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    The Haunted Head Saloon

    3.3 (306 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Haunted Head Saloon Photos

    Business Info

    THE HAUNTED HEAD SALOON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Dogs allowed

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    Never heard of the issue from here, but at least they're prepared... because O'side is Sketchy
    Kareem P.

    If you're ever in the Downtown Oceanside area and you're hanging out past 9PM at night, there's a good chance that you will find yourself at this local hideaway. Welcome to The Haunted Head Saloon. It's one of Oceanside's most famous Dive Bars. Actually, The Haunted Head Saloon is one of the only bars in Downtown that can be considered "Divey". Because they do not have any food for sale here, you MUST BE 21 OR OLDER to enter. NO EXCEPTIONS. What I love the most about The Head is that their security is on-point and it's relatively safe inside (considering that it's a dive bar). The few times I've seen drama, it was quickly addressed and carried outside. One of the BEST aspects of The Haunted Head is its location. You can find it right off of Mission Ave & Tremont St in the heart of the Downtown Area. It's just north of the Regal Movie Theater. Because of its location, you can walk to the movies, to the pier or beach (2 blocks away) or to any of the parking garages nearby (within 8 minutes). In addition, there is Pier Pizza located right next door to them selling pizza by-the-slice, tacos across the way at Sanchos Tacos, Strawberry Shack for cake desserts & Fugu icecream shop just around the corner. So, you can always find something to eat BEFORE you start drinking AND the pizza shop typically stays opened late for the crowds. The bartenders work quickly (especially considering the crowds) and there is a Full Bar at their disposal. I wouldn't come here for a "foo-foo" pretty cocktail, BUT, simple mixed drinks or shots are best. They've got some TVs in there (just for decoration because everyone's drinking), a pretty solid pool table (that they maintain monthly) and a jukebox that patrons can customize their songs too (download the AMI MUSIC APP). PRO-TIP: There are snack bags by the bar to nibble on, ask the bartender for one There's also a 5 gal water dispenser in the back. The interior is dark, pirate themed and decorated in $1 bills. The tradition is to get yours from the bartender, sign it and tape it up! There's booth seating in the corners, 2 long wooden tables for seating, bar seating & multiple high-chair tables too. The only aspect lacking in this bar are the bathrooms. Well, I can only speak for the men's bathroom. It's small. Cramped and no privacy. Pretty much exactly what I would expect from a dive bar! Anyhow, The Haunted Head Saloon has been around for as long as I can remember and I always recommend passing through late at night when in the Downtown Oceanside area; besides, everything else is closed!

    Taufiq H.

    Best prices drinks in town. Friendly bartenders, great atmosphere. Pool table. Love visiting

    You gotta be there to see!
    Sabrina O.

    Fun, super divey, loud good music., wild customers. Definitely go after you've had dinner and want to be out late getting your drink on! The girls bathroom is WILD!! What an experience I had funn!

    11$ for a short glass not tall or double.
    Evee G.

    Tried it again and same person Alex was there and when we came in and she gave me a look. She did gave my partner his drink and asked me then the security came behind us saying that we needed to leave because she said we were drunk and wanted us out. I told the security guy we just got in and that she has had a problem with me after I called her out on my charges. I did ask for the owner or person who is in charge of the bartenders and he said that he's in vacation and not sure when he's coming back or no way to get a hold of him. I asked what days is he usually checking in and he said "I don't know but you got to leave." Security guys always changing and too crowded, sinks and drunks hardly can walk there and spend more than 20 minutes to get a drink. Alex needs to get herself checked out since I'm not the first person she's done this too. If she doesn't like you she'll kick you out and if you don't tip more than 5$ for a drink she will also not serve you again. Always rushing everyone and picks and chooses who she makes the drinks for mostly drunk ones so she gets a big tip. Just wished I had my phone on record when we got in and after the incident happened. Like that I would have my proof and she will not get her way with others and maybe the owner will finally step up.

    Dive bar at Beach town
    Tyler B.

    This is just an OK. A very Diveey bar. Don't complaint about the service, Bartenders are nice but they can't afford to retire yet ! #ykyk Atmosphere is cool, pool table and the indictment against Donal trump was on the news. I grab a quicky BPR & small talk with San Diego locals. Interesting place !

    Maya D.

    Best place definitely a must go if your in Oceanside and just looking for a good vibe and a great drink this is that place first time going last weekend I'll most definitely be back this weekend

    Inside the car
    Austin M.

    Great atmosphere, fun thing to do once the sun goes down if you like lively bars. Went 2 nights in our trip and was fun both nights.

    a man hanging from the ceiling

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    17 days ago

    Excellent cocktails, friendly service, great vibe! LOVED the decor and vibe. Had a great time

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    Business owner information

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    Mike E.

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    8 months ago

    It's always a good time at the Haunted Head Saloon. Great time and great bartenders. I recommend it.

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    2 years ago

    Fun, comfortable, reasonable prices, and great friendly bartenders. Nice downtown location.

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    2 years ago

    Service could be way better. Try the surrounding bars instead. They have way better service instead of being choosy

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - The Haunted Head Saloon

    Review Highlights - The Haunted Head Saloon

    Valerie and she will HOOK you up, the ambience is something like a pirate ship and so are the guests...

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    4.3(166 reviews)
    0.1 mi
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    Drinks were spot on, the mezcal/habanero Toxica blew me away...bartenders were down for small talk…read more Felt like a proper bar.

    With so many places to imbibe in Oceanside, I realize how competitive these places have to be to…read morestay in business so I have to admit, my standards are fairly high. My husband and I stopped in to Frankie's on a recent Saturday at 5pm. Our kiddo had a performance down the street at 6pm so we had a little time to kill beforehand. The neighboring spots looked busy so we decided to go with Frankie's, seeing as they were less inundated at the time and we had a time constraint. Another allure was the sandwich board at the front door advertising discounted cocktails - sold!! Inside there were a handful of patrons at the bar, another table with two additional patrons and maybe a couple on the patio so it was fairly quiet and slow, so it looked promising. We headed up to the bar and hung out behind two empty barstools, the single female bartender greeted us and said she'd be right with us, but then continued chatting up the seated patrons, serving them and their friends that had just joined (AFTER we'd arrived). We moved a little further down to the handoff area where she was making drinks to save her having to come back to us again, and stood there for probably 10 minutes while she took orders and made all the drinks. We commented that she looked like she could definitely use a hand, and she said they were still adjusting into summer hours and determining whether more coverage was needed at this time - I figured 5pm on a Saturday should be primetime, so I'm not sure in what universe having a single bartender makes any sense. Finally we placed our cocktail orders, waited while they were made, and then put our card down for the tab. After we'd paid, I noticed the cocktails were more expensive than advertised on the sandwich board out front - I couldn't find a disclaimer anywhere that said only certain cocktails were included, so while it was a bummer I wasn't about to wait another 10-15 minutes to catch her attention and ask for clarification. Just a heads up to beware of whatever is advertised that might summon you in from the sidewalk, and make sure you ask before you make your selection. Drinks were very subpar, nothing special to write home about. While I can appreciate the Gatsby-esque vibe they're trying to uphold at Frankie's, they really should increase their staffing especially during prime weekend and evening hours, and be more transparent about their specials and what's included and what's not. Hindsight is 20/20, and the low volume of patrons when everything else around it was going off was probably a sign, so we'll skip Frankie's our next go around.

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    4.4(218 reviews)
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    Went for Happy Hour Love the Tiki bar Ambience…read more They got it right Hubby loved the Taco Tuesday fish tacos I had the dry rib chicken wings...perfect Shout out to our amazing bartender Parker

    If you like your tiki bars low-key, The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill has got you covered…read more If that sounds like a negative, it's not. In this case, "low-key" refers to a tiki bar that is not over-the-top; one that doesn't cause you to enter into an entirely different reality. There's a time and place for that sort of tiki bar but in a small coastal town perhaps you don't want or need to enter a fourth dimension. The Lobby is small (though larger than I'd anticipated), not noticeably dark (like many in the genre), and outfitted with a nice array of tiki-themed tchotchkes. Scooby Doo, playing silently on a small tv above the bar, is a perfect accompaniment to the pleasing decor. I both ate and drank here and found nothing not to enjoy. Tiki bars generally elicit happiness in me and this one, with its excellent server, did not change that mindset. An Astro Chimp ($14) was my tiki drink of choice, mostly because I was interested in trying a cocktail featuring cold brew. Very good, and it did not keep me up all night. Fish & Chips ($23) was a sizable and satisfying portion, plenty there to be shared by two. "Brussels" ($11), were also quite good and ample. You will not go hungry if you choose to dine here. The Lobby is a fun choice for your time in Oceanside. Stylish and satisfying on every front, I'd happily return. Other stuff: * There is apparently a stairway-accessible rooftop deck here but it was closed for a private event during my visit. If open, definitely worth checking out. * 5% surcharge is automatically added to everything you spend here.

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    The Space Pad - Glowing Charcoal margarita

    The Space Pad

    4.2(142 reviews)
    0.0 mi
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    Drinks are good and definitely a cool place! BUT the waiter/bartender tried to double tip himself…read morehoping I wouldn't notice. They make it hard to see but 20% gratuity was already included and somehow they "accidentally" selected an additional 30% tip for me. I had to ask about it and he gave me a refund but seemed suspicious. Make sure to thoroughly review your bill before paying. I have brought many people to this place over the years and probably won't be back.

    Whimsical speakeasy inside Killowatt Brewing in Oceanside. SMALL but incredibly detailed and…read moreentertaining atmosphere. Reservations suggested. Doors at the end of the hallway past the bathrooms. This is a FUN speakeasy. There are moving parts, visual effects, beautiful dioramas and hallucinogenic black-light effects. Drinks are good. I have been here 4 different times in various capacities (with 2-3 friends or with dates) and I found the staff inside a bit stoic and unwelcoming each time. I'm not expecting Puppy-dog enthusiasm but it definitely feels you are invading their space by being the room and I find I tend to apologize for my presence. That perception aside, if you aren't trying to chat the bartender up for lively conversation there is plenty to see in the cleverly themed bar. There are just a couple U-booths and a handful of bar stools. So you're on a time-limit for your stop in this portal.

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    Cococabana - Mozzarella sticks

    Cococabana

    3.9(433 reviews)
    0.1 mi
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    We got here just in time for sunset and the amazing view. The bartender was super friendly and…read moreaccommodating. It wasn't a very busy evening, there were only a few other patrons at the time so we were able to get nice seats looking out towards the beach. My friend and I each ordered a cocktail that was cute but weren't amazing flavor wise. I had decided some fish tacos sounded great for dinner and found out that they were actually on special for taco Tuesday, score! $6 each, don't mind if I do. The tacos were delicious and refreshing, 2 was the perfect amount for me. My friend opted for the poke bowl which she said she enjoyed but it did have quite a bit of spice so be aware. This was such a cute spot I loved the ambience and I will be back, maybe try a different drink next time.

    This place kind of feels like a group of girls were sitting at a bar one night and decided how cool…read moreit would be to open their own place. And honestly, that would be cool if the flow was there, but you can kind of tell that all the ideas aren't fully there yet. For starters, the drinks are expensive, which I get because you're in Oceanside by the beach and I'm sure rent isn't cheap. But man, I paid $18 for a coffee-style cocktail and it was pretty bad. They put this whipped cream on top that just didn't work with the drink and was actually pretty nasty. They definitely put alcohol in it, which was good I guess, but overall it was probably one of the worst cocktails I've had in a while. My wife and I also walked up to the bar and waited to be attended. One of the waitresses was busy cleaning and organizing things, going back and forth from inside to outside, while another waitress was socializing with a group of guys for probably 6-7 minutes before noticing us standing at the front of the bar. I really don't mind waiting, but when you combine that with the quality of the drinks and the lack of attention, it just makes it seem like no one really cares that much. That's kind of why I made the comment in the beginning. The place has a cool idea behind it, but you can tell it's missing some of the professionalism and attention to detail that comes with running a good bar. The one thing that really saves this place is the view. It's a really nice view, and during sunset I can definitely see why people come here. Other than that though, I personally wouldn't spend my money here again.

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    Finney's Crafthouse

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    4.1(435 reviews)
    0.0 mi
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    Went here yesterday for a late lunch. They have a rooftop seating option that was perfect since the…read moreweather was so nice. It has a great view of the city! We got the Prosciutto and Arugula flatbread, which was very thin and crispy. The truffle fries were really good and we had them with their chipotle aioli. We also both got raspberry lemonades which were very sweet and refreshing. The coconut shrimp was really really good. My boyfriend was obsessed. I don't often love any kind of fried or battered shrimp but these were so good. I definitely want to come back!

    We both enjoyed the buffalo cauliflower appetizer. My wife loved her chicken salad entree. My…read morechicken breast BLT sandwich was kinda meh and small for $14. It comes with potato chips, but I didn't see that indicated on the menu. So, I ordered fries, which were another $4. Menu choices are kinda limited from my perspective. Employees were friendly. Cons: Parking is often difficult in downtown Oceanside--we parked two blocks away on a Saturday afternoon. They have second floor outdoor dining, but the ocean view is now completely gone with all the condos they've built. The check came to over $100 (with tip) for a very average meal with two beer/wine drinks each. As such, we won't be back. Just nothing compelling there to motivate us to do so. Locals are obviously NOT their target anyway. This could be defined as a typical beach area bar hang with limited food choices for tourists who aren't expecting value.

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    Mission Ave Bar and Grill - Best Burger in Oceanside, CA

    Mission Ave Bar and Grill

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Full bar
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    I had gotten an email wishing me a happy birthday and to come in for a FREE ENTREE. I was like,…read morewhat!? Yeah a lot of places give a free dessert but you almost never see a free dinner. I instantly set a reservation (didn't really need it) and we arrived around 4pm on a Tuesday and sat on the patio. Happy hour is daily from 4-6pm and if you sit on the recently renovated patio, drinks are 50% off. I ordered the Ribeye as my birthday entree and we also ordered the Fried Zucchini ($7), Popcorn Chicken ($9), Guajillo Braised Pork Shoulder ($21) and several cocktails ($7 each during HH). Everything was great honestly. No complaints. My wife REALLY loved the braised pork shoulder. My steak was excellent and even though it was free, $32 for a ribeye is the lowest you'll find anywhere. It was nice having not having to fight for a seat. Enjoying a cocktail on the patio in perfect weather is something everyone should try. Highly recommend coming to Mission Ave Bar & Grill for happy hour and to check out the new patio. Make sure to register for their mailing list to get birthday offers too!

    Mission Ave Bar and Grill is basically the type of place that says, "just one drink," and suddenly…read moreit's three hours later, you've made new friends, and you're emotionally attached to the Peanut butter stuffed french toast. From the juicy breakfast Burger to the dangerously good country benefit and spicy blood orange, everything feels a little too easy to fall in love with. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it feel like your favorite neighborhood hangout -- even if it's your first time there. Honestly, if good food, great cocktails, and happy vibes had a love language... this place would be fluent. What I got: Peanut butter stuffed french toast $16 Country Benedict $17 Breakfast burger $18 Arnold Palmer Spicy blood orange $10

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