It's a dive bar, listed as a dive bar. If you walk in and expect a hug and free drink just for being there, you're in the wrong place. Drinks are cheap, service is as quick as they can get it out, and it's clean (except for the peanut shells during football season). Bartenders are appropriately sarcastic and pour heavy. read more

Utter disappointment. I've lived in San Diego my whole life and have always wanted to come here. Well I finally did after 28 years of age. I showed up with my Sentri card because I only take one ID with me every time I go out and I've NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. I get there and I was completely denied entry because I only had my sentri. This is unacceptable.... 28 years to finally make it out and they turn me away with a perfectly valid form of ID. Not the reason I drove down from North Park for. read more

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

I love this place!! I have been here numerous times and it is always fun whether there are 5 or 100 people there. It is def a dive bar, but the people are nice, the drinks are cheap and it isnt far from home unlike the $40 cab ride it takes to get home from downtown.... but they have these big burly dudes behind the bar serving up the drinks and are pretty attentive so you never really have to wait long for a drink. there is an outdoor porch area that is nice when they have the heaters on and acouple pool tables back inside. there is a loud jukebox playing so it is a good variety of music all night. All in all this place is a cool spot to chill with friends and have a few beers! thumbs up! read more

I have lived in IB for five years. This is the place that gives IB a bad name. If you go in to this cute bar you will be very disappointed. The customer service is like no other in the world. Terrorists would be friendlier. If you want a drink, you must present the secret code that few people know. I and my out of state friend came in, saw pool tables and decided to play. The "doorman" greeted us kindly. But that ended after we found our seats. No one approached us for any reason while we played pool for 45 minutes. There were approximately 7 people in the bar. This is what it has been like every time I've been in there. (Maybe five times in five years). I keep hoping someday I will be treated like a valued customer, or, hey!, like a customer!... So far no go! Stay away if you don't want to be shunned. read more

The Sunshine Saloon of IB. Old locals, old bartenders and a door guy that scrutinized my d.l for a few minutes before letting me in. It was expired and I was ready to give him an excuse but lo and behold I was allowed entry, but only after I took off my sunglasses. Hahahaahahahhah. Ha. Ha.I guess he didnt see the expiration date. I ordered a Guinness, since the selection was pretty ho-hum. I go to the bathroom and when I came back to my seat I noticed more old people had come in and sat around my friend and I. My beer arrives.Guinness in a clear plastic cup. If this isnt blasphemy then I dont know what is. I drank it and left, not really wanting to stick around any longer. You just dont do that to Guinness. Im sorry. Youre not doing it justice. The place is pretty cool looking. Its got a neighborhood vibe even with all of the military looking dudes hanging around ordering margaritas. Cool ceiling guys. I may be back but if you serve beer in plastic cups again, especially Guinness then I will be looking for other bars in the area. 2.5 stars. read more

I used to love this place. I went there for many years in the 90's and early 2000's. Eric was the best bartender there, they had this fat bearded pirate who was a rude to everyone, he was always cock-blocking everyone. He kicked people out and was just rude and crazy. That's when I stopped going. I used to live in IB. I guess if you want to get STD's you should go here, the women are trashy and easy. I got hooked up every weekend. the beers were cheap and the atmosphere was ok, felt like you were in a pirate movie. I went back a few years ago. All you get is drunks who want to start fights and cock blockers. I'll add one more star for the weekend breakfast however, that was really good. So now they get a one star from me. Probably never go back, unless I get free beers and insurance! read more

If you're looking for a dive bar in IB, you've found it with Ye Olde Plank. (My friend tells me in used to be the southernmost bar in California, but apparently others farther south have since opened up - I guess that's at least a sorta cool fact to know? I don't know, I'm just tossing it out there. :)) As other reviewers have said, the staff aren't exactly the most friendly. The bouncer doorman guy has a scanner that he puts your ID into, so either my identity was just stolen or he's not so great with math? Two Coronas were $9 - am I getting old or does that price seem high to you, too? It wasn't a dive bar price, that's for sure. The outdoor patio was nice. There weren't any smokers out there while we were there, but there was a big ass fan blowing, so if you're sensitive to smoke, you'd probably be ok. Come to Ye Olde Plank when you need a break before turning around to head back north, just don't expect the welcome wagon to greet you. read more

This is like the last spot for my freinds and I after we have been partying everywhere else. We show up at about 12:30 just to check out the scene and grab a few drinks before last call. Nothing fancy. I recommend drinking beer or the long island Ice Tea. any other mixed drink is a waste of money. i drank various mixed drinks and didn't feel a thing, then i got the 411 from the bartender, now i know. Don't be surprised if the scum of the earth tries to talk to you or an old man. its normal, be prepared for weird pick up lines read more

I have lived in imperial beach for almost 13 years and always passes through this bar . A friend of mine invited me to this wonderful place . I honestly loved everything about it . From the ambient to the bartenders . Super mellow guys , both were very polite and funny . I felt so comfortable and that's weird to feel like that in a bar . Especially since I only had one beer and 1/2 but I can honestly say I will be back , And to the both gentlemen that were working there a big thanks . Both of you were awesome . The way you acted and handle a situation that was going on at the moment was handle very professional . I Weill definitely come back soon. read more

I came by because I just wanted to chill by the beach. I found parking in front of this bar. The employees were nice. After 2 hours passed I requested a channel change on one of their many TV'S. I was told repeatedly that the owner would fire him if he didn't obey by his rules. I was the only person in the for the better part of two hours. WTF??! I spent $30+ and you can't change the channel for an hour in a totally empty bar?? What a lose lose situation. I'm a disabled Veteran and it saddens me that that some small business owners haven't a clue . I would Not recommend going to YE OLD PLANK unless you want to be under control of an insecure owner who has no interest in even listening to All his customers and employees. There are many other choices out there if you want to go to a friendly bar. It's not rocket science. THUMBS DOWN for myself...Nicks Picks read more

I loved this bar when I was in my 20's. In fact, I spent most of my free time bouncing from this bar to The Mexican Village and Little Club in Coronado. Now that responsibilities crowd my life in my mid 30's, I must admit it had been years since I'd gone to The Plank. Until the other night. So, I walked in and it was just like old times. There were a few changes. A live band for one but oh the fun I had. In this bar you have the chance to meet some pretty cool people. It doesn't take much to get a conversation going. The bartender's are fun and give good pours. You will have to elbow your way into the bar when it's crowded but if you do it nicely you'll have no problems. BTW, don't expect the bathrooms to be spic 'n span. It's a dive beach bar for Criss Sake! Just drink, be merry and use a paper towel to flush! read more

A bit too quiet on a Friday night for our crew, but I could see hanging out here when it's cranking or on a Tuesday afternoon just getting blind drunk. Cool outdoor patio with portholes, too! read more

Ye Olde Plank - Leave a buck with yer name. ... - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

1st bar my boyfriend has taken me to since I've come stateside & I'm loving it. 2 pool tables, jukebox, and an outdoor area where you can drink & smoke as well. Must be 21+ to enter. Friendly environment. Also, they only take cash but there's an ATM inside so you have no excuse not to stay. :) read more

This USED to be my stompin ground. Not too into this place any longer but if you like to get rowdy and drink a lot you will have a good time here! Weekends can get a bit crazy somtimes, this place goes through periods of lots of fights. The guy to girl ratio is a little off balance, so next thing you know you got 2 drunk guys fighting over god knows what and there ya have it. Only seen a few in my day but it does happen more then most places I have been. It has been newly remodeled so the outdoor patio has more space and everything it just...nice and new and clean! The vibe is shifting slightly there...but that's not per say a bad thing if you ask me! I have allways liked the bartenders there! They very friendly and look out fod us ladies when it's needed. and I have needed some back-up before. They take care of ya!! It's especially fun on a sunday afternoon however! I believe they still have live music! this place ONCE had an ocean veiw but thanks to the darn real estate commnity, some condo's went up right in front of the plank. boooooo! oh well, what can ya do i guess. all in all..it's worth stopping by this place if you are lookin for a dive! read more

I dont care what people say here. It felt kinda awesome having a drink in the most south western bar in the USA. The bartender was funny and sarcastic all in all I had a great time here. I will be posting pics up soon Pros ~great prices on drinks Con~ a little small but they got a pool hall next door and CASH ONLY read more

Spent my 21 st birthday here with family. Been local for all my life in IB, so I was very happy to finally go inside. Let me start off by saying that this is definitely a local hotspot, and locals are regulars. With that being said you will be looked at funny just for looking like you're from out of town, which is very easy to find out because everyone in IB knows all the local faces. I love my bartender Eric, he made myself and a friends drinks for free that night ( 2 each) and they were delicious and girly! I love that I did not taste the alcohol at all, dangerous, but great! I love the plank! I loved it before I ever went in but once I did, I loved it more. All I have to say is when coming to this bar you will get local attitude because this is such a local hot spot day or night! read more

This place is awesome! I stopped by today and the bartender Derek served me a couple of mighty tasty beverage's. Thank you Derek. read more

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

Never been inside, walked by to check what it was like and completely turned off by a rude employee whom was outside sweeping. I'll go down the road where I feel welcomed. read more

Brilliant times here. So much fun, great prices, fun atmosphere and great bartenders. read more

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

Good Beers, helpful staff, and awesome location. It's close to home so it's our go to place for a beer before we watch the Sun go down.

Love this place! The lead bartender was friendly laid back dude, he even challenged us to three games for a free pitcher. We didn't win, but he still gave us the pitcher for free. We tipped him of course for his great service. We talked to the barter and told him it was our first time at the plank, he suggested other bars around IB we can go to, which are not many. Overall the crow was more on the mom and pop side since we got there like around 6ish. Before leaving the place he have us the 411 on the busy nights and younger crowds and he even invited us to come back for a BBQ and car show that will take place soon. read more

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

Great dive bar with attitude. You can smoke cigars on the huge patio and the jukebox rocks. read more

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

Great atmosphere and down to earth friendly bartender last Sunday morning! Beers were reasonably priced.

Anytime I'm down in IB I wind up at the Plank. Which really doesn't bother me at all. Pretty solid neighborhood dive where you can play Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" on the j-box and rip a sweet air drum solo and bro down without anyone seeming to care. Bartenders are pleasantly salty yet friendly. And if there is a full moon out you just might get to motorboat a stranger. Ye Plank keeps it Ye Real. read more

After seeing many reviews about it being a spot that people that are non white would be treated badly I finally went in and there was a African American bartender. The people that were regulars were nice and inviting maybe things have changed but would definitely go back there and the drinks were not bad in price as well read more

I love this place! I always have fun at "The Plank". Mondays are especially fun with the $10 pitchers of margaritas. Grab a straw and start the party. The bartenders are fun and keep the drinks flowing. Yes, it is a locals hang out. But since the renovation, this bar is a great place to have some drinks with your friends and catch up. read more

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

Great little clean, well lighted place (to quote Hemingway). Limited menu but the stuff they have is good! The wings satisfy and the hometown atmosphere is unbeatable. The perfect out of the way little neighborhood bar. Can't beat it if you are looking for beach dives. read more

Ye Olde Plank - The pool room. - Dive Bars Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Awesome dive bar with cheap drinks, and friendly bartenders. It is close to the beach and food. One of the things I really love about this place is that bartenders keep an eye out for you. read more

If you are looking for a place with "atmosphere", this is it! I've been dropping by the Plank for over a decade now, and it has had a remodel or two since, but has kept its Plank appeal! It's right on the beach at the end of Palm, the beer is cold and the characters are plenty. It's a local hangout for those of the Military persuasion, so born and raised in SD(E9's daughter), the Plank has and will always be a favorite of mine. :) read more

Very much a dive bar as advertised. Tropical or Gilligans Island decor with karaoke going on in the patio. Saw a Navy Seals plaque on the wall so it looks to be a military hangout which is fine. I suppose younger mid-western transplants and older locals with leathery skin can make for an interesting crowd. Great for a drink but if you're interested in catching the game, head down the street to the IB Forum. read more

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

Great bar, excellent staff, and special consideration for health and safety. Will be returning...

The staff all act like you owe them something. The pool tables are not kept in decent shape at all, nearly the worst tables in town. The only reason they get 2 stars is because of the huge patio. read more

It was fun - don't expect too much; it's a dive bar. I thought 5.25 was a little pricey for a draft beer, but I'm sure the "bud lite" type of beer would have been cheaper. I think I was the only non-local there, yet was treated fine by employees and customers alike. Definitely not the place for some pretentious hipster attitude - which is a plus. Bring cash - they do not accept credit cards. ATM is available read more

Amazing service! Come here if you want to have a good time. Super clean and friendly environment. All employees are wearing masks and sanitizing everything! Wont go anywhere else! read more

One of my favorite top 5 bars in San Diego. Still one of the true "dive" bars. Best rum and coke!!

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

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

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

Dive bar is a solid description for this place. If you live in the first few blocks of IB or are visiting this is one of a few bars nearby. Don't be surprised if you find yourself here with a motley crew of locals. It is definitely the spot to be if you want to get a feel for the city's past and present. But hey a bar is a bar. Drinks and pool. Let's go 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