Amazing bar, great ambience. Cheap drinks and fun games. Brittney the artender was the best, we love her!!!!!!

i came into this with no expectations at all. In fact, i didnt even know where i was going on this past wed evening as i drove down garnet to meet a friend. phone beeps, text reads "silver fox." ah...i've never been to The Fox. and what a perfect opportunity to see it in its most natural form, midweek. From the outside this place looks quite desolate. I pass by it all the time...in all these years...and had never gone in (though that goes for 97% of PB bars). I think inside my head I pictured a few lonely souls, hunched over on bar stools in a dark & dingy rundown bar. I especially expected this on a Wed nite - the street was empty and I could park nearly right in front of it. I seriously thought the group I was meeting up with would be the only ones inside. but lo and behold....it is happenin inside! I hadn't realized it is tucked away down a flight of stairs...and the easy parking situation was most likely due to everyone being local and having the ability to walk to it. Locals to the max....and if you want to talk about non-pretentious, this is the place. Nor is it a place of the beautiful people, but I think that is one of the charms, and actually highlights. Fun characters of the evening I made mental notes of: *Massively Fake & Bake, 50 something blonde dude in white cut off jean shorts playing pool - the goal of the evening was to get a photo with him. Success, btw, as I was exiting for the evening. * Quiet Native American in back pool table, shooting by himself * Neanderthal-ish (seriously) young chap playing darts with (i assume) his girlfriend who was wearing a sequined neckline shirt. Wins trophy for most unexpected couple of the evening * Classic, undoubtably under-aged kid sitting at the bar (talk about balls) wearing baseball cap. Could not have been over 19 ...also to be noted it was about 90% male --- The random and eclectic clientele, the cheap booze, the easy-going vibe...these are all things that make me smile. I dunno, I guess I'm a dive girl at heart. You wouldn't expect it. And I'm a sucker for heterogeneousness...just keeps things unexpected and interesting. With the classic jukebox within the place, combined with people of alllll kinds, the playlist of my stay consisted of (yes, in this exact order): Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding - I whistled & swayed along (luv that song) Devil Went Down to Georgia A song by Lady Gaga Some metalish, hard rock song - I mean, where do you go that you hear such diversity in one sitting? Only at The Fox, where the people range from underaged kiddo all the way to rubbery old surfer dude in cut-off white shorts. read more

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I'm glad I found this spot! I would come back here when I'm in San Diego again. I was really iffy about coming here at first because it wasn't bustling with people and it was farther away from the beach than the other bars. Plus, the furniture and decor make the place look really old. Even the crowd is older and generally ranged from a few late 20s to more ~30-40s. But it's ok - everyone is drunk and happy! This place looks small on the outside, but it gets spacier as you enter down the stairs. There are two restroom stalls for women (closer to the entrance) and separate stalls for men (closer to the arcade games). Parking: I parked at the grocery store parking lot across the street because it was free. The walk is not bad - maybe 5 minutes? Ruben, the bartender, is cool. He's a little older, but he's very funny and friendly. Drinks are decently priced here. They have a beer of the month that is only $2 if you go during happy hour. Each game of pool is 75 cents (I got change from Ruben). There are 3 pool tables and enough cue sticks for your entire party. The jukebox is the one advanced piece of technology that this old bar has and it is pretty cool. Each $1 gets you 2 credits, and most songs are 2 credits - even the new releases. They have songs even way back from the 50s. The dart board allows you to play games and keeps score for you, but you can just use the chalkboard on the back wall. read more

The Silver Fox - Rolling Rock (lager from Pennsylvania) $2.50 beer of the month (today is Sept 30) hahahaha - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The bouncer was the worst person I've ever met. He was sooooo rude to my friend for no reason. Don't recommend.

Voted the best dive bar in San Diego. The bartenders are excellent and the crowd is friendly. There are 2 pool tables available and music, too. read more

Made me recite the alphabet just to enter... wasn't even drunk.. also seemed very dead for a Saturday late night during summer

Love the Fox. Rock n shots Sunday through Tuesday get you turnt. Just ask my boy Cintron. A San Diego landmark for sure!

After five years of living in San Diego I finally made it to the Silver Fox . I've heard just about every story you can imagine about this place from friends as some have woken up and started the day drinking by 7am and some have closed the night during the ratchet hours. I was prepared for everything and anything except the hideous cheetah carpet! From the size of the bouncers at the front of the door I was expecting to see some hard core people, but as I walked down the stairs into what is referred as the "Dungeon" everyone seeming to be getting along, playing darts, and bantering at the pool tables. The second I saw the carpet and the "soft" / normal people in the bar I laughed and walked up to the bar and told the bartender that I was expecting more. She told me to come back at 6am for the real characters. This bar fits all the marks for a true dive bar and I am giving it a four because the night I went they only had one dart and the ATM wasn't working. Fun place, and food crowd. Don't be scared, just take the plunge and check it out! read more

This place is the the most friendly and welcoming bar I've been to in all of Southern California, not just San Diego. Jesse was an absolute pleasure to be around around, the drinks were good but Jesse had me feeling right at home. Friendly, energetic, and an exciting. I don't know what they're paying that man but they should be paying him more. 5/5 read more

The Silver Fox - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

My friends and I used to love this place since it normally isn't packed and the vibes are always good. That changed quickly this last time we visited. One of the older women bartenders screamed at my friends after we left a 15% tip on a tab that was from mostly bottled beers. She proceeded to harass us and followed us outside of the bar, where we were trying to order tacos and demanded that the taco man put fentanyl in our tacos. I've never been more disgusted in my life. Truly the most offensive and unnecessary thing to say especially when our country is experiencing a fentanyl crisis. This woman was out of control and went out of her way to follow us outside and negatively impact the taco man's business. We will not be coming back to the silver fox. read more

The Fox is awesome...one of the best dive bars I know. However the reason for only 3 stars is because of the one bartender I couldn't stop from hitting on me all night. I don't know his real name but he had some amazing drink making skills and a bad ass beard, which I complimented. However at one point he leaned in and asked me to call him "Uncle Josh" which creeped me out and I had to leave. But I'll be back...the Fox is too great to let one creeper ruin it for me ;) read more

It's best to have the right expectations for this place: It's a cash only dive bar - nothing more, nothing less. The beer on tap was better than expected. Both the bartender and the people in the bar were friendly. read more

Came here tonight on my Birthday and the bald bartender was a complete A$$hole! lost our business

Had a wonderful time when we were there. The bartender was funny and service was prompt. The clientele was LOTS OF FUN and didn't seem to mind we were of a certain age. Certain age of 66, 78 and 93!!! Even had a young lad buy us a round of drinks!!!! How kewl was that!!!! read more

The Silver Fox is a box of fun! They have darts! They have billiards! (yes they call it billiards and not pool) They have sports! (Loads of televisions and they will turn on whatever game your heart desires) They have a jukebox! They have cheap drinks! (We got like 5 drinks for about $14) They have tasty drink! (The BF said it was one of the best Tom Collins he ever had and I had a specialty cocktail called The Caveman something that tasted like a tastier version of a Mai Thai) They have GREAT customer service! (Locals and newbies alike received excellent service and Sean the bartender was super friendly and knew how to work the room). Overall GREAT, I mean EXCELLENT bar! They are open late nights and early morning. The place did have a faint pee smell but it added to its divey essence. This is what I look for in a dive bar. What more could you ask for?...wait for it.....Its also located next door to a nail salon...SCORE. I was able to get my toes polished while my bf waited and got a couple of drinks. It simply perfection. read more

The Silver Fox - Girly drinks and football... - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Okay, so I was born and raised in San Diego, and I've lived in PB for about 4 years. I certainly had a preconceived notion of the Silver Fox. It's definitely the definition of a dive bar, it has super old, cheetah carpet, it feels a bit shady AF, but man I've grown to LOVE this place! You absolutely have to come on Thursday night! I'm here right now, and I've been drinking $4 Red Bull vodkas all night!! The bartenders are cool, the vibes are so chill, the music is good, and the drinks are so strong. Don't judge a book by its cover. :) read more

Linae is super rude. If you don't like it, then eave kinda mentality from employees. When I told them there was a shard of glass in my shot, they didn't give a single F. They're not open because they don't serve food. Probably for the best. read more

Awesome dive bar! Pool tables, juke box and a diverse crowd. Drink specials. My fav!! I probably wouldn't have noticed the place if I weren't headed there with friends that knew the place. I'm glad I decided to tag along! Very friendly staff and did I mention the drink specials?!? Nice crowd on a week night, I'll be back! read more

Went in and wanted to sit on the patio but they don't allow drinks out there or up stairs. Kind of a weird place....bartenders suck!!!

Cool spot. Bar tender was a little unwelcoming. I was probably a little cold too but only reacting to the cold welcome. I would recommend a warmer welcome at the door. All good though.... I'm a stubborn guy just like the bartender and I think we would be friends in another life lol read more

Haven't been here for a while, but went back last Thursday and found that it has gone up to $3 u-call-its, but wells are still $2.

Not a good place. The bouncers are super aggressive. My friends and I had been up drinking and decided to come. My friend who is actually a bartender had a drink in her hand already when she realized it she immediately took it out, still the dudes were jerks. As we were waiting for our car some 2 guys called me a fag one was a bouncer and blamed my friend for getting assaulted because she didn't want a guy touching her. This place is not the normal San Diego vibe at all. read more

Cash only, it have a pool table, it have alcohol, it doesn't have a dance club, it is your everyday dive ball yeahhhhhhhhhhh. read more

Great space, great place, great bartenders cool mix of customers. Good tunes. No food, but good, cold beverages.

This place was exactly what my friend and I needed on a Thursday night. It reminded me of the dive bars in Vegas and Chicago. I shoot pool and my friend loves to talk to everyone. This place did not disappoint. Friendly people, cheap drinks, darts, jukebox, 3 pool tables, and people who can shoot. Yes, it is cash only but it was displayed clearly and humorously on the chalk board. When the drinks are that cheap it makes sense for this place to be cash only. The hot dog guy was super friendly and a welcome sight after having a few drinks (best prices in town). I'm sure my friend and I were quite entertaining to him. Loss of a star only due to the interesting odor. But, hey, this place had character. read more

This is definitely that "local dive" that everyone wants, but only certain parts of town get. If you haven't been here before, it's a 100% experience. There is typically the local douches that are out and about to tie one on, but you (without a doubt) will have the standard dudes/chicks that have been going here for 25+ years commondeering the best seats in the house AND pool table simultaneously. Otherwise you are in for some entertainment. The bartenders are usually relatively rude because they deal with idiots all day long and are usually over it by about 11pm. If you don't have your order ready, they will walk away. Just be prepared for it. If you know what you want, order it and fork over the cash because you will be impressed with the stiff cocktail you have received. They don't mess around on the pour. Best part about this bar? They have an amazing hot dog stand located in the lobby/outside area and if you can't mow down a late night "grizzle my hizzle" then we can't be friends. It's quite possibly the best concoction and a perfect remedy to all night drinking. Be aware: CASH ONLY. read more

This is as close to a dive bar as you can possibly get without finding any meth-heads (see the Night Owl, down by fwy 5). - I can't count how many times we got there at 6:00 a.m. And I have still never been the 1st person To open the bar. - The bartenders are some of the best people in Pacific beach. - The bar has a crazy low-rent atmosphere, that doesn't quite fit in with the rest of PB, and makes it that much more fun - The patrons are usually easier to get along with and talk to then at other bars in San Diego read more

By far, undisputed, not even close, 100% Best Dive Bar in San Diego. 3 pool tables. You can bring in your own food. Great bartenders, specifically Jason aka Insane J. The people you will meet here is just as similar walking down the Las Vegas Strip. Ya never know who will show up. Oh it's Cash only! See ya there. read more

Wow. Go here. You won't regret it...well you may regret the 4th tequila, but this place is an awesome dive bar. Great find! You-call-it Thursday was a great deal. read more

The Silver Fox - Free Bud Heavy. Not angry about that. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

At one point.. I was hammered and came to the Silver fox all the time. But I will never go there again. The bouncer refused my friend entrance simply because she could not find her I'd right that second. I don't know why she was profiled in this way but when Otto worked there... I was never profiled this way read more

Stopped by this "dive" bar before brunch on Saturday and was pleasantly surprised by the friendly, funny (and cute!) bartender Chris. The drinks were cheap and the jukebox had great music. Some of the patrons were a little crazy but all super happy and having a great time. I will definitely be back. The door guy, I think he said Felix was surprisingly nice too. read more

The Silver Fox - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Now I always wondered if this place was a hangout for older gay men or possibly a smelly ass dive bar that is a gathering for all kinds of riff raff like me! Well, I found out last night that this is not a place Anderson Cooper would hang out in. (Thanks Sue L. for the reference) As our group stumbled down the stairs into the bar (downstairs to a bar screams dive bar fyi) you get hit by the aroma of stale beer, tequila, stripper juice (I don't know why), tequila from the stomach and maybe a little urine from St. Paddy's. Who's ready for a drink!?! My gal and I bellied up to the bar and noticed the overly worn bartop (always a great sign) and behind that some very willing bartenders looking to get you more fucked up than you already are. We ordered like 6 drinks and were shocked by the low $25 tab. When you hear that it just screams who wants shots!!! Slight gag just thinking about that. If you're a lady (most likely your not that ladylike if you're here), you may get hit on from your kooky Bernie Sanders type to tattoo laden biker chicks. There is no discrimination in this bar. We are all just a bunch of drunks trying to figure out how we're going to make it home. Let's have another drink and think about that, how do you spell OOburrr? My reviews are always written under the influence and with that said, I am writing this review at noon. Yes, I am still drunk from my night out at the Silver Fox! read more

My friends, this is a bar. A true dive and a place that is frozen in time with the focus on drinking, and drinking alone. Proceed with caution. The Silver Fox, a true PB staple. It's not your typical Pacific Beach bar and what they do here works and has withstood the test of time. Sure, you can come here and try to pick up on ladies, but rest assured that they will be ladies. Not 21 year old girls celebrating their birthday with a tiara in their tangled hair and six-inch heels, so be prepared. If you're a dude, you'll pee in a trough, which is any man's worst nightmare... I don't care what anyone says. The drinks are cheap, served cold and without attitude or judgement. If you're lucky you may even find a stray dollar hanging out in Big Buck Hunter, a must for any great dive bar. Grab a stool and enjoy the ride - it's a good one. read more

"STOP STARING AT MY DICK," was one of the hilarious shout-outs hollered at this dive bar on a Thursday night by the largely blue-collar working crowd. Awkward? Probably so for the two guys at the bar everyone heard. In response, the bartender reminded the patrons, "Hey, this is a family establishment!" With 3 pool tables, a very long bar, and a smoking patio, this might not be a place to bring your kids, but it is a great place to hang out in PB without immersing yourself in the "PB scene". A sign on the wall proudly advertises this fine family establishment as the home of $2 you-call-its Thursdays from 9 PM - 1 AM. Grey Goose and tonic? Maker's Mark and Coke? Absolut and orange? Yeahhhhhhhh! Our hero can be found here often on Thursdays shooting pool, throwing darts, and of course imbibing cheap drinks. The best times to head down are between 9 - 10 PM on Thursdays before they switch over from glasses to plastic cups. PROS: - They are open at 6 AM - Furthermore, they have "Happy Hour" specials 6-10 AM... Wow... I've never really thought of those hours as happy... but hey... - You really don't need to dress up when you go out to this place CONS: - If you have to use the men's washroom, you'll be peeing into a metal trough that looks like it was used for feeding pigs in an old farmhouse. I'm told in all seriousness that the women's washroom is a complete contrast and really nice though. - 2 out of 3 pool tables close down at 10 PM to make room for more people. read more

There are two distinct types of bars to go to in Pacific Beach, those you go to when you are in your mid twenties and looking to get pants shitting drunk and those you go to in the daytime to avoid those in their mid twenties having embarrassing accidents late at night that may or may not also involve a burrito. I believe I was yearning for my mid thirties even when I was making excuses as to why it was okay to go to Moondoggies. I would tell myself since 10 of my friends would be there we were doing our civic duty by bringing the college sorority and frat numbers down by at least 11. Then we would show up and drink way too much in order to numb the pain, which lead to awful hangovers, which lead to Bloody Marys at The Silver Fox early the next morning. Sometimes the drinks were paired with a game of pool or darts if we were feeling especially ashamed and needed something to distract us from conversation. This bar is a dark dungeon down a flight of stairs from street level, thus promising to hide you from the sun coming up at 6AM when they open. Its a little dirty and the drinks are strong and it has the leftover smell of those thirty somethings wise enough to have chosen this place over the others down the road the night before. Its not quite a dive, but, compared to it's neighbors, it is just old and worn down enough to at least carry the title of crusty. I wouldn't want it any other way. read more

If you've read any of my PB reviews, you know I don't really care for PB. But the Silver Fox holds a special place in my heart... I think it will be the only bar in PB I will agree to go to from now on. Its a dive bar, there isn't any beer on tap but they have $2 beer specials so who cares. Last weekend I get there a little earlier than my friends. I take a seat at the bar and am greeted by the friendly bartender. I get my beer and patiently wait for my friends. As I wait, random dudes talk to me. And then once my friends get there this one guy walks up and says (from a distance) "Are you married?" I reply. "No." He says, "I'm Trey, what is your name?" "Melinda." All of this from about 5 feet away. I turn to Kristen who is laughing at the whole ordeal and he mumbles something about wanting to talk to me and I ignore him. It was classic. I'm glad The Silver Fox was my 69th review. read more

Oh...Melody you are missing out. To enjoy the debauchery you yourself must be drinking as well. I recommend going at 12:30 at the earliest. This is the last spot you hit. Once you have already been drinking at some other place in Garnet....grab a $2 cab to The Fox. Then, enjoy one of the fabulous hot dogs out front. Then, go on in and enjoy the mayhem. read more

Maybe I've gone at the wrong time? Everytime I've gone, there are old men missing teeth sitting at the bar ogllng me and my friends. Either that or the bro dudes that get too drunk and then in turn get too loud and obnoxious. I understand they pour heavy. Big deal the place stinks. read more

So here's the deal... I went here to have a cocktail with a friend and met the bartender Lynae. I am convinced that if you have ever been to any bar anywhere, this woman will make your day. She loves her job and wants to be sure that you love your experience here. The Silver Fox is a great bar for all ages. Cheers peeps. Happy and safe drinking! read more

Perfectly dark at night and day. Perfectly cash only drinks with varying specials at any given time. Perfectly busy on a week night and not overly busy on weekend days. Perfectly located out of the mess of PB but not so far away you can't walk it. Perfectly entertaining crowd and spacious bar area. Perfectly dive-y in all the best ways. Hmm, sounds like I ought to make it here more often! read more