Explore San Diego's best cocktail bars — from the classics everyone knows to the neighborhood spots that deserve more attention.
Barrio Logan
“Mezcal-forward cocktail bar in the heart of Barrio Logan”
$$ · Mexican · 2.9

Hillcrest
“Rustic-refined American cooking from Brad Wise”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.9
Pacific Beach
$ · Bars · 2.5

Little Italy
$ · Mediterranean · 2.5

Pacific Beach
$ · Bars · 2.5

Gaslamp Quarter
“Energetic nightspot featuring 3 rooms with varied music including hip hop, Latin & Top 40.”
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.5

Logan Heights
$ · Restaurants · 2.5

North Park
$ · Bars · 2.5

East Village
$ · Restaurants · 2.5

University City
“Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
“Intimate, moody bar pairing handcrafted drinks with New American plates featuring exotic meats.”
$$ · American · 2.4

Bankers Hill
“Stylish eatery offers craft cocktails & elevated American eats in a swanky setting or on the patio.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
“Stylish, red-hued haunt with a 1930s vibe, featuring live music & seasonally inspired cocktails.”
$$ · Bars · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
“Headlining comedians plus emerging talent perform at this intimate club in an underground setting.”
$$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
$ · Sushi · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
“Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood & steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz”
$$$$ · Seafood · 2.4

North Park
“Casual cafe serves coffees from South & Central America, teas, pizzas & light fare.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Little Italy
“This 1933 institution outlasted the waterfront but still draws crowds with pub grub & happy hour.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
“Rollicking no-cover destination offers American comfort grub, mixed drinks & nightly specials.”
$ · American · 2.4

Hillcrest
“Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
$ · Sushi · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Encinitas
“An elegant, yet relaxed spot for classic Italian dining with a kids menu & dog-friendly patio.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Coronado
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

North Park
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Cardiff-by-the-Sea
“Waterfront venue is an airy spot for sushi, mussels & other seafood options with a chill atmosphere.”
$$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Bankers Hill
“Local watering hole draws a crowd with pinball, a pool table & an extensive whiskey selection.”
$ · Bars · 2.4

University City
“Old-world decor & oak-clad walls give this hidden cocktail bar a sense of mystery & opulence.”
$$ · Bars · 2.4

Little Italy
“Taxidermy & old books line the walls of this hip gastropub, serving seasonal eats & craft cocktails.”
$$ · American · 2.4

Hillcrest
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4

Gaslamp Quarter
$$ · Mediterranean · 2.4

Little Italy
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Pacific Beach
“Health-conscious vegan & vegetarian eats in an eco-chic space with a spacious patio.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Encinitas
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Encinitas
“Vintage-chic restaurant for eclectic American fare & cocktails, plus live entertainment nightly.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

North Park
“With a throwback '50s style, this lounge & club offers drinks, DJs & a lively dance floor.”
$$ · Bars · 2.3

North Park
“Folks pass time at this cocktail-&-beer specialist playing its many arcade classics & other games.”
$$ · Bars · 2.3

North Park
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

North Park
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Talmadge
“Snug hangout featuring a calendar of live bands, stand-up & karaoke, plus beer & offbeat cocktails.”
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.3

La Jolla
“American beach bar fare of sandwiches, burgers & salads with a pet-friendly patio & daily specials.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“Snug, cash-only beachfront bar with a menu of burgers & tacos, plus a vast patio with sunset views.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

La Jolla
“Coastal cuisine & craft cocktails served in a sleek space on the Hotel La Jolla's 11th floor.”
$$$ · American · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
“Lively mainstay draws crowds indoors or on the coveted patio for beers, bar grub & dancing at night.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Bars · 2.3

Gaslamp Quarter
$ · Tacos · 2.3