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    Park & Rec

    4.0 (493 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Park & Rec Photos

    Business Info

    PARK & REC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - Park & Rec

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    Reviews With Photos

    Joanna O.

    Park & rec is always a great time. Hadn't been in a while and decided to take my cousin and her husband from out of town for some drinks. The dj that night was playing all of the bangers, and the drinks were delicious and strong. Such a fun night. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable, kind and efficient. The lines would sometimes get long but they moved really quickly and we were never waiting too long for a drink. I also like that they have more than one bar, dj and multiple seating areas (indoor and outdoor). It can get crowded but there is plenty of room to hang and I recommend getting there early to grab a booth if you want to sit and chat.

    Addy W.

    This was a cute bar. I loved the decor and the staff were very kind and friendly. I had heard it had a dance floor as well, but couldn't see from the front. It was until my friend told me it was in back area right outside. Very different but pretty cool. The drinks were strong and delicious, and they offer a good happy hour too. Based on the menu, they just serve drinks, but there's plenty of food options nearby. Overall, I will be planning to come back.

    Back Patio Area
    Amanda J.

    Nice and clean bar in University Heights. They have both indoor and outdoor bars, with seating in both areas. The outdoor patio also has heat lamps, which is nice for the cold nights. We hung out in the back patio and had a great time. It wasn't too crowded when we arrived around 8pm on a Friday night, but it got busier as the night went on.

    Outside
    Estefania C.

    Fun and cute bar. Great ambiance with vintage and art on the outside. Amazing service. Our bartender was friendly. He made a virgin Mai Tai for me and it was delicious. The bar and sitting inside is great. The outside tho is a bit more secluded and quiet. Amazing space. Friends and I had fun trying some drinks. I had been here a couple years ago for a friends birthday and looks like they renovated and changed the back a little bit.

    Samantha R.

    This was a trendy spot to grab a drink if you are out in the area. Inside the bar area was a few seats and it was decorated with a prohibition theme which was cute. Service was good, typical for a bar. The drinks were okay. Prices were average for San Diego and a bar. The only downside was the bathrooms were pretty open, like the doors didn't close, so everyone could see inside (there were still stalls) but it's not something I like or feel comfortable with. My friend and I did end up making a game of seeing how many people washed their hands. Needless to say, we left shortly after. I think this spot is great for a younger crowd.

    Kim G.

    This location is such a a smart vibe. It has an interesting nooks to have a great conversation with a friend. The drinks were sophisticated along with the decor. We stopped in for happy hour. The weather was decent so we sat outdoors. The music was great. It wasn't too crowded, but I could tell if the weather was warmer the place would probably be packed. The bartenders were attentive and made excellent drinks. I would definitely come back.

    Khamphone K.

    Fun place to meet with friends for drinks and hang out. Friendly staff all around. Spacious, beautiful decor and theme. They have happy hour, Monday game nights, Dj & live music, movies in the park and trivia night. Such a great idea to bring the community together.

    Andrea H.

    Walked in during a slow moment and watch the place fill up at FOH. Our bar tender was so sweet! Drinks were delicious and the ambiance was perfect for an evening weekend.

    Cocktail menu
    Andrea L.

    Went this evening for a surprise birthday and many times before, as well. Everyone enjoyed their drinks. I especially loved my "start me up" cocktail with cold brew and licor 43! They also had a ton of delicious non-alcoholic options, which I really appreciate! And since they don't serve food they let you bring your own food in, which was awesome! Staff is always friendly and all around good vibes.

    TRENTON!!!!!

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Drinks are good but kinda expensive. Most of the music is good. I like that there's different areas. Bathrooms need more stalls.

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    9 months ago

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    9 days ago

    They have horrible organization for limited music. If you wanna pay 20 bucks for no reason feel free

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    8 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Amazing place to party with friends! Tried Donna's pickle beer for the first time there and it was life changing lol

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

    Great outdoor space, lovely staff, and they usually have a delicious taco stand outside that is great!

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    no ping pong!!!! no tater tots!!!!!!!! no blue drink!!!!!!!! do not get your hopes up. fun playlist tho:)

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    Page 1 of 13

    Ask the Community - Park & Rec

    What genre of music does the DJ play? (Alt-rock?)

    Is this establishment open? It is unclear on the Yelp page details. Might want to update if you are in fact open!

    Yes it's open! I've been a couple times over the last few months.

    Is trivia on Thursday nights? If so what time does it start - thanks!

    They do trivia on tuesdays starting at 7:30pm

    Are you guys currently doing dine in?

    Hi! Thanks for reaching out. We are NOT open at the moment and will remain closed until the local operating restrictions are lifted. Stay safe!

    Are cornhole and ping pong available to play during the pandemic?

    What is New Year's Eve like here? Is there any cover/dress code?

    Rockin' and ragin'!! Casual is cool but bring something fun

    Do they allow dogs in their outside area?

    Yes, dogs are absolutely allowed in the outside area. I'm pretty sure they even put out water bowls!

    Is there an age restriction? My 19 year old sister wants to see a band play here.

    As far as I know you have to be 21. They check ID at the door sometimes. I would call and ask

    Is food served here? Or do they only serve food for special events like Burger Week?

    Thank you for reaching out. We currently serve food from 5pm-10pm, Monday-Friday. We will start weekend service, brunch and dinner, soon. Hope to see you soon!

    View All 12 Questions

    Review Highlights - Park & Rec

    Outdoor spaces are great for hanging out with friends, and there are games to change things up if you're so inclined.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Part Time Lover

    Part Time Lover

    4.3
    (509 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Finally made it to this cute speakeasy in San Diego! We stopped by on a Sunday around 5 PM and had…read moreno trouble walking right in. There were plenty of seats available, and service was quick and smooth. Cocktails were around $15-18 each. I ordered the Perpetual Motion and absolutely loved it, the sweet strawberry flavor paired perfectly with the creamy Calpico. It's the kind of drink I'd order again and again. I also tried the Piña Colada, which was equally delicious. Even though the cocktails are beautifully handcrafted and easy to sip, you can still taste the liquor, which I always appreciate. This is such a great spot for a first date, a girls' night out, or simply catching up with friends. One of my favorite parts was exploring the vinyl room, it adds such a fun retro touch. The entire space has a nostalgic, vintage vibe that makes you feel like you've stepped into another era. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy some creative cocktails, and soak in the atmosphere.

    This is a nice establishment, especially for lounging with a date. Very clean and nice drinks too…read more A little pricey however that's the norm in this area for the more popular out of towner type spots. The servers are friendly. But you have to be patient as they are often quite busy. The record store and records theme is what they present online but to be honest that is only a minute section of the establishment. It definitely doesn't describe the theme of the place neither. The worker in the record section simply ignored me when I tried to purchase a record and after a minute I had to ask for him to please ring me up. No apology from him. No biggie, I still had a decent time drinking here.

    Photos
    Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)
    Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)
    Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead
    Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead
    Bar area

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    Bar area
    Mothership

    Mothership

    4.3
    (946 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Mothership has already risen to the level of San Diego institution a must-visit that nails it every…read moretime. Simply put, this is the best bar experience in town. They serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alongside a growing menu of vegan bites. They do have a seasonal cult favorite: savory donuts. If they're in season, do not leave without trying them. Note that there are no clear signs marking the entrance done intentionally as a nod to the speakeasy vibe. Once inside, the spaceship immersion is taken to another level. And if you're lucky, they'll trigger the spaceship lights-and-sounds sequence, which to me resembles a ship under attack. It's incredibly cool. The ambiance is fantastic, and so is the food and drinks everything here delivers. Do pay attention to the alcohol content of each drink, as some run quite strong. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as they book up early and walk-ins may not be accommodated.

    This was my second visit to Mothership, and while I appreciate the unique vegan speakeasy concept,…read morethis experience didn't quite live up to the excitement of my first visit. The atmosphere is definitely creative and fun, and I like that there are several food options along with a large selection of cocktails and mocktails. On this visit, we tried the rice dish and the pancake, and while both were okay, the flavors seemed just a little off compared to what I was expecting. The cocktails were also much stronger than anticipated. We sat at the bar this time instead of at a table, and the seating felt very cramped. The bar stools were so close to the standing area that it was difficult to even pull out a chair without people brushing past. Because of that, we ended up finishing our food and drinks and leaving pretty quickly instead of lingering and enjoying the experience. Mothership has a really cool concept and a unique vibe, but for me, it's more of a place to try once in a while rather than somewhere I'd be rushing back to visit.

    Photos
    Mindkiller
    Mindkiller
    The bar area
    The bar area
    Away Mission

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    Away Mission
    Seven Grand

    Seven Grand

    3.9
    (845 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    This is my absolute fav spot in North Park! We've been coming here for years! Always love the vibe,…read moreambiance and well crafted cocktails. This stylish whiskey lounge features pool tables, darts, and live entertainment. It's always a good time here! Early birds are highly recommended, long lines of people form outside towards the end of the evening. There's definitely a trick to getting a drink- it's called push your way to the front (it's all part of the experience). For the most part, bartenders are quick, fast and efficient! Making great recommendations for first timers. We made a late night stop with friends after dinner. First round of cocktails- the legendary Old Fashioned! Because why the hell not? It's a classic- Bonded Bourbon, Aromatic Bitters, Sugar, Citrus Zest. Very smooth! Unfortunately, I did not take pics of our drinks (sowey), just enjoyed livin in the moment with great friends and good conversation! No doubt we'll be back soon and I'll post some pics of some their signature cocktails. Till then, cheers my friends!

    Great whisky cocktails. If you're a whisky lover, this is definitely a place you'd want to check…read moreout. It's in the main stretch of North Park, but easily missed because of its muted external decor. The service is alright. I've had times when they're friendly and others when they're more standoffish (but not rude). It doesn't bother me. I'm there to spend time with a great glass of whisky and that's what I get every single time.

    Photos
    One of the best tasting gins I've had
    One of the best tasting gins I've had
    Selection of whiskeys
    Selection of whiskeys
    Old fashioned and neat whiskey

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    Old fashioned and neat whiskey
    Botanica Art & Cocktails

    Botanica Art & Cocktails

    4.4
    (318 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Immediately fell in love with this quaint and chicly decorated speakeasy lounge. The staff was…read moreincredibly personable and helpful. The vibe was relaxed and unassuming. When I made the reservation, it was noted that there is a 1.5 hour limit on the table. Thankfully, Botanica isn't incredibly stringent about this rule as it gave us more time to eat, drink and be merry. My friend and I split the bill and I paid $87.49 with tip included. Here's what we had: Blistered shishito peppers - mild spice but flavorful New York strip yakitori - ordered two of these because they were that good! The steak was tender and the sauce rendered an umami flavor Botanika roll - tasted fine, but it ate one note. You can taste the citrusy parts but not much else. Mochi dessert - you can only get dessert if you order the pre fixe chef menu, but since our waitress didn't know this, she put the order in and gave it to us! We were incredibly grateful because it was the perfect end to a good meal For cocktails we ordered Spirited Away, Dragon of the West, Kyoko Sakura & Heads will Roll. All of the cocktails were beautifully presented and quite tasty.

    This place is calm, creative, and has the right low lighting without feeling too dark to see. The…read moredrinks are pricy, but very unique, and they have a special emphasis on aesthetic. The bartenders are nice and give good recommendations. It is attached to an art gallery and is supposed to have art displays in the bar area, but unfortunately they were all turned off when we were there.

    Photos
    Japanese Gin for the win!
    Japanese Gin for the win!
    Polenta and Wild Mushrooms
    Polenta and Wild Mushrooms
    The Dream

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    The Dream
    Side Bar

    Side Bar

    4.4
    (201 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    Luxury
    Private events

    This place is awesome and one of my go-to spots downtown. It's always crowded, which says a lot…read more There's a front area with the main bar and tables where you can hang out, then a back area with a DJ and tables you can reserve for the night. The music is always great. Shoutout to Jason behind the bar. He's consistently friendly and makes the night even better. Honestly, the whole staff does a great job. If you're going with a group, I'd recommend getting a table since it can get really busy. On weekends they have a cover, and it's cash only. There's an ATM inside. Also, pay attention to the dress code. No baseball hats, and they do enforce it. Overall, it's a solid spot for a night out.

    Overall a nice nightclub and bar to hang out in downtown San Diego. It's right across the street…read morefrom the ACE parking lot called "Park It On Market" so easy parking. Parking is $10 after 6pm until 3am. The ambiance is modern and sexy. The front part of the venue is a bar with several tables and love seats spread throughout. There's also a small outdoor area with a few tables and bar stools if you need some fresh air. Behind the bar is the actual night club area with the DJ booth, several VIP tables, and a smaller bar. There isn't a dedicated dance floor so people are just dancing wherever there's space. You can get on the guest list through their website for free bar/club entry before 10pm. After 10pm, there is a cover fee of $20 per person. It was quiet around 930pm when we arrived but it got pretty busy by 1030pm and crowded by 1130pm. Note: the back night club area opens at 11pm. If you come before then, only the front bar area is open. They apparently serve food as well but we didn't try it this time. I felt service was great from the bartenders to security to the servers. The DJ was playing awesome hip hop music which was perfect for the vibe. They even have a professional photographer who takes your photo. If you like it, it's $20 for your picture in a frame. Two things that can make it even better: - wish there was a bigger dance floor for those without tables to enjoy the music and dance - wish there was more than 2 bathroom stalls in the women's restroom. With hundreds of people inside, the line can get pretty long.

    Photos
    Side Bar
    Wine by the glass in a whimsical lounge setting.
    Wine by the glass in a whimsical lounge setting.
    Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.

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    Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.
    Noble Experiment

    Noble Experiment

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    I'm not an often a cocktail drinker. So when the bartender asked what I'm looking for I was ill…read moreprepared. From his view, it probably sounded like "I'm Ron Burgundy?" (It definitely did). His questions guided my indecision towards a Berkshire Old Fashioned that was fantastic despite my fumbling to get there. With the warm up round over and the old fashioned loosening up my creativity, round two was set to be a knockout. I love coffee (specifically strong espresso drinks), so I asked for a strong, coffee infused, punchy cocktail, but with a different base of alcohol from the old fashioned. What came out was the best cocktail I will probably ever have in my life. The bourbon cocktail with coffee liqueur (and a number of other garnishes I will never remember) hit the bullseye. Flavorful, strong, bold, delicious all at the same time. Unfortunately (?), this was a noble experiment so I'll forever be chasing the white whale of what this drink was. But that's the allure.

    My brother-in-law and I were looking for places to drink....And we just wanted somewhere chill. We…read moreknew that any bar by tacos el gordo would be too wild for us, so we walked a couple blocks and approached Noble Experiment. I would say this was probably our highlight of our trip in San Diego. Garrick, the bartender there, was super accommodating. Not only was he and the other bartender were making damn good drinks, they would legit talk to you. The ambiance of the place is cool too. Felt like I was going inside some continental room like John Wick. Definitely my vibe and definitely coming back. But if you ever get Garrick as your bartender, you're in for a treat!

    Photos
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail
    Bartenders creations.
    Bartenders creations.
    Skull wall

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    Skull wall

    Park & Rec - cocktailbars - Updated June 2026

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