Instant Replay

Great dive bar, pool, darts, friendly local people. Best dive bar l've been too. Hidden in a Rancho Bernardo strip mall. Food next door you can take in bar. Football parties 🥳

The Thursday afternoon bartender was great! So friendly! Full bar. Sports bar.

Bartenders are friendly and funny! Many regulars are like a family, but very welcoming. Great place to shoot pool or darts. Lots of TV's for watching sports and even one on the smokers patio.

No food, but the locals were pretty chill.... The bartender was amazing and all over all me and my friends had a good night

Used to be great. Now it's full of over-served drunks and unhappy bartenders. You may have a drunk hit your parked car, silent owner drunkenly threaten you over pool, or be ignored by middle aged bartenders who are too busy giving free drinks to girls. Drink pours are heavy though, even if you can't handle it. I think it was safer when it was a biker bar. Most fights I've seen for north county bars within last five years.

Sports bar with pool tables. They had football on the tvs. Reasonable prices and good service

Tori is not friendly unless you know her. I've tipped over 50% without a "Thank You". She also doesn't charge her friends, that's not fair! I give 5 stars to all the other friendly staff.

I was here with a few friends everything was going well. This male bartender was helping me out throughout the night only had two beers. When it was time to close out my tab a different bartender older lady helped me out. A few minutes later right before we walked out she stopped me and ask me why I “didn’t tip and it’s not fair that she practically had to pay for us being there and is not making any money since I’m not leaving a tip. I explained that we left some in cash to the bartender that helped us out and it’s not obligated to leave a tip. She kept going off saying it’s not fair or okay to not leave a tip.

Awesome service, great people and fun vibe! Have been up from Los Angeles to San Diego twice have visited this bar always a good time!

I have never been to a bar so blatantly discriminatory toward women. The owners and the employees don't care what goes on. It's not their problem. Fortunately, I won't be going there again and I would advise any woman not to go there without an escort. I am moving back to Houston, Texas where men in general are gentlemen and know how to treat a lady.

I stopped in here for the first time with my friend The place is a nice hang out spot, the bartenders actually pay attention and don't have you waiting forever for a drink. Affordable drinks too! Pretty chill vibe!

Rolled up to Instant Replay Dive Bar in Rancho Bernardo yesterday to meet a friend for some ice cold suds. The joint is warm welcoming and clean. Rocking tunes blast from the sound system while patrons have plenty of room to relax and get their drink on. Quaffed a pair of delicious IPAs in no time. Plenty of pool tables and dart boards here. Barkeeps are professional informative & efficient. Relaxed vibe all around. Top level local establishment for adult beverages and brews without any doubt. Stoner Grub Ranking: N/A

Could not have been a worse night at the Instant Replay Dive Bar. Went for Trivia (they were 20+ minutes late which isn't the restaurants fault. I went up to ask for a food menu. They apparently didn't have food in store, but you could pay under the table to food that they made in the back. The lady asked for my ID even though I wasn't drinking and just there for Trivia. I showed my ID, but little did I know that my CDL was expired. Whatever... oops, guess I have to get a new CDL. I showed them my school ID, passport, and definitive proof I was over the age of 21. Didn't matter as the bar lady and the bouncer thought my license was a fake CDL. Who would ever get a fake CDL that is expired and says I'm 27? Embarassing by their management team. My entire friend group that came with me left as they were laughing at how horrible they treated me. I wasn't even trying to drink!

Attentive staff. Drinks were well balanced. People were all nice. Billiards and darts (with real darts). Only downside (for me...others may not care)...music is so loud it's hard to have a conversation. One suggestion...tables need to be wiped down more often. They were a bit sticky...like a fruity drink was spilled and not cleaned up right away. I will say, a staff member came right over when he noticed us grossed out by the table too. All in all...a nice neighborhood joint to have a drink. Not pretensions. Not intimidating. Just a good casual time.

Theres nothing like a good dive bar and you can't possibly do much better than the Instant Replay. I've been a semi-regular at this Rancho Bernardo place for decades and it whenever it changes (even incrementally) the more it remains the same. New owners Pete and Dave took over a few years ago and added credit cards and some new TV's. Those are big changes in a place that hasn't changed much over the years. It's impossible to go to the IR not see people you know. It's also impossible to go to the IR and not have a good time. People are friendly, they have pool tables, obviously they have booze. How can all those things not be fun? Please note Instant Replay doesn't serve food, but what the hell, there's pizza and Thai nearby. Sadly, the former drive-thru Taco Bell diagonally across the shopping center is now a Starbucks, (so no more late night fake Mexican food to help you sober up and drive home safely) but if you play your cards right the pizza place might deliver your pie to the IR. (Just ask for Joey.) Most recent visit 9/25/21. Jannette took great care of us. Three Pacifico's for me, three Coors Lights for Scott. Watched Giancarlo Stanton bang a grand slam for my Yankees against the Red Sox. First place baby! It was another chill visit, the latest in a very long line of chill visits, to this classic gem -- A truly timeless watering hole in RB. If you come in, please say hi. Thanks, IR. I love you.

If you're looking for an authentic dive bar, this one's the real deal. Metallica and Dio on the juke box, PBR $4.25 (like it should be), friendly bartenders, pool tables, regulars...it's all there. Since 1978.

Nice people, fun environment. Pool, Darts, Trivia all good times. New Felt on 3 tables

Pretty cool neighborhood spot. Great people and staff. Definitely will come here again

It's ver convenient dive bar but there is cockroach everywhere they were crawling on the bar bartenders didn't care it always smells disgusting You get what you pay for

Came in for a drink and some tunes, karaoke. We had a blast meeting friend and singing. Stop by if you like, great time.

We know what to expect when it comes to dive bars, and that's what this place excels at. The drinks are strong and affordable, the jukebox sets the ambience, and the bartenders welcome you as if you've been coming there for years. The owners have brought back this establishment to the modern era and provide various forms of entertainment from pool/darts to trivia and football specials. Worth dropping by on any night

I like this place.. Most of the people here are friends... Lots of good pool player also that fun to play with!..

Been to too many pubs to count at my age 63 . Will say this though, the service and friendliness by Michael and Janelle was first class. Finer establishment's would be lucky to have them. Was also amazed by the locals , very friendly also . Haven't ever experienced a so-called "dive" bar with more class . Go figure !

Went in with my brother and dad! They had karaoke and a pool table. Had a great time! Cheap and strong drinks!!

Went in for a few beers. After my third I was cut off. At the other end of the bar was a local who ordered another pitcher of beer. I tipped well and was in total control. Her making decisions for me is something I won't have. I'll never go back to this place as a result.

My friend and I were looking for a bar close by and found instant replay. We were immediately ignored when we asked the bartender where the restroom was (we didn't see it around the corner). After we sat down he ignored us for all the 'regular' customers that were coming in after us.

Been going to IR for 20+ years. Harry is the best! Now new guys are terrific! Best "dive bar" in San Diego. New owners have stepped up the dark bar in a great way. Always a friendly place. Older peeps at happy hour. Younger a bit later But no matter... always good.

My good friend and fellow Yelper Chris A read my last review of this place and said to me, "I can't believe you didn't include your katy Perry story in your review of Instant Replay." So here it is! It was about eight years ago and my good buddy from Ohio was dating a girl from Hollywood named Katy. She was a struggling musician and he was in town to produce a record for another band. Katy would come down to visit but would leave as soon as he had to slip into the studio for 12 or 15 hours. One day she looked at me and said that she wanted to stay in SD for the day and hit some dive bars... Instant Replay was the top of the list and as divey as they come... bring it on! We posted up in the dark bar for several hours, drank beer and cursed with the locals and she took it all perfectly in stride. As the night continued we shot pool, talked life and I can still see the dimly lit and dingy background of the IR clear as day in mind. A few hours later we picked up the pieces and moved to greener pastures, Mckee's Tavern (now Kelly's Pub), where it turned into a black out drunk night. Yes, she was as pretty then as she now and any girl who can drink at a bar like IR is a keeper in my book. My buddy really eff'd that one up.

It's always been two stars that's no the point NICOLE is literally a doll face, but more then likely smoking rocks. Grabbing change before bill signed and tossed into the tip bucket. Literally I can not repeat the medical questions coming out of the bar tenders mouth as I got out of my car and walked in. (Why did I Keep walking you ask?) Because I use to play pool here and have 12 year old memories, unfortunately those memories are shot! Paranoia, about pictures being moved, and low production, and serious drunk bar tending giving me a bud, when I ordered a vodka pineapple. Is something that cannot be excused. These old guys are use to it but I came here purposely and will continue to report otherwise until service is restored.

I was super disappointed at this bar last night I brought my third kid in to ring in his 21 he's in the Navy by the way he surprised me with a visit and I thought I would take him to my favorite dive bar this female bartender was super rude did not even look at us when we got there she was behind the bar with the security guard having a personal conversation Michael on the other hand finally acknowledged us and did come and help us then my son took a shot and his stomach was upset so he went outside so he could use the garbage can to throw up I could overhear the female bartender on a Tuesday night talking behind our back's about my son throwing up in the garbage can which I thought was pretty respectful that it wasn't on the floor in there so she comes out and proceeds to ask us how we are getting home I let her know my husband was coming to pick us up then she says comments on the tip that we left which was two dollars because the service was very poor and then she says oh you and your husband always are trouble here I've never even met her before I don't understand the way she treated me I think bartenders should earn their tips not just expect them because of Covid she was rude and it was rude of her to comment it was $32 and I tipped her two bucks to be nice I would've tipped nothing but I do realize it's Covid I'm very upset I guess that's why we don't go out on Tuesday nights she sucks and she's very rude and I may go in and talk to the owner because I am very very upset bars are plentiful places to go to enjoy and spend money and have a drink and celebrate your kid but it won't be there again well if it's a Saturday night or Friday and Shawna is working then it would be again!!

I've been going to Instant Replay (affectionately known as the "IR") for more than 20 years. Harry Alexander is the BEST! As a matter of fact that place is filled with great and caring people! The bartenders watch out for you and are all really good people. The drinks are strong so be careful! And the jukebox has great music with lots of choices from country to classic rock. And, if you want something more than chips to nibble on, you can bring in whatever you want! They have pool tournaments expertly looked after by Big Dave. A little over a year ago, after 40 years, Harry passed the baton to two terrific guys, David and Peter, who have done some good remodeling but kept the integrity of this wonderful neighborhood bar. And, yes, they now take credit cards!! If you want a great "dive bar" in a quiet corner of RB with tons of parking to go have a cold beer or cocktail, watch a game on a Sunday afternoon on one of the many, many TV's, commune with some really good people, and maybe play a few games of pool, the Instant Replay is your place!

I have been to a lot of scummy bars across the entire world and I am proud to say that IR (or club IR) is the best of the best/worst/best bar I have seen. Where else can you get a pitcher of cold coors light for $9 and be assured that there will be an open pool table on a Saturday night? The answer is nowhere. IR is the place where broken dreams meet dreams that come true. As a local dive bar, this place has not changed in 30 years and can not be beaten.

First visit here! Friendly called Andrea - fabulous quick service in a very busy bar! - $3 happy hour bud draft but no wifi! Asked barlady for password and she thought it wasn't working - she was right! Busy bar - lots of locals!

Let me take you back. Back in the day, I remember peddling to the grocery store (before there was a CVS there was Rancho Market and good ol' fashion Italian food joint down the way) - Instant Replay was the corner spot that you as a kid did not meddle into. You and your friends rode your bikes averting eye contact with this place; you could smell the cigarettes and alcohol just passing by. Needless to say, it was divey as hell. Now jump back to present day - I was in the area visiting friends and decided to go back in, sit down, and have myself a drink. Good God, it was everything that I thought it was. Yes, divey as divey can get. You're god damn right I'm a fan - this place has been around forever and it's an institution. I know. But, it is. It's been around for decades and you know what? It's going to stay. Really glad I finally got a chance to check out this place and I think what makes it extra special is seeing it as kid and then going in as an adult. If you can't comprehend "divey" then don't come here. It's a simple as that.

My favorite dive bar in Rancho Bernardo. Great for watching sports and the bar tenders are totally on it. Come in once and they'll know your drink of choice next time. 3 pool tables, tons of TVs and friendly patrons. What more could you ask for?

This is the best dive bar in Rancho Bernardo! It's a legendary place. Rancho Bernardo's finest! Its an awesome place for pool, for watching games and the bar tenders are awesome/ its a great atmosphere. It's a next level place!

I LOVE dive bars, and totally seek them out! There is nothing better than a shithole place, with seedy people and cheap drinks! This place is just not that kind of place. It's just a dump. Drinks were cheap and strong, and the bartender was pretty cute and sassy! All important parts of a dive bar....but the place just didn't have it. They first of all don't have a full bar selection, which is very important when I am at a dive bar because I want to do lots of shots and different ones each time! Keep in mind here the point is these are all cheap so quantity is a good thing! The whole setting the clock 15 minutes early thing too is lame! Just close at 2 and do a final call at 1:45 DONE! I would go back again if we were in the area, but I wouldn't have my hopes up for some amazing dive bar like I did this time!

Shouldn't have fired Melissa, this place isn't the same without her at all. Drinks are still strong and the vibe is somewhat the same just not what it used to be.

Local watering hole with plenty of regulars. Three pool tables- woo hoo! Was fun watching the bar; one particular woman would go from one man to another while we were there. Counted three in total. :) There are no windows, which could contribute to that timeless feeling if you're a day-tripper to bars (Hey, we all have worked weird schedules at any given time, right?) The jukebox has a rocking selection; good stuff. One drawback could be the strong smell of cigarettes that sometimes floats back into the bar from the front entrance. Anyone who has read my reviews knows just how much I love cigarettes--- it is what it is, at least it's not being done inside... Definitely worth a look. We will return. CASH ONLY amigos.

Yay! October 10, 2018 IR has WiFi and credit cards! Thank you Pete n Dave. Come celebrate. #divebarupgrades

So this is a local bar... NO BELVEDERE HERE If you come before 3:00 you will meet the beloved Jerry, you can't miss him. FUCKIN AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA he is great. They only take cash , pool tables porn video and have a great juke box plus the barteneder is HAWT. HOLLA JENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *firemen*

Yes, it's a cash only dive bar, and probably the only thing that's changed about it in the last few decades is that Harry decided to raise the price of a bottle of Newcastle to $4.50. If he'd splurge for free wireless he'd bring in more day drinkers; just sayin'. In any case, best bartenders in town.

Cheap pool, drinks, thrills. All in one place. The IR - as the locals call it. **DISCLAIMER** CASH ONLY, men's bathroom door DOES NOT LOCK When I moved home from college, this was my spot to drown after a rough night at Chili's. It was walking (stumbling) distance from my house which was definitely important. One doesn't go to the IR for "just a drink". You go to practice your 9 ball or get completely obliterated for less than $20. The locals who frequent this place are some of the most laid back, mellow people I've ever met. They've all got great stories to tell (over and over again) and advice to give. Will you see a bar fight? Probably not, but it has happened. Will you get drunk for cheap? Definitely Will you lose all hope for humanity? Yes Much love for the IR...

Heard about this dive bar from someone I met at the Elephant Bar in Rancho Bernardo. Since this place has pool tables and I love to shoot pool, I decided to stop by for a drink and game of pool. When I arrived, around 9 pm, there were only 7 people in the bar. Despite having 3 pool tables, nobody was playing. So, I saddled up to the bar and ordered a Stone Pale Ale. After a few sips I decided to head over to the tables and play a game by myself....hoping to draw in another player. Twenty minutes passed with no action, so I finished my Beer and left. Will I return? If I'm in the area, probably....hopefully I can find a game next time.

How would I describe Instant Replay? A locals bar would be one way to reference it but of course the main way to describe it would be as a dive bar and I am completely fine with that. If you happen to wander in to this place and you're not a regular to IR, you will definitely get some stares. No, not a Charles Manson chill up your spine type of stare but more of a "who are you and welcome to OUR bar" type of stare. I don't recall if they have any beer on tap but I do know they have a nice selection of bottled beer and a full bar. Drinks here were quite inexpensive compared to others and the girl slinging drinks behind the bar was friendly and efficient. IR is dark and dingy as you'd expect. The bar curves around from where you walk in towards the back of this little gem with plenty of stools to grab a seat. If the bar setting isn't your choice, there are a few tables strewn throughout. This place doesn't seem to attract a large crowd. In fact the pool tables were not being used whatsoever while I was there and that is rare for any bar. The only time I've been to IR, I quickly noticed that the age demographic is a little higher than most places. I then looked in the mirror and realized I am closer that that demographic than I lead myself to believe. A cool little watering hole in an established neighborhood. What more could one ask for?

Big fan. Super friendly spot. Perfect for Sunday football. They added a new dart area. Good beer selection. Will for sure be back again.

Best Dive-bar in RB. Classic.. great Juke Box, pool, cheap-drinks, no windows, and no douchebags. You know you are in the right place when its crowded as hell all night duriong the week, and not nearly as much on the weekends.. only takes cash... perfect! Top shelf stiff cocktails-7bux. A total shit-hole.(and I love it!) Love this place.

Cool, not bad, they don't have a happy hour here, although you save 25 cents off draft beers after 8pm...wow...coolness. Went with the usual, vodka pineapple. Not bad. Cash only here. The have pool tables, bunch of pictures, a juke box, a South Park pinball game and several tv's. Also have a dartboard and a couple of clocks that were way off on the time. The bathroom was dirty, no lock, flies inside. But the bar was clean and maintained. Nice stickers and patches on the wall. Couple of tv's for sports and whatever. Bar lady was nice and friendly. Customer service was good. Thanks for a good experience.

The IR may be the bottom of the bottom of dive bars...in a very good way. The carpet stinks. The people are either nice or resemble the grim reaper. There are no windows. Cash only. The bartenders are cool. No food. Sometimes, they have contests to win prizes playing the computer bar games. Tread lightly with that....one time, I got ripped off from winning a pool stick. But...my fault...it was the IR. I shoulda known. Haha. But, I still love it.

It's been a long, long time since I walked into a bar in California and felt the heaviness of a smoke filled room. To be fair, Instant Replay wasn't actually smoke filled, it just smelled and felt like it had been earlier. This is one of those places that you go to because you want a semi-cheap (but not totally cheap at $5 a pop) drink, to shoot some pool, and to not have to worry about being judged. It's definitely one of those places you go to because it's close to where you reside and you want to drink with some other people, but not worry about driving (because you can walk) or paying a ton for an Uber ride home. In other words, it's a dive bar. One of the diveyest dive bars there ever was. So if you like that, you'll love it here. If you don't, maybe skip it and head over to Carvers or something.

It was about 10 am when I was waiting for my laundry to dry so I decided to walk around this new-to-me strip mall. Oh cool, a sporting goods store, I'll check out some shoes. Next. A chicago hot dog place, maybe I'll see what the big fuss is about. Nevermind. Ok Longs Drugs maybe I'll buy a magazine and just go back to the laundromat. Wait, something is telling me that I should see what those shady (for suburban RB) guys are up to. Holy crap, it's a dirty dive bar, in suburban RB. Cheap drinks, 3 pool tables, a good juke box and they have Stone. Score.

Football Sundays at the IR are the best! Great people to spend the day with. The Bloody Mary bar, bottomless mimosas and a bunch of great beers make the IR a win for everyone!

Please, new owners(Pete and Dave). Firing Melissa was very wrong! She was the best they ever had. Slow Saturdays was not her fault...people go to dive bars on Fridays and save Saturdays for dinner and a movie! Put her on Fridays and Dan or Kristin on Saturdays, instead. There are bartenders that have been trying to steal her hours, for years. Their manipulation, rumors, and convincing you worked, but it was dirty pool. She was adored by hundreds of people! Please bring her back or I'll stop spending my money(have already spent $10's of thousands), and many will not return. Big mistake! She doesn't deserve this. She makes the place cheery. I've seen new customers come in and say they love her. Melissa is loved by many, including old timers, like me, who have came for decades. She brings love and fun to the bar. There are cops that come late, which prevents robbery. We are heart broken and please re-consider. Long time costumer. Please!! Just tell her what you want, and she will obey. I ran into a friend at Vons...told him Mellisa was let go....he was mad as he stated she was the friendliest bartender...so he said he will not go back. So many people not going often now....you're losing thousands per month. I used to go 9 times per month...now I go 1 or 2 times. Bad decision! It is not the friendly place it once was. We miss Harry! The only positive thing is they added credit and a new juke box. Please bring back Melissa....she made an impact on our depressed lives, and cheered us up.

My friend and I have been to this place a couple of time merely because of the proximity. I typically like dive bars and thought that this might be a good local hang out joint. I'm a big fan of pool and like the jukebox being available in case you want to hear a good tune. What really struck me was the staff. Wholly crap!!! Could you get any worse bartender's or did they just decide to pull these folks from the local prison? I've had the opportunity to visit bars all around the world and these folks are the worst. I believe that a guy named Harry used to own the place and have heard people telling nice stories about the fella. I appreciate the lore and can without a doubt tell you that Harry would be extremely SAD to see what's become of the staff. I'd rather not go into detail of the individuals but have decided that it's not a safe place to visit anymore. Stay AWAY from this place!!!!

New owners care so much about keeping this classic dive bar into the divey, fun place it is while adding improvements such as Wifi, credit cards, Sunday Fundays, Pint Nighrs and more! Good people, great dive bar!

This place is great IF your looking for a complete dive bar with three pool tables and a tiny liquor bar. They have CHEAP beer, no food, no cocktail waitress. I had fun shooting pool with my buddy, but would probably come strictly to play pool and drink beer. Not a place I would wanna take a date.

An amazing bar. Melissa is amazing!!! So nice for any locals or visitors! Aw some spot

I'd give it another star, but they have no WiFi so the connection times out before I can upgrade the rating.