This place is always a great time !! Great DJ too after 9 highly recommended 5 Best dive bar in east county

Service ,bartender, friendly folks..nice clean restrooms, the parking lot has ample spaces.

Nice dive bar. Great drink prices. Good ambiance. Service was good. Music was fun. Christmas decorations are festive

Love this bar! Bartenders are extremely attentive and welcoming. Kay Kay, Jessica, Jack, and Nicole make every visit memorable and comfortable and I always spend more than I planned just because the service is so good. (I know there are other bartenders but I don't remember all of their names.) read more

A Customer of the Study for years. The thing about this bar is that EVERY bartender is excellent.... the greatest collection of staff I have seen at any one place in my fairly long life, I have not seen many thrown out but it is always well deserved and some will write a revenge review. Most people know what that is. I will go no place else. read more

Ive been needing to update this review for a while . The scene here has changed so much . This bar is popping . People from all ages hang here and everyone is friendly and super cool . I recommend coming here when KK is working . She has such an upbeat personality, it's a vibe . It's so much fun when she's working . Friday nights their DJ is good . He gets the crowd going . This is definitely the current hot spot in El Cajon . read more

Great low key and relaxing atmosphere. Great drinks and bartenders. The owner Dave is a cool cat too! Great place!!

Tuesday are designated for pool tournaments. It starts at 7 and it's hosted by Josh. Affordable buy in at $5 with a $5 raffle for 10 ball. It's so much fun and some serious competition! I have officially added it to my weekly schedule. read more

Regulars are violent - witnessed 4 fights break out in one night before the bar decided to close 40 minutes early. In the scuffle, they lost my credit card and they argued with me about it, claiming to have given it back to me. After some arguing, they found it. Not much of an apology. This isn't my only terrible experience here. I was harassed by a regular for wearing a colorful shirt - the shit-faced jackass should have been cut off long before he started tickling and caressing me. Not being a violent psychopath like the guys I witnessed tonight, I just de-escalated and left. I have also been harassed another time for looking like I "made too much money" (I'm broke and I'm my 20s) This is truly a dive bar full of violent and obnoxious regulars. Three strikes and you're out. read more

Atmosphere is unique, younger crowd Friday evening and Saturday evenings. Bartenders are professional at most.

since when is one table reserve on pool table for the maintenance guy says league so nobody else can play except him and his girlfriend. 1/5/25 read more

An awesome bar with some really funny staff members They have a different main event every night The bar patrons are definitely a odd lot but they're definitely good people read more

I have frequented this lounge. It has such a fun free vibe. The drink menu is expansive and the drinks have always been made with the best blend of fine liquor. I love the Bloody Mary's!!! Jack, Paul and Nicole keep the business clean, safe and there is a positive vibe always. If ya get a chance, this place is a must. read more

Worse experience! You can't even trust this people. Went there on Saturday night the bartender was so rude to me and my partner. He literally kick us out of the bar area because we didn't keep or tap open. Then he went to ask us for a tip to which I refuse. I went to check my bank statement the following day to my surprise there was a larger amount charge to my debit card then what it was on my receipt. Luckily I kept the receipt in my purse and I call the bar. I ask to speak with the manager and explain the situation. Clearly he also was shocked and try to make excuses to why the charge was larger. Stating the company they use to process payments charges a 20% fee on all credit cards. I explain to him that I didn't use a credit card I use my debit card. He made excuse after excuse to try to cover up the fact that they stole money from my card which I never authorize. How pathetic & unethical!! read more

Had a great time with my best friend here Saturday night. The bar tenders were friendly and attentive the drinks were good it had a fun upbeat vibe to it that got even better when the DJ came in at 9 read more

I hit this place up after seeing it on an old episode of Bar Rescue. I grew up in East County, and it was exciting to know that Jon Taffer came to my hometown! I grabbed a friend of mine and sat at the bar on a Friday night. Location: Good location on a street corner off a freeway exit. But it's in an awkward plaza behind a Jack in the Box. The show definitely made this place much larger on the inside than it actually is. Atmosphere: A crowd of blue-collar locals with a wide age-range. I met one 23 year old, and there clearly were 50+ year old individuals. On Fridays they have a DJ that plays an even wider range of music. Other reviewers discuss how the library theme doesn't match with the area. I personally like the books in the background even if it does seem odd to combine this theme with a varied DJ. Food/Drink: Had a simple whiskey coke. One of the blonde bartenders (Nicole) from the episode served me--super sweet. Recommended a specific whiskey for me to try, and I loved it. It didn't look like they retained the drink menu from the show. Honestly, I don't think they need it anymore. With a crowd of regulars at a dive bar like this, I imagine most people already know what they wanna drink. Not every bar needs a specific drink menu. I wish they served food, but if you're hungry go to Jack in the Box. Service: Everyone was amazing, very attentive. Nicole was a sweetheart. One of the male bartenders from the episode was there. They all looked like they knew what they were doing. Jon Taffer's influence has diminished on this place. But that's not entirely a bad thing. Now The Study Lounge has kind of taken its own identity. As long as they keep up the service, quality of drinks and good vibes, this place will thrive. I will definitely come back. read more

Laid back on dogs, pool table list can be a bit chaotic. Make sure you consult people on table before signup so you don't get disappointed. May have dog treats for you and your critter. read more

Was not a bad place for my frist time there. I like the atmosphere and the drinks they had there where great. The one thing the sucked was that there was not any way to pay with card that night, cash only I hope that it is changed. I liked that they had a lot of tabby and seating clean restrooms and tables. The bartender was quick and fast to get orders out to us and was well to let me know if she need a minute the help the people in front of me. The prices of the drinks are better then most. I love the vitamin C drink one of the favorite ones to get. read more

I just happened to spot this place when I was visiting the 7-Eleven next-door. It was Halloween evening so I was pretty sure the sexy nerd in the short skirt was just dressed up for the occasion, but we went back the next night to check it out first hand. Low and behold the nerd was there, but this time not in costume. It was Annie the bartender and she was, indeed, dressed up for Halloween the night before. It was a little slow but the regular crowd started to shuffle in as the night went on. Annie was pleasant and kept the drinks flowing. No matter your beverage of choice, make sure you at least get a taste of the "Dutch Mule". Ginger beer, vodka and a few other key ingredients make for a rather tasty and refreshing libation. They also offer an assortment of chips and other snacks as well as fried stuff with cheese and other artery clogging vittles. The prices were in line with other local spots, but The Study wins out on atmosphere and service. There are two pool tables to rack your balls on in addition to a digital jukebox with a huge variety of tunes to chose from. You will also find plenty of TV's for your viewing pleasure. I could have done without the drunk guy at the end of the bar trying to make conversation with my wife, but he likes apples and I got her number. "How do you like them apples?" I will definitely clear the calendar and return for some more "Study" time. read more

The Study Lounge - I've just been introduced to the "Adios." - Cocktail Bars Near Me - El Cajon, California

I love the show Bar Rescue but in this case Tapper blew it. We came to check it out because of the show. This is a very "Blue Colar" neighborhood. This place is set up like a library or a Starbucks that serves booze. The theme would be much better suited neared SDSU. We spoke with the only bar tender in the place, by the way there were about 50 people in there and she was the only employee. She was there when Tapper did his make over. Since then the bar has been bought and sold 3 times. The new owner is thinking of making it a sports bar. Better theme, put some more staff in the place. They don't do any of John's drinks anymore and the only food is a bag of potato chips. Hopefully the new sports bar theme will help. read more

Walked in and was greeted immediately by the bar tender but waited FOREVER for a drink that never came. She gave me "one on the house" which wasn't what I ordered and a regular who hadn't been sitting at the bar for 30 mins wanted to fight me over a seat she abandoned. Long story short I took the drink on the house and moved to the next spot read more

Great spot! Love their cocktails and the atmosphere is tops! It was my first time last week, but I'm already planning to go back tomorrow with some friends, it might be my new spot! read more

Stopped by with a friend last Monday after finding out the hard way that BOTH the Alpine beer tasting room AND the Alpine beer pub are closed on Monday. Fortunately, the Study Lounge sells GIANT size glasses of ice-cold Alpine Duet, which hit the spot after a long, afternoon hike in the hills. Super nice bartender (Nicole, I think) and good crowd of locals. I'll be back... read more

first of all this bar has had its reputations. but I thought I would try it out after being on bar Resque. I walked in the the smell was over whelming. and I stood there and got not acknowledgement. so I turned around to leave. oh did i say that were 2 large dogs in there?!!! well I accidentally bumped into this guy as he stuck his foot out to play pool right in front of the door to leave! and his dog leaped at me and put its mount around my hand!! come on people!!!! we gotta stop taking animals to places they don't belong. it's unsanitary!!!!! read more

This place needs new bartenders. Tunnel vision is real here and they will not see you at the bar. Unless your a personal friend of "hers" then your good. Super disrespectful, killed my vibe after waiting far to long without even a glance or I'll be right with you. Do your job bartender and show your costumes some acknowledgement! Rude AF and i will definitely be telling all my friends not to go there read more

We went to enjoy a couple drinks and play some pool, we paid cash for our drinks and the bartender that was their I guess decided she wanted to take our cash for herself instead of use it towards our drinks as it should have been which we didn't find out until the other very rude and unprofessional bartender gave me a bill I asked what the charges were for and what the other couple drinks were on my tab that we did not drink and she got very defensive wanting to yell and try to kick us out of the bar, she tried to say that 2 of us had 9 drinks, 4 shots and some other drinks in less the 2 hours that she was their and proceeded to call us liars, shame on you and this bar that is so unprofessional and if you are not a "regular" then they treat you like it. I would not recommend coming here to anyone, me being a local and have been the this bar a few times would never go back because of the one unprofessional bartender that would rather hang out with her boyfriend and the locals then do her job, Shame on you, shame on The study. read more

Good DJ, with shitty attitude bar tenders. 20 minutes to wait for drinks the 3xs I went to the bar and then an attitude towards me as I said NOTHING about the wait. May wanna go on bar rescue again read more

I wanted to like this place. I really did. I thought the reviews might have been unfair. The re-design was terrific and it's in a safe corner of El Cajon. The bar was, on the surface, pretty clean and it was relatively busy for a Friday night. The niceties end there. Most people in the bar were not AT the bar, but rather walking around with their drinks, at tables or playing pool. With only two people at the actual bar, it took me a while before someone came over to me to take an order. I ordered The Association and waited. The guy next to me seemed to be a few sheets to the wind, complaining it was taking a while to get his change, and was by himself, so I can only hope he got a safe ride home. I watched as my drink was made. They pulled a container of something out of a cooler - probably the lime pulp drowning my drink that was done later. She unscrewed it, looked at it quizzically and showed it to the other blonde gal (the ditsy one from Bar Rescue who argued with the mixologist pro teaching them things) who shrugged. She continued to pour (over-pour) two different types of vodka in my drink, when The Association only specified one type on the menu. She then brought out a metal shaker, brought it to her nose to SNIFF IT, and decided it was suitable to mix with. I thought I would get something nice, refreshing and fruity - instead, she gave me a really bitter, disgusting drink. She even said to me, before serving me "sorry the fruit is frozen" of the skewer of "fresh fruit" on top. I complained after two gross sips that it was very bitter and asked if I could perhaps get a new one. She offered to make it sweeter. She took the drink I drank out of, took out the same metal shaker from before, and shook it around with more lime juice. It was still gross. I told her I didn't even want another drink, despite offering to make me something different. I told her it was a nice offer, but I didn't want anything. I left her two dollars for the trouble, but I should have kept it. Why you ask? Because now I feel sick to my stomach. Something, probably either the dirty drink shaker or the likely expired lime pump, something, has made me completely nauseous and feeling sick. I hope it passes, but I've never felt that way after having a drink that was even half-way decently made. Hope this doesn't cause me an issue since I have work in the morning and only had three sips of the rancid thing. Ugh. read more

If you don't like good "neighborhood" bars and already read those other poor reviews, you won't agree with me here. Too bad. I've known this place for over 30 years, through various owners & names. I didn't enjoy any of them, at all. Things changed! The Study Lounge has a good vibe, a cool jukebox, nice tall boy tables/stools and a totally new look that our group likes. Pool tables are totally updated. A creative signature drink menu, killer Bloody Scary's (pun intended) and pricing remained about the same. Ketel One is a premium pour partner, and we expect a craft beer soon. Nicole is a 10+ bartender/server, even when she's busy. I enjoyed the staff, the clean & unique decor, the new branded cocktails and the atmosphere. If you don't "approve" of a wide age demographic in the bars you visit, pick another. I'll go back soon and you should try it for yourself, and form your own opinion. The Study Lounge is a good place. read more

The Study Lounge - New signature drink menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - El Cajon, California

Personally enjoyed myself here. Depends what you're looking for. The atmosphere was unique with the decor, looked good. Thought it'd be busier for a Saturday night. They had a total mix of music from Metallica to Michael Jackson. Made it fun in my opinion as the patrons at the bar sang and made for pretty good entertainment. It's a dive bar feel with a unique twist on the decor. I thought it was comfortable and chill. Anybody who judges people who go here, shame on you. Not everyone is out to impress you or "look" how you want them to look. Calling people names or saying the place is a dump is far from the truth from what I saw. Don't bag on a place in El Cajon in a strip mall that couldn't care less what your personal opinion of their looks or attire are. Trash talk makes you look like the trashy one. read more

I was excited to try this bar after I saw it on bar rescue. I'm from El Cajon but have been living in Los Angeles for a while now so my bar expectations are higher than most. First off I'd like to mention the fact that I've never noticed this place before although I've driven by it countless times (Thanks Bar Rescue). It's one of those local places that you just have to know about. The outside is not very inviting but I like the remodel of the inside. It doesn't scream El Cajon, although the chargers posters remind you that you're still in east county. The bartenders were friendly, drinks were cheap, and the place seemed clean. The music was a little loud making it difficult to have a conversation and it was a slightly older crowd but overall I had a good time. I will definitely be back next time I'm in town. read more

The Study Lounge - Decorated for Halloween I guess ? - Cocktail Bars Near Me - El Cajon, California

I'm impressed by the atmosphere here. Paul, (an excellent guide to the many beverages available on the shelf, an experienced bartender), has recommended an alcoholic beverage that is pleasant. Ask for the light blue gin on the shelf. That was like the cheery on top of a Sunday ice cream (they don't serve ice cream so don't ask), but I mean on a Monday and yet it felt better than Sunday at a bar. Expect the unexpected, but you get free chips such as named brand items like Doritoes, Cheetoes, Lay's, ect.. random?? Come here on Mondays and you will take a gamble with the crowd. You'll find new people and veterans playing pool so the crowd is diverse. The pool is free all day every day, and to compliment this luxury, you will have a juke box that will have nearly a million songs preloaded for one credit or you can search your song on the internet for two credits. Just to be clean, it's 50 cents a credit or 2 credits for $1. Excuse my grammar since I am making this review upon my initial arrival to the review section of Google. Anywho, I have been here one time during a shift change between Nicole, (an awesome customer service representative on the phone, and a business oriented individual when speaking to incoming callers and incoming customers) will answer your call every ring (I made 3 calls and she answered everytime unlike most businesses), will provide you with all the information you need from happy hour to 2am closing. The establishment is clean, the only mess I'm aware of is my own (spilling drinks, making crumbs from the chips I ate). Nicole is sweet, many customers adore her and for the short time between shift changes (it being my first time), she served us our pitchers of beer. She is prompt when calling her name as is paul, for assistance. The bathrooms are clean and smell fresh. There's no lock on the bathroom so you don't have to ask Paul or Nicole to open the door since it's available. Oh, did I mention there's another game other than pool here? I won't speak on that game but you will have to come here to find out what the second game is. There is also a dance floor and stage for any groovers out there. They have nearly every liquor you can find and nearly every mixed drink (depending on your specifications). Come here and enjoy, you will not regret this experience! So will I come back? Yes. read more

Came here cause we love bar rescue. Thanks Paul for the bomb ass signature drinks the chargers won and its my friends birthday. Paula made us free shooters! Its perfectly packed and the air conditioning feels nice! read more

The Study Lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - El Cajon, California

Fun spot. Juke box for music, plenty of tvs. Good drinks. Just don't go when the pecker woods are there.

Great dive. The niche decor is a little out if place considering the area, but I liked the idea. It feels like you're drinking in a studious speakeasy. The bartender was attentive and friendly, overall a good experience. read more

Terrible service. My buddy had to order drinks for me and his wife because this place was racist. They would not serve myself who is Asian and my friend who's is hispanic. I am appalled and disgusted with this establishment. read more

Its gotten better.. love the staff. Good place in East County.

First time here since I saw them on Bar Rescue 4 years ago. Nicole is a great bartender. Atmosphere is awesome. Thanks for the drink Matt.

Friendly bartender, comforting and unique atmosphere with a great jukebox.

Not what i expected!!! Friday night and it was lonely when i walked in everyone just starred at me definitely not going back! This is actually a bar to have a quiet drink!!!! read more