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    Bullpen Tavern

    3.6 (34 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars
    Open 10:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    9ft table
    Trevor M.

    We love going to play pool at bullpen. It's free if you're drinking. The two 7ft tables are almost always taken when we get there so we usually are on the 9 ft table. The bartenders are great!

    Mr B getting carded by Jessica.
    Susana C.

    I love this bar. I call it the "Gateway to Imperial Beach". You can watch all the traffic that comes in and out of IB from this fantastic little dive bar. They have the best bartenders in IB and the best drink specials. I won't say more because its one of IB's best kept secrets and should probably stay that way.

    Boobs and the beer

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Madeline is my favorite bartender in IB the place is very chill to hangout with friends.

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    12 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Harry P.

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    18 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    14 years ago

    It's been a long time since I've stepped foot in the Pen, but this is still my bar of choice in IB.

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Top bar in IB. Family friendly, up to code. Real amicable crew in there!

    Business owner information

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    Harry P.

    ok - me and you gotta have a drink together! :)

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    11 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Bullpen Tavern

    Review Highlights - Bullpen Tavern

    You can watch all the traffic that comes in and out of IB from this fantastic little dive bar.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Mike Hess Brewing - Imperial Beach - Camaron enchilado

    Mike Hess Brewing - Imperial Beach

    3.7(456 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    We walked down to Imperial Beach and heard that the locals like to hang out at Mike Hess Brewing of…read moreSan Diego. Great relaxed environment close to the pier. We went before there was much happening. There was only a sprinkle of folks there. One 4 top had two smiling golden retrievers there. I was told they were regulars. The corn hole game is set up and lights are draped around the patio area. You order at the counter and take a number. However, a really nice fella came over to ask if we wanted any additional items. Very personable and engaging. And of course we ordered more items. BTW-Good luck with your band! I had a glass of rosé. It was a mighty pour and summer was in each sip. The guys had a beer or two. I ordered the Mike Hess Fish Taco and the Tropical Salmon. The tropical salmon did not seem as fresh as the others. However, the Mike Hess Fish Taco was delicious. I ordered a second one because it was so good. My husband's favorite was the spicy shrimp taco and the osso bucco taco. I sampled them and agreed they are worth the chew. I had a side of Frijoles de la Olla which rounded out the meal nicely. So many great salsas and sauces created an added level of tasty fun. We all had a great relaxing time together.

    "I can take you at this register," said the cashier...then, he proceeded to leave to go outside and…read moredo some work out there. I stood there, confused. When he FINALLY returned, he stood there-waiting for me to order. Well, I ordered the French Toast (which specifically states on the menu that it comes with MAPLE SYRUP). The mediocre French Toast was served with imitation syrup. When I asked about the Maple Syrup, I was told that "Oh, that's just for marketing." Okay... I also ordered a Breakfast Burrito which was by far the WORST I've ever had! Not only was it filled mostly with eggs, but the French Fries were dry, cold, and tasted old. For the meat, I replaced cthe bacon and sausage for chicken-YUCK! The chicken was undercooked and tasted like rubber. I spat out my Burrito THREE TIMES... I kept hoping for a better bite. The last bite had the distinct taste of "food poisoning," so I was DONE! I tried to get the taste out of my mouth with the "sour, old" tasting OJ. Needless to add: I will NEVER return to eat here...

    Photos
    Mike Hess Brewing - Imperial Beach - Bar area

    Bar area

    Mike Hess Brewing - Imperial Beach - Mexy Fries

    Mexy Fries

    Mike Hess Brewing - Imperial Beach - Beer flight! Free beer can glass with order + $6 fills!

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    Novo Brazil Brewing - Imperial Beach - Smash burger with 2 patties and sweet potato fries

    Novo Brazil Brewing - Imperial Beach

    4.3(167 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Ooohh, I really like this actually. I was expecting a more generic sports bar, and I'm glad it's…read morenot that. I mean, people totally still watch sports here of course and so do I, but what I mean is the space is bright and expansive, the location is lovely, and the monitors are ginormous. More importantly, the food and drinks are at least somewhat interesting. Not even sure if I've had hard kombucha before. I probably have, but I don't remember. These are largely light, sour, and fruity, which are the sort of alcohol I've been addicted to lately anyways. And they have cool fruits like dragonfruit and lychee. The bowls and fruit salad were what originally caught my eye. I was not feeling a berry salad, so I got a carne asada bowl, and it was delicious. The steak was soft and peppery, and the ratio of ingredients was well balanced. The hummus, kale, and salsas made for a fun Mediterranean flavor, and the basmati rice was fluffy and consistent. It's sad, but it's hard to find an Asian restaurant in town that makes a rice bowl this good.

    Second time at Novo and my family and I are planning when to come back or what event to host here!…read more The servers are friendly and attentive and the overall service has been very good. The ambiance is relaxed, everyone is there enjoying their time and food/drinks. The drinks are my highlight, they taste so good and they are strong. The food was also surprisingly very delicious. I dont know what I was expecting but even the chicken nuggets were good. My son is already asking when we can go back to Novo for his yummy food.

    Photos
    Novo Brazil Brewing - Imperial Beach - Strawberry Margarita

    Strawberry Margarita

    Novo Brazil Brewing - Imperial Beach - Poke Nachos

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    Novo Brazil Brewing - Imperial Beach - Carne Asada Nachos

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    The Scoreboard - Chicken wings

    The Scoreboard

    4.0(134 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $

    My first visit was for open mic comedy. I ordered a patty melt which came with hand cut fries. It…read morewas pretty good, although the onions were described as caramelized but were just lightly grilled. Probably delicious for true onion lovers but I pulled most of them off. The cheesy patty on rye bread was still delicious, and there were more fries than I could eat. Not much of a crowd except for the comics themselves, maybe 10-12 with a very entertaining host in between. All were good but many were hilarious including a first-timer. Fun vibe for sure, I would happily go again. I deducted one star because as a new guest, I asked the bartender if they had any special house cocktails. She seemed to hear the word special and thought I meant cheap. I said not necessarily cheap, but do you have any interesting house cocktails here. She said no, so I ordered something boring. Then I got the food menu which on the back had an entire list of house cocktails. But service overall was excellent.

    No Bartender! Friday afternoon about 4:30PM. I have been going to the Scoreboard for over 20…read moreyears now with no previous issues. This particular occasion, myself and another patron sat down at the bar and waited....and waited...and..... Finally I asked the cook if there was a bartender. He told me "no bartender. the bar is closed for an hour". Now wouldnt you think that IF the bar was closed at a Bar and Grill they would maybe close the doors and not let people sit there and wait for somebody that never shows up? Just a thought. I dont know if they changed ownership possibly, but this kind of (lack of) service is not going to fly with the general public. Its a shame. I use to love this place.

    Photos
    The Scoreboard - Inside

    Inside

    The Scoreboard - Carnitas tacos

    Carnitas tacos

    The Scoreboard

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    Bullpen Tavern - bars - Updated May 2026

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