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    The Lamplighter

    4.0 (1k reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    The Lamplighter Photos

    Business Info

    THE LAMPLIGHTER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Karaoke
    Divey
    Casual
    Loud

    Recommended Reviews - The Lamplighter

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    Established 1957
    Amy M.

    Street parking is available pulling up to the long time establishment. I have been coming to this Karaoke kingdom for decades! It has a dive feel (cash only!!) but as of late, has gotten a face lift with a huge back covered patio,updated booths and a stage! It still has a pool table and booths but on weekends there's reserved tables only which is kind of a bummer. The staff is kind and make stiff drinks! Great people watching!

    Part of the bar
    Christina L.

    I really honestly like this bar. It's open quite early, I went for myself to see if it was lol. They have a pool table inside. Their a CASH ONLY BAR just word of advice! They do have an Atm Machine available inside by the main front door. They have some seating available in the back of the bar but also in the front. The staff here is really nice. The prices are really good. Just a great bar in a great spot.

    Tequila sunrise toast--here's to another 50+ years, Lamplighter!
    Wendy G.

    You can't miss this cornerstone of SD dive bar history on the Hillcrest/Mission Hills border. Gotta be doing something right to be open since 1957! BF and I enjoyed a few pre-dinner drinks here and had a good time. Bartender had been there 10+ years and took special care of her regulars. Drinks were strong and affordable (appreciated the extra Malibu pours to take our Adios over the top), and the vibe was down to earth. Left right when trivia night was heating up, but might return to check out the karaoke sometime.

    Harper M.

    Now this....this is a place. From the cheap drinks, to the karaoke, all the way to the air cannon/smoke machines. A fever dream all around. 10/10.

    I was visiting from LA and had an amazing time on a Friday night. Great crowd but not overwhelming and the karaoke was so much fun. Pool table is a big plus. Note that it's cash only!

    Great bar....
    Robert P.

    Walked into this little cool bar in San Diego The Lamplighter. Great atmosphere dark wood, leather seats. Jennifer whips up a mean old fashioned. Stop by! Have a drink enjoy the ambiance......

    Armida R.

    Jessica!!!! Great bartender for a great bar! I love lamp! The vibe is divey, just the way I like it!

    Alberto R.

    Great environment. Emo Thursday once a month. Divey. Perfection. five stars Will definitely be back for karaoke

    The barq

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    11 months ago

    This place is so fun. Good vibes all around. Would recommend to a friend and family!!!!!

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    5 months ago

    Positive vibes and ambiance, great drinks for an even better price! Definitely coming back again for karaoke night!

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    Photo of Ryan D.
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    11 months ago

    Really fun and lit but not too crowded. Got kicked out for dancing on tables though hahaha

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Emo night!! Let's go Lamplighter!! If you want to have a fun evening with your friends it's a great choice. Remember it's cash only!

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    Photo of Zach V.
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    1 year ago

    The Lamplighter is a great bar with clean booths a fun vibe outdoor area & a pool table

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    Photo of Corey T.
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    1 year ago

    Great bar, fun karaoke'. Come here and bring cash. It will be the time of your life, the bartender Landon was really great

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    11 months ago

    Landon smells but he really pours a damn good drink. The seltzers were greeatttttttttt

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    1 year ago

    I LOVE this bar!! My favorite place to do karaoke in San Diego. The staff is friendly and so is the ambiance.

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

    Stiff drinks, great place, and a great karaoke bar! The best on weekends. I highly recommend this place.

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    1 year ago

    The most amazing karaoke bar ever!! Great drinks.,, great bartenders what more can you ask for?

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    The door man James and Dominique are amazing. This place is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    6 months ago

    Good vibes always! Great place for karaoke with friends. Always friendly staff. Highly recommend!

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    1 year ago

    Amazing best bar ever!! Had so much fun with my friends!! Excellent time and great service

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    7 months ago

    Maria was amazing at the front door and this is the best place to come and live it up

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    7 months ago

    Amazing have fun great karaoke and good vibes bring your friends be safe love SD. Good people good drink's.

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Best drinks! We came for a birthday and had the best time. Will definitely be coming back

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    8 months ago

    Music was lively and drinks were even better! Bar tenders, Mariah, and James were all very welcoming and helpful.

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    1 year ago

    Love this bar! Great atmosphere and music. The staff at the front was so friendly and helpful too!

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    1 year ago

    Mariah is amazing and so was the vibe ! Great place for a night out! Karaoke hot spot

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    Photo of Shelby G.
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    1 year ago

    Amazing bar. Great vibes. 10/10. No notes. Must going you're in San Diego! You will not regret it!

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    Photo of James M.
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    11 months ago

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    6 months ago

    If your not a regular don't go they won't let you sing I was on the list for 3 hours and still nothing.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Love this place. Strong drinks. Karaoke. Good bartenders. Big dance floor. DJ is fire.

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    1 year ago

    door man James and Dominque are great. Great experience.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a good time.

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    7 months ago

    The place is amazing and perfect for karaoke. We had a great time, and the staff was awesome.

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

    By far the best bar in SD perfect mix of divey and vibey with low pressure karaoke and chill people

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    Photo of Rory H.
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    1 year ago

    Best spot around. Great drinks. Great people! Always pop in for a beer or three when I'm in town.

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    Page 4 of 27

    Ask the Community - The Lamplighter

    Do I need to make reservations?

    No, you do not. It’s just an option for an elevated experience.

    What time does karaoke start every night? 8? 9?

    9pm

    I assume it's 21 and up correct?

    Yep

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Lamplighter

    It is family owned and the people are great, although I'm partial to JJ because he sings Michael Buble.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Silver Fox

    The Silver Fox

    3.8
    (321 reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $

    If you're ever sitting at home asking yourself important questions like:…read more "Do I want to spend more money on TouchTunes than actual beer?" "Would I like to open a bar at 6 a.m. beside men who look like they know three different ways to lose a fishing boat?" "Should I buy a cheesesteak at Jersey Mike's and proudly eat it at the counter cuz the Fox can't be trusted with a fryer?" "Do I enjoy low inhibitions, lower beer prices, and conversations with cougars named Tammy who smoke Misty 120's and call everyone 'baby'?" Then the Silver Fox is not just a bar, it's a sanctuary for the gloriously untethered. Like a Robert Frost poem if Frost had chain-smoked cigarettes and played pool until sunrise. When you come to the fork in the road, and to the left lies reclaimed wood, Tulum inspired bars, and rosemary craft cocktails, and to the right lies the cold silence of your apartment. Dare to go straight. Straight into the Silver Fox, for one last five more beers.

    I actually really love this bar and would be a 5, but I HATE Alex. I'm a local and frequent here…read morejust to play a couple games of pool, and every-time he truly makes it the most unenjoyable experiences every time- from him being rude to us personally & telling us disrespectful slurs to be waiting for our beers and hearing him shout similar slurs + racist remarks to young girls behind bar!!! I wish I could say it was just him, but sadly this is NOT a safe space, which is so sad being that we literally live around the corner:( frankly there have even been occasions where strangers have spoken up for us in situations where we were not being left alone, and the staff has refused to do anything and even made remarks back towards us, super disappointing. shout out to Jason(i think) super pleasant experience every time he's working, keeps it cool

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    The Silver Fox
    The Silver Fox
    The Silver Fox

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    The Loft

    The Loft

    4.3
    (199 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    When I visit San Diego, The Loft is at the top of my "must visit" list and is normally one of the…read morefirst places I go after getting settled in. Situated on 5th Avenue in beautiful Hillcrest, The Loft is a small, but mighty place that is near and dear to my heart for a variety of reasons. From the bartenders, to the patrons, and of course the drinks...this spot is an absolute vibe! Everyone is beyond welcoming and fun here. The space is a great combination of indoor/outdoor. The drinks are strong and well priced, which is not a combination you can find many places these days! They don't serve food, but they are fine if you want to bring your own, which many folks do. We have enjoyed a cocktail and UberEats'd something so we didn't have to leave. Overall, while I am not a San Diego local (yet), I consider The Loft my local spot. Love this place!

    It's really known as a local gay dive bar, and that's exactly what makes it so special - it's…read moreauthentic, unpretentious, and just overflows with good energy. What I truly appreciate is how inclusive it is; when they say "all are welcome," they genuinely mean it. You feel like part of the community the moment you step through the door, no matter who you are. The folks working behind the bar are absolute superstars. They're not just great at mixing up a delicious drink, but they're also super friendly and always up for a bit of banter. It's the kind of place where striking up a conversation with someone new at the bar is effortless. There's a constant buzz of friendly chatter and laughter, making it such a wonderful place to just relax and be yourself. And let's talk about value - they truly know how to pour a proper drink, and their prices are incredibly fair. You definitely get a fantastic drink without feeling like you've splurged. It's just an all-around great spot to unwind, meet some cool people, and enjoy a top-notch beverage in a relaxed, friendly setting. Highly recommend giving The Loft a visit!

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    $8 Bloody Mary
    $8 Bloody Mary
    Inside
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    The Loft

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    Old Town Saloon

    Old Town Saloon

    3.3
    (212 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $

    We love a good dive bar, so while exploring San Diego's Old Town we did what any responsible day…read moredrinkers would do... we Googled "dive bars" & ended up at Old Town Saloon. And honestly? This place was exactly the vibe we were hoping to find. The second we walked in, I loved the vintage feel of the decor. It has that authentic old-school saloon energy that can't be manufactured. A genuine neighborhood watering hole with personality - a little worn in, full of character & packed with stories. One of the best parts of our visit was the bartender, who also happened to be the third-generation owner. He struck that perfect balance of being super friendly & welcoming without being all up in our business. You could tell he genuinely cared about the place & its history. He shared some great stories that made the experience feel personal. We settled in for some drinks & soaked up the atmosphere. The history of San Diego Old Town swirled around us as we enjoyed our time at the Old Town Saloon. Highly recommend.

    This is a great spot to grab a drink when there is a crowd outside. We were waiting for the Whaley…read moreHouse tour and stopped in for a drink. Liz was awesome and even made recommendations for restaurants for us. She was talkative and engaging while also serving everyone quickly. Looks like a great spot for the evening, but we were just starting out the lunch drinkers for the day!

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    Cheers
    Cheers
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    Corona, Midori sour

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    The Lamplighter - karaoke - Updated August 2026

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