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    The Haunted Head Saloon

    3.3 (305 reviews)
    Open 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
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - The Haunted Head Saloon

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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

    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.

    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!

    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.

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    6 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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    1 year ago

    Place is cool. Only problem is a bad smell from the bathrooms makes a sour sting to the nostrils

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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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    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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    Wanted to find a place that was near the beach, had good food/drinks and could view the sunset…read more This place checked all the boxes. As soon as we came in for the reservation we were seated immediately and got to sit next a fire pit with a great view of Oceanside pier. The server was such a good guy too. Very friendly and very funny. We were deciding what drink to get and he recommended the pineapple suite since it matched my shirt and I'm glad we got it because it was very refreshing. We also got the fish and chips to snack on. The fish was so crispy and yet so soft and adding the lemon and tartar sauce made it even better. The fries were also very crispy, which I loved. We got to enjoy the fire pit and relax while watching the sunset. Would come here again.

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    Came for Father's Day without a reservation and also with a baby. The hostess stand was not that…read morefriendly or helpful. There was a wait of course but we were told there was open seating at the bar area. It was busy but I noticed there were a lot of families with kids so I didn't feel as out of place bringing my baby. We were able to find a table in the bar area thankfully and our waitress was amazing. Unfortunately, I forgot her name but she was so friendly, gave great recommendations from the menu and was very attentive. It's hard to come across that kind of service these days so I really appreciated it. The food was pretty good. We got the steak that came pre sliced with flaky salt and a side of zhoug sauce...so good. The artichokes with the aioli were also very good. Brussel sprouts were good but prob my least favorite of the 3. The vibe and ambience was great and there were ocean views, I would def recommend.

    On July 4th at 5pm, I visited the rooftop bar by the pool area of the hotel we booked for the…read moreholiday weekend. Instead, I had a highly unprofessional experience with bartender Eric. I simply wanted to ask what he was serving and clarify the seating/pool arrangement, including any differences for hotel guests versus outside visitors. Instead of answering or letting me finish a single sentence, Eric repeatedly talked over me, curtly stating it was "sold out" with no explanation. When I tried to understand what exactly was sold out (the hotel, the pool, the rooftop bar, or seating), he continued interrupting and directing me to the hostess stand. He even scolded me that he had already repeated himself four times, while adding that I wasn't asking the question that mattered although he never let me finish a sentence. The entire interaction felt dismissive and almost hostile and condescending (insinuating I can't understand because of my ethnicity and that he was actively trying to make me leave rather than provide basic service or information) It was especially disappointing on a holiday when hospitality standards should be at their best. No amount of busyness excuses such rude, impatient, and condescending behavior toward a guest who was simply trying to ask a reasonable question. The hostesses were extremely nice and explained to me the difference between cabana, restaurant, and the pool seating for hotel guests vs non guests. Shame that staying at the hotel, we haven't been able to utilize any of the amenities

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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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    The Haunted Head Saloon - bartenders - Updated July 2026

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