Explore San Diego's best cocktail bars — from the classics everyone knows to the neighborhood spots that deserve more attention.
Hillcrest
“Rustic-refined American cooking from Brad Wise”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.9
Barrio Logan
“Mezcal-forward cocktail bar in the heart of Barrio Logan”
$$ · Mexican · 2.9
Pacific Beach
$ · Bars · 2.5

North Park
$ · Bars · 2.5
East Village
$ · Japanese · 2.5
Gaslamp Quarter
$ · American · 2.5
Little Italy
$ · Mediterranean · 2.5
Gaslamp Quarter
“Energetic nightspot featuring 3 rooms with varied music including hip hop, Latin & Top 40.”
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.5
Pacific Beach
$ · Bars · 2.5
East Village
$ · Restaurants · 2.5
Logan Heights
$ · Restaurants · 2.5

Hillcrest
“Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4
Gaslamp Quarter
$ · Bars · 2.4
Bankers Hill
“Local watering hole draws a crowd with pinball, a pool table & an extensive whiskey selection.”
$ · Bars · 2.4
Little Italy
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4
Gaslamp Quarter
$ · Sushi · 2.4

Encinitas
“An elegant, yet relaxed spot for classic Italian dining with a kids menu & dog-friendly patio.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
“Waterfront venue is an airy spot for sushi, mussels & other seafood options with a chill atmosphere.”
$$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

North Park
$ · Restaurants · 2.4
Gaslamp Quarter
“Intimate, moody bar pairing handcrafted drinks with New American plates featuring exotic meats.”
$$ · American · 2.4
Little Italy
“Taxidermy & old books line the walls of this hip gastropub, serving seasonal eats & craft cocktails.”
$$ · American · 2.4
Gaslamp Quarter
“Rollicking no-cover destination offers American comfort grub, mixed drinks & nightly specials.”
$ · American · 2.4
La Jolla
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

North Park
“Casual cafe serves coffees from South & Central America, teas, pizzas & light fare.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4
Gaslamp Quarter
“Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood & steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz”
$$$$ · Seafood · 2.4

Coronado
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4

University City
“Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4
Gaslamp Quarter
“Stylish, red-hued haunt with a 1930s vibe, featuring live music & seasonally inspired cocktails.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.4

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

Little Italy
$ · Tacos · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
“Woodsy & white cocktail bar inside the Pendry Hotel serving elevated snacks & creative cocktails.”
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
“Stylish bar on a hotel rooftop with skyline views, lounge seating & a communal fire pit.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.3
East Village
“Swanky outdoor club high atop the Gaslamp Marriott with views of Petco Park, plus DJs & fire pits.”
$$ · American · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
$$$$ · Seafood · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
“Mardi Gras-themed hangout offering BBQ & Cajun-style mains, plus cocktails & waterfront seating.”
$$ · Seafood · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
$ · Tacos · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
“Classy locale for elegant presentations of traditional Russian & Eastern European dishes.”
$$ · Sushi · 2.3
Gaslamp Quarter
“Veteran eatery serves refined, carefully sourced Italian fare in a romantic, white-tablecloth space.”
$$$ · Italian · 2.3
Golden Hill
“French-influenced Vietnamese fare in a chic restaurant & bar with glamorous furnishings.”
$$ · Vietnamese · 2.3
Little Italy
$$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

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

La Jolla
“Destination for creative wood-fired pies & share plates in a laid-back space with woodsy-chic decor.”
$$ · Pizza · 2.3

Pacific Beach
$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.3

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

Gaslamp Quarter
“Comedy club featuring local & national comedians, plus open mike nights & a simple American menu.”
$$ · Cocktail Bars · 2.3