Chico Club

The Nutty Monkey is a favorite drink. Friday karaoke is great if you get there early enough (after…read more11 there's little open seats, the song list is full and they don't really welcome more people)

Was visiting San Diego because of a friend's theatre performance at The Moxie Theatre. After the…read moreshow we mixed and mingled with the cast who suggested going to tiki/surf bar called The Luau. This place was great. Bright, vibrant and full of tropical decor. The bar was packed. We got a four high top seater in the main area. Glad we did because it was karaoke night! In between songs the dj would play pop star music videos. There was a back patio with more seating. Surprise of the night was when Sterling the security guard sang a song from "Wicked". Will definitely go back again!

Hawaiian coffee

Planteray Rum baby

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Painkiller and Freida

The BLVD Bar

3.6(95 reviews)

0.5 mi

No doubt this is at the top of the list of many SDSU students as the coolest Dive Bar in the…read morecollege area! I'm not sure if they actually serve food...but the drinks are great (yup nice and heavy pours...:), the daily tap special are unbeatable and, of course, the service, second to none! Go there early, or ginger after 1 am...you will not be disappointed!

Staff treatment is disappointing. My friends and I love BLVD and have been making a point to come…read moreevery week. Had my ID denied this week, the bartender lied that it scanned as "not a real ID" twice, despite it being my government identification. I'm from out of state, so I understand the speculation. We live down the street & I waited outside while my friend brought my passport. They shut all the doors and windows on us while just waiting outside, which is excessive but understandable. Eventually they turned away a 10+ group deeming all of our valid IDs as underage, including my passport. I understand compliance, but being unnecessarily rude to regular customers who provide business was frustrating. Not surprised SDSU students don't go anymore. None of us will be returning. On a better note, Corbin's and The Mesa down the street are much more fun & welcoming! Highly recommend giving your money to a better business.

Neighbourhood spot.

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Good pour

Norm's Cocktails

3.9(53 reviews)

0.1 mi

GRIFF is the BEST bartender EVER!!!!!! He is so nice, funny, and accommodating!!! Always checking…read moreon us and making drinks in a timely manner. Great convos, just an all over great person to share an evening with friends with! This is a local spot for friends of mine is how I ended up here. Playing pool, picking out songs on the digital jukebox, hanging on the back patio all enjoyable.

If you like dive bars like I do, this is a great one. Good draft selection and friendly staff.read more

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Halloween Party 2017

Majorette

4.7(60 reviews)

1.4 mi•Rolando

I love the beer selection and the chill vibes of this place. Come as you are and enjoy some good…read morefood and a nice cold beer. I love the smashburgers, especially The Fancy Smash with some sweet potato fries. They have screens indoor and outdoor, so come and cheer on your team while you down a few ice cold beers! Go Chargers! Also, shout out to the staff. Friendly and playful it makes this place that much better!

Majorette is your local dive bar that provides great food and a welcoming atmosphere. We went for a…read moreworld cup game and it wasn't overly crowded and so it was a more relaxed environment which we didn't mind at all. They have 2 pool tables for free to play as well as a nice outdoor patio area that has some TVs too. The bartender was very nice as well. I got the Smash Burger and added an extra patty (for only $2). It was super delicious! The burger was piping hot with the gooey cheese and the meat flavor/seasoning really came through. My partner got the Fancy Smash which comes with lettuce, tomato and their special sauce. I really liked their special sauce to dip the fries in. It had a citric flavor to it which was really nice and addicting. Cool vibes, great food, can't go wrong at Majorette!

Corn ribs, burger and sweet potato fries

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Wedge salad

Pal Joey's Cocktail Lounge

3.7(162 reviews)

2.9 mi•Del Cerro

As soon as it was near closing , the security was rude to start barking at us telling us to leave…read morenow , that we had to leave this second , cussing and screaming . At the same time there are people playing pool that he doesn't tell to leave at all.

Pal Joey's is a fun little dive bar with a great atmosphere. They have live bands, a good selection…read moreof drinks, and it's always a fun place to hang out! Service is always 10/10!

Halloween decorations a costume party on Monday, October 31st. A $400.00 prize for best costume.

Lots of seats

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This is the aggressive really rude security that was screaming at us to leave

KNB Bistro

3.8(736 reviews)

1.6 mi

My first visit and I was impressed with the ambience. It's a restaurant inside a liquor store. The…read morebar and the tables are surrounded by all the bottles on the wall. There are many TVs all around. Padres game was on so it was pretty crowded. We ordered drinks and two appetizers. Chicharrones were great. It's deep fried chicken with skin on. The skin was crunchy, not hard like some of the ones I've tried. The flavor was good and extra tasty with Buffalo ranch. We also had buffalo cauliflower bites. I'm not a fan. The breading tasted like cheese or something similar. The portion was decent for both. I saw other tables had chicken wings, sandwiches, etc. The portion all looked big. The price is reasonable. Overall, it's a good place for food and drinks and watch some games. There's plenty of parking.

Simply delish. We…read moreused to KnB a many years ago... where have we been!? This is one of those night... everything was firing on all cylinders. Our tequila expert, Bruce was very efficient and so nice. He helped us with our order. fair warning... don't get the elote, because if you do, it's game over! Our main was the mustard greens and the salmon special. The salmon was prepared perfectly and delicate, the salad super flavorful. Where can you go for dinner have a bottle of wine and keep the bill near $100. I've added it to the circle of trust and will be back next week.

Patio entrance

BBQ Chicken Flatbread

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Dirty Birds

3.6(892 reviews)

1.2 mi•Rolando

Thought the wings were great - particularly on a Tuesday evening when they have a Happy Hour for…read moreHalf Off Wings. Food: 4/5 We tried the Lemon Pepper Dry, General Birds and Flaming Honey Mustard. I've always been a big Lemon Pepper dry fan, but it doesn't hit the same here (probably my least fav of the 3), because it wasn't as flavorful/tart as ones I've had in the past. General Bird's is their version of General Tsou's Chicken which is savory, but my favorate was the Flaming Honey Mustard. I'm a sucker for honey mustard anyways, and the kick was good. None of the 3 were that spicy. Service: 4/5 They weren't that busy on a Tues evening, and service was relatively prompt. The wings do take about 10-15 minutes, and drinks came quickly, but it did take a few minutes to get our order (probably cuz a sudden influx of people). Will def go back as we explore the different Dirty Birds, but this so far has one of the larger locations and great for Sports Viewing!

It's a nice sports bar. Their menu revolves around mostly chicken…read more It was a fun lunch stop for me, we had mimosas, but be advised the juice they serve a bottle of champagne with us about 10oz. Definitely the spot to go if you want to get hammered early. I ha

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Flaming Honey Mustard

Cheba Hut Toasted Subs

Cheba Hut Toasted Subs remind me a little bit of the old Quiznos but only better…read more Founded near ASU over twenty years ago, they likened themselves as a cannabis-themed restaurant franchise-chain. A stoners Munchie place if you will. Well that only flies so far in the corporate world, but Chēba Hut delivers the tasty goods and it's a fun place, with lots of Cheech & Chong like references on the walls. Total Cool. We tried the Roast Beef, Meatball and Spicy Italian-like Sub Sandwiches and came away impressed. There is also a bar, with lots of local beers. Our three Subs and two drinks ran us around fifty. Five Stars and we'll be back for more.

I would say this is the perfect all Californian experience lol. The art work is all marihuana and…read moreadjacent. The sandwiches are great! I looooooooove their bread! I picked the garlic bread one... wow wow wow! Delicious! The service is great. They have a full bar so you can eat your sandwich with your favorite cocktail or they also have fountain drinks and bottle drinks. The bathrooms are clean and spacious. I would recommend getting the medium size sandwich since the small one was too tiny for me.

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Next Door Craft Beer & Wine Bar

4.5(200 reviews)

0.2 mi

Pretty cute lil spot. Very cozy & extremely laid back. Definitely a good spot to bring a date or…read morehangout or get together with friends, very lowkey. A nice selection of wines to choose from, and the staff will let you taste em to make sure you're happy w your choice & help provide recommendations too. Very nice & kind!! Good roster of beers on tap from local craft to brand name IPAs, so something for everyone!

Total Local's spot. This little wine bar (and beer) is just wonderful. It's a converted craftsman…read morehome loaded with charm. The owner is a sweetheart; funny, charming and a mean cook :)! There is bar seating, coffee shop style sofas, and a quiet outdoor space with warm lighting. It is also a great place to have an event. I had my Dissertation Party (~40 people) here and everybody loved the place. It is dog friendly too.

Always interesting bottles here

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Collier creek Zinfandel

Lemon City Taphouse

4.9(25 reviews)

1.8 mi

Kosay the owner is way cool and treated us like family! You're pressed to find a better tap house…read moreor staff. Chill, great music and vibe. I don't love big venues so if you're want a neighborhood vibe. This. Is. Your. Spot.

The old Good Guys tavern was sold and morphed into this new place. Let's just say I miss Good Guys…read moregreatly. When they first opened under the new name, the place had super bright lighting. Really it was weird, like medical operating room brightness...They ended up shading the lights and painted the walls dark?? Better, appropriate ambience. It's a lot more modern and cleaner than ever though. Well, so they call it a taphouse now. Which means they are a craft beer bar. With less than average beer selection on tap for a taphouse in my opinion. They do have a large can selection that pushes them up a star. Many one-off beers and smoothie styles which can be difficult to obtain. There's only one person working the bar, which has always been a friendly female. Which is appropriate for the 90% male clientele. You gotta figure this works everywhere. Take it from someone who knows, as I worked as a bartender and barback for many years. Serving beer is one thing, but it's tough getting a male bartending job in general. The selection could be better. However, the problem I have with this place is the exorbitant prices of the draft beers. This is considering the area, which is on Broadway in Lemon Grove. I mean we are talking 9 and 10$ beers here. For example, Frank the Dank- a double IPA is 10$ here. And I know where I can get these for $5 a pint... and I'm not telling where either! Actually if you do really read my reviews, this information will be eventually leaked out if it already hasn't been.. But yeah I'm sorry, but this why you are empty 80% of the time. Who can afford this in this permanently depressed area/neighborhood? The working men of course, who aren't ready to go home and deal with that nagging significant other..

The bar.

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16 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Christopher C.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Bartender (Ryan) was hostile and arrogant towards me, insulted me repeatedly on multiple occasions. Then he had the audacity to ask for a tip after completely ruining any respect I had for him. Will not be going back. Not interested in hanging out with losers that do drugs and fuck each other in smelly bathrooms. Maybe at some point there was a civilized group of patrons, but that no longer exists. Good riddance to a group of people I will be glad to never see again. read more

Santa - Maria L.

7

5

0

11 years ago

A friend and I stopped in for drinks after a very brief walk. We found seats at the bar, and though we weren't planning on drinking, just watching the bartenders work were convinced to try the Bloody Mary and Minty Fresh. Both were tasty, went down easy, and were clearly pretty strong. read more

Alfredo M.

0

1

2 years ago

seems like the owner Bob is racist. Doesn't like any music for the Hispanic community picks and chooses what music you can buy with your own money. Don't go here until he changes his ways probably a Trump supporter as well FTB read more

Jay D.

Elite 18

1642

778

109

18 years ago

i only remember seeing a go-go-girl dressed for on broadway dancing on a crate near the pool table. classy! ps. the mayor of la mesa, art madrid, was last seen here. booyah chico! read more

K C.

115

8

2

11 years ago

Why did I decide to check this place out? It is close to my house. Is there any other reason to go there? Absolutely not. That is not even reason enough to get me back in the door. read more

Ahley P.

1

7

0

10 years ago

Really enjoyed myself here. My friend had a awesome birthday party Friday night. The bar staff did an outstanding job helping out with everything and the band was on point. read more

mike j.

0

5

0

18 years ago

its alright. The bartender Jenna is hot. Too many dudes, most of them are angry. This place is like walking into a marine core meeting but with beer. read more

Susan J.

0

2

0

7 months ago

AVOID ever going to this dive bar. Owner, Bob, is awful to the customers and staff. It was very sad to see how he treated the women in this facility. read more

Ethan L.

55

34

11

13 years ago

After reading all these reviews I had to try it... i enjoyed it... It was relaxing after a long day at work... i give it 4 stars...

Jesse O.

0

4

1

3 years ago

Great vibes that creates a positive open atmosphere. . And cheapest drinks in town, for sure on El Cajon Blvd.

Tiffani M.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Ryan was pretty fucking cool............hammy was pretty fucking cool go to chico club

Sara R.

23

17

10

11 years ago

Nice place for karaoke. The bartenders are very welcoming so I will for sure be back.

Stephanie B.

149

5

2

13 years ago

Fun place to meet up and chill with friends jeff the bartender is awesome

Christie D.

3

1

0

15 years ago

Great little bar with nice atmoshpere. Waitresses were super sweet.

carri e.

0

4

0

15 years ago

Used to be awesome.. awful now. Stay far away!

Patrick B.

24

25

6

11 years ago

Nice quiet dive bar. Good atmosphere.

Chico Club - divebars - Updated October 2026

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Parky's Saloon

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I stopped in to enjoy the air conditioning on a 90 degree day. I found a bunch of new friends!…read moreThank you Morgan for being the one of the most beautiful and friendly staff I've ever met. I'll come back often!

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The BLVD Bar

3.6

(95 reviews)

No doubt this is at the top of the list of many SDSU students as the coolest Dive Bar in the…read morecollege area! I'm not sure if they actually serve food...but the drinks are great (yup nice and heavy pours...:), the daily tap special are unbeatable and, of course, the service, second to none! Go there early, or ginger after 1 am...you will not be disappointed!

Staff treatment is disappointing. My friends and I love BLVD and have been making a point to come…read moreevery week. Had my ID denied this week, the bartender lied that it scanned as "not a real ID" twice, despite it being my government identification. I'm from out of state, so I understand the speculation. We live down the street & I waited outside while my friend brought my passport. They shut all the doors and windows on us while just waiting outside, which is excessive but understandable. Eventually they turned away a 10+ group deeming all of our valid IDs as underage, including my passport. I understand compliance, but being unnecessarily rude to regular customers who provide business was frustrating. Not surprised SDSU students don't go anymore. None of us will be returning. On a better note, Corbin's and The Mesa down the street are much more fun & welcoming! Highly recommend giving your money to a better business.

Dirk's Niteclub

3.9

(51 reviews)

My friend invited me for drinks here. It's a chill spot. Divey place & they serve a full bar. Drink…read moreprices are moderate. Good music. Very limited parking. A lot of restaurants & businesses near by. Trolley station is a few blocks away.

Don't let this location or the surroundings for you. It is one of the safest places to enjoy a game…read moreof pool or darts Nino the bartender and his assistance are always there to ensure that you have a drink well worth the service karaoke nights are on Wednesday and on Fridays and the KJ there Loy Monsanto is the best in San Diego. You'll definitely have memorable moments to want to come more frequently if you're looking for moderate Price drinks more like fairly price drinks without skimping on any of the quality Dirks is the place and they even have tacos in the back patio as well come and enjoy and see for yourself how a small dive bar like this Can give you stellar service.

Norm's Cocktails

3.9

(53 reviews)

GRIFF is the BEST bartender EVER!!!!!! He is so nice, funny, and accommodating!!! Always checking…read moreon us and making drinks in a timely manner. Great convos, just an all over great person to share an evening with friends with! This is a local spot for friends of mine is how I ended up here. Playing pool, picking out songs on the digital jukebox, hanging on the back patio all enjoyable.

If you like dive bars like I do, this is a great one. Good draft selection and friendly staff.read more

Sideways

3.8

(29 reviews)

This business has a practice of fraudulently inflating the tip amount that is written on receipts…read morewhen a credit card is used. A charge of $18.50 turned into a charge of $22.50 on a credit card report, even though the authorized amount was $18.50. A server or servers have made it an ongoing practice to steal from their customers. The management of Sideways has been notified repeatedly of the issue (which has happened several times), and they are both unresponsible and hostile.

One night a few weeks ago, I went to Sideways bar to just zone out and have a few beers. I paid…read morewith my credit card but tipped in cash like I usually do. When my total was updated, it said I tipped $10. I was a bit confused but without proof and possible user error I didn't really do anything. If they did steal the $10 from me they needed it more than i do. I went back the other night and it was a different bartender. I was on guard though so I took a pic of my receipt and sure enough, this bartender changed the tip from $4 to $8. I could almost understand this behavior if I was a non tipper, but I had 2 beers and sat at the bar. And still tipped $4. Thats plenty. If you go to this bar beware.

De Oro Mine Co

4.3

(69 reviews)

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This place has huge potential. It's a great space. I wish they used the stage for live music (like…read morethey used to). The biggest downfall of this bar is one particular bartender. She's rude and her entitled attitude awful. "Customer service" is definitely a term she's never heard before.

Deano’s Pub

4.3

(67 reviews)

First time visiting, looking to try something new. Something more than just drinks. I give this a 5…read morestar review and I will tell you why. 1. They have a calendar of events, like open mic, karaoke, country social, trivia night, live music and more fun stuff. They also had two pool tables and TVs for watching sports. 2. The drinks are pretty well priced. While they do not offer food, they do welcome outside food. Which is cool if you have a specific craving that wouldn't normally be at a bar/pub. 3. Tonight was live music and the band had a really chill vibe and had good musicians. (Lunar conspiracy ) 4. It's not a huge place but it had plenty of seating, a dance floor and outdoor seating. 5. Last but not least they have friendly service. I wasn't in the mood for alcohol, and they were accommodating. I plan to go back and check out some of the other events. Tonight was not a packed night, but I'll have to compare it to other event nights in the future. If you are in the area you might already know about them but if you don't, I say give it a shot.

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