Is there parking nearby?

You're in the Gaslamp Quarter, so street parking can be tight on weekends. There are several paid lots within a few blocks—your best bet is to arrive early or use a ride-share if you're planning to drink. Don't circle forever looking for free spots; it's worth the $5-10.

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

TORO takes reservations and that's the smart play, especially Friday and Saturday nights when it gets packed. Walk-ins work during quieter weeknight hours, but expect a wait on weekends. Call ahead or book online to skip the line.

What's the vibe here—is it a bar or a restaurant?

It's primarily a night club and bar spot in the Gaslamp Quarter with late-night energy and group-friendly vibes, though they do serve food. Come for drinks and to hang with friends; don't expect a full dinner experience. The outdoor seating is solid for people-watching and catching the neighborhood scene.

Stick with the drinks—they run good-quality u-call-its (you pick the liquor and mixer) that come in cheap on certain nights. Skip expecting much from the food menu; it's small and gets mixed reviews. A vodka red bull or vodka tonic won't steer you wrong.

What time should I go to avoid a long wait?

Weeknights are your move if you want breathing room and actual conversation. Friday and Saturday nights pull crowds, so arrive early (before 10pm) or expect 30+ minute waits. Late-night works if you're just passing through post-dinner or post-Padres game.

Is this place good for groups?

Yes—the vibe is built for groups and friends going out. Just manage expectations on service when it's busy; bartenders can get stretched thin during peak hours, so order efficiently and be patient.

Can I bring my dog or kids?

They have outdoor seating, so dogs might work on the patio depending on their policy—call first. This is a night club in the Gaslamp Quarter, though, so it's not really a kids' spot, especially after dark.

TORO — Bars in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

“TORO is a Fifth Avenue nightclub with a weird identity crisis—daytime drink specials and outdoor seating before transforming into standard Gaslamp late-night mayhem.”

**What makes this different:** While most Gaslamp clubs commit fully to the after-dark circuit, TORO tries to straddle both worlds—running happy hour promotions and casual outdoor seating during the day, then pivoting to nightclub mode after dark. It's the rare downtown spot that takes reservations for dinner service before the velvet ropes come out.

The dual personality shows in the details: beer and wine service during daylight hours, $5 u-call-its catching post-game crowds from Petco, then a $30+ cover charge once the sun goes down. The outdoor seating offers refuge from the packed indoor scene, though you're still on Fifth Avenue with all the foot traffic that entails.

Service quality swings wildly depending on when you show up and who's working. Some bartenders take their time with first-timers feeling out the nightlife scene; others rush through the crush when the place is slammed. Security presence is heavy, which tracks for a Gaslamp club managing late-night volume.

The food program exists but nobody's making the drive for Sunday dinner—small menu, forgettable execution, clearly an afterthought to the drinks business. Come for cheap well drinks after a Padres game or if your group needs a dance floor with outdoor escape routes. Don't come expecting thoughtful cocktails or any semblance of intimacy once the cover charge kicks in.

Practical notes: If you're hitting this spot on a weekend night, budget for cover and expect nightclub service speeds. The daytime vibe is exponentially more chill—different operation entirely.

TORO

FAQ

Google Reviews

BonVivant Reviews

Similar Spots

Las Hadas Bar and Grill

The Waves Taco Club

Contact & Hours

Tacos El Gordo