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    The Lamplighter

    4.0 (1.1k reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    The Lamplighter Photos

    Business Info

    THE LAMPLIGHTER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Loud
    Karaoke

    Recommended Reviews - The Lamplighter

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    Fun karaoke and drinks are perfect serving! Can't wait to come back! Thanks for a good time!

    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......

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    10 months ago

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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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    5 months ago

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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

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

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    5 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 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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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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    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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    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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    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

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

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    7 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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    6 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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    3 months ago

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

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    3 months ago

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

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    1 year ago

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    6 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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    8 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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    9 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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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years 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

    The Cordova Bar

    The Cordova Bar

    4.7
    (223 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
    (308 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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    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
    $$$

    My partner & I recently got engaged and came to celebrate here. Christian treated us so well! Food…read more& drinks were great and so was the ambiance. Also my first time in San Diego and Christian already made my experience so good. Definitely would come back here if we're ever in town.

    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.

    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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