Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Smoking Gun

    4.0 (676 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 3:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order The Smoking Gun Takeout or Delivery

    The Smoking Gun Photos

    Business Info

    THE SMOKING GUN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Loud

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Smoking Gun

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pee-Chee folder menu cover and Blockbuster VHS case for the guest check
    Annabelle R.

    This is a cool spot in the gaslamp district, offering a restaurant, bar, and both pub games/table games throughout and an arcade in the back. According to the bartender, ping pong and shuffleboard are free, the pool table and foosball take cash or card, and for the arcade (with skeeball, video games, etc.), guests get a game card. We just played some foosball while having dinner there this past Saturday, and I of course beat my bf. We really liked the quirky setting and old school items like the Pee-Chee folder menu cover and Blockbuster VHS case for the guest check when we paid our bill after our meal. At arrival, we were able to find a couple open seats at the bar as the place wasn't too busy during the early evening, though it did get busier hours later during comic-con weekend. We put ourselves on the waitlist for a table for four (since we were waiting for 2 people in our party who attended the crazy Avengers panel at Comic-Con), and the wait wasn't bad to get a table, about 20 minutes or so. The food here did not stand out, but wasn't bad in terms of taste. We had the chicken nugs appetizer at the bar, filet-o-fish sandwich, baby back ribs (dry) with a side of roasted veggies, and two orders of the wagyu burger with veggies. All of our dishes were typical bar food quality, and came with small portion sizes. The drinks we got were okay, and on the weak side. This included the rum potion and power up punch (Comic-Con menu special). Service was strangely lacking, even before it got busier with the Comic-Con crowd. At the bar, we bought our bartender a shot, she then forgot about us completely when my bf ordered another drink and asked to close out (so we could move to a table). Another bartender ended up helping us. At our table when our whole party was there, service took FOR-EV-ER, beyond what's reasonable for Comic-Con weekend. We joked that we could have just left after eating and they wouldn't have noticed till an hour later. I guess that's just how they do things here... yep they're slow. 3 stars for overall value and experience.

    Arcade room
    Michael T.

    We were able to seat a fairly large group in a reasonable amount of time, and the inside of the restaurant is nice and comfortable. There's also a small arcade room with some classic coin machines to have a bit of fun. Food was quite good, but the portion sizes are enormous. If you eat regular portion sizes, the entree or sandwich is probably enough food. The "sides" are the size of mains or shareables, so we ended up wasting a lot of tater tots and mac n cheese because we couldn't take leftovers. Do NOT order two sides unless your appetite is enormous or you can take home leftovers. You'd just waste food otherwise. Drinks were also delicious, waitress was kind. Only complaint is that it took almost an hour to get food, so beware if you are on a time crunch.

    Brisket
    Caitlin D.

    I enjoyed this! Their BBQ was pretty good but the atmosphere was impressive. It's a huge space with a bar in the middle and outdoor seating. There is also a small game room in the back. They put a lot into the theme and decor! It's in downtown and not a far walk from Petco Park and they also have show games on the TV. As for the food, my friends and I ordered a bunch of things but their floutas were my fave! I also split a burger and I thought it was good, but it's a just a simple cheeseburger. I like the corn bread, but I believe it had corn in it which my friends didn't like. Mac and Brisket were delicious! I did think their chili could use improvement because it was just meat and no beans. It was also a bit runny. Lastly drinks were great and server was attentive and friendly!

    Tots. Crispy chicken thighs tenders, Frito pie
    Brittany H.

    The Smokers Gun in San Diego was such a cool late-night spot with friendly people and a fun atmosphere. Our bartender Mike was great, and may Mai Thai ($14) defiantly did what it needed to do. It was sweet, strong and served with the cutest bear-shaped glass with a beautiful purple flower on top. One drink had a girl feeling tipsy. We ordered from the late-night "midnight Bites" menu, which was the only thing we could choose from at the hour of our visit. Everything we selected was really good. Wed got the Frito Pie ($12), Chicken thigh tenders ($7), and Tots ($7). The frito pie presentation was my second favorite part (after the bear glass drink), It came in a all-clad style bowl with the chip bag cut open inside, loaded with Texas-style chilli, melted nacho cheese, and shredded cheese. It was so good I even started adding tots in there too. The tots and Thigh tenders had the perfect crisp! They have sweet and sour chili sauce for dipping with the chicken which was fab! The retro decor made the place even better. I loved seeing the old Blockbuster VHS tapes and music cassettes displayed around the bar. My little eye also spot the Dallas Cowboys flag! Texas energy is definitely in the house. There's also a small arcade area in the back, and my eyes instantly lit up seeing PAC-Man. We didn't get to fully explore the game room because we were trying to make it to Ghirardelli Ice cream & Chocolate shop for dessert before they closed at midnight too. Thankfully everything worked out perfectly since our car was parked right in front of Ghirardelli. NO military discount was honored here even though the owner is a veteran, but overall I still had a really good experience and would definitely come back whenever I'm in the Gaslamp district in SD, Cali. (Oops posted it on a smoke shop in Texas. This review was meant to be shared here) Update: Response to owner: Joe V. That was the best response from any owner I have ever received!!! I love that you mentioned yall haven't been mistaken for a smoke shop in Texas, that Mai Thai last mea bit. Yes sir I reckon it did.

    Game time!!! Skeeball
    Robyn S.

    If you are downtown, you've just got to stop by the hippest space on Market Street. The Smoking Hun has your grammars couch, cassette tapes lining the walls, pool table, ping pong, football and an entire room filled with nostalgic games you'd find at the boardwalk arcade. They have got an amazing happy hour selection, which includes their Butter Burger for $9 and Nachos too! We went on Thursday and were delighted by their all you can eat Bone Nugs special. It starts with 10 juicy pieces of plump chicken thighs in a light and crisy batter tossed in your choice of sauce, with additional rounds of 5 pieces each. Our server was super attentive, making perfectly timed stops by our table AND continuing to serve us while we were in the game room embroiled in the battle of the walking dead and other retro games. Thanks, team Smoking Gun for creating such a cool space to hang.

    Wagu burger
    Kimberly A.

    Mixed experience here. The food was definitely the highlight the butter burger was delicious and gone in under 12 minutes! The kitchen did a great job, but the service was a major miss. Our server completely disappeared after taking payment. It took forever for her to bring out a box, and just as long to get our check. Good food, but the service needs some work.

    Laura M.

    Great drinks!! These little bears are so cute, I think the drink is pre-mixed but it was pretty strong. I keep hearing people rave about the wagyu burguer!! Def a reason for me to come back.

    Ambiance
    Maria B.

    We were referred here for a pre-padre game happy hour. They prices were good and so was the food. The music created a fun vibe. They have games and ping pong which we definitely played. Service however was really slow. I would love to say it was because it was busy but it wasn't. We did not get one of the items we ordered, and ordering a second drink took a long time, probably would have been faster ordering from the bar. But definitely will try this place again, I loved the nostalgia

    maple siracha wings
    Catalina G.

    OKAY secret hidden gem. I came here with my friends and I loved it. It's so fun inside. The food is great; for bar food. The fried pickles were sooooo good and the maple siracha wings.The elote was good too. You meet so many cool people here and can play games. It's a super cool place to go out. I'd 100% come back. The only struggle is parking. Service was decent!

    Randall B.

    We were greeted warmly and seated immediately. My boyfriend and I had had a sample of their food at the Yelpie Awards and loved it so we finally got to try it. The atmosphere is very good but on game days it goes full "bro-bar" so know it can get noisy. Our server was great. We were interested in a nice, slow pace and they understood that. With their reccomendation we ordered the brisket taquitos. They were fine but... when you call them brisket we expect on your face brisket taste and that was not there. The texture was fine. It they were not taquitos (no hard cook on the shell). They were more like a meat cannoli. Again, they were good but not sure we would order them again. The drinks were very tasty and on the happy hour menu they are about $8 - a bargain. Since we were not overly enthused by the taquitos we went straight for the meat. We each got 1/2 pound of brisket and we also got one order of fries. Yummmmmmmeeeeeeeee.... Now we are talking. The brisket was excellent. My boyfriend thought it was the best he had had and it was a reminder of the night we had the taste at the Yelpies. The bbq sauce was good and the fries were great. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. All in all a nice time and a good place to chill and eat brisket.

    Vow renewal stopped by!
    Caitlin M.

    We stopped in on a whim during a vow renewal experience and we had such a great time. The staff were so encouraging and fun. We played games and took some pictures and they came out so cute! Definitely recommend stopping in! We had some drinks but no food so we will have to go back!

    Brittaney L.

    Went here for a holiday party where we rented out the entire bar/venue. I have to say this is one of my favorite spots to throw an event! I loved that they had great food, amazing service, and games!! It was spacious enough to fit everyone comfortably. The only down side was as a sober person, one of the bartenders refused to make a mocktail and said he would only make me red-bulls with soda as a mocktail option!

    Main bar
    Blain C.

    Decent spot for food and drinks. My hubby got the Japanese lager and I got the hard kombucha. Loveee. Lots of space with an arcade. Idk y''all not much stood out to me. Excellent service but not extraordinary. We got here around 4:30-6pm and it wasn't super busy which I'm here for. Good customer service. Good vibes~check them out. Thank ya! Enjoy!

    prickle & chill and Mai Tai

    See all

    11 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 3
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marcie L.
    433
    795
    1857

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    21 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    This is the place to go, the food was a 10/10 get the fried pickles with the ranch. Special shout out to our bartenders they were great!!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Great service and great spot. Definitely a must visit. Friendly service. OLD Skool video games.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Todd F.
    11
    46
    6

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emma E.
    56
    65
    71

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    This place is awesome! Only had a drink, so can't comment on the food, but the staff was super quick and friendly and the vibe was unique.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joe V.

    Joe V.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alternative S.

    Alternative S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 17

    Ask the Community - The Smoking Gun

    Can you book a party for kids?

    This is more of a fun bar than a kid's venue. I took my teenager here but I wouldn't take little kids to this place. If you can book this place for a party? I would call. But take a closer look at the pictures and/or visit in person first.

    Require a covid vaccination?

    Probably best to contact the business directly, as Omicron is changing the situation rapidly.

    Are you a Steelers bar?

    We're not one team in particular, but if there is a big game or enough fans of one of team, we'll show that game with sound :)

    Are you showing UFC fights?

    Yes we are :)

    Our under 21s allowed to just eat?

    Before 10pm, 7 days a week we are all ages :)

    What time does kitchen close?

    Kitchen closes at 10pm :)

    What time does the kitchen close?

    Yup

    View All 11 Questions

    You might also consider

    False Idol

    False Idol

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    My brother found this place several years ago on his visits to SD. It's now become a regular spot…read morewhenever we are in town. Most recently we were there for an event and as always, they were nothing short of exceptional! The drinks are always fantastic but what really elevates this place is the staff. They always have the best attitude, they are so accommodating, and you can tell they want you to enjoy your experience in every way. During our most recent visit, Lamar really went above and beyond to ensure our group was able to all be together for an event. I'm so very grateful for his assistance and wanted to say thank you again for everything! This place is an absolute must each time we visit, and I would highly recommend adding it to your list to try!

    This place is hidden inside Craft & Commerce which is a quirky little bar itself. There was a wait…read morefor entry this past Sunday after 9pm. Staff was also not very attentive to guests' needs, rather just going through the motions. For instance, they noted "standing room only" and that they would eventually seat our party of two. They walked us to an exact spot on the floor to stand and view the menu in the dark (we used our phone flashlights, but it wasn't easy while carrying our belongings too), and they instructed us not to order at the bar in this colorful but dimly lit tiki lounge. We essentially ordered from staff who took our order in the middle of the floor, then we had to hold our drinks, some that came with additional shot glasses, in full hands, as we were never seated. We did find a barrel to set our drinks on later, but their process and expectations for guests was just really weird and impractical. The theme and decor of the setting was lovely, with moments of a lightning and thunder effect that made the experience more immersive. But we were not impressed by the sticky menus and sticky floor, nor the lack of service and minimal help from staff while there. We made the most of our time at False Idol regardless of their shortcomings. The bombay sling and enigma de muerte were pretty decent in quality and flavor, so it's safe to say the drinks aren't the problem here. And though we probably won't return, it was cool for a one-time experience.

    Photos
    Tiki themed decor
    Tiki themed decor
    Rum barrel
    Rum barrel
    Back bar rum selection

    See all

    Back bar rum selection
    Starlite

    Starlite

    4.1
    (2.7k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$$

    Starlite!! WOW!…read more Okay, Starlite... now I finally understand what all the buzz is about! I've driven past this place more times than I can count, and every time I pass it on the 5, I see a line of people wrapped around the building waiting to get inside. Naturally, I had to find out what all the fuss was about--and let me just say, Starlite is giving "San Diego's cool kid who knows all the best places to be." This has to be one of the most happening spots in San Diego right now, and after experiencing it for myself, I completely understand why. Quick tip before you go: make reservations if you're planning a full night out. You can sometimes walk in early, but reservations let you choose between three distinct areas--and trust me, the ambiance is part of the experience. First, there's The Cave--dark, intimate, and effortlessly sexy. It has that tucked-away vibe that makes you lean in and go, "Okayyy, this is cute!" Perfect for date night or a cozy dinner when you want something more private. Then there's the indoor/outdoor space, which I absolutely loved. Palm trees and greenery create a lush, California-botanical feel that's elevated without trying too hard. And then there's the entry/bar area--lively, social, and very "we came for dinner but somehow stayed for cocktails for three hours." No matter where you sit, you're getting the full Starlite experience. THE FOOD We came to eat--and Starlite delivered. We went as a group, and just a heads up: large parties may be subject to a fee, which is pretty standard. I wouldn't bring a huge group here, but four? Perfect. A friend had already been raving about the burger, so I knew exactly what I wanted. The burger. Period. What I didn't realize? It already comes with fries. So yes... I also ordered scalloped potatoes. My husband got the burger with mac & cheese, and we added Thai carrots to balance things out--or at least pretend we were being responsible. Then the food arrived. And I was like... "Wait... where did these fries come from?" Because these fries? Golden, crispy, perfectly seasoned, and dangerously good. The kind you stop talking for. And the burger? Baby. Medium-well, caramelized onions, melted cheese--everything blended perfectly. But the real star was the garlic sauce. That sauce deserves its own review. If I could bottle it, I'd be writing this from a yacht. It took everything from great to "Ohhh, this is why people come back." The scalloped potatoes were rich, creamy, and hearty. The pepper jack mac & cheese was another standout--creamy, cheesy, with just enough kick and corkscrew noodles holding onto all that goodness. Comfort food, but make it chic. Our friends also ordered the shrimp with cocktail sauce, which they raved about for being fresh, large, and flavorful. The Dijon chicken looked incredible and got rave reviews at the table as well. So yes--we over-ordered. And no, we didn't regret it. THE VIBE Starlite nails the atmosphere. It's stylish without being pretentious, trendy without trying too hard, and intimate without feeling cramped. Even the bathrooms deserve a mention. They have a cool vault-like design, and the women's restroom includes thoughtful touches like mints and feminine products. Because honestly... A place that keeps you fed AND freshened up? I notice that. SERVICE Huge shout-out to Daniella! She was warm, attentive, accommodating, and super knowledgeable about the menu. She guided us through the favorites and made the whole experience feel easy and elevated. Great service really does change everything. FINAL VERDICT Would I come back? Absolutely. Starlite is the kind of place where you dress up a little, bring your favorite people, order way too much food, sip cocktails, and simply enjoy the night. Perfect for date night, girls' night, or a "let's see what the hype is about" dinner. Food? Ambiance? Aesthetic? Service? Vibe? 10/10 from me. San Diego, you were hiding a gem in plain sight... but I'm in on it now. Highly recommend.

    Honestly, Starlite was my favorite experience out of all of the CH Projects properties I visited. I…read moregenuinely really enjoyed my time here, and the food was SO good. The mozzarella sticks in particular were absolutely insane -- easily one of the highlights of the meal. There were still a few service issues, but honestly, they were noticeably less frustrating here than at some of the other properties. Our experience overall was much more enjoyable, and I actually left feeling like I would happily come back. I do think there seems to be a broader service issue across some of the restaurants under the same ownership, which is a shame because the food and atmosphere at these places are clearly there. I don't necessarily think it's an issue with the individual restaurants or servers, but more something that seems to come from the overall management and service structure. That being said, Starlite really stood out to me in the best way. Great food, a fun atmosphere, and overall a genuinely enjoyable experience. And seriously... those mozzarella sticks. SO good.

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

    See all

    Cocktails are fun!
    Mothership

    Mothership

    4.3
    (967 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for a fun evening with great drinks and food, you should come here. It's in South…read morePark and we easily found street parking. Definitely make a reservation. They also have some seats at the bar. This restaurant has gone all in on the space theme, from the hostess greeting to the decor in the restaurant and restroom, and even the menu and tables. Such a fun vibe! This place is known for their cocktails. I forget what we ordered because they all have funny names, but both my friend and I really enjoyed our choices. The food was great too. We ordered the tofu. I think it had a light tempura fry, yummy sauce, and very large portion. The bread is roti with an eggplant and tomato dip. Very good, but not enough dip. I'd still order it again. Probably the only negative was that I felt a bit rushed to leave. We were enjoying our conversation, entrees, and drinks and got checked on quite frequently. Eventually the waiter said, no rush but here's the check. Kind of ruined the vibe. We decided to pass on dessert here and walk to an ice cream shop in the same neighborhood.

    The single worst experience I've ever had going out…read more If you're friends with the servers, bartenders, or hosts, you'll probably have a great time. If you're not a regular, be careful, because apparently all it takes is one drunk friend of the staff making up a story to get you kicked out. While visiting San Diego with friends, we came here after hearing so many great things. There was a short wait, which was fine. The four of us were seated at a small standing table, also fine. Behind us were two guys drinking at the standing bar. One of them bumped into my friend and then stroked her arm while apologizing. She was visibly uncomfortable, so I told her to switch places with me. The guy immediately said, "We're gay, so you don't have to worry," then turned to his friend and said, "Now he looks so stupid and embarrassing." I told him, "I don't think it's embarrassing to make sure your friends are comfortable," then turned back around. I didn't argue with him, insult him, or continue the conversation. I thought that was the end of it. A few minutes later, the manager came over and told us we had made comments that made other patrons uncomfortable and asked us to leave. We had already paid for our drinks and were still waiting for them. My friend followed the manager to ask what was going on, and I joined shortly after. The person complaining was, of course, the same guy who had bumped into her. He was clearly drunk and started rambling about how we had made homophobic comments toward him and his friend. This was especially ridiculous considering the friend I switched places with was there with her girlfriend. We calmly explained exactly what happened. The manager did not care. There was no real attempt to hear our side, ask questions, or figure out what actually happened. The decision had clearly already been made. While we were speaking to the manager, the guy who complained was cheerfully talking with one of the bartenders, receiving a to-go meal, and greeting them cheek to cheek. He very obviously appeared to know the staff. So that seems to be how things work here: a drunk regular or friend of the staff can make up whatever story he wants, and management will throw out an entire group of paying customers without even pretending to investigate. They refunded the drinks, which was the bare minimum. The ambience was nice, but that means absolutely nothing when the staff handles customers this poorly. Awful management, blatant favoritism, and easily the worst service I have ever experienced. I would never come back, and I would strongly warn anyone who isn't already friends with the staff to stay away.

    Photos
    Mindkiller
    Mindkiller
    Away Mission
    Away Mission
    The bar area

    See all

    The bar area
    Bar Kamon

    Bar Kamon

    4.6
    (278 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$
    Private events
    Takes reservations

    WOW i was so happy with this speakeasy !! finding the entrance was a bit tricky at first, but we…read morewalked into the bakery with 2 other parties and we all helped each other LOL. so cute that it's in a bakery though - definitely wanna come back to try the bakery goods and drinks! we had a reservation for 2 @ 8:45pm, and we got seated at a table. loved the ambiance, dimly lit but still a good amount of light, the japanese decor - it was all so great and immersive. our server Moe was so kind and explained the concept + menu to us, and she also helped me with choosing a drink after i told her i like sweet flavors :) food we ordered: - korean cucumber salad: smashed cucmbers in a korean chili sauce that was yummy but pretttty salty. i do think though that it paired really nicely with my sweeter drinks bc i love a sweet & salty pairing - alone though, it def could've been a bit much - nagoya karaage: delicious, crispy & tender chicken pieces! the flavor gave orange/citrus-y chicken to us, and we really enjoyed it drinks we ordered: - ao ichigo: this drink was sweet, light, and tart. the strawberry flavor really came through, and i thought i wouldn't feel anything after drinking it but the reposado/vodka/vermouth combo sneaks up on ya haha - sesame old fashioned: my fiancé is a new old fashioned drinker, and he enjoyed this one. he did say it was pretty standard in its flavor and he wishes he could've tasted the sesame more, but that being said it was one of the better old fashioneds that he's had - white lover: i think this drink was my favorite! a perfect ending drink since it was creamy from the calpico. it comes with a little circle scoop of some type of sweet ice cream that pairs PERFECTLY with this drink - you can either lick it as you sip the drink (which i did at the beginning), or just drop it into your drink (which i did at the end). it definitely enhanced the flavor so i really enjoyed this drink overall a great experience, can't wait to come back sometime so try more of their omiyage cocktails! :-)

    Bar Kamon is a speakeasy hidden inside of Asa bakery in downtown SD. Fantastic ambiance with a lot…read moreof Japanese-inspired decor and drinks. My party ordered a whiskey flight, the sojiros sprotini, the trash panda, and the ube cocktail. All had very unique flavors. Will be returning to try more drinks on the menu! I highly recommend reservations, especially on Friday evenings and weekends. I tried walking-in on a Friday night and was turned away because of how busy it was. Also - do not try to open the door yourself manually... My party was berated for doing so, oops.

    Photos
    Bar Kamon
    Hibiki old Fashioned
    Hibiki old Fashioned
    Tokyo Banana

    See all

    Tokyo Banana
    Convoy Music Bar

    Convoy Music Bar

    4.5
    (425 reviews)
    7.9 mi
    $$

    I've been coming to Music Bar since they first opened, and somehow never got around to writing a…read morereview. This one is long overdue--not that they need my review, because by now everyone already knows how amazing this place is. What keeps me coming back is the combination of great music, an energetic vibe, outstanding service, and some of the most creative cocktails you'll find anywhere. Tonight was girls' night out, so we decided to order the prettier, and sweeter cocktails. But don't let the sweet flavors fool you--they are definitely generous with the alcohol. These drinks may taste dangerously easy to sip, but they pack a punch! I don't even remember the names of the cocktails we ordered, but honestly, that doesn't matter because the menu changes so often. And that's one of the things I love most about Music Bar. Every visit brings something new, fresh, and exciting to try. Both of my drinks were absolutely delicious, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. I honestly don't know how the bartenders come up with these combinations, but kudos to the team for constantly pushing their creativity while still making every cocktail incredibly well balanced. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, Music Bar never disappoints. I'll definitely keep coming back to see what new creations they come up with next. Cheers to one of my favorite cocktail spots in San Diego!

    Convoy Music Bar was my first HiFi experience and it did not disappoint! CMB is an intimate…read morelistening bar situated in an alleyway with a dark and moody ambiance. Speakers and vinyls line the walls. Vibes are more elevated here than at your usual bar. I ordered the Nickel Fortune, which came out with a fun tarot card. It was a savory drink with a nice lingering of sesame oil after each sip. Seating is pretty limited inside, so reservations are recommended. CMB's website states that "cocktail attire is celebrated."

    Photos
    Corner table view:  large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps
    Corner table view: large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps
    Interior
    Interior
    Interior

    See all

    Interior
    Polite Provisions

    Polite Provisions

    4.3
    (2k reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    Always a 5 Star experience when gathering for drinks here…read more Over the years, the names have changed for the provider of Polite Provision's delicious orderable food to go along with their polite provisions. Items such as scrupulously prepared meatballs, fried polenta, spaghetti with mushroom sauce, etc., from the prior next-door, connected purveyor "Soda and Swine"...but those days are done ...I digress. And where is Soda and Swine's Yelp page? I know I did a review, but now the page appears gone completely in search? Nah, it's just hidden, presumably to accommodate Fortunate Sons, which opened about a year ago after re-construction of both establishments. I'm too lazy to see if still owned by Consortium Group. I did search my reviews and found my updated Soda & Swine review dated 8 & 10 years ago. O_o !! Now, food is still served, however, there's a new name in town called "Fortunate Son" (next door, connected). Apparently, food now served is Asian-inspired. I've not visited recently to taste. The North Park area is a great neighborhood with many different types of food close by. While you're there, don't forget to stop by "An's Dry Cleaners", where the most inventive gelato's, ice creams and sorbets come from.

    You can order from the bar or your table. Lots of different seating options indoors and outdoors…read more Very extensive drink menu almost too many options. The drinks we ordered were good and service didn't take too long. Right next to Fortunate Son so you can order food from them and enjoy in their bar.

    Photos
    Want. Make. Disco.
    Want. Make. Disco.
    Real oil lamps!
    Real oil lamps!
    Art deco

    See all

    Art deco
    Realm of the 52 Remedies

    Realm of the 52 Remedies

    4.4
    (884 reviews)
    8.2 mi
    $$

    My friend and I made reservations here for this past Thursday at 9 PM, and I'm already looking…read moreforward to coming back! Definitely make a reservation in advance through OpenTable because they fill up pretty quickly. There is also a deposit required, which you can lose if you no-show or cancel within 24 hours, but the deposit is refunded once you arrive for your reservation. When you arrive, a hostess greets you at the entrance. There's a small waiting area where you can sit until they come get you. Then there's a door where you press a button, and it opens to bring you into the restaurant/bar. Inside, there's a mix of tables and bar seating, and they serve food in addition to having an extensive cocktail menu. The drink menu was definitely the highlight for me. There were so many creative and unique cocktails that really stood out. I'm usually not a huge cocktail person because I don't like overly sweet drinks, and it can be surprisingly difficult to find cocktails that are both original and sophisticated enough to actually sip and enjoy. They definitely nailed that here. I tried several: *Kasato Maru: This was so smooth and absolutely delicious. By far my favorite. You could really pick up the St. Germain elderflower and pear, and the flavors worked beautifully together. Definitely one of my favorites. *Sunomono: This was more liquor-forward, but still incredibly smooth. Definitely a good choice if you want something that lets the spirits shine. *Je Ju: Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. It had a really unusual flavor that just didn't work with my palate, and my friend wasn't a fan either. I'm usually not one to send a drink back, but the staff was fantastic about it. They happily took it back and made me a completely different cocktail. *Softly Spoken: My friend ordered this one, and it came in a glass filled with small ice cubes. I tried it and thought it was really good, but it wasn't quite my personal preference. It definitely had more of a fruity flavor profile. The food looked absolutely amazing although we didn't eat here this time. There are still so many cocktails on the menu that I want to try so I'll definitely need to come back. The atmosphere is dimly lit, intimate, and full of character. It has that cool, moody feel that makes you want to sit back, sip a cocktail, and stay awhile. And the service was phenomenal from start to finish. Overall, this was such a fun experience. Great atmosphere, creative cocktails, excellent service, and plenty more on the menu I still want to try. I can't wait to come back!

    This speakeasy was such a fun experience…read more The entryway and the decor, music,lighting and Anime playing on the walls all added to an asian inspired sensory deluge. Loved the drinks, food, and the service. Highly recommend a visit!

    Photos
    Sitting area
    Sitting area
    Main dining area
    Main dining area
    View from my table

    See all

    View from my table

    The Smoking Gun - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...