This spot is a little gem in one of the best communities in San Diego. Mike Garcia is a local kid turned businessman while making sure the entire time to run a way above average joint. Prices are average, it's never cheap to drink at a bar. But, the memories and friends that some how I would trace it back to Mike Garcia and Saddle Bar. The place has a dance floor and the beats are always pumping. Love to see a bunch a white girls dancing and singing to Dre and Snoop as they freak it and switch it back to G&R. The ladies are 98% little cuties, but if you are just walking in take it slow. It's a small community and more than likely she's taken or in the process of deciding . Mike Garcia - Thank You and thank for hosting our Reunion Party in two years. Perfect Spot. THP2103 read more

I love this bar (cue Toby Keith). Mike and his merry band of brothers offer a cleaned up version of the Surf and Saddle. To call it a dive bar would do a discredit to their service, selection, and remodeling. To call it anything but a dive bar would do a discredit to all of the positive aspects one might find in a friendly, neighborhood joint. The jukebox is great. I've listened to everything from Johnny Cash to traditional Irish tunes on St Patrick's Day. Mike will put on just about any ball game I want, if he can get it. Fun, fun, fun place. read more

Saddle Bar - Thanksgiving Eve beer with the good Doctor - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

A friend of mine and I came in early on a Saturday for some evening drinks and to catch up. It was pretty empty (we arrived around 5pm) and smelled faintly of bathroom cleaner (you know the smell some bars get...). But the drinks were strong and the bartenders friendly and attentive (although they struggled with our orders each time -- just a matter of not listening closely, I think). Above all we were able to perch at one of the high top booths at the front window, which was a perfect vantage point once the bar started to fill. We ended the night watching a drumline and meeting Captain Morgan himself. You're alright, Saddle Bar. read more

Been here 3 times, all three times the bartenders were very rude and unprofessional. Last night bartender ignores me and proceeded check his phone. Then he eventually comes to take my order. It was $5.50 for the bottle of colors light, I handed the bartender $11.00 and left a dollar on the bar. I pointed to the dollar and then the bartender took my change ($5.50) and put it in his tip jar. I'm a good tipper, but stealing from your customers is bad business. I will not be returning to this establishment again. read more

Karaoke night at Saddlebar is like a verity show. Bands will finish their set at the belly up then head over to Saddlebar for a drink. Famous athletes, musicians and other karaoke hosts often are in attendance. Highly recommend to any karaoke lover. read more

hilarious i say... 2nd visit here.. first time was a month or so ago...started on cedros and hit up a couple o bars... crossed the street to hit some more...this was #4 on our stop... I was with some dear friends and the 2 focal points of our walk was drinks and conversation...the conversation wasn't a possibility here because of the loud music (radio..no dj & not very crowded) so we headed over to tidewater... this more recent visit was stop #3 on our uber/bar tour. post races....the place was PACKED! there was a DJ ...not the best...but there was a DJ...it was loud...i already drank at 2 prior locations...but still had a beverage here....we danced a bit...the place is a bit douche baggery (worse than Jimmy O's and without a GOOD DJ)...but oh well...i was here to hang with my friends...not other people (while the people watching was quite amazing!)... i would come back =) read more

Be careful of what you order! I'm was so happy they finally returned the surf and saddle. Not another dirty kraken, not another tide water, not another Woodys, but simpler/better. I have been roughly 10 times in the first couple of weeks they've opened but I think I'll remove it from my nightly walk after work. I found that they charge $2.00 for ice in a drink. I've never seen hornitos tequila cost $9 but if you order it with ice they raise the price from 7 to 9. It's not like the $2 is going to break the bank, but whats next? Pay per minute for the rental of bar stool. I think that it's very rude to charge for ice and I don't agree with the practice. I disagree so much I'll be drinking at Woodys or the tide water.... Bummer for me and the new owners. I like the place I just think that the ownership has taken their pricing to the point of being disrespectful to the intelligence of the customer. I've even been training my gold fish. read more

I'd heard tales of the Saddle of the past....and when I heard the doors opened again with a little different groove and new owners-I was in! The revamped version is a sweet little SB joint for locals to hang out, have a drink, dance a little. It's late twenty's, 30 somethings, and older crowd mostly, there's a decent amount of seating and the bartenders seem to know their stuff. The DJ plays different kinds of music depending on the night but the weekend it is popular top 40 stuffs. No fifth star from two reasons. 1: I wish they had a apple or pear cider on the menu. Hey Saddle Bar, I'm Trish, can a girl get some cider? I'll bring you a bunch of chicks who can't have gluten, who'll buy it, drink it all and you can make your margin and buy us more, hu? hu? Lemme know...2: It gets warm in there and they won't let us open the windows-air flow would make all the difference! read more

I was prepared to like this bar a lot. I've been a few times at a variety of times of day. The clientele definitely skews older (30s and up) so it doesn't get too crazy, so that's a big plus for me. Or rather, I did. Last time I was there, the bartender let go a string of homophobic comments (I guess without realizing I could hear her?). I'd actually call it a rant, that's how long and how awful it was. I was pretty surprised- she was young and normal-seeming, and I'd been perfectly polite to her, so I just couldn't figure out what had provoked her into such nastiness! Also, that kind of behavior seems like an especially bad choice for someone in a service profession. I'm a good person so I left a normal tip, but I'm not likely to go back. I've also mentioned my experience to my friends, as well. No one wants to deal with that kind of nonsense when they're trying to relax. Boo. read more

How bout zero stars!? I just moved to the area and decided to take my friends to a local bar. We ordered drinks and the bartender argued with me on my order. We got our drinks and they were not what we asked for. When I asked to have them remade, he argued with me and told me "that's what they are suppose to taste like." Finally, he remade the drinks and I closed out. On my way out, the bouncer asked me what happened in there. I told him and asked him for the owner. He replied "that was the owner"! The owner handles himself like this? This is ridiculous and I will never ever visit this lousy bar again. I have told all my friends about this experience and they will not support this type of behavior and attitude. If you want to have drinks in Solana Beach, don't go here. Do yourself a favor and have your taxi drive you to Encinitas. read more

Mike is an attentive and funny, easy going bartender! Kept them beers coming and cold!! Happy Hour prices are awesome!

Since, I pretty much pay the rent here, I better do a review.... This place ROCKS!!! The owners and staff are COOL. Most of the regulars are friendly (there's always one or two assholes in the crowd). Drinks are really good. Even though there is no food service, they have an array of menus from places to walk to or that deliver. How can you refuse a place that has gold fish races on Tuesday nights? Happy Hour from 3-7, and a Saturday night bartender named Dolce? Live music, great beer selection, and just about any type of booze you can think of... read more

I came on the train with a group of 49er friends as we found out this was a 49er bar. We ubered from Oceanside so got there early, As soon as we got in, everyone was super warm and welcoming. We stayed for the game and came away with more friends. The bartender, BJ was amazing, he was sweet, funny and made a darn good manhatttan. Service was always prompt and with a smile. It is a dog friendly bar and they were so sweet. I will definately come back!! read more

I'm glad that they are open late and the Tuesday goldfish races are a nice touch. If I were rating the staff alone I would give them a 4.5/5. However i'm going to have to be much more impressed to bump this place up a star or two from my 3/5 overall rating. First- the goldfish races say they start at 9pm but it was 1030 pm last Tuesday and they were still setting up! Having to work bright-n-early on Wednesday I had to leave before I could even see the tiny sea creatures race. :( Second- they don't serve food which is not ideal. :((( Although I do appreciate that they allow you to bring your own food. It's also pretty small and there can be some real creepers hanging around!! Older smelly men dragging me on the dance floor and trying to buy me shots- no thanks. I'll be back, and maybe I'll change my mind and have to return to bump them up a star. read more

I absolutely love the Saddle Bar in Solana Beach. Cool, divey place with friendly atmosphere and excellent service. My very first visit and I felt very much at home and like it was my Cheers! read more

Love it here and they pour like Tractons! Great, open space. Clean and easy parking. Next door will also bring you food to the bar which is exceptional. The drinks are amazingly priced and HH rocks. Well drinks for $4? Calls for $8? Premium tequila on the rocks for $11. The bartendar is amazing and sweet and knows how to make a drink. Hadn't been here in forever but will definately make it back soon. read more

The bar manager was a complete asshole he flipped me off on my way out of the establishment because I had a light up ballon. He also refused to serve me because I had a light up ballon. I apologized because I didn't realize he was upset about the ballon and he ignored me. In front of other customers he continued to flip me off. The other customers were having fun with the ballon and were asking to to take photos so it's upsetting this "manager" kicked me out because he was upset over something others were enjoying. Great welcome from Solana to the Bay Area folks Who have spent time and money here for over 3 months. I have never experienced treatment like this in my life, I hope the owner sees this and fires the guy who gave me the bird in front of 200 customers, horrifying. read more

One of my favorite bars of all time is back and all is right with the world again. Just in time for Fiesta Del Sol, the Del Mar Fair and track season; the Saddle Bar returns bringing all that was great with the Surf & Saddle back to Solana Beach. Opening weekend was an absolute blast and I am thrilled we have the Saddle Bar for summer. Long live the Saddle! read more

Saddle Bar - Exterior of the Saddle Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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If you're gonna keep off the wagon it's good to be in the Saddle. It's a great bar, my local watering hole. Lots of locals, mellow daytime crowd and they have wifi, so if you ya wanna drink while you bang on your keyboard, you're set. Nights can be busy on expected nights. Goldfish racing on Tuesday nights is fun and worth the Wednesday pain. Pillbox is two doors up and you can order food there and they'll deliver to the bar. Ask BJ about those Alabama boys playing 20 questions. Great story, compelling and rich. read more

I am so happy that Saddle is open!!! They have done a great job with remodeling it, and it feels much more spacious than before. Wish they could have put in 2 stalls in the girls restroom, but I will live. They have DJ booth and a stage for a band. The staff is very friendly, the prices are great, and they have live music too. read more

Great time at karaoke night! The host rapped a hot version of Nicki Minaj's Super Bass

If you're looking for the warmest welcome in town look no further. Greg is one of the most professional and friendly doorman I have ever come across. This is the first time I've ever considered leaving a review based on the customer service of the individual checking my ID at the door. Greg was so amazing I was almost offered him a six-figure annual sales position with my company but he said that his allegiance was to saddle bar and that integrity was the most important thing to him. I truly look forward to coming back week after week all through 2020. read more

Great local bands. Super cool staff.. Awesome local venue...this place has a local vibe while making you feel right at home. read more

I'm going to be totally honest- I only came to this place in hopes of seeing Scott hehe. BUT, having been here and not seeing him, I can unbiasedly say that this place is great, and it's not because of who owns it and the fame that comes along. I came in with about ten friends after having brunch in SD. Took the coaster right to the Solana Beach station across the street. Literally, across the street. Easiest walk and so close to the beach. The bar had maybe 10 people in it also- very nice looking crowd. I've read that it's divey but I disagree- the woodwork and decor is very cowboy style, hence the name. Plenty of space to sit which was nice because some football game was on. Pretty much whatever seat you had was in view of the TVs. The bartenders were SO NICE. Super great guys, very sweet. You order at the bar and take your drink back to your seat. They have a great selection of alcohol, or beer on draft. We were there for a couple hours it was that fun of an atmosphere! The prices were very reasonable, and the drinks very tasty. Will I be back? Absolutely. Come summertime, I will be at the beach and then wander up for a cocktail, just perfect! read more

Nice little beach bar. I would call it more casual then "Divey". Very friendly staff & drink prices seemed quite reasonable. Best of all I did not have to wait long at the bar to get refreshed. I came in on a Sat night ~10pm, crowded but still comfortable and lots of interesting people to watch (someone had a 40th B-Day party in "70's" them... Lots of fun.) There was a DJ playing but with some what of a small dance floor. Overall, fun place. Definitely recommend stopping in for a refreshment and to check out the scene. read more

I was visiting from out of town and found the staff to be welcoming and friendly. It was nice to catch up with an old friend at the bar and meet some of the locals. Great music and a nice relaxing atmosphere. read more

I went with a few co-workers after an evening shift, and with this being one of the only bar only in the Solana Beach-Encinitas-Del Mar area open past 11PM, we were sold. The crowd is cool, but since it's probably the most poppin' place on a Wednesday night there were tons of "White-Girl-Wasted" girls dancing around. Nice draft selection. Easy going prices. Not too bad. read more

Was a nice cool bar until the one Chinese worker told me and my friends that we were at the bar the night before and "caused problems" which we were not even at the bar that night how can you tell paying customers that they were there when they weren't ?? and refused to serve us will never go back read more

Liked it!!! I came to the bar with a friend, we came in at 11.00pm and the bar was quite... at about midnight, a group of like 20 came in and they seem to have a great time. My friend and I were not in a party-mood, but I will definitely take this bar into account for birthday celebrations or late night go-out. We had 3 glass of wine, each one for $8. Not bad. The thing I did not like was the fact they do not serve any food, not even snacks. Parking is good, seconds from the bar. read more

The best part about this little bar is the jupbox. It is exactly what you'd expect for a higher end tavern. No food, but good drinks. read more

I love Saddle Bar for a few reasons. The staff is great and the bartenders know their patrons. They usually have live music a couple times a week and a DJ on the busier nights to keep the party going all night long. Drinks are strong and not too expensive at all. Not always crowded, which is nice for relaxing after work, but weekends are great and Sunday night usually has some great local talent for Open Mic Night. I've seen some great musicians play there and continue to return regularly. Great local vibe and awesome for Sporting events, definitely a Niners bar during the football season. New place next door with similar owners serving food and cocktails as well. Nice addition to Solana Beach. read more

Do not give this place your money or they may try to charge you again. Went here on a Saturday night with some friends. I ordered a Moscow Mule for my friend and after three people tasting it, we agreed that it did not taste like a Moscow Mule. When we politely asked the bartender about it, she said she could get a new drink but would have to charge us for it. In my bartending and hospitality experience if a customer raises a concern, you offer to fix it or at least taste it to see if the customer is right - you don't charge them. There were a ton of drunk folks from the Breeders Cup everywhere, so maybe she thought we were part of that hot mess (we weren't). Either way, have never been treated that way by a bartender for no good reason. read more

Great bar! Fun place and live music. Bartenders are excellent, really cool vibe. Lots of locals but they are really cool. ANDY MOUSER was playing and he is excellent if you get a chance go see him! read more

Saddle Bar - Great live music, awesome place to get your party on. - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

While staying in Moonlight Beach for my friends birthday we came across this most amazing bar! Loved the atmosphere and style of the Saddle Bar. The owner and bartender were some of the coolest people around...so friendly and outgoing! We told them we were passing through on our motorcycles and Mike the owner gave us some awesome fannypacks with their logos! I so wish this bar was closer to home...I would be a regular. I definitely will be back to visit! read more

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OMG! Always a bomb night at Saddle Bar! :) came in with my lady when they were beginning to get busy! We sat at the bar and then started to hit the floor to some great hip hop music. Manager, James Eszlinger was more than accommodating to my girlfriend! She loves to dance and he turned the lights down, and the ceiling fans on immediately upon request!! Great Friday night can't wait to go back Sunday for some great live music and stand up! read more

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Saddle Bar is still one of my favorite local beach area bars. Pretty much only bars I hit up are beach area bars and I still dig Saddle bar. keep it up Saddle Bar.` read more

Not a bad little dive bar, came in late on a Friday night to a couple birthday parties that were having a blast getting down on the dance floor. My buddy that goes to this place quite a bit said they have live music, but the night I went it was a DJ spinning basically top 40 hip hop. Pretty loud inside but easy to get up to the bar and order a drink. Drinks reasonably priced especially for a spot so close to the water. A mix of older and younger crowd. Actually might be a good place to cougar hunt. CHEERS!!! read more

I hosted a surprise 40th birthday party at the Saddle last night and it was the absolutely perfect venue! From the first minute I inquired about a party to the last detail, Mike and his team were so helpful. Food was provided by Pillbox Tavern two doors up and everyone raved about it. The bartenders and staff made sure everyone in our group was well taken care of. If you are looking for a venue for a fun party, look no further than the Saddle Bar! read more

Saddle Bar - Decorations for a fun party at Saddle. - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

LOVE THIS PLACE! As a Solana Beach native, I was sad to see the Surf and Saddle go, but now the saddle is back and better than ever! The NEW Saddle Bar opened just in time for summer and I couldn't think of a better spot to kick back and enjoy a few drinks after a long work day or on the weekend with friends. Great vibe. Great drinks. Great music. Great spot for dancing. For those of you that haven't been, I HIGHLY recommend checking it out. Cheers! read more

A good time with good people and great service? I'm in. I haven't had a negative experience here at Saddle Bar, everyone from the regulars to the locals to the newbies is friendly and cheerful. Maybe it has something to do with the conversation peas? Who knows. It's fun, and I won't complain if someone wants to drag me up north if it means stopping here. read more