This is the greatest bar of them all, for many, many reasons. But today I witnessed the bartender turn off the jukebox when someone put on Sublime. 1 zillion stars. Thanks, Josh. read more

ahh the comfort of confined spaces,alcohol and people you forgot you knew...thats the tower bar.Stand at the bar to order a drink look left, look right thats the panaramic view of this small but mighty bar.So rough and tumble no stage is necassery for bands to rock out,the music quivers up your spine and has you dancing eye to eye with your favorite locol band.Stellas are on tap and tall boys of PBR are just a fistfull of quarters,after a few of either you can munch on some insect snacks(high in fiber and very salty) or pop outside to have a fag and bum a light off the many friendly people who come here. I really like this place. read more

Tower bar is the best dive bar in San Diego! 5 stars for cheap drinks and good people. I always feel like i'm at home in the Tower. What I love most about this place is you don't have to put on an act to go there cougholdzombieloungecough. Tuesday night eating contest = a good time. Plus theres actually a tower on it again! And Soul Tower on Friday night ALWAYS gets my booty shakin. read more

The best dive bar san diego has right now. Its a fun place with cheap drinks read more

Let's see... Absinthe? check. PBR Tallboys? check. jukebox? check. pool table? sometimes. cool bartenders? check. interesting crowd? check. bands? double check. stronger drinks? double check. 'nuff said. read more

I've been coming to the Tower Bar for a while now, back when they actually had a tower sticking up into the sky. Its always a been a cool joint and my sis-inlaw at one time lived behind the place and worked here as a bartender. I like it. Its not pretty, its not classy but at least the place doesnt stink, especially the bathrooms. Cheap drinks and the bartenders are heavy handed. Live bands are always a good time, unless the band sucks of course. read more

Great punk bar in SD. I love how dirty and loud it is. Great prices. Never change. :)

Oh Tower it had been way to long. Seeing as I live 35 minutes away I can't really make a regular trip just to come specifically here. Well I could, but its a bit of a hassle. When they lost their live music I stopped coming. If I lived close I would go live music or not. So I kinda need a reason to justify spending ten bucks on gas. That being said,The Tower Bar has live music back and it sounds great considering how tiny the place is. The actual Tower is back on top as well. It cost the city 200,000 (very cheap by SD civic project standards) and will not start leaning over the street this time. A SD landmark is back. The bartenders are still quick and very nice. The prices can't be beat. The music is always killer. Someone is usually spinning records in the corner. So the Tower was always fantastic. But now the Tower is back up and the sound is better. 5 Stars easy= " Woohoo! As good as it gets!" read more

Best.Bar.In.Town. I love it with every ounce of my small jaded heart. The beer is cold, the women are colder, the pool table is lopsided and the parking sucks. It is everything I think about when I think of a dive bar. The jukebox has a nice selection, there is almost always titties playing on the TV, they have a pool table again, it is the prefect amount of dirty, the drinks are stiff and cheap. read more

As per the many other Yelp reviews, this place is the kind of old-school dive bar best appreciated with some loud music and 70s porn in the background. Hit them up whenever the Stalins of Sound are playing, and you'll be good to go. And yes, that was totally a plug for my pal's band. Cheap drinks, loud music, a punching game for the tough guys, and an Art Deco tower to top it off. Hey, why not get a tattoo upstairs while you're there? Cheers to making bad decisions! read more

I came here with some friends... I didn't care for this place and tried to convince them to leave and go somewhere cool... the conversation went like this: 1:Let's go somewhere cool. 2:This place is cool. 1:It's shitty! 2:That's why it's so cool! Being shitty is reason for hipsters to go somewhere but I like places that are actually legit... I wont come back here unless I have to. read more

This is a true "greaser" bar...I love it Home of the "Pabst-Smear" (a black & tan but they use Pabst Blue Ribbon) Dottie and The Diamonds every monday...cool read more

Absolutely a dive bar! Smells like one, and looks like one. The Tower Bar is a pretty cool building, that's the reason why we checked it out when we were visiting San Diego. You will not find this bar by downtown gaslamp because it's located in the city of Height Neighborhood. Streets are available for parking. Don't get confused with the entrance because we sure did. If you enter from the back, towards the top door, that is actually the tattoe shop. They will most likely tell you to go back downstairs and the entrance for The Tower Bar is in the front. We came around 5pm on a Friday, a couple of regulars were sitting by the bar so the service wasn't bad at all. Happy Hour was happening Monday-Friday 4pm-7pm, lucky us, we were here on the right day. Happy hour includes $3 wells and draughts. Their top shelf drinks aren't too shabby with the prices. Least it's under $10! There are entertainments such as the Jukebox that may eat money once in a while, according to the bartender, so make sure to let them know when it does (if you remember) and pool table $1.00 per game. The bathroom is quite small, just be glad that there is one. If you want to check out how the tower looks like during the day, then you should come by before sunset. And if you want to see the Tower with lights, then come at night. Overall, not bad. read more

Booze, popcorn and porn. Its like I'm at home! read more

I was shuffled here drunkenly once. What I recollect from that night was awesome. I think it involved a soul singer and ghost-riding some strangers Honda CRV. read more

The Tower Bar is a classic San Diego establishment. Located east of the 15 on University Ave, you can't miss the colorful tower that hosts local shows, a pool table (when there are no shows), beers, drinks, and colorful characters (myself included). At some point bartender busted out some popcorn and that just won me over. Nothing like complimentary snacks. Then I had an emotional breakthrough, so if you wanna talk about safe space to drink some booze and get all emotional and shit, this is it. Cause I was feeling vulnerable, tipsy, and a little raw, but then there was popcorn and I was like, "I'm glad I came here." Thanks for the memories and the popcorn. Will I come back? Of course. How could I not? It's the fucking Tower Bar. read more

A really good dive bar. Went here with a half dozen friends last week and they had a fun cover band playing hits from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Stiff drinks, cute chicks and a good time. -1 star for it being pretty crowded and in a sketchy area. read more

I've only been here once, but it seems like a pretty cool place to hang out with a good group of friends, and also if you like total dive bars. The selection of beers on tap is a bit disappointing (although they do have $4 Guinness which is quite cheap), but they do have a better selection of bottled beers. Other drink prices are pretty cheap here and you can get Absinthe for $10! The juke box has some pretty good tunes to choose from and the DJ who was there last night was playing some awesome rockin' stuff. If you're used to fancy clubs and $10 bud lights, this isn't the place for you. But if you just want a place to hang with your friends and have some cheap drinks and listen to good music, the Tower Bar is right up your alley. read more

As I get ready to beebop over to Tower Bar, like I'm doing right meow, I can't help but overthink my outfit. This is the kind of place you DEFINITELY don't want to look like you're trying too hard at...except NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO you will look like you tried too hard. Damn right?! Its a greaser/gutter punk/psychobilly bar right?? If you wear red lipstick and leopard, even though hella other girls will be wearing the same steez, you will get sideeye. What do you do ladies?! Fucking whatever you want, you're going for the cheap ass drinks ANYWAYYYZZZ Damn why do I have to tell you guys everything??? read more

This place is so fun and grungy. The competitive eating on Tuesdays is not to be missed even if you don't wanna participate. They have Stella on tap and they even use the "magic bullet" (as seen on TV) to make some of their tasty shooters. Drinks are cheap and some of the cocktails are quite inventive (due to fabulous old smitheroo!) There is always something to watch with the old school flicks playing on the TV. Daytime drinking is always fun at the tower due to that eccentric neighborhood. You never know who is gonna stroll in and what they are gonna play on that jukebox All in all a fun and fabulous place to waste an evening/afternoon. read more

ah Tower bar. It's a lil slice of heaven in an area of San Diego that could be related to Hell.. Just kidding, it's not that bad. (At least there is parking) My friends and I decided to go to Tower bar because I had always heard so much about it and never actually gone. I love retro stuff and was stoked to see all the classic collectors items all over the walls and the old school broken down players piano. I think the thing I love most about Tower bar is that it has been around in San Diego forever! it's a San Diego legend! Everyone on the staff was really cool, and I ordered a drink called a white gummi bear that really tasted like a gummi bear. mmmm candy..... I would gladly go there again, but not too late at night... or by myself... ha. read more

This place smells like pee. I guess if you are into really skeevy bars and want to pick up a disease or two while you are out, this is your scene. Beer is cheap though. Add one star. Under the tattoo shop, add one star. Go pound that PBR before you head upstairs and "take it like a man"! read more

God, I feel like I'm cheating on the Whistle Stop writing this... Tower Bar is fast becoming my favorite place for a drink in San Diego. It's in one of my favorite parts of town - right in between Little Vietnam and Little Africa : ) Mention it or not? Mention it or not? Hummm.... okay, so, I've only been here twice. The first time was on a Wednesday. I wasn't expecting much. Guess what though? Wedensday nights all their drinks are HALF OFF until 11pm! What?!! Two New Castles for $3.50? My kind of place! EDIT: HALF OFF NIGHT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED! BOO! I went last night too. Last night WAS RAD! There was a cool band from Long Beach playing some kind of strange Doors-ISH rock. All of a sudden during their set, and here's the kicker - they spark up a couple of joints and start passing them around the room! HOLLA! The door/bouncer guy came in right away and took them away from us, but still. How awesome is that?!! Both times I went, but especially last night (Friday), the crowd was mixed enough for my tastes. There were a lot of "cool kids" there for sure, the type I could easily imagine being real pricks if we had been at the Live Wire or something... they were on their best behavior here though. I had a great time with no complaints. I even got into a cool conversation with one of the bartenders about The Tubs. You know what The Tubs is? One of those hot tub places you rent by the hour with your lover or whoever... haha. So funny. He even busted out a Tubs business card. Hilarious! I'm sold on this place for sure. Whistle Stop... time to up your game! read more

Vintage honeys come throw your bare breasts around at the tower. Well, at least that is what the women did on the TVs in the bar. This place is so bad ass that words cannot explain the amazement I felt. Playing weird b-films of soft core porn or trauma films on the TVs, walls splattered with a bunch of cheap beer (PBR, Schlitz, Ham's and Olympia) ornaments, and live local bands screaming into busted PA speakers allows the Tower to kick serious ass on so many levels. Favorite Tower moment: Reading the sign on the piano against the wall "Don't put drinks on the piano FUCKTARD!". Priceless. read more

Ok...so its a bit ostentatious with its mighty peak....but nothing else would fit "The Tower" better. So, Pabst blue ribbon is CHEAP beer, right? If the Weber-Fechner law has any meaning...then the increase of the price in Pabst can be smaller but still have an impact...which it did. I've been to many bars that served Pabst by the can and charge 2 bucks. Honestly, that's stretching it (especially when you tip the bastard for cracking a CAN for you). However, THIS place charges 5 bucks for a tall can of Pabst, which is 24 oz which means $2.50 for a typical 12 oz can. That's a 25% increase of my Pabst price threshold. (Yes, this is how i think and analyze everything and everywhere i go). THAT = EXPENSIVE! However, they are the only location that offers a 32oz Pabst...which is AWESOME! Breakdown 24oz - $5 32oz - $6 Im sure they had a 12oz, but who cares? They server liquor, don't take card but have an ATM on site...and no smoking area (gotta go outside). Anywayz, im drunk and rambling. This place is tiny...but seems to have a cool crowd, though furry. I saw a 7ft Jesus!..and a few hippies/lumber jacks. This night...a few cute girls (though i think i brought half of em). Over all...this place is alright, but apparently has some good shows... i wouldn't go outta my way to hit this place up, but its old school small scale appeal makes it much more appealing. I was divided between 3 or 4 star rating. My conservative side gives it a 3...but its a very close 4. Sorry Tower, I don't round up. read more

FINALLY made it into this bar! And I love it! Great, loud rock'n'roll music blaring and B t-n-a movies playing on a large screen. Big-boy tecates and a very strong pour are also a good thing. And the bar isn't infiltrated by bridge and border-YAY!! read more

Edit to add: The Tower. It is on its way back UP!!! Hooray! Wonderful neighborhood dive bar. Of course, I will love any place that serves hard cider. Why is it so difficult for a gal to find a good cold hard cider in this town? Well, the Tower Bar does it and wins my love. read more

Kick ASS bar! Cool Bartender. And Absinthe!!!! Go get an Absinthe buzz... don't have more than 2 in one night. Have fun! Drive Safely or maybe you should have someone else drive... read more

Rockabilly kids love this place. I only love it on Monday nights when Lady Dottie and The Diamonds play. Everyone dances and drinks PBR and has a damn good time. read more

The Tower Bar - A car once ran into this building. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I finally got to check this place out and man was I missing out! This place rocks! I love how dark and dingy it is and how the existing legs of the tower are still part of the structure! They display lots of old beer clocks, trays and other memorabilia. They have all of the usual good beers on tap and the bartender is the type you would expect to find here. He accommodates but it's not a super friendly vibe, just what needs to be done to keep ya there! They have games and good music...via bartender's Iphone! He was getting multiple text messages when I was there! I love that the register and photo hunt machine have fucktard programmed in them!!! Classic! Check it out! read more

D-Hopz died today, you guys. We should all go to Tower Bar and have a PBR for him. Sigh. I do love this little divey hole-in-the-wall. The sound is excruciatingly bad when bands play here, but almost everyone is into it and the people-watching is good. They always have some obscure, softcore-porny, 60s film playing on the screens and it drives people mad, I think, but as long as they're dancing, who cares! A lot of people thought this bar would die out after Lady Dottie & the Diamonds left to play Monday nights at U31 (why god why), but it's still going strong. Much love for the tower. I'm glad you got your tower back, it's the toweringist tower in town. (tip: get a tattoo upstairs) read more

What I love about the Tower Bar is it is walking distance from my house. What I dislike is the no dancing policy, I suppose they lost their cabaret license recently and they don't have bands anymore. The sad thing is they got rid of their pool table because they had so many amazing shows. They have an awkward punching game and a wooden picnic bench. I still love the music there and vintage porn/classic movies playing on the tvs. They have absinthe there and a whole hell of a lot of random mixed drinks, good beer or the good ol' tall can of PBR for pretty cheap. They have food eating contests every tuesday night where you can win a bar tab. They have weekend bar -b-ques with free food. The owner and bar tenders are awesome. I suppose the dj's are too since many of them play quality music... Downfall: Spontaneous stabbings and crime nearby. read more

Came out on a Wednesday night to meet some friends and thus, my first visit to The Tower Bar. Reading some of the other reviews, looks like Mondays are where it's at, but I had a great time on a Wednesday regardless. Awesome decor, lots of cool stuff to gaze upon on the wall, friendly bartender who wasn't acting too cool for school, and the look on Husband's face when handed a PBR tall boy was priceless. Pure joy and contentment. My face when I saw the Boxer game, pricessless as well. Pure joy and contentment. A bit of a gritty location, but that makes it an adventure, right? Did I mention they serve absinthe here now? Anyways, a great little dive with good booze, good music, and lots of 70s-era boobies on tv. read more

I frigging love this place it's my fav dive bar ever!! It's totally worth the drive out here from spring valley! If u love the rockabilly scene as much as I do or just a regular bar that don't give a f$)k who u are this is the place for you the bartender is a awesome the deco is sweet ass retro and who doest love cheap PBR and some absinthe on the side get ur ass down here! PS. The door guy could be a little nicer when its closing time instead of literally pulling the stool out from under my hubbys butt and yelling at him get out we are closed! I think he was maybe a little upset by the fact that he looks all cool and hard core tattoo on his head all the usuall but pulls up in a gay mini cooper! i may have been angry too! at any rate ill be back tho! read more

It makes me sad that I've lived here for 6 years and only went to Tower Bar for the first time a couple of months ago. I know Dannielle, one of the owners, from her days also working at Gilly's. One of the nicest people ever. This place is small, and the bands who I've seen play here are loud and dirty. I like it. The staff is really nice, the bar is small and dark, and...again, it's one of those places I feel like I shouldn't be at because I'm too old and too uncool. But, no one has held it against me yet. I wish I could put my finger on it. Maybe it's because the place just looks old. Maybe it's because more people there seem to be concerned about the music than about their skinny jeans or handlebar mustache. It's just a cool place. City Heights is not a area that I enjoy frequently, but I will make exceptions. The Tower Bar is one of them. read more

Man, I love this bar. Divey yet super cool. Never saw Lady Dottie here, but the DJ on Monday nights now is awesome...think 50s/60s rock/garage/punk. Playing on the TV during my visit was some visually stimulating Rob Zombie cartoon, then Barbarella. So... yeah. That will definitely keep you focused on something. I wish it were closer. It's pretty freakin' far down University. read more

Went to the Tower Bar last Saturday, I think I may just become a regular. As far as dive bars go, its got everything. Cool decor, cheap drinks, jukebox, dingy (but clean) bathroom. We showed up early and planted our butts at the bar. The bartender was awesome, once we sat down he gave us some popcorn (a delicious touch) and a couple bucks for the jukebox. He kept the Jager and Tall Boy PBR's coming all night, and their prices are the best. The only way to get drunk cheaper would be to stay home and drink boxed wine. The jukebox had a solid selection of songs, and then Lurkville started up later which was awesome mash of 50's and 60's rock. The only down side of the whole night was when 2 o'clock rolled around and we all had to leave, waa waa wah. read more

The Tower bar is pretty much the only bar I go to willingly. It always has GREAT music and DJs (mostly garage, metal, punk & rock and roll). Be aware that it is a tiny dive bar. It's dingy, it's dark, it's got the regulars. The bartenders are the best and the door guys are the best. They also have Absinthe, if you're into that kind of drink. Most weekend they have shows. It does get pretty damn crowded, but the shows are worth it. They are usually awesome. They also just got a pool table, which is fun. They also have a punching machine and a jukebox (not that you really need it though). They play awesome movies and lots of oldschool (softcore) porn (BOOBIES YAY!). Basically just videos of hot, oldschool naked chicks dancing around for no reason. Also, they play fun horror movies. PS- The owners: Mick and Danielle RULE! PSS- Tip the bartenders good, they make good drinks and they are awesome people! PSSS- Sometimes there are covers for shows (especially on Saturdays), so make sure to check beforehand. Saturdays seem to be the "Hipster" nights. read more

It pains me to write critically about the Tower Bar. By all rights I should be giving it five stars without hesitation. It's bright on the outside but dark on the inside, it smells like stale beer and BO, it's in a borderline scary part of town, the owner is cool, the drinks are cheap, and there are always good shows happening there. In short, it's just like the places I cut my teeth on as a youngun. It has an Al's Bar vibe (for those who know L.A.-that-was), and that's a good thing. So what's my problem? 1) No sightlines. If you're short, or permanently seated (like me), forgot about seeing the band unless you're right up front (and by "up front," I mean "so close to the singer's junk you can tell if he's been circumcised"). And the sound is terrible, so forget about actually hearing the band. 2) It's a firetrap. That sort of thing didn't use to bother me, but that Great White thing a few years ago seriously freaked me out -- nowadays if I'm in a crowded club and I get cut off from the exit, I start getting paranoid. 3) I've had one too many negative experiences there. Not long ago I showed up for Punk Rock Karaoke and the parking lot was full. As I was turning my car around to exit the lot, some kids hanging around outside the building started throwing rocks at me. Screw that. I went home. So it is with sadness in my heart that, for purely personal reasons, I can award this place only three stars. As a number of my former girlfriends have said, "It's not you, it's me." (Wheelchair access: so-so. You can get in the door, but if it's crowded, good luck finding a place to park yourself where you won't be tripped over every two seconds. And forget about the bathrooms (although judging from the stench, you probably won't want to use them anyway). read more

Monday nights with Dottie and the Diamonds can't be beat...well it can with cheap as PBR in the can. Rock out and dance your face off. Try and find a better dive bar in town!! read more