Best Bars in San Diego (2025)

An apothecary-inspired pioneer that helped define San Diego’s craft scene, now freshly revamped and bustling again with theatrical cocktails, house sodas, and warm hospitality. Frequently recommended by Eater San Diego and praised by Condé Nast Traveler.

Step onto the rotating platform into a lavish dome-lit speakeasy with a fountain at its center and a serious spirits selection. A consistent fixture on Eater San Diego’s best bar lists and a favorite of cocktail writers nationwide.

Hidden behind Craft & Commerce, this intimate tiki bar delivers thunder, skulls, and category-leading tropical drinks. Regularly featured by Eater San Diego and Thrillist, it’s a touchstone for San Diego’s enduring tiki culture.

Enter through Common Theory into a cinematic, apothecary-inspired lounge where Asian flavors and technique drive seasonal cocktails. Frequently cited by Eater San Diego and local critics for world-building design and precision.

South Park’s sci‑fi tropical bar lands with space-age ambience, vegan-leaning bites, and wildly inventive drinks; named to Esquire’s Best Bars in America. Locals love its story-rich menu and transportive soundtrack.

A hi‑fi listening bar and vinyl shop collaboration with Folk Arts Rare Records, serving crisp highballs and precise classics. Named to Esquire’s Best Bars in America and celebrated by Eater San Diego for its music-first vibe.

A Japanese-style listening bar with a rare custom sound system and a restrained, elegant cocktail program emphasizing Japanese whisky. Praised by local food writers for respectful service and a serene, music-forward setting.

Downtown’s late‑night stalwart pairs a thoughtful cocktail list with one of the city’s most talked‑about bar menus. Frequently recommended by Eater San Diego and lauded by national food media for after-hours hospitality.

Since 1947, this aviation-tinged hangout has earned a national reputation for its wall of whiskey—well over a thousand bottles. A locals’ favorite recognized by Thrillist and other editors for depth and approachability.

The city’s formative speakeasy still charms: a hidden entrance, no printed menu, and bartender‑led, bespoke drinks. A frequent pick of national and local guides, it remains a rite of passage for cocktail lovers.

From acclaimed bartenders Eric Johnson and Christian Siglin, this easygoing North Park hangout nails the sweet spot between craft and casual. Winner of Eater San Diego’s 2024 Best New Bar, with fun slushees and dialed classics.

A thoughtful revival of South Park’s beer‑bar spirit from the Bottlecraft team, with Old World taps, German‑leaning bites by Biersal, and an easy neighborhood feel. Covered by Axios San Diego, San Diego Magazine, and San Diego Beer News.

Normal Heights’ retro living‑room bar pours sturdy, well‑priced cocktails, draws a creative crowd, and keeps community programming lively. Endorsed by Condé Nast Traveler and often cited by local editors as a genuine industry favorite.

A beloved agave house where bartenders guide you through deep tequila and mezcal shelves, alongside simple, satisfying Mexican plates. Regularly highlighted by Eater San Diego as a must for agave aficionados.