The Lamplighter

We were hosting a friend out of town and wanted an evening place to vibe out. This seemed like a good place to hop to other spots so we checked it out.AMBIANCE:Parking: Street parking that's metered but free after certain times. However Hillcrest can get crowded so come and plan accordingly Seating: A good amount of seating but it gets crowded during popular nights.Vibes: In the neighborhood of Hillcrest, it's an eventful spot with a lot of activities. Eateries, shopping, and events here and there. The place itself is pretty neat. Friendly spot for the most part. We were here for Saturday karaoke which was a pretty cool. A singer friendly place from first timers, hidden stars, to people that generally just want to have a good time.FOOD:Moscow Mule (Recommend)A simple yet pretty strong drink. A nice mix that has a good sparkling kick and a bite from the ginger.CUSTOMER SERVICE:Great! The DJ knew how to create a fun vibe and the servers were hard working.TL; DR OVERALL:4.5 Stars. Awesome! Good drinks and good/fun energy. My friend visiting enjoyed his time and we all enjoyed our time. For a fun night in San Diego outside of the popular Gaslight District, look into Hillcrest! Be respectful, be yourself, and have fun!TIPS:* $5 CASH cover to get in. * They do karaoke and play a song in between.

Bartenders are easy to talk to, drinks are cheap, atmosphere is great. What else could you want from a local dive?

Cash only bar with great crowd and awesome hospitality. The people are friendly, the dress code is casual, and the drinks are premium. They have karaoke here....all the time! and Its amazing! Its such a mom and pop/ dive-y vibe that makes me come back every time. I don't care how crappy I suck at karaoke, but I will still step on stage and have the crowd sing with me! I am unaware of a cover, but I do know that this bar is cash only. I definitely will be coming back to celebrate with friends!

I have never had a good time there. It should be my neighborhood dice bar but i rather uber to redwings than to go to this place. Is the floor still sticky? Cause it was every single time i went. Terrible service! The bartenders ignored me the last time i was there. The kdj has never called my name to sing. One time, i asked him when I would be up, when i saw a dude walk up and give him $20 bucks. So u had to tip $20 dollars to be called!? What!??? Oh and there is a cover charge. The place is a joke!

Love this place! Awesome vibe with the karaoke. JJ is the best bartender- made delicious cocktails.

The karaoke is such a vibe!!! Definitely recommend this place! The bouncer and bartender are so friendly and the drinks are affordable. Great place.

Great vibes. Love a cash only bar. Come for the Karaoke, stay for the friendly bar tenders.

$10 cover to be treated like 2nd class cattle on a Sunday mornin' - new Karoake guy doesn't get it. But to butt and he's playing 2020's trash in between every song. Place is a little rapey.

Great ambiance! Service was friendly & fast Gr8 service! would recommend! Visited with a friend from out of town and it was exactly what we were looking for. Karaoke nights are a plus!

This place is the real deal. Cheap beers and karaoke. Will definitely be back to the gaslighter. 10/10