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    MacGuffins Bar

    4.3 (6 reviews)
    PriceyBars

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    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
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    8 years ago

    Helpful 9
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    4 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Great little neighborhood bar and restaurant. We were staying nearby and it was good enough that we went there twice.

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    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
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    Raised By Wolves

    Raised By Wolves

    4.4
    (2.3k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Located in the UTC mall by La Colombe and the Apple Store. Parking is first hour free, $2 per hour…read moreafter with a $15 daily max. Check in with hostess. Reservations are encouraged but not mandatory as I saw numerous people get in as walk ins before my reservation. Walk-ins are seated at the bar and limited to 1 hour. For reservations they do not seat early even if you check in early. No dress code, saw people with tube tops and flip flops. They sell lots of different types of alcohol in their store. I purchased a $33 bottle of Amaretto that said it had a cookie essence. Bar Entry: The hostess will check ID and then you sit or stand on the platform and it slowly spins you around to the inside. Bathrooms are on the left and exit on the right. Our server was great and listened to what we wanted in a drink and offered options. Tried: Amuse $4 - we were celebrating a birthday so these were offered as birthday shots. Amaretto sour $18 - very good. Smooth and not too strong. French kiss - very strong. Didn't like this one. Mint mojito mocktail (aka dealers choice) $11 - this was so good and refreshing. I love the atmosphere inside. We were seated in throne like chairs which was very cool. A good speakeasy spot to take friends and dates!

    For our first and only visit, my husband and I were looking forward to trying this local spot. We…read moreput the kids at the gym who hosts a "kids night out" so us parents could enjoy some alone time. We made a reservation and although we arrived on time, we had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. I agree with some of the other commenters when they say that the revolving fireplace needs some love. It has the look and feel of needing to be updated. Also, for it to be a "speakeasy" vibe, you could hear the loudness of the bar through the walls. It just kind of ruins the facade a little bit. Regardless, we enjoyed the novelty of being slowly admitted to the speakeasy on the opposite side. We were given seats and upon first glance it was a dark lit space with an old fashioned aesthetic. I was surprised to see how casual everyone was dressed- I assumed there was a dress code, but I guess flip flops made the cut ‍. It took a few minutes for our server to attend to us, and when he did you could tell he was slammed. We just didn't get the table side manner one was hoping for an establishment like this. Peeking at their drink menu, I found myself disappointed that much of their options had a lot of sweet or fruit juice ingredients. So, I went for their old fashioned. For the price, it was just okay. Another disappointing moment. In all, it wasn't terrible, but it just isn't worth the hype. Overpriced and mediocre drinks and a seemingly overworked staff didn't make for a memorable experience and ended up not being for us. Glad to have tried it...but look elsewhere if you've actually been to a speakeasy. This just doesn't live up to what it's trying to sell you.

    Photos
    Tiramitini and Mojito.
    Tiramitini and Mojito.
    The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.
    The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.
    (stole this pic from my friend)

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    (stole this pic from my friend)
    Outcast Grill

    Outcast Grill

    3.8
    (259 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Outcast Grill is a local University City restaurants that's been hanging around for years. It's…read moresurprisingly good food for a local haunt, and they have a nice beer selection on tap too. I've been here at least 5 times over the past 6-7 years, but came recently with my brother and had a great time. We ordered hummus and pita, a couple of Hazy IPAs, and some water and sat at the bar. The hummus and pita was honestly delicious. It was super fresh, and the bread was incredible fluffy and well-made. The hummus was creamy, flavorful, and the portion was on point. I'll need to come back sometime soon to review more menu items, but I've started taking this spot seriously. It's really good.

    I've lived and worked in this location, for 4 decades. many businesses, have changed hands here…read more I've tried to support them, as I felt invested in the community. in fact, I just moved back, after a few years on the Central Coast. my buddy is the same. he has brought many people into the fold, to this location. He is the quintessential local you want to keep, a generous, gregarious tipper, who makes your establishment shine, who makes an establishment feel larger, feel welcoming, the place you want to come back to. on this dark, gray day, it turned black. ownership has changed. He was guilty of proffering a gift card, for the simple crime of a few happy hour beers.... Current ownership, former employees, would not except it. He was distraught. VERY large gift card. A VERY loyal customer. I sat, I watchec, the gentlemanly manner, in which he expressed his dissatisfaction. I have previously had to use California law, in similar situations. General California Gift Card Rules No Expiration: Most gift cards sold in California cannot have an expiration date and remain valid until they are redeemed or replaced. Cash Redemption: If the balance on a gift card is less than $10, California law requires the merchant to redeem it for cash upon request. (Note: This threshold is set to increase to $15 on April 1, 2026). Liability of Previous Owner: If a new owner is not legally obligated to honor your card, your legal claim is technically against the previous owner who originally took your money. Next Steps for Consumers Ask the New Owner: Many new owners will honor old gift cards as a gesture of goodwill to retain local customers and protect the brand's reputation. Verify the Business Entity: You can check the California Secretary of State's business search to see if the legal entity behind the restaurant name has changed. Contact the Previous Owner: If the current management refuses the card, you may need to seek a refund from the individual or company that originally sold it to you. Would you like help looking up the current business registration for a specific restaurant to see if the legal entity has changed? Big mistake, new owner. This is sport, for me. We will be back, but you wont be our first choice, anymore. We are pillars of the community. This will cost you a lot more, than your black and white interpretation, which, I will be looking into you transfer, don't think I it was chapter 7. I commend you on your bravery, on sticking to your soulless business acumen, and knowledge of what it takes, to provide customer service, rewarding loyalty, in these times of diminishing returns. I certainly will be back rarely. Wow. Seriously, that's how you run this business? Maybe, a business manager, an etiquette course? I did customer relations for a bank, a chain of appliance stores, USPS, just take my fee, out of the gift card. Update Asset vs. Stock Sale: If it is an "asset purchase" (buying equipment/name, not the corporate entity), the buyer typically inherits no liabilities unless agreed upon. Gift Cards: The new owner is not legally required to honor old gift cards unless they agreed to, or they are deemed a "continuation" of the old business, according to a discussion on Facebook. Successor Liability: California courts might impose liability if the new company is just a sham to avoid debt. Best Practice: The buyer should request a list of outstanding gift cards and demand the seller transfer cash to cover them to prevent loss of goodwill. If a new owner refuses to honor a gift card, consumers can complain to the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Sir, did you practice best practice? I'll let you know what the Department says

    Photos
    Bar seating
    Bar seating
    Outcast Wings
    Outcast Wings
    Hazy IPA + water

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    Hazy IPA + water
    The Watering Hole

    The Watering Hole

    4.2
    (59 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $

    Friendly sports bar. I usually go to another place but they don't open until 11 and the football…read moregame started at 10 am so I came here. They were open on time at 10 am with the game on the tv. Staff was very nice, bartender named Rachel told me they don't have food or coffee but I can go get some and bring it in. So I did. Very locals bar. Everyone seemed to know each other and they were welcoming. Saw at least 4 puppy dogs which were very cute. Decent selection of beers. Some microbrews mostly major label stuff. The Pacifico tap was having issues but hopefully that's fixed now. They were doing a betting pool for the SB which is fun. Also looks like they are doing a chili cook off for whoever signs up.Nice little friendly dive bar.

    The Watering Hole is a local dive bar located in the Clairemont area serving a variety of beverages…read moresuch as beer and mixed drinks. Offered events and deals. Ambiance: Watering Hole follows the typical local bar vibe of a jukebox, pool table, and bar area. We came on a Saturday night and there was a decent amount of people. Drink-wise: Draft beer is affordable around $7. I didn't purchase mixed drinks so can'r speak on that, but they likely aren't back breaking on the price. Service: there was one bartender working the night but he was quick and efficient with everyone. In summary, the Watering Hole is a solid dive bar. Nothing crazy to offer which isn't a bad thing. Just a simple, nice local bar for people to hang out, talk, and have fun.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    805
    805
    Inside

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    Inside
    Forbidden Cove

    Forbidden Cove

    4.0
    (221 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    I don't really write reviews but I feel like this is warranted. I went in last week with my…read moreboyfriend 5/16 and had an amazing time here. We went to Forbidden Cove, then after hung out in the brewery side for a bit because my boyfriend wanted to have beer. I still got a cocktail! The atmosphere was great, drinks were on point, and the service really stood out. I especially wanted to mention the bartender on the brewery side. I watched him handle a situation with a customer whose ID wasn't valid, and the guy gave him a really hard time about it. Even with all that, he stayed completely professional, kept a positive attitude, and never let it affect how he treated anyone else. It's easy to be friendly when everything's going smoothly, but seeing someone stay calm and respectful under pressure says a lot. Huge respect for the professionalism and hospitality. Definitely looking forward to coming back. Wish I remembered the bartenders name or I would definitely mention it.

    Be prepared to bring multiple forms of ID if you want to go here. I had been here once before few…read moremonths ago where I had a good experience. I came here again last night with friends and began to check in for our reservation with the bartender (the same bartender who had let me in the last time I was here). He spent a long time inspecting my CA REAL ID before going into the back. He returned and said he can't let me in since he doesn't trust my ID. He said store policy is that they have to be able to feel the imprint on your license's signature, which even he admitted that he could, but it was too faded so he wouldn't let me in. I showed him matching credit cards, Costco membership, and CA DMV mobile drivers license, but he still refused and pleaded ignorance. He gave me my driver's license back and said I'm lucky because he normally keeps fakes (thanks for the empty threat). In reality, he knew my license was legitimate and didn't want to have the cops called on him. This place really needs to update their policies and train their staff better on how to identify legitimate IDs. I'm definitely not gong to bother coming here again and will make sure I recommend others not to come here.

    Photos
    Painkiller (left) and Mai Tai (right)
    Painkiller (left) and Mai Tai (right)
    Tiki Key
    Tiki Key
    Hamilton Guyanese rum

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    Hamilton Guyanese rum

    MacGuffins Bar - bars - Updated July 2026

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