San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and thriving food scene.
But what's even better than enjoying a delicious meal or drink? Enjoying it at a discounted price during happy hour!
Whether you're a local or just visiting, finding the best happy hour spots can be a challenge.
Luckily, San Diego is home to a plethora of happy hour options, from trendy rooftop bars to cozy neighborhood pubs.
But what makes a happy hour spot truly great? It's all about the atmosphere, deals, and of course, the drinks and food.
The best happy hour spots offer a welcoming environment where you can unwind after a long day and enjoy some tasty bites and drinks with friends or colleagues.
So, whether you're looking for a place to grab a quick drink and appetizer after work or want to make a night of it, there's a happy hour spot in San Diego that's perfect for you.
From craft cocktails to local craft beers and everything in between, San Diego has it all. Stay tuned for our top picks for the best happy hour spots in San Diego.
1. Urban MO's Bar & Grill
Looking for a fun and lively happy hour spot that's also LGBTQ+ friendly in San Diego, California area, then Urban MO's Bar & Grill is the perfect place for you.
This bar and grill offers a great atmosphere, strong drinks, and delicious food. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that you are well taken care of.
With a happening dance floor and festive theme nights, you're guaranteed to have a good time. Don't miss out on the patio seating, which is perfect for enjoying the San Diego weather.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink or an evening out with friends, Urban MO's Bar & Grill is definitely worth checking out.
2. The Lion's Share
The Lion's Share is a hidden gem for happy hour. The cocktails are amazing and the atmosphere is cool with modern art everywhere.
The game-inspired menu is unique and absolutely delicious.
The service is stellar, making for a great experience when sharing small plates and paired cocktails.
The restaurant is small and intimate, perfect for a hangout place to catch up with friends or a special occasion. Highly recommended for those looking for a different dining experience.
3. Luce Bar & Kitchen
Luce Bar & Kitchen is a trendy and inviting happy hour spot that offers a lively atmosphere and great food and drinks. With attentive service and a modern decor, this local bar and restaurant is a must-visit for those looking for a fun night out.
The menu features a small yet diverse selection of dishes, including lamb tacos, shrimp tacos, chicken piccata sandwich, pizza, and more.
The cocktails are also worth trying, and the prices are reasonable. Although the place can get crowded, the staff is efficient in keeping tabs and ensuring customers enjoy their time.
Don't miss out on the outdoor patio area, which is perfect for enjoying a drink and a meal on a warm day.
4. Queenstown Public House
Queenstown Public House is a charming New Zealand-themed restaurant and beer bar that offers a great happy hour experience.
The $8 beer flight is a must-try, allowing you to pick six beers that come in small tasters served in a metal muffin pan. The sliders are delicious and affordable at $5 each, with the Meso Tasty being a crowd favorite.
The outdoor seating is lovely, and the service is always friendly and efficient. The quirky and whimsical decor adds to the overall experience, making it a great spot for a sunset dinner or brunch.
Don't miss out on the noteworthy cocktails and specialty burgers during happy hour at Queenstown Public House.
5. Werewolf
Werewolf is a hopping hangout that offers American bar fare and creative cocktails.
This happy hour spot is perfect for those who want to unwind after work and enjoy good food and drinks. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
With a great selection of drinks and delicious food options, Werewolf is the ideal spot for a night out with friends or a casual date.
Don't miss out on the chance to experience this exciting happy hour spot.
6. insideOUT
InsideOUT is a trendy spot that offers California and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and drinks. The ambiance is modern and lively, with a pool and atrium adding to the vibe.
The menu is solid and the service is friendly. The venue can get busy, so reservations are recommended.
The decor is beautiful and unique, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The drinks are fantastic and the food portions are generous.
The only downside is limited parking in the area. If you're looking for a cool spot to grab some drinks and food with friends, check out insideOUT.
7. Craft & Commerce
Craft & Commerce is a hip gastropub that offers handcrafted cocktails and farm-fresh fare.
The atmosphere is adorned with taxidermy and old books, which adds to the unique vibe of the place. The menu is inventive and offers exotic options for those looking for adventure.
The happy hour is quite amazing, making it a great spot to unwind after work. The staff is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall experience.
If you're looking for a trendy spot with great drinks and food, Craft & Commerce is definitely worth checking out.
8. The Whiskey House
The Whiskey House is the perfect spot for happy hour in town. With over 3,000 whiskey options, this place has the largest whiskey selection in the world.
The happy hour prices are unbeatable, and the food and drinks are prepared quickly. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making recommendations for the perfect pour.
The outdoor seating area is cute and cozy, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends. The vibe is great, and the bartenders are awesome.
Don't forget to try their charcuterie board and unique cocktail variants. If you're looking for a great evening, The Whiskey House is the place to go.
9. Waterfront Bar & Grill
Waterfront Bar & Grill is a classic San Diego establishment that's been around since 1933. It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and great happy hour deals.
The bar offers a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and whiskeys, as well as tasty pub grub like burgers, fish tacos, and sliders.
While the decor may be showing its age, the vibe is still lively and fun, with live music and a diverse crowd of all ages.
If you're looking for a casual spot to grab a drink and some food, Waterfront Bar & Grill is definitely worth checking out.
10. Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe
Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe is a rustic-chic happy hour spot that serves up eclectic small plates and an impressive selection of global and domestic pours.
The knowledgeable and friendly staff create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends or a date.
The bacon-wrapped dates, garbanzo and avocado, and steak flatbread are all highly recommended.
Although the spot doesn't take reservations, the wait is worth it for the phenomenal food and drink selection.
11. Fernside
Fernside is a trendy and casual happy hour spot that offers great prices and a variety of drinks and food items.
The counter service is quick, and the service is friendly.
The Mini Nacho Fries and Korean BBQ wings are delicious, and the Watermelon Mint Daiquiri is a must-try.
The ambiance is inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and attentive. This is a great place to hang out with friends and family.
12. Home & Away
Looking for a great happy hour spot with a relaxed atmosphere and killer food and drinks selection in San Diego, then Home & Away is the place to be.
With an indoor area and a spacious outdoor patio, this classic American sports bar is perfect for an after-work meet-up or a weekend hangout with friends.
The bar offers a great selection of beers and spirits, and their tacos on Tuesdays are a must-try. The staff is friendly and the service is prompt.
The outdoor area is perfect for watching the game on their big screens while enjoying some loaded tots or chicken wings. Home & Away is definitely worth checking out!
13. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant is a classic happy hour spot with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
The woodwork and ambiance are reminiscent of Paris and Cadiz, and the jazz music adds to the overall experience.
The drinks and food are delicious, with standout dishes like the lobster mussel bisque and mushroom ravioli.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making for a great dining experience. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Dobson's is a great spot to visit.
14. Las Hadas Bar and Grill
Las Hadas Bar and Grill is a cheerful Mexican restaurant that features a seafood-centric menu, handmade margaritas, and happy-hour deals.
The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, making it a breeze for customers with gluten allergies. The food portions are hearty, and the flavors are awesome.
The prices are fair for the gaslamp/downtown area of San Diego. The guacamole is excellent, and the margaritas are very good and very large.
The tacos are huge, and the Baja fish is delicious. The service is exceptional, making Las Hadas Bar and Grill a go-to spot when in San Diego.
15. Knotty Barrel
Knotty Barrel is a gastropub that offers an amazing happy hour experience.
The spot boasts a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, complete with an outdoor patio that is perfect for socializing. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always ready to serve.
The drinks are top-notch, with a vast selection of local beers on tap and creative mixed drinks. The food is equally impressive, with inventive pub grub made from locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a night out with friends, Knotty Barrel is the perfect spot for a fun and memorable happy hour experience.
16. Swan Bar
Swan Bar offers a great happy hour deal from 4-5pm daily. Their draft cocktails are only $5, making it a steal.
The outdoor space is well-decorated and perfect for a date night. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is not too loud.
However, the food is mediocre and not up to par with the quality of the drinks.
If you're looking for a quick drink and a burger after work, Swan Bar is a great spot to check out.
17. Good bar
Good bar is a friendly neighborhood spot with a great ambiance and excellent food and drink menu.
They have a great selection of beer and a weekday happy hour. The service is super friendly and authentic, and the bartenders are knowledgeable and fun.
The food is good, nothing exceptional, but it gets the job done. Good bar is a great place to grab a beer, have a good chat, and feel welcome.
It's a perfect spot to watch a game, and the staff is always friendly and attentive. Highly recommended!
18. Taste & Thirst
Taste & Thirst is a popular happy hour spot known for its great service and amazing deals on drinks.
The atmosphere is lively and the music is always on point. The menu offers American comfort food and nightly specials.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making for an enjoyable experience.
If you're looking for a fun and affordable happy hour spot, Taste & Thirst is definitely worth checking out.
