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The weather in San Diego is unbeatable. To compliment the sunny days and glistening water, you should have something delicious in front of you. With no shortage of spots to dine, this list includes tried and true places to check out. These 9 bars and restaurants in San Diego sure to brighten your trip.
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
If You Want The Waterfront:
1. Bali Hai
Ah, one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego. The menu has a proud Polynesian flair along with salads and sandwiches. The drink menu is several pages of different tropical drinks to choose from.
My waiter recommended his favorite drink, the Pele’s Relief. It was every bit of fruity and refreshing.
Despite wanting everything on the menu, I opted for a caesar salad. With the sun overhead, it seemed like a refreshing choice. My waiter was right again when he suggested adding grilled shrimp skewers. I could have had ten more of these salads.
Make your reservations on Open Table now!
Read over 3,000 reviews for Bali Hai Restaurant on YELP or view their website now!
Want more? Read 5 reasons Bali Hai in San Diego is unforgettable.
2. Sally’s
Sally’s was my favorite restaurant on the embarcadero. The patio was warm but the umbrellas helped shade off. The bar inside was comfortable seating and did not have a wait.
Read over 1,000 reviews of Sally’s Fish House and Bar on YELP!
Make your reservation on their website now!
3. Edgewater Grill
Edgewater Grill is located in Seaport Village along the water. The windows look outside to the blue waters. The patio sits directly along the waterfront as people pass by.
We were in town for a conference. With this in mind, we were very understanding of the lunch rush and the wait times. When we sat in the bar, the bartender was running around like crazy and still took care of us.
Make a reservation on Open Table or view their website now!
If You Are In Gaslamp Quarter:
Gaslamp Quarter is an area in downtown San Diego that is full of lively restaurants and bars.
Click here for a complete list of bars and restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter.
4. Cerveza Jack’s Gaslamp
Gaslamp Quarter has no shortage of bars and restaurants to choose from. Cerveza Jack‘s serves traditional American food with a variety of cocktails to choose from. There is a patio that allows for people watching.
Check out Cerveza Jack‘s on YELP or view their website now!
5. Nobu
This restaurant is known for its high-end cuisine. After all, don’t we always hear about the Kardashians eating at Nobu? Located inside the Hard Rock Hotel, Nobu welcomes tourists and locals alike. The restaurant sits at the entrance of Gaslamp Quarter, right next to the famous archway.
Make your reservation on Open Table now!
See over 1,000 reviews of Nobu on YELP or check out their website now!
If You Want the Nightlife:
6. Altitude Sky Lounge
After leaving Petco Park, we were debating where to go next. Randomly, a friend looked up and we saw a busy rooftop bar. We walked the block or so to the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter. After a quick elevator ride, we walked outside to the San Diego night.
The rooftop has a full bar along with staff walking around to take drink orders. There are fire pits with seating all around. We opted for a view of the baseball stadium.
7. Moonshine Flatts
If you are in town for a weekend or just looking to get out on the town, Moonshine Flats is always an option for a good time. There might be a county performer when you go. There was a county singer on stage when we first arrived. He played a few songs then would take a break. The place would erupt in pop songs (think Party in the USA) and the crowd went wild.
Even if you are not a country fan, you will still find a way to have fun. We went to Moonshine Flats on a Saturday night that turned into Sunday morning. We hung out by the bar and had an easy time getting service.
Check out Moonshine Flats on YELP or view their website now!
8. The Whiskey House
Located just shy of Gaslamp Quarter, The Whiskey House boasts walls lined with different bottles and choices.
Even though their main selling point is whiskey, I opted for a vodka cranberry. There is a small patio out front.
See over 500 reviews of The Whisky House on YELP or view their website now!
Honorable Mention:
9. Tequila Bar and Grille
Located poolside at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is the Tequila Bar and Grille. Tables and umbrellas provide a place to lounge in between meetings or just for a drink. There are built-in fireplaces to lounge with your drinks. Twinkle lights hang overhead. I opted for a piña colada because it was a warm day. The refreshing icy drink paired well with the setting.
Check out Tequila Bar and Grille on YELP!
Want more of this view? Check out 5 reasons to stay at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
Book Your Trip Now
These six spots were my favorite restaurants and bars in San Diego. Please comment below and let me know your favorite spots to eat and drink downtown and along the water.
Cheers!
