern

Bar, Seafood, $$$

If you crave a fine drink and hearty fare on an evening in City Heights, look no further than through the doors of The Ritual Tavern. It’s the bar’s pleasure to serve you piping hot food and a rich selection of beer and wine. This tavern aims to honor the traditions of old. Stop by The Ritual Tavern to taste the worldly flavors of Britain, Germany, New Orleans, and experience ‘the trade winds spirit blowing around us.’ If you love good food and drinks in a warm setting, there’s no reason Ritual shouldn’t be on your to-do list.

Black Cat Bar

Bar, Cocktails, Pub Grub

Black Cat Bar opened in 2011 and has been serving delicious beer and specialty cocktails to San Diego locals and travelers since. This is an unpretentious watering hole that serves beer, cocktails, and other fan favorites. It offers live music, pool tables and a jukebox. Black Cat Bar is the ideal venue to go for drinks after a long day of work in San Diego’s bustling downtown, or for a girls’ night out. Don’t hesitate to come and spend a few hours in this charming bar.

Blind Lady Ale House

Pub, Pub Grub, American, $$$

Blind Lady Ale House | © Osbornb/Flickr

The Blind Lady Ale House has been named San Diego’s Best for Bar Food, San Diego’s Best for Moules Frites, and San Diego’s Best for Seasonal Beers. If these titles aren’t enough to make you want to visit this modern tavern, maybe the communal tables, the renowned craft beer list, and their wood-fired pizzas will convince you. The Blind Lady Ale House is a place where visitors don’t need to be afraid of sitting with strangers at the communal tables while enjoying delicious drafts and phenomenal pizza. The staff here are friendly and well informed. All this makes the place a welcoming bar, especially since it’s also family-friendly during certain times.

The Hideout

The Hideout is a neighborhood bar open seven days a week. They are proud to present customers with a full bar plus 16 taps of the finest craft beer. Unlike many bars, The Hideout offers daily drink specials, encouraging customers to stop by any day without the anticipation of waiting for a weekend drink. Karaoke, trivia and bingo are some of their entertainment events. Food is served daily, and their burgers are among the best in town. The Hideout also doubles as a live music venue, catering to music lovers of all genres.

3519 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA, USA +1 619-501-6540

THRICE FRIED BELGIAN TRIPPEL | © Chris Lexow/Flickr

The Tower Bar

Bar, Pub Grub

The Tower Bar is a San Diego landmark built in 1932, originally designed as part of a theater. The Tower was built as a drive-in soda fountain with an octagonal structure. It had swinging double doors on five sides, a central kitchen and circular counter. The second floor was a glassed-in observation deck. The most distinctive feature of The Tower is the 110′ hollow monument pylon which crowns the top of the building. The pylon has since been shortened by several feet but still remains a distinctive feature. Now The Tower Bar serves signature drinks such as the Pabst-Smear, Hello Kitty Duck Fart, and Cherry Limeade, and it has the largest selection of genuine Absinthe in San Diego.

Til-Two Club

Bar, Pub Grub

As the name suggests, Til-Two Club is open until 2am daily. They open at 4pm, making this bar the ideal hangout spot for customers looking for relaxation and a cocktail after work. It’s also great for tourists to take a break after a day of sightseeing. Til-Two serves a variety of specialty drinks, drafts, and bottled drinks. This bar also offers live entertainment almost every night of the week, from international live bands and DJs to stand-up comedy and karaoke.

The Ould Sod

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

Established in 1989, The Ould Sod is San Diego’s favorite Irish Pub. It has the authentic feel of a local pub, and the bar itself is the third oldest licensed establishment in San Diego. It first opened its doors to patrons in 1940 as ‘Ryan’s bar.’ In 1943 it became the ‘Elbow Club’ and remained so for 46 years. On New Years Eve 1989 it became ‘The Ould Sod’ under the management of current owners Tommy Quinn, Ron Stout and Mick Ward. This Irish pub is much more than a mere drinking establishment. Stop by and see for yourself.

Toronado

Bar, American, Pub Grub, $$$

Toronado is popular for its 56 rotating quality drafts. If you’re a ‘craft beer freak’ visit this no-frills joint, which has a large selection of rotating drafts and hundreds of bottles, with a focus on local brewers and rare labels. Toronado’s bar fare is also a must-try. On your visit, pair your pint with the delicious burgers, sandwiches, or signature dishes. However, be sure to grab a seat when you see one because the place can become quite crowded.

Cricket's Pub

Bar, Pub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, Fast Food

Cricket’s Pub was established in 2001 and has been bringing together good people to enjoy great drinks ever since. This bar also offers great food along with intense pool and darts games. The owner, Frank B., a Canadian and Marine veteran, has been described as one of the most down-to-earth people in San Diego, and not just a boss, but a great friend. Cricket’s Pub has it all: great drinks, great food, quality service, plenty of games and friendly faces.

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