15 Best Bars in San Diego, California

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.

Asian fusion meets chic nightlife at this lively restaurant and cocktail lounge on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Market Street in the heart of Gaslamp. Good for business travelers or date nights, the large dining room transforms into a nightclub-style atmosphere after 10 pm, complete with DJs, dancing, and drinks.

Although it draws plenty of gay customers, the festive and friendly atmosphere is popular with just about everyone in the Hillcrest area (and their pets are welcome, too). The bar staff stocks more than 100 brands of tequila and mixes plenty of fancy cocktails.

This gigantic space can resemble either a raucous club or a sports bar, depending on what night you're there. But the drinks are strong and reasonably priced, and the reclaimed wood decor makes for an intimate atmosphere, even when the DJs are spinning mostly Top 40.

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 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.

Located on the middle level of George's at the Cove, this hip, casual, and somewhat more affordable hangout is always buzzing with activity—especially on weekends. Stop in for craft cocktails or bar snacks that rank among La Jolla's best, and with gorgeous ocean views to boot. Enjoy discounts on beverages weekdays 2:30–4:30 pm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)