5 Best Bars in East Village, San Diego

There are a handful of speakeasy-style bars in San Diego, though none deliver so far above and beyond the novelty quite like this cozy-yet-swank cocktail lounge hidden in the back of a burger restaurant. Seek out the hidden door (hint: look for the stack of kegs), tuck into a plush leather booth next to the wall of golden skulls, and sip on some of the best craft cocktails in the city. For even more exclusivity, check out the speakeasy-within-a-speakeasy Youngblood, which is an all-inclusive cocktail experience in an adjacent space for the up-front fee of $67. Reservations are almost always a must, so be sure to call ahead.

Twelve bowling lanes means no more hauls to the suburbs to channel one's inner Lebowski. Lane rental is pricey during prime times, but reasonable if you consider that some nearby clubs charge a Jackson just for admission, though reservations are definitely recommended. From the expansive bar area you can watch sports on 33 flat screens, and the satellite radio plays an assortment of alt- and classic rock.

The star of the show here is the rooftop bar; it's a great place to meet for a drink, specializing in tropical treats like Singapore slings and piña coladas, but its location right next to the ballpark makes it such a sweet spot during baseball season. On the main floor, La Cantina is another bar and dining area that serves fajitas, enchiladas, and plenty of mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails.

Punch Bowl Social—which has three locations in California and more across the country—is essentially three different concepts all wrapped up in one wildly entertaining time. It's a cocktail bar, boasting favorites like mules and punch bowls (it's in the name, after all), along with modern twists and themed shots. It's also a diner, with fare that ranges from chicken-and-waffles to pretzel bites and cilantro-honey wings. And most important, it's game central, complete with darts, pinball, a bowling alley, and yes, there's karaoke. Don't want to jeopardize your bowling savvy? Try one of the zero-proof cocktails or NA beers instead. Kids are okay until 10 pm when the whole space becomes 21 and over.

This industrial-chic bar and distillery serves up award-winning whiskey and gin. Its full-service restaurant offers an Italian- and Mexican-influenced menu for lunch, dinner, or a snack while you're tasting. Dogs are welcome.