O'Brien's is the original beer bar for SanDiego... This is the place where I first had MANY delicious IPAs as SanDiego was becoming the capital of HOPPIness and their selection is Still incredible. Old-school dive bar, Field with leather chairs and the staff to match... This place is the real deal. In the middle of nowhere shopping center in Kearney Mesa. It's very unassuming... from the outside ... But this place brought all the GOOD beers to SanDiego in the early 2000s. Thank you, O'Brien's!! read more

This was a small pub in the Kearney Mesa area that serves craft beer and classic bar food. The San Diego Brewing Company lager and the Brewmaster Plate paired perfectly together! The service from Tori & Sig was excellent, but I recommend that on busy sports days, bring your patience as they are a bit under-staffed. I was surprised to see so many people with their laptops using the WiFi at the pub. This place seems like it caters to a crowd of regulars who work in the area. The outdoor patio looked like it had more seating outside than there was inside, and there was a large TV outside for viewing of sporting events. Although I wasn't impressed by the specials menu posted outside, the regular menu inside had similar prices and better options. I was also very surprised that they were no women in the pub to speak of, so be aware that this is mainly a guy's hangout, if you're planning a night out. Thanks for the experience, O'Brien's! read more

I wanted to love this place because of the beer list but it just never happened. I had been a few times a few years ago and the food was OK. I went back and had a Blind Pig and a Pliny the Elder and they were great. I got the pork belly fries and the pork belly was badly overcooked. They were hard and dry. I took a couple cubes in when I went to pay. She took the samples to the chefs. She took the item off my bill, which was nice. She and the beers were great. read more

Tried O'Brien's for the first time and omg I loved it! They had the games on (Padres and World Cup) with tons of TV's. They also played the sound, which we loved. The beer selection is THE BEST! Russian River is our favorite and they had so many on their tap list. The service was awesome, they all work so hard. And it was a very chill and relaxed environment. Also, the bathroom art is so great (for those art lovers)! You could tell there were many regulars because they were all chatting with each other. We will be back! read more

O'Brien's Pub - Bathroom art - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is hands down the best beer bar in San Diego. They rotate taps frequently (as soon as one of these amazing, rare craft beers are tapped out, they put a new one in). The food is also great; the burgers, fries, everything is what you'd exactly want to pair with your amazing beers. They have plenty of TVs and since they're mostly a soccer bar, if there's a soccer game, especially a US game, it'll be more than packed (people standing or even overflowing to watch the game/soak up the atmosphere). read more

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The food today at O'Brien's pub was pretty good. When you order a Coke, you get it yourself at the self serve soda area there's cups there to go boxes and everything so now you know. Don't ask the bartender because well you can figure it out The ambience here is Irish pub ambience get a Pepsi and enjoy read more

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O'Brien's is a great neighborhood pub with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. What I like about this place is that it's dog friendly, the dress code is casual, and everyone from the staff to the regulars is genuinely kind and welcoming. They were showing World Cup soccer during my visit, and the huge outdoor TV made it a great place to watch the game and enjoy the San Diego weather. I really enjoyed watching sports outside with everyone it was a good vibe. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed like being part of friendly community without any judgement. It had a warm, honey feel, and I felt comfortable being here right away. One small example of their great service is the ice vending machine wasn't working, and a regular told me to just ask the bartender. Sure enough, she happily helped me out. It's just that kind of place where people here look out for each other and make you feel instantly welcome. The craft beer selection is outstanding, and the food is excellent as well. They have good variety of food selections on the menu. I had a sandwich. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious with good portions enough for me to take some home. Whether you're there to watch a game, meet friends, bring your furry dog, or just relax with good food and a beer, O'Brien's feels like home. I'll definitely be back! read more

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Come on down and try the best triple IPA, which is only here once a year. O'Briens gets more than anyone else in San Diego county. read more

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Great way to enjoy Pliny the Younger release! Amazing staff, great atmosphere, lots of super friendly beer lovers. Cheers!!! read more

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1st time visiting this establishment For wings & a beer Wednesdays are wing night you get a percentage off of your order . Service was pretty good bit of a line kind of confusing at 1st TV"s are all over so games galore I think I saw board games also The house lager is great nice , cold and crisp. I wish the garlic wing had more of the flavor With a bit of salt, pepper to taste but check it Do get the sauce on the side for dipping read more

O'Brien's Pub - Menu - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ok. Lets make this clear: not an Irish Pub; even their own sign outside says "American Pub". Here on St. Patrick's Day and they're playing punk rock and not so many Irish beers. For me, the selection on tap is OK but not outstanding. I realize it won't match the pubs in Bruges last year but if you want a double, trippel, quad, porter you'll have trouble finding it here except in a bottle. Had their Black and Tan and it was OK. Again, I've had better. For me, I'll head back to Mike Hess or Killowatt. read more

We came on a Friday night to watch the Padres game and it was surprisingly not busy. We ordered a patty melt and the morning bird. Both were very good and exactly what you need watching a game and having a drink. The place itself is very cozy. We sat inside but the patio is heated and there are fun lights strung around. Inside the tables weren't sticky or anything and there are enough TV's that anywhere you are sitting you'll be able to see at least one game. We've never heard of this "Pliny the Elder" but we got it over its rave reviews and we think it has surpassed our expectations. We highly recommend that :) read more

It was my first-time going this place Her name was leina She was outstanding customer service friendly and very kind Thank you reina you made my day happy also I enjoy world cup soccer game!! Thank you read more

Love coming to this local spot because we can watch MLS here!!! they've got such a welcoming vibe for anyone looking for a drink, some food and the game-whichever that may be. Their fried pickles ain't too bad either. They're very generous with the portions on their sandwiches, so bring an appetite! Also-great service!! read more

O'Brien's Pub - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

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Always coming in for their buffalo wings!!! Highly recommend getting the wings with the garlic parm tater tots!!! Order at the counter and seat yourself. Food comes pretty fast ! It's a corner little bar that surprises with the best wings! read more

Food is very good . Service was good . Late in the afternoon it gets busy. Ambience loud music and talk. Cute pub though. I liked it. read more

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This is such a great place for great beer, food, and people! Pilny on the regular tap list!!!! read more

USA Today, the newspaper of airport lounge warriors from the 2010's, knows their demographic well...the well traveled consultant looking the right selection of IPA forward pints needing an American burger cooked to the discerning standard of any Marriott, Westin, Sheraton or even Bar One SD. A classic beer pub nestled in a plaza with many authentic options - Asian, Korean and Mexican, this spot does not disappoint. Pliny the Elder is on tap here too. read more

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Cool vibes, but a roach popped up in front of me at the bar... otherwise chill environment for a post work brewski

It was our first time here as it was voted the best bar in San Diego. The beer and food were good but my God the server was super rude. I am a disabled veteran with 25 years of government service and she wanted to throw me out after I told her she was being rude to myself and my friends. She basically treated us like crap. Very unprofessional and wrong. To the owners please correct this mistake. read more

It's rated as *the* best pubs in the country by USA Today. As in like #1. That may be overstating it a bit, but I did have a wonderful experience and it was delightful. But it's a pub in busy little strip mall. The staff is excellent and the beer choices were solid. Good variety of light and dark. All around solid spot and would come back! read more

O'Brien's Pub - Green Border X beer for St Patrick's Day. - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is great for trying new beers and eating great food. It was Russian River- Tion Weekend and we tried a flight of different beers and some fish and chips. The service was great and fast. The best part was the ambiance was chill and felt like a local bar where everyone knows each other. read more

O'Brien's Pub - Russian River- Tion Weekend - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

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I don't know anything about the beers they serve, but the Pork Belly Fries were gawd-awful. Apparently "Big Nate's Sauce" is a mix of red paint and acetone. Over and out. read more

First time here, and it was not clear if we were to order at counter, or had a table server. Seated ourselves, since there was no one around, and went to counter after some time passed to ask if we place order at counter or not. Turns out, someone will come come to us. It took about 3 minutes, which wasn't bad and quite attentive after that. Smoking is allowed on outside patio. Definitely a sports bar. FYI. Food was great. Had the patty melt and it was piping hot for quite some time after receiving. Fries had some kind of weird taste, but hubby couldn't tell. Need to check out at the counter. We would come back for the beer at least. Great selection, something for everyone. read more

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Everytime I come here, it feels like the cheers of San Diego, except with a better beer list and more dogs. Staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, even when super busy. I feel like a kid in the candy store, trying to choose a pint, because their list is so good. I like to switch between one of their several great IPAs, cask, and bottles. The food is always good here. They have daily specials with good flavor combos, often spicy choices. I like the Friday steak special. My mom and I share it. The atmosphere is like a typical pub. I like the covered outdoor patio too. They open early for some futbol games and there's screens indoor and outdoor. read more

Cool spot with a great beer selection, haven't tried the food but I've heard good things.

You guys seriously need to fix your closing hours. My wife and I came by after checking Google Maps -- it says close at 11 p.m. We showed up at 9:30, but your bar staff was rude to my wife and said close at 10. That's disrespectful and completely misleading to customers. read more

O'Brien's Pub - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

Stopped by with a buddy for the first time. I always see this place packed and can see why. They have a great selection of beers, and from the whiteboard/chalk menus, it looks like they change regularly. Like a lot of SD beer drinkers, I appreciate craft IPAs, so I was excited to see some unfamiliar names. The group inside when I went seemed to be a more mature crowd. And from the reactions I saw between some customers and servers, it looks like there are number of regulars who come in, which is a good sign to me. As for food, we got a basket of garlic parm tots and the Mo' Pastrami sandwich. Both were just okay in my opinion, I felt the sandwich was lacking something. Maybe just some spread (like the Dijon they put on it) because it was a little dry. My friend however really enjoyed it, so maybe it was just my half. We also got the buffalo chicken sandwich which I REALLY enjoyed. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the buffalo flavor was present without being too overwhelming. Overall I enjoyed my experience here and will be back for a few beers on these warm(er) summer nights. read more

O'Brien's Pub - Buffalo Chicken Sandwich - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love this place! The staff always remember us and our dog which is always super welcoming. The beer selection is amazing and you have to try the loaded tots for an appetizer! If he is around, the owner Tyson, always takes the time to say hello. You guys deserve all the awards! Cheers! read more

Great food, very laid back place, great beer list as well. I love the daily specials. Signey helped us out and she was great. Will be back

I love this beer bar. With a taplist like this, it's no wonder fans voted it best in the U.S. two years in a row. Hopefully you are fortunate enough to come in when Angela is working. She brings the pep, knowledge, and personal touch that makes this pub feel like you're home. read more

Burger is delicious. Great beer on tap. Friendly for dogs. Sports fans! Watch football, soccer too! read more

O'Brien's Pub - Burgers and Beer - Pubs Near Me - San Diego, California

I came with a friend to O'Brien because they said this place has the best beers in San Diego. It was indeed impressive, with a wide variety of different beers to choose from. As my friend walked me through the history of their favorite place to hang out, from the beginning of this bar to its transition to the current days, I was fascinated by the tales and stories depicted on the walls of decorations. They mentioned that this was only a fraction of its origins. The place was soon filled with its loyal patrons. I also learned how O'Brien has been instrumental in pushing the brewery scene from the beginning and has helped San Diego become a brewery capital! This is what my friend shared about the hands that brought breweries to San Diego. I was amazed by the information! Usually, you would order your food and drinks and pay at the counter. However, the wonderful lady at the counter informed us that we could order our beers and meals at the table. This was a sweet deal, especially as I looked around the room filled with treasures and wonderful decorations of memorabilia. I also learned from them about the row of glass mugs hanging by the bar, reserved for regular patrons. It was pretty cool to see. read more

We were anxious for lunch after my granddaughter's softball game and initially went to the Taco Stand, but their lack of adequate seating caused us to look elsewhere. Then we found O'Brien's Pub next door and decided to give it a try. What a great find! We were greeted by friendly staff. After surveying the menu I ordered the double dip torta (like a French dip sandwich) and it was excellent. I will definitely consider O'Brien's Pub if I'm in the area. read more

Wonderful craft beer selection with a great patio to catch some sundown rays after 6 pm. 30 craft beers on tap with many IPAs making up the list. Ordered the 1/2 pound pastrami sandwich was awesome. Good marbled meat, great bread, heaping lettuce, tomato and sauce. Key observations: Service is great. Parking is a bit of a problem, but manageable. Good Wi-Fi access. Password is Nickelbeer Good background music to enjoy your beer with Dog friendly read more

Fantastic two year celebration of best US beer bar this evening. Packed venue but the servers were on their game. Never had to wait more than a minute or two to place an order. Sadly the wait staff turn a blind eye to smoking on the patio. Absolutely gross in this day and age and ruins the taste of fine beer for patrons within 25 feet of the lit cancer sticks. Please Tom Nickel and company, take note. This is not representative of the best beer bar in America. read more

Their corned beef on St.Patrick's Day was BOMB! It is as my first time here and I will be back. read more

Great experience! Our waitress--Angela--blonde w/ baseball cap gave us super service including which way the wind blew, beer and cider info...we had a small group for a birthday party and the food, drinks and service were excellent...Number One? No surprise! read more

We have loved, loved, loved O'Brien's for over 10 years. Unfortunately, the prices have risen too much-$17 for a burger, fries are an extra $8- and parking is even more impossible since it's all paid parking or bike lanes, so we haven't been in many months. I would go back tonight, even pay for parking, if a burger and fries didn't cost $25. read more

This pub makes the best sandwich and burger. The morning bird chicken burger is to die for. Still dreaming about it. It came out look better the 99% of the burgers out there. I don't know ow who the chef is, but they are good. Don't sleep on their beer batter fries they are excellent. read more