3 Best Bars in Embarcadero, San Diego

Hemingway would have loved this exquisitely designed brick-and-copper bar that serves up equally exquisite craft cocktails that are definitely made for sipping. Drinks may be the centerpiece here, but as one of the few late-night dining spots in the area, the menu also features numerous "exotic game" items, such as bone-in elk chops and venison sliders. (Vegetarians may wish to seek sustenance elsewhere.) The vibe runs on the sophisticated side, and is highly recommended for those looking to impress a special someone. Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm, and the kitchen doesn't close until 1 am.

San Diego isn't known for offering a lot of late-night libation options, but that changed in 2024 when acclaimed bar directors Beau du Bois and Derek Cram opened this Mexico City-inspired cocktail bar. The menu features dozens of different drinks and a few light bites to accompany them, but make no mistake---cocktails are the star here. Classics like Cosmopolitans and French 75s impress just as much as the painstakingly detailed "Technique Driven" fig leaf Old Fashioned and crystal clear rum and coke. The expertly trained staff can drop knowledge on a dime, so don't be shy about asking questions or getting recommendations.

This sky lounge at the Manchester Grand Hyatt crowns the tallest waterfront building in California, affording sweeping views of San Diego Bay, including Coronado to the west, Mexico to the south, and Point Loma and La Jolla to the north. It's pricey and a bit pretentious (don't you dare wear flip-flops), but this champagne-centric bar is great for signature cocktails, catching a sunset, or celebrating an anniversary.