The Lancers

THE neighborhood dive bar. Lancers has been a staple and has no plans to stop. Staff is solid. The drinks are solid. Jukebox, 2 pool tables, what more could you ask for. There are some other games scattered throughout. Cash only (for now) and you can bring food in which is great with all the options across the street.

Definitely has a newer look when one thinks of a dive bar but take nothing away from the great prices and drinks they have. Chill, quaint vibe in the early outs of the afternoon. TVs for sports events, pool tables, juke box, a couple of bar arcade games here and there. NO drinks on draft, however, so keep that in mind.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but the bouncers at this place were strangely discriminatory towards my friends and me on Saturday night. My friend struggled to get her card out of her wallet, and one of the bouncers condescendingly said, "well that's a fake," before she managed to take it out. She is 30. There was no need to make a negative assumption like that. They also didn't let any of us in because my friend was carrying an entirely empty beer can that he had been carrying for miles as we walked from the soccer game, and he didn't want to litter. Honestly, it was truly so strange to the point that it seemed they were just looking for a reason not to have us there, for some reason. We were completely sober. My two friends are doctors, and I am also mid-30s, with a good job. Nothing is suspicious-looking about us. It was just so weird. It seems like extremely bad business practice to have individuals with such bad manners as the first person a potential customer comes into contact with.

It's a great neighborhood bar. Friendly people, great staff. Come check it out, you'll enjoy your time!

Great bartenders, great crowd. I always enjoy my time here. Thanks for the safe space!

A great little cash only place to hang out, play pool, play pinball, play trivia, listen to good jukebox music, laugh, and talk with friends...or make new ones. I always have a blast here. It's right on the corner of Park and Adam's Ave and so close to some fabulous eateries! Plumeria, Absynnian food, American food, coffee, just a great location for neighborhood num-nums.

Never been before but stopped in to pick up my sister who was with friends and she said it was chill vibes and when i got there staff was welcoming and friendly great place

It’s always been a great experience for me at The Lancers, the bartender on Wednesdays is extremely nice, very knowledgeable, very hospitable and she is a great conversationalist. The door guy/security/barback and local musician is great guy as well

Best dive bar in San Diego if you're looking for a real dive bar. Its cash only but the ATM fee is only $1.25 not too bad. Two pool tables available at $0.50 a game which is totally reasonable. (only downside is the sticks are very old, broken, and dirty). Bartenders are always friendly and nice and attentive even on busy nights! I wish they had more tequila options. Restrooms are ALWAYS clean! Love this place!

Came in on a rainy night and it was a nice shelter from the weather and cozy to sit up at the bar over a few drinks. A no fuss dive bar at the end of Park Blvd. While it's not my go-to bar on the street among the several options, the staff was attentive and the drinks tasted great. If dive bars are your scene, this is a good spot to check out.

Picture this: a place where gritty NYC vibes collide head-on with Chicago's no-nonsense attitude, all right here in sunny San Diego. Welcome to Lancers, my dive bar-loving amigos. If you're tired of cookie-cutter spots, this place is your escape hatch. It's the kind of joint where the decor is unapologetically grunge, and you'll feel like you stepped into a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the city. Alright, let's talk about the drinks. Hold on to your hats because Lancers is all about cash-only goodness. And let's be real, who needs those plastic cards when you're about to indulge in some serious liquid fun? And those pours? They don't play games here. These bartenders are like the heavy-pour wizards - you'll get your money's worth, and then some. Day or night, Monday or Saturday, Lancers is ready to give you the kind of time you'll be telling your buddies about for weeks. It's got that carefree, anything-goes ambiance that makes you feel right at home. So, if you're in the mood for some drinks, laughs, and an all-around good ol' time, Lancers is where you need to be. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

would give lancers 5 stars until tonight. this is one of the bars me and my friends have frequented the past year, and it has been great until this point. tonight, me and my friends were walking in and the bouncer who has seen us there many times refused us entry. he said he "doesnt care what our i.d's look like, we had been waiting outside for too long". my friends were waiting outside because i was meeting them there and they waited for me outside. i proceeded to ask "im confused why we cant go in?" and he responded with "because i said so." this guy needs to get off his power trip. really sad that this is who they hired as a bouncer. terrible.

Stopped in for a drink before meeting my friend for dinner across the street. Immaculate dive bar vibes, friendly and attentive bartends, with Pool tables in the back.

I have been going to Lancer for over 10 years. This place is one of the last few neighborhood dive bars in San Diego. The drinks are great and reasonably priced and the staff is amazing. I encourage you not to pay attention to the 1 star reviews that all came in at the same time and don't live in San Diego. These trolls watched a video of a drunk, entitled, rude woman get upset she was asked to leave at 1:45AM. Shameful to go after a locally owned business with fake reviews. I love Lancers and if you stop by I have a feeling you will too. Cheers!

I love this bar! The staff is so nice. I love the dive bar feeling. They have a great selection of beers and liquors. They also have pool,darts, jukebox, and couple of old school arcade machines. If your in the area and in need of drink I highly recommend it.

After enjoying dinner down the street we ventured off to find Lancers. It most definitely looks like a hole in the wall kind of place but it was perfect for a night cap before heading back home. They allow dogs inside as well, as long as they are well behaved which was a selling point for us since we had a pup with us. They are cash only but there is an ATM inside. They also had pinball machines and pool tables in the back. It was a pretty mellow night there and our bartender was super friendly and even gave our pup a treat! Will definitely be back next time I'm in the neighborhood.

Dan is the man!!!! And the bathroom is abnormally clean for a dive bar. Two pool tables in the back

Divey, true to the area, cool people come here, juke box has good songs Awesome Bloody Mary's Cash only Bar tenders are usually friendly Excellent beer selection ATM located inside Clean restrooms!!! Full bar Was known for rockabilly crowd Like meeting friends here 2 pool tables Pin ball machine Video games Door guy is cool! That's important No food, but you can bring food in I usually make new friends here

Super rude bouncer acts like he holds the key to an overrated bar that's actually really awful. Park and rec is much better

This place is uncomfortable. The bouncers were very rude to my friends, who are people of color. The bouncers harassed them irrationally while they were waiting for the restroom and a bouncer called my female friend a "cunt". I discussed the incident at work and another friend of mine who is female and of color told me she was kicked out of the bar previously as well. Go to Cheers instead!

Lancers is one of my favorite local bars. Some would call it a dive but I just consider it a local bar. Its a no bs bar, that doesn't have punk bartenders in little suits shaking dainty little cocktails for hipsters. They have several great selections of bottled beers and of course a full bar. There are two pool tables in the back and a couple pinball and arcade machines. There is also a jukebox for rockin some tunes. Place is pretty cheap if you just want a no frills stiff drink. Stop by and support local!

I remember when I'd get kicked out of here twice a week but then they fired that mofo and now things are back to normal. Cheap strong drinks with pool tables and a juke box that makes people wonder how it plays music when no one goes up to it.

Wow, the bouncer was incredibly unwelcoming. We didn't even make it through the front door before we decided to leave. A few of us out for a date night looking for a place to go, and the bouncer was extremely rude as we walked in, making us feel like we shouldn't be there. No thanks, we'll take our business elsewhere.

I'm not a dive bar gal, but my boyfriend is and every time we come here it's such a good experience. The mostly women staff behind the bar are great and even for a dark dive, I have to give this place a glowing 5 stars. They have an incredible Bloody Mary which I watched them make from scratch with their own mix. Last time I ordered a well gin and tonic with extra lime the bartender decorated the rim of my glass with 5 limes... what more do you want? It's dark, cheap, a little seedy, dependable and I always leave happy. Come here after you had your fill of fancy cocktails at Madison and relax.

I've been here maybe 4 times because I lived near it for awhile. Drinks are overpriced and weak. Service is rude, the ol' hipster-style standoff-ish flavor I can weather for convenience. The best thing I can say is it is dark and has 2 pool tables.

Yeahhhh sooo this bar sucks?? Like a lot uh. Food is shit? I saw a bartender stick their thumb in a beer to get rid of the foam... the bouncer seemed like he was on drugs. Odd place ?

Super solid chill dive bar. It's the bar Nunu's used to be. Lots of dark wood and no windows. They have AC so summer afternoon day drinking is perfect. Good bartenders and generous pours. Ok selection of bottle beers - no draft beer here. Ok crowd - pretty much drama-free. Nice padded stools and elbow rests to keep you comfy on the extended bender. Lancers would be perfect except for 2 probs: 1) Cash only. C'mon, it's 2019. Modernize. But ya know- it's about the owner jamming you up for ATM fees. I don't play dat- so the last couple times I have run out of cash here - I wasn't gonna pad someone's wallet an extra $3 - so I went home. Too bad Lancers. 2) parking, especially on a weekend night, can suck.

An unsafe bar. Don't trust the staff to have your back when friends of the staff get too drunk, aggressive and riled up. The bouncer will do his best to break up situations but ultimately will favor the aggressor with relations to the staff. Luckily made it out unscathed but do not feel safe coming back to this establishment, regardless of what the ownership may feel the other side of this story may be.

Lancer's is rad. It's been around longer than you most likely (1963!) Good people from of all-walks-of-life hang out, great bartenders, solid drinks. A true neighborhood bar in a very diverse community. No beer taps, but decent bottle selection. People like Jeffery S seem to not understand how simply technology like an Internet Jukebox works. (clue..it doesn't skip songs based on how much or how little you spend at the bar). As for the anti-gay statement, that's way out of line, University Heights is beyond friendly to everyone who decides to spend some time here. Lancer's helps UH be what it is....Warm and Welcoming.

If only you could give this spot ZERO stars. I've never been to this establishment prior to this visit but they are the worst run bar in the area. I would avoid this spot at all costs if possible. Bouncer at the door is incompetent and knows nothing. He was shaking uncontrollably like he is coming down off some hardcore drugs. I would avoid if possible, never have received this kind of service in my whole life. Covid or not this was a horrible experience. #NeverAgain

Im giving it two stars heres why; Asked the bartender for jaggerbombs...no.energy drinks....buchanas with pineapple..."what's that" my reaction was -___- the bartender was nice and i did like that they had variety of games like pool, pinball machine, and a dart board. Good size bar but I'll probably not wanna come back, they don't have the drinks i like and its really far. Get more drinks and get a few Mexican bartenders up in there lol we are in san diego..,,

When my bf wants to play pool, I will only go if it's Lancers. It is a cash only bar with friendly bartenders. I can bring my dog when it isn't too crowded which is a major plus. I feel comfortable in this space. There is an ATM if you don't have cash and trivia on Sunday nights that makes for good entertainment.

Love a great dive bar! My friends and I happen to come here for the first time on their annual charity bingo night. Fairly full, but easy to find seating at the bar. Bartender Chelsea attended to us right away with a well drink special at $4. She was friendly and efficient at handling the whole bar. Props to this bar for having a charity theme night. My friends and I enjoyed ourselves.

cool divey bar where they make some strong drinks. Its a fun place to either start out or end the night. I like that they have pool tables, a pinball machine, and one other game to play. The vibe is a bit hipstery but you are hard pressed to find any bros or tourists here. The layout of the bar is narrow in the front with the bar, but you get the illusion of it being wider because of the mirrors that line the side. Then the back has the pool tables and the ladies bathroom, which like most bars is dingy and not too clean....

Ummmm WOW is all I can say. Apparently I checked in here last week but have absolutely no recollection of ever being here. All I can say is that they must serve some really strong drinks. Now that's a bar!!

Had a blast at Lancers. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is that I slipped and fell in the bathroom and got piss all up and down the left side of my clothes. It must have been from drunk people since it didn't smell that bad. Or at least no one in the bar noticed. Or maybe they noticed and just didn't tell me. Either way I drank my way out of that problem. Female bartenders are hot - if you like tatoos. I'm not talking neck or face tatoos, or the stupid stamp tramp ones either. We're talking Farrorons level ink. Guy bartenders are typically stuck up and serve the chicks first but that's OK by me, get 'em drunk! My kind of place. I'm planning on on going back in August 2019 and getting stupid wasted. Pump up the Jams, Muther F&^%$#s!!!

Went here to start a night of 21st birthday celebrations with my best friend. We went because it was walking distance from my house, and felt a little out of place a first. But the drinks were great and we had a blast playing pool. Everyone was really nice! Definitely will be back! The only con is that it's cash only, and if you wanna play the games bring some quarters. But they do have an atm so that's helpful!

Fun, upbeat ambiance. Nope, this really isn't the place for that. But if you're looking for a kick ass (uses their own special recipe) bloody mary, delicious moscow mules that's served correctly in a copper tin mug, strong, old school martinis and a decent selection of good beer, this you'll find. There are no windows, no natural light floating through, so the place tends to feel drabby. Quit contrary to the rest of the scene on Park Blvd. And due to the location and depending on the time of day, the crowd is pretty much a mix bag of the unpretentious, old school rock, the hipsters, the bar flies and some randoms.There are pool tables, TVs, and a digital jukebox player. But I've never heard anyone plays any top 40 music. This isn't the place for that. You won't find my hip hopping self dancing away. For me, I simply come in, order my drink of preference, chill for a bit, then vamoose. It's an old neighborhood bar. You're gonna have to have a little humor and sarcasm and frankly, just get over it. It's a trade of for those Sunday morning bloody marys. Plus, for $6 ... yeah, I got over it.

Small place. Cash only. Has juke box and pool table. It feels dirty here.

I love pool. I love vodka tonic. I love jukeboxes. I love empty. I love crowded. This place has all of the above. Woo Hoo! Makes me SMILE : ) (There has to be dancing or good food for me to give more stars)

You can get drunk here. Some bartenders play the PBR bottle cap game. Some do not. They even have rare beer finds. It's usually not too crowded. Just don't be a basic bitch and use the bathroom to do coca. The staff will thank ya for it.

I love walking into a bar that is half empty. No, really, I am serious. A place where you can actually have a convo without screaming and you don't have to fight for the bartenders attention is hard to find in university heights. They also get props for the old 97s playing when I walked in. Oh and the bathrooms are clean!! If you like dive bars, lancers is a good one. Minus one star for cash only. I never carry enough cash on me to get drunk off of...

This place is the perfect example of a local neighborhood bar. I have played against teams here in the APA League for the last year, and I always manage to have a great time with the locals at this place. Most of the time I have more fun with the regulars here than my own team. It's also a great place to go if you want to find some good pool competition.

Almost but not quite... I was in San Diego for the weekend visiting a good friend of mine and he suggested checking out some bars in the area. Lancers was our last stop of the night in search of a cool dive to get our last couple of drinks and chat it up. Despite some poor reviews and talks of things going down hill over the last couple of years, we stopped by to check it out anyway. Had the right kind of vibe from the start, sailor jerry on hand, and the jukebox was going. Up until I ordered my second drink things were solid. Got a different bartender on my second drink and service kind of went to crap with this new one. Came off as a jerk and just not a cool vibe. Cheap Drinks. Cash only. Solid place. Ok

Horrible customer service. Not attentive. The group of people that were clearly spending the most amount of money kept getting their songs skipped on the jukebox. Decided to take our business elsewhere. If you're looking for a place that's inclusive do not go here. Also, bartenders made derogatory comments about gays which was odd considering at least a third of the customers in there were definitely gay.

One of our favorites in SD. They are dog friendly. The bartenders are awesome. They have a great craft beer selection. Very low key, but in a good way.

My night started at Small Bar, around 9 pm,only went there because they apparently had good bloody Mary's. but apparently they don't serve bloody Mary's unless it's brunch hours and it's a pain in the ass. BUT I came here and asked the bar tender if they can make me one. She smiled and said yes of course! This made me extremely happy because all I wanted was a Bloody Mary. So just in case you're wondering yes they do make them at all hours here at Lancers :) thanks nice bartender!

ASSHATS!!! I wish I could give this place a better review but the staff behind the bar completely ruined the experience. If you like dive bars then this place should be spot on for a great night out! BUT........there was one gentleman behind the bar who was a complete douchebag and that clouded over any good experience we hoped to have had. Plenty of space to move around with a nice long bar. Drinks were reasonably priced at about $5 for a cocktail which was expected and there is a decent jukebox. But the Asshat with glasses, tattoos, and black hat behind the bar was a total dick. Gave off that "locals only" vibe. Waited at the bar for service while he chatted it up with his buddies and ignored anything else around him and then threw attitude like we were putting him out for interrupting his conversation. As service industry employees we tipped heavy and would have expected a decent pour in return after 4-5 rounds passed but it almost seemed as though the drinks got weaker as the night progressed. Actually had to ask for another drink as I though the bartender had poured a straight coke and forgot the booze? We went in with extremely low expectations but even then left surprisingly disappointed. Save your money and energy and don't waste your efforts for a fun time out at this far less than impressive establishment.

Ok so before I met the girl I like I was kind of a man whore. Lancers was a easy place to bring a woman, grab a few drinks and then take a 2.50 uber to my place. The vibe is super old school. I guess the hipsters think it's trendy, idk. It's clean, just older. Bartender was a hot strawberry blonde. Stiff pour and always made sure my drink was full. Lancers, thanks for providing us with 3 hours of late night fun once we got back.

A mixed crowd at this divebar...you got oldies in there as well as youngsters. Seems to have a good beer selection and they have pool tables in the back. Not much seating around. I have nothing good or bad to say about this place, but I wouldn't be coming back. People aren't too friendly here either..

Best bar in San Diego. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just a fool. Duck those people. Yea I ducking said it. Place is rad.

A basic clean dive bar. Super affordable. If I lived in this barrio I'd for sure be here a few nights a week. The biggest draw for me is the fact that they serve beers & cocktails without pretentiousness. The spot has pool tables in the back and PIN-BALL!!!!...nice cushy lifted oval bar-tables, a nice long bar and other seating. Super cushy barstools. It kept it's classic feel, you know that time-machine feeling you get, without having to keep completely un-serviceable, antiquated gear, so it is relevant and usable. It's a real nice little hangout to get away from the mainstream. I really enjoy the interaction and bar-service that the girls provide here. There is a jukebox here and a bar without a juke box could never get the total and complete love of a bar enthusiast as myself. Lancers has been an institution for awhile now, and will continue serving the University Heights well into the future.

Just a classic bar. Great service, friendly faces, cheap drinks. No taps, but still a great bottled beer selection. Full bar with experienced bartenders who can make you pretty much whatever you want. Two pool tables and most often at least one is open. No food, but there are plenty of places nearby to grab a bite nearby.

Cash only dive bar with 2 pool tables in the back. There's an atm in the bar in case you want to get money. (Fees may apply) We brought our food from Banh Thai, which is ok here. :)

I love this bar. With all the douche-baggery that has taken over University Heights, it's nice to still have a dark, simple, dive bar that doesn't attract a bunch of ass hats. 1 star off for being cash only, but there's an ATM. No draft beer, but they do have a decent beer list.

Great dive bar. It has what every bar should have..A Bar. It runs the length of the entire front and even has a curve or two. Prices are reasonable and pool and darts. Friendly staff with an all age clientele. Check it out.

Do you feel ugly? Has it been days since you last showered? Wearing the same clothes at 9:00 p.m. that you fell asleep in the night before after an alcohol-induced blackout? If you find yourself in this disheveled state and you happen to be on the prowl for a cold beer, but don't want to spend 45 minutes grooming your body for deer ticks and Pop Tart remnants... head to Lancers in University Heights and drink your stinky sorrows away. Whenever I look like crap, I head to Lancers. The room is super dark and you don't have to worry about people judging your appearance because they can't really see you. Additionally, they don't really care. I love Lancers because it's an anomaly among the neighboring businesses in the area. Most are pretty colorful and elaborate, if you catch my drift.... Lancers is a down-and-dirty dive bar right in the midst of rainbow colored leis and wet underwear contests. It's a nice change of pace from the usual to-dos in the hood. I find it strange that they don't have any taps, but whateves, I'm not a huge beer guy anyway. They have plenty of great bottled beers to choose from, so it's no big thang. If you're a pool player, they've got ya covered. The two pool tables are usually always available, so you don't have to arm wrestle a member of the Hells Angels just to play a round of 9-Ball. Billiards are cool and all, but Photo Hunt is my heroine. I can get erotic with that touch-screen any hour of the day. Last night, however, me and the lady decided to roam outside of our comfort zone and trek into Chippendale Photo Hunt territory. For some strange reason, I was WAY more efficient at finding the differences when staring at those beefy dudes siting side-by-side. What does that mean??? What is the universe trying to tell me???

This review is based on my experience on Friday 5/8/2012. I'd give this a negative star if that was an option! This was not my first time at Lancer's, but it is absolutely positively without a doubt my last. Unless the bartender going by the name that starts with J is no longer at the establishment. We brought a large group of 15 people in for a work happy hour. We didn't all arrive at the same time, but trickled in over the course of an hour. Our first bartender, Daisy, was awesome!! She was very helpful, attentive, courteous and provided excellent service. There was a shift change around 6 o'clock and that's when it all went to hell in a hand basket. The new bartender, J, rarely even glanced in our direction. Was rude when asked questions or when we wanted to order more drinks. His attitude was condescending and unfriendly. Most of the time he spent conversing with his friends at the other end of the bar or reading a newspaper or magazine. I should also point out that there were only 8 -10 people in total sitting at the bar and he was not busy serving other patrons. When one member of our party tried to get his attention after waiting patiently for 10-15 minutes to order another drink, it led to a verbal altercation instigated by J admonishing the patron for having the nerve to call out "excuse me" while holding up his empty beer, even though we tried in vain to get his attention other ways. It's a long story, but the end result was that person in our party plus another was kicked out of the bar after he went over to apologize to the bartender. The other person was kicked out after approaching J about her half-full beer being thrown out while she stepped out for a smoke. I witnessed both incidents and was shocked at the level of contempt the bartender exhibited when politely asked to provide service to a paying customer. Didn't realize that they serve a shot of customer abuse on the side with every drink order. We were not a loud, obnoxious group, but a group of professionals stopping in for a couple drinks with our coworkers. It must be nice for Lancer's to be so successful that they feel the need to chase off customers. Our entire group decided to leave the bar, never spend another dime of our hard earned money there and to tell all our friends what horrible service we had received. Shame on you, Lancer's!