Nice bars in San Diego

From one of the most underrated scenes to one of the countries most thriving, thanks to progressive restaurateurs, hospitality collectives and talented visionaries San Diego’s cocktail culture is booming.

Below, you'll find everything from hot-ticket tiki tipples and beachside libations to sophisticated pre and post-dinner cocktails at some of the city’s newest neighborhood go-to restaurants... not to mention enlightened new beverage programs from some of the San Diego's finest local (and transplanted) barkeeps!

1 Trust restaurant

Trust mixologist Juan Sanchez’ list of specialty cocktails includes classics like a Wild Turkey Rye Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour and Tom Collins at this statement restaurant within the Mr. Robinson building. For more modern sips try his numbered Trust Cocktails, which range from the Pisco sour-esque #1 (Beefeater, Aperol, Dolin Blanc, lemon, egg white) to #3 with rum and pineapple.

3752 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 795-6901

2 Pacific Standard

Cocktail pro Dino Balocchi (Chicago's Longman & Eagle, Dirty Laundry in Los Angeles) has built a solid drinks list at Giselle Wellman’s new coastal-inspired eatery. Ranging from pre-dinner aperitifs and brunch sippers to punch bowls, for those seeking tiki there’s a Oaxacan Old Fashioned while the Dock & Tai makes for a fun take on the classic Mai Tai.

2137 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101

619) 819-0090

3 Miss Bs Coconut Club

Signature cocktails at this breezy Mission Beach hangout include vodka and pamplemousse draft, Havana Good Time, which comes in a pineapple mug or shareable flamingo-shaped punch bowl. There's also a version of the classic painkiller, a house-bottled and carbonated Cuba Libre, while the Caribe Welcome (a rum and apricot brandy refresher) comes in a whole young coconut.

3704 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 381-0855

4 Et Voilà! French Bistro

The cocktail menu at North Park’s romantic new French Bistro runs the gamut from classics (White Negroni, Sazerac, Celery Gimlet and Manhattans) to more dainty fare such as the Venetian Spritzer (Sauvignon Blanc, Aperol, seltzer splash and orange slice) plus the Lunaire with grapefruit, Pavan, rosewater and Champagne. Comprising twelve cocktails in total each one is well priced at $11 a piece.

3015 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

(619) 209-7759

5 Herb & Wood

Lead bartender Willem Van Leuven’s sophisticated cocktails come in two categories at this sexy new upscale Little Italy eatery – refreshing and direct. From the aperitif style Gin & Lavender to his Tequila & Grapefruit take on a Paloma, the herb-driven cocktail menu is comprised of twelve reimagined classic tipples with a subtle twist.

2210 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 955-8495

6 CUCINA sorella

Sophisticated Italian inspired sippers grace the menu at this newly opened Kensington showcase from Tracy Borkum’s Urban Kitchen Group. From the Benedictine based Monk’s Drink and housemade sangria to the Paloma Siciliana (Fortaleza Tequila, blood orange, soda, lemon, Peychaud Bitters) all pair perfectly with Chef de Cuisine Daniel Wolinsky’s handmade pasta plates.

4055 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

(619) 281-4014

7 Mess Hall

There are six cocktails on menu at this buzzy new spot in Liberty Station, from the summer special Market Rosé Cocktail – a delicate blend of rosé, Lillet, lemon juice, grenadine and peach bitters topped with club soda – and a classic Malahat White Rum Daiquiri to the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Kentucky Bee. Each one costs $12 and can be enjoyed in the dining area or outside on the pup-friendly patio.

2820 Historic Decatur Rd
San Diego, CA 92106

(619) 255-8360

8 Leña Craft Mexican

Lena’s "eco-gastronomy" philosophy extends to its 8-strong cocktail list, with ingredients that include organic small-batch vodka, liqueur from the Yucatan and housemade tepache, a fermented beverage made from pineapples. Specialty sippers include Tamarindo Mezcal Sour, the Palomita and Flor de Jamaica with Caprock Gin, Jamaica agua fresca, St. Germaine, mint, strawberry and soda.

909 Prospect St #290
La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 263-4190

9 Madison on Park

Design-delight Madison serves up a solid cocktail list, including an original take on the classic Vieux Carre made with Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, Cynar and Ancho Reyes Chili Liquor, plus pre-Prohibition classic Clover Club which comprises Ford's Gin, Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth and Peychaud's Bitters. Brunch-time tipples include The Running Rabbit (Sherry, Campari, Absinthe, Champagne) and Radler made with Frida Kahlo Blanco Tequila, grapefruit, lime, cilantro and Sculpin IPA.