Is Good News Bar actually a no-alcohol bar?

Yes—it's a fully alcohol-free spot in North Park, but don't let that fool you. The drinks are built like real cocktails with kava, CBD, matcha, and other interesting infusions that actually hit different. People keep coming back because the mocktails here are legit, not apologetic.

What should I order first?

Start with the "Lucky A B" if you want something that mimics the complexity of actual Brut, or go for the "Oy Vey" kava drink for that non-alcoholic buzz. If you're hungry, the spinach pocket is flaky and well-executed, and they've got vegan options like the raspberry poptart.

Is this place good for working remote or meeting clients?

Absolutely—it's designed for exactly that. The space is open, airy, midcentury modern, and thoughtfully curated, which means it doesn't feel like a caffeine pit stop. People explicitly mention it as a spot to get work done or have client meetings without the typical coffee-shop vibe.

Can I come solo or is it just a group thing?

Solo works great here. There's a solo-bar-seat vibe, plus they've got games available if you want to settle in for a bit. It's the kind of North Park spot that doesn't make you feel weird sitting alone.

What's the vibe like—is it relaxed or uptight?

Casual and intentional, not pretentious. The service is friendly, the aesthetic is clean and modern without trying too hard, and it works equally well for a weeknight wind-down, late-night hangout, or special occasion. People describe it as having genuine care put into it.

Are the drinks expensive?

They're on the pricier side for what you're getting, but reviewers agree they're worth it—the drinks are crafted and the ingredients matter, especially with kava and CBD infusions. Expect to pay like you would at a solid cocktail bar.

Do you take reservations or is it walk-in only?

Hours and reservation policy aren't clearly listed, so call ahead or check their social channels before heading over to make sure they're open and to see if they can hold a table for your group.

Good News Bar — Bars in North Park, San Diego

“Good News Bar is North Park's first fully alcohol-free bar, serving kava cocktails and CBD-spiked drinks where craft beer taps used to be the only currency.”

While Kin Len leans into northern Thai funk and Shank & Bône chases bone-deep pho, Good News arrived on Park Boulevard with a fundamentally different pitch—this is what happens when someone asks why North Park's beverage culture requires a hangover. The menu reads like cocktail theater without the ethanol: kava drinks that deliver a ceremonial body buzz, CBD-infused concoctions, Golden Milk matcha with turmeric bite, and alcohol-free sparkling options that taste like Brut minus the bitter regret. The "Oy Vey" kava earns repeat orders from regulars who show up solo on weeknights, laptop open, chasing a social buzz that doesn't wreck tomorrow's morning.

The room leans midcentury-gorgeous—someone spent real money making this feel like a place worth lingering in, not just a virtue-signaling concept. Board games stacked on shelves, open-airy layout, the kind of aesthetic curation that works for remote workers camping out mornings and date-night groups testing whether mocktails can hold up under scrutiny. They can. The raspberry pop-tart (vegan, flaky, unexpectedly serious) and spinach pockets anchor a small food menu designed to accompany drinks, not distract from them.

Pricing skews high for alcohol-free—expect cocktail-level tabs—but the trade-off is intentional chemistry, not virgin margaritas with extra sugar. This is the spot for mornings when you want caffeine theater, afternoons when clients expect something more thoughtful than Starbucks, and late nights when the 30th Street bar crawl suddenly feels exhausting. North Park's tap-list obsession runs deep, but Good News proves there's room for a different kind of ritual.