San Diego's Best Dive Bar

One of San Diego’s oldest bars endures with a prime Gaslamp corner location and no-frills atmosphere.

Reviews:

• “Old School Bar”

Tips: It’s one of the last remaining bars in the Gaslamp that doesn’t ever charge a cover.

Tivoli Bar

Catch a live band, watch the big game, shoot pool, or simply kick back at this retro neighborhood lounge.

Pal Joey’s

A crowded, venerable dive on the border of Hillcrest and Banker’s Hill with cheap drinks and decent bar food.

Reviews:

• “Gotta Love it”

Tips: A great gresay-spoon bar menu includes burgers and spicy chicken wings.

Nunu’s Cocktail Lounge

Mission Hills dive maintains a clientele of regulars, despite attempted invasions from young local hipsters looking for karaoke.

Reviews:

• “Rude Staff and Karaoke Host”
• “DIVE!”
• “A Great Dive!”

Lamplighter

A stones throw from the beach, this South Mission dive comes complete with surfers and sand on the floor.

Reviews:

• “Mission Beach’s Cheers”

Tips: Unlike other area bars, taxi drivers know the place well, as most everyone who leaves after midnight cabs it home. Walking at night in South Mission, even to nearby PB parking lots, isn’t done.

The Beachcomber

This dive’s gaudy purple exterior reflects colorful South Park neighborhood filled with off-beat punk scenesters and karaoke fans alike.

Reviews:

• “Cool dive bar”

Tips: Happy hour is from 6pm-2am daily.

Scolari’s Office

Cardiff dive serving stiff drinks since the 60s also features a seperate billiards room and retro surf decor.

Tips: Check out the model train that runs above the bar.

Dukes Cardiff Office Cocktail

Pull up a stool for a shot of whiskey and a cheap beer at Encinitas’ local watering hole since 1957.

Tips: Expect to wait in line on weekend nights as this popular spot often fills to maximum capacity.

Daley Double

Cheap, friendly neighborhood pool joint anchors the OB bar scene.

Tips: A few barflies appear to have been hanging out here forever, but there’s a hefty younger crowd on weekends looking for a tast of the good ’ol days.

Catalina Lounge

Legendary OB watering hole and intimate live music venue draws loyal local crowds for never-ending happy hour specials.

Reviews:

• “good place to see music”

Tips: Winston’s owner was also a partner in PB’s equivalent Blind Melonm which changed to the 710 Beach Club in 2007.

Winston’s Beach Club

Dive bar turned hipster hangout offers cheap drinks, pool tables and a down-to-earth vibe.

Reviews:

• “Tuesday and Fridays the place to be.”

Tips: Happy Hour lasts from 8am-6pm daily for those who crave a liquid lunch.

Alibi

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