Wondering where to find the best bars in North Park, San Diego? We got you covered with a list of hand-picked favorites! We spent some time walking around North Park spotting the best bars.
We’ve selected 15 bars, each with its own unique theme and menu. While the options are exciting, deciding where to go might seem challenging.
We’re here to help with our guide to the 15 best bars in North Park making your choice a little easier for your next evening out.
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Top North Park Bars
1. Black Plague “Dearly Departed” North Park
This unusual craft beer tasting room is a true gem for anyone who loves the art of craft beer while enjoying live music, games, and art shows complemented by delicious food that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
The interior has modern, quirky decor with lots of black furniture, adding a slightly morbid theme with its giant coffin, memorabilia, and skeleton-decorated walls.
It’s a great spot for couples looking for a unique date night to groups of friends wanting a fun night out with plenty of craft beers to try in the craft beer tasting room.
Despite the slightly darker visuals don’t let that deter you— this bar has a welcoming vibe with friendly staff.
We recommend you try:
- Craft beers
- Poultrygeist Sandwich
- Burrata Salad and Meatball Sub
2. Original 40 Brewing Company
This modern and spacious brewery is ideal for anyone who loves craft beer and delicious pub food.
Inside the pub has an industrial theme with an open, airy feel with rustic bare walls, chunky lighting, hanging plants, and giant casks of brewing beer. The outdoor terrace is a great spot for sunny days.
It’s perfect for groups of friends or couples looking for a relaxed place to hang out, especially for their trivia on Sundays which adds a fun twist to the usual brewery visit.
Naturally, they serve up a great range of beers as well as have an onsite shop selling their memorabilia.
The downside is that there isn’t much free street parking around here. There is a paid lot nearby as well as metered street parking.
We recommend you try:
- Wings
- Juice Maze IPA
- Poutine Style Fries
3. Swan Bar
This bar offers an unbeatable combination of stiff drinks and proper burgers, making it a top choice for those who appreciate strong flavors and hearty meals.
The modern decor with a grungy theme creates a unique atmosphere, featuring wooden slats covering the windows, small tables with wooden stools or booths, and a back wall that showcases a diverse range of spirits. They do have a large patio area if you find it too dark inside during the daytime.
It’s a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
They run some great happy hour deals, like the $5 espresso martini.
Parking can be difficult around this bar, as well as the noise levels might become too loud in the evening for some.
We recommend you try:
- Bacon burger
- Garlic fries
- Espresso Martini
4. Belching Beaver North Park
This brewery stands out for its dedication to delivering fresh, quality beer straight from its Vista and Oceanside production facilities.
They specialize in using hard-to-find hops and bagged grain from around the world, ensuring each sip is as fresh as it gets.
The brewery’s bright, spacious setting with an industrial look is perfect for parties and groups. It’s a great community hangout that’s dog-friendly and has bar staff known for their great service.
There’s no food served directly by the bar, but plenty of nearby options and food trucks nearby.
We recommend you try:
- A flight of their beers
- Peanut butter milk stout
5. One Door North
This bar and eatery has a unique dining experience with its nature-themed decor, with tables set inside safari-style tents.
It’s an ideal spot for a cozy romantic dinner or small groups celebrating special moments.
The service here is excellent with staff going above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable experience.
One downside is that parking is difficult around here.
We recommend you try:
- Roasted beet salad
- Nashville fried chicken sandwich
6. Bivouac Ciderworks
This modern venue serves up inventive eats and drinks, with a special focus on a diverse list of cider, wine, and more.
Its open, airy, and modern decor makes it a welcoming spot for anyone looking to try something new. It’s great for friends or couples who enjoy exploring different flavors.
They are known for their tasty ciders, like the San Diego Jam mixed berry cider, and run a fantastic happy hour on weekdays from 4-6.
The only downside might be deciding what to try first because everything sounds so good!
We recommend you try:
- San Diego Jam mixed berry cider
- Chimichurri meatballs
7. Mike Hess Brewing, North Park
This modern bar offers a unique brewery experience with its spacious tasting room.
It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy board games, brewery views, and great beer.
They have a varied menu and friendly staff as well as host special events like Trivia Thursday and Taco Truck Thursday.
You also get a free glass to take home with a flight of beer.
We recommend you try:
- Raspberry Umbrix
- Ales for ALS
- Lager Del Sur
8. Modern Times Flavordome
This large, industrial-style tasting room has a clean, bright, modern design and an outdoor terrace.
They serve up pints, draft beers, growler fills, and merchandise and us a great place for groups or couples who appreciate craft beer.
They are known for having some of the best West Coast and stout beers and you can even buy the “Flavordome” in bottles and cans to take home.
A potential downside is the atmosphere can be quiet at times.
We recommend you try:
- Any of their stouts
- The zipline beer
9. Redwing Bar & Grill
This neighborhood bar is the perfect spot for casual drinks, tasty bites, and popular karaoke and theme nights.
It’s a classic American bar setup with an extensive drink selection and large-screen TVs for sports fans. It’s ideal for groups of friends looking for a place to catch up. The outside patio is great for enjoying good weather.
They have friendly staff and a decent beer selection, plus free soda for designated drivers (though this might not be a regular offer)
Just remember, they’re strict about ID checks, so don’t forget yours!
We recommend you try:
- Any of their strong cocktails
10. Mothership
This bar takes you on what they describe as a tropical space adventure. The interior is designed to resemble a spacecraft, complete with a starry sky and moonscape, making it feel like you’re dining in outer space.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves space or sci-fi, including families and couples and gives an immersive atmosphere.
They serve up a good range of cocktails and shooters.
We recommend you try:
- Cocktails
- Beer
11. Seven Grand San Diego
This stylish whiskey lounge, with its dark wood-lined interiors and intimate setting, is perfect for bourbon enthusiasts. They have an extensive whisky menu as well as craft beers.
There are also pool tables and dartboards with several rooms to explore adding to the ambiance and making a great night for date nights, and small groups of friends.
Bartenders are knowledgeable and can make recommendations they also run some great happy hour deals on Wednesdays.
We recommend you try:
- Old Fashioned
- Whiskey Sour
12. Coin-Op Game Room
This cool cocktail and beer bar is all about fun with its arcade classics and games.
The interior is a mix of industrial and funky, with neon lights and an eclectic mix of retro details.
It’s packed with slot machine games and pinball, making it a paradise for game lovers. The bartenders are not only talented but also add to the fun with their great energy.
It’s the perfect place for couples or friends who want a fun night out.
One thing to look out for is that some games might cost more than expected, and the food service can end earlier on quiet nights.
We recommend you try:
- Tater tots
- Beer selection
13. North Park Beer Company
This spacious brewery and taproom in has a big selection of San Diego-style ales and lagers.
The venue has an industrial setting with plenty of exposed pipes, metalwork, and giant metal beer casks. It’s a great spot for beer enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.
The mezzanine floor and high ceilings create a nice spot that’s perfect for groups, couples, or families.
Their guest kitchen serves up tasty food options.
Be aware that it can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
We recommend you try:
- ‘Art Is Hard’ DDH Hazy IPA
- Sausages and fries
14. Pretzels & Pints
Located in the Arts District of North Park, this charming neighborhood bar is known to locals as San Diego’s Philly Bar. Their goal is to bring a slice of the East Coast to the West.
They specialize in hand-rolled pretzels with influences from New York, Philadelphia, and Germany, alongside their signature pretzel sandwiches, pretzel pizzas, and Italian water ice.
The constantly rotating selection of craft brews and wine, paired with an outdoor patio, makes it a great spot for everyone.
The decor gives off a traditional Bavarian pub vibe with barrels for tables and checkered napkins.
The atmosphere is lively and welcoming with a strong community vibe, especially for Philly sports fans.
However, be prepared for lots of noise during Philadelphia sporting events.
We recommend you try:
- Philly Pretzel with Beer Cheese Sauce
- Craft beers
15. Bottlecraft North Park
Bottlecraft is a must for beer enthusiasts. Predominantly a shop specializing in an impressive selection of local and international craft beers you can also drink here on their small outside terrace.
It’s recognized as San Diego’s Best Craft Beer Shop, offering a wide range of beers on draft and hundreds of cheeses in partnership with Venissimo Cheese. The shop features floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with bottles ready for purchase and take-home.
They also sell beer apparel and glassware.
The staff are passionate and knowledgeable, ready to help you find your perfect beer or cheese pairing.
It’s a great spot for beer lovers, couples, and groups of friends,
We recommend you try:
- Enegren Schwarzbier Beer
- Any of their cheese or charcuterie boards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Park in San Diego known for?
North Park is famous for its murals, artsy culture with trendy shops, breweries and restaurants.
Is North Park San Diego a suburb?
North Park isn’t a suburb; it’s located right in the heart of San Diego.
How far is North Park San Diego from the beach?
North Park is about 7 miles from the beach, so you can get there in about 15-20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
How big is North Park San Diego?
North Park is pretty small and it’s packed with both houses and places to hang out and shop.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide on the top 15 bars in North Park! Each spot offers its own unique vibe and specialty drinks that make North Park a must-visit for bar hopping.
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