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    American Junkie

    3.8 (772 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Bars
    Closed Closed

    American Junkie Photos

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    AMERICAN JUNKIE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Very loud
    Trendy
    Casual
    DJ

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    Schquita J.

    You need to come for taco Tuesday , John Jay makes the best tacos and has the best conversations

    Menu
    Raj S.

    Was visiting San Diego and went on a Cisco live week ! The whole downtown was crazy and it was crowded . We were walking through the downtown and found this place . One of my friends suggested this . The place was huge and they had lots of tables inside and outside the restaurant! The bar was vibrant and they had some variety of beers on the tap . We had blue moon and it tasted a bit watered down. We then had the hazy IPA and it was really good . Lots of options to choose from . The issue was - SERVICE !! For so many people sitting in bar , there was only one bar tender and it was making the whole process so slow ! Once we get an order , it takes 10-15 mins for the next time someone comes and asks us .. with the higher influx of customers during Cisco live week- they should have hired more helpers . Food was good overall and wasn't that pricey .! Price wise everything was normal and not too expensive . We had guac and chips and pizza and few other stuff . Everything was ok me For whatever I know and could taste like a PRO , I surely will give this restaurant a 4 star

    Tomas M.

    American Junkie is a staple for my friends and I. The $1 beers every Thursday can't be beat, and the atmosphere is always great. We've visited multiple times and even made American Junkie mugs at a ceramics place because of how much we enjoy this spot. The security team is really welcoming, and we always have a great time here.

    Caesar salad
    Jason B.

    3.5 stars... Looking for a new place to try in our new hood and happened upon this joint! Started out with a happy hour beer(or two) and the ordered the corn caesar salad, good and only complaint was the tortilla chips were not crispy. Split the spicy chicken sandwich... as advertised but not too spicy! Ambiance is industrial dive, service was spotty at best, and prices were above food quality, but this is a touristy area, so...

    nachos & house party drink
    Melanie M.

    My friends and I came here before a Padres game. Because of the game, there isn't happy hour. But there's Padres specials. My friends and I shared some chicken nachos, mozzarella sticks, house party drink. I also got a mango jalapeño margarita. Nachos were good but got soggy fast. The mozzarella sticks seemed like they were heated from frozen. Service was slow even though it wasn't that busy.

    Hangover burger with mango cart
    Casey R.

    WOW this place is soooo good ! Hangover Burger is outrageous n delicious !! Definitely a place to come back !!!

    Beer pong
    Julian R.

    Great bar nice atmosphere. If you ever stop by ask for Mario, best bartender with good energy. Thank you.

    Hot chicken sandwich Nashville style
    Gingerlily L.

    Casual sports bar in the Gaslamp with serious sound system and screens all around. Has indoor and outdoor seating. A good size drink and food menu. We enjoyed the hot chicken sandwich which had a sweet spicy sauce on a good brioche bun and the shrimp Cobb salad was very good with lots of shrimp, blue cheese crumble, bacon avocado and egg. They have several couch and coffee table setups so if you want to gather with friends to watch a game with a big group you might feel comfortable like being in a living room together.

    Laeree G.

    Blake is always a dream when we come to the front. great sports bar. there's so many tvs, the place is great and us girls always get treated well when we come in! blake's the man!

    Crispy shrimp (yummmmm)
    Claire J.

    Myself and a few others came here for a playoff game (Padres v Dodgers) so we expected it to be busy! It was, and we ended up feeling bad for our waitress as she was sprinting all over and they seemed understaffed for the expected busy night. Despite slightly slow service, she was lovely & it was a great place to watch the game, screens everywhere and every angle! The food was surprisingly good- I HIGHLY recommend the crispy shrimp, truly sooo yummy, I'd come back for just these. The drinks were ok, I went for the cucumber spritz at first and it was so sweet I couldn't drink it--like, I swear it was mainly straight up syrup. Alas I had to say something (I don't love doing that) and they didn't charge me for it and let me order a different drink. Very nice of them. Got the old fashioned instead, and while still really sweet, it was good. Probably would only order beers next time. Overall, a cool place to go for a sports bar experience!!

    Burger with bacon and fried egg. It's couldn't finish is, and felt my heart speeding up from all the cholesterol.

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    4 months ago

    Best bar in downtown!! 10/10. Great service and staff! Will be back with my friends. Netzah is a wonderful manager.

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    Page 1 of 20

    American Junkie Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - American Junkie

    What is the average age group here? All the photos show what looks like people in their 20's. It looks really fun, but I wonder if I'm too old for this bar?

    Is there a dress code?

    No, it's pretty casual. I've come in here with crocs and overalls. Hope this helps!

    Do we need to make a reservation for Tacos Tuesday? Starting at 5:00pm for $5.00 all you can eat until when?

    You don't need to make a reservation for all you can eat tacos you can just walk in, but get there early because sometimes they sell out and it gets really busy!

    Can kids come to watch football games?

    Yes! It's 21+ unless accompanied by a legal guardian so can't see why kids can't come during the day. People usually bring their kids for Taco Tuesday. Forewarning at 9pm the place dims the lights and has a DJ so after that it's more of a nightclub… 

    Is this place 18+?

    We are 21+ unless you are accompanied by a legal guardian

    Is the taco Tuesday still going on during covid?

    Nah, no specials anymore

    Is this a cool place to come to after a game at Petco Park?

    Absolutely!! You would have a blast!

    For what I understand this is a Yankees bar if it is are you playing the playoffs with the sound?

    American Junkie is not a Yankees bar but for playoffs the sound will be on

    Does this place have like a lounge/large seating area for parties of 20?

    Yes

    Is it true they sell $1.00 pbr? And if so, is it everyday or some kind of happy hour?

    No, they're $6.00. for $1.00 you gotta buy it in Wisconsin.

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - American Junkie

    This place has surprisingly good food, Shir helped me and my friends pick out the best things on the menu.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    False Idol

    False Idol

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    I love it here; this is one of my go to spots to bring people when they are in town for…read morework/visiting etc. Be warned, you can have a very long wait here if you just pop in, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening. Make a reservation if you know this is your destination. They have some spot on Tiki decor and the staff here is really friendly, happy to share their favorite drinks, or make suggestions based on your likes. If fruity drinks are not your jam... what are you doing in a Tiki Bar!! No really, they have great options for on the rocks or straight as well as ordering your favorite cocktail or beer. They have a ton of options, all sorts of alcohol bases depending on what your vice is, they also have non-alcoholic drinks for those so inclined. Hard to pass on a Mai Tai or a Zombie to start your evening off. lately I have been enjoying the Eastern Sour which is their take on a whiskey sour. It's always fun when someone orders a bowl and the room shakes and the lights flash with thunder and lightning adding a bit of excitement for first timers. Just to recap: Don't get mad if you have to wait and did not make a reservation. While they have lots of options, most drinks and all specialties are Tiki Drinks. Tiki drinks can be strong, mind yourself. If a place like this is not your vibe, that is fine, head back into Craft & Commerce, make room for others who are waiting to get in, just have fun!

    My brother found this place several years ago on his visits to SD. It's now become a regular spot…read morewhenever we are in town. Most recently we were there for an event and as always, they were nothing short of exceptional! The drinks are always fantastic but what really elevates this place is the staff. They always have the best attitude, they are so accommodating, and you can tell they want you to enjoy your experience in every way. During our most recent visit, Lamar really went above and beyond to ensure our group was able to all be together for an event. I'm so very grateful for his assistance and wanted to say thank you again for everything! This place is an absolute must each time we visit, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list to try!

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    Tiki themed decor
    Tiki themed decor
    Rum barrel
    Rum barrel
    Back bar rum selection

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    Back bar rum selection
    Mothership

    Mothership

    4.3
    (978 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Ambiance: 5/5 Service: 4/5…read moreFood: 4/5 Drinks: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Parking: 4/5 Came by on a Monday late afternoon with a reservation. It was my third overall visit but my first time bringing my kids (12, 5). We all love it and are big Mothership fans! I highly recommend for all ages, though come early with a reservation if you're bringing minors.

    The single worst experience I've ever had going out…read more If you're friends with the servers, bartenders, or hosts, you'll probably have a great time. If you're not a regular, be careful, because apparently all it takes is one drunk friend of the staff making up a story to get you kicked out. While visiting San Diego with friends, we came here after hearing so many great things. There was a short wait, which was fine. The four of us were seated at a small standing table, also fine. Behind us were two guys drinking at the standing bar. One of them bumped into my friend and then stroked her arm while apologizing. She was visibly uncomfortable, so I told her to switch places with me. The guy immediately said, "We're gay, so you don't have to worry," then turned to his friend and said, "Now he looks so stupid and embarrassing." I told him, "I don't think it's embarrassing to make sure your friends are comfortable," then turned back around. I didn't argue with him, insult him, or continue the conversation. I thought that was the end of it. A few minutes later, the manager came over and told us we had made comments that made other patrons uncomfortable and asked us to leave. We had already paid for our drinks and were still waiting for them. My friend followed the manager to ask what was going on, and I joined shortly after. The person complaining was, of course, the same guy who had bumped into her. He was clearly drunk and started rambling about how we had made homophobic comments toward him and his friend. This was especially ridiculous considering the friend I switched places with was there with her girlfriend. We calmly explained exactly what happened. The manager did not care. There was no real attempt to hear our side, ask questions, or figure out what actually happened. The decision had clearly already been made. While we were speaking to the manager, the guy who complained was cheerfully talking with one of the bartenders, receiving a to-go meal, and greeting them cheek to cheek. He very obviously appeared to know the staff. So that seems to be how things work here: a drunk regular or friend of the staff can make up whatever story he wants, and management will throw out an entire group of paying customers without even pretending to investigate. They refunded the drinks, which was the bare minimum. The ambience was nice, but that means absolutely nothing when the staff handles customers this poorly. Awful management, blatant favoritism, and easily the worst service I have ever experienced. I would never come back, and I would strongly warn anyone who isn't already friends with the staff to stay away.

    Photos
    Mindkiller
    Mindkiller
    Away Mission
    Away Mission
    The bar area

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    The bar area
    Noble Experiment

    Noble Experiment

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

    This is an easy one and Consortium Holdings does it again...a MUST go. You know the rules...one…read moreshort review, let's go: Drinks: no menu. Love it. True bartender skills. Love it. Drinks. Love them! Whole crew did. Well done Ambiance: top tier. As with anything CH. so fun Service: amazing. Knowledgeable. Attentive. And so nice. Go go go to NE

    Photos
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Ceiling and chandelier
    Ceiling and chandelier
    Bartenders creations.

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    Bartenders creations.
    Convoy Music Bar

    Convoy Music Bar

    4.5
    (427 reviews)
    7.8 mi
    $$

    I've been coming to Music Bar since they first opened, and somehow never got around to writing a…read morereview. This one is long overdue--not that they need my review, because by now everyone already knows how amazing this place is. What keeps me coming back is the combination of great music, an energetic vibe, outstanding service, and some of the most creative cocktails you'll find anywhere. Tonight was girls' night out, so we decided to order the prettier, and sweeter cocktails. But don't let the sweet flavors fool you--they are definitely generous with the alcohol. These drinks may taste dangerously easy to sip, but they pack a punch! I don't even remember the names of the cocktails we ordered, but honestly, that doesn't matter because the menu changes so often. And that's one of the things I love most about Music Bar. Every visit brings something new, fresh, and exciting to try. Both of my drinks were absolutely delicious, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. I honestly don't know how the bartenders come up with these combinations, but kudos to the team for constantly pushing their creativity while still making every cocktail incredibly well balanced. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, Music Bar never disappoints. I'll definitely keep coming back to see what new creations they come up with next. Cheers to one of my favorite cocktail spots in San Diego!

    Convoy Music Bar was my first HiFi experience and it did not disappoint! CMB is an intimate…read morelistening bar situated in an alleyway with a dark and moody ambiance. Speakers and vinyls line the walls. Vibes are more elevated here than at your usual bar. I ordered the Nickel Fortune, which came out with a fun tarot card. It was a savory drink with a nice lingering of sesame oil after each sip. Seating is pretty limited inside, so reservations are recommended. CMB's website states that "cocktail attire is celebrated."

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    Corner table view:  large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps
    Corner table view: large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps
    Interior
    Interior
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    Interior
    Prohibition

    Prohibition

    4.0
    (1k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    As I approached the old law office, we found a line wrapped outside ensuring ID was confirmed prior…read moreto entry. Our group was surprised as is was 2115, it's been open for about an hour and a half and packed. As you enter this old law office down a staircase one would find the "speakeasy statutes/rules" to maintain the 1920s atmosphere-- we loved the setting, the people, the drinks, and of course the live music!! One would not be disappointed. The cocktail menu was on an old record, which I thought it was so clever. Back to the rules, seems pretty easy! They mention to keep an open mind with the drinks as they do not carry vodkas, redbull, Budweiser or bulls**t. Mentioned a dresscode, more so be classic and states be respectful and don't be a di*k. I couldn't agree more with the rules. I don't think there is good at this establishment, as our group just came from dinner I wasn't looking for food. Just spirits, live music and a good time. Highly recommend if you are looking for live music and uniquely crafted cocktails.

    I went to Prohibition when I was attending a conference at the Convention Center, so I think my…read moreexperience is a little different. A sponsor had rented out the whole place and all drinks were comped with food being passed around. We had cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which I think were all from the Havana restaurant upstairs. Food was great! Drinks were good, but the menu was so confusing to me. I didn't really like how they categorized them. Sometimes I feel like just being straightforward is better. Too cute with trying to do the prohibition/speakeasy menu. It did take a while to get drinks when it was packed. Understandable. But I had a few that were good, the boats and hoes, and keffir lime tequila drink were great. I would say that the bathroom had a bit of a stink to it...not sure what it was but smelled just like coming up from the pipes. May just be a basement issue. Overall, good experience. It didn't feel super special but just like any other speakeasy. I like False Idol better in terms of overall vibe.

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    Prohibition
    El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila
    El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila
    Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

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    Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)
    Starlite

    Starlite

    4.1
    (2.7k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    I had a reservation for Thursday and it was packed but took less than 5 minutes to get seated. They…read moredo check your ID at the entrance it's 21+ only. Parking is a nightmare good luck finding parking within a mile of the restaurant. Pros: atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: food wasn't great for the price, restaurant was small and crowded, no parking Service: All of our servers were friendly and very accommodating. Gave us some knowledge on the menu and recommended cocktails based on our preference. I had spilled my drink and they were quick to make me another one. Food: I had intended to get the prime ribeye cap steak but they ran out for the night around 8pm. I shared the steak sampler which came with four different cuts of steak and 4 sauces. I ordered medium and it was cooked medium/medium rare which was fine with me, it also had a good sear, almost burnt though. Out of the four steaks, we only liked two based off flavor and tenderness. The other two were more tough and gamey. None of the sauces really stood out but the bordelaise and horseradish were good. For our sides we got fries, roasted broccoli, and the grilled wedge salad. Fries were average. The roasted broccoli had really good flavor, I expected the broccoli to be al dente but it was cooked to mush and drenched in sauce. The grilled wedge salad was decent, there was a slightly bitter taste to it. I know it says grilled wedge but the experience of biting into the salad and it being both hot and cold was not pleasant. Cocktails: I tried the Honey Ryder and New Wave. These were recommended as the more fruity/sweet cocktails. You can definitely taste the alcohol but it's only 2oz so it's not too strong. Ambience: 10/10 I got seated downstairs by the bar. Only thing about downstairs is that it's too dark to take photos unless you use flash. Overall, I agree with the other reviews saying to go just for drinks and appetizers. I would go again just to sit upstairs and get drinks and take pictures. We left unsatisfied and ended up getting in-n-out after.

    Such a cool and unique restaurant! The design was probably the first thing that impressed me. There…read moreare several different areas, and each one has its own atmosphere and details. The cave-like spaces, beautiful bar, lighting, plants, and stone throughout the restaurant make it feel completely different from a typical San Diego restaurant. The food was also really good. Everything we ordered was delicious and nicely presented, and the service was great throughout the evening. Overall, I really enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. Definitely a 5-star experience for me.

    Photos
    Bar area after entering
    Bar area after entering
    Pistachio ice cream sandwich
    Pistachio ice cream sandwich
    Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!
    Polite Provisions

    Polite Provisions

    4.3
    (2k reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    Always a 5 Star experience when gathering for drinks here…read more Over the years, the names have changed for the provider of Polite Provision's delicious orderable food to go along with their polite provisions. Items such as scrupulously prepared meatballs, fried polenta, spaghetti with mushroom sauce, etc., from the prior next-door, connected purveyor "Soda and Swine"...but those days are done ...I digress. And where is Soda and Swine's Yelp page? I know I did a review, but now the page appears gone completely in search? Nah, it's just hidden, presumably to accommodate Fortunate Sons, which opened about a year ago after re-construction of both establishments. I'm too lazy to see if still owned by Consortium Group. I did search my reviews and found my updated Soda & Swine review dated 8 & 10 years ago. O_o !! Now, food is still served, however, there's a new name in town called "Fortunate Son" (next door, connected). Apparently, food now served is Asian-inspired. I've not visited recently to taste. The North Park area is a great neighborhood with many different types of food close by. While you're there, don't forget to stop by "An's Dry Cleaners", where the most inventive gelato's, ice creams and sorbets come from.

    You can order from the bar or your table. Lots of different seating options indoors and outdoors…read more Very extensive drink menu almost too many options. The drinks we ordered were good and service didn't take too long. Right next to Fortunate Son so you can order food from them and enjoy in their bar.

    Photos
    Want. Make. Disco.
    Want. Make. Disco.
    Real oil lamps!
    Real oil lamps!
    Art deco

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    Art deco
    Kiku Room

    Kiku Room

    3.5
    (41 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    One of the coolest new spots in San Diego in my opinion. This is the original location of the…read moreCasbah, it then languished for years as the Kava Lounge, a strange spot for wooks, and finally it became Kiku Room. Kiku Room has a chic minimalist interior, with polish concrete, metal, and glass as the primary backdrop. The DJ booth is large and separates the front sitting area from a lounge in the back that is draped in deep red lighting. The bartenders are cool and welcoming, the DJs who come through are usually really good, and the lounge is quite comfortable as well. Pretty good price on drinks overall, too. You can get a glass of draft Asahi here for $7, for instance, which is pretty good for a place that's in this DTSD-adjacent area.

    I've visited here a couple of times, and my experiences have been completely different depending on…read morewhen I went. The first time was fantastic. The atmosphere immediately reminded me of Berlin with its moody red room aesthetic and unique vibe. There's a DJ right when you walk in next to the bar, and as you make your way toward the back, you'll find additional seating. It's a fun, energetic space that's unlike many other spots in San Diego. However, my visit this past Friday was a completely different story. We had to wait outside for people to leave before we could get in, although thankfully that only took a few minutes. Once inside, it was packed shoulder to shoulder. There are only two bathroom stalls so it took about 20 minutes just to use the restroom. The biggest issue, though, was the temperature. It honestly felt like it was 100 degrees inside. It was unbearably hot, and after a while we had to leave because we were so uncomfortable. During a crowded San Diego summer night, having air conditioning or at least improved ventilation would make a huge difference. That said, I still recommend checking this place out. My advice is to visit on a weekday instead of a weekend, and avoid especially hot or overly crowded nights. When it's not packed, the atmosphere is unique, stylish, and definitely worth experiencing.

    Photos
    Pay to get in bar.
    Pay to get in bar.
    Entrance to the back room
    Entrance to the back room
    Kiku Room

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    American Junkie - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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