What started as an easy spot to sneak off to close to home has become my favorite bar in the city - not just National City but the whole darn county! Part dive bar, part club on the right nights, and truly nothing like it. Great rotating selection of beer, outstanding cocktails, and no matter who is picking the music it hits. Like movies? They're playing them. Sports? They're on! They've even got open turntables for a bring your own vinyl night. Blasting AC in the heat and keeping you warm with hot toddys once the fall/winter hits. It's an inclusive, But the real stand out is and always has been the friendly, amazing staff. I tend to go earlier in the evening, and can always count on their bartender Jett to make a meticulous craft cocktail or a stellar beer reccomendation. No matter the day im having, a stop at Machete always makes it better! read more

My experience there was a recent one, my friends & I went here almost closing time just to check it out, at some point I was flirting with the bartender Gabriel & it was getting a little too out of hand so I put a stop to it the best I could. Went back to where I was sitting with my friends & mind you... my friend has everything recorded & she showed me that there was a wedding band on his finger but he took it off probably around when he pulled me to the side away from everyone, I didnt see when he had it on for some reason I didn't pay attention. I showed him a pause clip of a video of his hand with a wedding band and he denied it but in one of the videos he says "I'm married, doesn't mean I can't flirt". MIND YOU we weren't the only ones there, so when I said that I would expose him some regular that goes there all the time who is a woman tells me "don't do that, is messed up." UMM excuse me what HE is doing is messed up, & I bet it's not the first time he's done this & I bet it's not the first time she's seen it since she's a regular. If this is the kind of establishment this bar runs to have people working like that & have regulars like that... is so disgusting & unsafe. The only positive thing I will say that there was another employee there who was nice but that's about it. read more

If you like beer, there are several to choose from here. Meet some friends here for happy hour. There are over 30 tap brews with a focus on local craft beers. There is patio bench seating out back and bar stools and tables inside. Funky decor, flatscreen and chill vibes. The server let me taste a few of the beers before ordering. The Machete Lager is a good choice. read more

Machete Bar - Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Drinks were delicious. Vibe was chill. We will definitely be back because those are pretty much my only two requirements for a good night out. read more

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This place is such a hidden gem -- cozy, welcoming, and full of great energy. The drinks are always spot-on, and the vibe feels like you've discovered a local secret. What really makes it special is the service. Yessica is an incredible bartender -- super friendly, attentive, and always makes sure you feel taken care of. She has a great eye for what you'll like and mixes some of the best cocktails I've had in town. If you're looking for a chill spot with great drinks, great people, and someone behind the bar who genuinely makes your night better, this is it. read more

Machete is everything you want in a dive bar--no frills, no attitude, just strong drinks, good music, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. It's got that perfect "gritty in a good way" vibe that makes you feel instantly comfortable. Big shoutout to Fabian behind the bar--this guy is a total pro. Super chill, fast with a pour, and somehow remembers everyone's drink without missing a beat. He keeps the energy up and the drinks flowing, even when it's packed. If you're into places that don't take themselves too seriously but still deliver a great night out, Machete is 100% worth a stop. read more

The beers are solid, the atmosphere is laid back, and the service is always on point. Big shout-out to John M for making the experience even better with his welcoming vibe and great recommendations. Whether it's your first visit or you're a regular, you'll feel right at home here. read more

Machete Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Machete Beer House is hands down one of the best spots in town! From Monday to Sunday, the bar staff impresses with their amazing energy and attentiveness. Every visit feels special, no matter who's behind the bar, but I have to take a moment to specifically highlight Adilu. Adilu is a gem! Her attentiveness is unparalleled; she always remembers my favorite drink and makes it before I even have to ask. What truly sets her apart is the way she cultivates rapport with everyone who walks through the door. It's like being greeted by an old friend every time! She takes the time to chat and make personal connections, making each visit feel warm and welcoming. Because of this incredible staff--including Adilu, of course--I find myself coming back to Machete Beer House time and again. The combination of fantastic service and a great atmosphere keeps me coming back for more. If you're looking for an amazing bar experience, this is the place to be! Cheers to the entire team! read more

Machete Bar - michelada and a shot of mezcal! - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Had a good time. Beers are tasty. But I bought $25 in music credit and bartenders switched my music to what she wanted, so I left. People pay to hear their music, not yours (bartender with glasses). read more

Great vibes, great drinks, great selection of craft beer ALL AROUND good time Machete is the spot. The staff makes you feel welcomed right away, and the atmosphere is perfect whether you're going for a chill night out or a fun time with friends the music selection is on point ..... Definitely one of my favorite spots. Shout out to Cali for being the sweetest and attentive bartender. She really makes the night that much better as well as everyone else. read more

I've always known Machete for having a great selection of beer. It's been some time since my last visit but they now have a cocktail menu and my non beer drinking friends can feel included! With great selection comes great customer service! John welcomed us into the bar and recommended us our new favorite drinks in San Diego! The Chingas and the Santa Devino will definitely be consumed every Friday night to celebrate my well earned weekend after putting in all this effort into my M-F. With the Padres and SDFC entering the playoffs, I'll be watching the games here so i can be the first to hit highland after the big win! Back when Machete was just beer to now being an overall bar, the ambiance still feels great and welcoming to all ready to have a drink! read more

Great ambiance, vinyl Thursday's, chinga chinga is always delicious, beer variety is always refreshing, bar wife Adilu always with a smile, cute outfit, and ready to be posted on machete's tagss.. I could go on but I'm currently waiting to have a beer... at machete. Come by, have a pour, have a laugh, make a new friend, and get to know a national city must. Chin chin read more

At the end of the day. I always end up coming back to what i feel is like my home bar. Love the atmosphere, and ADILU and the rest of crew are always so welcoming and friendly. Been coming here since they first opened. A staple in national city. read more

I wanted to like this place so bad, but the bartender and few customers that were there made me feel so uncomfortable. I believe in second tries, so I'll stop by again as long as that bartender isn't there and there are more people. It's a Friday night and I stopped in with my friend, immediately get looks from regulars I'd assume and they were talking and having a good time with the bartender which is awesome, love seeing bartenders interact with patrons. I've never been here, heard good things, my friend never been there either so we are looking at the wall with the "menu" and my friend is asking what mixed drink he recommends and it almost felt like we bothered him and then after my friend gets up to use restroom. As soon as my friend leaves, the heavyset bartender tells me I'm only serving you two these drinks (Jell-O shot and a Mexican candy shot) and you gotta go. No reason why. He was too busy talking to his people. But that also explains why it was so empty. It definitely wasn't inviting at all as far as the people go. I will say the Jell-O shot was super good though, so whoever made those, excellent. read more

Adilu is the best!! Love all the bartenders there but shes THE GIRL!! Every time I stop at this bar, she makes sure I have the best experience. Shes attentive, shes sweet, asks what your in the mood for. They have a huge selection of drinks. read more

Machete brings the craft beer vibes of North Park right into the heart of National City. From a delicious selection of craft beers to amazing cocktails, this bar has something for every palate. The staff is friendly and inviting, be sure to look out for Adilu, who always greets guests with a smile and has an impressive knowledge of drinks. She'll help you choose the right beer or recommend the perfect cocktail. If you find yourself in South San Diego, Machete should definitely be on your list of places to visit. read more

Machete Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Love this place. Great dive bar atmosphere, lovely regulars, and extensive selection of drinks to choose from. The real cherry on top is the one and only Jett behind the bar. He offers knowledgeable recommendations, kind eyes, and impeccable movie taste. Sometimes I make the trip from Hillcrest just to see what movie he has on (he shows sports too, don't worry). A true gem! read more

I LOVE coming in and hanging out with friends at Machete. All staff is super nice and welcoming. They make you feel at home, especially my girl ADILU!!! She's super friendly and always has the best attitude. She brings a energy to the bar, plus she amazing at mix drinks. Definitely recommend this place especially if Adilu is behind that bar!! read more

Machete Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Been here a few times on weekends! Jett always chill and funny dude,I may hate him but I love his grandma. I love the chill vibes read more

Machete Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Jett is the best and most awesome beertender my experience was great on a Thursday because of this fine gentleman.

Machete is a solid neighborhood spot with a relaxed vibe and an impressive drink menu. The cocktails are well-made without being over-the-top, and the beer lineup has something for everyone. It's the kind of bar where you can unwind, catch up with friends, and count on good service every time. John was awesome behind the bar! Super friendly, great energy, and made everyone feel welcome and relaxed. You can tell they love what they do always smiling, quick with service, and easy to chat with. Definitely the kind of bartender that makes you want to come back. read more

The DJ nights are a blast, with music that sets the mood whether you're up for dancing or just chilling with friends. They've got an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails, and if you're not sure what to order, Cali has the best recommendations!! Plus, the food vendors right outside are a major bonus--grab some food and bring it inside to enjoy with your drinks. Definitely recommend checking it out! read more

Machete Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Great Over All Experience Special Shout Out 2 Adilu Super Attentive, With A Smile And Perfect Attitude..... Did I Mention, She Always Has Them Cold Ones on The Dot Gracias read more

Hands down one of the best beer houses around! The staff is incredibly welcoming and makes you feel right at home. I've got to give a special shoutout to Nasty Nate (or Jett) he really knows his beer and is always ready to help guide you through their wide variety of options. Great atmosphere, great people, and even better beer! read more

Machete Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

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A very small hole in the wall that serves great beer and fantastic music! You may need to find street parking but this area isn't too heavy traffic-wise and this bar is close to a residential area so it's not too bad read more

Machete Bar - Nothing beats an 86'd next to a good ol' game from the 2000s while music from that era plays - Beer Bar Near Me - National City, California

Such a fun bar to hangout or even watch games at, the ambiance in there is just so fun. The drinks are so tasty and the service is always on point. Especially the bartender name Jon, attentive and gives great hospitality. read more

Ill definitely be coming back it was super chill grate atmosphere and bomb beer selection, on top of that, the bartender adilu was attentive and always checked up on me to see if i wanted more beer when my cup was empty and recommended me some good ipas read more

Make sure to stop by this bar if you're in the area! Even if you're not, stop by! I love this place!! The service is always amazing. They have a big variety of beers and cocktails. One of the bartenders "Cali" was her name made me feel welcomed since I got there and helped me choosing a really good cocktail. They have djs on Fridays and Saturdays I believe and the music and atmosphere is great! They also have food vendors outside and the food is delicioouus and you're able to bring it in! Go give machete some loveee read more

Came in on a Saturday night, it was pretty busy. I'm a dark beer drinker and they had ONE. Decent selection of other stuff tho. Customer service was aight as I had to ask the bartender lady for service instead of it being offered if u get that... the staff was more into themselves than the customers if u get that too... The tacos outside were BOMB tho.. tacos El Villasana (sp) I believe. Had a couple different tacos & salsas and DEFINITELY will hit them up again... The staff inside brought in pizza, so I guess they're all tacod out.. UNBELIEVABLE right???? I didn't get pix but there's always next time.. maybe read more

Machete is a really fun spot to go to. The crowd is friendly and the staff are welcoming. The drinks are very delicious also. Love dancing the night away here. read more

I love this place always a good time! The music is always great, the staff is very friendly. Adiluu always provides great customer services and good recommendations on beer!! If your ever around national city go visit adiluu read more

Always have great movies on and great beer. Shoutout to the bartender, Jett, serving self-deprecating jokes and a silly time all around.

Every time I come in, Adilu takes such good care of me. Super friendly, quick with drinks, and always makes the night fun. Also they are super attentive, and make everyone feel welcome the moment you walk in. The drinks are always on point! read more

Great drinks and even better vibes, stop by this bar. Yessica made my night! SHe was warm, knowledgeable, and suggested a drink I wouldn't have tried but loved. The music on the weekends is so fun, and the fact that you can bring in food from the vendors outside makes it even better. 10/10 recommend! read more

Stopped in on a whim and so glad I did! Yessica was holding it down behind the bar -- super cool, funny, and made some seriously good drinks. Music was on point, people were dancing, and I even grabbed tacos from outside and ate them at the bar. 10/10 night. read more

love the vibe super chill!! there is a guy at the bar who makes a mean a$$ Lalo Marg think is names is Fabian he is a vibe too always vibing to house music and service great! read more

Came to Machete last weekend and it was a blast the music and vibes were great, Adilu made good drinks with an awesome personality. Overall i recommend this bar for your next outing. read more

I was impressed with the level of service at this bar and the overall ambiance was really cool . The drinks and staff were great shout out to John Marc he was super helpful and made me feel welcomed , and I got exactly what I wanted. I will most definitely be back! read more

Yessica made me feel like part of the crew right away, amazing energy, great drinks, and just good people all around. The music had a fun vibe without being too loud to talk, and having food right outside was a big plus. Definitely my new favorite hangout! read more

coming from someone who lives in Seattle, machete turned into one of my go to spot. The atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly. Adilu is always friendly and has a great recommendation waiting for you if needed. read more