Simply the best for Dead music in SD Every Monday and often on weekends I've been here 400+ times read more

So I found this place by sheer happenstance. Came here on a work trip and flew in on a Sunday afternoon when I really just wanted to watch my Redskins play on Sunday Night Football. Found out there's actually a Redskins watch party at this place called Winston in Ocean Beach really other side of America and there's a group of Redskin fans signed me up. These are my people here's what Winston's had to offer: Ambience: literally a dive bar in the middle of Ocean Beach security and everything. Guess they do a lot of events here live music parties, etc. actually quite a cool freaking place. Service: fast friendly and fun not only because I was here for the game but because they decorated up for the Redskins and literally had like 40 to 50 Redskins fans. Seems like they do a lot of live events and music which is super cool and I'm sure they do a great job as my service was fantastic. Food: I ordered a pizza. Some other guys had nachos. Everything looked good. My pizza was actually pretty good for a dive bar. Beer was cold. Tasty had some local flavor added in. It's not a Michelin restaurant but for a game night perfect. The summit all up I had a fantastic time. Parking is a nightmare down in Ocean Beach, but you know what it's a small price to pay for having a great couple hours watching a team celebrating with others that love the same team singing the same songs I eat the best fight song in NFL and doing it on the beach in California. I don't think it gets much better than that. Thanks for a great time Winston's hope to see you again. Keep munching, and HTTR!!! read more

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What a fun dive bar! Now, I do live with one of the owners (Mikie). But I'm honestly impressed how nice they fixed up the bar. It really isn't a dive bar any more. Just an awesome live music venue where you can have an awesome time without spending a million dollars. Cute bartender doesn't hurt either. And she's very nice and friendly, just like a bartender should be. It used to smell so bad of stale beer in here, but it smells nice in here, especially when they open the big windows that open up onto the sidewalk. Karaoke on Sunday nights is only a $2 cash cover. There's Karaoke on Friday nights too. The Electric Waste Band (Grateful Dead cover band) has been playing here on Monday nights for over 30 years! They performed online from the closed bar during Covid so they didn't break their run. Easy parking. Not crowded. Fun people singing and dancing and having a nice time. No food though. read more

Winstons Beach Club - Cute bartender...so pretty and very nice - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love Winstons in San Diego!! Such a cool dive bar with great drinks and great music. We love Electric Wasteland and their Monday night jams. If you get lucky, you can get a table to sit at before it gets crowded! We always hit this spot up when in San Diego. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

Winstons Beach Club - Vibes - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love the energy of this place!! Winstons Beach Club is, maybe the only, but still the best place to watch the Commanders! The energy is unmatched and the five dollar raffle always has unique throwback merchandise. Patrons even get a free shot for every Redskins touchdown! I already can't wait to return next season! read more

I grew up in Ocean Beach and later went to Winston's on many occasions even at 70 years old. I still go there for good music good atmosphere and a great time. This is definitely one of the best music venues I've ever been to you gotta try it out. Rock on with live entertainment. read more

Came here to enjoy the local band Rough Houser and had such a great time. Winston's was the perfect sized venue and it was great to have the bartenders doing rounds so that there weren't huge lines at the bar. Hoping to see Rough Houser and 3 legged dog return to this spot, it was a great show! read more

If you're into dive bars, this might be your thing. The vibe is definitely what you'd expect -- a bit dark, a little chaotic, but people who love this type of place will probably enjoy it. Drinks are reasonably priced, decent selection, and the live music was actually what brought me and a friend in. Something felt a bit off -- maybe it was just a bad day or I wasn't in the right mood. The experience was mixed: nothing was particularly wrong, but nothing really stood out either. Maybe I was expecting more. That said, I wouldn't rule out coming back. I'd like to give this place another shot -- maybe on a different night, with a different energy, and hopefully I'll leave with a better impression and reason to bump up the rating. read more

Always fun, friendly, hip, great bands and a crowd that love's to dance! The group's change every-night and there is something for everyone.. read more

this venue means a lot to me. The owners were always amazing and I played a lot of music here over the years. Teddy and Tara both amazing humans and any band that wants to come through or a Music Fan that wants to enjoy music. You should think about this venue, they're opening up some sort of kitchen too. Cheers read more

I had such a blast at Winstons Beach Club! My friend took me to a live music event there while I was visiting and I was really impressed. There was a solid crowd forming outside before the set started, so I had a feeling it was going to be good. We headed over to the bar to grab some drinks before the first band came on. I was really happy to see that they had kombucha! I'm not sure if it was just the San Diego feel or this place in particular, but everyone seemed really happy to be there and energetically hit the dance floor. There was a really nice range of people of various ages there as well, which was great to see. I would totally come back for another live music event! read more

Winstons Beach Club - Interior - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here to see my friend perform one night. The place had a decent amount of people inside, it appeared crowded, but it wasn't crowded like we were sardines or anything - there was plenty of room to dance and be up front or hanging out near the bar. The bands that night brought in a good crowd and the music was great!! The stage area is kind of large, separated by height from where the dance floor was. LOTS of people dancing, hanging out at the bar tables, sitting on the bar stools, or congregating by the bar in the back. The restrooms were clean, the people I crossed paths with were nice. Water is self-serve in the back by the bar. Its pretty dimly lit inside and everyone was really fun, happy, and chill. A very nice spot to catch some live music if you're in OB! Definitely come by to check out the bands that play here! read more

Winstons Beach Club - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

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This was a tough one for me. I was born and raised in OB but never went to Winston's until later in my adult life. I don't want to make a negative posting for a staple in OB. But people need to be prepared. I went for my 3rd time ever to watch a band play. Each time I have been, it has been a baking oven. I'm sweating profusely and literally everyone around me is complaining about how hot and miserable it is. Everyone drenched in sweat trying to make the best of it. My last visit, we stopped buying alcohol and were just asking for cups of ice. I know the building is old but put some dang fans in the ceiling. Something! Even the 1 fan pointing toward the stage for the band was off. 2 stars for a food selection in beverages and for having a good stage for bands. read more

Doing 3am things at 5:00 in the evening! Love this place! Friendly service, nice dance floor and bathrooms that are clean. read more

Winstons Beach Club - The hubs - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

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Winston's is hands down the best live music venue in San Diego because of the Electric Waste Band. These guys are so good and play every Monday night. read more

Winstons Beach Club - Bill Walton On The Drums With The Electric Waste Band - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

We came by to catch some live music one weekend. The early band started at 4 on a Saturday, and they were amazing, though there was no cover! The sound was mixed well and not overly loud. Our bartender hooked us up and we had a great time. Drinks are not cheap, though. read more

How you going to kick paying customers out just for them to pay a cover to come back inside?

One of my favorite music venues in San Diego! They just upgraded their sound system (which sound incredible) and also gave a fresh new makeover. read more

Winstons Beach Club - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

Hi, recently i had a TERRIBLE experience sitting on the outside seating. The security guy named ROY, he claims to be a "security guard" but yet he completely violated the rules of being a security guard he did approach my table 2 times and informed me not to have outside drinks. he saw me eating a sandwich and did not say anything about food the third time he came around he proceeded to tell us to leave the table, he grabbed my dessert and i snatched it back he had no right to grab anything of mine that i purchased, and neither did he have the right to get in my face. he needs to be fired he is a unforgiving man who doesn't deserve the authority of being a security guard. read more

$20 double. No air conditioning. $4 for TAP WATER. Cheap and rude. Treat your customers better or fail as a business. Ambiance would be great if everyone wasn't sweating their a$$ off wanting to leave. read more

Live music. Legit beer options. And full bar. Really everything you need! Great eclectic range of music... totally OB and totally for the music connoisseur. Bartenders and door guy are super friendly. Plenty of room on the dance floor if you're vibin with the musicians read more

Winstons Beach Club - a band playing on stage - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

For this Phoenix girl, finding live music on a Saturday afternoon with no cover was a real treat! The afternoon bartender poured a good strong rum and coke, and I enjoyed the hard rock band in the company of an audience of all ages. I had so much fun that after the holiday parade, I found myself back at Winston's to see a band billed as a Christmas Band by another patron. They were not, but they played a variety of good classic rock with one holiday tune. I arrived just in time for the $8 cover (rats) but didn't complain. The dancing was fun, not too crowded. I appreciated the bar makes ice water and cups readily available at the end of bar for self service. I did not find the drinks from the night bartenders to be made nearly as tasty, so after a couple of disappointments I switched to water. I truly intended to go back Tuesday for the local Electric Waste band, but didn't make it. I believe this bar has live music EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK and that makes it a place where I am very likely to return! read more

The staff is super friendly, and the drinks are always flowing. Plus, the live music and events are always a fun vibe. Whether you're a local or just visiting OB, Winston's is a must-visit spot. read more

I remember a time I went on a date with a girl and this romantic bar was the backdrop. When I saw her I was startled but intrigued. Because that's how I like to start all my relationships. At the end of the the night she looked up at me and said "you look like a creature" and I said "um, I think you mean handsome" and she said "no, you really ok like a creature" there were some obvious language barriers. Our relationship was like beauty and the beast but if beauty and the beast were about the teapot falling in love with the dresser. Having said all this about my wonderful relationship these days I probably won't return since I am now sober. But maybe you guys can go out there and make love happen! read more

WINSTON'S is an iconic San Diego music venue. This place has been around just as long as me, 31 years! Walking into Winston's is like walking into the twilight zone. The very first time I came to Winston's was on a Sunday night about eight years ago. There was OBoke (karaoke) going on and it was wild. All types of folks singing their little hearts out and a surprisingly decent sized crowd dancing to the great aaaaaaand not-so-great singers. Flash forward 8 years and now I work here. I started working here in 2013, after a couple years I moved to Hawaii. I've now been back in San Diego for a year and remember why I love this place so much. Winston's is one of the best music venues in SD. The sound is great, the crowd is eclectic, the staff is awesome (ok I'm bias on this one) and the atmosphere is somewhere between 70's retro and classy dive bar. Pretty much heaven on Earth. Prices are a tad high but comparable to nearby bars that don't have live entertainment. There's always cheap canned beers and many times drink specials. There is entertainment every night of the week, always posted on the website. Usually there is a cover charge but it goes toward the live entertainment sooooo you can feel good about supporting local and touring artists. Overall Winston's is a sweet spot to catch a show and throw on those dusty dancing shoes! read more

Winstons Beach Club - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

The true Heart of Ocean Beach. Winston's has been the music Mecca of SanDiego through Many seasons. Great drink selection, the friendliest Staff, the most eclectic and powerful Music selection from Reggae to Bluegrass to Rage... they cover a lot of Ground. Thanks Team for being a part of OB For so long. read more

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Came here during the playoffs to catch my beloved Redskins get defeated by the God damn Panthers. Great energy and all my people with the occasional loser cowboy fan trying to be funny in the crowd. It was fun but nothing fancy. More like a frat house type place. Service was hard to get during this day. It was insanely packed tho and really no room to watch the game. Every one was ridiculously wasted when I got there. Seriously, bar hopping is not fun when you're pregnant. Drunk people are obnoxious but that does not take away from the establishment. They had a bouncer in the front and people out the window. There were 2 stalls in the ladies room but the wait was over 20 min as an extremely intoxicated lady passed out on the floor of one of them. Very disgusting. Again, it's not the establishments fault people are so incompetent but there should be a bit more security or staff or something to control these people. read more

Winstons Beach Club - Redskins Nation - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

Angela always gives me the best service, even though it's a music venue I always feel like I'm well taken care of.

Monday nights are awesome if you are a Deadhead. come on down and take a psychedelic time trip back to Haight-Ashbury with the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, as brought to you by the Electric Waste Band. Winstons is an iconic Ocean Beach landmark and is one of those local treasures that make our neighborhood so unique and special read more

We bought tickets for Winston's Beach Club's NYE party featuring The Electric Waste Band. (**Disclaimer** We are not Grateful Dead fans, but our friends are total Dead Heads). Something came up and we were not able to attend. We had a friend who wanted to surprise his wife and he wanted our tickets. The tickets were a will call pick up only and they were under my name. I called Winston's to see if they could change the name. This is where they lose a star. It was impossible to contact Winston's by phone. I called several times on several different days during their open hours. The number on the website is an automated line that tells you all of their upcoming events. That line gives a different number for "more information". That number rings unanswered until it goes to that gawd awful screech of a fax line answering. So on the following Sunday we headed to OB. After having lunch at OB Noodle House we walked to Winston's. The bartender (can't remember her name) was very friendly. I explained our predicament. She happily obliged and sent a text to all of the doormen that were going to work on NYE alerting them of the change. As long as we were there we had a couple of Pacifico's. Fast forward to New Year's Eve and our friends were able to attend trouble free. This was not our first time at Winston's. Typically Winston's is a regular stop of ours when we're in OB. It is an institution in OB. A true live band venue by night, cool OB hangout by day and a Washington Redskins bar on Sunday. While it would have been really convenient to be able to simply call Winston's with the change, Becky and I will never complain about an excuse to visit OB. read more

Live music. Parking lot is just waiting for civil disobedience. Let's tailgating and make this happen! We could pass the hat to support the band! Hell. They're playing anyways! Practice? Online show? I'm still researching. Refreshing fix for the live music I've been jonesing for. read more

Winstons Beach Club - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

So I got discriminated against last night at winstons in ocean beach. I was dressed like this and tried to go to a free reggae show. I had my I.d. I wasn't intoxicated. I WAS wearing a purple cape. It is not a fancy bar. There is no posted dress code. I have been a repeat customer for YEARS. And they had the audacity to deny me entry because I was dressed too weird. Also there were women dressed in flow rainbow clothes inside. But that is okay somehow because in this society patterned clothing is "normal" for women's clothing. I'm not sure if they assumed I was poor or the door guy just doesn't like hippies. I have spent a shitton of money there over the years buying drinks for me and sometimes large groups of my friends and I also bring paying customers with me. I'm pretty sure reggae has nothing against hippies read more

again 2 time, this is an ok venue: however, do not use your atm/ credit cards here because there is always issues with additional charges that stay on your account untill you chase these people down, they dont answer thier phones and when you show up the accounting team is gone. very frustrating, now i am wondering if this is done on purpose. (this is the only venue in ob that does this) very frustrating........................ read more

Been here a number of times now, great venue every time. Good music and performers, be back again.

Came here on a Saturday night($5 cover)because the sign outside said "live music and drink specials". Asked the bartender what the specials were and she rudely replied, "This is Saturday, we don't have drink specials". Then why have it on the sign outside?? Anyways, the well drinks were 8 bucks and the blonde bartender was extremely rude, ignoring people at the bar waiting for drinks. Crowd was super old too, probably 50+ average age. Check out any other place, overpriced garbage service here, unless your an older local, you MIGHT get better service. Doubt it though. read more

Best live music venue in OB!!! Staff is friendly and bartenders are extremely attentive.

Someone recently told me that Winston's is "the backbone of OB," and I'm inclined to agree. This bar represents all that is good about our neighborhood: - Great live music seven nights a week, representing many genres but mostly jam-influenced (including the kickass Electric Waste Band every Monday) - Nice bartenders who don't ignore you and always give a good pour - Reasonable drink prices and good specials on shwaggy beer - Great divey atmostphere - A big dance floor where you can get funky with drink in hand - Waitress service on the dance floor (this is awesome) - Nice folks who love music and just want to get down. No haters, no snobs, no macho shit, none of that bullshit you find in so many other establishments Admittedly, the cover charge is a bummer sometimes. But good music ain't free - if we didn't pay for it, it wouldn't exist. Freeloaders take note. Yeah Winston's, you kick ass! read more

Came here for a concert. "The Green" Local Hawaii music. Loved the musicians that played that night. 5***** for them... The bartenders were awesome and I'm glad they had a separate bar from the main area. I think the building is a little run down but what do you expect being close to the Ocean. It's a little more intimate setting as oppose to a larger concert building. Only two restroom stalls for the ladies.. so men be careful just in case the ladies are using your toilet... This place isn't that big so from what I saw stay towards the back and it won't be as hot. I will definitely return for more future concerts... read more

Winston's is another local landmark that has been around forever. It doesn't draw A-list bands but the sound is good and you probably can't find a venue where you can be as close to the stage. For those of you who are devotedly following my grand tour of restrooms around the world, the men's room here is about as disgusting as they come, but it's about what you should expect from a small club/bar in Ocean Beach. There are simply different, and yes, lower standards in this part of town. Winston's is laid back and fun. Come as you are. read more

They didn't kick me out so 3 stars. haha! I came here with a coworker to watch a local band, but things got really hazey. They have a stage and strong drinks. It's super divey, but not bad. Might be worth coming back to watch another band. read more