The Saloon

A lot of people on a Friday night is a given. But the bartenders we able to keep up good service. Music there was on point and drinks weren't too expensive given the area.

The place is empty on a Sunday night. $10 cocktails and made nice and strong. Personally wouldn't want to be in here during peak hours.

If I could do negative stars I would 04/05/2025 my wife and my best friends wife were grabbed by a man inappropriately and the bouncer told me and wives husband the man who grabbed our wife’s was a friend of the owner. Long story short he wasn’t kicked out and the same man who grabbed our wives walked past our table multiple times after the inappropriate touching and the bouncers never removed him due to his friendship with the owner. We were told due to the circumstances people travel to California and certain touches are acceptable in different states and his friendship with the owner was the reason he wasn’t kicked out of the bar. Totally unacceptable and the bouncer seemed to want to be on our side but due to the connection with the owner he still had his back and chose women being touched inappropriately rather than doing the right thing.

I visited on July 5th with my boyfriend to get a drink while we were waiting for our reservation at another restaurant. The bartender I had was all jittery like he was on something. He gave me the wrong card to sign for my drink, and now my AMEX has fraudulent charges on it, including this bar. I was charged $2 for a michelada and a mixed drink and I was never given a receipt. I want a reply from the GM and that bartender fired ASAP.

Don't be misled by my four star rating... I am a firm believer in the fact that there is always room for improvement no matter where you go or what you do... That being said, I would definitely oh, I mean definitely, recommend this place to anybody. If you are in need of a tasty adult beverage and wonderful impeccable customer service, stop by the saloon. I was fortunate enough to go on a day where it was not overly crowded at all and the bartender, Wes, was nothing but a delight and a smile that was much needed. Great drinks, impeccable customer service, and definitely won't break your bank... You're welcome on this hidden Jewel...

9/9/24 bartender (i think) Drew, was awesome and the best. gave me some recommendations on drinks for someone who is new to drinking. super nice and sweet. gave my friend a sparkler for her bday and put on a bday song. found out i like white claw because of him <3

Says they open at 6:00 pm on Saturdays. We came 15 minutes till 6:00, figured we would just wait the 15 minutes since we found great parking... We waited and waited… finally left around 6:30 as they never unlocked the door. They turned on the music, turned the TV on, and they were behind the bar with two older people sitting at the bar, yet they never opened the door, nor would they answer the phone. We watched at least 15 people come try to open the door in the 30 + minutes that we waited. Lots of lost business.

I'm from Utah, first time visiting. At first this place was great, got in quick, service was great, great drinks, little expensive. Atmosphere was awesome , music was great, met some awesome people. After a couple hours I wanted a cigarette. I stepped outside, by the time I was done there was a line to get back in. The door guys refused to let me back in disregarding the fact that my credit and drink was still in the bar. Legitimately refused to let me go in. *my credit card was in the bar with an open tab*. I was extremely frustrated but was calm and went to wait in line. I waited for about ten fifteen minutes and the bar was almost closed. I ended up paying 20$ to someone in the line to get to the front just to get my credit card so it wouldn't remain there overnight. I would recommend going here on maybe a night where the d*** at the door isn't working.

They sold me a kombucha that was expired by nine months... it smelled like petrol and tasted awful. They gave me a seltzer instead without charging extra but I do feel like a bonus drink would've gone a long way for me emotionally. We asked what time the DJ was starting at, and the barback said 9:30p but it was already 9:40p? anyway we played some billiards which was free and then DJ started a little after 10. he started with plain jane and then played flashing lights which was pretty sweet.

I love this bar. The authenticity can't be beat. A treasure for this town. Great size, great booths, and a pool table. Right in downtown town. What more do you need? Well, I am hoping the ownership will fix the felt on the pool table. Soon. With love.

fraudulent people. I got charged a day later $3 more for whatever reason.... i called multiple times no one picked up not to mention the bug guy was giving terrible sad service from the moment i arrived.

My friend and I were here briefly last night. It was completely packed inside, and we went to the bathroom shortly after arriving, where the line was trailing out the door. One of the stalls toilets were clogged, so we went into the only other stall. Not even a couple minutes after being inside a staff member came in to unclog the toilet, ordering us to get out of the stall. I informed him that my friend was using the bathroom and we'd be out in just a second. He then proceeded to yell, saying that the girl standing in front of the door (me) needs to get out. I said my friend's pants are down, she is using the bathroom, and we will be out in a second. He then said that he didn't care, and forced me to open the door exposing her to the whole bar. Absolutely violating and weird behavior, as a woman I will not be coming back here.

Honestly I have been coming here since I was 21. They play great music. It is divy, it is fun, it is somewhere you can wear a fancy dress or a trash bag. No one cares. Plenty of sticky tables, strong drinks, and single people. locals and visitors welcome. Probably one of the only places left that plays hip hop and old school sublime. Close any night out with a shot at the saloon.

Great fun and good drinks. The vibe was awesome. And a huge thank you to the handsome bartender who save my christmas by finding me at the store and making sure i had the package i left there. This Seattle soul thanks you and tips a dirty Shirley temple to you!!!

Good music, good service, fun atmosphere. TVs have games on, free pool table! Really good DJs Fri and Sat nights, bartenders choice on the music other nights.

Went to the Saloon last night with a couple friends. I saw "security" ask one guy to leave for what appeared to be no reason, he exited without issue, then they asked his friend to leave for also what appeared to be no reason. The second guy asked "why? What am I doing wrong?" The Hispanic security guy proceeded to punch him in the face and knock him out cold, then they took him out unconscious and put him on the sidewalk. They came back in and were laughing about it. Clearly this was assault and I hope they sue the security guard, the owner, and the establishment. Not the kind of place i will ever go to again. Completely out of line and obviously unsafe. Shame on the owners for letting this happen!!! Terrible experience!! Went there to have fun.

I have been coming here off and on for years as Encinitas is my absolute happy place. I originally came here because my favorite artist, Tom DeLonge of Encinitas (blink-182/Angels and Airwaves) filmed one of his music videos at this bar and I thought it just looked so damn cool. With the old juke box and rustic, old western vibe, i've always enjoyed coming here. Also, my girlfriend lost her iPhone in the bathroom last weekend and Noah (one of the tenders) was kind enough to reach out to me and send it to us in the mail since we had to get back to PHX the next day. He went out of his way to do this and I think just for that, i'll always continue coming here. Might not be for everyone but this is a fantastic place to start the night, end the night or both! Shoutout to Noah

Drinks were fine, really can't go wrong there. Music was okay too! But the bathrooms are outright disgusting. I don't know if that's supposed to be per of the "vibe" but I would literally go outside then use their restrooms.

Bartender didn't know what a daiquiri was.... Like what. Also he was an absolute dick for no real reason. Everyone else was nice but that one bartender arm tattoos with slight grey hair sucked don't go. Hire bartenders who can make basic drinks

This review is solely for the bouncer at the door- very shady!! Witnessed someone get denied (was EMPTY inside) then the guy proceeded to say he would let them in if they tipped. Not sure what kind of business that is, but very scummy in my book. Based on previous reviews, the security seems like a total joke here. Better off trying somewhere else!

They changed my tip and gave themselves more than I had wrote, super shady not to mention illegal so either bring cash or make sure you take a picture of your receipt!! Good thing I did or else I wouldn't have noticed. Bar is also overcrowded and everything is sticky not worth it to come here

this bar charged me $137 the day after I was there. I bought 2 beers and my receipt said $12 so they charged me $12 plus an additional $137. I have called them multiple times with no answer as well as emailed. I will not be going back. I am very disappointed and frustrated this happened.

I wouldn't waste your time with this place, I got kicked out for wearing the wrong jersey. It's a waste of money. The cocktails are over price and they don't do a good job. The atmosphere is horrendous.

Ordered a drink from bartender (she had long black hair) ordered an adios mf and she skipped the tequila... thought the name made it obvious that it would need a Mexican liquor (2/3/2024)

My friends and I stop here pretty frequently and have never had an issue, but last night my drink was spiked. Watch out ladies, I was in a big group of women but I was still a target. Luckily we left before it kicked in but I passed out incoherent about an hour(?) later at a different bar in Cardiff, and have been puking my guts out since. Scary stuff. I liked this bar but I won't be coming back. It's not worth the risk. Stay safe out there!

Don't be misled by my four star rating. I'm a firm believer in the fact that there is always room for improvement no matter where you go or what you do. That being said, I would definitely, I mean definitely, recommend this place to anybody. If you are in need of a tasty adult beverage and impeccable customer service, stop by the saloon. I was fortunate enough to go on a day where it was not overly crowded, and the bartender, Wes, was nothing but a delight, and a smile that was much needed. Great drinks, impeccable customer service, and, definitely, won't break your bank. You're welcome!

Best bar in Encinitas, the bar tender Justin is the best and most professional I've seen in San Diego. Definitely check out this dive bar

In town for a stay, decided to stop by this spot, worst decision I could've made. Horrible music and the service was even worse. Bouncers we're too handsy with the girls, not a good vibe. Would not recommend to any of my friends.

The only way to end your night in Encenitas. The boys are much younger than they are at shelter, but they'll pull you in for a dance or two & you'll like it. Be careful how much you drink or you may end up in just your bra.

Right in the heart of Encinitas you can find this Western looking bar across the street from D Street Bar and next to Shelter. Walking in you feel like you are in a western movie, dark, minimal lighting and very open floorspace for plenty to stand and pack the place. Along the walls is plenty of booth seating. Last night when I walked in with my friends everyone was sitting at the bar watching Trump giving a speech, and that was the only thing heard throughout this dark errie bar. I wanted to show my friend from New York why I think Encinitas is a really cool bar scene but the Saloon wasn't part of my list, we just happened to be here because my friends girlfriend said it be a great bar to check out that the locals love. My friend and I got beers but they didn't have anything on draft, just 12oz cans. It's a saloon so I liked the fact they stayed true to its roots and only have a full bar with no draft system. They have one pool table in the back and a jukebox towards the entrance. We started running into problem when more than half the balls were stuck inside after paying the pool table. The bartender was the only one on shift and he helped take apart the pool table and retrieve the balls. This place was missing a cue ball and an 8 ball. The bartender said someone had stolen it a few days ago and so that's all they had left...they had two 13 ball, one had a number 8 markered onto it, classic. Lol As we played we ran into more problems with the pool table, broken fragments of glass was found on the table during the game and we only found it based on each turn and how the ball wouldn't go the direction we hit. We eventually gave up on our game and decided to head out. My friend on the other hand, didn't like her first experience there and said she'd never come back. I agree. Overall, this place has so much potential but it seems like the owners of this place just don't care anymore or have given up. I won't ever make this poor decision to come here again. I just hope the managers of this place will step up and take control of this bar much better because I want to see it thrive too! Just don't come here unless it's on the weekends. Drink prices are good and not too expensive but the experience is not there at all on the weekdays.

Would give zero stars if i could. Worst bouncer I have ever encountered. Took both my friend and my real ID's and we had to call the police to get them back. When we tried to explain they were our real IDs we were met with nothing but aggression and attitude from the bouncer. Zero professionalism. Bouncer claimed he would "check our IDs while we were still in line to help us out" then proceeded to attempt to confiscate our IDs within about .5 seconds of looking at them. I've never experienced such disrespect in a professional environment. This bouncer needs to be fired guys come on.

I love going to this place for happy hour on a weekday. Hardly anyone is there and we get the full saloon vibe. Cheap and stiff drinks! I love the decor. It's kind of a saloon meets dive and we love it!

Smells but what great place for cheap drinks and right in the heart of Encinitas. Good music and connected by a door to Shelter, their upscale bar. Friendly and laid back but old. Their booths could use a re-vamping. They are holey and so uncomfortable. You sink when you sit. All in All a great dive!

hurt my nail snd it was bleeding. i went to the bar and not only did Joe tape it up he help fix my thumb, they are do accommodating, helpful, and nice! I definitely recommend!!!

After trying to go to Biergarden across the street and finding it way too packed to accommodate my group of 10+ people, we wandered over to the Saloon. When we arrived it was still early (around 8:30) and the bar was mainly empty. It seemed like a perfect spot to end my birthday night as I'm not a fan of loud, crowded bars. We walked straight up to the bar to get drinks and were impressed that the drinks only cost $4 to $5 each. We sat in a couple of the booths along the back wall and mixed and mingled for a bit. But I noticed as the night went on that more people started to arrive and the music got louder. By the end of the night (we called it quits around 10:30), we were screaming to be heard and my patience was running out.

Went here last night. The bar is nice itself but the bartenders were 2 hipster, pompous pricks who would barely even take the time to wait on me. I used to bartend and I would never make people wait to get drinks or even pay their bill. The bar maybe had 8 patrons in it and they could give a care less about us. I won't go back. Go to Biergarden across the street instead!

Worst customer service it have ever experienced in a coastal town. Tried to grab a cold beer on a Friday night there, line was out the door. Waited 20 minutes to get in, got to the front of the line, and the FAT/BALD white guy with a huge ego complex decided to make us wait another 10 minutes while he indiscriminately let under age females in without even checking their IDs. They didn't have the needed stamp to enter again. The fat white bouncer proceeded to belittle the patrons in line, calling them obscene names and referring to them as "sheep". I asked for the manager. Then a black bouncer tells me that he is the manager, and proceeds to dodge my question of "what is your name?". He also would let females in without waiting in line, taking $10/20 bills from guys to skip the line, and more. This isn't Las Vegas. This is a dive bar in Encinitas. Stop acting like you're a part of a big club scene. I was sober this whole time, and was planning on having a cold beer after a nice hot day. That's all.

This place has a great vibe great music drinks were good had fun will come back great dive bar!!!only one pool table so the wait can be little long!

The saloon is dirty looking and dark inside, but it's a blast. The bartenders are very friendly and talkative, and the people there are usually ending their night or have been there all night! The drinks are also very cheap- cheapest in encinitas by a mile. It's definitely not for everybody but if you can make it inside I know you'll have a good time. Don't judge a book by a it's cover!

This has to be the downest spot in Encinitas. Drinks all the time! Party is always on 7 day a week! No complaints! Thumbs up! Period...

Great place to drink, but we when playing pool, this place.... Every scratch on the pool table we were issued a warning. Apparently we were issued many warnings for playing pool... As in warnings to kick us out.

Joe and staff are great! Thanks for the good conversation! The drinks are strong and the price is right. Music, pool table, and TVs what else do you need when you're looking for a good drink?

The location, vibes, music and most of the staff are great. This 1 star review is solely for the security Mike. As I was making my way to the restroom, he stopped me to ask if I saw him walking past (apparently I forgot his red carpet). When I asked him the same question back he proceeded to use profanity and threatened to kick me the f**k out... just for trying to pass through to the restroom like everyone else around us. Instead of being a proactive problem solver to the overcrowded bathroom situation, he deliberately chose to disrespect a woman (maybe he's unsure what the purpose of a security guard is?). The cherry on top though was when he saw me speaking to the manager outside and interrupted us to tell me "that's not my manager". At this point, he not only disrespected me but decided that wasn't enough and needed to harass me. Lets put aside that he was on the clock and that my table spent over 1k last night, a grown man willing to treat a woman with such lack of decency is a highly questionable act on its own.

The D. J. Last night (9-3-17) had everyone dancing on their feet all night long. He created a sexy, adrenalin-pumping vibe that matched with the dark mysterious interior, releasing the naughty-side of the Encinitas surf scene. A must have for the sleepy town of Encinitas.

I like this place on weekends. It gets pretty full and there's even a makeshift dancefloor that occurs by the pool table in the back. Good place to drink some beer an talk to friends/mingle.

It really is A-OK. Cheapest drinks you're going to find in downtown Encinitas. Don't let the empty place scare you away, it usually means fast and good service. The shots at this place are literally a fraction of the price of the neighboring bars, so it's a great place to hang out with friends and talk without bumping elbows with everybody and their mama.

This is a pretty fun bar to go to when in the Encinitas area. There are usually some great bands scheduled to play there on a daily basis. I love going down to see Swimm (formerly LeBlorr) when they have a west coast tour. Go here and be prepared to be surrounded by hot guys and gals!! haha

Wow! I wouldn't expect the ratings for this place to be this bad. I always visit this place after D street (across the street) to end my wild night...I always have a blast here music is loud , super obnoxious crowd which I love .(Saturday nights are the best nights) live DJ that plays Top 40 .yes bathrooms are filthy but what do you expect it's a busy ass bar.. Drinks are nice cheap and strong!!! Try this place out.

The Saloon is a great place to come for cheap drinks and a good time. Service is quick and bartenders are friendly. My brother just turned 21, and we of course had to take him to the Saloon as part of his birthday bar crawl. We had an absolute blast-- you can start your night here, end your night here, or stay a while. Depending on the time of night, it might be pretty empty or absolutely packed.

Terrible place!! They make a fake line to make it exclusive...the bouncers are the WORST!!!! (GET A LIFE!) They think they are so cool! All the girls get in without the line and it stinks so bad in there! They never clean their bathroom..piss all over the floor! Just an annoying place....NO customer service what so ever! Avoid this place and never wait in line because they let 4 people in every 15 minutes so they can have room for their friends to just bypass the line.

Great local bar you from the old bar to the open sky. Great vibe. Music was great last night plenty of people watching

Worst bartenders in all of Encinitas. Came in on a Tuesday night and it was dead, but we still had to throw a lasso around the bartender to pull him away from his friends, the only other group of three people at the bar. On the way out he made a rude comment.. it's pretty lame when you're the only paying customers in an establishment and you get treated this poorly... I'll never come back.

Bartender here was just awful. Just came in with a big group for a birthday bar hop. Spent a few minutes sitting at the end of an otherwise mostly dead bar before we were attended to. Bartender asked if anyone had cash -- my friend answered yes, but hesitated in his answer for a drink. The bartender didn't wait a beat before he turned on his heel and ignored us. Beyond rude for no reason. We decided to take our money elsewhere. Avoid this place -- there are better dive bars in Encinitas.

Best dive bar in all of san diego best prices best bartender Shout out to "TAB" free pool awesome crowd awesome people awesome time.......best happy hour best everything this bar should be the bar all movies use in you need a dive bar... and no drama no fights just good all times

This place is a dive bar, but hell it's been there for a while. I don't mind the people who work there everyone's been cool to me. It's definitely a place for locals, and also reasonably priced for the area. Last time on Sunday the bartenders has been there forever, he was real cool. I came here with my buddy, and we both enjoyed the atmosphere. I think this place is chill, and will continue to frequent for what it is. I like it better during the day, but have also been at night. I never really had any issues, and am treated well here. I'd recommend it if your looking for a chill place to have a beer on a sunny day, and at night if you want to mingle. I was kinda confused bout all the bad reviews, nothing but good times for me!!! :-) I'd recommend checking it out, it's definitely has a lot of Encinitas History molded into it.

Disappointed. 11 of us came in early on in the night, part of a birthday bar crawl. Place wasn't busy, but the bartender ignored us. When he finally did acknowledge us, there was no hello, no hows it going guys, just him asking us if we had cash. Taken aback by this weird first statement of greeting, we all hesitated and he ditched us and walked to the other side of the bar again. Not worth it, we left and continued on in the other, friendlier bars on the block.

If I could give negative zero stars I would. Walked in to an empty bar. There was one person at the bar that the bartender felt was more important to chat with vs serve us. Left after 10 minutes waiting and watching him chat