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The San Diego nightlife scene is much more diverse and innovative than it was just a decade ago. Back then, options were limited to the pricey singles-heavy dance clubs Downtown, the party-hearty atmosphere of Pacific Beach, and a handful of charmingly musty neighborhood dive bars popular with locals. Today options in San Diego have expanded dramatically, boasting more than 90 craft breweries throughout the county, not to mention several stylish cocktail lounges.
The Gaslamp Quarter is still one of the most popular areas to go for a night on the town. Named for actual gaslights that once provided illumination along its once-seedy streets (it housed a number of gambling halls and brothels), the neighborhood bears only a trace of its debauched roots. Between the Gaslamp and nearby East Village, Downtown San Diego mostly comprises chic nightclubs, tourist-heavy pubs, and a handful of live music venues. Even most of the hotels Downtown have a street-level or rooftop bar—so plan on making it a late night if that’s where you intend to bunk. On weekends, parking can be tricky; most lots run about $20, and though there is metered parking (free after 6 pm and all day Sunday), motorists don’t give up those coveted spots so easily. Some restaurants and clubs offer valet, though that can get pricey.
Hillcrest is a popular area for LGBT nightlife and culture, whereas just a little bit east of Hillcrest, ever-expanding North Park features a diverse range of bars and lounges that cater to a twenty- and thirtysomething crowd, bolstering its reputation as the city’s hipster capital. Nearby Normal Heights is a slightly less pretentious alternative, though whichever of these neighborhoods strikes your fancy, a cab from Downtown will run about the same price: $15
Nightlife along the beaches is more of a mixed bag. Where the scene in Pacific Beach might feel like every week is Spring Break, La Jolla veers toward being more cost-prohibitive. And although Point Loma is often seen as a sleeper neighborhood in terms of nightlife, it’s coming into its own with some select destinations.
If your drink involves caffeine and not alcohol, there's no shortage of coffeehouses in San Diego, and some of the better ones in Hillcrest and North Park stay open past midnight. Many of them also serve beer and wine, if the caffeine buzz isn’t enough.
This contemporary lounge (pronounced "Jordan") occupies the ground floor of Pacific Beach's chicest boutique hotel, TOWER23, and offers a more sophisticated vibe in what is a very party-happy neighborhood. Sleek walls of windows and an expansive patio overlook the boardwalk.
Lovingly referred to as the "Manhattan Lounge" by locals, this underrated and largely undiscovered bar neighbors the Italian steak house inside the Empress Hotel. The dark, old-school interior is perfect for sipping martinis and listening to live music Wednesday through Sunday.
Enjoy Caribbean-inspired fare and plenty of rum drinks at this pink-and-teal tropical getaway. Miss B's appeals to a younger, sometimes raucous crowd at night, but during the day it provides a pleasant oasis just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Mission Beach's busy boardwalk, though it's an easy walk from there. Parking can be difficult in this more residential and vacation rental-heavy area, but once you find a seat either indoors or on the outdoor patio, be sure to order a plate of jerk chicken, sample one of their many rum cocktails, and plenty of live sports on one of their many TVs.
Swing by the Monkey Bar in the lobby of the Town and Country Resort for small bites, firepits, and plenty of drinks to choose from. Happy hour runs Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm. Having more than one cocktail? Try the Drunken Monkey to collect a variety of colorful monkey garnishes.
Panoramic views, warm and welcoming firepits, and cheekily named cocktails are the attraction at this rooftop destination, situated atop the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center.
Sip quality ales and lagers brewed on-site at the art deco-inspired brewery helmed by owner/brewer Kelsey McNair. His award-winning West Coast IPA Hop-Fu! put his hoppy brews on the map years ago, but his extensive portfolio of pilsners, stouts, dunkels, and other styles caters to a wide variety of craft beer enthusiasts.
This retro-cool hangout with stiff cocktails might be one of the most popular bars in Hillcrest, but don't expect a glitzy facade. The intentionally dated decor sits within the tatty walls of a white-brick box that probably hasn't had a face-lift since the LBJ administration.
A luxurious Downtown nightclub beneath the Pendry Hotel, Oxford Social Club has become one of San Diego's swankiest destinations, with a predictably ample-size line outside on weekends. Once inside, the place is spacious and comfortable, with plush bench seating and specialty cocktails, plus table reservations and bottle service for a VIP experience.
A more laid-back counterpoint to nightclubs where DJs spin bass-heavy EDM, Part Time Lover is a haven for those who prefer their vinyl listening experience paired with a good cocktail. Inspired by listening bars in Japan, the stylish, Stevie Wonder-referencing lounge features a rotating cast behind the turntables every night, spinning jazz-funk, classic soul and other eclectic sounds, with a cocktail menu that features both refreshing and spirit-forward options. And if you like what you hear, there's no need to vacate the bar to go shopping—Folk Arts Records is housed inside.
This underground jazz lounge lives up to its name with a slinky speakeasy style. Red lighting, dark wood, and leather-tufted couches provide a cozy 1920s–'30s-inspired backdrop to the live music every night. There's a "cocktail attire" dress code (encouraged in the spirit of the era, but not required) and cell phones are not allowed at the bar.
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.
Referred to as Red Fox Room by those in the know, this dimly lit lounge is loved by locals, and not just the seniors who flock here to sing Sinatra tunes to tickled ivories and the occasional impromptu horn section. The bar opened in its original location in 1959, but much of the bar's features—including its ornately detailed fireplace—date back to 16th- and 17th-century England. Though relocated just across the street in 2022, its charm and potent cocktails came along for the ride.
Arguably the most popular nightclub in the area, Rich's rocks Hillcrest until closing time, and even then it's hard to call for some to call it a night. The dancing and music here are some of the best in the city, making Rich's popular not only with gay men but also plenty of lesbians and straight revelers. Come ready to have fun and pick confetti out of your hair for a day or two afterwards.
This swanky whiskey lounge is a welcome alternative to the neighboring dives and dance clubs. Live jazz, a tranquil atmosphere, and a bourbon-loving craft cocktail list keep locals flocking.
This Mission Hills hangout captures all the warmth and camaraderie of a traditional British pub—except here you can enjoy consistently sunny weather on the sprawling patio. The bar hands pour from a long list of imported ales and stouts, and the early hours for big matches make this the place to watch soccer (football, if you're speaking the King's English) and rugby.
It took founder and CEO Doug Constantiner 10 years to open a second location of Societe, his award-winning brewery that originally opened in 2012. But when he did, he chose Old Town to start pouring their high-quality lagers and ales, which flow from over a dozen taps as well as a selection of cans. The indoor space feels cozy and tucked away, while the outside patio overlooks a bustling thoroughfare in the center of Old Town. San Diego craft beer prides itself on IPAs and Societe is no exception, with numerous hop-forward options to choose from.
Nightlife can be kind of sleepy in affluent La Jolla, but in-the-know locals keep this sports bar buzzing on any given night thanks to powerful cocktails like the Killer Old Fashioned and the bar grub that's served late into the evening—one of the few spots that's open in La Jolla in the wee hours.
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.
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.
As one of the few true late-night supper clubs in San Diego, Turf is often bustling until last call every night of the week. The somewhat gritty, old-timey interior harkens back to the 1950s, but the only cloud of smoke hovering around the dim lights and vinyl booths comes from the communal grill rather than Marlboros. Grill your own steak, order a martini, and enjoy a San Diego institution.
Cowboys gather for line dancing and two-stepping on the wooden dance floor—but be forewarned, yee-hawers, it can get pretty wild on Western nights on the first Saturday of each month. There are also Latin, hip-hop, and drag revues but the real allure is in the creative drinks ("Gone Fishing"—served in a fishbowl, for example) and the breezy patio where love (or something like it) is usually in the air.
It isn't really on the waterfront, but San Diego's oldest bar was once the favorite hangout for Italian fishermen. Most of the collars are now white, and patrons enjoy an excellent selection of beers, along with their famous Charlie's chili, burgers, fish-and-chips, and other great-tasting grub, including fish tacos and even breakfast until 2 pm daily. By midday, there's almost always a crowd.
Inspired by 18th-century carousel design and an homage to owner Matt Spencer's grandmother Wilma, Wilma's Carousel Bar is an actual, operational rotating bar that makes a full 360-degree turn every 10 minutes or so, which along with its vibrant decorative motif, gives it the feel of an adult indoor amusement park. The spectacle itself is the major attraction, but the menu is no slouch either, offering new interpretations of classic cocktails as well as French-Creole inspired fare like shrimp and grits or fresh beignets dipped in chocolate. Order a glass of bubbly or a Sazerac cocktail and hop on for a few spins. (Reservations to ride strongly encouraged.)
