Wow, this place is still cool. Started frequenting again after not having been in a while. I like coming in here with my food from Mama's next door, listen to metal, and drink a Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge. It's usually on tap here which is lovely. It's one of those great dark bars that you can sit and people watch from a dark corner. And this is a good place to people watch. All creepiness aside I just like to chill in a dark place after work. You can do that here until about 7-8pm (ahem..happy hour ends) and then it's busy and loud with the night owls. They used to have The Twilight Zone, or something equally interesting, on one of the TV's all the time, but the last few times they were all sports...Yawn. As I mentioned before though, the people watching here is good, which means the people are interesting. Some of the best bar conversations I have ever had have been here. Good times, good beer, good music, good bartenders, tiny bathrooms, one pool table, shitty parking. read more

I have 2 words for you: frito boat. oooooh yes, that's right, free frito boats at happy hour (on fridays). I've never seen such a thing! that's frito chips, chili, cheese, sour cream and jalapeños in a plastic dish shaped like a boat. i can't think of a cooler things to get complementary when grabbing a beer! yes, it's the little things. the little, sloppy, delicious things that make life a little bit better. throw in a dim & lively bar, a row of comfy booths (get there early to snag one!) some very friendly and attentive bartenders, and a ton of flavorful beer on tap...and you got yourself one chill hangout. BTW, Jamaica Red is a good choice. i shall be back! because apparently i missed the awesome jukebox in this place? read more

It was raining the last time I stopped by Live Wire. I sat at the bar alone--waiting on my ex-boy turned Mr. Social bisexual man to arrive (he's very, very busy you know, you can't expect him to actually show up on time, that would be sooooo uncouth). I ordered a beer (pretty cheap) from the 'tender--I don't remember his name, but I'm pretty sure he plays guitar in Bartender's Bible. I took a few sips then realized either I had peed my pants or I was sitting on something wet. Turns out, the bar has a few leaks. When it rains, don't sit on the third bar stool from the left. You'll look like a drunk the rest of the night! I guess what I'm trying to say about Live Wire is it's a freakin' dive. Not a Beauty Bar fake dive; it's a real goddamn dive. Unfortunately (I think it has something to do with the hot DJs they've been bringing in) the bar is starting to fill up with young, beautiful hipster babes who look like they just left Tyra Banks and America's Top Model. Good for all you straight boys and lez girls out there. Bad for average-lookin' gals like me who used to count on dives like Live Wire to sustain their sex lives. read more

Live Wire - The bike. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Went in last night with 4 friends. There was 5 of us total and we were celebrating and ready to spend money. We got a booth and I went to the bar to order our drinks. Took the bartender at least 4 minutes to acknowledge me then he finally walked past me and said I'll be with you. Then he proceeded to walk down to the other end of the bar and wait on people that were just walking up. I raised my hand to get his attention and he made eye contact with me then turned around and waited on the other guests. And, I just have to add this part, WE WERE A GROUP OF GAY BLACK MEN and the bartender blatantly ignored us. If you're anything but a white person, this is not the bar for you. We left without ever having a drink and we were there for 15 minutes. Went to Pecs and spent 300 dollars there read more

Rude staff, terrible drinks, very unclean, I'm sure people shoot up in the corner. local people staring like we are from another universe. The bouncer seems on edge and is very unprofessional. Like the corona virus I'll be avoiding this place too. read more

Live Wire is one of those dive bars that is thankfully dark, because you probably don't want to see it with the lights on. I imagine it would be something akin to being stuck on Space Mountain when the lights come on, when the Disney magic is replaced by a depressingly dirty dinge. With such concerns out of sight and out of mind, however, you can enjoy a reasonably stiff drink at a reasonably fair price with some reasonably loud rock music put on the jukebox by the reasonably hipster clientele. Throw in a pool table and the melted bicycle out front, and it all works pretty well for a dive bar. The atmosphere isn't for everyone, but if you like your bar dark and a touch on the quirky side, this is the dive for you. read more

My boyfriend just got kicked out of here because one of the security guards thought he was doing doing coke in the bathroom (but he literally walked in for 2 seconds). All he was doing was blowing his nose because he has the flu. The guards didn't even give him the benefit of the doubt and AGGRESSIVELY grabbed him and threw him out. I'm disgusted by the rudeness and nerve the security guards had that they accused my bf of something he would never do. Wouldn't recommend coming here anyways--it's dirty and the grimiest dive bar I've ever been to (that is, unless you want to be physically assaulted). read more

Still coming here and loving it! i know all the bartenders way to well. I feel as though this is my bar. my favorite time to come here are Tuesday nights and Sunday nights! The Matts and Thad are my favorite bartenders! fo sho! The jukebox is always updated with great music picked by the genius that is the staff! i come here every day! fo sho! read more

If you know, you know. This place is the best bar in town, everyone is welcoming, but don't come in with an attitude or you'll find out quick. the bartenders make a great stiff drink that surely spice your night, and the beer selection is tops. fun place to hangout on the weekdays and wild on the weekends. Hotter than the rolling dice Wilder than a drunken might You're gonna burn to night I'm at live wire read more

If you are reading this it's probably because you haven't been to the place and are thinking about going. It may be a great time or it definitely has the potential for suck. Lots of it depends on when you go and who is behind the stick. I have been coming to the LW about three times per year for 10 years or more. So maybe the staff recognizes me, but I'm definitely not a regular. Just moved into the neighborhood, so now I'm close. Anyway, the place is VERY cliquish. If you are a regular, and know the bartenders and the clientele, then, of course, you are part of the family and are treated well. Hence the 5-strar reviews. If you aren't part of the club, they are much less patient and friendly with you. The place is crowded and the jukebox is way up, so it's painfully loud in there. Trying to ask the bartender about a drink over all the noise is frustrating. There is a pool table in the back, but there is a very tense vibe back there that is unfriendly as hell. Pours are good, beer selection is on-point. Prices reasonable in line with Dive Bar genre. So, if it's your first time, better to go with someone, as you will not be welcomed with open arms, and will get mostly ignored. It might be better on a random weeknight, the place is a zoo on the weekends. The question is, do I stop by more often and begin to be recognized as a nice guy and decent tipper until I'm part of the club, or do I just go to Lancers or the Alibi, where the people aren't so cool, but I get treated every time with a friendly greeting and a smile? Do I want to put forth the time and effort to be a Regular at the Live Wire? Meh, not right now. Maybe in the summer when I can bike there. read more

This is an atrocious bar, the environment, service, and drinks are all equally bad; the only thing worse is the fat bartender, although I imagine this doesn't narrow it down much as it's likely they're all just as disgusting. However this one in particular has less personality and hospitality than my drink had alcohol. Leading to my next point, as I mentioned before the drinks are bad - I ordered a Bacardi and coke and I genuinely don't think there was alcohol in it and it wouldn't surprise me if they use pepsi or some off brand coke as even if it lacked alcohol it was still disgusting. We also tried to tip the bartender 5$ with a 20$ bill and we asked for 15$ back in change and the bartender asked "Why?" in a tone I can most easily describe as entitled. Furthermore, the people sitting next to us were being xenophobic and just generally rude by making fun of what we were wearing implying we must be foreign and not understand anything. If you want to experience this bar save yourself the money and just admit yourself to a psychiatric ward, though you'll almost certainly get better service there. read more

Pros: - Pretty bartender with enough milk for a Chips Ahoy factory - 50¢ pool table - ¢25 per song on the juke box - Dark, divey atmosphere - Next door to an AMAZING kabob joint named Mama's Bakery & Deli * * * Cons: - If a dude had to poo badly enough to go at a bar, this would be a bad bar at which to poo. The bathroom door is a public-style push door, but the shitter sits in the middle of the room next to the urinal. I remember breaking the seal after a few drinks and thinking about how much it would suck if you had to poo in front of a guy taking a leak. Hilarious! - No bar snacks read more

Live Wire - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ok came here for the reputation. Nice spot overall but I'm going to be 100 percent real. If you are not a local you are instantly looked at and treated like a stranger. Everything on the outside says friendly times but, the rule only applies to locals. Once more I was playing a game on my phone, mind you it may have been loud but the way the bartender approached me was totally not cool he spoke loudly to me and said " this is a public place you know" all the while the interior music was blazingly loud. He could have been like, bro can you turn it down which I would have been totally cool but instead he was a dick head. (Bearded plaid shirt) I wasn't confrontational because it's pointless but his attitude definitely left a bad impression on this establishment. I'm half black and half Filipino and I could totally feel the "who the fuck are you and why are you here" vibe I won't say racist but , I definitely received the cold shoulder. Its shameful because I love dive bars and every friend I know in San Diego loves this spot but, omg you do not feel welcome I definitely felt unwelcome here. read more

oh hell ya... it's all good here... been a while since i've been here but i've made my return. yes it's loud yes it's crowded and i like that! drinks are stiff atmosphere is casual staff is super friendly they serve my tequila (Fortaleza Anejo)...that's a bonus in my book! bathroom is clean yup...i'm sure i'll be back start at Gilly's then round off the night here at the Live Wire. read more

Any bar that puts a cardboard Yeti on top of their bar every Christmas season deserves all the stars in my book. Aside from that, this is a solid diver bar with all the dive bar essentials. Amazing array of craft beer half moon booths , and a random music assortment on their jukebox . Don't go if you're expecting natural light or cute interiors (which I appreciate but not what I look for when going to live wire) This is dark dive bar one goes to when you just want to unwind with friends and drink beer. Another bonus: bathroom is relatively clean read more

Night started out great! Group of 15 locals walked from the red fox to live wire... The bartender was so rude! Not only did she ignore us.. When we finally did get service you would have thought we smacked her or somthing. 2nd and last time I will EVER go there. 15 people. None of us will go back. Shitty service even shitty drinks. Bye local watering hole. We will take out biz somewhere else.. Warm drinks friendly service? Ha! The service was colder than any beer in town!! read more

They tried to charge me 30 dollars for two beers. My bank declined the transaction (I wonder if they tried to charge me more than once; this being the reason why my bank declined the transaction). read more

I really liked the atmosphere, but believe me, it was thanks to the lovely Door man, and the patrons. The bartender was surly, and acted like it was a hassle to take a drink order. Maybe she was having a bad night, though no one there was being a jerk. Just her. Stayed for half a beer, and walked out the door. I can get good beer anywhere in this town, I don't need to get it from someone who treats me like something she found on the bottom of her shoe. That's too bad, too. I do love a good dive bar. I'll hang out at the Aero Club instead. read more

Everyone else I know LOVES this place. I however, can't find out why. It's ultra divey like a place you'd go in the late 90s to watch a punk show. The bartenders take forever to get you a drink. However my female friends say they get them in seconds and others don't share this, so I will say "Maybe it's just me". Drinks aren't bad prices, you totally could take home someone here with little to no effort. Hipster and "Hipster hopefuls" frequent this spot. Parking is pretty easy from what I can see. I walk usually if I get talked into I. read more

Garbage. Bouncer was rude and obviously doesn't care about anything going on besides making $7 an hour and looking at IDs. Hipster bearded clownish bartender flipped out over a misunderstanding over the music. Vibe was bad and locals were just odd. I would not recommend to anyone. read more

Love this place. A perfect night out for me is grabbing some beers at Live Wire and then getting some pizza next door at Luigi's.

"And then the lesbian threw a drink in my face," said a man with a British accent to his friend. That's the first thing I heard upon walking in the door on my last visit to Live Wire. I shook the confused man's hand and thanked him for a proper welcome. Naugahyde booths, dark corners, a pool table, jukebox, a video game (a shotgun hunting game as of Jan '10), dirty bathrooms. And of course, good and cheap drinks (featuring an impressive tap selection that can hold its own against most craft beer-houses in town), with cool bartenders, in a space completely free of any airs or pretensions. This is what a dive bar makes. They have special happy hours sponsored by a local brewery roughly every month. If you get there early enough (thankfully I work from home and live 4 blocks away!) you can get a commemorative pint glass. This is a dive bar that surely has seen its share of people from hippie to hipster come and go over the years. Yet it refuses to lose its soul and sell out to any one of the ephemeral cultural fads of its clientele. It's the United Nations of bars, welcoming anyone with a few dollars and at least twenty-one trips around the sun under their belt. read more

Oh hey (bartender) Thad, this is my friend Rho* - huge Giants fan, btw. (bartender) Thad: GIANTS FCKIN SUCK!!!!!! Me: FCK YOU AND YOUR PADRES!!!! Thad: YOUR PITCHING FCKIN SUCKS!!!! Me: UP YOURS, FCKER! Thad: What happened to Lincecum? HE'S FCKIN DONE!!!!! Me: ... .. . .. ... .. . ..... . .. ... ..... .. . .... . .. . .... .. . ..... .. Thad: Here's your Jamo & Ginger sweetheart Me: Thanks babe An hour and some stiff drinks later - Thad: GIANTS SUCK!!!!!!!! Me: (whispering.....zoning in and out) ....Padres.......suck Another hour later - Thad: STILL A GIANTS FAN??! Me: (zzZzz) huh wha? FCK YOU! (flips him off) Thad: Here drink this redbull sweetie. Me: Mmmkay. (totally didn't) Half hour later - *lights come on **Rho* wake up. Bar's closing. Me: ......Giants! I heart Live Wire I'd come back for the smack talkin Hubba Hubba Hai Thad! read more

After my first trip to Live Wire I am compelled to give this fine establishment 5 stars, even though a 5 star establishment this place is not. If you're a princess, this place is gross. It's grimy, gritty, falling apart, service is slow albeit friendly, and the bathrooms give off a faint whiff of Trainspotting. These are all the things that set my heart aflutter. Strange, I know. But especially in these times where gentrification has taken hold of my once gritty North Park and transformed it into a overly polished, sometimes contrived butterfly, Live Wire is a breath of fresh air. It's raw and honest, and will slap you in the mouth if you're being a dumb whore. I totally appreciate that. Oh and I gave everyone SARS at this place last night. Merry Christmas. read more

I totally think they should play their music louder because I could almost hear my friends talking to me.

Ah, Live Wire...I *heart* you. You will always hold a special place in my heart. ---------------------------------- Ruggy was the one who suggested meeting up here... It happened on Tuesday...wait- no. Wednesday. This is the first place I ever got drunk. It wasn't drunk, like fall on your face drunk... I was just freaking happy and buzzed and the world was all pretty and good...which was a nice change from the threads that night. I sent a mass txt to whoever I thought might like to show up, and we actually had a pretty good turnout. --------------------------------- Thank you bartender (sorry I forgot your name) for the wonderful recommendation... I could've sworn you said it was a Malibu, but Jeanna insists it's a Long Island Iced Tea. Whatever. And thanks for holding on to my card. I can't believe I forgot it... ;p read more

The air was thick and smelled of lucky strikes and urinal mints. Anonymous cars and bikes passed up and down the boulevard, speeding towards another weekend. There was something different about the people lurking outside of the Live Wire; they reminded Ryan R of something but he couldn't put his finger on it. Perhaps it was nothing... perhaps it was a warning... There was nothing on the docket for the evening because Ryan R makes no plans. He had come to the Live Wire to scope it out before deciding whether or not to meet up with various recalcitrants later in the evening. Upon entering the bar he was greeted by what could have been mistaken as hostile glares; Ryan R knew better though, these idiots were just drunk at 6pm. He sat at the bar and took in his surroundings- noting the fastest exits and the various items that could be used to kill someone. A dark figure sat at the other end of the bar. He sat alone, in a leather coat, guarding his beer. His face was masked by the shadows and this made Ryan R uncomfortable. Never trust a guy in a leather jacket...Who was he... He reminded Ryan R of someone but he couldn't remember who... Suddenly, Ryan's concentration was broken by a voice, it was the bartender... He looked like Leif Garret.... Leif Garret: Can I get you something? Ryan R: I like your selection of beer. (eyeing the shadowed figure) Leif Garret: Thanks, let me know if you want to try anything. Ryan R: (under his breath) I bet you got laid a lot in the seventies. Leif Garret: What was that? Ryan R: I'll have a Pliny the Elder... Leif Garret: Sure thing. As the child star poured Ryan R's beer, the shadowed figure moved slightly into the light. It was Guy Davenport! Immediately noticing that Ryan R had made him, he darted for the rear exit. Ryan R raced after him only to be greeted by an empty street. Ryan R's beer tasted better than any beer he had ever had. He now knew the truth...Guy Davenport wasn't dead! That sonuvabitch! read more

Scene. A Crowded Bar. A young woman sits at the bar staring at her reflection; a thirty-ish man with a beard and a sleeve of tats sulks into his local brew; swirling around them are people clad in the black uniform of post-mod-dirt-chic drones, pushing towards the bar en masse to order drinks from surly, disinterested bartenders; loud DJ music reverberates off the dark walls; tendrils of blue-white smoke waft in from those outside the front door patrolling the scene with p-funks and american spirits. The bearded man spots the woman and walks over to her, shoving not a few people on his way. Man - Hi. Woman - Hi. Man - I noticed you were wearing a black hoodie, that's cool, I like, have a few of those myself. Woman - That's cool, I really like those tattoos on your arm. I have some on my wrist and calves. Man - Cool. Yeah, so this place is cool, huh? Woman - Totally, I really dig your beard. How long have you been growing it? Man - Oh, I've always had this beard. Since I was like twelve, I just keep it trimmed. Um, can I buy you a drink? Woman - For sure, I'll um have a vodka and soda. The two sit there for 20 minutes while the bartender ignores them. read more

Why have I waited so long to review the Live Wire? This bar has become a staple of my weekends. If I am out someplace, and it is decidedly lame... we go to the Live Wire. The bartenders are awesome, they have a great beer selection, and maybe the best jukebox in San Diego. Sure, it's a local dive, but personally, that's what I like about it. I know that for now I'm known as that (awesome) chick with Lety, but with as often as I frequent this place, hopefully I'll get to the point where my status includes my own name. Regardless, I love coming here. Plus, I can always walk home if I enjoy too many pints. read more

This is an excellent neighborhood bar that is a safe haven for degenerates of all backgrounds including prepsters, scenesters, hipsters, rockabilly types, and homosexuals. Then again, all of those categories are sort of the same thing. Please note: This review has been inspired by the song "Live Wire" by Mötley Crüe. I will take portions of the song called "Live Wire" and then translate the meaning of it by describing the bar named "Live Wire." I really hope that isn't too confusing for the six or seven people who will actually read this review (not including my mother). Live Wire written by Nikki Sixx. All Rights Reserved. [First Verse] Plug me in, I'm alive tonight, Out on the streets again. Tune me on, I'm too hot to stop, Something you'll never forget. First Verse Meaning: If you've never been to Live Wire, then it's clearly not much to look at from the outside. But if you've been to Live Wire, then you know there is much more to look at from the inside. Behind those doors is a divey neighborhood bar that's just ready to make your freakin' day. When I walk to this place, I can feel myself getting amped up. After experiencing a day or night at Live Wire, I may not remember how much fun I had, but I will never forget how much fun I had. I'm not even sure if that makes any sense. But then again I am intertwining a poorly written Yelp review and Mötley Crüe lyrics. Nothing makes sense at this point. [Pre Chorus] Take my fist, break down walls, I'm on top tonight. No, no! You better turn me loose, you better set me free, 'Cause I'm hot, young, running free, A little bit better than I used to be! Pre Chorus Meaning: I am dipsomaniac with a thirst for debauchery. After one round at Live Wire, you're better off letting me do whatever I want. Even if that means having another round. Or two. or five. Gulp. [First Chorus] Cause I'm alive, Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, I'm a Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, I'm a Live Wire! Chorus Meaning: Life is just more fun at Live Wire. I'm not sure if it's the friendly staff, cozy booths, dog friendly environment, generous pours, awesome craft beers on tap, pool tables, amazing jukebox, or surprisingly clean restrooms. This place simply rocks. [Second Verse] I'll either break her face, or take down her legs, Get my ways at will. Go for the throat, never let loose, Goin' in for the kill. Second Verse Meaning: The heavy pour drinks and high alcohol content craft beers might tempt you to become stupid and violent, but the bartenders here are huge and can easily be bouncers at any bar. Act like an idiot and they will toss you out. Every night is a great night at Live Wire, unless you act like a d*ck. And no, I didn't mean duck. But that would be kind of cool. [Second Pre Chorus] Take my fist, break down walls I'm on top tonight. No, no! You better turn me loose, you better set me free, 'Cause I'm hot, young, running free, A little bit better than I used to be! Second Pre Chorus Meaning: Yeah. Keep drinking at Live Wire. It's fun. [Second Chorus] Cause I'm alive, Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, I'm a Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, I'm a Live Wire! Second Chorus Meaning: The jukebox will add to your Live Wire experience. Put on Van Halen. It will make everyone happy. Well, except for women. But if you ever see a girl enjoying a David Lee Roth era Van Halen song, then go talk to her right now. She's a unicorn! [Bridge] Come on baby, gotta play with me Well I'm your live wire, yeah! You better lock your doors, I'm on the prowl tonight, Well be mine tonight! Bridge Meaning: Live Wire is definitely not a meat market, so it's not a place to pick up girls or guys. But that doesn't mean you're not going try. And that was a double negative. I think it's time for me to finish up this awful review. [Third Chorus] Cause I'm alive, Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, I'm a Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, Live Wire! Cause I'm alive, I'm a Live Wire! Third Chorus Meaning: Live Wire is amazing. [Outro] Come on be may baby, come on tonight, Come on be may baby, come on tonight, I'll give you everything, you want inside. Plug me in, plug me in, I want you! Outro Meaning: Pure sex. I wonder how many sexts and booty calls go down after a night at Live Wire? I wouldn't know. Everytime I come here I leave my phone (and dignity) at home. Rock on. read more

Since so few seem willing to discuss (or perhaps aren't aware of) the annoying scenesters in this bar, let me give you the head's up. I have no problem with tattoos, piercings, skinny jeans, mods, rockers, or any other dive bar types. And I'm not a downtown/PB kinda guy, I prefer dives, Casbah, Cherry Bomb, Ruby Room, and the like. But the majority of patrons at this place act like YOU can't possibly be worthy to drink there unless you dress from a thrift store, and look obviously counterculture. There are MANY cool people who like an eclectic juke and local brews, but if their job or preference doesn't allow for an outward display of just how cool you think you are, then you likely won't feel welcome here. ;) (-former musician with 5 years of Casbah snobbery behind him. ) read more

What kind of dive bar doesn't have the Doors on the jukebox!? Great selection of tunes, other than that. I satisfied my taste with some Zombies. It's nice to go to a bar where they don't have one of those new fangled digital contraptions to choose music from... makes me feel more chillaxed. The last two times I was here I wanted to get nekked and bump uglies because it was like an orgy of sexy scenesters. This time, last night, I wanted to get nekked and bump uglies because I was with fun people, getting drunk, on a Wednesday (hump day). ha. That always calls for sexy time. Usually parking is terrible in this part of town, but I guess that's mainly on the weekend. -Outside is a large, long bench for smokers and Fritos eaters. -Next door is a liquor store. As you walk into the bar, it's almost eerily dark but the bartender will probably smile, say "hey" and something easy going and you won't feel so dark anymore. -Head straight to the back and find the pool table, and probably me! -Feel the need to relieve yourself? The rest room was clean and large with one of them wall-length mirrors - always good for checking ourselves out, ladies. -The booths are comfortable and fit five people very well. Next time I think I'll dance on the tables because they are big and sturdy. The Live Wire sometimes has DJ's. As a matter of fact, I heard a heart warming story about Edgar DJ'ing here with Ruggy once! How lovely. You should ask him about it. What the hell else do you want to know? Go to the bar and find out for yourself what it's like. Now. Tonight, even. read more

When you come across a place you haven't reviewed yet, but you've been there numerous times, it's safe to say you're kind of a lush. I was here last night and it's still small and cramped as ever. The juke box is dirt cheap, but the selection is lame. The drinks are still good, though everyone thought I was gay for my fruitastic drink selection--mainly Edgartronic and Nick, and they shared with the ladies at the bar my favorite drink is Malibu and pineapple juice, then the women made some lewd comments and suggestions regarding my drink. Yup. Live Wire. Can someone gentrify that bitch already? read more

Approximately 20 or so taps of fine craft beer and a full bar in a modestly sized, yet comfortable establishment. Indulged in some wonderful ales including: Allgash White, Delirium, Racer 5 IPA, Blind Pig IPA. Setting was relaxed and the booths were quite comfortable. Red lighting throughout the place was greatly appreciated. Preponderance of heavy rock music from the jukebox was less than appreciated. A friend enjoyed the Frtios boat, available for free during Friday happy hour. Fritos chips with toppings in a plastic boat-shaped bowl. I, instead, opted to stick to only brew to satisfy carb intake. Bike stuck in the sidewalk near the front door is quite an aesthetically pleasing contribution to the decor at Live Wire. Overall, great, casual spot for craft brew on The Boulevard. read more

And now for my 100th review...LiveWire Best Jukebox EVER! You hear that?! Because if you don't, then obviously you are not at Livewire. It's of great help that Thirsty Moon pays this grand-dive homage every so often. This bar has some crazy history. Any place I've heard multiple fight stories from is hard. Like a dick. That kinda hard. Ferocious and protruding. There's also softness and warmth here. Low lit red and low ceilings, Livewire will bring you in towards your friends. Go ahead, invade that personal bubble! Yours may be invaded as well. This may explain the fights and bathroom sex. So over the years, this place has gone from ultra-hip to played-out to hell-yes! read more

OK I will have to admit that I was afraid to go in here alone. So I sat in the truck texting and calling every peep that was supposed to meet me there until one of them responded with a "yes I am in the bar" response. Thankfully Chris R was quick to respond. So it took forever to get my first drink from the bartender, but once I got that first one out of the way, I would just have to catch his eye and he would quickly start mixing up a fresh Captain and diet for me. The booths are cozy and the bar is pretty long, so seating isn't a problem. There were some hot guys in the bar so that's always a bonus. Eye candy never hurt anyone. Also, apparently they are quite dog friendly, which I also like. Some chick strolled in with her bulldog and no one gave her grief about it. The winning factor of this bar for me is that they serve cocktails in pint glasses. Yep, that's two drinks in one. The next morning, I also found this as a losing factor due to the severe hangover. read more

I've been going to Live Wire for a minute. They used to just rock the beer/wine thang, but now, they're a complete bar with all the liquor your liver can handle. I live roughly two blocks away from Live Wire and consider myself extremely lucky to have such a cool bar right down the street. First of all, they have the best juke box in the history of dive bars. It's really diverse and you'll never hear a song you don't like...unless you hate awesome songs. The drinks are cheap and the bartenders are always really friendly. For being a small bar, they accommodate all walks of life. In any given night, you'll find hipsters grooving to the likes of DJ Junior or another local turntablist, you'll find guys playing pool, and you'll find people just chillin' in booths. If you're trying to entertain friends from out of town or can't quite figure out where you wanna indulge for the evening, Live Wire is always a solid choice...you really can't go wrong here. read more

OHHHHHH !!!! Yelp has a LOT to say about this place! It's OH MY GOD great!

When I was a kid my parents would take me to the blockbuster video on Florida st. (?) and El Cajon Blvd...Anyway, I would always see the Livewire and I was intrigued. I truly wanted to know what went on beyond the doors of that windowless little hole. The neon sign illuminated my curiosity and I longed to be like those cool kids out front sitting on the bike... Well safe to say that Livewire lived up to any adolescent fantasies I might've had and then some... I love a dark bar and this is it...A few spare lights and a string of Christmas lights for good measure keep it chill and set the mood for a night of drinkin' and debauchery. If the bar ain't your steeze Livewire has a few booths prime for picking right next to jukebox... The bartender was nice and easy...just like sunday mornin'. There was no wait for my rum and coke and I gotta say...it was stronger than I had expected. Mix that it with the fact that he was giving out some free pizza (via Luigis around the corner) and I'm a happy camper... I'm backin' Livewire and would recomend it to the curious as well as the seasoned... read more

I came here with some fellow Yelpers on the Eve of Christmas Eve. When I made my way to the bar I ordered bottled water. The bartender replied that they don't serve bottled water. She did however mention that I could go next door to the liquor store to purchase some. I was fine with that. Well I'm on my second bottle when the bouncer comes up and says that I'm not allowed to bring in any outside containers. I explained what I was told and he wasn't having it. The bouncer dude wasn't rude, only doing his job. He apologized for having me get ride of my water. Bummer for me. Dear bar owners: SERVE BOTTLED WATER! Sincerely, Someone trying to get home safe I left since I wasn't planning on drinking alcohol and the soda machine was not working. The bartender was nice and hooked everyone up with shots since the carbonation on the soda machine wasn't working. This was my only experience but it really left a bad taste in my mouth. read more