Paul Kushner
Embark on a journey through San Diego’s cocktail scene with our latest blog post.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixology enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we’ve compiled a list of the city’s most captivating cocktail bars.
From innovative concoctions that push the boundaries of flavor to timeless classics expertly crafted, join us as we explore the artistry, ambiance, and top-notch libations that define the best cocktail bars in San Diego.
Realm Of The 52 Remedies
4805 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (619) 780-6675
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The Realm of the 52 Remedies is an upscale cocktail bar based on a concept inspired by apothecaries and traditional Chinese medicine.
It’s one of the best cocktail bars in San Diego with its unique Chinese-inspired decor and upscale atmosphere.
The drink selection includes bold cocktails with notes like sesame, yuzu, red chili, and other flavors inspired by Chinese or Korean cuisine.
You’ll find this bar in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood, on the corner of Ronson Road and Convoy Street.
False Idol
675 W Beech St, San Diego, CA 92101
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False Idol is an elegant take on a tiki bar.
I love the tropical feel of this place, and the drinks are hard to match if you enjoy strong and fruity cocktails.
From Ti’ Punch to Mai Tai, the drink menu will have you traveling from the Caribbeans to the Pacific Ocean.
It’s one of the best places to go out in Downtown San Diego.
False Idol is on the corner of Kettner Boulevard and W Beech Street, near the Waterfront Park Playground.
Noble Experiment
777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 888-4713
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Noble Experiment is one of the cities’ best-kept secrets. You can only access this speakeasy through a hidden door in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Once you’re inside, you’ll discover a dim atmosphere, a full bar, and amazing vintage-inspired decor.
I love the classy and intimate feel of the place and can’t recommend it enough if you want to step back in time and enjoy an authentic speakeasy experience.
The hidden door is near the corner of G Street and Eighth Avenue, a few blocks away from the Balboa Theater.
Young Blood
777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 446-0002
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Young Blood is another speakeasy that shares the same address as Noble Experiment.
The best way to enjoy this cocktail bar is to book your experience online ahead of time.
You’ll get instructions for finding the hidden door that leads to the speakeasy where you’ll discover a tasting experience with three cocktails.
The decor is gorgeous and makes for some great photo ops, and the creative minds behind Young Blood did an amazing job of designing a space that feels unique and upscale.
KINDRED
1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102
Phone: (619) 546-9653
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KINDRED is one of the most unique bars in the South Park area.
This whimsical bar plays death metal music and offers a mix of classic cocktails and original cocktails, along with small plates and appetizers.
From fruity to spicy or herbal, each craft cocktail has a unique flavor profile.
It draws a diverse crowd, and it’s a fun spot for meeting people who enjoy death metal.
KINDRED is on the corner of 30th and Beech Street.
Polite Provisions
4696 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 269-4701
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Polite Provisions serves traditional cocktails with a twist in an elegant and comfortable setting inspired by an old-time apothecary.
The cocktail menu includes classic whiskey, gin, and vodka cocktails, but the bartenders use fresh quality ingredients to mix flavorful drinks.
If you’re looking for fun places to go out in University Heights, I recommend signing up for one of the cocktail classes offered!
It’s a unique experience you can share with friends, and you’ll truly learn from the best.
Polite Provisions is on 30th Street and Adams Avenue
Mister A’s
2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 239-1377
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Mister A’s is a bar and restaurant located at the top of the Manchester Building.
Besides enjoying a gorgeous view of the city, you can discover European-inspired dishes while sipping on classic cocktails.
The cocktail menu includes barrel-aged liquor, bold and fruity creations, and timeless classics.
If you’re wondering where to get a drink in a romantic setting, you can’t go wrong with Mister A’s.
This bar and restaurant is in Bankers Hill, near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street. The San Diego Zoo is nearby.
Raised by Wolves
4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego, CA 92122
Phone: (619) 629-0243
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With its retro decor and wood accents, Raised by Wolves feels like an old-fashioned bar.
It’s the perfect spot for relaxing in an intimate setting and enjoying a classic vodka, whiskey, or gin cocktail.
The bar also has an excellent selection of wine and champagne.
You’ll find Raised by Wolves inside the Westfield UTC shopping mall located north of the University City neighborhood.
The bar is between Chanel and ASRV Sportswear on the first level.
Prohibition Lounge
548 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 501-1919
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The Prohibition Lounge is one of the best cocktail bars in San Diego with its 1920s-inspired decor and hidden entrance.
The bar has an excellent selection of liquor, and the bartenders are experts at making cocktails that were popular during Prohibition.
The lounge is located near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter, not far from the San Diego Convention Center.
You’ll have to look for a door that looks like a law office.
Frankie’s
406 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: (442) 266-2270
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Frankie’s is one of the most fun places to get drinks in Oceanside.
The cocktail selection is small, but the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail result in a memorable experience.
You’ll also find beer on draft and a varied wine list.
The atmosphere is friendly, and the bar occasionally has live music acts.
It’s the perfect way to spend an evening by the ocean, and you can take a stroll down to the nearby Ocean Municipal Fishing Pier afterward.
Tahona Bar
2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 255-2090
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Tahona Bar is one of the best Mexican restaurants and best cocktail bars in San Diego.
It’s a popular spot among Mission Hills residents for authentic Mexican food, and the bar has a selection of over 100 different kinds of mezcal.
If you’re not familiar with this traditional Mexican liquor, the bar offers fun and educational tasting events.
Tahona Bar is between San Diego Avenue and Linwood Street, a block away from the Whaley House Museum.
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