Is Danny's Palm Bar & Grill a good spot for a casual lunch or just a drinking bar?

It's both—this is a legitimate bar and grill with a solid menu beyond just drinks. The burgers and sandwiches are the real draw here, and people come for lunch as much as happy hour. The vibe is casual and neighborhood-focused, so you won't feel out of place stopping by solo for a bite and a beer.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

They take reservations, which is helpful if you're coming with a group, but walk-ins are welcome and the spot handles them well. Since it's a neighborhood joint rather than a packed tourist destination, you typically won't face long waits unless it's peak dinner time on a weekend.

What should I order first?

Start with the burgers—multiple reviews call them simple, delicious, and worth the trip. The sandwiches are equally solid if burgers aren't your thing. Keep it straightforward; the menu isn't huge, but that's by design.

Is this place expensive?

It's pricier than a typical dive bar, but reviewers note it's actually cheaper than most other restaurants in Coronado, which helps justify the cost. You're paying for quality burgers and being in the neighborhood rather than cutting-edge cuisine.

Is it dog-friendly or kid-friendly?

Danny's is pet-friendly, so bringing your dog is fine. The casual, neighborhood vibe works well for families too, though the Navy bar atmosphere and decor lean toward an adult crowd—it's welcoming either way, just know the character of the place.

Why do people call it the 'Navy Seal Bar'?

The spot has deep roots in the military community and is decorated with tributes to service members throughout. It's authentically veteran-friendly and popular with Navy personnel, which shows in both the decor and the clientele—it's part of what makes it a genuine Coronado staple.

Is there parking nearby?

Danny's is located on Orange Avenue in downtown Coronado among shops and restaurants, so street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours. Plan to walk a block or two if you arrive during busy lunch or dinner times.

Danny's Palm Bar & Grill — San Diego

“Danny's is where the Navy guys actually drink — not the places tourists think they do.”

Walk past the resort-facing patios on Orange Avenue and you'll find the real deal: a narrow bar packed with SEAL Team memorabilia, dog-eared unit patches on the walls, and a crowd that knows the difference between a beer and a photo op. While MooTime down the street does its waffle-cone theater for families off the ferry, Danny's keeps it simple — burgers, burritos, cold beer, and zero pretense about what it is.

The menu reads like what you'd scribble on a napkin if someone asked what a bar should serve: cheeseburgers that arrive thick and messy, breakfast burritos available past breakfast hours, salads for the one person in your group who's trying. It's not cheap — this is still Coronado, where even the dive bars charge bridge-toll prices — but it's cheaper than most spots within walking distance of the Del, and the portions don't make you feel cheated.

What makes it work is the lack of performance. The tributes to fallen service members aren't décor — they're the point. The bartenders pour drinks without the craft-cocktail ceremony. The vibe skews local and military in a way that feels lived-in, not themed. It's a Tuesday-night spot, a solo-barstool refuge, a place where groups can grab a table without worrying about the noise level.

Parking's the usual Orange Avenue chaos — come early or park near the ferry landing and walk. The menu's limited enough that you won't agonize over choices, and if you're bringing someone who needs more than burgers and bar food, this probably isn't the move. But if you want to drink where the guys who jump out of helicopters drink, without the sanitized version, Danny's delivers exactly that.