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The Lamplighter

4.0 (1k reviews)
Closed 6:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

The Lamplighter Photos

Business Info

THE LAMPLIGHTER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Divey
Casual
Karaoke
Loud

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Recommended Reviews - The Lamplighter

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Reviews With Photos

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....

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2 months ago

Best drinks in San Diego! Sucks that's it's cash only but we make do! Buy 1 get 1 free you can't go wrong!

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5 months ago

This place is so much fun! Karaoke with some great dancing music mixed in by the DJ. Remember to bring your debit card or cash!

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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5 months ago

Love the music and front staff everyone is so nice and friendly! Lamplighter forever!

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

First time, loved the vibes and the music was great!! The bartenders were friendly and quick. Def recommend.

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2 months ago

Such a great experience with friends! Love the vibes here! Love it here love it love it here

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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6 months ago

Awesome vibe very chill, it is cash only and we had a 5 dollar cover on a Friday night, karaoke stage!

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1 year ago

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5 months ago

Fun atmosphere. Good drinks and reasonable prices. Cute location and plenty of street parking.

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6 months ago

Best bar in mission hills hands down! I've had the best time every time I've come here.

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2 months ago

Great local dive! Open 6AM-2AM! Old school vibes - karaoke - live in mission hills been going here years!

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2 months ago

They are always so friendly. The vibes are always so high. Love lamplighter. Bartender are on point.

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6 months ago

Awesome and friendly security!!!! Super nice place and karaoke is always a blast here

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5 months ago

Best place ever for a great karaoke night! I love coming to The Lamplighter with my friends or bringing people here for the first time.

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7 months ago

Mariah and James at the door were amazing. Great vibe and atmosphere's and excellent services

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6 months ago

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11 months ago

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6 months ago

Best bar in San Diego!!!! Mariah and James at the front door are such a vibe!!! Can't wait to go back!!!

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5 months ago

The drinks were really yummy and Landon was very kind! The karaoke was super fun and diverse genres!! 10/10 recommend

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

Best vibe nation it was forsaken destination. Absolutely lovely. Bathroom was on point!

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8 months ago

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7 months ago

Best bar in San Diego , and hands down the best vibe and great music. Karaoke is great as well

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

This bar is already a vibe, but Mariah and James at the door make it even better every time.

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3 months ago

Buy a drink get one free. 5 stars. Good karaoke and friendly vibe. Everyones having a great time here.

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2 years ago

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10 months ago

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1 year ago

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Page 2 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

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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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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!

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!

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$8 Bloody Mary
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Inside
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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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Nunu's Tavern

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4.1
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0.8 mi
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Usually at least decent. Today was just terrible. The chicken tenders and fries were inedible. The…read moreham we went in eaten and the patty melt was okay. Only one bar tender/server on and she was fine. A bit overworked but she kept at it all night. $75 for terrible food. Will be a while before I go back. This is a pretty bad memory.

I needed something to eat and detoured to Nunu's. Walked in and BAM! The leather'ish booths,…read morestained glass lights reminded me of a cool uncles basement bar. Old Stlye Beer sign and all. Food - 3.5 Service - 4.5 Ambiance - 4 for nostalgia Value - 4 The service? Friendly, attentive, and go with the flow. No fuss, just staff who knows how to keep drinks coming and food rolling out. The food? I heard about the ribs and gave them a go. They were fall off the bone tender, slathered in sauce, and 100% giving "apartment ribs" energy (you know, slow-cooked all day, slathered in sauce, hit with a quick sear). The cheese sticks, fries, and onion rings? Solid but in full disclosure, I was a little touched by the brown liquor at that point, so maybe things tasted even better than usual? Everything comes on paper plates with plasticware. If you're expecting white tablecloth service, keep it moving. If you're here for strong drinks, saucy ribs, burgers, and greasy sides, this place has it. Give em a go!Nunu's may be that spot you stumble into once and end up adding to your regular rotation. Welp! Onto the next!

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Clean and mellow AF vs University Ave pre -PRIDE parade.
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The Lamplighter - karaoke - Updated July 2026

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