Knotty Barrel

★★★★☆ 4.1 (841) • $$

"Knotty Barrel is located in East Village, Downtown San Diego, on the corner of 9th and off Market, serving up some tasty draft beers and food in their fine establishment.I decided to come in on a Saturday right before 5 p.m., and they were fairly crowded with plenty of seats at the bar and booths open. I was just looking to have a nice cold one and nothing else, I stumbled across this place because of the Shiner Bock on draft. If you aren't familiar with this beer, I suggest you come down and try it because it will change your life! The beer has been brewed in Shiner, TX, since 1909, and to Texans like myself, this beer is everything but better. It's very hard to find Shiner in CA, but surprisingly, it's here.The bartender was nice and attentive and provided customer service with a smile and made sure I was good to go at all times. Although I didn't eat any food, the menu seemed very appetizing and delicious. The next time I come back for a Shiner, I will definitely go for the chicken pot pie since the person next to me chowed down on that, and all I could do was just stare and watch. Come out here for a nice time and great drinks, and also, if you are a NY Ranger Hockey fan, then this is your bar since they fly the flag outside during the season. Other than that this is a great place and I guarantee you that this bar will not disappoint!."

Khan's Cave Asian Tavern & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (918) • $$

"I don't know if I was in a good mood or what, but I loved the vibes at Khan's! Cocktails, great asian food, and very lively on the Saturday night I went. The peppery fried chicken wings were so crunchy on the outside and perfectly seasoned. Loved the pork fried rice, garlic butter shrimp, and green beans. Perfect spread fo two people and a lot of flavor. Appreciated the cocktails, like their margarita. Super nice service. Bar and restaurant seating"

Bayside Landing

★★★★☆ 3.9 (573) • $$

"Great service. Great food. Clean bathrooms. Parking is hard so walk there and park by Mission Bay park. Had the burger with sweet potato fries and Sauv blanc and was delish. Trust!"

OB Brewery

★★★★☆ 3.9 (466)

"We stopped into the OB Brewery for just one while enjoying a Saturday in OB.We ordered at the bar on the ground floor and then took our beverages up the stairs to the top (3rd) floor outdoor, rooftop patio.Beautiful views and I enjoyed a really good house beer, B. Right On pale ale although it could've been served at a colder temperature. OB Brewery does not brew a hard seltzer so Bex settled for whatever it was that they had in the fridge. There was no table service, not sure when that starts on weekends. We were there around 1:00 PM. There was only the one girl beertending on the ground floor. If we wanted a second round, we would've had to take the stairs all the way down, then wait in line for our drinks, then climb the stairs back to the top."

Draft Republic San Marcos

★★★★☆ 4.4 (505) • $$

"I love love Draft republics burger! After having a disappointing burger at Copper Kings, we needed to have a redemption night. We're super fond of DRs burger. We came on a Wednesday. This place is huge!! Definitely looks like a fun place for adults and kids, especially in the summer or game nights. The bar area was super nice. Cohn group sure went all in here. The menu is different here compared to our usually Carlsbad joint. We're closer to this one now so it's our new joint! We get their draft republic burger with white American cheese, 2 patties, bacon, bun and veggies with their extra crispy fries. And it comes with a salad to make you feel not so bad for eating a high caloric burger. Fries are addicting. This burger is the best. We also go their wings, naked with sauce on the side. It was delicious as well. So crunchy. Their garlic ketchup is delicious, but I don't think they have to us this time. We'll ask for it next. Service was friendly and we had several people ask us if everything was good."

Public House 131

★★★★☆ 3.9 (397) • $$

"Came for a late lunch with friends at 2pm on a Tuesday. There were 4 of us in our party and we were seated immediately upon walking in. The booths were all taken up, but there was a nice table available in the side corner by the window that the host suggested.We were seated and the server asked us about drinks. 3 of us wanted water and 1 of us ordered a juice. Drinks came out right away and we were also able to order the Birria fries appetizer. That Birria Fries appetizer IS DELICIOUS! I recommend it fully.Food entrees ordered: Beef Sliders x 2, Wedge Salad with Shrimp added, and Mashed Potato Flatbread Pizza. Everything was very tasty according to everyone in our party. The customer service here is awesome. We appreciate the staff, ambience, and wonderful food. We will continue to visit because they are still outstanding."

Starlite

★★★★☆ 4.1 (2127) • $$

"CHILL VIBES(4.5 stars)Dim and intimate...- FOOD/DRINKS: good- PRICE: fair- SERVICE: good- AMBIANCE: coolAn easy bar to drive right past. Its cozy with a U shape countertop around the bar of ~15-20 seats and some tables on the outskirt. The vibe is chill with a mature crowd. :: BITE AND SIPPY ::THE STARLITE BURGER ($19.50) - 1/2 pound brandt beef patty, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, brioche bun, Dijon, dill pickle, served with fries. I took my burger medium-well. Oh my this meal was super filling and DELICIOUS, enough to take home left overs or split with two. The burger was fantastic, everything came together well. After one bite the burger stayed stacked, easy to hold and bite without falling apart (that is what I judge a burger by). I love this combo with a burger, brioche bun and Gruyère cheese; not always easy to find. I'm not a fan of caramelized onions but it worked with this meal. The fries were prepared perfectly and paired well with this delicious burger. HIGHLY RECOMMENDADRIF ON SPRUCE ($15) - gin, giffard abricot du roussillon, orgeat, lime, pineapple. Sweet yet refreshing. And they do generous pours here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDGreat chill place. Cannot wait to come back.JABA APPROVED. Until the next bite..."

The Corner Drafthouse

★★★★☆ 4.2 (541) • $$

"Food: N/ADrinks: 5/5Portions: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5Cleanliness: 5/5Customer service: 5/5Speed: 5/5Price: $$Outdoor seating: yesADA access: yesRestrooms: yesDogs: yesVegetarian options:Vegan options:Pros: West was an AMAZING bartender. He sure made our night. Great location. Great drinks. Cons: I hear this place gets busy but it was empty when we went."

Craft & Commerce

★★★★☆ 4.1 (3019) • $$

"Ordered:Chicken Wings (~$15): gochujang miso bbq, jalapenos, garlicBone Marrow (~$19): with fresno chili relish and toasted sourdoughLamb Chop Lollipops (~$28): dill yogurt, nut dukkah, arugula, pickled red onionsCast-Iron Cornbread (~$10): with togarashi hot honey butterAya's take:Interesting atmosphere with a very unique aesthetic. From the taxidermy to the mirrors to the plates with all the US presidents on it - it's definitely different from other restaurants in SD. The food honestly did not stand out to me much. I am a sucker for Chicken Wings but these were way too overpowering with a vinegary/spicy flavor. The Bone Marrow also was just fine. The Lamb Chop Lollipops were super tender but the nut dukkah threw me off completely. Now the Cast-Iron Cornbread. Good Lord. This is by far one of, if not, the best cornbreads to touch my tastebuds. The Cornbread is baked to order and the cast-iron truly elevates it. It's slightly crisp on the outside yet soft on the inside and the hot honey butter is just perfect. It's a good thing I don't live in San Diego because I could literally eat that everyday. Whatever you do, get the cornbread!"

Bootlegger

★★★★☆ 3.8 (928) • $$

"(Last visited 5/15/2022.) Hanging out in San Diego with my boys for the weekend and it's the last full day before we have to head back home. Well, it's Sunday Funday so that means brunch! I found out this place offers bottomless mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays 9:30am to 1:00pm so we pulled up and got started! Here's how it went...Atmosphere/Appearance: The Bootlegger is set right downtown on the corner of Market Street and 8th Avenue. There's a big vertical sign hanging way above the door pointing down to the bar in a very 60s Las Vegas sign sort of fashion. The inside gives me not-quite rustic vibes with its leather seats, exposed brick, yet modern amenities such as huge TVs hanging over the bar. It was a good mix. This place was LIVE though! It was lively, energetic and just an overall good time.Service: I can't remember who took care of us because there was so much going on, but we sat at the bar so the mimosas were flowing at Mach speed. Lol. We never needed to ask for anything because we had it.Food: I went with the Steak & Eggs, which is seared skirt steak, two eggs any way, tomatoes, peppers and a potato hash. It was cool. I'm here for the drinks and I just need food to soak up the alcohol. Lol. I would certainly lean a different direction, maybe toward the chicken & waffles with mac & cheese or something like that.Value: Pretty great if you ask me. Bottomless mimosas are $25.00 and you get to drink for 3.5 hours if you get here at 9:30am. Lol. That's pretty good value. My steak & eggs were only $15.00 so that's why they were pretty mid. Lol.If you're coming for brunch you're going to love this place! I know I did and I look forward to returning next year!"

Common Theory Chula Vista

★★★★☆ 4.2 (142) • $$

"I came here on a Friday night around 6 & it was pretty packed so be prepared! The wait was about 25 minutes but you can still grab a drink at the bar. DRINKS - I got the flight. It was cool to try the different sours they had but I feel like it's a better bang for your buck if you just get a drink you know you'll like cause it was a hit or miss with the drinks included in the flight I got. KIMCHI FRIED FICE - The first few bites were good but then it got suuuuuper salty. Idk if it was the kimchi + the amount of salt they used or what but I was so thirsty the whole time hahaMy friends said their meals were super salty too but regardless this place is nice for the vibes & to chill after a long week of work. The service was really nice too!"

Knotty Barrel Rancho Penasquitos

★★★★☆ 4.2 (532) • $$

"We met here with family to celebrate our parents' 64th wedding anniversary although they have both passed. There were seven of us missing four family members. My sister made the reservation so, when we arrived we were quickly directed to our table. The interior was very clean and had a combination sports bar, rustic, and industrial vibe with the exposed ducting overhead. The interior is nicely laid out and there is a patio for outdoor dining. Our waitress was very friendly and hardworking. She explained that one of the fryers was down so that limited our ability to order some of the menu items. I was looking forward to fish & chips. Instead I opted for the Turkey & Brie on sourdough bread with tater tots. It was delicious! The majority of the family ordered burgers or sandwiches. The food came out quickly. Everybody enjoyed the food but a little disappointed about the fryer being out of commission.We would like to return and try out the menu items we were unable to order this visit."

Monarch Ocean Pub

★★★★☆ 3.8 (722) • $$

"I no longer live in San Diego proper (out in the valley now) but sometimes I make the long drive out to Monarch. Drinks are well made, you can't beat the view, the seating is so comfortable and there's good space, food is delicious! Appetizers can be a bit small (so don't think you can order one and be full; they're truly appetizers and you can have a meal after!) My only two complaints I'm not knocking them for:*It's a popular spot so when it gets busy it gets LOUD. I'm sensitive to this so I like to go during off-peak hours. For those of you that like a lively poppin spot this is going to be perfect! It's always such a fun vibe when it's busy. *Parking in the garage here is only for an hour so if you want to stay longer (which you totally do) skip the close garage and opt to walk just a tad. I think the garage before this one has two hours but don't quote me!"

Neighborhood

★★★★☆ 4.1 (2377) • $$

"This is a cute lights dim bar/ restaurant I loved the food here . We got the Onion Blossom so delicious it's a must try . We came inside looking for the two speakeasy's located inside which are the Noble Experiment and Young Blood we were fortunate enough to get into Youngblood and we loved it. While waiting we had some drinks at the bar . After we got done with our experience at the speakeasy we came here for a late night snack. There is no food inside the speakeasy's so for food this is the place. The service and food were 10/10 we enjoyed our time here . I loved the vibe ..I would definitely be back when in the area ."

Curryosity

★★★★☆ 4.3 (609)

"This place is still such a great staple!Everything is large and filling and there hasn't been something we have disliked on the menu.The drinks are always very tasty and their food always flavorful.They could use another server or two since this place is always packed but that's the least of our concerns when the food and drink are great!Apparently there is a back room you can rent out where you sit on the floor so keep that in mind for private events!"

Majorette

★★★★★ 4.9 (18)

"This is my favorite bar and grille in San Diego. They have amazing food (check for availability), solid beer on tap, tv's galore and free pool tables. It's also locally owned and operated by the same folks who brought us Scrimshaw Coffee. Do the smash burger and fries! With a Societe Pupil!"

Kelly's Pub

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (122) • $$

"**Review your bill before you pay**A smaller neighborhood dive bar with in and outdoor seating. Darts and a couple of pool tables to have fun. I saw CA keno on the screen by the bar.Yummy fish and chicken strips!"

Encontro North Park

★★★★☆ 4.3 (2124) • $$

"My husband and I were looking for lunch places in North Park and Encontro kept popping up. We've been missing out this whole time!Service/Ambiance: We were seated right away on a Saturday early afternoon. We opted for indoor seating this time but there were many seats available outside. It's a pub-looking kind of restaurant with benches and high tables. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and they even have a dog menu! The place looks like it could accommodate a larger party. We had excellent service from Catherine and Jason (who we later found out is the chef and owner of the place!). They were so accommodating, friendly, and made our first time dining here an excellent one.Food: They serve brunch and lunch/dinner menus and we opted for lunch. -Jidori Wings ($16): We ordered half garlic parm and half sriracha. They accidentally served us barbecue at first, which they let us keep. The barbecue flavor actually ended up pretty tasty too! You have to option for the wings to be dry or saucy and we chose saucy for all of them. So good!-Patty Melt ($18): ordered with sourdough bread. My husband really enjoyed this dish. It's usually served with house made chips but upgrades to truffle fries.-Lobster Roll ($28): served with house made chips which were fresh and crunchy. For this price, you actually get TWO lobster rolls. The bread was nice and buttery and there was a generous amount of lobster in each of them. I was pleasantly surprised with this dish and I'd definitely order this again. Overall:Excellent service from Jason and Catherine. Great casual food for great pricing. Will definitely come back!"

The Joint

★★★★☆ 4.1 (929) • $$

"This place definitely surprised me!!! I was skeptical seeing a non-Asian at the sushi bar but the chirashi bowl I tried was good quality at the right price point. I was craving sushi but decided to go with the chirashi bowl to play it safe. All the fish were cut delicately and tasted fresh. We also tried the pork belly, which was really good! I highly recommend that appetizer. I also enjoyed their ribeye! All in all, everything was good and I'd definitely come back! This place is good for dates, something casual and fun occasions. Service was really good too! Very friendly staffs checked in regularly to make sure we were taken care of.Thanks guys! We will be back!!!"

Common Theory

★★★★☆ 3.8 (1537) • $$

"This is a pretty central location off Convoy St which makes it a good meeting spot, not to mention that it has plenty of space with both indoor and outdoor seating. There is a parking lot that gets full fast so if you can come earlier, it's usually better. I guess I would consider it more of a gastropub with a variety of foods to match. I was fortunately there for happy hour and they have a pretty good selection. The one thing that wasn't very intuitive was the menu, navigation wasn't very intuitive once you scanned the QR code. We ordered the cheesy bacon fries, BBQ chicken flatbread and Chinese sausage flat bread and they were all pretty good. They were also having a raffle drawing for padres tickets in honor of upcoming Father's Day and our waitress entered us. I thought this was unique and pretty cool. The other cool feature is the Realm of 52 Remedies speakeasy which I will have to check out in my next trip!"

Bar One

★★★★☆ 4.2 (320) • $$

"AMAZING! Just moved to SD and this is the first place we found to try. We had the Birria Quesatacos, Seared Ahi Sando, and Buddee Wings (teriyaki), along with the garlic parm fries. Everything was outstanding. Don't miss this place when you are in Little Italy."

Encinitas Ale House

★★★★☆ 4 (633) • $$

"This tiny spot makes me so so happy! A fantastic specialty beer list with great draft options and also hundreds of bottles of Belgian delights. It was so fun picking different ones to try. Then add in the delicious burgers (the spicy one was our favorite, but the kobe beef was also great), and it makes for an excellent night."

Curbside Eatery & Drinkery

★★★★☆ 3.8 (347) • $$

"We decided to come here on a Monday Night, instead of Mastiff Kitchen. We were welcomed right away by a host sitting at the front door. After overlooking the menu posted outside, we decided to be seated. The host was very customer service oriented.Shortly after sitting down, our server arrived. She was very enthusiastic and offered a fresh greeting. She answered any questions that we had about the menu and the drinks, in such a positive manner. She is truly the expert.Tried the Societe IPA and the Tequila Old Fashioned. Both were definitely great. The Tequila Old Fashioned IS AMAZING! This is the new go to drink for me this Spring. We also ordered: CAULI ONION SQUASH Shareable, THREE BERRY SALAD with Short Rib added, and SHORT RIB SLIDERS with Housemade Potato Chips. Our food came out in an appropriate amount of time. I had a chance to visit the restroom in between that time. I try not to visit the restroom before I eat, because it can potentially ruin my appetite. This place had a VERY CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE RESTROOM. I was impressed and pleased. Everything tasted great and the vibe here is throwback and nice, plus they play 80s & 90s music. The only thing that I regret is not realizing that there was no dessert on the menu. We were here to continue to celebrate a birthday, but could not indulge in any desserts here. Otherwise, we will visit again for the great hospitality, service, and yummy food."

Biergarden Encinitas

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1088) • $$

"This is a nice gastropub right on Hwy 101 in downtown Encinitas. They have a large indoor dining area as well as a nice roomy outdoor patio section.We arrived around 7pm on a Thursday night and we got a table outside with no problem. Our server was the sweetest and friendliest. The restaurant offers 23 tap beers on their menu as well as a very large selection of cocktails, burgers, salads, main entrees, and sandwiches.Our friends loved their burger and mahi sandwich. We got the Chinese Chicken salad and it was ok...the greens were refrigerator cold and the grilled chicken was not warm nor moist. But it was not bad..the truffle fries were thick and crunchy with just the right amount of seasonings.A great relaxing place to eat in downtown Encinitas."