Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Jive Lounge

5.0

5 (65)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Jamul

About the restaurant

Our electric live entertainment venue just steps away from the casino floor features some of Southern California’s hottest DJs and best local bands along with great food, craft beers, and signature handcrafted cocktails.
Make your reservation today! A deposit of $20 per person will be required at the time of check in for your table. This deposit of cash or a credit
Card hold for the amount will be lifted when your party has surpassed this amount of purchased food or

Top review

WilliamVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

The staff is exceptional. They are always helpful and go beyond my expectations. The music is excellent and dance floor is amazing compared to other options in San Diego.

Noble Experiment

4.9

4.9 (352)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Noble Experiment is a small, intimate cocktail bar located behind a secret door inside of Neighborhood restaurant at 777 G St. San Diego, CA 92101. Reservations for 4 or less are accepted as early as two weeks in advance. Large party reservations can be made through our reservations team at info@nobleexperimentsd.com. Walk-ins are welcome based upon availability.

Top review

Sara

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Our bartender was exceptional. She made us fabulous drinks with a wonderful attitude.

LIPS - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (154)

$31 to $50

American

North Park

About the restaurant

Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens.

DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional)

All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

Top review

Tori

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

It was AMAZING! This was my second time, but my friends have never been before and we all had such an amazing time, 10/10 recommend!!

Craft Bar Kamon

4.9

4.9 (245)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

"Taisho Roman craft cocktail bar in the heart of East Village San Diego that reflects the period in Japan when traditionalism and modernism first converged. We are committed to offer the unique and best craft cocktails!
**To make a reservation for a party of 6 or more, please contact us through email at info@barkamon.com
Please refrain from booking multiple tables as we most likely won't be able to accommodate to seat together.

**Please be aware that table or bar seating selection is just a request and it is not a confirmation. We will try our best to accommodate but due to limited seating availability, you may be seated to a different section from what you have requested at the reservation.

Top review

LaDawndre

Dined today

Beautifully balanced and well crafted cocktails. Great atmosphere with impeccable service.

Gravity Heights Sorrento Valley

4.8

4.8 (1242)

$30 and under

American

Sorrento Mesa

About the restaurant

We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Tucked away in Sorrento mesa, our 12,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an event space, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.

Top review

Sanjiv

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Excellent service and great food👍! The waiter was very courteous and paid attention to details 👍!

Captain’s Quarters

4.8

4.8 (100)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Pacific Beach

About the restaurant

Inspired by the literal “captain’s quarters” of 17th century ships, guests will be transported to a luxurious and moody adventure on the high seas. Captain’s Quarters will feature a star cocktail list devoted to various explorations in gin cocktails. For non gin lovers, Beverage Director, Eric Johnson has put his innovative twist on various cocktails concocted with Rum, Mezcal, Bourbon, Tequila and Vodka as well as a small beer and wine selection. In addition to fine spirits, SDCM Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski has put together an adventurous yet approachable menu which will range from elevated tidbits such as Manchego-Prosciutto “Sandwiches”, Burrata Donuts & Papa's Braves to more substantial fare including Captains Quarters own Double Double. Captain's Quarters kitchen closes at 10PM. Walk in's only after 10PM for Beverage Service. Walk-ins available for Dinner Service based on availability but Reservations Recommended.

Top review

Michae

Dined 3 days ago

Nice place to sit and chat while enjoying some great libations.

Lilian's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (262)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Rancho Santa Fe

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Lilian's Blog - a culinary diary and a rendezvous with history. Here, we chronicle our adventures in gastronomy, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and delve deeper into the legacy of Lilian Rice. Whether you're a food aficionado, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking to uncover the stories behind Rancho Santa Fe's best new restaurant, you're in the right place. Dive into our articles and let Lilian's spirit guide your journey through taste and time.

Top review

FionaVIP

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

Excellent lunch Mateo was the best waiter giving us great recommendations and attention. Patio was perfect Was thanked for coming in I’ll be back !

Room56

4.8

4.8 (9)

$50 and over

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Room 56 is a premier speakeasy nestled in the Gaslamp Quarter, offering some of the best craft cocktails in San Diego in an intimate setting.

We do not serve food

Top review

Dan

Dined today

Host was so attentive and recommended us good drinks!

The Space Pad

4.8

4.8 (71)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Oceanside

About the restaurant

At The Space Pad expect to find cocktails with flavored smoke bubbles floating on top of your drink, cocktails that look like a lava lamp in your hand, change color as you drink, fruit suspensions, and spherified cocktails that you actually eat rather than drink, similar to giant boba pods each individually filled with cocktail ingredients that bursts with flavor and booze when you bite into it.

Reservations offer a 90-minute experience. WALK-INS WELCOME - Reservations not available? We always set aside space to accommodate walk-ins, first come, first served. And before or after your experience at The Space Pad you're welcome to join us at Kilowatt Brewing for our award winning craft beers, hard seltzers, adult slushies, and a bite to eat!

Top review

BarbaraVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Amazing experience! Excellent cocktails and superb wait staff. Since we were there mid-week, it was comfortable and quiet and could see all of the visual details. Alex even played the light show for us - fun!

Kai Ola Sushi Carlsbad

4.8

4.8 (22)

$50 and over

Sushi

Oceanside

About the restaurant

California’s best sushi in a laid back, casual atmosphere with Hawaiian vibes.

You will get the freshest, finest, and the best quality sushi at Kai Ola. We serve fresh, unique (as well as traditional) sushi and we take pride in how it tastes. Our chefs prepare top quality creations and we take pride in our work.

Kai Ola is not about the scene. While locals and visitors alike love to dine with us, this is not a fine dining experience. This is about the fish. Sandals, board shorts, and bathing suits are welcome.

Kai Ola has the true Aloha! spirit in everything we do. Please come join us for the best fish and sushi creations you have yet to taste.

Top review

EddieVIP

Dined on May 24, 2025

Once again Kai Ola was absolutely delicious. We like to order appetizers yummy, then Nigiri yummy then a couple of rolls yummy then full. They have a House Blonde Beer that is out of this world. The Service Rocks!

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