Traveling to San Diego?

Trust me when I say, there is plenty to do here. The good news is depending on where you stay, you can either Uber the whole time or rent a car.

Now, for those of my locals who need some cocktail spot inspiration, I’m here for you!

Here’s a list of some great spots from breweries, restaurants, cocktail bars, and more. (keep in mind, I will note the restaurants with great cocktails as well under their restaurant categories.)

As of May 2021

Cocktail Bars:

Raised By Wolves – UTC La Jolla

In the middle of the UTC mall you’ll find a speakeasy with a secret entrance. (a fun way to make shopping easier)

George’s at the Cove – La Jolla

Sit on the second floor for happy hour fare & cocktails with views of the ocean.

Wheat & Water – Bird Rock, La Jolla

Wheat & Water is a great place to snag a pizza and a cocktail. They have really stepped up their cocktail game and would recommend their happy hour!

Realm Of The 52 Remedies – Kearny Mesa

Chinese medicine-themed speakeasy bar. Cocktails are 10/10.

Kindred – South Park

Eccentric space for vegan fare & drinks. Yes vegan and their cocktails are out of this world.

Aero Club – Mission Hills San Diego

The most underrated dive bar in San Diego.

Polite Provisions – North Park

A MUST stop if you love craft cocktails. Apothecary themed bar with fantastic craft cocktails.

Sycamore Den – Normal Heights

Retro 70s style space with artisanal cocktails & craft beer.

Moniker General – Point Loma

First off, walk through liberty station – then grab a cocktail here, you wont be disappointed.

Born & Raised – Little Italy

Go upstairs, order a cocktail and soak up the ambience & little italy.

Kettner Exchange – Little Italy

Fantastic cocktails and an even better ambience.

Pali Wine Co. – Little Italy

Head upstairs with your wine and enjoy the rooftop ambience and planes flying overhead.

Carruth Cellars Wine Garden – Little Italy

The cutest wine tasting patio in little italy.

J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats & Negroni Warehouse – Downtown San Diego

Funky spot to snag a cocktail and more importantly, a negroni.

The Nolen – Downtown San Diego

Rooftop bar in the Marriott Downtown with stunning downtown views.

Rustic Root – Downtown San Diego

Rooftop bar in downtown with flamingo punchbowls & good vibes.

False Idol – Downtown San Diego

Tiki speakeasy, cousin of the SF tiki speakeasy Smugglers Cove. This shouldn’t be missed if you love tiki cocktails.

You & Yours distilling company – Downtown San Diego

Distillery & tasting room with gin & vodka cocktails in an aesthetic setting.

Noble Experiment – Downtown San Diego

A cult classic, now this is a speakeasy you need to get cocktails at.

Lumi – Downtown San Diego

Upscale rooftop experience with modern Japanese fare and handcrafted cocktails.

Wonderland – Ocean Beach

Oceanfront views with some fun seasonal cocktails.

Miss B’s Coconut Club – Mission Beach

Fun Tiki vibes and even better tiki drinks.

Grass skirt – Pacific Beach

A speakeasy in Pacific Beach with fantastic tiki cocktails. If you’re looking for a late night good time, this is it.

Flamingo Deck – Pacific Beach

This is a cool new spot in Pacific Beach with a Tiramisu Espresso Martini that will leave you dreaming about it later.

Restaurants:

Jeune et Jolie – Carlsbad

Modern French restaurant with west coast, souther california coastal vibes.

Campfire – Carlsbad

Amazing wood-fired American dishes with fantastic cocktails filled with camping decor.

Herb & Sea – Encinitas

Modern East Coast cuisine with a modern Californian twist and great tasting cocktails.

Death by Tequila – Encinitas & various locations

Modern Baja restaurant and tequila bar with innovative drinks and various locations.

Tahona – Old Town

A modern Mexican menu & mezcal tastings. This is the place to go to for modern Mexican food and delicious mezcal cocktails.

Madison on Park – North Park

Modern Mediterranean fare & cocktails. Beautiful interior and ambience, this is a must stop spot.

Underbelly – various locations

Some will disagree, but underbelly is a great place to get heart warming ramen if you’re craving it.

Starlight – Mission Hills

Truly a hidden gem. Craft cocktails & elevated American eats in a fancy indoor setting or aesthetic patio setting.

Cucina Sorella – Kensington

Light American styled bites and perfectly refreshing cocktails. A cute date spot.

Luce Bar & Kitchen – Bay Park

This is my go-to restaurant. Not kidding, I go at least once or twice a month. Get the Serrano-rita with mezcal, the burger and the steamed mussels. (you’re welcome)

Ambrogio15 – Pacific Beach

Now, this is Italian style pizza done right with a perfect wine list to pair but I prefer their spritz always.

Herb & wood – Little Italy

This is food & cocktail heaven. I tip my hat to the ambience, the flavors and beautiful styled cocktails.

Crack Shack – Little Italy

This is a favorite of mine for fried chicken and trust me it’s amazing. Plus, they have great drinks too!

Morning Glory – Little Italy

Internationally-inspired breakfast menu and unforgettable cocktails all while in a curated pink setting.

Whiskey House – Downtown

Best happy hour in San Diego & Guinness world record for most whiskeys in a bar!

¡SALUD! – Barrio Logan

Known as one of the best places for tacos in San Diego (but also try Las Cuatros Milpas & Tacos El Gordo down the road)

Coffee Shops:

Lofty Coffee – Encinitas & various locations

Inviting sunny patios, easy and healthy breakfast options with homemade pastries and delicious coffee.

BUMP Coffee – Cardiff-by-the-sea

The smallest coffee shop with perfect pour-overs, a shot of CBD, and empanadas.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry – Birdrock, La Jolla

You HAVE to go here at least once, more for their pastries but their coffee is fantastic too. Best bread & pastries in San Diego.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Coffee Institution with various locations

The Grounds Bean Bar – Pacific Beach

Tropical wallpaper, greenery, and nitro brews. This is the place for fancy turmeric lattes & avocado toast, both sweet and savory.

Yerba Mate Bar – Pacific Beach

A hidden gem with an outdoor patio in Pacific Beach, brewed yerba or espresso and empanadas.

Communal Coffee – North Park & South Park

Excellent craft coffee in a welcoming, sustainable environment

James Coffee Co. – Little Italy

A place for a cool, industrial coffee spot with delicious coffee.

Little Lion Cafe – Ocean Beach

Breakfast, brunch and coffee. This cafe is a perfect little brunch spot when headed to sunset cliffs.

Moniker General – Point Loma

Yes, this place has great cocktails but also amazing coffee!

Downtown Breweries:

Ballast Point

Resident Brewing

Modern Times

Rebru

Del Mar – Viewpoint Brewing