This light-filled, North Park cocktail parlor is a modern take on an old-timey drugstore and soda fountain. Under a solarium-like glass roof, 46 sparkling taps dispense not only beer and wine, but also craft spirits and batched cocktails. Pick a drink from the activity book-inspired menu—there are 80 drinks here, all listed alongside crossword puzzles, mazes, and word games for an extra dose of fun.
If you prefer sipping on craft beer and cocktails rather than dancing til dawn, well, the best bars in San Diego are just for you. Although the city’s vibe tends to be rather carefree, we’re pretty serious about quality nightlife here—a flourishing cocktail scene has locals sipping hand-crafted concoctions on hip rooftops while craft breweries seem to pop up around every corner. Plus, the city’s tropical environs have inspired a reinvigorated tiki scene that puts rum cocktails in the spotlight. In other words, San Diego knows how to have a good time.
Thanks to city’s nearly perfect year-round weather, many of its bars and restaurants have ample outdoor seating and spacious rooftop decks. While there are nightclubs and dance parties throughout the Gaslamp Quarter and Pacific Beach, most nightlife spots are lounges where you can actually have a conversation with good company. And while most bars in San Diego close by 1:30 or 2 a.m., plenty of late-night dining options extend into the evening just a bit longer—even if it’s just a means of soaking up all that booze.
After catching a sunset over the bay, stroll San Diego’s varied neighborhoods and you’ll discover that the laid-back beach town keeps humming long after the surfboards have been stowed and the kids have gone to bed. Ready to explore? Follow our guide to the best bars in San Diego.
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