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    Side Bar

    4.4 (208 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 week ago

    Side Bar Photos

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    Reviews With Photos

    Elisa N.

    SIDE BAR @ DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO Parking is available on the street, but I would highly recommend taking an Uber instead. The downtown area is extremely difficult for parking, and it's definitely not free. Most spots will charge you, or you'll end up parking in an Ace lot. Shoutout to the amazing DJ, JORDEE! My friends and I came here last night on a Thursday and arrived around 9 PM because our friend was DJing at that time. It was honestly so nice walking in early, there was barely anyone there yet, so we got to explore the place and really take in the vibe. I loved how the front felt like a chill bar while the back had more of a club atmosphere. We ended up getting bottle service and went with tequila. Their menu is insane, in a good way. It's all on an iPad that lights up every time you open it, which was super cool. Overall, we had a great experience. The staff was really friendly and the bottle service was solid. It is definitely on the pricier side since it's downtown, but I'd still recommend stopping by if you're in the area and want to have some fun.

    Naked Truth
    Emily M.

    Came in with my husband right when they opened and sat at the bar. Bartender was friendly, welcoming and had good energy. We walked by last night and it was full/line waiting to come in. If we weren't heading back home, we'd come back when the party started. Also, try the "Naked Truth". It's delicious!

    Marcie L.

    This place is awesome and one of my go-to spots downtown. It's always crowded, which says a lot. 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.

    Jean-Luc L.

    #LittleNightmares event was amazing and incredibly immersive! The bar was completely transformed!

    Inside
    Franny Z.

    Ree is phenomenal. He had so much patience with me as I allowed my big group of girls to vote on which bar/club to go to. He talked prices and bottles with me and just never gave up in a good way. Wasn't pushy. Just complete patience and positivity. I loved his energy "through" text. Our bottle server girl was Zaya I believe, and small world, we worked in the same club family in Sacramento. The 15 girls and I loved our experience here. It was the highlight of my weekend for night events. Thank you so much Side Bar. I hope to return in the future if you will have us again

    Marjon F.

    I had a ladies night with 8 of my girlfriends in gaslamp this past Friday and we were making our way to sidebar. One of the promoters, Dave, offer us a bottle of champagne upon arrival and sat us at a really nice cozy set of couches. He was very nice and friendly and definitely enhanced our experience. We were there fairly early, around 9p so before the major crowds and I really loved the vibe. It has an elegant and chic layout and decor with dim lighting. The music was fun but low tone enough where you could actually have conversations with your friends. A great spot for post dinner drinks or for a first stop in bar/club hopping.

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    1 month ago

    Sinclair was so inviting and his security made me feel so safe and comfortable. Had a great night knowing the security had my back

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    6 days ago

    10/10! Professional staff and such a fun vibe! Great bartenders to! love! Highly recommend

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    9 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    17 days ago

    Amazing staff and environment!! We have so much fun everytime we go and everyone is so nice! Shoutout to Gaijin for helping us out too!

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    1 year ago

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Side Bar

    Is this place 18+?

    No means no

    How much is the entry fee?

    Hi Viviana, Our cover charge starts at $10 per person and goes up throughout the night.

    How do I reserve a table? I've sent two emails, tried calling 3 different numbers and also dm'ed via ig.

    If you have an Instagram account. Follow and message @Megansidebar. She's the best! I often go to Sidebar, and she always helps me.

    Do you have to set up a reservation? Thanks 😊

    No you do not.

    Is there ladys there for I can go over is it packed?

    Odd question. You may want to improve your conversation strategies. This is a mixed nightclub ethnicity, gender, age, and other demographics.

    What kind of music is played?

    Hip Hop there may be R&B infusion between D.J. transitions

    How long does it take them to get back with you about bottle service?

    Never more than a day especially by email. Sometimes they respond within a couple of hours.

    What time do they start charging a cover on Saturday?

    Great question. What I do know is if you're a good looking lady, nada. But you can't have no stank attitude.

    Is there a cover charge Saturday nights?

    Yes cover ranges in price.

    Do you have to reserve to have seat on the lounge couches or first come first serve?

    On lounge from 6-10pm is open seating, then you have to reserve after that.

    Is this 18+?

    It's 21+

    Does this bar have a cover charge?

    Yes cover ranges

    View All 19 Questions

    Review Highlights - Side Bar

    Zander & Drew recognized that our group was looking for a place to host our event and they made it happen!

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

    Read more highlights

    False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

    False Idol

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    0.8 miLittle Italy
    $$

    I love it here; this is one of my go to spots to bring people when they are in town for…read morework/visiting etc. Be warned, you can have a very long wait here if you just pop in, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening. Make a reservation if you know this is your destination. They have some spot on Tiki decor and the staff here is really friendly, happy to share their favorite drinks, or make suggestions based on your likes. If fruity drinks are not your jam... what are you doing in a Tiki Bar!! No really, they have great options for on the rocks or straight as well as ordering your favorite cocktail or beer. They have a ton of options, all sorts of alcohol bases depending on what your vice is, they also have non-alcoholic drinks for those so inclined. Hard to pass on a Mai Tai or a Zombie to start your evening off. lately I have been enjoying the Eastern Sour which is their take on a whiskey sour. It's always fun when someone orders a bowl and the room shakes and the lights flash with thunder and lightning adding a bit of excitement for first timers. Just to recap: Don't get mad if you have to wait and did not make a reservation. While they have lots of options, most drinks and all specialties are Tiki Drinks. Tiki drinks can be strong, mind yourself. If a place like this is not your vibe, that is fine, head back into Craft & Commerce, make room for others who are waiting to get in, just have fun!

    My brother found this place several years ago on his visits to SD. It's now become a regular spot…read morewhenever we are in town. Most recently we were there for an event and as always, they were nothing short of exceptional! The drinks are always fantastic but what really elevates this place is the staff. They always have the best attitude, they are so accommodating, and you can tell they want you to enjoy your experience in every way. During our most recent visit, Lamar really went above and beyond to ensure our group was able to all be together for an event. I'm so very grateful for his assistance and wanted to say thank you again for everything! This place is an absolute must each time we visit, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list to try!

    Photos
    False Idol - Tiki themed decor

    Tiki themed decor

    False Idol - Rum barrel

    Rum barrel

    False Idol - Back bar rum selection

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    Back bar rum selection

    Starlite - Starlite Burger

    Starlite

    4.1(2.7k reviews)
    1.9 miMiddletown, Mission Hills
    $$$

    I had a reservation for Thursday and it was packed but took less than 5 minutes to get seated. They…read moredo check your ID at the entrance it's 21+ only. Parking is a nightmare good luck finding parking within a mile of the restaurant. Pros: atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: food wasn't great for the price, restaurant was small and crowded, no parking Service: All of our servers were friendly and very accommodating. Gave us some knowledge on the menu and recommended cocktails based on our preference. I had spilled my drink and they were quick to make me another one. Food: I had intended to get the prime ribeye cap steak but they ran out for the night around 8pm. I shared the steak sampler which came with four different cuts of steak and 4 sauces. I ordered medium and it was cooked medium/medium rare which was fine with me, it also had a good sear, almost burnt though. Out of the four steaks, we only liked two based off flavor and tenderness. The other two were more tough and gamey. None of the sauces really stood out but the bordelaise and horseradish were good. For our sides we got fries, roasted broccoli, and the grilled wedge salad. Fries were average. The roasted broccoli had really good flavor, I expected the broccoli to be al dente but it was cooked to mush and drenched in sauce. The grilled wedge salad was decent, there was a slightly bitter taste to it. I know it says grilled wedge but the experience of biting into the salad and it being both hot and cold was not pleasant. Cocktails: I tried the Honey Ryder and New Wave. These were recommended as the more fruity/sweet cocktails. You can definitely taste the alcohol but it's only 2oz so it's not too strong. Ambience: 10/10 I got seated downstairs by the bar. Only thing about downstairs is that it's too dark to take photos unless you use flash. Overall, I agree with the other reviews saying to go just for drinks and appetizers. I would go again just to sit upstairs and get drinks and take pictures. We left unsatisfied and ended up getting in-n-out after.

    Such a cool and unique restaurant! The design was probably the first thing that impressed me. There…read moreare several different areas, and each one has its own atmosphere and details. The cave-like spaces, beautiful bar, lighting, plants, and stone throughout the restaurant make it feel completely different from a typical San Diego restaurant. The food was also really good. Everything we ordered was delicious and nicely presented, and the service was great throughout the evening. Overall, I really enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. Definitely a 5-star experience for me.

    Photos
    Starlite - Bar area after entering

    Bar area after entering

    Starlite - Pistachio ice cream sandwich

    Pistachio ice cream sandwich

    Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!

    Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

    Noble Experiment

    4.5(1.9k reviews)
    0.1 miEast Village
    $$

    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

    This is an easy one and Consortium Holdings does it again...a MUST go. You know the rules...one…read moreshort review, let's go: Drinks: no menu. Love it. True bartender skills. Love it. Drinks. Love them! Whole crew did. Well done Ambiance: top tier. As with anything CH. so fun Service: amazing. Knowledgeable. Attentive. And so nice. Go go go to NE

    Photos
    Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Noble Experiment - Ceiling and chandelier

    Ceiling and chandelier

    Noble Experiment - Bartenders creations.

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    Bartenders creations.

    Bar Kamon - Hokkaido White Lover

    Bar Kamon

    4.6(282 reviews)
    0.4 miEast Village
    $$
    Private events
    Takes reservations

    This speakeasy is so u assuming! Enter Asa Bakery, immediately turn right and the hidden door is…read morestraight ahead. But the host is on the other side of the wall. You must ask at the Bakery counter to be let in. HINT: look for the handicap button on the wall. Just push it and the door opens. You will be met by staff immediately inside and seated. Its a small interior with not so intimate seating. The lighting is on the brighter side. Service is superior!! The food is great and the drinks were mostly hit and some misses. But they will remake you a new drink if you let them know. Surprisingly the food was outstanding. The plates are large! We had Chicken Karaage which was cooked perfectly and the sticky sauce was delicious. The Nagoya Karaage Nagoya Style Fried Chicken, Sesame Seeds, White Pepper, Cabbage. The glaze was sweet and delicious! OG Haccho Chicken Sliders were more like full size sandwiches - Miso Glazed Crispy Chicken, Sumono Pickles, Sesame Coleslaw, w Yuzu Togarashi Mayo, on a soft Brioche Bun. The Ronin Fries were so good. All the flavors went well together. Shogoyaki Pork Belly, Mozzarella Cheese, Bang Bang Sauce, Green Onion, and Furikake Seasoning. The Umi No Maboroshi Oysters were a disappointment. Only 2 oysters at this price point is pricey! It was weird- the Edible Tuile Shell, Caviar, Yuzu Caviar, Sancho Oil, Wakame, Micro Greens on top were just too much. The flavors did not show while eating. Too many flavors made the oyster unnoticeable! Next the Drinks!! The White Lover!!! Hands down the best drink we tried. All three of us agreed!!! Its topped w a Sherbet- ish frozen Yuzu ball. Eat it or add it to your drink to change the flavor a bit. Either way the best drink we had. The Tokyo Banana was next best!!! The Yama Matcha was good but lacked matcha flavor. Was a good drink but to me was not a matcha drink. The Sesame Old Fashioned had a slight sesame flavor. However I'd like more sesame myself. But a nice twist on an iconic drink. Overall our experience was 5 stars. Our server was great and she is the one who recommended White Lover. Sorry cant remember her name. But had sandy blonde hair and was on the taller side. She actually jumped behind the bar to make a custom drink for all of us! The shooters were outstanding!! Highly recommend this speakeasy for the Asian inspired drink and food!!

    When we walked into the bakery, I thought, "Wait... where is Bar Kamon hiding?" Turns out, it was…read morehiding in plain sight! The staff welcomed us so warmly and even accommodated our early reservation request such a lovely surprise. This hidden gem feels like a little escape from the city hustle, with such a calming vibe. The cocktails were fantastic Tokyo Banana was delicious, but the Yame Matcha was my favorite! Hubby had his whiskey, and we shared chicken karaage and fries. Such a fun, cozy date night and honestly, such a beautiful experience. We'll definitely be back!

    Photos
    Bar Kamon
    Bar Kamon - Hibiki old Fashioned

    Hibiki old Fashioned

    Bar Kamon - Daikon Kombu Martini

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    Daikon Kombu Martini

    Convoy Music Bar - Lychee Martini

    Convoy Music Bar

    4.5(427 reviews)
    7.8 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    I've been coming to Music Bar since they first opened, and somehow never got around to writing a…read morereview. This one is long overdue--not that they need my review, because by now everyone already knows how amazing this place is. What keeps me coming back is the combination of great music, an energetic vibe, outstanding service, and some of the most creative cocktails you'll find anywhere. Tonight was girls' night out, so we decided to order the prettier, and sweeter cocktails. But don't let the sweet flavors fool you--they are definitely generous with the alcohol. These drinks may taste dangerously easy to sip, but they pack a punch! I don't even remember the names of the cocktails we ordered, but honestly, that doesn't matter because the menu changes so often. And that's one of the things I love most about Music Bar. Every visit brings something new, fresh, and exciting to try. Both of my drinks were absolutely delicious, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. I honestly don't know how the bartenders come up with these combinations, but kudos to the team for constantly pushing their creativity while still making every cocktail incredibly well balanced. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, Music Bar never disappoints. I'll definitely keep coming back to see what new creations they come up with next. Cheers to one of my favorite cocktail spots in San Diego!

    Convoy Music Bar was my first HiFi experience and it did not disappoint! CMB is an intimate…read morelistening bar situated in an alleyway with a dark and moody ambiance. Speakers and vinyls line the walls. Vibes are more elevated here than at your usual bar. I ordered the Nickel Fortune, which came out with a fun tarot card. It was a savory drink with a nice lingering of sesame oil after each sip. Seating is pretty limited inside, so reservations are recommended. CMB's website states that "cocktail attire is celebrated."

    Photos
    Convoy Music Bar - Corner table view:  large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Corner table view: large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

    Interior

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

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    Interior

    Polite Provisions - Uncle Jalapeño

    Polite Provisions

    4.3(2k reviews)
    3.9 miUniversity Heights, North Park
    $$

    Always a 5 Star experience when gathering for drinks here…read more Over the years, the names have changed for the provider of Polite Provision's delicious orderable food to go along with their polite provisions. Items such as scrupulously prepared meatballs, fried polenta, spaghetti with mushroom sauce, etc., from the prior next-door, connected purveyor "Soda and Swine"...but those days are done ...I digress. And where is Soda and Swine's Yelp page? I know I did a review, but now the page appears gone completely in search? Nah, it's just hidden, presumably to accommodate Fortunate Sons, which opened about a year ago after re-construction of both establishments. I'm too lazy to see if still owned by Consortium Group. I did search my reviews and found my updated Soda & Swine review dated 8 & 10 years ago. O_o !! Now, food is still served, however, there's a new name in town called "Fortunate Son" (next door, connected). Apparently, food now served is Asian-inspired. I've not visited recently to taste. The North Park area is a great neighborhood with many different types of food close by. While you're there, don't forget to stop by "An's Dry Cleaners", where the most inventive gelato's, ice creams and sorbets come from.

    You can order from the bar or your table. Lots of different seating options indoors and outdoors…read more Very extensive drink menu almost too many options. The drinks we ordered were good and service didn't take too long. Right next to Fortunate Son so you can order food from them and enjoy in their bar.

    Photos
    Polite Provisions - Want. Make. Disco.

    Want. Make. Disco.

    Polite Provisions - Real oil lamps!

    Real oil lamps!

    Polite Provisions - Art deco

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    Art deco

    Realm of the 52 Remedies - Clouds over Thailand

    Realm of the 52 Remedies

    4.4(890 reviews)
    8.1 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    First thing to note, the interior of this speakeasy is absolutely gorgeous. When entering, my group…read moreand I were impressed. Not only that, but the drinks are strong (a pro for most, con for some). The food is delicious, and the seating is super comfortable! The service was above-and-beyond, as the staff there offered to remake drinks that my friends did not particularly enjoy for free. I do recommend to make a reservation ahead of time as walk-ins are not guaranteed. For reservations, you'll need to make a deposit. This deposit will be refunded once you show up. There was a wait despite having a reservation, but nothing too long. The volume is not too loud, and the speakeasy was very clean. The parking is moderately decent, but hard on weekends. There's a parking lot in the plaza, but street parking is also available as well.

    I have lived in Clairemont for 5 years and just now checking out this Speakeasy!…read more It is so gorgeous rustic vibe. The first room you enter is unique, bright and clean. I liked this part of the speakeasy the most and it was definitely photo worthy. The service was super awesome! Our waiter/bartender was very knowledgeable, helpful and funny. He was really cool and made the experience even more fun. Their menu is now through a QR Code. They offer seasonal drinks as well as house regulars. We all ordered a different drinks. They were Seoul City Hipster, Kasato Maru and Purple Petunias. Each was $20, but they were so tasty. I got the 52 Burger for $16 which was mouthwatering. One of the best burgers I have eaten. My friend got the 12oz Bone-In Pork Loin for $27. This was pretty decent. I thought the burger was better. Now that I have been here, I definitely recommend checking out this speakeasy if you haven't and I look forward to another trip!

    Photos
    Realm of the 52 Remedies - Sitting area

    Sitting area

    Realm of the 52 Remedies - Main dining area

    Main dining area

    Realm of the 52 Remedies - View from my table

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    View from my table

    Side Bar - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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