Star Bar

Great place for karaoke. Go during a game for big discounts on drinks. Has a pool table that's nice for passing the time with friends. Small and gets pretty cozy once the crowds start in, so if you just want a nice quiet place to hang out go early. If you want big crowds and high energy, stay a little bit later.

The spot the locals go to…Small dive bar with two pool tables and a jukebox. Diverse atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Prices were average for the area. Clean bathrooms. Will definitely be back!

Hi Star! I'm Bob Kelly, Back in 1988-91, I worked there as a doorman. I knew your Dad, Lloyd Thompson. Great guy, a legend in downtown San Diego. Big, "John Wayne type" guy! Good businessman. He kept the beer & booze prices low & he reminded folks, "This ain't no Fightin bar!" He was full of stories of the past & loved to meet new, younger customers. I miss him! I came back in 2018...saw Vietnamese Lonnie at the small bar on left side...Glad your still in business...The Orient bar is closed on F Street. I'll try & drop in soon, I live in Las Vegas & Philippines now. I'm retired (72) yrs old. Healthy & still sitting high in the saddle! Take care & don't ever forget your Dad. He was a Winner! 😎👍

Shadow of what it used to be. No more double bar. It is trying to have a club like vibe with the decor. Miller light bottle for $7 should strip it of its one dollar sign rating in my opinion. It's a shame. There is no longer a true dive bar in downtown SD.

This place is one of the best places to go to in Downtown, San Diego. 1. It’s one of the cheapest place to get some awesome drinks. 2. People are really friendly. 3. The have a pool table. 4. You’re not paying for cover. It’s free!!! 5. Sam the bartender there is awesome! Ask for 57 chevy. 😉 6. Star the owner there is really friendly. 🥰 Follow me on... ❣️ Instagram: Rommel Troncoso Tiktok: Rommel Troncoso Twitter: Rommel_Troncoso

This is a diamond in the douchey rough. What a perfect non-pretentious place to get a chill drink and maybe meet some cool locals. If I'm ever in San Diego again I will definitely come back here! Great time and even greater bartenders

Good old school bar in downtown. Interesting memories here throughout the years, I've met the owner, then his daughter star

One of my fave dives in San Diego!

March 6, 2024, and we stopped in for the first time in two years. The ownership has changed, and the interior has been slightly updated, but the biggest news is, it is being expanded to include more pool tables. Friendly staff and clientele, along with excellent prices, make for a great place!

The only Real Bar in downtown San Diego! The ghosts can tell you! I was a Doorman there in 88-91...Bob Kelly...I moved on to Hawaii, Thailand, Philippines, & now..Las Vegas.. but, I'll never forget Star Club. The sexy Asian girls, the Sunday morning $1 drink specials (screwdriver & bloody Mary).. (The drunks lined up at 6am opening for that!) ...the Roledex wheel at the bar, (with names of all the guys who owed $10, 20, 50 to Lloyd, the owner)..the Wheel of Misfortune!! Haha! Great old memories! Nice to see it's still open & Bar Rescue hasn't changed it into a Gay Bar! Lol! Cheers & hastala bye bye!

A good choice for downtown if you want a casual place to hang out, play some pool or other games and cheaper drinks. It definitely has the dive bar feel and is decorated with lots of red in the interior. I've come here a few times after it changed ownership a while back and I will say it is a little sad they got rid of the old bartenders and the clientele is a little different now, however, every time I have come here the service has been quick and friendly. On this particular occasion I brought a friend from out of town and he loved it.

I actually overall loved this bar. Had good prices and good atmosphere. Definitely good vibes. Their is a pool table as well. They have happy hour specials. I don't remember exactly what or the hours. But I was there during that time about two weeks ago. The bartender was nice. Definitely good amount of seating. Was pretty clean. Seemed pet friendly but not sure because someone had their dog in there with them but I'm not sure if that was okay? Definitely wasn't a service animal, did not have a vest or something signaling that. Never seen a dog at a bar haha. Place is definitely lively. I would come back.

Nice local bar, ambiance is what you expect, but service was with a smile so that was great! Good place for a quick beer.

Standard dive bar nothing memorable about the actual place itself however what makes any karaoke bar fun is really the crowd that night. I went with my coworkers cause we had a conference and they were fun so therefore the night was fun. I do appreciate that they have security that ensures people don't get too caught up in whatever crazy thing they're doing like being mean to the DJ or standing on the booth or getting carried away and being aggressive on the mic lol I can't speak too much to the drinks but the pour itself I remember being strong. Overall good time you'll get humid and hot in there from dancing lol

Addison needs to acknowledge patrons who's been waiting. She's made us wait for a while. She looked at us and didn't say anything and served those patrons that's been hanging around which is fine. Walked past us and still didn't say anything. A couple walked-in minutes later standing by us and chose to serve them first while she knew we've been waiting. Serve other people again with no acknowledgment still. Also, the girl needs to work on a pace how the bar is doing. Her bar was almost full and this girl walked like she's has no care at all. I am a bartender and least I can do is to acknowledge patrons as soon as they walked in. That's an important rule when you work for customer service. I don't care if you're not smiling at all. Although it would be best for her if she can at least do that for tips since she is very slow.

One of the Old Fashions I have had in a long time. George the bartender is a master. Beautifully made with care. Would definitely come back he for several more drinks.

My new favorite in my new neighborhood. Many regulars young to all ages. Great music always. Plus Jukebox. All bartenders are just the best people. I drop in in often because the place is extremely clean, nice renovation and very casual vibe. Love watching the Padres here with friends.

Stopped by for a few drinks after the game tonight and it's a nice little laid back bar. My bartender (forgot her name oops) was very helpful and kind! I'll be sure to make this my spot for post game hang outs! THE ONLY DRAWBACK and I mean only, was no food. I understand what it takes to get a food license but I think a good work around would be possibly allowing for people to bring in/Uber eats food , in the case that it will be awhile till you serve food, but also in the case you choose not to serve food. 9/10 will visit again and as a final note the place was spotless!

Underrated af bar ngl. karaoke host is lit af and the bartenders are hella attentive. Recommend this place highly.

If somebody pours a stronger, cheaper drink in town, I'd like to know about it. This place is a dive but has a lot of character. Or characters might be better. Check it out for some pregaming before your big night out.

This place is such a be called 5 star bar cause the bar tender Marina she did such a great job ! This is my first time being here and she treated us like we are part of this place ! We ordered some drinks and she did a great job! We need more people like her! On God! I want to came back and have her do my drinks again! San Diego ! Please came and enjoy her service more than 5 stars!

Kaylee was the best! Drinks were amazing! Come see her, she's a sweetest! Good drinks, good vibes.

Good fun and great music. Nice people and affordable drinks. I would definitely recommend

Kaylee was the best bartender I've ever had! She had the best hospitality and made me and my friends feel so welcome!

Divey, Top shelf spirit options, Stiff pours. Located in Gas Lamp district of SD. No food options, good for large groups, and bartender was very attentive and courteous.

Vibes are always on point, and their staff is incredibly nice! I was looking for a bartender to make me the Green Tea drink and no one ever knew what drink it was but their bartender Jorge knew exactly which drink I was talking about when I described it. I also tried a blue "Pazarita," for sure going back with my husband when we are back in town! We had so much fun

Hadn't been back in years but it was just as great as I remember. Great dive bar. Bartender was awesome. Fun clientele.

Great dive bar. Cheap drinks. They have a pool table and darts. The bartenders are nice and welcoming.

star bar is super fun, chill vibes and it has some great games to play. pool, darts, foosball, etc. would recommend

I wanted a photo since my name is STAR..guy at door less than friendly about it. Went in to grab a drink. Pretty empty and never had someone try to serve us. They were all talking at end of bar to what looked like regulars. Never served so we left. Disappointed

Star Bar is located in downtown and is a staple when meeting up with friends for a drink. If driving, then you will need to find street parking, which is pretty much all metered up to a certain time, or find a lot or structure, which are not free either. Once you get passed the parking issue- get ready for a fun time! This place hasn't changed and we love it for that reason. Whether you need a pre-game spot, happy hour spot, or a spot just to hang- this place will meet your needs. The bar is dim, good amounts of seating, and they have a pool table located in a room in the back. Prices were very reasonable. The bartender was super nice and made pretty good cocktails- unfortunatley the bar wasn't fully stocked but she made the best of it and found alternative options if she wasn't able to make what we requested. She made good recommendations of drinks and was entertaining, as well. Even the customers there were friendly and easy to get along with. It's all about the good times. Just try to be responsible!

Great jukebox and pool tables and friendly attentive staff. This bar felt a little more like a dive than the rest of Gaslamp, which is a good thing.

Great place to go after a night at the Balboa Theater! Nice staff with a great atmosphere and stiff drinks!! My kind of place!!

I love this bar! I discovered it a week ago and I've been coming here every night. Super chill vibes! The bartenders, George & Kaylee are always super friendly & welcoming. Karaoke nights are super fun on Tuesday nights. There's always really good music. Totally recommend this bar if you want to have a chill night & amazing experience.

Hands down my favorite bar downtown San Diego. The bartenders (Kaylee, Jorge, Andrew, Meghan & Des) are amazing and very personable, the regulars are all awesome and friendly, there's always awesome music playing and a jukebox to choose whatever song you want; I always feel welcome coming here. They have karaoke every Tuesday and a pool tournament the last Wednesday of each month. Give it a shot! (No pun intended)

Came here as the last nightly stop and had such a blast. Kaylee was adorable and extremely attentive. Highly recommend for a fun dive bar experience!

Star Bar is the best. Best ambiance and best bartenders. Drinks are quick and the whole venue is so much fun

Recently reopened but still great like always! Always come hear at least once when I visit San Diego because I love the vibes and love the drinks too. Pool tables, music and games to play. Check it out!

Kaylee is a wonderful barmaid, best dive bar in San Diego. Great seating vibes are good most of all the people. 9.3/10 dive bar from the dive bar dudes

came here for my friends birthday during the day and kaylee was awesome! Her drinks were delicious and she was super attentive!

Came here on a Sunday for football and Jorge was awesome. The game was on and I always had a cold beer, couldn't ask for anything else. 12/10 recommend Star Bar.

Came to San Diego for my besties birthday and we needed a cute place to celebrate. We came here and Megan was an instant magnet of energy and solid recommendations. She got our drinks quick and was super nice. If you come here and have the pleasure of being served by her then you are in luck! We will be back next time we are in town, thanks Megan for giving us the best night we had in town!

One of my absolute favorite shots at this spot!! Ask Kaylee and Megan to hook it up with a Star Bar Rubber Ducky's !!

I first went into the Star Bar in 1997, and I am honestly surprised that as of 2020, it is still there. It is a surprisingly divey bar in what is supposed to be San Diego's gem - the Gaslamp Quarter. But I tell you what - it is a hell of a local bar and everyone keeps to themselves. The prices are great and it is a great getaway from some of the more pretentious local places. It is real. Haven't had more than a beer there in recent years, but they are cold, cheap, and always served with a smile.

Dope dive bar, chill atmosphere. Cheap drinks and good vibes. Ambers the best!! (Big tiddy bitch)

Kaylee, Julian, Rafe, and Megan are absolutely amazing!! I've been going to Star bar for years and have always had a great time! After the remodel the team now has continued to keep the vibe with impeccable service!

Place has changed a bit, pool table in front and they dig the color red. Drinks and the peoples still cool af.

Visiting San Diego, and Lacy made us feel at home immediately, phenomenal bartender. Jorge kept us laughing. Both of them deserve a raise! Had many options, and Lacy gave us recommendations that were on point. Love this place. 12/10 would come straight back for lacy and Jorge alone.

Every time I hit up this bar it's always a good time! I go in for 1 beer and Jorge one of the bartenders, gets that convo going and I ain't leaving! Drinks are good too! Once the tunes get goin' bring on the shots! Never change!

Star bar is one of the best bars I have even been to. Wonderful service, great atmosphere, and good booze. Would highly recommended to anyone visiting or living in San Diego. George the bartender is by far my favorite.

Amber helped us when it was packed and she is the absolute most attending bartender we have had in downtown! Definitely go visit and ask for her!

Stopped by this place for the first time last night 9/4 at around 9pm. Let me tell you the service was horrible and needs improvement because we had no service at all, no acknowledged. We walked in and it was not super busy with people at the bar to where we weren't able to get decent help to place orders for drinks. There where 2 bartenders serving one side of the bar only. And when done serving them wouldn't look to see if other folks needed help, they just went to the same group they helped and chit chat with them. We walked out after 15min. Really disappointed.

To be honest, people think dive bars are cheaper but now days they're not. 8 or 9 buck for a beer only to be met with an asshole bartender. In this place there's a cute bartender girl ( not the one with short colored hair but the other one ) that has personality of a croc. No tip Went there today 9/27 and this dude behind the bar acts like his doing you favor getting a drink. No tip. Honestly you can go to places like barleymash La puerta and pay the same for a beer with a much nicer experience.

The perfect establishment to get away from the packed down town seen while staying local in down town. I come for Tuesday karaoke nights!!

Worst hangover ever... 3 months later and still a headache! We were looking for a nice little dive bar, and thought we had found it. My wife and I walked in and there were only about 5 people in the whole place. We ordered some drinks and everything was going fine. The place is pretty spacious and had a divey feel. The issues started when we needed more drinks, and the 2 bartenders was to busy talking to one of the other 7 people to pay attention. After finally getting another drink and finishing, we decided to move on. This is when the biggest issue began... I had overheard one of the other customers closing out their tab, when he claimed "this isn't my card". I saw that it was similar to my wife's. I prodded her to check her account before closing out. She noticed a charge for $31.50. I then proceeded to pry the bartender away from their conversation again, to ask for our check. He brought our check for 3 drinks, which wad $14. I then proceeded to ask him about the other transaction. At this point he started bumbling over his words to come up with excuse after excuse, as to why it happened. After a lengthy conversation, and the 2 bartenders sitting at the cc machine for 30 minutes... we were assured that it would all be taken care of. He claimed that the orginal charge would be refunded and he wasn't going to charge us for our bill. I was quite happy with this, till my wife checked get account again. Now there are 2 pending charges for $31.50, and one for $14. I show this to the bartender, and here assures me that they will drop off tomorrow. He even gave me his personal cell number, in case I needed to follow up. This set me at ease. FF, next day. All charges went through, and one refund of $31.50. I proceeded to call the bartender, and left him a very courteous vm. I never heard back from him, so I tried again later in the evening, still nothing. The next day I called the bar, and asked for the manager. The manager wasn't there, spo I left a message requesting a call back. After 3 days, I called again and next a message for Star. 3 months later and we're still dealing with the bank on this, and have still never heard anything from the bar owner or staff.

This is the best place I've ever been too in my entire life, the bartender is amazing and the beer is cold what more could you ask for

This bar is awesome! We came for a bday trip looking for alternative/goth/emo places and starbar was recommended to us a few times. Megan the bartender is amazing. She recommended great beer right off the bat. Definitely coming back. 10/10 fir us

Can I just say Kayley is the most amazing, fun, and enthusiastic team player. I love coming to see her and she is always available ready to serve patrons. Bless her. I will always come back to Star Bar because of her.