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Our guide to San Diego bars will help you prepare for your visit. From ancient dives to fancy rooftops, these are the best lounges for a drink in San Diego.

San Diego

Photo by Zack Benson, courtesy of J & Tony's Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse

San Diego’s bars continue to amaze us with their cutting-edge variety. We’ve got <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-rooftop-bars-in-san-diego-for-your-summer" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">showstopping rooftops</a>, scenic spots for <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-beach-bars-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">boozing at the beach</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-dive-bars-in-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">low-key dive bars</a>, and, of course, plenty of breweries to cement our status as <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-craft-breweries-in-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">the capital of craft beer</a>. The cocktail scene in San Diego is trendy again, from a flashy futuristic newcomer in Oceanside to an artsy venue with showstopping botanical flair. Whatever your spirited leanings, San Diego’s bars and cocktail lounges are ready to step up with the best our region has to offer. Here’s our list of the hottest places in town to grab a drink right now:

San Diego’s bars continue to amaze us with their cutting-edge variety. We’ve got <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-rooftop-bars-in-san-diego-for-your-summer" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">showstopping rooftops</a>, scenic spots for <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-beach-bars-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">boozing at the beach</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-dive-bars-in-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">low-key dive bars</a>, and, of course, plenty of breweries to cement our status as <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-craft-breweries-in-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">the capital of craft beer</a>. The cocktail scene in San Diego is trendy again, from a flashy futuristic newcomer in Oceanside to an artsy venue with showstopping botanical flair. Whatever your spirited leanings, San Diego’s bars and cocktail lounges are ready to step up with the best our region has to offer. Here’s our list of the hottest places in town to grab a drink right now:

Leave it to <a href="https://kilowatt.beer" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Kilowatt Brewing</a> to come up with another killer speakeasy concept. After successfully launching the wildly popular <a href="https://forbiddencovesd.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Forbidden Cove</a>, adjacent to their Kearny Mesa tasting room, the owners decided to open The Space Pad alongside the brewery’s Oceanside taproom last year. In an about-face from Forbidden Cove’s beloved tiki theme, The Space Pad features futuristic cocktails that employ molecular tricks and treats like color changes, pearlized surprises, jelly textures, and smoke bubbles. Ordering a certain drink can trigger an interactive experience like a mock liftoff or a tropical paradise, along with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system that simulates alien abductions and other paranormal events. Also on the menu are Kilowatt beers, an absinthe fountain, and a seafood-centric bar menu. How to book: Reservations are required and can be made <a href="https://tableagent.com/san-diego/the-space-pad/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of The Space Pad

The Space Pad

A traditional whiskey bar at the recently renovated <a href="https://www.thebrickhotel.com/cocktail-lounge/%5C" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">The Brick Hote</a>l in Oceanside, Frankie’s is charming and comfy, with a long, inviting wood bar and lots of cozy leather banquettes against a backdrop of rustic exposed brick. They feature a killer menu of rotating cocktails ranging from refreshers such as Strawberry Queen; gin, strawberry mulled wine, honey, Curaçao, lemon, and soda to savory World Star; shiitake mushroom-infused bourbon, salted coffee, and Aztec chocolate bitters to warmly spiced, luxurious After the Storm; vodka, cognac, Abuelita, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cream, and masa. Frankie’s doesn't have a kitchen, but you can bring food from the nearby <a href="https://www.mainstreetoceanside.com/sunset-market" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Oceanside Sunset Market</a> on Thursdays. How to book: Seating is on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of Frankie's

Frankie's

The 1970s are alive and well at Sycamore Den, a kitschy lounge that’s home to some of San Diego’s best bartenders. The menu has run the gamut from gimmicky (a Jägermeister and vodka cocktail served inside a functioning lamp, for instance) to grandiose (hot buttered rum, available in both vegan and non-vegan forms). Of course, classics like Moscow Mules and Tom Collins shine just as brightly. Snag a spot by the fireplace or piano and sip on something that’s sure to be sublime. Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 6 pm and includes beer, cocktails, and wine deals. How to book: Seating is on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of Sycamore Den

Sycamore Den

Featuring a ten-seat bar, an outdoor patio splashed in pink, amaro-centric cocktails, and of course, negronis, J &amp; Tony’s shares an eye-catching, bizarre space with The Invigatorium, a coffee-centric arm of local brewery <a href="http://www.moderntimesbeer.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Modern Times</a>. Every weekday from 3 to 6 pm, J &amp; Tony's offers a "tiny tini'' option, but even more eccentric touches abound, thanks to the inventive minds behind the concept, CH Projects. If in doubt about where to start, don't overthink it. A classic negroni is always a slam dunk. How to order: Seating is on a first-come basis.

Photo by James Tran, courtesy of J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse

J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse

The newest concept from Be Saha Hospitality Group founder Amar Harrag, who’s known for highlighting unexpected artisanal spirits in <a href="https://www.tahonabar.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tahona</a> and <a href="https://wormwoodsd.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Wormwood</a>, Botanica’s bar program highlights genever, one of Europe’s oldest distilled spirits, which is served in elegant flutes, as well as one of San Diego’s most diverse selections of gin and other botanical spirits sourced from around the world. Like its sister bars, Botanica also plans to offer educational genever and gin tastings and other events themed around both spirits. The chic lounge area features an art gallery of carefully curated pieces by local and international talent and is one of the few cocktail bars in the United States with an onsite NFT gallery. Beverage director Marina Ferreira has also fashioned an art-centric cocktail program, with each drink reflecting a famous artwork. Standouts include No. 1 Swan, a vintage swan bowl containing Monkey 47 gin, vermouth, olives, and caviar, or Meditative Rose with genever, vermouth blanc, rose, sandalwood, harissa, champagne cordial, and egg white. There’s also a contingent of classic genever and gin cocktails like the Negroni and French 75, plus non-alcoholic options, including Cacao Mushroom Chai with Meow Meow chai, a 10-mushroom blend, turmeric, cinnamon, and cashew milk, and Kentucky Rain, a tribute to Elvis Presley made with spiritless Kentucky 74, lapsang demerara and Aztec chocolate bitters. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/kingfishersd" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo by Mary Beth Abate for Thrillist

Botanica

This Gaslamp Quarter hotspot showcases Asian and Latin American fusion cuisine against the backdrop of the Amazon jungle. The beverage program mirrors the restaurant’s tropical flair, offering cocktails like Junglerita, a tequila-based drink with prickly pear, guava, house-made Curaçao and lime, and Endless Nights, with espresso-infused vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and walnut liqueur, topped with a boozy coconut whip, as well as strong, spirited choices with a dramatic, smoked-at-your-table finish. Stop by for happy hour, Sunday through Thursday, from 5 to 7 pm for $6 to $7 house wines, wells, and beer and a selection of craft cocktails for $9. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=1230253&amp;lang=en-US&amp;ot_source=Restaurant%20website&amp;corrid=7f70b88d-33b3-44cf-9911-c379aab04607" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Zama 

Zama San Diego

Madam Bonnies is named for the notorious Bertha “Bonnie” White, who ran a brothel in the historic <a href="https://gaslampfoundation.org/the-hotel-lester/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Hotel Lester</a> building from the 1920s through the 1940s. Elegantly decked out with exposed brick, sleek banquettes, and three massive, colored glass chandeliers, the space is well-suited to everything from ladies’ night to a romantic tête-à-tête. The cocktail program showcases spirit-forward drinks, light and fruity refreshers, mocktails, wines by the glass or bottle, and a daily selection of beer. Happy hour deals include everything from $5 well shots to $12 Padres Manhattans, Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 6 pm. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=1224820&amp;restref=1224820&amp;partysize=2&amp;datetime=2022-07-02T20%3A00&amp;lang=en-US&amp;r3uid=hrdaLMFOv&amp;ot_source=Restaurant%20website&amp;color=1&amp;dark=true&amp;corrid=bc5e8fe8-129b-4a44-bb0f-c2d0086de534" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of Madame Bonnie's

Madam Bonnie's

Madam Bonnie’s

Coco Maya explores the flavors of the Yucatan and Caribbean with cane- and agave-based spirits enhanced by citrus and spices in direct and fruit-forward cocktails. Let’s Do Mushrooms is a curious blend of leather-infused Reposado tequila, cinnamon agave, huitlacoche, amontillado sherry, and pina balsamic that straddles earthy and savory elements, while Cocomaya Cocktel, with a house rum blend, passionfruit, coconut cream and pina orange cordial is a fresh, tropical escape. Daily brunch serves up coffee cocktails, mimosas, Bloody Marys, micheladas, and mojitos alongside Bokits, a stuffed sandwich made with Guadeloupan fry bread. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/cocomaya##" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of Coco Maya

Coco Maya

A combination listening bar and record shop, Part Time Lover has a visually dazzling room with an open layout for optimal sound, cushy seating, a custom sound system built by Chicago-based <a href="https://www.uncannedmusic.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Uncanned Music</a>, and music chosen by San Diego’s own <a href="https://www.folkartsrarerecords.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Folk Arts Rare Records</a> store. The bar program focuses on Japanese American highballs like the Kaiju—a neon-green, melon-flavored concoction made with a touch of aquavit, genepy, and a splash of lemon—plus amped-up takes on traditional cocktails, like the Dirty Martini with dry gin, fino sherry, and PTL.’s olive-scallion brine. How to book: Seating is on a first-come basis.

Photo by Arlene Ibarra, courtesy of Part Time Lover

Part Time Lover

Go Go Amigo, <a href="https://libertystation.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Liberty Station</a>’s south of the border-inspired restaurant, boasts expansive patios, an outdoor bar area, and a beverage program showcasing tequila-based cocktails like prickly pear slushies, cucumber jalapeno margaritas, frozen palomas, and spicy mango micheladas. Brunch on weekends offers bottomless mimosas with an entree purchase for just $20. Join them for an extended happy hour nightly in the bar area from 6 to 9 pm for $7 house margs and $5 house beer and wine. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://www.gogoamigosd.com/reservations" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Understory, the resident cocktail bar inside The SkyDeck at <a href="https://www.sandiego.org/members/shopping/del-mar-highlands-town-center.aspx" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Del Mar Highlands Town Center</a>, aims to elevate your craft cocktail adventure. Named for the area between the main forest canopy and the forest floor, the innovative creations on the cocktail menu evoke the denizens of the ecosystem, like the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanic_nightjar" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Satanic Nightjar</a>, with Ford’s London Dry Gin, turmeric, ginger, chili, tamarind, lemongrass, mint, and club bubbles, or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-backed_puffback" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">The Black Back Puffback</a>, a cherrywood-smoked cocktail with Cazadores Cristalino Tequila, Verde Mezcal, lime, agave, and cinnamon. Classic cocktails, crafted mocktails, and a well-rounded wine list ensure there’s something for everyone. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://understorybar.com/reservations/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of Understory

Understory

San Diego’s first absinthe bar and restaurant, Wormwood, brings a brand new drinking and dining adventure to University Heights, showcasing nearly 40 absinthes sourced from Europe, New York, Louisiana, and other distilleries. Like Tahona Bar and Botanica, its sister cocktail venues, Wormwood will also be a place of education about this mysterious, often misunderstood spirit. Enjoy absinthe in the traditional fashion of early 20th century Paris, served from beautiful slow-drip fountains with a cube of sugar, or choose from a cocktail menu showcasing revisited absinthe classics and a selection of non-absinthe drinks. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=1193083&amp;restref=1193083&amp;partysize=2&amp;datetime=2022-11-27T19%3A00&amp;lang=en-US&amp;r3uid=dLlh2WXE3&amp;ot_source=Restaurant%20website&amp;color=1&amp;corrid=b4910285-acee-44ab-8c4a-0fa88bf36545" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of Wormwood San Diego 

Wormwood

Words like “stunning” and “jaw-dropping” get tossed around a lot, but that’s exactly how to describe Wolfie’s Carousel Bar, Little Italy’s buzzy drinking den. The centerpiece is a dazzling 24-seat, carousel-shaped bar that rotates slowly, giving you a 360-degree view of the room every 14 minutes. Sip NOLA-inspired cocktails, such as the French 75, Sazerac, and Belle Fille, a signature Wolfie’s Connection with cognac, amaretto, raspberry, and prosecco. Have an international fling with spirit-forward Oaxacan Affair, a mezcal and gin combo with Cocchi Americano, pear and orange, or tropical St. Barts, featuring dark rum, ginger, orgeat, pineapple, and a dash of Peychaud’s. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://wolfiescarousel.com/reservations" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo by James Tran, courtesy of Wolfie’s Carousel Bar

Wolfie’s Carousel Bar

Chula Vista’s burgeoning cocktail scene got a massive upgrade with the opening of Shake &amp; Muddle. Billing itself as “a next generation/fusion cocktail mixology bar,” Shake &amp; Muddle pushes the boundaries of your senses by exploring the savory, sweet, tart, and fruity flavors of cocktails, sorted into categories like Citrus, Spice, and Everything Nice; Bubbles and Herbs; and Worldly Old Fashions, which reinterprets the classic cocktail with spirits from different countries. Join them for happy hour all day on Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 pm for deals on drinks, wine, beer, and select food options. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=1065658&amp;restref=1065658&amp;partysize=2&amp;datetime=2022-11-27T16%3A00&amp;lang=en-US&amp;r3uid=SUZhUmvRls&amp;color=1&amp;corrid=0892bb52-1c20-4497-941a-4c7855a44b61" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of Shake & Muddle

Shake & Muddle

SHAKE & MUDDLE

From the hospitality experts that brought us <a href="https://www.kettnerexchange.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Kettner Exchange</a>, <a href="https://www.thegrassskirt.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">The Grass Skirt</a>, and more comes The Waverly, a breezy, bright beachside eatery with a cocktail menu crafted by some of the best bartenders in San Diego. The beverage program is specifically designed to provide options for all times of day, so there’s no shame in snagging a rum-infused Kingston Cold Brew in the morning and switching to a smoky mezcal Bodega Boy in the evening. The Rockies Old Fashioned with Stranahan single malt, Licor 43, Nola coffee, Cacao Rum, whiskey barrel-aged bitters, and a large sexy ice cube is a wonderful twist on the classic. Still, the amazing selection of wine, beer, and alcohol-free options means all bases are covered. How to book: Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available; otherwise, reserve a table <a href="https://thewaverly.com/reservations/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of The Waverly

The Waverly

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/mary-beth-abate" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mary Beth Abate</a> is a San Diego-based freelance writer by way of Chicago and Los Angeles. Her hobbies include yoga, pickling and fermenting stuff, reading cookbooks and drinking fabulous gin. Keep up with her experiments @MaryBeth_Abate.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/beth-demmon" target="_blank">Beth Demmon</a> is a San Diego-based food + drink writer who loves craft beer and motorcycles (not necessarily enjoyed together).

Go Go Amigo

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