Paul Kushner
Step into the lively tapestry of San Diego’s pub scene with our latest article. From historic watering holes exuding old-world charm to modern gastropubs serving up a fusion of flavors and craft brews, we’ll be your guide to the best pubs in San Diego. Join us as we traverse through neighborhoods, exploring the local camaraderie, live music, and delectable bites that define each establishment. Get ready to raise a glass to unforgettable experiences in America’s Finest City.
The Field Irish Pub
544 Fifth Ave Apt. A, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 232-9840
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The Field Irish Pub is a fun place for drinks in the Gaslamp Quarter, conveniently situated just a couple of blocks from the Fifth Avenue trolley station. The building is warm and rustic, with a massive stone fireplace in the middle, making the space feel homey. They have a decent list of brews, including some imports from the Emerald Isle. Guinness is always a safe bet, but I recommend expanding your horizons with a pint of Smithwick’s Ale or a Magner’s Cider.
O’Brien’s
4646 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 715-1745
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O’Brien’s is a Kearney Mesa gem, beloved for its killer wings and an impressive lineup of 28 beers on tap. It’s a craft brew lover’s heaven, with only the finest local suds on tap. If you get the chance to visit, sidle up to the bar for a 1924 Raspberry Blonde from Delahunt Brewing Company and an order of the Buffalo Wings. They make their sauce in-house, and you can taste the extra love every time you lick your fingers.
Shakespeare Pub
3701 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 299-0230
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I can’t recommend Shakespeare Pub highly enough for a taste of the UK in the heart of Midtown. They’re a traditional British Pub, right down to the red telephone box outside the front door. If you still aren’t convinced, Shakespeare Pub won the City Beat People’s Choice award for San Diego’s Best Fish & Chips for 12 years in a row. Pair it with one of their 17 beers on draught, like a smooth, creamy Boddington’s or an Old Speckled Hen.
Henry’s Pub
618 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 238-2389
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Another Gaslamp Quarter favorite of mine is Henry’s, a San Diego pub serving cold drinks and good times since 2000. In the last quarter-century, they’ve made a name for themselves as the go-to spot for live entertainment and superior gastropub fare. They have over two dozen drafts, bottles, and cans that run the gamut from domestic staples to Japanese imports. They also feature a decent selection of local brews, including the must-try Ogopogo Harmonia Mango Wheat Ale.
Blind Lady Ale House
3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 255-2491
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Affectionally referred to as BLAH by the locals, this vintage pub near the Normal Heights sign has a little bit of everything, including the BLAH nano-brewery right in the back of the building. They also host a “Definitely Not Live Jazz” vinyl night on the first Monday of every month. It’s the perfect excuse to order one of their downright delicious thin-crust pizzas and make some new San Diegan pals.
Harbor Town Pub
1125 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 224-1321
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Next time you’re in Shelter Island’s Point Loma area, stop by the Harbor Town Pub for a hearty meal and 16 cold beers on tap. The building is a charmer with a faux-distressed tin roof and red shiplap siding, just a few blocks from the waterfront. For beer, I recommend the Mother Earth Cali Creamin’, a craft nitro brew, or the Alpine Duet West Coast-style IPA paired with a juicy Harbor Town burger.
JT’s Tavern
5821 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: (619) 280-4698
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JT’s Tavern is a hole-in-the-wall local haunt bringing Grantville an authentic, old-school pub experience. What it’s lacking in hip fusion food and fancy cocktails, it makes up for in cold beers and classic jukebox tunes. It’s at the top of my list for the best pubs in San Diego for an unpretentious evening playing a game of pool and enjoying some tasty bar bites without having to change out of your jeans and t-shirt.
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