Another good Hillcrest dive bar. Had dinner half block away and fiancee wanted a nightcap so we stopped here. Friendly bartender, low key crowd and lots of action at the pool tables. They actually had Tennessee Fire, my shot of choice that can be hard to find in Socal (the ubiquitous Fireball does not compare). Chased it with a Skrewball and was good to go on a Friday night. read more

i've been a patron here a few times, but mostly pop in to use the bathroom and play the pluck-a-duck. the staff has obviously grown tired of non-patrons using the bathroom, and want to start enforcing that it's customers only. that's completely understandable, and easy to communicate. "we only let customers use our restroom." the woman working the bar on 8/26 clearly finds way too much pleasure in being exceedingly rude and condescending, though. i'm not sure if she feels powerless in every other aspect of her life... or never learned emotional regulation skills... or basic human decency, but we walked in and immediately stopped to show her our ID's. After checking them, with the biggest shit eating grin says "what can i get you? cash only." i tried to explain it was the end of our night and we came in for the restroom and some waters. just me and one other person. she was not having it. continuous snarky and shitty remarks. we weren't gunna fight or be rude because we agreed on principle, regardless of her teenage-eqsue display of a "gotcha" moment. we paid for waters, sat for a bit, did the pluck-a-duck, and left without going to the bathroom in fear we would trigger a complete freakout. i hope she finds other ways to fulfill herself other than acting like a complete cunt. embarrassing. read more

Ordered a gin & tonic & got not that, tasted like sprite. Can look me up, I'm 29. Thanks for the compliment. Cornballs

I like this dive bar in Hillcrest. It's a very "local" type place and much more laid back and friendly than the big over crowded clubs in the area. The customers seem a little more mature and easy to strike up a conversation. It's cash only so I think that helps keep things more subdued and enjoyable, providing you have cash only you of course. read more

Worst service ever, not welcoming at all. Bartender was more tipsy than anyone there . If I can give this place 0 stars would.

the bar shut down 15 minutes early. they cut the music 45 mins before closing. i had put $75 into the jukebox and it was still on queue. when i inquired as to why, they said they wanted everyone out but didn't give any explanation. i told the bartender who was nervous to be involved said it wasn't him. i said i know, bc him and i chatted earlier and had rapport. i am upset i lost all of my touchtunes money and hope they repay me read more

The old lady bartender treated me like absolute garbage last night for no reason. Not only was she exceedingly aggressive towards a few of my friends as well, but she began falsely accusing me of selling illicit substances in "her" bar. Her reasoning? The fact I was having a conversation with an old white guy at the bar about woodstock and old rock musicians who made legendary music and had substance abuse problems. It was around 130am anyway and based off her hearing that she began harassing me and told me to leave the bar. After I was nothing but quiet and polite for the entire night. That mean old lady is literally the worst bartender I've ever encountered in my life. Terrible attitude for no reason. I saw another guy leave almost immediately, too, because of how sassy she was. Congratulations on being rude for no reason and accusing people you don't like of committing criminal acts based off conversation between patrons - about rock musicians being addicts, no less. Absolute worst customer service. I even tipped her $3 each drink. What a joke. read more

If I could give this place a zero I would. They lack customer service and choose patrons over other patrons. It's sad, despicable, and upsetting that there a place within Hillcrest yet there rude and unprofessional. I don't recommend it. read more

We came here for a night out before a festival. Being very respectful and as soon as we get to the bar to order our drinks before we sit at a table the bartender starts being rude and saying we obviously don't know bar manners when we haven't even ordered the drinks. Then right before last call and before we leave I ask if the pool tables are still open and she starts yelling "i yelled last call." While there was still people playing pool and people at the bar. And then she starts yelling "GET THE FUCK OUT" simple question and whole time was making rude remarks about us being young which I would understand if we were being rude but we were being polite, brought our empty glasses back to the bar, and she just kept being rude. read more

The Alibi is the old neighborhood bar in Hillcrest. Not as crazy as Mos or Bettys. More old school old school mature drinkers like myself! Great bar and great bartenders! Hang out on a Saturday morning! Best place! read more

For sure. I will never get welcomed back. So what. The bartender Jonny is so grumpy. He is rude as fuck. I enjoyed it before. But when you are rude. That's not ok. Bitch. I pay your salary. Kick rocks barefoot. read more

Great drinks, bartenders and ambiance. A good mix of people. 1st bar I walked into in San Diego 7 years ago and I still love it.

The old lady who works behind bar was rude asf. The customer service was trash and I would definitely never recommend anyone ever come here. I usually tip my bartenders pretty well as I am a bartender myself, but this was one of the few times I tip zero. I asked a simple question asking if this was a bar that specialized in cocktails and she humiliated me in front of everyone. I would put zero stars if I could. read more

Great ambience! This is a great place to come and work or just relax with some throwback music. The prices for drinks are amazing! read more

Not a safe space for POC or trans--def singled us out. Lovely clientele, but the (YT) staff treated us poorly and spoke to us aggressively & violently at the end of the night--just our group, no one else in the bar--and this was after dropping quite a bit of money and tipping big, behaving respectfully, etc. read more

Racist bartender. I'm absolutely blown away. I was waiting for a friend, drink in hand...paid. My friend who's an African-American man, being the only one in the bar at the time, was completely harassed and belittled by the female, older bartender last night. He ordered a water being my DD, she then proceeded to not even ask how he's doing, "maybe you should support the bar and buy something." Appalled, I kindly said, he's with me, is that not what I am here for?? She said well maybe he's coming to abuse the AC, idk. He then pulled up a chair next to me, in which she said, "you know you're standing where people are trying to order you need to move" I then, left my full drink and walked out. I have never seen this level of blatant disrespect. read more

The drinks were awesome and the vibe and music were killer. The art on the walls was beautiful, but I wish they had some food, even nachos

Though I have no pictures to post with this review, I have been here a few times while in town visiting family and friends. Always a fun spot with cool vibes, loved and appreciated for good drink prices and always fun customer service. Highly recommended for a good time. read more

I hate this place. I went here for the first time to meet a group of friends and we needed a booth with all the people we had and it just smelled terrible with Cigarette smoke. I'm allergic to Cigarette smoke. Since my only option was to move to another area and I didn't want to do that because I wanted to hang with my friends. The only other option was leave. My eyes were drying out and it hurt my stomach. Why leave the door wide open or better yet why allow people to smoke so close to the building and that smell comes inside? I couldn't stay out and had to go home plus wash my clothes because come on, that sets a bad examples trying to talk to someone and my clothes smell like cigarette smoke. At least make them smoke out front or come up with a better system. What a bad night because of this place. If you like establishments that smell cigarette smoke because of the freaking Chain smokers then this is your place. read more

Jamie was very rude and came off as racist when I came into the bar. There was no security at the door to check IDs so I walked in to play pool and my friend asked for waters. At that time she hollering across the Bar,.from the bar rto yhe pool room asking for an ID while also complaing and unprofessional. I Gabe her my ID and showed my face and still she remained to talk shit about me to ppl at the Bar. With gay pride coming next week, especially it being Black Gay Pride I don't believe she should be the first face being greeted and certainly not the last. I will not be back due to her lack of customer service. read more

I got kicked out because I disagreed with a woman over a game of pool. The bouncer didn't even ask me what happened. I had to leave because I am a man and she was a woman. read more

definitely go here on Friday Saturday and Sunday not Wednesday not when the girls they're overcharging everyone for no reason. She has an attitude for no reason as well. Give her a small tip cause how rude she was and she go an attitude and threw the tip on the counter. read more

I've been coming to this bar for almost 15 years now, one of 2-3 straight bars in Hillcrest. I love the diveyness of the bar, but it's not that bad type of divey where it smells bad or it's grungy. Well, it kinda used to be that way until they did a complete remodel a few years back. I love what they did with the place, putting all that art in there and the huge picture collage in the back makes it feel like a historical monument. The dark, chill ambience mixed with crazy characters is what makes this bar unique. I don't think I've ever once had a drink there and not met someone interesting. The layout of the bar is pretty long, with maybe 15 stools around it, so it's always easy to get a drink. The bar is CASH ONLY, but for some reason, there's 2 ATMs in the bar which seems a little excessive. Also, the drinks are super cheap! I got a Corona for $3 there. The main reason I come to the Alibi is to play pool. They have 2 pool tables on the side room that are 50 cents a game. It's always fun to shoot pool and listen to tunes on the jukebox that plays everything. Also, they have a punching bag there to take your drunken anger out on something that won't get you sent to jail. Overall, it's a great dive bar with cheap drinks, interesting people, a chill vibe, and tons of fun. It's a great oasis if you ever feel caught in the monotony of the hundred gay bars on that street. 5 stars! read more

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Bring your cash and prepare to drink and have a great time! If you come across a chalkboard outside of University Ave, you are at the right place. The bar is located right in the corner. Don't hesitate to write on the board! Interior: There's a few seats at the bar, a bit hipster, dark and red light all around. There's also seats away from the bar and by the windows. If you like to play pool, there's two pool tables $1 each game, a hunting video game and a beer pong arcade game, which includes real ping pong balls. (quite fun) Few locals and friendly people. Definitely recommend this place if you are trying to save some bucks. Well worth pour and $! read more

Alibi - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I have been going to this bar for a few months and I like it a lot. I am a trans woman and I often do not feel that comfortable in some spaces but i feel pretty comfortable here. I like to play pool a lot and the drinks are not very expensive!!! read more

Classic Hillcrest Dive Bar (EST 1936!). Cash Only. Alibi *IS* local flavor for this neighborhood. The location is distinctive; and anyone that knows San Diego will know what the Alibi is if you use it as a point of reference. Who doesn't know the "Before I Die chalkboard" (that's maintained regularly by Alibi gnomes)? PROPS: Good people and cheap drinks. SLOPS: Seems to be a magnet for some of the not-fun crazies of Hillcrest. read more

Alibi - Gnomes clean the "before I die" chalkboard outside the Alibi. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I think I just found my new favorite spot!! I decided to go out with my roommate and his coworkers for a night out and stumbled upon this place. The bartender was so nice from the moment we got there, to the end of our night. (We were there for a VERY long time). The other patrons were very nice and friendly and we ended up playing pool for a couple of hours with them. I'm not usually much of a social butterfly, but I talked with many people there because they were so awesome!! Ryan (the bartender) was the best. Friendly, talkative, talented, and a bit flirty (all in good fun). I didn't feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any point in time. This place is open late, and they follow safety precautions. I highly recommend checking this place out because the atmosphere was great! Mike, thank you for the drinks and Happy Birthday, Donny! Taylor, I do not need a record deal but thank you for the kind words. Sarah, Lexi, Daniella, Christi and Michelle -- you ladies are QUEENS!! 10/10 will be back for my next night out. read more

2.5... We stopped in to sober up after a few hours of drinking at another local bar. Small place to kick it for an hour or so. Bar area, jukebox, billiard tables, and video games. Dark and grudgy... read more

I've been coming to the Alibi for 30 years. I've seen it's good times and it's better times. In all the years I've been coming here, off and on, I have NEVER had a problem. The drinks are strong and inexpensive. The music's usually pretty good. The bartenders and the patrons are friendly. I've spent New Years Eve here...I've been here during numerous Pride parades, I've met people here that I have been friends with for 25 years. The Alibi has made some changes to keep up with the growing neighborhood. I look forward to spending some more good times here. read more

Alibi - Colorado Bulldog - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Dr. Brian is a shaman of the 21st century. A connoisseur of libations to wet your whistle

Been here 2 times an both time the lady that works on Tuesday night is very rude tonight she was so pressed about use using the restroom she was trying to grab our attention but no in a polite way myself and the other ppl I was with was like you can say excuse me will not come again if she is working been told by others that other night are better read more

Here's to hoping that you open again soon! Divey sort of bar with an eclectic mish-mash of guests. For the one time I was able to visit upon reopening during the Covid crisis they remodeled to suitably entertain their guests at a safe distance. What do we do on Friday nights now? We sit home on our fat butts and eat! Miss you all at the Alibi! Bartenders are quick and friendly and you get that"Norm!" from Cheers the old TV show kind of a feeling when you walk in the door. I don't drink and they are very careful to make sure my drinks are always non alcoholic. I appreciate a good bartender who appreciates a non alcoholic drink made especially for me that is in the works as soon as we walk in... Thank you all! Covid-19...get thee away from SD!! PS (The door guy is a sweetheart as long as you're behaving yourselves!) read more

Alibi - Last Christmas! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

All I have to say about this place is that it's good the drinks are cheap because I don't think anyone would go here otherwise. Oh that and if I ever go to the Alibi again I will wear Depends so I can avoid the bathroom altogether. read more

My friends said this bar is the only "straight" bar in the heart of hillcrest...I think that's an "alibi" hence the name! lol I think someone got stab here a couple years ago... yup, that's a straight bar alright, stabbings. Anyway, the place was dark, had a weird smell, and there were outdoor seating that was all in like red light, lots of smokers. The drinks are strong as hell and freaking cheap! A beer, vodka cran & whiskey & coke all comes down to about $13! What a deal! Bartenders are cool and friendly. read more

I thought the prices would be cheap, but they weren't as cheap. Still a good deal, but not as cheap as expected. Then again, prices from all businesses are going up at the same rate, so that might just be my own perception. At this point in my life, I honestly don't mind a place like this. Here's the proof: After my friends and I left Alibi for the night, we headed to Bluefoot in North Park. When we got there, we already thought we should have stayed at Alibi only after a few minutes of being inside Bluefoot.. However, while we were still at Alibi, it was a very fun time. Sure, I gave this place 3 stars, but there's no take-away from how good this place is or can be. It's somewhat small space where people can hang out, have a seat, enjoy each others' company, people-watch, listen to some music from the jukebox, and just relax and unwind after a long day/week. We even met the gnome. Nice guy. He's the one in the pictures wiping the outdoor chalkboard down each day from the night before. The owner was there too. She's spunky, and I like that. I also like that they have a jukebox in which you never know what you'll hear next. It can go from a rap song followed immediately by Bananarama. (I honestly don't know if they have Bananarama in the selection, but you get the point. Just so many different kinds of songs in that thing!) Since this place is been here for a long time, it hasn't exactly assimilated to the area, and that's fine. It's been around a long time for a reason. And I hope it stays here forever. Whatever you do, don't reach into the jar of free condoms. The thing is, there aren't any in there. Instead, there's a nice surprise. read more

Straight up dive bar. Drinks are cheap as dirt and strong as hell! What more can you ask for in a dive bar? I really like this bar because people from all walks of life frequent this place - the weird, the cool, the odd, etc. I will admit, the bathroom is not the cleanest, but that is to be expected at a dive bar. To sum this place up: Cash only Juke box Pool tables Cheapest drinks in the neighborhood Outside smoking area read more

Hole in the wall? Check Looks a bit seedy? Check Tape holding together some of the upholstery? Check Awesome bartender? Check Stiff drinks that put hair on your chest AND back? CHECK CHECK!! I was first taken there by my friend the S to the Y (gotta know us to know why that is so) and was introduced to the stiffest Sapphire tonic this side of Nunu's. I love coming here for a good drink and a dark place to relax with friends. Also, it is dark enough that if yuo want to spend some time alone with just your drink, you can do so as well. "and in this drink I see my momentary freedom, I know the smell of my own prison..." If you know where that is from, I'll buy ya a couple of drinks!! *****UPDATE***** Christy R. has won, she will receive drinks for identifying the Max Q song, she is the champeen!! read more

My 1st time coming here was way back when I first turned 21...in fact that was my first time in Hillcrest. One of my friends was a regular here and i figured I would head on down and meet him for a drink. Most recently I was there after the Yelp Elite party @ the potato chip place, so we could get a real drink (the potato chip place was beer and wine) throw all the in between time's i've been there, I still would not call myself a regular. This is the type of place to go for a preparty or a post party... if you want to shoot pool in Hillcrest while sipping on cheap, stiff drinks. It is also a place to go to hang out with drunk homeless guys who nod off at the bar. great people watching place. the only "straight" bar I know of in Hillcrest I do like going to the Alibi ...it is quite hilarious! read more

Great little dive with reasonably priced stiff drinks! Cash only!...but don't worry, they do have an ATM machine. This bar is somewhat of a "family tradition" for me, as family members who are long gone used to frequent this place for decades, which should come as no surprise since it is the longest operating bar in Hillcrest, and some claim all of San Diego. All sentimentality aside, it is one of the few places in Hillcrest that doesn't feel like it's trying to prove something, and the crowd is quite diverse and everyone is welcome here. No one bats an eyelash at each other, and I can't tell you the number of times I've had lengthy conversations with old timers who want to tell you everything about everything. The back "patio" is small but gets the job done, and there's a jukebox and pool tables (the pool tables are free all day on Sunday). Bottom line, this is a great non-pretentious neighborhood bar that's great for a Sunday morning Bloody Mary to cure that hangover, a midday beer, a stiff night cap, and everything in between. read more

This is a great place on the weekends, the beers are cheap on draft, and the jukebox is the BOMB! The crowds on the weekends are millennial types and friends from university too, read more