The first thing that came to mind when I walked in to Hoffers two weeks ago was: "Thank you baby Jesus, a bar in La Mesa that has REAL BEER!" And they have a damn fine selection at that. You can't go wrong with the three taps of Stone (ok so I'm a bit biased), but they also have Alesmith Speedway Stout (probably my all-time favorite stout), Leffe Brown, Delerium Tremens, Paulaner, and many more very tasty libations. I came here on a sleepy Sunday afternoon with the intention of having one beer and I ended up staying for about four hours chatting with the manager Mike, a German student with a heavy accent named Martin, a gem dealer/real estate mogul named Charlie, and a friendly local named Jeremy who had all the dirt on local bars. Nothing but good vibes here. The cigar selection is apparently out of this world, but I haven't indulged in it yet. I'm a beer drinker first and foremost, but I plan on buying a few choice cigars in the very near future. Let's face it. La Mesa is known for old people, not bars. This town goes to bed at 4pm just like your grandma, but Hoffers is a bright spot in the nearly non-existent La Mesa bar scene. Unlike most bars in the area, it doesn't reserve its taps exclusively for Anheiser Busch, and it doesn't attract the fizzy yellow beer drinking, wifebeater wearing East County bros with raised trucks and shit for brains. The only downside of Hoffers can be attributed to the puritanical laws of this sleepy retirement community--they can't serve any alcohol past 11pm. Come to think of it, that's probably better for all involved. I will be forced to stumble home and terrorize the retirees with my morally bereft lifestyle at a decent hour, and the retirees can sleep easy knowing that nobody is enjoying themselves past their bedtime. Everyone wins. read more

I love hoffers. I love the place. It's so sad that mike is leaving. It is what makes us come back. We are literally sitting at the bar, being completely ignored by Ryan, Mike's replacement. So sad. I love coming here, the beer selection, the atmosphere. It's a great little gem in La Mesa. Ryan can really care less about customers, all he cares about is his stupid games and gambling on the games, whatever they are. He always is sure to bring up that "he has money on his game" while pouring our beer. Sad. I don't think I will ever be back. So really I would give 6 stars for mike and what he brings to the place but three because Ryan pretty much sucks read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Beavers Milk. Belching beaver chocolate milk stout. Love - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Its true, I do love Hoffer's. Im not sure if its because ALL of my guy friends LOVE this place and Ive been here so many times that it feels like home, or if its because of my own opinion...the jury is still out on that one. I mean why wouldnt they love it? Cigars, Beer and outdoor lawn chair seating with a flat screen in the back? C'mon, its a guys dream come true. That said, they do have an impressive collection of beers on tap (not the best in SD, but I never have a hard time finding something that I want to try) The bartenders are all very friendly and they are quick to remember your name and what kind of beers you prefer, which I love. Its truly a no frills, beer drinkers, cigar smokers haven. I do like the fact that I dont feel the need to dress up to go here. A very casual friendly atmosphere, that doesnt really feel like a bar if thats not your scene. read more

On our way to a happy hour, I looked at Steves GPS and it said East. I said, "Steve, East! Where are you taking me?" He tells me La Mesa and I just raise a brow. We end up in the historic downtown district of La Mesa and walk into Hoffers. I'm completely out of my element at this point but am put at ease by the laid back, chill atmosphere. It took a little longer that expected to get set up (pay for food and get a beer - I wish they had Blue Moon but settled for Shock Top instead) but once we got that out of the way, the shenanigans ensued. They have the East Coast Hot Dog Company serving up perfect Bratwurst and kosher dogs along with potatoes and all the trimmings. The cigar smoking takes place on the back patio which lends itself to mingling and conversation, something Steve and I proved to be very adept at. I also liked that Hoffers hosts cigar events giving it that more upscale feel and also introducing cigar novices (like myself) to cigar culture. Brand new, I smoked an Arganese. read more

Shout-out to Mike Craig and the cool doorman! After a long day of working out we were specifically craving Hefeweizens (unfiltered German wheat beer). This past Saturday night Hoffer's had a Barrel Aged Beer event dedicated to the art of wood and barrel aging. Barrel aging is a way for brewers to add extra complexity and layers of flavor to beer. Unfortunately, Hefs were not available this particular evening -only the barrel aged beer. Not what I wanted but no problem, I love this place. We were on our way out the door when Mike Craig was cool enough to let us sample a few of their specialties of the night. Everything was great but not what our palates were craving that night. We did not stay but I really appreciate the attempt to satisfy us. It was my second visit and I can't wait to go back. read more

Huh? You're calling yourselves a Cigar Bar yet no smoking is allowed inside? Call it what it is...A BAR that sells cigars and allows you to smoke outdoors. Misleading...AND...what a bummer :( read more

Hoffer's is a pretty decent place if you are in La Mesa and want a cigar and beer. Their beer selection is far more impressive than I was expecting, but the opposite could be said about their humidor. They had some pretty good sticks, but not as much variety as I have seen in most other places. If you are just there for one or two, then their selection will suffice. There is no smoking inside, which is pretty nice for the non-smokers, but when I go to a cigar bar I want to be inside. I can sit in my own backyard and smoke from my stash for a fraction of the price. I'd throw in another .5 stars for the bartender. He was super knowledgeable about the beers and cigars, and very friendly. read more

First of all: I have no vested interest in this place... The owner and employees don't know my name, and probably wouldn't recognize me. Now you know this review is honest and unbiased. I've lived in the area for almost three years now. My wife is not in to smoking or drinking, and I have two little boys, so I don't make it out to bars too often. Luckily, I found Hoffer's early on. I love this place! The beer selection is top notch, and it rotates frequently. Every time I visit, not often enough, I'm excited by the prospect of the "new." Their bartenders aren't frat boys looking for a few bucks, or moonlighting strippers... They are fans and students of the art of liquid bread. The one's I've interacted with really know their stuff (and I'm no slouch.) I've been drinking since well before I was legal, and brewing for about ten years (off and on.) The back patio is the definition of "chill." It reminds me of a European café surrounded by aged brick and vines. And in my experience, the customers who partake are happy to share their time and company. I've met a lot of interesting cats, and shared good conversation... The liquid courage may have something to do with that. They have two humidors stacked, literally, to the roof with cigars. I am not a connoisseur, but I know what I do and don't like to smoke. The staff is also well equipped to answer any cigar questions you may have, and they have a simple, color coded, system to help you make your own selection. I've honestly never been to any of the live music events, but I get invites every week in my email. I don't think I'd like it... I'm not really a crowd guy. The only way this place could be made better, is if they served coffee. You know, in case you are the DD. Give it a try. read more

Friendly staff, great beer selection, decent prices on beer. I also like the patio. However I believe hoffers is a craft beer bar that sells cigars. Its not a cigar bar. I can't smoke inside and they do not offer a Cigar Rights of America member discount. It seems they are more interested in beer than cigars. The selection is good but they charge about 3-4 dollars more than other tobacconists. Kind of a bummer. read more

Okay. I am a La Mesinian, La Mesaite, La Moosan? Alright, I am local! This is the best thing to happen to the Village EVA! Great beer selection, (Heavy on the IPA's, but this is California) with nice variety of styles. You can order food from most of restaurants in village and they deliver it to YOU. Awesome. Cigars rooms, if you choose to partake are well stocked with relaxed seating area in the back. It would be a five star stop if the Village would remove the overly expensive parking meters and if the bartenders weren't so snooty (Every body has to feel important I guess). This place is worth the stop overall! read more

Great place. A jewel in downtown La Mesa. Get the sampler. 4 small beers for the price of one regular beer. You choose from the 24 taps OR let the bartender suggest the 4! Nice guys behind the bar. Happy place! read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Mmmmmm Beeeeer! - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

We had so much fun here! The staff was so helpful with selecting the cigars. Really informative and nonjudgmental on our lack of cigar knowledge. There was a live jazz blues fusion band playing and they were amazing! read more

Seriously, this place is not as great as many of the posts here suggest. I've been there several times and have decided not to return for the same reason as several folks here have stated: The bartenders/owners are arrogant and have never even said "thank you" when I've paid and I'm a very good tipper. I guess they think they're superior to all others because they run a tiny beer & wine hole-in-the-wall with average cigars that doesn't even have a kitchen. The Regal or Pete's Place are better. read more

I don't smoke, so many readers can stop here. I have to limit this review to the bar and the beer. Here's the problem: the place has some of the best beer we simple folk stuck in La Mesa can get. Whoever is responsible for the purchasing has a real passion for brew. And it shows. This place introduced me to my new favorite beer (Drake's Denoggonizer if you cared). At 24 at a time, there is a way to get your favorite and try something new when the rotation switches. Just top notch, serious beer selection. Why is that a problem? The cigars. Not the humidors, I actually like the aroma of the raw tobacco. Dare I say it even enhances the beer. It is the smoke. Can't stand smoke. Of any kind. Whether they want to admit it or not, the relegation to the patio does not mitigate the smoke. The "system" they tout that keeps the smoke outside dreadfully fails. The smoke comes in. Lots of it. And that ruins the experience for us non-smokers. And so, I will say it myself so you don't have to: Dork, it's a cigar bar. What did you expect? read more

I am not a regular cigar smoker however my buddy and I came in after a burger and beer at Johnny B's. First off there are two humidors (on your right and left as you walk in) and the selection is amazing. Plus Phil (I think he's the owner but definitely an employee with an encyclopedic knowledge of cigars) started helping us and we ended up getting 2 decent size cigars from the DR on his recommendation. The next step is drinks and Hoffer's hits it out of the park. Approximately 24 handles - mostly local although I ended up with a Pumpkin Ale from Shipyard. The selection of Alesmith and other phenomenal local breweries definitely meant I'll have to be back. After cigar selection and drinks time to go to the outside patio. It's a nice space with approximately 10-12 tables and maybe 20 or so chairs. Plenty of ashtrays and people of all ages just sitting back, enjoying a killer cigar and an amazing beer. I have to say I'm not a regular cigar smoker but between the phenomenal service, the outstanding selection of cigars, the amazing selection of beer, and an outstanding, relaxed, and fun environment to enjoy it all could seriously turn me into a regular. read more

Love this place! A friend and I actually went to downtown La Mesa to study at the coffee shop next door- which was closed due to some plumbing issues. Thankfully, Hoffer's has WiFi! I know it's a little odd to get some work done at a bar, but they aren't crowded when it's not peak hours, and they have a great selection of beer. The bartender is nice too, he remembers us even though we've only been a few times. Best thing about drinking at Hoffer's: inexpensive half-pints! I don't drink a lot of beer, so it's great to be able to have 2 or 3 delicious craft beers in one trip, and not get too full or tipsy. The only downfall is the pungent cigar smell. Most of the time it's not too bad, but if people are smoking out on the porch and we're hanging out for over an hour, it starts to get to me. read more

I have been here several times over the last three years. On the plus side, you can smoke and they have good microbrews for reasonable prices during their happy hour until 7. Bartenders are usually pretty helpful if you have a question about the beers they have. Selection is pretty good too. No food, but that is ok as there are some decent places that will deliver, but remember to ask if they have a minimum for delivery before you get through your order. I have had mostly good experiences here. One experience was not so great but the owner went out of his way to contact me and to clarify things so I will head back by one of these days. read more

CHEAP amazing LOCAL microbrews.. What more can you love about this place? I will be back when I'm in SD! read more

UhhMAZING IPA's! If you want a wide slection of beers....you got them! By FAR my favorite bar in La Mesa. Love this place..perfect location and intimate atmosphere! Always a good time with my boyfriend. Did I mention they have the best selection of IPA's? See you soon Hoffers.... read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Oktoberfest! - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

See all

The very first time I walked into Hoffer's I met three new friends. Phil, the owner, Michael and Rob have done an amazing job creating an atmosphere that is both high class and inviting. The cigar selection is unreal and unmatched in East County. If you love beer or wine this is the place for you, 24 or 25 taps line the wall and about 20 wines are there for sipping as well. Because Phil is completely invested in making his establishment the head of its class he is open to suggestions. This is great because you can request any type of beer and he will try to open up a tap on his line and get it for you. All I can say is give it a try. It is a great place to smoke, chat and enjoy a drink. I will guarantee you will fall in love with everything this bar has to offer (great staff and a heavenly selection of cigars, beers and wines). read more

Hoffer's is a local cigar/craft beer spot in la Mesa village.. this place is my fav spot to grab a few sticks and a beer or two. Staff is super friendly and will go out of there way to educate you on cigars and brews.. super fun spot and a local spot worth visiting. Grab a beer and a cigar and enjoy on their patio .. live music in Summer .. awesome spot . read more

The best damn cigar bar out there. Best beer, great price, friendly af staff, and the vibe of the whole place is basically like hanging out at a friend's backyard. read more

Hoffers is awesome! I'm not really much of a cigar smoker, although I'll take a puff here and there on occasion, but The Boy enjoys them, so we're always on the lookout for a new place to purchase and enjoy them. Hoffers is right in the heart of downtown La Mesa, a small but inviting place with plentiful street parking. There are two humidors featuring a wide selection of cigars in every style, all very reasonably priced. Hoffers uses a color-coded star rating system to help explain what to expect from each cigar, which makes selecting your perfect smoke even easier. Otherwise, the bartenders are more than happy to suggest their personal favorites, and they're always spot-on! You can't smoke inside (duh), but the patio out back is heated, and features a large flat-screen TV for game nights. Hoffers has a number of excellent (mostly local) beers on draft, as well as a fairly good wine selection. The only thing I would recommend is kind of strange, but maybe it's worth mentioning. On several occasions, we've noticed that the music playing out on the patio is, well, just awful. Like The Caption & Tennille awful. And this has been while Monday Night Football has been on, albeit muted. It's sort of hard to get into the action on the screen with smooth jazz on the radio! Still, that's hardly enough to keep us away, we love Hoffers! read more

Wow what can I say about this place. I went there just to relax before school and had a great time. I have been wanting cigar for a couple of months but didn't really know what I wanted. Usually this problem would be solved by my boy but he is out of town right now. So after checking around I decided to hit this place up. At first I drove right by it because you can miss it. When I did finally walk in I was pleasantly surprised. There is an humidor on both side of the entrance. I missed this at first so make sure pay attention to this. They have free Internet which is a plus also. I pulled up a stool at the bar and order a glass of Cab and just took in the environment. Eventually I was having a conversation about San Diego and beer. (Side note: San Diego has some of the best beer makers in the country here. I didn't know that.) After explaining that I wasn't much of a beer drinker the bartender who was part of the conversation poured me a tasting of 4 beers. I must admitted the Palmner and Tennets were great. I will definitely have those again. After about an hour I managed to finally get me a cigar. Now I am new to cigars but once again the bartender came to my rescue. He recommended a couple of cigars and I made my selection. It was perfect. I can't tell how wonderful this place is. Just get down to Hoffers and find out for yourself. I will be going back today. read more

A+++ service!!! I love this place! Located in the city of La Mesa. Why not stop for a beer after all that shopping?! A great location if you live around La Mesa/College area. It's always nice to go to a bar away from downtown San Diego scene. They have tons of local beer and a huge selection of cigars. Happy hour is from open til 7pm everyday. $4-6 pints during happy hour. Remember to check out their website to see the drafts they have on tap. Today I tried the Mana Wheat (Maui Brewing) and the delicious Shipyard Smashed Blueberry. They also have many many many IPAs. If you are reading this, please visit this place if you appreciate a good local beer! read more

This is the place for service, cigar selection, and great spirits. Unique atmosphere that is inviting and comfortable. Phil the owner is knowledgeable and gracious in his manner. The live Jazz on Saturday night is quite the evening. Dana Ansell, CEO of Dakini Engineering General Contracting www.DakiniEngineering.com read more

Went here for a quick beer with a buddy of mine. The place is nice and homey, and definitely better than some other bars I've been in. I don't smoke cigars so I was a bit apprehensive as to the atmosphere thinking it was going to smell like tobacco. It doesn't. The selection of beers is nice and diverse, ranging from lagers to stouts. I had a 'peanut butter cup' and it was delicious. My friend had an IPA and said that it was good as well. The bartenders were friendly and we ended up in a conversation with them when almost all the other patrons had left. Apparently they have days where they have bands come in a play, and certain days of the week with drink specials. I wouldn't hesitate to visit Hoffers again. read more

* That's the sixth star. This place is THAT AWESOME. Hoffer's is our nexus point of all things craft and cigar in San Diego. As craft beer lovers, we find beer selections here that we simply do not find in any other craft beer pub in San Diego aside from going to the breweries themselves. For example, you'll find Society beers here. We have not seen these in any other pub or even in places like BevMo. We have learned more about craft beer by spending in afternoon here than we can anywhere else, more so since the beers are always rotating. Same goes with cigars, the selection here is wide and varied and also always rotating. We make it an aim to try a different style, brand, type in order to educate ourselves. As with beer, when we leave Hoffer''s we always feel like we learned more about our tastes so when we venture out in the world we know what we like -- and what other places are missing! We have been regulars here for perhaps a few years and we will continue to be so. On Saturday nights they host great blues/jazz musicians. read more

Nice little spot just a couple miles from the house, hooray! As mentioned by other reviewers, they have 24 taps of mostly good beer. They have a fairly extensive wine selection which is nice for the ladies we hang out with. The smoking patio out back is well ventilated so we didn't get too smokey. Great spot. We'll be back many times. read more

This place F'ing ROCKS! I've been a La Mesa resident for the last 10 years and walk through Downtown with my wife religiously a few times a week. However, last night, for whatever reason, I happened to glance over during our regular walk at a place next to Cosmo's Coffee that I didn't realize was there but looked strangely familiar - like many of the homey, comfortable places in downtown La Mesa...strange yet inviting. On my urging my wife and I ventured in to look at the handles on display and gather more Intel. Wow! My neighborhood beer life has changed forever! I've been pining for a local establishment to carry an excellent selection of local Breweries and the finer out of town selections (think Hamilton's or Blind Lady but w/o casks) for years. Low and behold, there was Hoffers' right in front of me and drifting coolly under the radar. I'm glad we wandered in after a burger at Johnny B's. Don't miss this place! Phil and Michael have created a hidden gym on the east mesa that is old town. If you like excellent, top shelf beers and cigars, there is no finer place in the EC! read more

Tons of great craft beer. Mellow and comfortable atmosphere. Mature crowd. Friendly service. "We love this place!" read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - They carry beers from Societe Brewing company!! - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

We stop in at Hoffer's almost every time we are in downtown La Mesa. Great place! So many beers to choose from and there always seems like there are new beers to try each visit. The owner and two barkeeps that we regularly see are great guys. We always feel welcome! The happy hour prices are great and you can have food delivered from several of the nearby La Mesa restaurants. The decor is classy and the bathroom is nice and clean. We take all of our friends to Hoffer's when we are in La Mesa and they have all been very glad we went there. read more

Love this place!!!!! Always friendly and prompt. Micheal is my favorite bartender as he knows everything ever about any beer ever as well as humorous. Cigar selection is vast. Price is reasonable. There are reviews about the pricing being comparable to La Jolla- that is a silly joke. I worked in La Jolla- Hoffers is very reasonable. Enjoyable environment and the locals are entertaining and friendly. Thanks Hoffers! read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - The yummy taps! - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

If there ever was a bar worthy of a five star review, this is it. Living in La Mesa, my options are limited when it comes to good beer. This place impressed me with 24 taps and good rotation as well. They carry some great local stuff. The list is strangely similar to the tap selection down at the Aero club. The selection spans the gauntlet, and it's difficult to get bored, unless you come here as often as I do. The environment is very low key which I appreciate more now that I am officially in my mid-thirties. Everyone who works here has a great personality and will chat you up on slow nights. Beers a little on the high side of the scale but if you can make it during happy hour $4 a pint is a hell of a deal for the quality you are getting. Highly recommended. read more

When I first walked in, I thought it was a gambling hall under the guise of a smoke shop. There was a carefully written grid of numbers and names that looked at first glance like horses, race numbers, odds, and other stats... add to it that the place was dark and smelled of cigars. In that minute I also expected someone to come around and ask me if I was lost... you know, like as in "get lost" or "you don't belong here"... But then everything cleared up and I realized I wasn't in 60's London, I was in a SD East County wine and beer joint. And was just a bit caught off guard since what's inside is so much different than what my Midwestern expectations had set for me from a quick once-over of the small storefront. Brandon, Sarah and I took only a few seconds to decide what we were going to have, set up our tabs, and took a seat out on the patio. What a great spot. What a neat patio. What a nice beer and wine list! I want to come here a lot. As in, "hey corey, how's things? ooooh, guess what we just got in!" So far I've been happy to melt in with the masses, but here... I think I want to be known. Is SD feeling more like home? Is that what's happening? read more

My friend used to work for this place and was our spot after our exhausting finals week. If you're a beer lover, you are going to love this place. It's a small spot where you can chillax and enjoy a cold brew with your friends. They always have different beers on tap so there's always something new to try read more

What a jewel in La Mesa. Kinda hidden but reminds me of New Orleans , great beer selection and comfortable classy environment. The bartender treats you like a friend as soon as you walk in whether he knows you or not. Live music is awesome. OH! And they have an awesome selection of cigars in their private humidor. read more

Truly a little gem in downtown La Mesa. When I am out visiting I enjoy coming here and would recommend it to anyone looking to have a good beer and/or cigar. They have an awesome selection of drafts and cigars...enjoyed in an unpretentious atmosphere. Mixed crowd in terms of age which I like and I've found the staff to be incredibly welcoming and nice. What is cool is that they have a variety of menus where you can order delivery of food from several different restaurants in the area. My hubby is not as into enjoying truly unique beers (creature of habit likes Coors...blech!) but the guy behind the bar (Richard from Glamis!) took the time to give him samples of beers that he would like and we found a winner with Marine Layer! This place is damn cool, try it out. read more

Stopped in today while hitting up the La Mesa Oktoberfest (Overrated) when all of a sudden while exploring Humidor 2 a gentleman by the name of Phil introduced himself to us. He proceeded to give us a small tour of the humidor and explain what he does and will not carry, and then out the door to a tour of his establishment. With live jazz and blues ($7 cover), fine wines and craft beers, indoor or outdoor dining, catering from three local eateries, there is zero doubt in my mind that not only will we be back, but we are sure to become Regulars. read more

This place is AMAZING!! The selection of beer is only out done by the incredible selection of cigars. The only downside is their liquid license only allows them to operate until 11pm, even on weekends. I also read that they have live jazz on Saturdays and you can have food delivered there from neighboring restaurants. To recap; food, jazz, cigars and beer; can't ask for more! Can't wait to go back!! read more