The Best Bars for Foodies in San Diego

by The OpenTable Team

Updated January 11, 2024

Known as America's Finest City, San Diego nightlife has everything from near-perfect weather and beaches to diverse neighborhoods and cultural institutions. Most associate the California town for its Gaslamp District, but Downtown San Diego is just the beginning. From local craft breweries to upscale cocktail bars, clubs and lounges, the San Diego bar scene has something for every taste and budget. But where are locals and tourists alike going for the best bar scene that San Diego has to offer? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We've collected data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among Open Table's most seasoned diners, foodies and cocktail enthusiasts. From Little Italy over to North San Diego, the ocean-side bar scene mixes trends and sophistication with a Southern California flair. Whether you feel in the mood for a prime steak paired with a robust red or prefer a hoppy IPA and fresh fish tacos, book a table today at one of San Diego's world-class bars.

The Grass Skirt

4.7

4.7 (712)

$31 to $50

Polynesian

Pacific Beach

About the restaurant

A good tiki bar never goes out of style, and The Grass Skirt is the rule to the exception. Located just a few blocks from the ocean in Pacific Beach, this is the perfect place to enjoy San Diego's world famous laid back beach culture while sampling Asian fusion dishes with a distinctly Polynesian flair. The decor is more modern and tiki accented than kitsch, and the bar has become so popular since its arrival on the scene that reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and evening cocktails. Come for the secret menu of rum infused tributes to classics like Sex on the Beach or the Chi Chi, a vodka based pina colada. Stay for the pork buns, which are made from scratch.

Top review

Alexis

Dined 4 days ago

I love Grass Skirt!! And I especially love the Sippin' Santa version! The decorations and ambiance are amazing, the food and drinks were delicious and cute, the servers were all wonderful. A little expensive, but really loved the whole experience, can't wait to go again!

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Experience

Sippin Santa at The Grass Skirt

Born & Raised

4.7

4.7 (6405)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Located in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, Born & Raised takes the elevated steakhouse and cocktail lounge experience to new heights. With 250 seats spread across two levels and a rooftop bar to boot, Born & Raised marries traditional steakhouse fare and the opulence of Rat Pack era fine dining with a decidedly modern edge. This is Rat Pack worthy dining and cocktailing with 21st century flair. Enjoy classic steakhouse heavy weights like the Tournedos Rossini topped with foie gras, or the 22 ounce dry aged bone in New York strip. In the mood for a little made to order beef tartare or shrimp Louis? Diners in the walnut paneled, art deco themed main dining room can also enjoy tableside cart service in leather booths with green marbled table tops. Diners can also order a classic Manhattan or Martini shaken (or stirred) at the table, naturally.

Top review

Alicia

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing food and service. Attention to detail was outstanding. Extremely busy and made it quite a loud dinner but would highly recommend!

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4.6

4.6 (959)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Tapas and craft cocktails may not be the first things to come to mind when doing Japanese, but that's exactly what diners will find at San Diego's Cloak + Petal. Located in Little Italy, the space is both modern and intimate with an aesthetic that manages to balance industrial and edgy with delicate, zen-like accents in true Japanese fashion (bonus: actual cherry blossom trees). The stated goal of Cloak + Petal is to be a "social dining experience," and diners can enjoy a large selection of sushi and sashimi small plates while sipping on cocktails made with everything from gin infused with ingredients like sansho spice, cardamom, and clove to citrus, coconut, and Italian Torino. The extensive menu includes gluten-free and vegan substitution options.

Top review

Alyssa

Dined 4 days ago

Great server very friendly & helpful ! Food was delicious and overall ambience was 10/10

UNION Kitchen & Tap

4.7

4.7 (1056)

$30 and under

American

Encinitas

About the restaurant

San Diego is known for its craft beer scene, and UNION Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas offers diners a rotating selection of brews for every palette, from pilsners and lagers to IPAs and specialty beers like the Elysian Punkuccino Coffee Pumpkin Ale. The spacious bar and dining area has a rustic yet open and airy beach vibe that offers everything from breakfast and brunch to taco Tuesday specials, happy hour, and late night (kitchen open until midnight). The menu options range from a Pickled Beet Poke to artisan cheeseboards and wild mushroom flatbread. There's also a football menu that caters to the crowds filing in for a big game.

Top review

NeilVIP

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

Great place to watch sports for sure. Cocktails and beer selection is fantastic! We had crab cakes for an appetizer, outstanding. The shrimp and grits is very authentic New Orleans style. Great burger too. We are adding this to our rotation.

Raised by Wolves

4.7

4.7 (2845)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Fans of low key and off the beaten path cocktail experiences will enjoy Raised by Wolves, a "hidden" classic cocktail bar tucked away in the wide open space of the Westfield UTC Mall. Once safely inside, patrons will enjoy a cozy, old world cocktail lounge experience with a tasteful touch of decadence all rolled into one. The restaurant encourages reservations, but also accommodates walk-in customers for that post mall shopping tipple. The vibe and decor may call back to the hey day of dark and swanky cocktail lounges for the suit and pearls clad gentleman and ladies, but the drinks have a decidedly modern and cheeky twist. To wit: the Snoop Noggy Nog, and Vegan Egg Nog made with cashew and almond milk, because this is still Southern California after all.

Top review

PaulVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Unique place. Great Gatsby decor. Good drinks. Ambience

Kairoa Brewing Company

4.5

4.5 (103)

$30 and under

Brewery

University Heights

About the restaurant

Kairoa Brewing Company brings a little taste and flair of New Zealand to San Diego. The bar keeps it simple with a selection of local and Kiwi craft beers, which includes a rotating guest beer menu, like the Juneshine Blood Orange Mint Kombucha or the Noble Aleworks Naughty Sauce Golden Coffee Stout. There's also a wine and food menu which includes shared plate options like petit lobster skewers and blue pilsner mussels. But this being San Diego, a spiced lamb street taco can also be found on the menu.

Top review

TypSD

Dined on Mar 8, 2020

Great food, great service. We sat at the rooftop on a beautiful, sunny day. It was really nice and thoroughly enjoyed our time. We took our 4 year old daughter. It’s very family and dog friendly.

Le Papagayo Encinitas

4.4

4.4 (2257)

$30 and under

American

Encinitas

About the restaurant

Latin and Mediterranean fusion is what's on tap at Le Papagayo in Leucadia in North County. With live music several nights a week and a cozy, rustic vibe with indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant has an extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour menu that includes a wine list, 13 taps, and of course homemade sangria and house margaritas.

Top review

gail

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Wonderful band - really great guitarist. Fun time

Beaumont's

4.6

4.6 (917)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Beaumont's Eatery in La Jolla has a little something for everyone. A 2019's Diner's Choice winner, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour specials, and includes a kid's and dessert menu. Diners can also enjoy wine and cheeky cocktails like the Up All Night or Don't You Judge Me. Chicken lovers should make it a point to stop by for Fried Chicken Tuesdays. Live local bands play at the bar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

Top review

Lee

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent service on food and drinks. Anthony Cullins band performed superbly. Food value a bit overpriced

Tahona Bar

4.5

4.5 (622)

$30 and under

Mexican

Old Town

About the restaurant

Mezcal lovers will feel right at home at Tahona, whose stated mission is to enlighten diners and cocktail enthusiasts about Oaxacan cuisine and culture with a focus on its most famous and iconic spirit. Along with basics like Carne Asada and Market Fish Tacos, the food menu includes fresh takes like a Pulpo (octopus) ceviche, a Mole flight, and Churro S'Mores and Mexican bread pudding for dessert. Mezcal is also available by the flight, or through private tastings available by appointment. Forget Spring Break and make a reservation at Tahona for a taste of the real thing instead.

Top review

RandyVIP

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

The food at Tahona was some of the best I’ve had. Very carefully prepared, creative without being pretentious. Lots of authentic flavors, definitely not your typical Mexican food. They explain about the sourcing of the ingredients, and it was just an awesome experience. (The Pozole was the “hidden gem”, very different from anything I’ve ever had, and it was fantastic.)

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Experience

New Years Eve Special Dinner

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1430)

$30 and under

Californian

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

Diners are encouraged to make a reservation at this hidden hot spot in the center of the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego. With a mixture of old world charm and modern sophistication, Dobson's is the perfect spot for a hearty lunch, dinner, or drinks at the bar. Diners can enjoy a raw bar, classics like the Dobson's Bar Room Burger, Croque Monsieur Sandwich, Steamed Mediterranean Black Mussels, or an entree of the Cheese Ravioli and Pomodoro Sauce Gratine. Daily drink specials on select house wines and craft beers are also available.

Top review

Susan

Dined 2 days ago

I have deep rooted history here since I worked in the Spreckels Bldg where Dobsons Restaurant is located. It was still as delicious as ever! I love the ambiance and my memories are as alive as ever! I’m so happy it’s still here and thank you Paul Dobson! Susan Ross

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

A Must - Filet Mignon Chez Martín

Experience

Filet & Lobster Mondays at Dobson's!

Manhattan of La Jolla

4.8

4.8 (1736)

$31 to $50

Italian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Manhattan of La Jolla serves up fine Italian dining reminiscent of a New York City bistro on the shores of La Jolla. Along with a classic Italian dinner menu complete with homemade pastas and family recipes, diners can enjoy live music and entertainment, as well as imported coffees, dessert, and coffee infused cocktails for a little taste of the old country.

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DinaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Since we moved to Bird Rock this past year this has become our favorite restaurant

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4.9

4.9 (4051)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

French charm and chic meets Southern California chill vibes at this stylish Carlsbad eatery. A hearty drinks menu includes an extensive wine, spirits, and custom cocktails list and after dinner liquers. The menu consists of French classics like oysters from the raw bar, to bouillabasse and steak frites to a carte blanche tasting menu.

Top review

JanickeVIP

Dined 1 day ago

What a beautiful experience! The food was absolutely incredible; the flavors were out of this world. Portions are small and expensive so definitely save for a special occasion. We had the four course menu plus a dozen oysters and the croque madame between two and were still hungry but we’ll still definitely be back due to the quality. The service was wonderful, the open kitchen added to the atmosphere and the decor was lovely. I did get chilly inside due to the door being left open so keep that in mind when deciding what to wear. I can’t wait to try the other restaurants under the same Ownership group!

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Experience

Jeune et Jolie Christmas Eve

Experience

Jeune et Jolie New Year's Eve

King & Queen Cantina - San Diego

4.3

4.3 (1180)

$30 and under

Mexican

Little Italy

About the restaurant

King & Queen Cantina gives Little Italy diner a little Latin flair in the heart of Downtwon San Diego. With a happy hour special seven days a week and classic crowd pleasers like Huevos Rancheros to a Pork Belly Benedict for breakfast and a Pinches Tacos menu and numerous seafood options for dinner, diners are advised to come hungry and leave room for the Deep Fried Ice Cream or Churros cart for dessert. The drinks menu runs the gamut from San Diego's beloved craft beers to signature cocktails like the Mexican Mule or the Una Lady.

Top review

Jessamyn

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

We had an amazing time celebrating my husband’s 50th birthday yesterday. We always recommend this restaurant to all of our friends and family.

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Gravity Heights Sorrento Valley

4.6

4.6 (1193)

$30 and under

American

Sorrento Mesa

About the restaurant

Bites and brews is the name of the game at Gravity Heights. The menu includes a mash up of wood fired pizzas, tacos, burgers, and "munchies" like Crispy Octopus, Duck Liver "Banh Mi" Crostini, and Roasted Bone Marrow for the culinarily adventurous. The beer menu consists of a healthy mix of craft beers, flights, and brewer's specials.

Top review

Davis

Dined 3 days ago

Great service and great food. It was perfect for the end of year celebration

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