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    TORO

    3.1 (138 reviews)
    ModerateBars
    Closed 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    TORO Photos

    TORO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    DJ
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - TORO

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    Hot girls and a mechanical bull
    Katharine M.

    Well poured drinks, contentious staff, excellent (and very attractive!) bartenders and playlist. This fine establishment felt safe, and has cultivated a solid vibe for the crowd. It did not feel as busy as it was, and was not so loud that it was unbearable. I highly recommend the mechanical bull ride.

    Erich C.

    Not much to say. We dropped in here after a Padres game on a Saturday night and only did so because the guy outside was promoting "$5 u-call-its", so we took the bait and popped in. The bartender was nice and she made our drinks pretty strong I'd say. No complaints there. Music was great too. We stayed long enough to use the bathroom which is downstairs and kinda spooky if I'm being honest but yeah this is not a bad spot to wind down (or wind up) after a game.

    Table we were sat at for all these girls. The manager & our bottle girl opened the table to the right (where one single girl is standing)
    Sharlyn L.

    ***Warning that this will be a lengthy review*** I'm someone who believes that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. BUT in this case, I feel I must share my experience and possibly help anyone reading this. Point of this story: I was emailed to show up by 11PM but when we got there they gave away our table because we were supposed to be there by 10:30PM. It was incredibly frustrating and there was lack of accountability. Background (receipts attached for proof): I have been planning my sister's bachelorette since January. It was for April 5th that we scheduled to go to TORO for our night out. My sister only wanted one night out and we wanted to go to TORO after having a great first experience there. I booked for the spacious table in the middle of the bar and the dj, by itself in the corner. I requested and confirmed this booking in January. I followed up March 31st, per the request by TORO establishment, confirming the reservation. I was emailed that the person with payment there by 11PM to hand out wrist bands. My sister and our friends showed up by 10:45PM just for them to be rude to my sister and tell her that the table was given away since we were not there by 10:30PM. Making her feel stupid, saying "i don't know who would tell you 11PM, it's always 10:30PM" and left them outside. Then offering a table downstairs. Once I showed up not even 5 minutes later, spoke to the manager, he squeezed us into a small table (see photos). There was a reason I requested the bigger table - because we had a lot of people from out of town coming to celebrate my sister. They then got us to have the table next to us so it can be like we have a "bigger section" but we are no longer all together by that point. What should have happened is they should have taken accountability, told the group they gave our table away to, "hey we made a mistake. This was reserved, we have to move you or you can get refunded." Then proceed to sit us at our reserved table. But instead, they squeezed us into a small table and let the other group take our reservation. I used to work at a club as a bottle girl, I know the work. I know what we can and cannot do. And I would have taken that L to honor reservations that were made. But they basically refused to do that. We tried to make the best of it. We all already were out and dressed up. I am not agreeing to the way this was handled. Poor accountability and poor communication. Whoever handles these emails... be better. To the whole establishment, you guys need to be better at communicating and handling reservations. The manager said to me that he doesn't know or handle the bookings of the tables. But if you're the manager for the night, you honestly should have looked over this before the night started. I don't think I'm ever coming back here again. The only good things were: The manager was nice.... But nice doesn't mean you did your job right. Sorry. My friends kept good energy and helped keep the night alive.

    Saphace A.

    Trashy club that stayed absolutely packed! Couldn't hardly move anywhere. You had to push past people to get anywhere. They do have a downstairs and upstairs. It wasn't hard flagging down a bartender since people weren't hanging around the bar. They do have a ton of TVs showing the music videos for the songs they played. Tons of throwback music and they featured a lot of Latin American artists. Love it! Floors got disgustingly sticky at the end of the night. We were there for 30 minutes then they played a song to let everyone know that they wanted everyone to leave.

    Tank G.

    This is a bar that transform into a night club. They pick up all the tables at 9 and pump up the jams. They have one of the best light shows that I have seen in a club, bar none. It is two levels with a full service. bar and dance floor on both levels. The bathrooms are on the bottom level. There is metered street parking and commercial garages/lots within a reasonable walking distance. The dance floor gets packed on weekends and late at night, especially since this is one of the few clubs that do not have a cover charge before 10. They have VIP booths on the dance floor perimeter that are roped off, but it is not excessive like many places that I have been. The crowd was about mid 20s and the dress code was casual. The drinks here are pretty stiff and the staff there was nice enough. They were playing the hottest jams while I was there and the songs' video were playing on the television and video walls behind the stage. The place was jumping and everyone was having a good time. A fight broke out while I was there, but they got it under control and the party kept on jumping. They also serve food up to the early evening which I hear is decent for a bar. This club/bar has a hip vibe, but it is not over the top or a Miami wannabe. I highly recommend checking this place out if you are out on the town in the downtown area.

    a sign with a skull and crossbones on it

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    2 months ago

    Everyime I come I always have the best time!! Make sure you make your way to Carlos for your drinks. Hands down best bar tender EVER!!!!!

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    2 months ago

    CARLOS is the best bartender in SAN DIEGO!! Definitely stop by if you want bomba shots!!

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    11 months ago

    Service was great had an amazing time. The DJ played great music. It's always a cool vibe.

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    2 years ago

    Drinks were horrible. Got a simple Jameson and soda tasted so bad. Not sure what they gave me but that did not taste right.

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    2 years ago

    Came here for a nice bev. The water was cold but they served it in cone cups so I couldn't place it on a counter. Solid music 4.2/5

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    2 years ago

    Great bar for a party. I left my jacket and the owner came from his home 1 hour away to open up the club just so I could get. Thanks again!

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    3 years ago

    Nice club but music was WACK , went for NYE and the music they were playing was not it

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    Page 1 of 4

    TORO Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - TORO

    Cover charge for Friday or Saturday nights?

    They didn't have a cover charge for when we went back in March.

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    Review Highlights - TORO

    The bartender Carlos was great he remembered all of our drinks.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

    False Idol

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    0.8 miLittle Italy
    $$

    I love it here; this is one of my go to spots to bring people when they are in town for…read morework/visiting etc. Be warned, you can have a very long wait here if you just pop in, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening. Make a reservation if you know this is your destination. They have some spot on Tiki decor and the staff here is really friendly, happy to share their favorite drinks, or make suggestions based on your likes. If fruity drinks are not your jam... what are you doing in a Tiki Bar!! No really, they have great options for on the rocks or straight as well as ordering your favorite cocktail or beer. They have a ton of options, all sorts of alcohol bases depending on what your vice is, they also have non-alcoholic drinks for those so inclined. Hard to pass on a Mai Tai or a Zombie to start your evening off. lately I have been enjoying the Eastern Sour which is their take on a whiskey sour. It's always fun when someone orders a bowl and the room shakes and the lights flash with thunder and lightning adding a bit of excitement for first timers. Just to recap: Don't get mad if you have to wait and did not make a reservation. While they have lots of options, most drinks and all specialties are Tiki Drinks. Tiki drinks can be strong, mind yourself. If a place like this is not your vibe, that is fine, head back into Craft & Commerce, make room for others who are waiting to get in, just have fun!

    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!

    Photos
    False Idol - Tiki themed decor

    Tiki themed decor

    False Idol - Rum barrel

    Rum barrel

    False Idol - Back bar rum selection

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    Back bar rum selection

    Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

    Noble Experiment

    4.5(1.9k reviews)
    0.2 miEast Village
    $$

    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

    This is an easy one and Consortium Holdings does it again...a MUST go. You know the rules...one…read moreshort review, let's go: Drinks: no menu. Love it. True bartender skills. Love it. Drinks. Love them! Whole crew did. Well done Ambiance: top tier. As with anything CH. so fun Service: amazing. Knowledgeable. Attentive. And so nice. Go go go to NE

    Photos
    Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Noble Experiment - Ceiling and chandelier

    Ceiling and chandelier

    Noble Experiment - Bartenders creations.

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    Bartenders creations.

    Convoy Music Bar - Lychee Martini

    Convoy Music Bar

    4.5(427 reviews)
    7.8 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    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
    Convoy Music Bar - Corner table view:  large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Corner table view: large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

    Interior

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

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    Interior

    Prohibition - Our famous Prohibition Old Fashioned

    Prohibition

    4.0(1k reviews)
    0.1 miGaslamp
    $$

    So came down to San Diego to celebrate my brother birthday and we decided to take a whiskey class…read morewith our ladies. So we found that Prohibition offers a whiskey class where you can make drinks yourself. Met the owner Ryan who is the owner of Prohibition Whiskey and he told us the story about how he started the business and we connected because he was from Oakland. From that moment it was on and poppin. The vibes of the class was great and conversations along with the drinks were flowing. We ended the night by making an espresso martini made with whiskey and it was amazing. Plus it was dope that I got to make the drink myself. Can't wait to come back to San Diego to patron this establishment

    I went to Prohibition when I was attending a conference at the Convention Center, so I think my…read moreexperience is a little different. A sponsor had rented out the whole place and all drinks were comped with food being passed around. We had cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which I think were all from the Havana restaurant upstairs. Food was great! Drinks were good, but the menu was so confusing to me. I didn't really like how they categorized them. Sometimes I feel like just being straightforward is better. Too cute with trying to do the prohibition/speakeasy menu. It did take a while to get drinks when it was packed. Understandable. But I had a few that were good, the boats and hoes, and keffir lime tequila drink were great. I would say that the bathroom had a bit of a stink to it...not sure what it was but smelled just like coming up from the pipes. May just be a basement issue. Overall, good experience. It didn't feel super special but just like any other speakeasy. I like False Idol better in terms of overall vibe.

    Photos
    Prohibition
    Prohibition - El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

    El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

    Prohibition - Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

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    Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

    Starlite - Starlite Burger

    Starlite

    4.1(2.7k reviews)
    1.9 miMiddletown, Mission Hills
    $$$

    I had a reservation for Thursday and it was packed but took less than 5 minutes to get seated. They…read moredo check your ID at the entrance it's 21+ only. Parking is a nightmare good luck finding parking within a mile of the restaurant. Pros: atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: food wasn't great for the price, restaurant was small and crowded, no parking Service: All of our servers were friendly and very accommodating. Gave us some knowledge on the menu and recommended cocktails based on our preference. I had spilled my drink and they were quick to make me another one. Food: I had intended to get the prime ribeye cap steak but they ran out for the night around 8pm. I shared the steak sampler which came with four different cuts of steak and 4 sauces. I ordered medium and it was cooked medium/medium rare which was fine with me, it also had a good sear, almost burnt though. Out of the four steaks, we only liked two based off flavor and tenderness. The other two were more tough and gamey. None of the sauces really stood out but the bordelaise and horseradish were good. For our sides we got fries, roasted broccoli, and the grilled wedge salad. Fries were average. The roasted broccoli had really good flavor, I expected the broccoli to be al dente but it was cooked to mush and drenched in sauce. The grilled wedge salad was decent, there was a slightly bitter taste to it. I know it says grilled wedge but the experience of biting into the salad and it being both hot and cold was not pleasant. Cocktails: I tried the Honey Ryder and New Wave. These were recommended as the more fruity/sweet cocktails. You can definitely taste the alcohol but it's only 2oz so it's not too strong. Ambience: 10/10 I got seated downstairs by the bar. Only thing about downstairs is that it's too dark to take photos unless you use flash. Overall, I agree with the other reviews saying to go just for drinks and appetizers. I would go again just to sit upstairs and get drinks and take pictures. We left unsatisfied and ended up getting in-n-out after.

    Such a cool and unique restaurant! The design was probably the first thing that impressed me. There…read moreare several different areas, and each one has its own atmosphere and details. The cave-like spaces, beautiful bar, lighting, plants, and stone throughout the restaurant make it feel completely different from a typical San Diego restaurant. The food was also really good. Everything we ordered was delicious and nicely presented, and the service was great throughout the evening. Overall, I really enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. Definitely a 5-star experience for me.

    Photos
    Starlite - Bar area after entering

    Bar area after entering

    Starlite - Pistachio ice cream sandwich

    Pistachio ice cream sandwich

    Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!

    Polite Provisions - Uncle Jalapeño

    Polite Provisions

    4.3(2k reviews)
    3.9 miUniversity Heights, North Park
    $$

    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
    Polite Provisions - Want. Make. Disco.

    Want. Make. Disco.

    Polite Provisions - Real oil lamps!

    Real oil lamps!

    Polite Provisions - Art deco

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    Art deco

    Kiku Room - DJ in the front room. Back room behind him that can be accessed from the side.

    Kiku Room

    3.5(42 reviews)
    1.6 miMiddletown

    One of the coolest new spots in San Diego in my opinion. This is the original location of the…read moreCasbah, it then languished for years as the Kava Lounge, a strange spot for wooks, and finally it became Kiku Room. Kiku Room has a chic minimalist interior, with polish concrete, metal, and glass as the primary backdrop. The DJ booth is large and separates the front sitting area from a lounge in the back that is draped in deep red lighting. The bartenders are cool and welcoming, the DJs who come through are usually really good, and the lounge is quite comfortable as well. Pretty good price on drinks overall, too. You can get a glass of draft Asahi here for $7, for instance, which is pretty good for a place that's in this DTSD-adjacent area.

    I rarely leave negative reviews, but after repeated experiences with the same person working the…read moredoor, I've reached the point where I think management needs to know what guests are experiencing. His behavior isn't simply "strict door policy." In my experiences, he has been consistently condescending, passive-aggressive, dismissive and unnecessarily disrespectful. I've also personally witnessed interactions with other guests that left me with the same impression. There is absolutely nothing wrong with enforcing capacity limits, checking IDs, managing a line or telling someone they can't come in. That's the job. What isn't necessary is making people feel small while doing it. And that's what makes this particularly frustrating: I actually like this bar. I know how much thought has gone into creating the experience, and it's bizarre to watch all of that hospitality disappear at the literal front door. At some point, when multiple interactions with the same employee leave the same impression, it stops feeling like an isolated bad night. Nobody should have to earn the privilege of being treated with basic courtesy by the person standing at the door. Management should seriously consider whether this is how they want their establishment represented, because right now, the person responsible for the first impression is repeatedly creating the worst one. They are aware of this. Do something.

    Photos
    Kiku Room - Pay to get in bar.

    Pay to get in bar.

    Kiku Room - Entrance to the back room

    Entrance to the back room

    Kiku Room

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    TORO - bars - Updated August 2026

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