Is this the review where I finally lose all credibility? Nah, Yelp reviewers don't have credibility to begin with. Normally, I just judge the food. Like, when I go to a popular bar, I don't care about the popularity or the vibes. If the food doesn't meet my higher standards, it can't get five stars. Conversely, the customer service could be super rude, but I might give it five stars as long as I love the food. Lol. Which makes this review out of character for me. Or I'm just being a hypocrite. Even when I gave Brigantine five stars, I love their mixed drinks and a lot of their seafood. I'd have no issues with writing another five star review of the food at the Brigantine. Those lobster quesadillas are immaculate. This place on the other hand...... Okay no, that makes it sound bad. It's definitely not bad. The mango habanero wings here had a nice crisp and flavor. The pizza definitely had a cheap crust and cheap ingredients, but the final product still had a decent flavor. Like, it's not going to win any awards, but it'll still taste like heaven when you're consuming alcohol. This is one of the most popular bars in the area. I've floated or driven past it quite a few times already since I currently live in IB, and I've never seen it not slammed. I finally decided to walk in here at like 1400, and the bar was still packed. However, the clientele is mostly locals. And the bar and clientele is of a variety that will affect your mileage. Specifically, there is a ton of active duty or retired U.S. Navy, there is Navy memorabilia all over the walls, and it probably leans conservative pretty hard. So you might feel like an outsider unless you fit one of those categories. That might've been me if I wasn't also in the Navy. Lol The dude on my right immediately told me that the owner is retired Navy. And the somewhat drunk dude on my left started chatting also. And I somehow almost immediately participated in getting an orange Jaeger bomb (which I suggested since the orange Jaeger was directly in my line of sight.) Uuuhh, all that just to say, I mostly use Yelp to look for amazing food. If you're just looking for Michelin star food, I don't think there's anything particularly ground-breaking here. However, the locals do claim that this is one of the most popular bars in San Diego. There are reasons for that, whatever those reasons are, because it definitely doesn't have anything to do with the Yelp average. read more

Ye Olde Plank - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Really good bar in imperial beach , there food n drinks are top tier, food is amazing yea it takes a little while to get your food out to you but it's worth the wait along with the drinks when you go on a Friday night , very friendly locals n the bartenders are the best there read more

Always love the fast service and affordable and delicious beer and cocktails here at the plank. The new food place insde is really good. They had a band today and it was a really nice time to just hang out by the beach enjoying the views. read more

Ye Olde Plank - Brunch breakfast burrito and margarita - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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I've been a non regular, regular since 2001. The owner and Plank family and team are as versatile and eclectic as IB itself. Beach bar it is not. It is THE Ye Olde Plank Inn. A structure that has existed since the 1800's and has the history that can sum up San Diego county and Imperial Beach as a whole. The most Southwestern bar in the Continental United States. Go get Tanked at the Plank! read more

I loved their cheap, simple bar food. I loved the Pina Colada too...and the Mai Tai...and it's so nice and cozy in there, nice to sit and listen to dad rock. read more

Great location! Steps away from the beach! This bar has 2 pool tables, great prices, and lots of outdoor seating. I came here with a couple of friends while we were in town for the USTA national championships. We went to the beach here and grabbed some drinks. The bartender was very nice. We signed a $1 bill and put it up above the bar with the hundreds of others. We had our drinks outside. It was a gorgeous day. Some people had their dogs and we were able to visit with them. It's a super casual, laid back place to hang out with friends. read more

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Just an overall great time has always been had at the plank!!! I've been coming here since 1994 and say the food and beverages are spot on!!! read more

Ye Olde Plank - Framily - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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This place is a straight up dive bar. It's great for exactly that. They have some good food, but it's a dive bar for sure. If you are looking for that old school dive bar feel, this is the place. read more

The Plank in Imperial Beach has been consistently hands-down one of the best local spots on the entire San Diego coast, and I'm so glad it's still here thriving for tourists and San Diegans. The owner pours their heart into this place; I can feel it the second I walk in the same way after 20 years. The vibe is perfect: chill beachy feel without trying too hard, great music at the right volume, and the friendliest staff in IB. Whether you're grabbing a beer or a bite- just chilling on the patio with friends at sunset, everything is consistently excellent. Ye Olde Plank in Imperial Beach is a community. Thanks to the owner and the whole crew for keeping a spot that feels like home every single time. Highly recommended to locals and visitors into a natural vibe. We're lucky to have it so treat it well and it treats you even better. Thank you for providing us food this Thanksgiving!!!! read more

I have been going to the Plank for over 40 years. It is truly a place where people remember your name. There is always someone fun to talk to and it's the only bar I have ever been to that I know I won't feel lonely if I go in alone. I've watch the long time bartenders grow up and I took my daughter there when she turned 21 thirty years ago. They serve tasty food, have trivia nights and pool tables. It is everything a So Ca Beach Dive Bar should be. read more

Vanessa serves the BEST DANG "Skinny Pirate...." I've ever had....aka: Captain Morgan and Diet Coke...

Too much cigarette smoke and too many bigoted guests for me. Outdoor patio was thick with smoke for my entire visit. Chatting only led to open displays of homophobia and racism. Not my kind of place. read more

Good bar nice atmosphere could use a larger drink service counter if it's busy hard to get served.

It's a dive bar, set your expectations low and prepare to be impressed. Great bloody Mary's, good service and friendly local feel. This place rules. read more

Stayed the night in Imperial Beach and found this local bar, recommended by a few locals. It had an interesting crowd and live music the night we went, which made for a great atmosphere. The drinks were good and definitely not light on the pour--well priced for the quality. Full bar with a great selection, open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Would definitely stop in again. read more

Great people! Bartenders are always welcoming. Food is good. Outside patio is cool to hang out at. And they often have DJ's playing good music read more

Place seems to be one of the only spots that is busy everything else closes early. Music is good the service is quick and the prices are decently prices. Only issue is that tables tend to be sticky and you get some rowdy drunk customers and nothing much is done about it. read more

Her name is "Shorty" the 79 year old lady that works there the bathroom cop Patrol ... the Ruthless person I have ever met there I was just at this place. The restroom was out the door. I tried to go into the men's restroom since it was completely empty... someone in line said it was ok to go they "do it all the time" so I tried. Didn't even go in I hear yelling!!! The old lady "SHORTY" comes and starts to yell at me!!! Literally comes at me heavy!! looks like she was on drugs or something!? Over the top! Like you can just say "ladies can't go in that restroom it doesn't have a lock"instead of coming in hot! At me, she literally came at me as she was gonna fight me or something. For almost going into the men's restroom!? It comes behind me and starts to yell at me. I said ok" it's ok no need to be so aggressive towards me and she continues to yell and talk. It's not that serious. If ladies can't go into the restroom then just say that instead of being aggressive and being rude!!! my friends and family will no longer step one foot in that place and mind you I come from a wide range of a community. I have already spread the word. No thank you! Shame on you!! How freaking rude!! Take your money and business elsewhere! What a joke! read more

I went here with a few friends, and I had a blast. The atmosphere, friendliness of the crowd, the bouncers were super cool, the bartenders were fast and friendly as well. If you're in IB, I highly recommend this dive bar! read more

Ye Olde Plank - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Enjoyed my stops here after my flights arrive at 9am. Nice servers, and clientele. So close to the beach that I've seen guys come I for a beer when the family is in the beach. And no longer cash only. read more

The phrase "dive bar" has lost a lot of meaning over the years and I'd really classify the Plank as more of a neighborhood bar than a classic dive. But I guess you can call it whatever you like. The outside patio, which is literally just a half block from the beach, is spacious and comfortable. They've got some food options here, too: hot dogs, pizzas, pretzels, chips, etc. It ain't gourmet but you don't come here looking for gourmet. Friendly folks, stiff drinks, reasonable prices. Dive bar? Neighborhood bar? Whatever your preference, I think you'll enjoy this old watering hole. read more

Ye Olde Plank - Exterior. - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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ICONIC dive bar in imperial beach. The best vibes for locals. I love the community feeling here

Your local bar by the beach! Definitely draws its local crowds. Have been here a few times and they do card you at the door, as can be expected. They offer indoor and outdoor seating with 2 pool tables inside. It is a nice local spot with a very friendly owner and employees. We had brought nana here one night and able to make some karokee type machine song purchases (in spanish) and nana got her dance on...and made some friends... wouldn't even know she is 84! Drinks are priced accordingly and parking is a bit tight as some beach goers and locals park in front of the bar... but there is street parking and it isn't too bad. read more

PLACE SUCKS! There have been many other people getting ripped off with overpriced drinks AND STAFF TIPING THEMSELVES!! they NEVER give u a receipt and are assholes! Except 1 guy he's actually decent. Manager messaged me saying he gave me a refund after talking to me but I've NEVER met the manager! read more

IB Ye Olde Plank has a vibe like no other. The vibes are great and taking a beach walk is a must do afterwards. read more

Ye Olde Plank - a jeep parked in front of a restaurant - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Great little dive bar! Friendly and fun patrons! Great location and ambience! Can't beat the location close to the beach!

Their pitchers are like 1/2 scale to a normal sized one, but if you ask for a free refill I guess it works out. The pitcher size was like the equivalent of those pizza parties you had in third grade, like 1/16 of a slice and a half cup of fruit juice. Only this time you had to pay for the rip off read more

Absolutely love love love the Plank! Marty, Vanessa and Scotty are amazing! My birthday party was the best celebration! Scotty's burgers and all the food is amazing!!!! Thank you so much for the idea of frying the lumpia made to order. read more

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Came out here to find me some good ol' times. Covid was vast expanding around the world. Yet in Ye Old Plank Inn there be nothing but good spirits, drinks and music. Fun and safe. Awesome decor. Can't wait to come back again when things are normal as well! read more

Ye Olde Plank - MULE!!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

A fun spot to go to. I've checked this place out with my couisns and friends and have always had fun. The service was good. They already knew my sister and cousins name. The food was good I had some fries with meat on top and it was bomb. Not carne asada fries but something else. Check out this spot. read more

DONT USE CARD!!! When I went I used my debit card I made sure to close my tab and get a receipt. The next couple of days I checked my bank statements and saw my original charge of $104 and an additional charge of $114. Definitely do not recommend and if you do go only cash. read more

Daily special Monday- Margarita Tues- BudLight Wed and Thurs - Rum Fri- ask the Bartender Sat and Sun- Vodka read more

Ye Olde Plank - Industry Night - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

There drinks are amazing!! Service amazing!! Environment even better !!! And they close at 2 am no matter what props to them I love this place read more

Came in on thanksgiving morning for a quick drink with my husband. We were greeted with the best smile. The young girl behind the bar was so sweet, accommodating, offered us food.. The energy was infectious.. the people were so nice. Ended up staying for a few hours because the atmosphere was so comfortable. We will be coming back next time we are in town. read more

Erik is a gem. Just recently moved to the area and he remembers my name every time and shoots the shit with me. Eddie was awesome too and talked to him for a bit about the Padres! Love the vibe of this place! read more

Let's see. 1. Proverbial grumpy bartender more interested in the local bar flies then helping tourists. 2. Cash Only. And there's the handy dandy Usury rated ATM machine conveniently located in the corner. 3. While your walking in to a bar to purchase a drink you should be allowed to bring in your own bottle of water. The Plank is your typical "We-have-a great-view-so-we-really-don't-care about-service-cause-we-most-likely will-never-see-you-again-bar" Lucky there's other places that'll be happy to take your money in exchange for a great experience. read more

I drove all the way down to IB from Serra Mesa after bookmarking this spot to try. I read about it in the Tin Fork section of the SD Reader. When I got there I found out they don't serve any longer like they did. They have a couple munchies like chips, pretzels, and a whole cheap pizza. They have daily drink specials though and one of the prettiest bartenders I ever did see. She was super cute and so friendly I stayed for a drink and ordered a pizza. I hear this place was pretty awesome in the before time but my timing was just bad. Monday afternoons are pretty quiet it seems. read more

Old school bar. Great outdoor patio that will remind you of the college bars we've all seen back in the day. Price - Great prices for drinks vs. fancier places. Bartenders super friendly and on point Service - prompt service. Cool bartenders Drinks - don't just scan the beers on tap. Look up at the various liquor options and items behind enclosed glass. You may need to scan by walking around the bar Heads Up: CASH ONLY bar so bring the 20's for a night out. read more

They did not accept my foreign passport as a valid ID. They only take US issued IDs which to me does not make any sense at all. Bar tenders were nice. The place is a 5, but I am taking 2 stars down for only accepting US issued IDs. read more

Great spot for the locals not so much for those looking to party or outsiders. Sorry to say but that's the truth. This bar is rich in history had some cool pictures of the time IB was flooded way back in the day. Lots of cool decorations all around all sailor themed. Fits the vibe of IB very well. It's a great bar when your just trying to have a drink and not worry about crowds or water downed drinks. read more

Ye Olde Plank - The hallway leading up to the bathroom is a great selfie spot. #yeoldeplank - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California