3 Best Bars in University Heights, Adams Avenue, and Normal Heights, San Diego

The well-respected Cantina Mayahuel carries San Diego’s largest collection of agave-based Mexican spirits—with tequila and mezcal flights to boot—and is regularly frequented by local service-industry pros. Happy hour runs from noon to 6 pm, and service switches to 21+ only after 7 pm.

The heavy use of wood and stone, and accents like banjos and rifles, might give Sycamore Den a masculine vibe, but it's a highly specific and kitschy one: ’70s dads. Though the hipster-pop concept might seem like it was plucked right out of a Tumblr meme, the drinks here are worth the irony, and the calendar is typically filled with great local, acoustic live bands.