Nunu's Tavern

I first started going to Nunu's in 2000, way before it became hip. On a recent trip there, I was happy to see that it still has a fair amount of seediness, although I prefer my seedy bars to be more dimly lit! Btw, what happens at Nunu's, stays at Nunu's!!!

Step aside, boring beige bars — Nunus is where the real party lives and breathes. From the moment you step foot through the threshold you're hit with a kaleidoscope of burnt orange magic, whisking you back to the 70s in the best way possible. But let’s talk about the true star of the show — barman Mike, whose La Casita specialty cocktail (and also his rizz tbh) swept me off my feet. Go for the drinks. Stay for the vibes. Thank Mike later.

Nunu’s is an unsuspecting little tavern, but I found myself pleasantly surprised! The sangria was quite tasty (and strong), and the yard bird club was really quite a good sandwich. I was impressed by the quality as I only expected run-of-the-milk bar food. Nunu’s does a good job of elevating their fare and drink to the next level. The atmosphere is semi-loungey and it feels intimate enough that you can have a fairly private and experience in a crowded bar. I’ll definitely be back! Update: Came back tonight with an old fiend and enjoyed a couple of Fall Brewing’s Japanese lager “Tora”, plus a Smokestack burger and a Yardbird sandwich. Everything was super tasty as always! My friend was pretty impressed by the Smokestack burger. We had a nice time hanging out and chatting, enjoying the food and drinks. Nunu’s is still going strong and churning out tasty eats and welcoming vibes.

Absolutely the epitome of a dive bar! Exactly what I was hoping for when I found it on the Around Me app. Great bartender, great food! You have to love stepping outside and realizing the sun is still up. That's my kind of place for sure!

I never expected to receive such great service and incredible food at such a late hour on a Sunday. From the start, the doorman made a great first impression with his friendly demeanor and light, funny conversation. At the bar, Natasha greeted me before I even sat down. She is an incredible host and bartender. She made some excellent menu recommendations, and I went with the blackened Caesar wrap. The fries were probably the best I’ve ever had, and as a self-proclaimed french fry connoisseur with 34 years of experience, I can confidently say they have THE best French fries. Good old-fashioned hospitality, 10 out of 10. I will definitely be back. Thank you Natasha and Rob! -FB. Manager at the largest casino in So-Cal.

It’s a dive bar that has decent cocktails. My husband had the old-fashioned and I had Sneaky Tiki cocktail. They were both good!

I love the atmosphere, everyone from the bartender to the chef is and always continues to he courtesy and respectful to patrons. By far the best Pork Ribs in town. Burgers and fries are to die for and it always comes from a place of love. You can tell the chef has a true sense and passion for having people feel good through the eating experience. I am a lifelong patron. #RespectTheRIBS

Sarah, the bartender, is something else. Not sure if she forgot to get a refill on her prescription, but she was behaving strange… at best. Cute spot though!

Walking in one Tuesday night, a very friendly and energetic Natasha greeted me by name... ...which shocked me as I had only met her twice before. My vodka soda (I know I'm basic) was stiff but not overly so. I ordered chicken tenders and very happy to have a kitchen in the neighborhood open to midnight. The food was all on the greasy, salty side, as it should be in a dive bar.

Feels like walking into Moe's Tavern from the Simpsons. Been here a couple times now and always had excellent service and good food. The seats are comfy very comfortable.

Lowkey bar with great food, drinks and ambiance! Went here for a late late dinner and it did not disappoint! Booths were comfy and bartender, Melissa, was welcoming. We tried the BLT + avocado and the black&bleu burger with a side of frings (French fries and onion rings). The bacon is crispy and however they toast their bread- makes you wanting more! Also their onion rings aren't greasy and NOT overly battered- definitely one of my favorite spots for onion rings!!!

Order the dirty martini. Melissa makes the best in all the land! The Bloody Mary had a perfect kick and just the right level of spiciness. But, unlike the menu description says, there are no shrimp and bacon garnish. Very friendly atmosphere. Plenty of street parking and walking distance to Balboa Park!

Nunu's, a divey gem in Hillcrest, offers a friendly atmosphere with an almost always welcoming waitstaff, though the guy with long black hair might be an exception. The drinks are both cheap and skillfully crafted, complementing the typical dive bar pub fare they serve. Upon ID check at the entrance, guests are directed to open seating areas, with big booths seemingly reserved for larger parties. The option for outdoor seating adds a pleasant touch to this laid-back spot.

Was my first time here and it was Good food and good vibes id definitely go back in the near future.

Happy is an understatement. I love love love a good dive bar especially if they can serve an espresso martini. The first time I came here set the tone for a good drink and cheap dive bar food. Drink was a little strong the second time so I'm here now and asked Natasha to make it not too sweet. She was perfect and enjoyed my banter. Can't wait to come back. Buy your bartender a drink.

One of my favorites in the "Dive" category! I come here every time I have a craving for wings! This place has delicious Buffalo and Aztec Gold (which is kind of a mustard sauce)! Natasha is such a sweetheart behind the bar. But honestly everyone has been super nice that has waited on me! Comfy old school booths if that's your thing or an outdoor patio, but you'll find me at the bar. Nice community locals is what you'll find here guest wise. Everything is priced fair and the quality is great. The burgers are amazing too and all of my friends have a different favorite thing on the menu so don't be afraid to try anything!

Such a great "cheers" local bar ambiance! Very friendly & the owner is very hands on. Had the coldest beer ever there along with the best chicken wings. Parking was ample Definitely coming back!

Not what it used to be. The music is so low too I can barely hear it. Overpriced for bad drinks. No beer on tap. They still have an old menu online with their previous prices and once you get to the bar the prices are twice as much, they need to change the online menu.

My visit to this bar was nothing short of a disaster. From the moment I walked in, the service was abysmal. It took ages to get the attention of the staff, and when they finally acknowledged me, it was with an attitude that made me question why I bothered coming in the first place. The drinks were subpar, and it seemed like the bartenders had no interest in making them well. It's as if they were doing me a favor by serving me. The overall atmosphere was unwelcoming, and the lack of customer service made the experience truly regrettable. I strongly advise against wasting your time and money here. There are plenty of other bars in the area that actually value their customers and know how to provide a decent experience. Steer clear of this one - it's not worth the frustration.

Nunu's is Nunu's. I've never met anybody that didn't love it. If you meet someone who hates it? You should run away because that's bad people right there. Squeeze in at the bar, pile into a booth, or head out to the patio. You'll be well tended wherever you go. Sure you might be going to drink, but don't miss out on ordering some food. Is it bar food? Yes and no. Yes in that you're at a bar so the foods are the fried goodies and burgers you'd expect, but no in that they're actually pretty tasty and that's not just the booze talking. Probably. I'm also just an indescriminate cheese sauce guzzlin' ho soooo we can't always go by me. Last I went I took my group out back because I know how much we like laugh so I self-banish us to the rear any chance I get. We gathered at a few tables, ordered some food (and some might say too many fries), and had the best time. Great service and great drinks from beer to wine to cocktails AND there's food? Setting the bar pretty high for nights out here. The old fashioned is a solid choice. Ordering frings lets you enjoy fries AND onion rings as mother earth intended without being Mr. Moneybags getting separate orders of both. The burger size might have you tapping out like the little b you are if you ordered it with a side of cheese fries. The fry side was a generous portion and not skimpy with the cheese. Yassssssss. I was happily munching away on those. Once they get cold they are DEAD, for obvious reasons, so share those toasty tatoe gems while you can. The wings were also a popular thing. I heard from my friend that she LOVED the patty melt, something I feel is a truly underappreciated classic, so I think you can't go wrong with the food here if you know what you are craving. Boozing me want fries. I know this and here I have OPTIONS. Looking for a good spot to hang out with your friends or fly solo? Try out Nunu's. I say try like it's a questionable sampling, but I know you'll love it. And if you don't, well, as I said, that's bad people. Are you a bad person? Probably if you don't like Nunu's. But most likely you're a good to mediocre person and you'll get what Nunu's is all about- fun, drinks, and plentiful cheese sauce - and fall in love with it too.

They were very judgmental right when we walked in. We did not stay and very disappointed because we liked the decore.

We came in for brunch today & had the breakfast grilled cheese & it was awesome! The bartender was great. I came in on crutches & he was super accommodating.

This is such a great neighborhood gem. When walking in, you feel transported to a different time - the Tiffany lamps, dim lighting, leather booths...I know a lot of people call it a dive bar, but it's really just a friendly, clean place. Much of the staff has worked there for many years, and they remember people, even when you only pop in once every month or two. They have fair prices on drinks, and while it's not a "fancy" cocktail bar, they still have a huge variety of liquor, as well as a good cocktail menu. Their food is bar food with some solid burgers and wings. It is 21+ there, so don't show up with the kids. There is also a small outdoor patio with TVs if you aren't into the dark interior. If you haven't been to Nunu's, quit thinking about it, and check it out! We will be back again soon!

Omg. What a cool flashback to a true hipster throwback dive bar! I happened to be at the coffee shop down the street and asked if there was anywhere in the area that I could stop and get some wings and Nunu's was recommended with much fanfare! The Korean BBQ wings did not disappoint and lived up to the hype, while the tangy Aztec was good and flavorful, but just a tad heavy on the sauce. The wings are pretty big and juicy too. Also got the appetizer sampler so I could try out the poppers... those were absolute FIRE! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. Everything else was good too in the basket. But we also ordered the cheesy bacon fries... I would bypass those. Maybe at the bar they're great, but by the time we got home, the cheese was meh. The only shortcoming of this visit. Also I will say this, the staff was REALLY friendly and helpful. I'm a fan! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Lots of locals. Well established. Quality food and expertly prepared drinks. Not inexpensive, but a good value. Might have looked exactly like it looks now 50+ years ago. If you live nearby, make it your understated go-to spot when hosting an important relative, in-law, or new boss. Nunu's doesn't take shortcuts, but you might want to seek one out. This is a special place!

Cannot recommend enough. My friends and I have gone a few times now and absolutely LOVE this place. The environment is awesome, there's an old fashioned juke box that you can pay $1 for 3 songs on, which is a nice touch. The drinks and food are INCREDIBLE, and so very affordable, which is awesome, The espresso martini here is the best I've ever had by far, the wings are a must-try, and the grilled cheese is also fantastic. Michael is amazing & helped us all decide what drinks we should try. Will be coming here often & everyone needs to try this place!

I love Nunu's. I just never know if they are open or not. After Covid they opened at a different time every time I went by. Now they have started opening at 1 I heard. Went by one day and they were open. Yippee! First time I was by and they were open since Covid. Went by today at 3;45 and doors were locked. Website said OPEN but doors were locked. Please, get regular hours, post them, and adhere to them??

Natasha is the best! Food is great, service is great, drinks are amazing. Best local spot around.

Came here this past Friday. It was a very chill vibe, we came here pretty early around 7 pm and it was slow. Which was definitely okay since we weren't trying to rage that early. Love their patio! The food menu looks pretty simple but good, prices are reasonable. I ordered a vodka, soda, lime and that was good. A decent poor by the bartender. My friend ordered fries and onion rings and that was really good as well. Bartenders are friendly, would like to come back here on a Saturday evening to see if the place gets busier and what it looks like then.

Currently my favorite place on earth my little heavenly dive. The food is so satiating and the dark homey vibes are just the best to unwind to after a long day at work. Every employee has the best most welcoming attitude no matter how slammed they are. Prices totally reasonable a vintage facility clearly respected and taken care of very well and super clean. LOVE and THANKS!

Jeremiah, Mike and Rob are the best! Just love this place!! Jeremiah, Mike and Rob are the best!

Brenda and I shared a delicious hamburger last week at NuNu's Tavern. The service crew were very welcoming and helped make our lunch enjoyable. We will return and enjoy other selections on the menu, with the support of the friendly service staff Stan

A great old-school cocktail lounge with a lot of ambiance and really good food....try the onion rings!

Great Bar and limited menu. Your local"Cheers" bar where everyone knows your name! Prices are like what you would find last century and the limited menu , burgers fries and onion rings all very good

Atmosphere: it's like time traveling to a magnificent bar of the past. Comfy cozy seats and retro vibes. The drinks are stiff and they surprisingly have a big menu for bar food. It was good enough to hit the spot of a buzzin hungry gal. I'd come back. Good vibes here.

Walked by this place countless times and I now know I'm a loser for doing so. Nunus is LEGIIITTTT! Amazing burgers and good vibes.

Great place for a late night drink. Service is quick & no thrills. Darkly lit inside with comfy bar seats and booths, outside back patio perfect for a chill night.

Nunu's has a water station with red solo cups that you can refill at any point. Good water. Accessible. Cool but not cold. No complaints.

I take back anything nice I said. They don't allow well-behaved service dogs and they seem to predetermine whether they want you at their pretentious, unhip antisocial hole in the wall before you can even speak. The guy with the long black hair needs to get smudged with sage or something.

I haven't been to Nunu's in a while, nobody has. So, with that being said, this isn't a review of a recent experience but more so a love letter to the divey little bar that I miss so much. I can't tell you the number of times during this pandemic (f#ck you pandemic) that my friends and I have said to each other, "I can't wait to plop my butt in a barstool at Nunu's while drinking several cold cocktails and solving the biggest problems the world has ever faced." Yeah, we're know-it-alls with all the answers and we may even rewrite Star Wars while we're at it. If you know Nunu's you know this is what happens here. Besides that, Nunu's has a funny little magic trick up its sleeve. When you walk in, it's light out, when you leave, it's dark. Boom! Mindblown!

I arrived with a group of 10. This place is unwelcoming, rude and on some drudge with Covid. Find another bar to avoid ruining your night. Ps: zero stars

Great place despite the bartender who continues to treat customers poorly and go out of his way to annoy tourists and drunks. He must be the owner because he seems to be the only bartender whenever I go in at night. Food is typical microwave fare but the environment is great and the usual clientelle is a bit upscale for the neighborhood. Find a new owner.

Liked it! Pretty cozy and the staff were friendly. Had a good time chit chatting with one of the staff about all sorts of things. What a great and stand up guy, will be going back in the future.

We absolutely love Red, Mike, and Jeremiah. These guys are the sweetest hardest working guys in the industry. Every single time I come in, I'm greeted with a smile and AMAZING service. Nunus is literally a staple. One of the best dive bars in San Diego. I love this bar and the team makes it that much better.

Very nice, simple pub where you can enjoy a great craft beer as well as great pub grub.

I walked into this place by accident this past Friday, mostly locals, its a small place, older with semi private booths, I sat at the Bar and the main reason I will come back was the service, the Bartender was so nice and welcoming I blended right in lol. I told him what I normally drink and he recommended the white rascal beer Loved it !!! Thank you guys, hope to make this place my pre drink destination..

This is is not the nunus's of the past. Pretentious staff trying to live the old days. Drinks were watered down, food over fried, and vibes were just completely off. I went to the bar to grab a drink, and was told to go back to my seat. For a fan of the old days who brought an excited group of friends in for the first time...a complete let down. Plenty of better dives around town.

Great watering hole. Good drinks, friendly staff, fun/casual atmosphere. I had a great time!

I don't like, I looooove a good dive bar. Nunu's is one of the best dive bars I've visited (and trust me I go to dive bars often). The vibe has everything you need in a solid dive bar - dark, cozy, and strong af drinks. As an added bonus, this bar also has food. Typically, a dive bar is on the later end of your evening where carbohydrates are very welcome. The cheese fries here had me in heaven, so did the onion rings and chicken tenders. Not gourmet of course, but just solid junk food to soak up your evening's decisions. Keeping with dive bar fashion - Nunu's is pretty cheap. Would definitely post up here for some draaaanks and snacks.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Best wings in town (truthfully everything on their menu is fire) Staff is funny and always writes us funny sweet messages on our Togo boxes. My favorite thing to eat here is the Korean BBQ wings & grilled cheese sandwich.

Nunu's is always fun! If you're lucky enough to find a spot, you'll find this establishment is a hidden gem. I used to frequent it back when I started my career and worked downtown. The place reminds me of a bar that you see in the movie Godfellas with the decor and layout. Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly. If ever you find yourself stuck in traffic and don't want to go to Mister A's and just want to relax... Nunu's is where you want to go! Cheers Nunus! Thanks for helping me get my drink on back in the day without breaking my wallet!

Best dive bar in all of San Diego. Great atmosphere, strong (and reasonably priced) drinks, and good food. This place has become one of my staples + Mike is a gem. 100% recommend to my friends and fam visiting SD.

Fun place. Could have done with some more help at the bar knowing that we had a big group, but the bartender was really on top of things considering how busy it was. Both the food and drinks were good and well priced. I'll be back.

A big fan of Nunu's, especially when we're looking for some late night eats and a nightcap. Not only do they have some tasty chicken wings, their burgers, sandwiches and fried finger foods are the perfect solution to whatever caloric craving you might be having. The best part - you can order a lot and drink quite a few and still not break the bank. Weeknights are usually tamer with bigger crowds on Thursdays and into the weekend. Staff is friendly and they get through the drink orders fairly quick. Definitely worth a stop if you're looking for a great no-frills type of watering hole!

What NuNu's can offer you: 1) A padded bar, to lean against, when sitting up straight becomes too hard after several stiff drinks 2) The before mentioned stiff drinks. I puked after 5 vodka tonics from here. Usually it takes me until at least 8 to do that anywhere else 3) Dim lighting, so you look more attractive 4) Amazing conversations to ease drop on. In one night I learned about someone getting divorced, why someone hates their job, and a slew of random boring facts shared on another couples' first date 5) The bar tender we had the other night was pretty rad. He was friendly with some of the regulars, which made me want to be a regular too 6) goodfella's-esqe wrap around tomato colored booths 7) This hand written sign, taped up with duck tape

Amazing fucking dive bar. String drinks. Reasonably priced. Great patrons. Server (Michael) & Bartender (Jeremiah) will DEFINITELY TAKE CARE OF YOU. Most fun I've had in king time. Kudos to the owners for the great staff. Best of luck guys. Ken

Super friendly bar. Catch is that things end 15 min prior to what the hours are (ex: kitchen closes at 12:45, not 1am and place closes at 1:45am, not 2am). Other than that, I enjoyed the place a lot. Cozy, inviting, and people actually talk to each other at the bar. Good drinks. No BS. I'm here for it.

Our favorite dive bar spot in the area. Since moving to hillcrest a couple months ago, we frequent here on a weekly basis. The drinks are always strong and the food is just as greasy as you can expect. Highly recommend