Such a cute spot on the corner of my favorite street in South Park. You walk up and order from the outside, and go in to choose your seating and they bring your food to you. The drink I got was delightful & refreshing, and the dry rub Cajun wings were cooked to perfection! A bit crispy on the outside with good flavor and moist inside. Great for a casual stop & two separate quaint patio areas :) read more

Fernside - CHICKEN WINGS - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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This feels like such a neighborhood bar kind of place. Located kitty corner from target. We got there around 5 and it wasn't too busy. Happy hour goes till 6 and they have pretty good deals! Wine and cocktails for $8 and beer for $6. You order at the front door or at the bar and then it's open seating. The whole place is dog friendly too. I got red wine to drink and it was decent. Lots of open space so it can accommodate small and large groups. It's an indoor / outdoor vibe so it can get a little chilly inside if it's cool out. read more

Fernside - Wine and Moscow mule - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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great atmosphere! the drinks were good and the loaded waffle fries were FIRE. lovely neighborhood spot read more

Fernside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Cute place in the heart of South Park. You order at the window and then they give you a buzzer that rings when your food is ready. They have music playing and it was decently busy when we went. I got the sliders and pickled veggies. The sliders were as expected but wish there was a little more meat on them. Unfortunately wasn't the biggest fan of the pickled veggies, they were very heavy on the vinegar but it was definitely a generous portion. read more

Fernside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

After working in food service my entire life...and growing up with an executive chef as a father- I really try not to be too critical, however, I find it hard to understand how these two schnitzel dishes passed the chef/cooks inspection, the expo peoples, etc. they are burnt beyond recognition. I will say my son's plain cheeseburger was fine. Everything else? Disgusting. My money will be better spent elsewhere. read more

Fernside - Second order of PORK SCHNITZEL. Absolutely disgusting - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Amazing "get in my belly" burgers. I will be honest. I immediately start eating and never take pics. My food is destroyed within seconds kinda good. Fantastic drinks! They are known for the slushees but don't sip too fast as these tasty treats will both sneak up on you and give you a brain freeze. The fries are crisscross cut and absolutely delicious! The burgers fantastic, even the bread (I'm not a bread person but I am here). Huge fan of their wings also, I recommend their Korean bbq wings. Just go. I'll try to take a better picture next time, but I won't be surprised if I post a half eaten burger! Service is chill. You order at door and you get a number. You walk up to the bar when your food is ready. Everyone here is always in a great mood. I bring friends here when they are in my neck of the woods. Love this place, never disappoints. read more

Fernside - DIET FERNSIDE BURGER with CHILI CHEESE FRIES - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Kudos to Fernside for supporting the South Park Cleanup today. The fig and burrata salad was delicious! Can't want to try the pumpkin spice whoopie pie when I get home. read more

Fernside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The place is popping on a Friday after work. Open seating, so keep a sharp eye for an open table. My wife and I came here on a recommendation from a friend but were left a little disappointed. The food had great portions and was served quick and hot. Unfortunately, the chicken was bland (my description) or flat (my wife's description). It's like the chicken wasn't crunchy and it didn't seem seasoned. I don't think I'll be back here. That said, the people next to us really enjoyed their drinks and the open air seating was so relaxing on a warm spring evening. read more

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I've lived in the area for 30 years. I've been to fernside multiple times and all the businesses at this location before then for as many years. Drinks are good, food is good and let's be honest the location is a goldmine. But I stopped by this past Sunday afternoon and I realized what I don't like about this place. Why I will not go back. The girl that took my order must have been the owners kid because she clearly had somewhere else she would rather have been. It's a reoccurring thing here and for some reason I have to leave a minimum of an 18% tip. I know my opinion hardly matters and the three people I was with feel the same, but a positive attitude goes a long way this day and age. Do yourself a favor, make reservations at mothership. read more

Stopped by for some beers after dinner. The place was chill and the Christmas Story decor was dope! Tried this pickle beer, it definitely tastes like pickle juice from the jar with a light beer taste. A must try for anyone who likes pickles. read more

Fernside - Cool decor - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This is my seventeenth thousandth time at Fernside. What a cool bar pad it is! Just ordered a tart "Ocho" margarita and it is hitting IL posto! Cheers, great drinks, beer, snacks and overall service If you're looking for a cool spot while in South Park [ San Diego's most chill and cool neighborhood ] well then, you've found it. Enjoy! read more

Fernside - Ocho Margarita is Ocho bueno! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

One word: Slushees!!! Greatest ever invention. Thank you Fernside. Have been enjoying these since the covid days and I can't imagine the neighborhood without you guys. read more

Food was really average bar food. Got the burger sliders and fried chicken sandwich, and honestly not something I would buy again. I tried the in da clurb slushie and French seventy five - both were really good! The ambiance was laid back and casual. The structure of ordering and paying in the front was a little weird for me, but worked out because there was no line so you just walk up and it was quick. I would consider coming back to have drinks, but not any food. read more

Max says the pulled pork is 10 out of 10! amazingly delicious! The people were amazing! Love all of things read more

Fernside - Maximus says the pulled pork is 10 out of 10 PULLED PORK SANDO - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a neighborhood classic but the food isn't wonderful but it isn't bad either. I've had their breakfast sandwich and their burger. The burger is greasy as hell which was disappointing but their homemade sauces are tasty. They are kinda known for their alcoholic slushees but be fully warned they aren't really strong and I think a bit overrated. Parking is street which isn't too bad. Come here for drinks, to watch a game, and appetizers. read more

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Fernside is such a gem of a neighborhood spot--one of those places that feels welcoming the second you walk up. The staff is always incredibly kind, and they never forget to treat my dog to a little snack at the counter. Big points for that! The menu has plenty of variety, so I like to switch it up with different burgers and entrées each time. But one thing's for sure: I'm always ordering the fried cauliflower--crispy, flavorful, and totally addicting. The space is open and airy, with a great vibe whether you're inside or out. Honestly, there's never a bad seat in the house. It's casual, friendly, and consistently good--can't ask for much more. read more

Fernside - FERNSIDE BURGER FRIED CHICKEN SANDO CRUSTY CAULIFLOWER - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Fun corner cocktail bar/restaurant in South Park across from the Target. You order st the front then find seating. It was a Saturday night and I luckily found a place to sit with my group. I saw that they had Boozy Slushies. For the price, they pack a punch with the amount of alcohol that is present in them! Though the cups are cool, I couldn't even finish mine. It's best to share if you aren't a big alcohol drinker. I also ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad. The sandwich tasted great with their house sauce. I also got to try the criss cut fries which were fried perfectly and had a good crispiness to them. My girlfriend also ordered the burger sliders which she enjoyed as well. It's not the biggest venue so waiting for a table to open up can occur during the night rush. read more

Fernside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I love you Fernside. It's hard to find your places and to really feel at home when you move somewhere new. I have been living in San Diego for a few years now and didn't realize how much I had been missing a place like this. First of all, their cocktail program is incredible! They are churning out. Amazing drinks that are so inventive and also reinventing classics in ingenious ways that are not only delicious but not pretentious at all. For example, I now must make my aperol spritz with coconut lacroix and can never have it another way. Genius Secondly, their food is so good. Bar food that you'll actually enjoy and want to eat over and over. Think greasy flat top sliders on soft Hawaiian rolls, waffle fries with nacho cheese and pickled onions, the hardiest salads you'll ever see on a menu with every single squash you've ever heard of. And finally, so surprisingly, I meet somebody new here every single time I come. It truly is a neighborhood bar. read more

Let me start by stating that me and my partner come here regularly and have since they opened. This place has really leveled up that corner of South Park and overall we have enjoyed the food, ambience, service and drinks over the years. However, lately the food quality has slipped and the level of care seems to have gone down. Since when do they serve soggy fries? But my main issue is the music. It has become unbearable. We can't even sit at the bar or escape the nonstop punk/metal/thrash music that is on repeat and loud. It does not seem like music for a fun, family, friendly environment. It's always the same and there is no variety anymore. Seems more liked by the staff than the patrons. I keep trying to go back, but can't wait to leave to get away from that music. read more

If I'm craving bar food, this is the place. Always came here for their happy hour, mainly the food options. My go-to orders are the sliders, cauliflower buffalo bites (surprisingly delicious!!), and the nacho waffle fries. Their slushees are also delicious as well, although not included in their happy hour, but very refreshing and fun to have for a sweet treat. The staff are friendly and welcoming, they are quick with service. Very hip, trendy vibe going on, and a great place to be to hang out with friends! read more

Was so excited to bring myself and family to this local bar during our trip since it was walking distance from our Airbnb. We thought it'd be maybe a breather from a trip to gaslamp and the crowd, the music sounded amazing and inviting from an ears away but ehh the service was the end of our trip. Very confusing why I'm shucked to a counter to order drinks. I'm not here for a fast food pick up experience just to sit myself and wait for said drinks. Very lazy concept when it comes to hospitality, sorry not sorry . read more

I lived in this neighborhood for years, kind of miss it, kind of don't, but when I come back for places like Fernside I definitely get that feeling of, "damn, I'm kind of missing out." What was in this location when I was living in the hood? Who cares?! It doesn't matter! The food is great here, the vibe is awesome, and I could sit here all day... in fact I did. We ate, we drank and were happy. You'd think that this would drive our price through the roof with the time that we spend within their four walls turned out to be an affordable day with four of us splitting the tab. You have to get a slushie when you come to Fernside, they're damn delicious and hey, it's that time of year as the sun is sitting hard. Grab some wings, and on your way out grab one of those slushies on your way to the dog park! read more

I've been wanting to check out Fernside ever since I heard that they have alcoholic slushees. I ordered the "Such is Chamango" and it did not disappoint! I would totally order it again. The service was speedy, because of the outside window. The place was busy for a Saturday night, but there was still plenty of seating space available. In my opinion, this is the perfect spot to bring your friends on a chill night. read more

Fernside - SUCH IS CHAMANGO SLUSHEE - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Stopped in while walking and by and loved the atmosphere- great music, knowledgeable bartenders, distinctive rum list and well-made cocktails. Everyone at Fernside seemed to be having a great day and no worries - whether this is causation or correlation, we made a note that if we are ever back in the neighborhood- we will definitely stop in! read more

Fernside - Upbeat decor and soundtrack - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm usually torn between feeling neutral or underwhelmed here, but lately, this place has been consistently impressive. The service has been spot-on, and the food has been delicious. The beef sliders on the happy hour menu are a standout just $8 and worth every penny. They don't come with fries, but if you order them as a side, they come out waffle style and perfectly seasoned. We tried both cocktails and mocktails, and both were excellent. The drink menu has a solid variety of options. I was hesitant about the fried cauliflower, but it turned out to be surprisingly tasty. Just a heads-up the portion is way too much for one person, so definitely share. The beef burger is another winner it comes with fries and is probably the best value on the menu. read more

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Summary: Skip the food, drink the beverages. Cheers! Besides the waffle fries, I was pretty disappointed with the food here. I ordered the chicken bbq and fried rice for a whopping $28 but I suppose it was 2 meals for the price of one if you did girl math. My fried rice tasted like it had uncooked rice and the wings were okay. Service was self-service. You order at the front and pick up your food and drinks at the bar. It was pretty ingenious but it meant that you had to get up for everything from getting water, the bill and your own food & beverages. As for the drinks, they are well-known for their boozy slushees but I actually prefer the Hazy IPA over the slushees. However, I'm a sucker for anything 80s/90s nostalgia as well as fun packaging. Food: Most of what I ordered was meh but the waffle fries were really good and I'm curious about their citrus salad, breakfast sandwich and crusty cauliflower. It's great that they have vegetarian/vegan options. Parking: It's in South Park so parking is limited to street parking but it wasn't so bad when we went on Sunday around 6 pm. Recommendations: Waffle Fries & Liquid Candy (a hazy IPA) read more

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Got the not a philly cheesesteak sandwich and wowwww was it delicious! super flavorful and juicy! make sure to add the cheese with read more

Fernside - not a philly cheesesteak sandwich - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Best bar in town in my opinion. Food is stellar, ambiance is great and the staff is awesome. Shout out to Domo!!

If you're looking for a chill spot to kick back with friends or just be by yourself and enjoy decent food then this is a place to consider. I ordered takeout (food was hot and fresh, I also live nearby) and got the diet fernside burger as well as their "firing squad" slushee. To start, the waffle fries were good, they were the first thing I inhaled. Next was the slushee, it hit the spot on a hot day like today but tequila was very prominent so if you're looking for subtleness be aware. The burger itself just tasted like a glorified Big Mac. Wasn't mind blown by it but I also didn't hate it. All in all it's a nice little spot to enjoy some food and drank. read more

Fernside - DIET FERNSIDE BURGER - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The spot is a cute neighborhood place with some pretty cool looking drinks and a decent selection of food. The server was super nice with answering some questions about the food options and helping my friend pick out a drink as well. I ordered the shrimp fried rice and my friend ordered a "fruity but refreshing mocktail". The mocktail was delicious and quite minty with a whole branch or mint right in the middle. Looking forward to visiting again to try something else! read more

Fernside - SHRIMP FRIED RICE - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Now open early on Sundays for football, and with a brunch menu! Staff is always exceptionally friendly, it's a place that's full of locals but welcoming to all. Good variety of drinks, including on tap cocktails and a full bar. Do wish they had more sour/cider/seltzer on tap or in cans to augment the beer selection Breakfast sandwich is big, full of flavor, crispy and gooey and just goodness. read more

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Ordered the fried chicken sandwich to go. Not a fan. The piece of chicken was huge, but the breading was dry and fell off. I do like Fernside, but this was a waste of money. I'll stick to the drinks and burgers. read more

I'm definitely a fan of this place, but can't quite give it the 5-star it can be. Stopped by Thursday night and ordered a few drinks and food with a friend. The pulled pork sandwich was eh, the first time I ever ordered an item I didn't care for. It just wasn't flavorful or tender, slightly over done. The fries were still good, their usual waffle fries. The shrimp fried rice on the other hand... . Loved it. Tons of flavored and definitely filling. Service was good, food came out super quick and the staff was helpful with all of our questions. There's a couple of tables for large groups, and some tables inside and out. Overall they can seat a decent amount, but can get hard to find a table during peak hours when everyone is just hanging out. Would HIGHLY recommend this place. Will be back and update. read more

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Cool atmosphere and decent drink selection but the food was not good. Ordered a cheesesteak and it was burnt and dry. Maybe came on an off night, will return for drinks, maybe not for food. read more

Fernside in South Park evokes a nice casual setting for grabbing a bite and a drink to enjoy a nice an open layout. With plentiful outdoor seating, I highly recommend sitting outside to people watch and enjoy the weather. As my first time at Fernside, what is interesting is that you order outside first at a counter and then pick up your food when called. It worked out great as there was plenty of staff on hand to clear any dishes and to make sure the place was clean. I ordered the Fernside burger which to my surprise contained 2 beef patties along with seasoned waffle fries. Burger overall was great, the bun was fresh and the patties were cooked perfectly. The waffle fries were great as a side and paired well with the burger. Overall, I would recommend paying a visit to Fernside ordering some food, grabbing a drink and sit outside on a nice sunny day. read more

Fernside - FERNSIDE BURGER - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Great local restaurant/bar in South Park. Unfortunately, we were in a hurry and couldn't dine in. We ordered to-go and everything was great and tasty. Maybe because we ordered mostly fried food. The Fried Chicken Sando and Crusty Cauliflower are a must. They have a nice bar and outside seating. The staff was friendly and efficient. We will come by and hang out the next time for sure. read more

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We came here to watch the end of the world series tonight and ordered the broccolini and the Philly cheesesteak with fried cauliflower. My only reason for minus one star is the lack of staff and the cheesesteak dripped a ton of oil every time I bit into it. I tried to blot it out before I ate any more of it. read more

Fernside - Cheesesteak and cauliflower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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3 stars for my first visit. I chose this place because my bf raved about their cauliflower po boy sandwich, but as we approached the counter, we couldn't find it. They rotate their menu items and the po boy so happened to be replaced with the vegetarian sandwich. Darn. However, they also had a vegan burger to choose as a plant based meal so that's what I ordered. The patty itself was good.. held well until half way through. I thought it needed vegan mayo or vegan cheese because it was so dry. Even though there was guacamole and pico de gallo, it wasn't enough. The waffle fries was better than Carl's Jr. But nothing else special about them. My bf ordered the Cuban sandwich and he would've liked more of the pickled onions or pickles because it was overwhelming with the meat. The bread was not pressed or toasted so it didn't add much to the bite. The restaurant is order at the counter, find a seat type of place. Open air seating and some tables had individual fans. read more

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If you're looking for a spot with slushees that'll knock your socks off, gin and tonics that are always on point, and food that's just a little bit different (in the best way), this place is my go-to. It's my default whenever friends visit or when I just want to get out of the house for some good food and drinks. Let's talk slushees--these things aren't just sugary, frozen treats; they're packed with booze and flavor. And the gin and tonics? Seriously, they've got it down to an art. Not to mention, the food options are unique and delicious--something for everyone, and always a little surprise with each dish. The vibe is perfect for a chill hangout--whether you're inside or out on the patio, you'll feel right at home. Plus, they're dog-friendly, so your pup can join the fun, too. And the staff? Always friendly and helpful, with great recommendations if you can't decide what to drink or eat (but really, just order the pickle beer--trust me). All in all, if you're looking for a place to kick back, enjoy great drinks, tasty food, and a super relaxed atmosphere, this is the spot. Definitely a hidden gem in the best possible way. read more

I love Fernside. Before I stopped drinking, their alcohol-infused slushies were a favorite. Great place to meet up with friends. Even though I don't drink anymore, I still often suggest Fernside. I Drinks are all amazing, even if you don't feel like one of their signature slushies. I've been trying their food on recent visits, and I LOVE their burger. The bun, the fern sauce, the melty cheese. Heavenly. Waffle fries are great here too. I've also tried their wedge salad. Hard to mess that one up also great. read more