1. The Silver Fox Lounge
If you’re into dive bars, this is the place for you – they even brag about their happy hour starting at 6 am!
Inside, you’ll find dark-colored woods and a long bar with plenty of stools to perch on. Dotted around are large-screen TVs, darts boards, and pool tables, they have free pool on Wednesdays.
It’s a great spot for locals as well as where friends can meet in a relaxed atmosphere.
Keep in mind that this is a cash-only place and it can get a bit rowdy at times.
We recommend you try:
- Beer
- Mixers
2. Amplified Kitchen + Beer Garden
This is a relaxed and laid-back bar close to the beach with ocean views from their terrace.
This brewpub serves up a great selection of pub classic meals along with their signature beer. Some of the menu is inspired by Middle Eastern flavours adding a nice twist.
Indoors you’ll find a long bar with stools. The outdoor area has benches, overhead lighting, and where you want to be for the best views. It’s especially great for couples or groups of friends looking for casual meetups.
Happy Hour gives $2 off all beer from Monday to Friday between 3 pm and 6 pm. Plus, they validate parking for 2 hours, which is a nice bonus given that parking can be a bit tricky here.
We recommend you try:
- The burgers
- Any of their beer
3. Bare Back Grill
If you’re craving a bar that serves up great burgers, then we recommend Bare Back Grill.
This casual New Zealand-inspired bar has welcoming wooden decor with bi-folding windows that open up an entire wall. There are TVs for sports enthusiasts, and long bench tables perfect for groups or families.
The blend of Kiwi culture with artisanal burgers, pints, and sides makes this a no-frills, relaxed atmosphere.
The drawback here is that service isn’t fast and like many spots near the beach, parking can be a bit of a challenge.
We recommend you try:
- Beer Selection
- New Zealand-inspired pies
4. Rocky’s Crown Pub
This bar is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a casual sports bar vibe. Their strict adults-only policy makes this a popular choice for louder groups and parties.
Inside screams classic dive bar with dark woods and TVs tuned into sports. There’s also a small outdoor terrace with benches and umbrellas if the inside gets too noisy.
Their menu is limited, focusing on made-to-order burgers and fries, but the quality and portion size are good.
Parking can challenging nearby.
We recommend you try:
- 1/2 Pound Cheeseburger and Fries
- Beer selection
5. Dirty Birds Bar and Grill
This sports bar has a wooden-chic interior, so it’s a great alternative if dive bars aren’t your thing.
There are plenty of large-screen TVs, it’s the perfect spot to catch a game or just hang out with friends, or anyone looking for a fun and casual dining experience. The happy-hour deals on food and drink make it a favorite with locals.
They are known for their legendary wings, thanks to their perfect size, consistency, and sauce coating.
The main negative here is that the venue is quite small, so it can feel crowded at times.
We recommend you try:
- Buffalo wings
- Cauliflower wings (veggie option)
- Beer selection
6. The Local Pacific Beach
This casual neighborhood bar is a great spot if you’re looking to dive into the Pacific Beach vibe.
Inside, the rustic look features lots of unfinished touches and ambient lighting creating a welcoming atmosphere. There is plenty of seating inside and out. The terrace has a fantastic view.
This is a great option for couples, families, or groups of friends who enjoy pub grub, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere. They’re even dog-friendly.
They serve up a rotating selection of craft beers on tap and run a good happy hour deal.
However, it tends to attract a younger crowd and gets pretty crowded at weekends.
We recommend you try:
- Carnitas Benedict
- Craft beers
7. SD TapRoom
This lively taproom is perfect for anyone who loves craft beer, hearty pub food, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Its industrial decor features chunky woods, ambient lighting, and plenty of seating. It’s a great spot for hanging out with friends or family. They also have a dog-friendly patio.
They serve up a wide selection of craft beers, including some rare finds like Pliny the Younger on tap. The food here is also outstanding in terms of quality, taste, and portion size.
The downside is that it can get quite busy, so wait times can be long.
We recommend you try:
- Beer selection
- Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Beer Battered Fries
8. Open Bar
Open Bar in San Diego is a lively dive bar venue that’s perfect for anyone looking to party late into the night.
Inside you’ll find wooden tables to perch against, sports TVs, and a wide selection of cocktails and draft beers. It has a down-to-earth atmosphere and is a good choice for groups of friends for a game of billiards, or darts, or to socialize by listening to sounds from their jukebox.
Drinks here are strong, and several offers run during the week.
Food isn’t served directly at this bar, instead, food trucks often stop by, so you can still grab a bite to eat.
We recommend you try:
- Happy Sunday specials
- Cocktails
9. Latitude 32 Pub House & Grill
This classic adults-only American pub is ideal for anyone looking for a spot with a real local feel and a dive bar-style vibe.
Inside you’ll find wooden tables, old-style wooden bar stools, walls adorned with sports flags, memorabilia, and plenty of TV screens.
It’s the ideal hangout for sports fans. It’s best suited for adults looking for a laid-back place to enjoy great food, cheap drinks, and sports games. There is also an outdoor terrace area – children aren’t allowed here either.
For a pub, they serve up a surprisingly diverse menu that caters to various diets, with much more than your typical fried bar food.
Parking can be an issue around here, so expect to walk here.
We recommend you try:
- Philly Cheese Steak
- Hamburgers
- Draft beers
10. Cass Street Bar & Grill
This is a laid-back bar by the beach, making it a favorite among locals.
The decor has a classic pub look, which is welcoming but looks a little worn, it might remind you of Miami Vice or anything else from that era.
However, despite the appearances they serve up a good selection of basic yet delicious pub grub, a good craft beer selection as well as plenty of options for wines.
It’s a great place for a relaxed date or for groups of friends, there are plenty of games here like pool. It’s also popular with locals calling in for a casual drink, so even if you went alone you would be made to feel welcome.
It’s good to know that this is a beer and wine-only spot, so might not cater to those who prefer hard liquor.
We recommend you try:
- Steak Baguette
- Craft beers
- Chardonnay
11. Pacific Beach AleHouse
From a distance, this 2-story beachfront pub resembles an old steam-powered paddle boat with its wooden-clad exterior, curved roof, and various terraces. It’s a local favorite for its house-brewed beer, tasty pub grub, and fantastic patio for people-watching.
From any of the terraces, there are great views of the beach. The terraces are under canopies making them perfect for any weather. There’s also a firepit for use on the coldest days. Inside, you’ll find bare stone walls, ambient lighting, and plenty of screens for sports enthusiasts.
This bar is ideal for couples, groups of friends, or families looking for a laid-back spot with good food and drinks.
The main drawback here is that service can feel a bit rushed during busy times, like big game nights.
We recommend you try:
- Beer Burger
- Mac and Cheese with Chicken
- Selection of beers on draft
12. The Duck Dive
This modern American bar serves up craft beers and strong cocktails. It has an industrial look, which it combines with rustic features such as their wooden ceiling, and chunky tables.
It’s a great place for couples and families well as dog friendly. It’s also ideal for sports fans thanks to its large-screen TVs, spacious layout, and various seating options.
They have an extensive draft beer selection as well as seasonal holiday drinks throughout the year.
This bar gets busy during the holidays or game days, so we recommend visiting during the daytime for a better experience.
We recommend you try:
- Duck Fat Fries
- Breakfast Burrito
- Latitude 33 Blood Orange IPA
13. PB Shore Club
This beachfront bungalow club serves up some of the best fish tacos and pub grub around.
The interior has long benches, surfboards hanging from the ceiling, and plenty of TV screens for sports lovers. Walls are covered with nostalgic skate and surfboards, along with photos of loyal customers. It’s been a long-standing favorite amongst locals.
Outside, you’ll find two-tier seating areas with log benches and outdoor heaters, and stunning views of the beach.
PB Shore Club is ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends. During the day times, it can have a laid-back vibe, transforming into a lively atmosphere during games.
This isn’t the cheapest place on our list, with the popular ‘Mate Maker’ blood orange kombucha drink priced at $10. They do have some good happy hour offers though.
We recommend you try:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Breakfasts and Brunches
14. 710 Beach Club
This breezy beachside bar is the perfect hangout spot for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed vibe right by the ocean.
It has understated decor and plenty of outdoor seating. There are also plenty of bar games like giant Jenga, making it a great spot for families, or groups of friends. There are stage areas inside for karaoke and live music.
They host nightly events, and depending on when you visit you might find live bands, sports, or karaoke. They also run special deals on Tuesdays with $10 burgers and $4 beers.
The only negative with this place is that it can get crowded, especially during events or on special deal nights.
We recommend you try:
- Burger and Fries
- Beer on tap
15. Lahaina Beach House
This snug beachfront bar is one of the best spots in Pacific Beach for anyone looking for no-frills with stunning ocean views.
It’s ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends who want to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, tasty food, and strong, fairly-priced drinks. They have a huge patio which is perfect for sunset views.
Besides its incredible location right on the beach, the staff are friendly making it a popular place for locals.
The downside here is that they don’t have an extensive menu, but what they do serve up is good quality with generously sized portions. It also gets busy here during peak season. And the bar only takes cash.
We recommend you try:
- Carne Asada Nachos
- Beer selection
- California Burrito
16. Mavericks Beach Club
Mavericks is a vibrant drinking bar with a beachy vibe. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some sun, sports, and delicious bar bites – we suggest heading here during sunset and sipping a cocktail from the terrace.
They have a huge two-level patio with bi-fold doors that open up the sides of the building to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, making it ideal for enjoying the beautiful weather.
The white-washed wood, glass barriers, and ambient lighting all help make this a classy yet relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a great place for couples looking for a casual date spot, families wanting to enjoy a sunny lunch or a group of friends gathering to watch a game.
We recommend you try:
- Poke Tacos
- Ahi Tuna
- California Fries
17. Flamingo Deck
Although predominantly a restaurant, Flamingo Deck is a great place to come for drinks.
They serve up delicious pizzas, pasta, and steaks, along with cocktails and beer on tap. Their decor has an art deco vibe, complete with chandeliers, geometric patterns, copper furnishings, and a deep green ceiling, making it an Instagram-worthy destination.
This place is perfect for anyone – whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, a family gathering, or celebrating a special occasion. The atmosphere is lively, yet not boisterous.
They offer fantastic happy hour deals throughout the week – pizza on Thursdays and cocktails from Monday to Friday.
Parking can also be a bit challenging nearby, but they do offer 2-hour validated parking which is a bonus.
We recommend you try:
- Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza
- Espresso Martinis
FAQ: Pacific Beach San Diego Bars
What’s the difference between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach?
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are two popular beaches in San Diego that connect along the oceanfront. Mission Beach is known for its classic boardwalk and amusement park, while Pacific Beach attracts a younger crowd with its vibrant nightlife and surf culture.
Is it legal to drink at Pacific Beach?
No, it’s not legal to drink alcohol on the beach at Pacific Beach or any public beach in San Diego. Alcohol consumption is restricted to avoid disturbances and maintain safety.
Is Pacific Beach a party beach?
Yes, Pacific Beach is considered a party beach, especially popular among young adults and college students. It’s known for its lively bars, nightclubs, and social atmosphere.
Is Pacific Beach a good area?
Yes, Pacific Beach is a great area known for its beautiful beach, variety of dining options, and active nightlife. It’s especially popular with younger crowds and those looking to enjoy a lively coastal lifestyle.
Is Pacific Beach safe at night?
Pacific Beach is generally safe, but like any busy nightlife area, it’s wise to stay alert and be cautious at night, especially on crowded weekends or during big events. We came across a homeless guy screaming and breaking bottles but assuming it’s a one-off incident.
Is Pacific Beach San Diego expensive?
Pacific Beach can be expensive, particularly in terms of real estate and dining out, as it’s a popular area with tourists and locals alike. However, there are budget-friendly options available in the neighborhood.
Final Thoughts: Bars in Pacific Beach San Diego
That’s a wrap on our night out exploring the 17 best bars in Pacific Beach, San Diego! Each of these spots on Pacific Beach have its own flavor, from casual hangouts to glamourous clubs. Let us know which one is your favorite!
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