North Bar

Love love love the live music! Started coming with my friends a few weeks ago. Variety of ages come here, so its fun seeing everyone vibe to classic rock or whatevers playing. :) staff are nice and friendly and drinks are reasonably priced.

My SO needed to shoot some pool so we went there. The Cow Shed is closer but she wanted a challenge from better players. It turned out it was Karaoke night so she got to sing a song too. I had to step outside after her song. Too many years playing in a band to tolerate some of the singers. So I tolerated all the smoke and smokers and got yelled at for a glass of water that wasn't mine. NO GLASSES OUTSIDE! Got it buddy.

I went to listen to the bands playing the night of the Christmas party. The drinks and service were great, it was a really fun atmosphere, and everyone was friendly. I had a fantastic time.

My go to dive in Esky especially for football season. Great staff, interesting customer mix, decent Mex next door you can carry in for the game. Low expectations greatly exceeded, it's a decent place it you're a decent barfly

Found this spot thanks to a friend and loved it atmosphere is friendly and drinks are good. Karaoke is lit 🔥The Dj karaoke coordinator she can sing and super nice. People sing songs and don’t care if you can sing. They even have Spanish songs from all kinds of ages and genres. 😁

Haven't actually been, working/staying nearby, but hearing a Flock of Seagulls cover blasted at 10pm, in 2025, WHAT. Dope music choices (can't remember what was playing on the walk back). Vibe seems stellar. Even all the people outside looked like they're cool. 100% coming back here when I have free time lol

No food here,but definitely an experience! Had so much fun dancing with my girls! DJ was spot on with those 80s to 2000s songs!!

Great place, free parking very safe and great live music.

Live mixing of your favorite open format music every 2nd and 5th Fridays of the month from 9 pm to close by yours truly DJ D23W (Drew) !! See you there!!

A great dive bar with super friendly staff! It is a bit small, not many tables or chairs, a lot of people were standing but if you don't mind that you're good to go. Great, lively crowd. Karaoke was super fun and the KJ was great! I saw a couple reviews saying cash only but that isn't true, they take card as well. Decent prices on drinks, they have flavored Red Bull and they even have Jell-O shots! A couple of pool tables and games like giant connect 4 on a table. Overall a fun place.

this place sucks. I wouldn't sing at this dump. Very bad service, bartender is in polite and needs to be fired. She thinks she owns the place. I had a rather disappointing experience during my visit to North Bar. The service I received was below average, and the bartender's demeanor came across as unprofessional and unfriendly. It felt like she was more focused on asserting her authority rather than ensuring good customer service. This experience has made me hesitant about performing at this venue in the future, and I would certainly think twice before returning. It is evident that North Bar should concentrate on enhancing customer satisfaction and providing better training for their staff to elevate the overall customer experience. Furthermore, the karaoke program was not managed efficiently, adding to the lackluster experience.

It's nice that this bar has live music, but the smoking section right in front of the entrance is absolutely disgusting. You have to pass all the smokers to get inside. I am really not a fan of that. I recommend they make a smoking section out back.

It's been a few years since we've been here and am glad that we decided to stop by for a beer or two. The place has been cleaned up quite a bit since back in the day, and retains the wonderful bar service this place always had. Demographics are similar to the past, generally 30s+ crowd, so no drama. Beer was ice cold, and quite the value for a Sunday afternoon visit. The biggest change was they now accept credit cards, although we paid cash because that's what we expected. A nice addition to our regular places in the area.

North Bar was a great discovery in Escondido. My friend and I are working from home most of the time and every day try to do something different after work. For me, it is also a rediscovery after long time in NorCarl. We found out about this bar because there was a flamenco-rock guitar player that was super awesome (even if actually most of the audience was not audience but pool players passively listening). I would have liked they had food (that is why I dont give 4 stars) because having to go next door and buy tacos was the only option (I had the impression I read you could eat inside). At least they were super kind to let us eat while having our beers and listening to the great show. There were also some tables outside for those who wanted to smoke or just feel the breeze after a hot day. My friend and I got a good time, everyone seemed very nice and we will be back.

First time here. Went during the day with a buddy. Had couple pics of beer and played some pool. True dive bar (That's what we like). Clean. Bartender great! We'll definitely go back!

Great drink and music, always a good time. Very safe place to have a good time. There is karaoke 4 nights a week . Dj on Friday and bands on Saturday

Stopped in for my first time after work and was greeted by friendly "regulars". The bar was attentively clean and so were the restrooms. Over all chill and safe environment. Maryann was the bartender and she was wonderful. She stayed on top of the patron request and seemed to receive good words from all. I will be back. Thank you.

My husband and I have been here three times and every time has been an absolute great time! Brandon and Jessica are excellent bartenders,very kind and welcoming... Jessica makes an awesome White Russian and any specialty shot we requested she was happy to make! The owner Mike is a pretty cool guy too met him a couple times and he even bought us a round friendly guy. The atmosphere is fun... a diverse crowd.. we even made some new friends! Karaoke is a blast... pricing on drinks definitely fair! They even have the game ringo my husband loves it! This is our new neighborhood bar. Great service, excellent beer selection, and a good time!

Came here to meet a friend Sat 9.17.22 approx 8:30pm for my first time. Was lookn for a bar that was friendly and w music, felt w ther FB page it would meet my needs. Got ther and the crowd and bartender seemed cool. Stayed til approx midnite. Hada blast! Jus now Ive found my receipt for my beers and notice the 2nd shift (female)bartender had charged me more for the SAME EXACT beer! So unless someone frm this business gets back to me and gives me a legit reason for this, I wil keep this post up and SHARE it. And it's not the amount of money it's the principle. I hope ther not doin this to everyone. Attached is my receipt that shows it.. REVIEW REEDITED TO FIVE STARS! This is now for the manager Mike@North Bar. I do understand it now. Didnt know yr Happy Hour went so late. Again my first time there. So Yes you make good sense. Appreciate the response. Again being a business owner myself like I state it wasnt the amount of money it was basically the PRINCIPLE. Thk You- E

Awesome dive bar. I felt it is a very diverse crowd and best part is the bartender jesika is hot AF and....... She fancy...

Are you looking for a new venue to sing karaoke? The North Bar is an excellent spot to sing karaoke and have some great beverages with your friends. The people are polite, the proprietor is awesome, and it's a pleasant location to meet new people and socialize. Their history is extensive, and they are regarded as a high-class organization. So come on in and have a good time. Karaoke is available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 9 pm to 1:00 am in Escondido, CA. You can enjoy yourself while singing your favorite songs or even trying out something new! They offer several different types of drinks that will make sure you're having fun all night long! Whether you want beer or wine, they've got it all right here for you! Sing with us at the North Bar, where everyone knows your name! Karaoke starts at 9 pm sharp, so be sure not to miss out on this excellent opportunity tonight! See you soon!"

Monday + Happy Hour = $8.40 beer If you look, smell, and act like a dive bar. Price your beer accordingly

This is the best dive bar ever! They set up an area with outdoor seating. They have different live music throughout the week. 20 different beers on draft and a full bar. You can order appetizers to enjoy while you drink and listen to the music. The staff is very friendly and the service is great.

Better than ever since covid. They got the shaft by Newsom, but overall did a great job staying open and keeping within guidelines.

I've been coming to North Bar for years now and I still stand by my review from a few years back. The Bartenders ALL are good at what they do, they are friendly as are the security staff. I always feel welcome and safe when I am here. From Sunday funday, karaoke, to open mike nights and all the other things going on at North Bar it's always a good time, with great drinks, drink specials, and nice friendly people to socialise with. While no place is perfect North Bar is pretty damn close!

Stopped in here yesterday afternoon with some friends on the way to our fantasy football draft event. Nice dive bar. Many folks were present, seemed like mostly locals. Everyone seemed friendly. They had Negra Modelo beer on draft which made me a believer. The woman bartender was friendly and fast. We were in a hurry so only had two rounds and left. Beer was cold. People were friendly. Be back next year!

I thought this was a friendly local bar I'm so surprised at the terrible customer service by the grumpy female bartender on a Saturday afternoon when it was empty! I have been here 2 times and thus bartender is always ready rude and not friendly!

If I can give zero stars I would. The only good thing about this bar is the DJ and the bartender. The bouncers are total asswholes. I had over 250 dollar taken out my purse. There were two girls that went in the bathroom after me and when I was confronting both girls I got taken out. (Kicked out) One them I knew so I know it was not her. But the so called girl that reported my purse in the bathroom sure she took it. But due to she was a regular. Main bouncer took care of her. Lied to the cops didn't know information of the other girl. If I can help and future people try a dive bar. Go to POUNDERS!! Because this place a fucking joke Go anywhere besides here!!!!.

Update to my review a few years ago. Now they take card, finally! But they also serve extremely watered down drinks. I am a person who HARDLY EVER drinks. With that being said, no joke, 1 drink at Applebees gets me tipsy. It's pretty pathetic. I had THREE drinks here and didn't even feel a tiny bit tipsy. And they were about $8 a drink. Such a waste of an night out, which I never do. Waste of an uber and all that. It's a total dive bar and small area for seating. I'm giving 2 stars cause I remember karaoke was fun here. Also, maybe I just got a bad bartender last night.

Great atmosphere, strong pours, and can't beat prices. What else could you ask for from your neighborhood bar? Oh, and my sister got engaged here. Love this place!

Had a great time. Jennifer was awesome and really added to the overall experience. The bar was pretty thin on patrons for to covid but you can tell it's normally hopping. Can't wait to go back when they are running at capacity. I liked the overall good vibe.

Me giving you one star is lucky I had horrible service. Did not have a good time here. Jessica the bartender was so rude to my fiends and I, had a horrible experience!! Am never coming back

Service is above all. Drinks are great. $1 pool all day. Great atmosphere. I'll be coming here when I'm in town next time

I'm an pretty picky older lady and I love this place.. the beer is icy cold, the bartenders are always friendly, and the crowd is a mixed bag and so much fun! We hardly knew some of the regulars and they were buying us drinks. A fun and relaxed place to stop for a cold one!

Hide yo kids. This place is sketchy and is cash only. I'm actually fearing for my life writing this review. If you want a dive bar in Escondido go to five points the drinks are strong and cheap. The crowd is older at five points too. Shoot my next review will be on five points. Anyway we didn't die at north bar so that's good. We won't try and find out again tho. CHEERS!!

I love north bar.....the alchohol brings me in tori makes me stay....she is always so nice and knows what I drink before I order everyone that works there is awesome from bouncers to the owner always shakes my hand when I come in I appreciate feeling welcome . Thank you north bar you guys kick ass....

Just moved to this area and wanted to play pool and have a few drinks. The bar itself is decent, but the crowd is horrible. I played a few rap songs and all the crowd did was complain on what kind of "crap" this is and who was playing it. The bartender lowered the volume during the rap songs, but raised the volume during the country/folk music. I don't understand why the crowd would even complain when we sat there listening to their music without complaining once. All in all, if you're not old and white, don't bother going to this bar. I have nothing against any race, but daaaamn.. don't stare at me like I'm some kind of alien when I walk in.

Came here after work, Jessica was fantastic. Recommended a new shot I've never had, skrewball is delicious. A complete professional, never rude.

Awesome bar First couple of times going there I was unsure, but as time went on I felt at home. The bartenders great, Rocco one of the bartenders is awesome. Great prices, Sunday's NFL on the 8 big screen tv's, big time Chargers fans here, 2 pool tables, cash only bar I think is great it helps keep the prices down ATM machine with a low fee. They don't have food but right next-door is a pretty good Mexican joint, that you can go order your food and bring it into the bar. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights they have a pool league that plays out of there. A little frustrating not being able to shot pool, when it is almost standing room only, but still this bar has some of the greatest people. I just wish the rating system on yelp would go a little higher because I would give this place a 8.75 rating.

Not GAY friendly!! My fiance and I were asked to leave for holding hands at the bar. "We make people uncomfortable." The bar tendress says..and it seemed to me , as though this busness had been caterng/cottling their older alcoholic day patrons.. as well as condoning bad behavior... in this day in age of honoring diversity, this business is certainly doing themselves a disservice by continuing to make a certain segment of the community not feel welcome. We have since found places nearby, that are more welcoming, and I'm turn.. get our dollars.

Jessica the Barton, Does A great job . I love her knee high socks ! The DJ plays good music on Friday and Saturday.

What! Only cash?! Thats so 60s. Well this is a complete dive bar. The bartenders are just there to bartend, not to talk or to be friendly. Or maybe only to regulars. Its overunned with an old crowd. I went on tuesday, which i guess made the experience a bit bettee, since they had $2 beers and wells. It was soo crowded. This place does need a makeover. Its dirty and old.

This place thrashy, ghetto. Not a good atmosphere. Water down drinks. Don't waste your time here. If your looking for a fun time. This is not it.

10 bucks cover for a ppv ufc fight. With a free drink included with cover and not 45 minute wait to get in..is heaven to me on those crazy nights that every freaken bar will be soo packed with crazy expensive cover fees or consumption per person It is an older crowed but no harm in that. Mostly regulars as I live and work near by. It is my first time in here and I won't be back but a bar is a bar and í got my pitcher and enjoyed the fight. And í will be back for the next one.

Ok this is my first review, and why did I pick North Bar?? Well I would like to add something other than the review that was on here. Ya it is an interesting place, and it is different everytime you go there. BUT this place has the BEST group of people, there are a select group that are there the majority of the time, and these people would do anything for you, some of the greatest people I have met go here. The staff is great! The bartendars are awesome and they can make some awesome drinks!! As a women I can go in and feel safe since the security as well as the rset of the staff look out for you! So dont always judge a place by its looks and people! You may just be surprized to what you find!

Great service from our favorite bartender. He's always attentive with a great attitude. Couldn't have asked for more for a first visit tonight.

This is such an amazing local tavern. We've been coming to the North Bar for over 25 years now and each time is better than the last. Jesika is an amazeballs bartender and really knows her stuff!! A+++++++++++

As I drove up I thought it was a Mexican market being that it's hidden and has 2 next to it, I wasn't 100 until I got to the door. The barred windows and singular door make it pretty tough for fast escapes and getaways. It reminds me of home....er my home bar OMTI. Cash bar, beat up pool tables, busted up bathrooms, but they do have this nice tall round table in the corner, but it's half blocked. Small, dark, trashy and vaguely smells like turpentine. The ventilation system is pretty good actually, it was blowing, but the quality of the air could be better. Cheap and stiff drinks. Half the time they won't' even ask if you want a short or tall cocktail and you shouldn't complain about the talls. It's about coming and having a good time and not caring about what other people think. Don't mess with me and I won't mess with you sort of vibe. Beer's on tap are actually lacking. Minimal in amounts and selection. Really more of a cheap beer and whiskey kind of bar anyhow, but with San Diego being the craft brew mecca you should pay some homage to our offerings. Heavy on the security is good and bad. Good to have, bad to know they need 6 working a Friday night. The security is friendly as are the bartenders, work quickly in that tight area. Since they don't have an outdoor patio the doorman keeps track of people who he remembers smoking or not, but at least they have a bench for them. Usually bars with that much output are constantly cleaning barware, but I never notices the suds flying here, must have a healthy stocking considering I saw a couple glasses break through the night. Chairs were pretty comfortable if you had one, but the DJ when they have one reminded me of a strip club DJ and not the good kind. I don't think I'll be returning as it's out of my way and has not keep to me, but then again for strong cheap drinks I will travel at least once.

We got winners, we got losers Chain smokers and boozers And we got yuppies, we got bikers We got thirsty hitchhikers And the girls next door dress up like movie stars Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar We got cowboys, we got truckers Broken-hearted fools and suckers And we got hustlers, we got fighters Early birds and all-nighters And the veterans talk about their battle scars Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar [Chorus:] I love this bar It's my kind of place Just walkin' through the front door Puts a big smile on my face It ain't too far, come as you are Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar I've seen short skirts, we got high-techs Blue-collar boys and rednecks And we got lovers, lots of lookers And I've even seen dancing girls and hookers And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar Yes I do I like my truck (I like my truck) I like my girlfriend (I like my girlfriend) I like to take her out to dinner I like a movie now and then But I love this bar It's my kind of place Just trollin' around the dance floor Puts a big smile on my face No cover charge, come as you are Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar

North Bar is a super fun Sports Bar! The staff is friendly and inviting, they have a full bar, and plenty of complimentary parking. The bathrooms are clean - it is a big deal! LOL They have live music a few night's a week, and, yes, we will be back for more. A little gem in Escondido.

What can I say.. I do like this bar..when people are there having a good time. The last time I went was a little dead but in fairness is was during the week... I have been there many times when its been packed and have to say I always had a good time (from what I can remember) haha. I LOVE a good Dive for sure. You have a variety of people who hang out here and when I say Variety I MEAN IT..Jocks, creeps, hotties, awesomeness people like my self (just sayin) people with no teeth, bad boys, old guys, and people who look like they could totally be my kids. Always a good time when you're looking through BEER GOGGLES =) Bathroom is always clean that's always a good thing. The service was really good the only thing negative that I can say about this place is that you cant run a tab.... SUCKAGE....Well I was told if i knew the bartender...bleh. I guess saying "well I know the owners daughter" didn't work...LOL and yes I do know her! Love you Nat! Some nights they have a DJ, and have theme parties I've been to a couple...way fun..Thumbs up bitches.

The only thing positive that can be said of this dive bar is the alcohol is cheap. I think they should get into the 21st century-ie: cash only, really! No food, come on. Rocco (bartender) is decent guy (the rest?) Here is what bothers nearly all current and former patrons-and there are a lot of us former patrons. Owner and a few "regulars", sit and run down the good people spending their hard earned money there. Making derogatory comments and judgements about folks they know very little about. Trust me these people have nothing over the people they pass judgment on. So we all just leave never to darken the door of this establishment again. One after another we just spread out to watering holes throughout Escondido. Good bye Mike, one day the only people who will be left will be you and your 3/4 guys that need a real reality check!

Good music, lively crowd, it's a cash only bar- but ATM inside. Karaoke on Tues nights which starts getting busy around 10. Fri nights- Dj -club music. It's always a good time. Saturday's it gets mixed up sometimes good sometime slow. Great Staff ! They always make sure we are safe! Love this place! It's a different crowd, often older (except for the days mentioned) then it's younger. Sunday's they have open pool tables and pool leagues run during the week. It's a lot of fun if you are easy going, not looking for trouble, and want to stay in town!

This bar is awesome!!! They have pool tables, NFL games, karaoke nights, Live music, and all types of delicious beers on tap. The service here is great and I feel very safe with the security guards looking after everyone.

North Bar is a dive bar. No arguement. It's not a poser bar. It's not a pretty-person bar. It's a cash only, neighborhood, divorcee bar .... I have a great time everytime I go there. You know what's funny? Everytime I go there, someone's celebrating their bachelorette party. Really? at North Bar? .... awesome.

First, this is a bar. Don't expect anything else. The sign on the door says no gangs. You got a love it. The singer is cursing in between songs. Half price beer is ¢4.50. So be warned, and have fun.

Rocco is the best bartender. Hit him up! Went to north bar for the first time tonight and had a wonderful time, its a dive bar but there was very nice people there and the service was excellent.

Good dive bar The bartenders are super cool and they pour them very, very strong :) It is a place where all sorts of different folks go to get hammerd. It is almost always a good time but bring cash!