This place is AMAZING!! The selection of beer is only out done by the incredible selection of cigars. The only downside is their liquid license only allows them to operate until 11pm, even on weekends. I also read that they have live jazz on Saturdays and you can have food delivered there from neighboring restaurants. To recap; food, jazz, cigars and beer; can't ask for more! Can't wait to go back!! read more

Was only here once on a visit to the area toward the tail end of their daily happy hour. First Impression: Clean, relaxed environment with an AWESOME and unique selection of beers. I had a jasmine ale and it was just delightful! Sat outside with a few friends and was able to talk at moderate noise levels. Would definitely come back here again on my next visit! read more

So this review is way overdue as I was there several months back. Its a dim place with 2 humidors with a pretty good selection. They serve some great micro brews. Smoking is restricted to the patio only but its protected so I was comfortable, and it was late June so it was nice out. The bar tender, wish I could remember his name, was very knowledgeable about the smokes and beers and I was able to pair up a couple of cigars very nicely with the brews. I will drive out of my way to stop by here again, its worth the detour. read more

Sorry guys, but I have to zoom right past the cigars and talk about the beer! I don't know how many times I have been told by bar owners in East County that folks out here don't want expensive craft beer, yet we walked into Hoffer's and it was packed with people enjoying the 24 taps. We were sold right away. They don't have food, but you can order from restaurants located around the bar. We got some of Trattoria Tiramisu's Calimari Fritti......GREAT! By the way, unlike some of the North Park beer bars, these guys have a Happy Hour. Attention all craft beer drinkers......La Mesa has the goods! Check out Hoffer's. If you don't smoke don't fret, the bar is smoke free. read more

It's a great spot to grab a beer, with plenty of selection to please any style you might be looking for. I was there last Monday to watch some of the Chargers game and they had the Stone Epic (09/09/09) on tap! Very good beer, great little spot in an area that desparately needs it. It's got almost a speak-easy feel to it, in that the space is tight, the taps are lined up on the back wall, and the bartender is hustling and chatting and hustling some more. These guys got it right and I'll definitely be back. The reason they don't get a 5th star though? They have Pabst on tap. Pabst on tap = hipsters, but I haven't noticed any yet. haha. read more

Tiny little bar with an outstanding selection of beers, nearly all of which you can get for $4 before 7 pm. Speedway Stout, Brother Thelonious, Racer 5... lots of classics on tap, along with plenty of special releases. Awesome bartenders, too. They also have a pretty extensive selection of cigars available, although I'm not well-versed on the subject. In all, a great little place to hang out. Love it. read more

Great beer selection and knowledgeable bartenders that are happy to educate you on the new products. Kind of a small cozy place that limits what they can do. I frequent many cigar bars or lounges and Hoffers is lacking from the smoking end. They do have a nice selection of cigars to offer but a bit pricey for a place that makes you go outside to smoke. As a beer bar, i give it an A. As a cigar bar it is a C. read more

I have been coming to Hoffer's since this place opened. They have 24 beers on tap, all are local and all are less than 7 bucks. The selection changes at least once a week and on Friday the 24th of February they tapped their first cask beer, courtesy of Manzanita Brewing. The bartenders are always more than willing to help you pick something, and the board tells you what style of beer you are getting as well as alcohol percentage. I don't smoke so I have no opinion on the cigars, but they do have seating in the back if that's what you are into. I have seen some people complaining about the tent style covering, and all I have to say is even though it's San Diego, it still does rain and they have a nice TV that doesn't work when wet. I recommend coming in on Monday nights because that is when Kirby, the best tender in the world, is there. They do have Happy Hour up until 7 p.m. when all draft beers are 4 bucks and as far as parking goes there is some street parking but on Friday's and Saturday's you may have to park at the free lot on the corner of Palm and Allison. read more

I love this place. I've been coming here since before it opened... They opened the doors for smoking before the liquor license was ready to go! There's a little something for everyone here. The beer snob will appreciate 24 quality beers on tap. Michael the Manager is always switching out the beers and works to have variety and lots of new stuff. There are many wines available as well. No hard liquor, but you can get that up the street at Pete's if need be. There's a big selection of cigars that are thoughtfully laid out and organized by the owner, Phil. He grades them on strength and is usually around to recommend new and different smokes based on your taste. Another neat feature is that the indoor bar area is non-smoking while the patio allows smoking. This is cool when wifey and I come in and she wants to have some drinks and socialize while I want to have a smoke. The place is also very tastefully put together and highly classy. Many cigar places in San Diego are downright sleazy feeling... not here! The outdoor patio is heated, but in the winter I recommend bringing a jacket and smoking gloves if you got 'em. There are TV's both inside and out that feature sports, news, and a lot of the Food Network. :) They are usually happy to switch the channel to the customers whim and I've often watched full movies here. Hoffers does a lot of special events. Of course they are open for La Mesa Oktoberfest. They also open odd hours for sporting events like World Cup, etc. I've had fun here on New Years Eve when they are able to host a party, and even watched the 2008 Presidential Election here! They have regular Jazz nights on the patio and the place can get packed on those nights. If you are looking for a fun bar in La Mesa, a place for beer/wine, or a Cheer's like experience, this is the place for you! read more

Nice bar. Love their happy hour - most craft beers are $4 from 4:00 - 7:00. :. This is not a dive bar, but more of an upscale place, with reasonable prices. Very beer and cigar centric, with two walk-in humidors. Phil, the boss, is frequently there and is quite personable. The craft beer selection is excellent, with an emphasis on local brews. Smoke-free inside, but with a pretty nice outdoor, largely covered patio where you can enjoy your beer and puff away on your cigars. Live Jazz on Saturday evenings. read more

I don't smoke cigars, but a bunch of my friends do, so I end up here fairly regularly. What I love about Hoffers is the excellent beer selection, outdoor seating area, and solid service. Great place for an afternoon meeting over beers/cigar. read more

Walked in this evening with my brother in law to have a cigar, a beer and relax. Roll into the humidor and the owner is in there. Plesant guy, I mentioned they didn't have a particular cigar I liked and he suggested a couple. They have a colored star on every box of cigars which represents the strength of the cigar, kind of a neat thing to do for those who aren't sure about a cigar they haven't tried before. Prices on their cigars were about on par with other places around San Diego. I picked one of Hoffer's suggestions and head out to find a beer. They have a great selection of beer here, both local and no so local. They also let you taste the beers. After picking my beer, we roll outside to the semi-covered patio to kick back. It's a nice setting with a TV on the wall which was on ESPN at the time. They have a jazz band play on Saturday nights, $5 cover though I'm not sure if you can smoke outside while the band is playing. I hope so as it kind of defeats the purpose of a cigar bar. All in all a cool place to go smoke a cigar and relax. read more

Excellent beer bar, definitely the best in the area. They also have a great wine selection. I don't smoke cigars too often, but if you do, the back patio is super cool place to hang out, smoke, watch TV, and drink. Another cool thing is their proximity to the different restaurants on La Mesa Blvd. They have menus in the bar, and even though Hoffers don't serve food, the restaurants will deliver to the bar. read more

The stellar beer list is what brought me and and it is what is keeping me coming back for more! Love the rotating tap list and the fact that everyone who is working behind the bar actually knows their stuff about beer! They are not shy with making suggestions, nor with offering you a sample if you are unsure. Great prices, super chill place and the fact you can smoke outside on their back patio if you wish to partake in a cigar, well that just makes this place that much better! Saturday nights they have a live Jazz band (different ones) for only $5 outside on their patio. This is becoming a regular haunt of mine and has opened up my eyes to the shops and restaurants up and down La Mesa Blvd. Great job Hoffers! read more

I come here four or five times a week; during the day I hang out on the patio enjoying some beers and doing homework, and at night I often meet groups of friends and hang out for hours.... 24 beers on tap with a constantly changing tap list, a huge patio, rad employees relaxing atmosphere, cheap prices... One of the best spots in town! read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Night cap! - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

See all

Edit: Phil, thank you for the sincere reply. I love watching the games at Hoffer's because you turn on the sound. Absolutely the best atmosphere where mostly locals come to sip a drink and enjoy a nice cigar. I love live music (I'm a musician) but that is not what gets me in your door. Your response is what has made me a loyal customer. Great atmosphere, great prices, wonderful selection, and just a short walk from home. Everything a local gal could want. Horribly disappointing. Went out to the patio this evening and it is completely changed, for the worse. The comfy chairs are gone and replaced with the high tables and stools. They were moved inside. Patio chairs and tables inside the bar? Really? Also, the TV is gone. Cannot watch the game on the patio any longer. Bummer. This is one of the few places that has the TV sound on, rather than loud, background music. This was my go to place to hang out with my sweetheart. No more. Bad decision, Hoffer's read more

Hoffers has a nice selection of beer on tap and two walk in humidor with a selection of cigars and even a few pipe tobaccos. You can enjoy a cigar or pipe on the back patio and enjoy a beer. The noise level is perfect for getting together with friends while still being able to hold a conversation. All in all it's a nice place to grab a drink and spend a couple hours. read more

Simply put, I wish I lived within walking distance. Live Jazz for 5 bucks. TWO extensive humidors. GREAT beer selection (I'm sure I'll say the same about the wine when I get the chance). Extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a great place for anyone, no matter your scene. I love any place where no one feels young, or old, just grown up. read more

Great place, very welcoming. Great live music, Philly and Jen are awesome. I look forward to coming back. Huge beer selection, and two power packed humidors to choose Cigars from. read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great beer and music. Stopped by to enjoy a beer and the owner was so nice and helpful. Great beers on tap and if you want to enjoy a beverage you should come here. Highly recommend if you're a beer lover. read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Love this place! - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

My favorite bar to go to in La Mesa! Amazing beer selection! Really laid back, never too crowded. Highly recommend! Only down side....they are only open till 11pm, but that will hopefully change. read more

Great place. Great selection of sticks not normally found. Beer list is one of the top 5 selections in SD. read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Bartender Scot, young yet very knowledgable about the craft beer. Outgoing and is very alert when it comes to new customers wanting to be served read more

Hoffer's Cigar Bar - Nice back area, very good spot for a date - Wine Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Everything about Hoffers is great ...except for Phil, the smug, and the consistently off-putting owner. Every time I encounter him it is a negative experience. So much so, that I'll never set foot in place again. Keep up the good work, Phil! read more

This place is a mans man type-a place so, naturally I find reasons to end up here. They have about a million beers (not exaggerating...ok maybe a lil) and some of the harder to find stuff which most of the male counterparts I bring really enjoy. They have a cigar room also, which adds to the mans man vibe. Out back is a small patio which is nice since this joint is kinda small and can get pretty busy. la mesa can have nice things. read more

I loved this bar up until today. I went to buy some cigars, the bar smelled like smoke which is the first time it's smelled like that in my experiences. The major reason I was unhappy was because I tried to bring my service dog inside (I am legally blind), and the bar tender told me I couldn't bring him in (which is illegal). I left without an argument, but that is not the right way to treat paying customers. I won't be back. Sorry Hoffers, the old guy behind the bar is a jerk read more

I have lived the in La Mesa area for over 10 years and was very excited that a small beer and cigar bar opened up downtown. Being a customer who visited the bar at least 3-4 times a month I would say they have an excellent beer selection. They had a knowledgeable staff who understood the beer and cigar industry. It started feeling like a neighborhood bar where everyone knew your name which was a perfect fit for La Mesa. However, how times have changed! Seems like they have had a staff change and the latest crop of bartenders are extremley rude and have limited knowledge of beer. I also had my beer yanked off my table when it was closing time (at 11:00), more than once, when I had about 1/2 beer left in my glass (this seems like a reoccurring theme according to a few other reviews and friends who frequent the bar) Really? I hadn't been treated like that since my college days. At least when that happened, my beer was a $3 Bud Light and not a $7 craft beer! If they are going to serve beer and cigars and try to uphold an upscale atmosphere, that is not the way to treat your patrons in a tight-knit community as La Mesa. Save your money and support a bar in our community who treats its patrons as they deserve. With all the other options in our downtown area, save your money and walk up the street to The Regal or Pete's and spend your cash in a business who actually cares about the community its in! Not one who takes the money (and your beer) and runs! read more

I was "free wheeling" one night with a pocket full of cash, so I bought a couple of stogies, and had them fill me about five pints worth of good beer. When I went to pay the bartender, he announced to the entire bar my total in a loud voice to obviously convince them that the price I was paying was customary. The bill was $70 after purchasing the cigars! I guess it put the others at ease with the idea of paying Beverly Hills prices five doors down from Pete's Place. All bars in the Village think they are located in La Jolla, and La Mesa residents rarely try to put on airs like they are loaded with cash (unless they are loaded on booze and trying to impress someone). So what do we have? A bar that is trying to make you believe that the Village is located in La Jolla. Sorry! La Mesa residents are down to earth, hard working people, that can't be easily fooled. BUT!..... It's a nice place for those that like to pretend they are rich! BTW... The cigars tasted like (are you good at Wheel of Fortune?) D-G TI--DS! read more

I had been coming in every so often for a little more than a year, but now I go to The Hills instead. The atmosphere and I can get something to eat right there is just great. At Hoffers Phil, the pretentious owner can be downright rude. You are never fast enough to order which ever beer you want from him. He has no patience with people who aren't experts with cigars and you had better pick a beer and order it fast, he get very irritable if you make him wait while you read the list. Ryan is great, the only good bartender in the place since Mike the bar manager left for greener pastures. The people that go there are very down to earth friendly people, the beer is excellent and it is a great village location but it is a soured for me. It's not a first impression, it's constant. I still come in for the beer occasionally but I avoid when Mr. Cranky is there read more

excellent beers on tap, period. It's been a long time coming for a bar on the blvd. to actually have decent beers. The wine list is nice and uncluttered. I'm not a cigar smoker- so we really only go here for the beverages and the local chatter, but the patio is really nice and if I was a smoker- I'd be coming here for sure. Big selection of cigars. The owner is a super nice, down to earth dude- who deserves business. Hoffers does not get 4 stars from me, only because it's a little "too clean..." don't get me wrong- I love clean, but it lacks a little grittiness that you need in a bar... not pete's place gritty, just a little dust. It will come in time. Stop in this place and enjoy a beer...or a smoke, or both. read more

Hoffers is my home away from home. I may or may not have moved right down the street because of this place. A true gem in the heart of Downtown La Mesa, Hoffers manages to land some of the best beer on the planet without charging firstborn sons for admission. All of the beertenders are respectful and knowledgeable. Phil, the owner, has a heart of gold. Ryan is killing it with the beer selection (It helps to have a tap manager that actually drinks beer). My favorite part about Hoffers is the atmosphere. True, the place isn't exactly swarming with ladies, but the crowd that goes in there is one of the best. I credit it mostly due to the fact that it's tucked out of the way and doesn't jump out at you when you walk by, so pretty much the only people in there are the people who want to be there. If you like great beer and great times, you could do a lot worse than Hoffers. read more

Coldest beer in town ! Always has my favorite beer on tap ( pupil) from societe . Atmosphere is cool laid back . Would highly recommend

First time here at Hoffer's. Pretty chill spot to unwind, especially after a hard day at work. I work at the hospital that's near by, so it's perfect for me. Phill is a nice guy and knowledgable about the cigars he sell. They have over 20-24 beers on tap, which is an added plus. I also like the fact that you can order something to eat, and have it delivered to you. I have yet to see their live jazz acts that come through, but I'm sure I will. People are friendly, and will answer questions you have about paring your favorite smoke with a beer or wine.......they look like regulars. The humidors contain a lot of boutique brand cigars, some of which I haven't heard of before. Although I smoked one of my faves (Undercrown by Drew Estate), I will be trying one of the MBombay Kesara that Hoffer's sells.........price looks pretty decent too! My only gripe is that they don't sell my fave Arturo Fuente Don Carlos, but then again, I didn't ask.......maybe I should've. All told, I'll be coming back to this place in the near future, hell, maybe tomorrow. read more

My husband just about peed his pants when he saw a cigar bar going into downtown La Mesa. Previously, we headed into downtown SD to Cesar's for cigar and libations which is OK but somewhat meh. Hoffer's being closer, in cute-as-a-button La Mesa Village and with less Gaslamp tards was an exciting prospect. I would now say it's definitely "our place." We hit Hoffer's up about once a week (often on hot dog Thursdays - $3 for a dog and chips - hurray!) and the laid-back atmosphere is conducive to talking with new people, chilling and enjoying your beer/cigar. I don't smoke em but I know my husband loves the selection they have, and as for the beer - Hoffer's happens to have our favorite on tap. Palm, if you didn't know already, is the nectar of the gods - and there's nothing better then sliding up to a cold one and sitting outside with a nice La Mesa breeze and the yummy, spicy cigar scent on the air. read more

Great selection of craft beer! Rotating beers and great service. Staff is super friendly! Great place to stop in for a craft beer. Also, great for the cigar lover! read more

This was the second time I have been here and its a great La Mesa hidden gem. Saturday nights they have a Jazz band playing in back, $5 cover to watch them and it sales out quick, so if your interested in beer and good music try this place this out. I think they have the jazz only for a few months during the year, but definetly worth checking out. read more

Hoffers is a gem! It's worth the drive from most areas of the county for several reasons. First the owner Phil, was pleasant, and helpful when selecting a cigar. He knows his stuff on the puff. I selected several cigars for friends and ordered wine for the group as we were sitting outside. Second, selection of beer. Fantastic. Third, service was as you might expect from Le Mesa. Straightforward, down to earth. Fourth, prices were reasonable and HH had numerous beers and wine for 4 bucks! Last, ambiance...right out of Chicago neighborhood bars. Small, quaint, and pack with happy people. Nothing pretentious about this place. Parking can be tricky on weekends but it is free meters after 6pm. I suggests hitting Ginham for dinner before or after this place. Cheers! read more

The first time I walked into Hoffer's I met a fellow that was there just to enjoy a couple of draft beers. I was there to indulge in a cigar. The cigar was really delightful and tasty. The fellow I was talking with mentioned that the place had class. I agreed with him as enjoyed this delicious cigar while listening to the eclectic and enjoyable mix of Phil's CD collection. The music was set to agreeable volume where people could easily converse. I begin to enjoy going there for a quiet spot to do some sketching for my political cartoons. I rarely drink, but have taken an occasion to enjoy some of the really smooth and classy beers. I can tell the owners really have taste when selecting the beers and cigars they sell. They also have free wi-fi if you like to surf the net and keep up with the latest news. Last but not least they have installed a large LCD TV on the smoking patio so you can root your favorite sports team and enjoy a fine beer and a good cigar. I'll be visiting this place on a regular basis and I highly recommend you do also. read more

CHEAP amazing LOCAL microbrews.. What more can you love about this place? I will be back when I'm in SD! read more

Average at best. Pricey. Average selection of beer and wines and cigar, but no liquor and you have to smoke out back on the patio.