This place is probably not the safest location to kick back a tall one. I came in here once, due to my friend's incessant need to check it out, and I felt like the patrons were ready to throw a chair at my collarbone for simply existing outside of their social circle. Women walk around with bare feet, floating across the bar in a haze of incoherency. Drunk men grumble unapologetically to themselves. Perverts stare at younger girls, checking them out with the uneasy gaze of the Cheshire Cat. And the pool table looks like it was constructed by a freshman woodshop class. The elements here look primed for a brawl. Because everyone looked unkempt, unsavory, and morally unreliable, I decided to play some music on the jukebox to distract myself from this creature cantina. I flipped a coin into the machine, chose "Ramblin' Man" by The Allman Brothers, and, as soon as the first note wafted into the air, the entire demeanor of the unruly crowd shifted; everyone was now jovial and howling with glee. Everyone became nice to me, like I had passed a southern code of ethics test, and now was accepted into this marred fraternity of back ally bullies. In the end, I realized that if you're a woman, you should definitely pass this place up. If you're a male, under the age of 40, and understand basic social interactions, you, too, should avoid this destination. For further evidence, I quote U-T's staff writer, Tony Manolatos, which details a crime that was committed, several months after I attended the bar, that further cemented my theory about the lounge's inhabitants. "The first of three brutal attacks occurred at a roadside bar called Don's Cocktail Lounge off the Highway 8 business route. A white man with a swastika tattooed on his chest sucker-punched a black man who had stepped outside to have a cigarette. The victim, who suffered severe brain damage, can barely speak now...." The piece goes on, elaborating more about this heinous crime. "[The victim] was standing just outside the bar with another patron when Timothy Caban walked toward him, ripped off his T-shirt and threw a vicious uppercut, Vest said. The man's head snapped back and slammed into the pavement." Wow! Keep the good times rolling, Don's Cocktail Lounge! Fortunately for me and my friend, we realized that this was not our crowd the first time around. Thanks anyway! read more

Bill B. got it right, Don's has had It's share of problems over the years as does any bar. I've never been to a bar that didn't have some element of "Dive Bar", about it. I don't care how classy or how raunchy a joint seems, there is always someone who loves it or hates it, or pukes in it or starts a fight or whatever. As for any reviews prior to 2012, my New York Friend likes to Say, "Forget about it". Don's Is Under new ownership, they have remodeled and installed beer on tap, there is now security at the door, the stage has been remodeled and extended, new Lighting, etc. and there are good classic to modern to dance & country music cover bands on the weekends and sometimes during the week. The patrons are now a variety of people ranging from the youthful to the more experienced and various ethnicities. They also have Karaoke during the week. As a sports bar they have flat screens everywhere, NFL Mondays, two new pool tables & drink specials as well as free food on a regular basis, not to mention plenty of free parking. Call the bar for additional & updated info, the new number is 619-390-9847 or you can find basic info, "always being updated" at, www.donscocktails.com. Come down and check it out again or for the 1st time. I have seen the bands, Stone Wolf, Rhythm Red, Random Order, Lost Coyotes & several others & I have never been disappointed. All in all Don's has changed, no longer a country bar, just a comfy little bar in the country... Let Go Of The Past, Look At The Present... Steve Maxwell read more

Many changes since the change in ownership (late 2011). 6 large flat screen tv's, 2 pool tables, draft beer (this is NEW to Don's they have never had draft) tons of sports items on the walls, lottery and hot spot! Great customers and bartenders. Always a good time! Live bands friday and saturday nights from 9-1am and karaoke on sunday, tuesday and thursday nights! The reviews below are YEARS old and are not 100% true... Just Sayin! read more

New bartenders. Have food drinks and specials come on in...free pool on Sun and Mon.happy hour Mon through Fridays.. Sunday free breakfast 8 till gone ... specials through week. We have been having DANK BURGERS OR SMASH BURGERS on special nights..KAREOKE Thursday Friday Sat. Nights 8 to 1...hope to see you there read more

This is the type of bar you go to when all other hope is lost. Looking to get kidnapped or go missing? Stop here for a drink. Need to share arrest records? This is your place. Feeling like comparing prison tattoos over a cold beer? Welcome to Don's! Hoping to get to your next destination? Skip this spot then. read more

Overall ok place...if you are white. If not maybe, just maybe you should think of going to a more receptive place. you know, very Red state. Make sure you go with enough people to back you up, because a fight is unavoidable and management isn't going to help in the slightest. read more

One of only a few bars in the State where the owner is not allowed to have his name on the liquor license and his partner is a full blown alcoholic who sits next to the service station drinking all day and not paying for a drink. read more

This bar is horrible!!! The owner is a shady perv and a drunk. The bar is dirty. He can't keep good bartenders because he fucks them over. I will never give my money to that guy ever again read more

Brittany is the best and nicest bartender in San Diego , any one who says otherwise just doesn't know her , great bar . Always a good time thanks to the awesome bartender and the great DJ read more

I would rate lower bit it would not let me. I ripped my 20 dollar in front of the bartender and she would not take my money... good bye get fucked!! read more

Best bar in town, Brittany is the best bartender you could ever ask for! I've always had a good time at this bar

Stay out of this place! If I could leave this message without giving the 1 star I would.

love the kareoke on tuesday and thursday