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    The Lamplighter

    4.0 (1k reviews)
    Closed 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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    Photo of Matt A.
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    7 months ago

    Great bar. Excellent service and drinks staff was beyond kind. Would go again. Definite local hotspot.

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    7 months ago

    always a fun vibe with great music.. must go to the og lamplighter , cool people, good drinks, attentive bartenders

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    9 months ago

    Mariah was awesome and I love this place--so fun and I'm always so happy here!!! It's karaoke and always a good time!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Fine girls and good drinks, we met these awesome two ladies and we had a good time with them

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    1 year ago

    Great time amazing vibes!! If you love karaoke you have to come here! It's great! Always packed and a great time!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Best bar in the world!!! Family owned by an awesome family. Bring your friends. Stay for the night. You won't be disappointed

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    1 year ago

    Awesom3!! Good vibes! good drinks, cool security guard. dopeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

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    10 months ago

    Dive bar got my toes curled up. Lord have mercy there's a back patio, karaoke, pool table, all cash, $5. Over charge on Friday. Mmm Mmmmmm

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Our first night here and Came for karaoke and it's a VIBE!! We will definitely be coming back!

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    1 year ago

    Awesome crowd, fun vibes. Karaoke night is great, drink prices are reasonable, and there's a pool table too

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    Cool place, good vibes, and good music . If you're looking for a little dive bar feeling.

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    8 months ago

    Best bar ever! Burry me here. I love karaoke and trivia and the bartenders and the bouncers!

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    1 year ago

    Bartender Frances was drunk and could barely stand . Could not put orders away also .

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    1 year ago

    Amazing spot love the vibe. I come through here all the time and have never had a bad time!

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

    Great atmosphere, strong cocktails, and friendly bartenders who actually remember your name.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Great atmosphere. Great time. Great Guinness. Great friends. Great karaoke. Go gulls.

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    I love this place, always a good vibe, great people, and great drinks! Karaoke is a must at this spot!

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    10 months ago

    Amazing vibe! Must go for a chill drink out! The decor is spot on and the service is superb

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    9 months ago

    Supppper fun! Went on a Friday night and be mindful it's a bar that has karaoke and it's not that big of a space so it gets packed!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Great atmosphere. Karaoke line wasn't too long. Got to sing 2 songs and everyone that sang was amazing

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    9 months ago

    Great music super fun one of the best bars I been, service was great , drinks were awesome

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Great atmosphere I don't like karaoke but my wife loved it. Service was great nice little dive bar.

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    11 months ago

    THE place for Karaoke in San Diego! Don't forget to bring cash! Legendary bar and a great dive!

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    Page 5 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 Cordova Bar

    The Cordova Bar

    4.7
    (224 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Stopped by here after dinner and had a blast. This place is a vibe…read more They had a DJ. There's plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. Service was awesome from start to finish, and the drinks were reasonably priced, which is always a plus. They're dog friendly, which is awesome. Overall, it had a great crowd and an easy, laid-back atmosphere. Definitely a fun spot to hang out.

    Dope cocktail bar in Morena area. Just dropped in on a routine Saturday night for 1 cocktail and…read moreended up having many lolol They had a DJ in playing which was cool and kept the vibes right for the night (although I think the volume could have been a bit lower as I felt like I had to yell to talk or do the awkward lean in to hear). Bartenders were cool. Nick was our fave though for sure. He made some mean cocktails. Solid liquor selection plus a list of cocktails to choose from. I initially ordered the something and picante (can't remember the full name) and found it to be way too sweet. Then switched to a basic Lalo with soda and lime to cleanse my palette. After tried their version of an espresso martini which was quite good but made with nitro brew and kahlua so a bit on the sweeter side. I ended the night with my fave drink though which was a Hugo spritz and it was perfectly balanced. Definitely will be going back, especially for the love band Sundays. Parking is all street parking.

    Photos
    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.
    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.
    Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
    Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
    Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM

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    Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM
    Oculto 477

    Oculto 477

    4.2
    (309 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I plan to come back to San Diego every few months, and since I'm a creature of habit, I'm looking…read morefor something that I can do every single time. I'm really glad that I found Oculto because it has been one of the highlights of my San Diego trip. First of all, the concept of the seven deadly sins is really cool. The space is absolutely moody, intimate, and thoughtfully designed. It has an atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and enjoy your drink rather than rush through it. And since I don't really drink, I was definitely going slow. And I was alone, but the good part was I found myself just taking it all in instead of reaching for my phone. I started with an espresso martini-style cocktail that was smooth, balanced, and the perfect way to ease into the evening. For my second drink, I asked for the bartender's choice, and it ended up being one of my favorite cocktails I've had in a long time. It featured lychee, strawberry, and cardamom, and was garnished with a beautiful little rose. It was creative, elegant, and every flavor worked together perfectly. The cocktails were outstanding, but what really made the experience stand out was the service. Devin was an excellent bartender and an amazing conversationalist. He was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaging, making me feel welcome from the moment I sat down. He took the time to craft a drink based on flavors I enjoy, and it was clear he cares about creating a great experience, not just serving drinks. If you're looking for a cocktail bar with incredible drinks, a gorgeous atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality, I can't recommend Oculto enough. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in San Diego.

    I visited Oculto 477 for the first time recently and fell in love with this delightfully charming…read morebar! Full disclosure, I'm a sucker for a themed speakeasy, and Oculto delivered with its Mexican gothic twist. Entering through a confessional booth, confessing your sins before once again giving over to temptation as you sample seven deadly sins-themed libations; oh yeah, this is the themed spectacle that I adore! For those wanting to visit, Oculto is small and reservations are a must. They also have a two drink minimum and the seatings are timed. Everything we ordered was fantastic and I adored the presentation. My only complaint, and the reason for the four stars, is that despite its small size, service was still on the slower side. I get that the bartenders are making complicated craft cocktails, but when you have a two drink minimum AND a time limit for your guests, maybe speed it up a little bit? We would have loved to order another round but sadly ran out of time on our reservation. But everything else about the bar was fantastic, and I will definitely be back for another night of debauchery in the future!

    Photos
    Seat at the bar
    Seat at the bar
    La Llorona
    La Llorona
    Oculto 477

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    Starlite

    Starlite

    4.1
    (2.7k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$

    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
    Bar area after entering
    Bar area after entering
    Pistachio ice cream sandwich
    Pistachio ice cream sandwich
    Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!
    The Gärten

    The Gärten

    4.6
    (81 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    This biergarten is awesome. As soon as you walk in, there's a food truck immediately to your left…read moreserving wood-fired pizzas that are absolutely phenomenal. They also offer a great happy hour special Tuesday through Friday with $5 off pizzas. I don't remember the exact hours, so you'll want to check those before visiting. One of the things I love most about this place is the variety. There are three different brewery stations throughout the venue. I got a flight from the back room, where they serve mead, which is tough to find around San Diego. I ordered a flight, which came with six selections, and every single one was excellent. The staff here are fantastic. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and one of the chefs even came out to give the pups some pepperoni, which was a nice touch that definitely stood out. The space itself is huge with plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a great place for groups to gather, relax, and enjoy a few drinks without feeling cramped. Overall, this is a fun and unique spot with great food, excellent drinks, and outstanding service. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back.

    This is a great space! Love meeting friends here - locals and tourists are always pleasantly…read moresurprised by this literal 'hidden' gem tucked in the middle of an industrial area (parking may take a bit to find). The main food available is from Pizza Cassette, which has delicious sandwiches and wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza pies. Drinks are available from a brewery, a trendy and unique wine spot, and a meadery! Truly something for everyone. It's dog friendly and great for groups to still feel intimate with standing areas, barrel table tops and picnic style tables. There's usually always something happening like trivia night or live music, but heads up, they don't stay open too late - won't be an issue for most, but in case you're looking for a spot at 8pm, double check the hours, especially for food.

    Photos
    VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery
    VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery
    The Gärten
    The Gärten

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    insideOUT

    insideOUT

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Last night was one of my top dining experiences. Everything about IO was great. Literally every…read morebite and sip was so delicious. And the decor was so thoughtful, refined yet relaxing. My friend is ready to redecorate his place with Moroccan lamps now. The only negative was our fault...we decided to go two days ago and the only reservation left was at 8:45. I think IO more beautiful at night, so we were looking forward to it nonetheless. We arrived around 8 and ordered a bottle of wine in the waiting area/courtyard ramp. Such an interesting layout, but it works! We got to sit at a table right next to the waterfall and pond. Our server was very nice. Probably the only slip-up in service, was that our main came out when we had barely put a dent in apps. We were probably chatting and sipping on wine too much? The expo realized, kept the mains, and said take your time. Then he brought out mains when we were ready. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. My friend and I decided to both get the steak on the hot stone. It comes out raw and you have to keep track of time to cook it how you like it. You can choose flavored salts and butters and sauces for the side. We also shared the pickled strawberry salad. It had lots of toppings, flavor, and textures. The pozole verde was also excellent.

    InsideOUT is one of my favorite places in Hillcrest, especially if you're looking for a restaurant…read morewith a fun atmosphere. What really keeps me coming back are the seasonal transformations. They go all out with the decorations, and during Christmas the entire restaurant feels completely transformed. It's one of the best holiday dining experiences in San Diego. The seasonal touches don't stop at the décor either. I like that they regularly introduce limited-time food and cocktail specials, so there's usually something new to try while still keeping some of their popular favorites on the menu. Everything I've ordered over multiple visits has been well prepared, and I haven't had a bad meal yet. It's definitely on the pricier side, so I see it more as a place for celebrations, date nights, or when you want a unique dining experience rather than an everyday meal. Between the food, drinks, and the incredible decorations, it feels worth it for those occasions. One piece of advice: make a reservation. This place is popular, especially during the holidays and other seasonal events, and tables fill up quickly.

    Photos
    Spring oasis
    Spring oasis
    Dip and chips
    Dip and chips
    Pear mocktail

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    Pear mocktail

    The Lamplighter - karaoke - Updated August 2026

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