Probably my new favorite dive bar in IB! I live about 8 minutes away and I cannot believe I've waited this long to check this place out! After laying out on the beach, my friends and I were super hungry and in need of some adult drinks. This dive was a quick walk from the beach. We were greeted by a cool laid back staff. Drinks are more than reasonably priced for a bar so close to the beach! Also I couldn't believe they had 4 dollar 1/3 pound Angus burgers which are nestled between a soft sesame bun w/ a side of Doritos or Lays. I forgot the ladies name that was the cook and also our waitress but she was super sweet and got our burgers to us quickly. The grill was within view and we watched her make our burgers to order and to our liking! (Mid rare). One of my girlfriends ordered an Elk Burger that was less than 6 dollars. I felt like I was back in Texas with these prices. The food was top notch and I will definitely be coming back. read more

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

Absolutely HORRIBLE service. The bartenders have no sense of good customer service, they accused me of sneaking in shots in my shirt (it was cash that my girlfriend had put in there) and when I told them it was rude and disrespectful the way they went about asking me about it I was told "you're replaceable, get out then". The place is complete garbage and I always give them another chance just to be sorely disappointed, like every other time. I will not be giving them my business anymore, they need a serious overhaul of their staff. read more

Stopped by with my husband the other night after a short walk on the beach and although we are SD natives, neither of us has ever been there. I didn't yelp it before I came in but I truly thought that being in such a laid back town like IB, and being right by the water, this place would have a mellow, kick back, old rocker, everyone welcome kind of vibe. NOT SO. It is truly divey, there is NO music unless you put quarters in the jukebox, otherwise the place is like a funeral home. The two bartenders that were there while we were drinking our beers were both fairly unfriendly and for lack of a better phrase, had zero CS skills. Since there was no music, we had to listen to several people down from Canada talk about their trip to TJ to find medicine for one of them who was battling cancer...tumors, chemo, just the words I want to hear when I am trying to chill. NO food, apparently there are free peanuts but they are only given to people of a certain race or whom the bartenders like. CASH ONLY...a shady ATM machine in the corner. We were not "unwelcome" as several of the other reviews say, but neither were we made to feel "welcome." We had our second round elsewhere. read more

Seriously, it's a dive bar next to dog beach that is dog friendly... What is there to complain about.. You know what you're getting into. It is great for what it is read more

This bar has so much potential!! Yet The ppl who work nights at the plank are rude and make you feel very unwelcome. The Plank is rt by my house so we go often and every time we leave we always comment how much we do not like the Plank. We have committed to trying other bars in our area and we are giving the plank a rest! The men working at the plank are ridiculous and are bad for business :( read more

A plague of scurvy and walking ye olde plank would not be enough punishment for the less than lackluster, Unwelcoming and straight up rude staff here. A slow and lengthy keelhauling would be much more fitting. This was the first and only time I've been treated so rudely in Imperial Beach or anywhere for that matter. The vibe in IB is normally so chill and laid back. Exact opposite at Ye olde plank. Complete douche nozzles behind the bar and at the door. Consider Ye self warned matey! read more

Love this place! There's a story on this one. Been going here for years. They have a grill master Phyllis who dishes up great burgers, dogs, salmon every weeknight at 4...earlier on weekends. We were in for St. Patrick's day. Phyllis bought rye bread for corned beef and cabbage. I asked if she could make me a patty melt. It's the best patty melt I've ever had. It's now on the menu! Get there! read more

TO Love IB is to KNOW IB. Therefore, the plank.."the skank" is just another watering hole for us natives. Yes, the navy boys run their mouth, the cougars patrol it and sometimes you feel like the only person with a full set of teeth there..but dude.. It's IB. All kinds of transplants and whatever the sea has dragged in, the beauty is...uhh we all have one thing in common; Stone on tap, pitchers for $14?, great juke box, pool tables and lots of outdoor space all trying to live in harmony....!!! IB is ok and the plank is.. the plank...mmm I'd die for one of Eric's bloody mary's, 3 olives, extra spicey....mmmm read more

I don't know if it's the worst bar that I've been to in SD but it is definitely a contender. The bartenders have an attitude when serving like you are an inconvenience to them. Terrible customer service and just an all around bad vibe. read more

Great dive bar for drinks. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with tv's all over to watch sporting events. Good drinks at great prices. It does appear people can smoke outside if you're into that. If you aren't, you can still enjoy the outdoors with a great view and not be overwhelmed by smoke. It's a dive bar, so know that going in and don't expect a lot. The people are very friendly and you won't feel uncomfortable. It's a great place to grab a casual drink and relax. read more

It's good for a drink in IB, because...it's the only place for a drink in IB. It's owned by a retired Navy SEAL, hence all the navy knick-knacks lying around and the crowd. It's a dive bar on the beach, with nice(but small) outdoor seating deck. It's not amazing, but wandering the beach and IB boardwalk area can be fun afterwards. read more

Just a great local blue collar type of bar. The bartender says to just relax and drink I'll handle everything else. My kind of place.

Love this place !!! Make it a point to stop when in town to visit family . Could have better specials on drinks and Happy hour prices . Recomend the grill food from Phyllis Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.... read more

Ye Olde Plank - Out door patio at ye ol plank - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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A good bar nothing more nothing less. The regulars can be "unique" to say the least. Plus there aren't many places in IB to grab a drink. The beers are pretty cheap but the selection is lacking. read more

Hello. I went to Ye Olde Plank recently (haven't gone in ages), but I have to say it's a real laid back, cool place to have a drink and hang out at. I was definitely enjoying the Country tunes. Reasonable prices for its location (cash only), had a pitcher of Shock Top and it cost about $13-something, friendly staff and probably the best bar in Imperial Beach. As you can see, I had a good experience, and I will be coming back very soon! read more

I really like places like this. If you come here expecting the Four Seasons, you don't belong here anyway. People are nice, setting is casual and drinks are cheap...I'm in! read more

Hey folks... It's a dive bar. Not your mother's house. Quit being a baby and grow some thicker skin.

If you're looking for a dive bar, a real true dive bar this is it. Even walking up to you kinda get that dirty feeling, once you get in its not much better. But then you start talking to the people there, 99% locals. Just a disclaimer: Even though they look like serial killers, they are the nicest people around. Unless you piss them off, then run. Had my 21st B-day here and from what i remember people were the nicest, taking care you. Made sure I got to the car alright, hope it never closes! read more

The customer service is so bad that I had to check Yelp when I got back home to see if it was just me being singled out or if this is how it normally is. I'm only giving it one star because of the location. The bartender with the beard and cowboy hat straight up looks like he hates his job, didn't smile, and didn't want to be bothered. Every time I ordered a drink I was ignored and eventually came by to take my order. He had no energy and honestly should not be working here if he can't give his customers a good experience. I'm guessing he is the owner or manager if he is still there after a lot of people have complained about him on Yelp. read more

We moved in the area a couple of months ago and the staff has made us feel so welcomed here. We can't go out do dinner without passing this place. The workers seem to enjoy their jobs and we think they are all amazing! Thank you guys for being so kind and being more than just a bar. It's more like visiting friends. read more

Yuck... Bartender struggled with making a Bloody Mary & Long Island Ice Tea was weaker than a newborn's grip. Constantly played with his pony tail while mixing drinks! read more

Ive been going to this bar since I was in the Navy back in 1994-1998. Its the coolest little dive bar ever! So many memories there. The bartenders can be a little annoying, but they serve you and they don;t let you wait too long to get alcohol. This place has changed some over the years. Its a much cleaner bar now than it used to be. Its a fun place to go for drinks and the crowd is always cool, fun and friendly! read more

True dive. Trashy women and Navy dudes. Beer was okay, but the place was way to much of a townie bar for my liking.

its cool but you need to be on the bartenders good side to get a waitress and the bar is full of locals good thing cause these are the fun ones. they need read more

This place is a great little dive bar watering hole. It reminds me of "The Shipwreck" in Clearwater FL. They have WiFi as well as power plugs scattered around for those of us that occasionally work remotely. read more

My buddy Paul used to work there his personality pretty much sums up the Plank. LOL

Enjoy the atmosphere but some of the bartenders are extremely rude! I asked for a specific flavor and not only was I made fun of he then went on to pull every vodka bottle from behind the bar and make a huge scene about it. Other than that decent place, but service can be eh. At least it's not the Frog I guess. read more

I get that this is a dive bar & its going to have its regulars. But Ive been to plenty other dive bars around san diego & have always felt welcomed with the regs (nunus, alibi, silver dollar, docs, etc) But ive been here in the mornings & the lady who works the morning shift seems very unhappy with her job, the whole time I sat there she just complained about other bartenders from other bars around IB it really got annoying. There was a couple other guys there who gave off the vibe like they owned the placed & there was another old man who gave off a racist vibe after he said the black man is no regis haha. I figured I would try to come in during the night & its even worse. The bartended Erik is a dick and thinks he knows everything about alcohol. I don't need him to give me a history & breakdown of how a drink should be made just make the damn drink. I get that this is also a military town but normal navy guys who get drunk & try to pick a fight with you. After everything we saw we left after a couple drinks & after reading the other reviews looks like Im not the only one who feels this way. Maybe Ive had the wrong bartenders I heard a guy named Derek is cool. But this place gets 2 stars idk why I think because it has potential because of the nice location. read more

Great dive bar! Not the friendliest service to outsiders, but as long as you serve me, we're alright. The outdoor patio is fabulous, fun, and much bigger than the tiny bar. The inside bar has a tiny bar area and tiny pool table area. Pretty intimate. But the beer prices are more than fair and the $1 pretzels are not only a steal; they're delicious! Fun little spot. read more

If you're looking for a DIVE BAR, this is it! Great spot right on the beach. Staff is really laid back and serve their drinks well. Been here a few times and I am definitely not disappointed. Coming for the OC to visit family and this is certainly the one of the few destinations for a laid back inexpensive environment. Only down side to the plank is that it is cash only. Other than that I would've rated it 5 stars. read more

I love this bar! It is so chill and the staff is amazing! The best day is margarita Monday and the best is the pomegranate pitchers!!! Definitely recommend to any and all. :) read more

2 words MARGARITA MONDAY!!! only $3.50 a glass with a generous pour next time i'm asking for a pitcher

I went bar hopping in imperial beach...I wanted to see if I was missing out here in South bay, sadly, I wasn't. Drink prices were ok. I was expecting friendly bartenders like it said here in the reviews, but the guy looked liked he didn't want to help me. It was dead on a Saturday night, and the Music Juke box there was NOT loud enough to actually enjoy the music. read more

I have been to "The Plank" 3 times spread across 2 months. A Sunday afternoon, Friday night, and most recently St Patty's Saturday night. All three times I have had the most 'simple' bartender. He never acknowledge me or the other people I came in with. Sitting at the bar waving and smiling at him doesn't give him the motivation to ask "what can I get you". I doubt flashing cash or lady mounds would do the trick either. Placing an order with him is painful. After repeating multiple times the order - Jack & Coke or whatever beer is on draft, he brings it back acting as if it was a huge inconvenience. He doesn't smile, he's not friendly. He flat out sucks and has no business being around customers. If it wasn't for Eric or Tom I would never go back. Seriously, the proximity to the beach and few decent bartenders they have are just about there only redeeming qualities. read more

I return here often. Well, its really the only worth a sh*t bar in Imperial Beach. and for the distance I would have to travel to go to a "nice" place I would happily choose the Ye Olde any night of the week. MARGARITA MONDAYS!!!!! read more

Great location on the beach in IB but crowd is rough. Mostly older groups and some cougars. I think I was the only girl under 30 there. Still had a good time hanging out on the patio. read more

I love this bar, great people and affordable drinks. I appreciate all our local bars to mingle with our friends and neighbors. Imperial Beach's best bar we will continue to come to make more great memories. read more

I have lived in IB for two years now and of all the local establishments in IB, "the Plank" is by far the worst. Bartenders have shiitake attitudes and service sucks. I know it's a dive bar and you shouldn't expect red carpet service, but maybe a "hey" or " what's up" . Just because it's a dive bar doesn't mean I should be ok with lousy service. And to bartenders who work there, drop the sense of entitlement! It's a bar by the beach, your not that cool! read more

What a fun place! EVERYONE was so nice including the bouncer, the bartender and the other customers. They have two pool tables inside and a HUGE patio outside with a lot of seating. It's never super crowded either and it's an older crowd so you don't get the annoying drunks like you do in PB! Worth the visit for sure! read more

Great dive bar. They've added a BBQ in the patio that has good food. Drinks are strong. Bartenders are friendly. Prices can be hit or miss.