The Best Bars for Foodies in San Diego

4.7 (775)

$31 to $50

Polynesian

Pacific Beach

A good tiki bar never goes out of style, and The Grass Skirt is the rule to the exception. Located just a few blocks from the ocean in Pacific Beach, this is the perfect place to enjoy San Diego's world famous laid back beach culture while sampling Asian fusion dishes with a distinctly Polynesian flair. The decor is more modern and tiki accented than kitsch, and the bar has become so popular since its arrival on the scene that reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and evening cocktails. Come for the secret menu of rum infused tributes to classics like Sex on the Beach or the Chi Chi, a vodka based pina colada. Stay for the pork buns, which are made from scratch.

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M

Mark

Dined 4 days ago

Cool place with a good vibe. Small plate food was good but I thought the drinks were just ok. Finding parking can be tough, especially during summer, because it’s close to the beach.

A good tiki bar never goes out of style, and The Grass Skirt is the rule to the exception. Located just a few blocks from the ocean in Pacific Beach, this is the perfect place to enjoy San Diego's world famous laid back beach culture while sampling Asian fusion dishes with a distinctly Polynesian flair. The decor is more modern and tiki accented than kitsch, and the bar has become so popular since its arrival on the scene that reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and evening cocktails. Come for the secret menu of rum infused tributes to classics like Sex on the Beach or the Chi Chi, a vodka based pina colada. Stay for the pork buns, which are made from scratch.

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M

Mark

Dined 4 days ago

Cool place with a good vibe. Small plate food was good but I thought the drinks were just ok. Finding parking can be tough, especially during summer, because it’s close to the beach.

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4.7 (6825)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Little Italy

Located in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, Born & Raised takes the elevated steakhouse and cocktail lounge experience to new heights. With 250 seats spread across two levels and a rooftop bar to boot, Born & Raised marries traditional steakhouse fare and the opulence of Rat Pack era fine dining with a decidedly modern edge. This is Rat Pack worthy dining and cocktailing with 21st century flair. Enjoy classic steakhouse heavy weights like the Tournedos Rossini topped with foie gras, or the 22 ounce dry aged bone in New York strip. In the mood for a little made to order beef tartare or shrimp Louis? Diners in the walnut paneled, art deco themed main dining room can also enjoy tableside cart service in leather booths with green marbled table tops. Diners can also order a classic Manhattan or Martini shaken (or stirred) at the table, naturally.

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Jayson

Dined 3 days ago

Our host greeted and seated us beautifully and the server was great. The food was amazing.

Located in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, Born & Raised takes the elevated steakhouse and cocktail lounge experience to new heights. With 250 seats spread across two levels and a rooftop bar to boot, Born & Raised marries traditional steakhouse fare and the opulence of Rat Pack era fine dining with a decidedly modern edge. This is Rat Pack worthy dining and cocktailing with 21st century flair. Enjoy classic steakhouse heavy weights like the Tournedos Rossini topped with foie gras, or the 22 ounce dry aged bone in New York strip. In the mood for a little made to order beef tartare or shrimp Louis? Diners in the walnut paneled, art deco themed main dining room can also enjoy tableside cart service in leather booths with green marbled table tops. Diners can also order a classic Manhattan or Martini shaken (or stirred) at the table, naturally.

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J

Jayson

Dined 3 days ago

Our host greeted and seated us beautifully and the server was great. The food was amazing.

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4.6 (1064)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Little Italy

Tapas and craft cocktails may not be the first things to come to mind when doing Japanese, but that's exactly what diners will find at San Diego's Cloak + Petal. Located in Little Italy, the space is both modern and intimate with an aesthetic that manages to balance industrial and edgy with delicate, zen-like accents in true Japanese fashion (bonus: actual cherry blossom trees). The stated goal of Cloak + Petal is to be a "social dining experience," and diners can enjoy a large selection of sushi and sashimi small plates while sipping on cocktails made with everything from gin infused with ingredients like sansho spice, cardamom, and clove to citrus, coconut, and Italian Torino. The extensive menu includes gluten-free and vegan substitution options.

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timothyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Very fun upbeat restaurant. Food and drinks were very good

Tapas and craft cocktails may not be the first things to come to mind when doing Japanese, but that's exactly what diners will find at San Diego's Cloak + Petal. Located in Little Italy, the space is both modern and intimate with an aesthetic that manages to balance industrial and edgy with delicate, zen-like accents in true Japanese fashion (bonus: actual cherry blossom trees). The stated goal of Cloak + Petal is to be a "social dining experience," and diners can enjoy a large selection of sushi and sashimi small plates while sipping on cocktails made with everything from gin infused with ingredients like sansho spice, cardamom, and clove to citrus, coconut, and Italian Torino. The extensive menu includes gluten-free and vegan substitution options.

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T

timothyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Very fun upbeat restaurant. Food and drinks were very good

Raised by Wolves

4.8 (3021)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

La Jolla

Fans of low key and off the beaten path cocktail experiences will enjoy Raised by Wolves, a "hidden" classic cocktail bar tucked away in the wide open space of the Westfield UTC Mall. Once safely inside, patrons will enjoy a cozy, old world cocktail lounge experience with a tasteful touch of decadence all rolled into one. The restaurant encourages reservations, but also accommodates walk-in customers for that post mall shopping tipple. The vibe and decor may call back to the hey day of dark and swanky cocktail lounges for the suit and pearls clad gentleman and ladies, but the drinks have a decidedly modern and cheeky twist. To wit: the Snoop Noggy Nog, and Vegan Egg Nog made with cashew and almond milk, because this is still Southern California after all.

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Caroline

Dined 5 days ago

A great experience - loved the secret way to get into the bar. Beautifully decorated. Cocktail a little pricey but totally worth it for the overall experience. Service was good, staff friendly! It was a little noisy to be able to hear each other but worth a visit!

Fans of low key and off the beaten path cocktail experiences will enjoy Raised by Wolves, a "hidden" classic cocktail bar tucked away in the wide open space of the Westfield UTC Mall. Once safely inside, patrons will enjoy a cozy, old world cocktail lounge experience with a tasteful touch of decadence all rolled into one. The restaurant encourages reservations, but also accommodates walk-in customers for that post mall shopping tipple. The vibe and decor may call back to the hey day of dark and swanky cocktail lounges for the suit and pearls clad gentleman and ladies, but the drinks have a decidedly modern and cheeky twist. To wit: the Snoop Noggy Nog, and Vegan Egg Nog made with cashew and almond milk, because this is still Southern California after all.

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C

Caroline

Dined 5 days ago

A great experience - loved the secret way to get into the bar. Beautifully decorated. Cocktail a little pricey but totally worth it for the overall experience. Service was good, staff friendly! It was a little noisy to be able to hear each other but worth a visit!

Kairoa Brewing Company

4.5 (103)

$30 and under

Brewery

University Heights

Kairoa Brewing Company brings a little taste and flair of New Zealand to San Diego. The bar keeps it simple with a selection of local and Kiwi craft beers, which includes a rotating guest beer menu, like the Juneshine Blood Orange Mint Kombucha or the Noble Aleworks Naughty Sauce Golden Coffee Stout. There's also a wine and food menu which includes shared plate options like petit lobster skewers and blue pilsner mussels. But this being San Diego, a spiced lamb street taco can also be found on the menu.

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TS

TypSD

Dined on Mar 8, 2020

Great food, great service. We sat at the rooftop on a beautiful, sunny day. It was really nice and thoroughly enjoyed our time. We took our 4 year old daughter. It’s very family and dog friendly.

Kairoa Brewing Company brings a little taste and flair of New Zealand to San Diego. The bar keeps it simple with a selection of local and Kiwi craft beers, which includes a rotating guest beer menu, like the Juneshine Blood Orange Mint Kombucha or the Noble Aleworks Naughty Sauce Golden Coffee Stout. There's also a wine and food menu which includes shared plate options like petit lobster skewers and blue pilsner mussels. But this being San Diego, a spiced lamb street taco can also be found on the menu.

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TS

TypSD

Dined on Mar 8, 2020

Great food, great service. We sat at the rooftop on a beautiful, sunny day. It was really nice and thoroughly enjoyed our time. We took our 4 year old daughter. It’s very family and dog friendly.

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Popular dish

Classic Mussels

Le Papagayo Encinitas

4.6 (2303)

$30 and under

American

Encinitas

Latin and Mediterranean fusion is what's on tap at Le Papagayo in Leucadia in North County. With live music several nights a week and a cozy, rustic vibe with indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant has an extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour menu that includes a wine list, 13 taps, and of course homemade sangria and house margaritas.

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SHANAVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food was very well prepared and beautifully served. I always love the ambiance with their live music. Host was very accommodating. A great Encinitas gem!

Latin and Mediterranean fusion is what's on tap at Le Papagayo in Leucadia in North County. With live music several nights a week and a cozy, rustic vibe with indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant has an extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour menu that includes a wine list, 13 taps, and of course homemade sangria and house margaritas.

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SHANAVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food was very well prepared and beautifully served. I always love the ambiance with their live music. Host was very accommodating. A great Encinitas gem!

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Popular dish

Classic Mussels

Beaumont's

4.7 (933)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Jolla

Beaumont's Eatery in La Jolla has a little something for everyone. A 2019's Diner's Choice winner, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour specials, and includes a kid's and dessert menu. Diners can also enjoy wine and cheeky cocktails like the Up All Night or Don't You Judge Me. Chicken lovers should make it a point to stop by for Fried Chicken Tuesdays. Live local bands play at the bar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

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Cory

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

My friends and I had an amazing evening at Beaumont‘S. I made the reservation on open table with a special request for a hightop table near the band. we were accommodated with the perfect table. The staff, service atmosphere and band were all amazing. A night to remember, and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend!

Beaumont's Eatery in La Jolla has a little something for everyone. A 2019's Diner's Choice winner, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour specials, and includes a kid's and dessert menu. Diners can also enjoy wine and cheeky cocktails like the Up All Night or Don't You Judge Me. Chicken lovers should make it a point to stop by for Fried Chicken Tuesdays. Live local bands play at the bar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

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C

Cory

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

My friends and I had an amazing evening at Beaumont‘S. I made the reservation on open table with a special request for a hightop table near the band. we were accommodated with the perfect table. The staff, service atmosphere and band were all amazing. A night to remember, and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend!

Tahona Bar

4.7 (661)

$30 and under

Mexican

Old Town

Mezcal lovers will feel right at home at Tahona, whose stated mission is to enlighten diners and cocktail enthusiasts about Oaxacan cuisine and culture with a focus on its most famous and iconic spirit. Along with basics like Carne Asada and Market Fish Tacos, the food menu includes fresh takes like a Pulpo (octopus) ceviche, a Mole flight, and Churro S'Mores and Mexican bread pudding for dessert. Mezcal is also available by the flight, or through private tastings available by appointment. Forget Spring Break and make a reservation at Tahona for a taste of the real thing instead.

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Sheila

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

What a great experience! The servers were very attentive, friendly and helpful. The place looks tiny from the outside, but once you go inside it is bigger than you think. The decor is very chic and beautiful, airy with a touch of romanticism. The food was amazing. Everything was fresh, flavorful and cooked spot-on. We ordered chips, salsa and guacamole. The red salsa is where its at. It had the perfect amount of light spice with a lot of flavor. I ordered the stuffed squash blossoms which were fried to perfection, stuffed with a great combo of flavors, sitting on a bed of refried beans. My friend ordered the machaca wagyu tostada which had the meat cooked two ways and layered for a burst of flavor in each bite.

Mezcal lovers will feel right at home at Tahona, whose stated mission is to enlighten diners and cocktail enthusiasts about Oaxacan cuisine and culture with a focus on its most famous and iconic spirit. Along with basics like Carne Asada and Market Fish Tacos, the food menu includes fresh takes like a Pulpo (octopus) ceviche, a Mole flight, and Churro S'Mores and Mexican bread pudding for dessert. Mezcal is also available by the flight, or through private tastings available by appointment. Forget Spring Break and make a reservation at Tahona for a taste of the real thing instead.

Top review

S

Sheila

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

What a great experience! The servers were very attentive, friendly and helpful. The place looks tiny from the outside, but once you go inside it is bigger than you think. The decor is very chic and beautiful, airy with a touch of romanticism. The food was amazing. Everything was fresh, flavorful and cooked spot-on. We ordered chips, salsa and guacamole. The red salsa is where its at. It had the perfect amount of light spice with a lot of flavor. I ordered the stuffed squash blossoms which were fried to perfection, stuffed with a great combo of flavors, sitting on a bed of refried beans. My friend ordered the machaca wagyu tostada which had the meat cooked two ways and layered for a burst of flavor in each bite.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

A Must - Filet Mignon Chez Martín

Experience

Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's!

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.5 (1477)

$30 and under

Californian

Downtown

Diners are encouraged to make a reservation at this hidden hot spot in the center of the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego. With a mixture of old world charm and modern sophistication, Dobson's is the perfect spot for a hearty lunch, dinner, or drinks at the bar. Diners can enjoy a raw bar, classics like the Dobson's Bar Room Burger, Croque Monsieur Sandwich, Steamed Mediterranean Black Mussels, or an entree of the Cheese Ravioli and Pomodoro Sauce Gratine. Daily drink specials on select house wines and craft beers are also available.

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Eustratia

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Perfect pre show place for dinner. Must do bread service. Highly recommend mussels and burger. Get you out in time for walk to theater

Diners are encouraged to make a reservation at this hidden hot spot in the center of the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego. With a mixture of old world charm and modern sophistication, Dobson's is the perfect spot for a hearty lunch, dinner, or drinks at the bar. Diners can enjoy a raw bar, classics like the Dobson's Bar Room Burger, Croque Monsieur Sandwich, Steamed Mediterranean Black Mussels, or an entree of the Cheese Ravioli and Pomodoro Sauce Gratine. Daily drink specials on select house wines and craft beers are also available.

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E

Eustratia

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Perfect pre show place for dinner. Must do bread service. Highly recommend mussels and burger. Get you out in time for walk to theater

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

A Must - Filet Mignon Chez Martín

Experience

Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's!

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Manhattan of La Jolla

4.8 (1803)

$31 to $50

Italian

La Jolla

Manhattan of La Jolla serves up fine Italian dining reminiscent of a New York City bistro on the shores of La Jolla. Along with a classic Italian dinner menu complete with homemade pastas and family recipes, diners can enjoy live music and entertainment, as well as imported coffees, dessert, and coffee infused cocktails for a little taste of the old country.

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lenVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food, excellent service. Veal is particularly good.

Manhattan of La Jolla serves up fine Italian dining reminiscent of a New York City bistro on the shores of La Jolla. Along with a classic Italian dinner menu complete with homemade pastas and family recipes, diners can enjoy live music and entertainment, as well as imported coffees, dessert, and coffee infused cocktails for a little taste of the old country.

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L

lenVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food, excellent service. Veal is particularly good.

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4.9 (4298)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Carlsbad

French charm and chic meets Southern California chill vibes at this stylish Carlsbad eatery. A hearty drinks menu includes an extensive wine, spirits, and custom cocktails list and after dinner liquers. The menu consists of French classics like oysters from the raw bar, to bouillabasse and steak frites to a carte blanche tasting menu.

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K

Keira

Dined 2 days ago

Made reservations here for an anniversary dinner. We had a wonderful and memorable dining experience, I'm so glad we chose Jeune et Jolie. We sat on the patio, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting thanks to candlelight and soft music. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. We went with the tasting menu, and we're delighted with every beautiful, flavorful dish!

French charm and chic meets Southern California chill vibes at this stylish Carlsbad eatery. A hearty drinks menu includes an extensive wine, spirits, and custom cocktails list and after dinner liquers. The menu consists of French classics like oysters from the raw bar, to bouillabasse and steak frites to a carte blanche tasting menu.

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K

Keira

Dined 2 days ago

Made reservations here for an anniversary dinner. We had a wonderful and memorable dining experience, I'm so glad we chose Jeune et Jolie. We sat on the patio, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting thanks to candlelight and soft music. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. We went with the tasting menu, and we're delighted with every beautiful, flavorful dish!

King & Queen Cantina - San Diego

4.4 (1214)

$30 and under

Mexican

Little Italy

King & Queen Cantina gives Little Italy diner a little Latin flair in the heart of Downtwon San Diego. With a happy hour special seven days a week and classic crowd pleasers like Huevos Rancheros to a Pork Belly Benedict for breakfast and a Pinches Tacos menu and numerous seafood options for dinner, diners are advised to come hungry and leave room for the Deep Fried Ice Cream or Churros cart for dessert. The drinks menu runs the gamut from San Diego's beloved craft beers to signature cocktails like the Mexican Mule or the Una Lady.

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Danny

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Absolutely awesome place to enjoy your time with family and friends

King & Queen Cantina gives Little Italy diner a little Latin flair in the heart of Downtwon San Diego. With a happy hour special seven days a week and classic crowd pleasers like Huevos Rancheros to a Pork Belly Benedict for breakfast and a Pinches Tacos menu and numerous seafood options for dinner, diners are advised to come hungry and leave room for the Deep Fried Ice Cream or Churros cart for dessert. The drinks menu runs the gamut from San Diego's beloved craft beers to signature cocktails like the Mexican Mule or the Una Lady.

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D

Danny

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Absolutely awesome place to enjoy your time with family and friends

Gravity Heights Sorrento Valley

4.8 (1240)

$30 and under

American

Sorrento Mesa

Bites and brews is the name of the game at Gravity Heights. The menu includes a mash up of wood fired pizzas, tacos, burgers, and "munchies" like Crispy Octopus, Duck Liver "Banh Mi" Crostini, and Roasted Bone Marrow for the culinarily adventurous. The beer menu consists of a healthy mix of craft beers, flights, and brewer's specials.

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SandyVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We enjoyed our meal and beers at Gravity Heights! We sat outside on the patio and could easily have conversation. Our server was great. The menu had a nice variety and there was something for everyone.

Bites and brews is the name of the game at Gravity Heights. The menu includes a mash up of wood fired pizzas, tacos, burgers, and "munchies" like Crispy Octopus, Duck Liver "Banh Mi" Crostini, and Roasted Bone Marrow for the culinarily adventurous. The beer menu consists of a healthy mix of craft beers, flights, and brewer's specials.

Top review

S

SandyVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We enjoyed our meal and beers at Gravity Heights! We sat outside on the patio and could easily have conversation. Our server was great. The menu had a nice variety and there was something for everyone.