Service is generally fast, even when the bar is busy. The menu offers a wide range of beverage options and some food--pizza, for example. That said, the space can feel a bit chaotic, especially given its size. What you can typically expect is that this isn't the kind of bar where you go to quietly relax. Most of the time it's better suited for a festive mood. It gets packed, movement around the bar can be tight, and finding a stool or seat isn't always easy if you're hoping to sit back and unwind. The house rules--such as the "no phones at the bar" policy--can also feel more like part of the spectacle than a charming quirk, depending on your mood. For example, the bartender may hand you drinks, a bill to sign, a receipt, a clipboard, a pen, and your phone after grabbing it to tap the register for payment--all while you're squeezed between seated patrons, processing your order. In moments like that, it can almost feel like part of the act because it can be quite difficult to keep that phone or any of the other items off of the limited bar space: the chaos fuels the energy of the crowd and the hope for a free round of drinks. If that's the kind of atmosphere you're in the mood for, you'll likely have a great time. The décor, however, is outstanding. The model planes are impressive, and the historic aviation vibe adds a lot to the experience. The Maverick "Hard Deck Bar" from the film was modeled after the I Bar, and there's an enduring urban legend that some people hoped the movie prop would remain as a real bar on base after filming--though it was dismantled. That connection probably drives additional curiosity and visits to the original I Bar, even though it's a different place. Because it's located on a military base, the crowd tends to include regulars passing through on assignment rather than tourists. In fact, it isn't really set up for tourist traffic. So if you happen to get access with someone who has a military ID--and you arrive while the bar is actually open--you'll likely enjoy the experience. But if you're simply looking for a relaxed place to sit and have a drink, you may prefer one of the bars off base where there's a bit more room to breathe. read more

This is such a cool place to visit. The World Famous IBar inspired the bar for Top Gun. We were immediately greeted with a ring of the bell when we entered, we turned around and the bar tendered motioned to remove our hats. So many military traditions to be aware of and I appreciate it. It's like walking into a museum of military patches, mugs, pictures and paraphernalia all around. The drinks were great and the ambiance is cool. This is a must see when on the Naval base. read more

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We were here years ago for an American Society of Aviation Artists event. The Navy hosted us, and invited us to visit the I Bar. I painted this watercolor from a photo I took at the event with the kind permission of the gentlemen in the picture. The wonderful display of memorabilia is enough to keep anyone fascinated for hours. read more

The World Famous IBar - watercolor I painted from my visit here long ago with the American Society of Aviation Artists. copyright, all rights reserved - Bars Near Me - Coronado, California

Decent bar food. The prices are great but the servers are really fun. I really enjoyed the bloody mary. read more

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After the release of "Top Gun Maverick" in 2022. I began some digging on filming locations. What I found was; the bar scenes for the film, although fictional, were inspired from the iBar. If you've been to the iBar, you can clearly see the similarities. What a surreal place the iBar is and what it's become. read more

The Top Gun bar. I'm not even a drinker but I enjoyed visiting her with my niece and sister. The atmosphere is great. I got a Pepsi and popcorn and obeyed the rules. Great bar! read more

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Awesome. Good booze. Good service. Good ambiance and vibe. Place is pretty much a museum of west coast naval aviation. Respect. Highly recommended if you can get there. read more

Neat little bar but make sure you look up the rules. We were only there for 10 min because it was so crowded but it was nice to say we saw it. read more

Yep, it is the official pilot bar as described on North Island Naval Installation, Coronado. You will need a military ID to access it but guests are permitted and tolerated / ignored by the groups of multiple pilots themselves talking stink and welcomed warmly by staff, families, other patrons. Small bar, with popcorn machine and covered area out back for seating with small, walking paths, fountain and games (corn hole, etc). Families out on patio running around with little ones and on special occasions (such as Cinco de Mayo for us) offer food out back. Street parking around block building. Only 6 spots in front around circle. read more

The World Famous IBar - Pilot's mugs overhead and bar behind. - Bars Near Me - Coronado, California

You need special permission to get on base, but once you do this bar is fun and the staff is super friendly and helpful. The bar is small and tall people may hit their heads on the mugs hanging from from the ceiling. No food is available, but they do have a popcorn machine with a bunch of different seasoning toppings. Their is a few rules at the bar, but I will not tell you and you should know them before you enter the bar. Staff is super sweet and genuine. The public are welcomed, but have not always been. It is a treat to be inside and enjoy a cold frosty beer. A great piece of history in San Diego. read more

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Great bartenders, great atmosphere. It was good to be back around the Navy. I highly recommend this bar if you can get on base.

The bartenders are salty and fancy themselves the original Penny Benjamin. It works for some, but not for others. The place is completely mismanaged. It takes forever to get a drink and the staff can't be bothered to tap a fresh keg when one is out. Hit reset on the entire staff. Fantastic atmosphere and clientele. There's no excuse this place should ever receive anything less than five stars. read more

Going to I Bar was a unique and cool experience. I Bar was the inspiration for the bar Penny Benjamin owned in the new Top Gun movie. They couldn't actually film here, but used this as their model. It's on base, so civilians need to be accompanied by someone who can get on base (active, discharged, or retired military). Once you get past the gates, you have to drive a few minutes to get to the bar. The building exterior looked a lot like the old military buildings of MCRD aka Liberty Station. Just like in Top Gun 2, they really do have rule about buying rounds of drinks for putting your phone on the bar or touching the model airplanes. The majority of the clientele were middle aged men, though there were a few groups of men and women. I overheard so many conversations (at least 6 different groups) about Top Gun or Tom Cruise. The drinks were averagely priced for San Diego, but the mixed drinks were small, weak, and served in disposable plastic cups. They give you a new plastic cup and straw for every drink! So much needless waste! It was $29 for 2 tiny vodka sodas and two Shocktops. They only take cards, no cash. Even though they had the doors open but there was very little air circulating in there. It was hot inside. While I am so glad I got to go here, once was probably enough. read more

If you can get on base to this gem, it's a good place to hang out for an aviation atmosphere

Great service, drinks and next level ambiance! It's on a Naval base, so you either have to know a stud (studette) or be one to get on base; I know one! Hats off to our military! read more

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Lots of history in this place and friendly staff. Bartender gave us an overview of the place. Just make sure you know and observe the rules of the bar. They are posted. read more

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If you want the authentic naval environment and drink with the pilots, this is the place.

This is the real deal! This is where the top guns would come if they were based here. There is an incredible amount of history here. I'm sorry I didn't take any photos of the interior.....you'll just have to check it out yourself. Pitchers of beer are $13, and glasses of wine are $6.50. Hot freshly popped popcorn is free and overflowing. Service by the bar is efficient, friendly, and with a smile. Originally (we're talking 1950's), the I-Bar was reserved for senior officers. By the mid 1960's, it had become a general pilots' hang-out. The model aircraft, hanging from the ceiling, are now limited to U.S. Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard types, and they could be experimental, developmental, under evaluation, or otherwise. NASNI Instruction 1710.13 of 29 July 1994 designated the "I-Bar" a "Commissioned Officers' Mess", insuring its availability for the enjoyment by future generations of Naval Aviators. read more

The World Famous IBar - Main entrance - Bars Near Me - Coronado, California

Fun place to visit or sure! Bartender and locals were very welcoming! Definitely worth trying!

I had a great time at the I Bar! I spent a few weeks living out of a hotel just across the street. I think I visit 5 times. Peaks hours appeared to be from around 4 to 7 when the bar would be full. There was plenty of outside seating and an adjacent banquet hall if the bar was full. The bar has a few house rules to follow or pay for a "round off cheer". Like every military establishment, do not wear your cover inside,so not put your cell phone on the bar, and do NOT touch the model jets that hang above the bar. If you do, break out your wallet and buy the bar a round of cheer! I recommend you get involved in one of the dice games and eat their free popcorn! They don't serve food but didn't have a problem with people bringing in food or having pizza delivered. The atmosphere was friendly and the drinks are inexpensive. read more

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We had the best time at the I bar and the staff was amazing. If you like/love the Top Gun movies, this is your place. This was one of the highlights of our trip to San Diego. read more

Excellent conversation and a good selection of draught beers. Lore aside (Top Gun, anyone??) ... the friendly atmosphere, borderline appropriate conversation, and plethora of popcorn make this a bar worth visiting ... if you can get access to Naval Station North Island. read more

Was TDY and stayed at the BOQ North Island. The I bar was a quick walk from my room; spent many a night there!

We were so happy with our wedding at the world famous IBar! The history of the building, good food (NBC catering) and romantic courtyard and ballroom made it a perfect night! read more

One of the last great O-clubs. So much history of all the past aviators. Deb behind the bar ensures everyone respects the memorabilia and rules of the bar to honor its significance. read more

This place is totally mismanaged. Worst service ever. If you want to be treated rudely and over charged after 20 years of service or a change of command, then this is your spot. It's disgraceful to service members. Just hit the reset button on the entire staff. read more

Excellent ambiance, with a Navy theme and model aircraft collection. read more

The World Famous IBar - History of the I-Bar - Bars Near Me - Coronado, California

Had a great time with friends a coupe of weeks ago after attending an event called Havana Nights. We ventured into the iBar and immediately found a spot to chill. My friend who didn't see the sign on the wall about not wearing a cover/hat had put her hat on to take a picture. The bartender rang the bell and said that my friend had to buy a round for everyone who was in the bar. At first my friend was somewhat peeves because she hadn't seen the sign, however she complied and ventured over to the bartender to pay the tab. People in the bar were really cool, they thanked her and we all had a good laugh. There were a couple of other people who had to buy a round for the bar while we were there, which was good because we didn't have to pay out of pocket for any drinks other than the mishap with my friend. I've been in the military for 20 years but this was the 2nd time ever of me visiting the iBar. I will be back! Go Navy read more

The IBar is the pilots' bar at North Island NAS. All on base are welcome but not a place to let loose. There are a couple of rules too. No hats (covers) allowed. There are model aircraft hanging from the low ceiling that you cannot touch. Infractions of either cause the guilty party to buy a round for all. A great place to learn the history of naval aviation and support the pilots all while drinking beer. Nothing better. read more

Wish I would have read the post about the rules before going. My wife and I stopped by for a drink. My wife, a civilian, was wearing a ladies fashion hat. Upon entering, the bartender rang a bell and told my wife she had to by an entire bar full of men a round. We were not made to feel welcome. We left. read more

Aviators bar! From VS to VP, VFA, VAQ, HS, HSL this is your place! Once you arrive you'll know your home. Come say hi to Debbie she will make sure you are well oiled and sent off in style! read more