Join Jules at Home (aka San Diego)
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!