Cancel

Open app

Search

Park & Rec

4.0 (503 reviews)
Closed • 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM

Park & Rec Photos

Business Info

PARK & REC ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Live music
Hipster
Casual

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Park & Rec

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Joanna O.

Park & rec is always a great time. Hadn't been in a while and decided to take my cousin and her husband from out of town for some drinks. The dj that night was playing all of the bangers, and the drinks were delicious and strong. Such a fun night. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable, kind and efficient. The lines would sometimes get long but they moved really quickly and we were never waiting too long for a drink. I also like that they have more than one bar, dj and multiple seating areas (indoor and outdoor). It can get crowded but there is plenty of room to hang and I recommend getting there early to grab a booth if you want to sit and chat.

Addy W.

This was a cute bar. I loved the decor and the staff were very kind and friendly. I had heard it had a dance floor as well, but couldn't see from the front. It was until my friend told me it was in back area right outside. Very different but pretty cool. The drinks were strong and delicious, and they offer a good happy hour too. Based on the menu, they just serve drinks, but there's plenty of food options nearby. Overall, I will be planning to come back.

Back Patio Area
Amanda J.

Nice and clean bar in University Heights. They have both indoor and outdoor bars, with seating in both areas. The outdoor patio also has heat lamps, which is nice for the cold nights. We hung out in the back patio and had a great time. It wasn't too crowded when we arrived around 8pm on a Friday night, but it got busier as the night went on.

Outside
Estefania C.

Fun and cute bar. Great ambiance with vintage and art on the outside. Amazing service. Our bartender was friendly. He made a virgin Mai Tai for me and it was delicious. The bar and sitting inside is great. The outside tho is a bit more secluded and quiet. Amazing space. Friends and I had fun trying some drinks. I had been here a couple years ago for a friends birthday and looks like they renovated and changed the back a little bit.

Samantha R.

This was a trendy spot to grab a drink if you are out in the area. Inside the bar area was a few seats and it was decorated with a prohibition theme which was cute. Service was good, typical for a bar. The drinks were okay. Prices were average for San Diego and a bar. The only downside was the bathrooms were pretty open, like the doors didn't close, so everyone could see inside (there were still stalls) but it's not something I like or feel comfortable with. My friend and I did end up making a game of seeing how many people washed their hands. Needless to say, we left shortly after. I think this spot is great for a younger crowd.

Kim G.

This location is such a a smart vibe. It has an interesting nooks to have a great conversation with a friend. The drinks were sophisticated along with the decor. We stopped in for happy hour. The weather was decent so we sat outdoors. The music was great. It wasn't too crowded, but I could tell if the weather was warmer the place would probably be packed. The bartenders were attentive and made excellent drinks. I would definitely come back.

See all

Reviews are generally positive, with many highlighting the vibrant ambiance, creative drinks, and friendly bartenders. People also enjoy the lively events.

Read the full review summary in the app

3 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Nat A.
522
266
1391

18 days ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

13 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

23 hours ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0
Photo of Alex F.
6
35
44

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Drinks are good but kinda expensive. Most of the music is good. I like that there's different areas. Bathrooms need more stalls.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sam N.
0
11
0

24 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 23
Thanks 5
Love this 16
Oh no 2

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Maggie Z.
3
85
102

7 months ago

Amazing place to party with friends! Tried Donna's pickle beer for the first time there and it was life changing lol

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Andrea H.
4
56
111

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tricia F.
0
142
28

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Great outdoor space, lovely staff, and they usually have a delicious taco stand outside that is great!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

They have horrible organization for limited music. If you wanna pay 20 bucks for no reason feel free

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 5
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Snowflake J.
69
227
575

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Dung N.
2961
3332
15733

5 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

9 months ago

no ping pong!!!! no tater tots!!!!!!!! no blue drink!!!!!!!! do not get your hopes up. fun playlist tho:)

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 13

Ask the Community - Park & Rec

Is this a Gay Bar? Are Gays welcome?

It is not a gay bar but yes everyone is welcome!

What genre of music does the DJ play? (Alt-rock?)

Is this establishment open? It is unclear on the Yelp page details. Might want to update if you are in fact open!

Yes it's open! I've been a couple times over the last few months.

Is trivia on Thursday nights? If so what time does it start - thanks!

They do trivia on tuesdays starting at 7:30pm

Are you guys currently doing dine in?

Hi! Thanks for reaching out. We are NOT open at the moment and will remain closed until the local operating restrictions are lifted. Stay safe!

Are cornhole and ping pong available to play during the pandemic?

What is New Year's Eve like here? Is there any cover/dress code?

Rockin' and ragin'!! Casual is cool but bring something fun

Do they allow dogs in their outside area?

Yes, dogs are absolutely allowed in the outside area. I'm pretty sure they even put out water bowls!

Is there an age restriction? My 19 year old sister wants to see a band play here.

As far as I know you have to be 21. They check ID at the door sometimes. I would call and ask

Is food served here? Or do they only serve food for special events like Burger Week?

Thank you for reaching out. We currently serve food from 5pm-10pm, Monday-Friday. We will start weekend service, brunch and dinner, soon. Hope to see you soon!

View All 13 Questions

Review Highlights - Park & Rec

“Outdoor spaces are great for hanging out with friends, and there are games to change things up if you're so inclined.”

Mentioned in 8 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Cocktail Bars 8,916 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Part Time Lover - The record room

Part Time Lover

4.2(537 reviews)
1.3 mi•North Park
•$$

Great vibe and speedy service!…read more We loved the Vinyl room and security was very attentive to their surroundings.

I came to Part Time Lover last year after eating at a restaurant nearby. I don't drink alcohol in…read moregeneral so I had asked if they could make a drink virgin... They told me no. The only options then were "a fruity drink, a chocolate drink, or a bubbly drink" and so I asked for a fruity. It tasted like juice in sparkling soda. I honestly was underwhelmed and turned off by the fact they hadn't put any effort in thinking about customers who come for the vibes but don't actually drink alcohol. It was also a jam packed Saturday night and it was incredibly loud so when trying to talk to my friends sitting next to me I had to shout. Ended up straining my voice by the end of the night. This experience last year was probably 2-3 stars, not good. But fast forward a year and some months later, they have a "Free Spirited" section on their menu now!!! This time I also went with a fruity drink and it was actually really good!! I'm glad Part Time Lover has turned a new leaf and actually put conscious effort into their mocktails. We also came here earlier on a Thursday night so it wasn't packed, was very easy to get a seat and just hangout. This better experience bumped up my impression of the place, so 4 stars!

Photos
Part Time Lover - The bar at PTL San Diego

The bar at PTL San Diego

Part Time Lover - Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

Part Time Lover - Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

See all

Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

Mothership - Amazing decor

Mothership

4.3(1k reviews)
2.4 mi•South Park, Golden Hill, North Park
•$$

We've been wanting to check out Mothership for a while, so we finally made it happen during our San…read moreDiego trip. Definitely make a reservation. It's a pretty small place, and I can see how it could fill up quickly. We lucked out with a great corner seat where we could pretty much see everything happening around us. The whole space is themed like you've stepped onto another planet or into some kind of spaceship. The lighting, the decor, even the cocktail menu fits the theme. Make sure you check out the hallway and restroom area too. They really put some thought into the details. We ordered a few cocktails and appetizers, including the bao buns, and just hung out enjoying the atmosphere. The drinks were fun, especially the Mindkiller, which came in this crazy-looking glass. The staff was friendly, and we had a good time. I will say, I was expecting a little more to happen based on some videos I'd seen online. There wasn't really anything extra going on during our visit. It was more of a cool themed bar where you sit, have drinks and some food, and enjoy the surroundings. Nothing wrong with that, just a little different from what I expected. Would we go back? Absolutely... It's a fun spot, especially if you love themed bars. I'd definitely give it another visit and see what the experience is like next time.

Very cool concept bar, one of those places you can visit once and check off your list. It can be…read moretough to get a reservation here so just plan ahead. Staff was friendly and informative about the menu, had good recommendations. Food was tasty, we tried the bread & sandwiches + cake. I think everything on the menu was vegetarian if I'm not mistaken. Sandwiches were made with jackfruit. Really enjoyed the flavors of the dipping sauce that came with the bread. Drinks were tasty & well made. They do monitor your time pretty closely, I think for a party of 3, we had maybe 1.5 hours or 2 at the most to enjoy our time. So if you're not someone who likes to give up their table within a set time frame, I would not recommend this spot because they do make it clear they need the table back.

Photos
Mothership - Deceiving Exterior

Deceiving Exterior

Mothership - Mindkiller

Mindkiller

Mothership - Away Mission

See all

Away Mission

insideOUT - Chips and dip

insideOUT

4.4(1.5k reviews)
0.9 mi•Hillcrest
•$$$

InsideOUT is always one of those places we try to visit whenever we're in San Diego, and we've…read morenever had a bad experience. This time we stopped in for brunch, enjoyed some cocktails and mimosas, and just took in the whole atmosphere. They really know how to transform this place. The Enchanted Oasis theme was beautiful, with flowers everywhere, butterflies, and so many fun little details. It's definitely one of those places where you want to take pictures of everything. The brunch was delicious, the drinks were fun, and the staff was super friendly as always. There's just something about the energy here, especially during brunch. Everyone seems to be having a great time, and it makes you want to hang out a little longer. We've been here on different visits to San Diego, and it's always a good time. Between the changing themes, the food, the drinks, and the people, they keep giving us reasons to come back. Already looking forward to our next visit.

Super cool vibe. Great spot to hang out for on a special occasion. Both Mike and Mark who were…read morebehind the bar tonight, were amazing. Never once did I need to tell them I needed another drink or more water. They were on point! Cocktails were good. I'd say they very much so matched the decor - A bit artificial but cool to be around. First cocktail was Crimson Smoke: verde amaras mezcal, ginger bitters, lime juice, prickly pear Nice and Smokey. Def not too sweet. Great balance. Second cocktail was the Mango Encanto (Clarified): bacardi (infused with toasted rice), illegal mezcal, giffard banana, mango puree, simple syrup, lime, topped with coconut cold foam They honestly could have done a lot better w the cold foam. The consistency was too airy and now I'm just being critical. But the bit of banana and mango puree was a good amount. Sweet. But not punch you in the face sweet. It was a good dessert cocktail.

Photos
insideOUT - Spring oasis

Spring oasis

insideOUT - Dip and chips

Dip and chips

insideOUT - Pear mocktail

See all

Pear mocktail

Side Bar

Side Bar

4.3(218 reviews)
3.5 mi•Gaslamp
Luxury
Private events

Exceptional Hosting by Keagan at Side Bar and Gaslamplighter!…read more If you are planning a corporate event, team-bonding outing, or just looking for an unforgettable night out in San Diego, you absolutely need to visit Side Bar and Gaslamplighter. Our team was in town for our quarterly QBR last quarter, and we went out afterward to let loose on the town. We randomly came across Side Bar on a Thursday night and met Blake the manager who introduced us to Keagan, who completely transformed our entire trip. He was the ultimate curator! He immediately assessed our group's vibe, realized we were out for team bonding, and invited us right in, securing a fantastic VIP booth for my team. After a few shots and grooving to great music, he personally ushered us over to Gaslamplighter for a change of scenery, where we spent the rest of the night enjoying amazing drinks and live karaoke. The experience was so incredible that on our second night out, after hopping around various other bars in the Gaslamp Quarter, our team unanimously decided to end our night right back at Side Bar. Once again, Keagan took flawless care of us. He hooked us up with another booth and a few bottles. We happened to be celebrating a team member's birthday that night, and Keagan made it unforgettable. The staff brought out the full VIP treatment with bright sparklers and "Happy Birthday" signs to close out the night in style. What makes Keagan so special is his attention to detail. Even while working a packed club and making his rounds to ensure everyone was taken care of, he constantly circled back to check on our group. He made every single person on our team feel incredibly important and looked after on both nights. We walked away with fantastic pictures, amazing team memories, and a strong desire to return. Shout out to Keagan and the exceptional teams at both Side Bar and Gaslamplighter; memories were truly made! I highly recommend these venues for any group outing in downtown San Diego.

Love Side bar good vibes good music and the employees there are amazing! I booked my table with…read moreGiancarlo and it was the most easiest process ever! Mike always takes care of me and my people and provides the best service for us to have a good night out

Photos
Side Bar
Side Bar - Wine by the glass in a whimsical lounge setting.

Wine by the glass in a whimsical lounge setting.

Side Bar - Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.

See all

Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.

Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

Noble Experiment

4.5(1.9k reviews)
3.4 mi•East Village, Core
•$$

My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

Drinks are hit and miss. No menu bar is more gimmicky than anything…read more I'm sure there's some set menu that the bartenders just play off of and quality of the drinks really really just depends on who's your bartender. First round was great, not exactly what we ordered but still quality cocoktail. Second round was not good at all. And especially not what we ordered lol The wait on off days can be 5-10 minutes. Busy days it can be 1-2 hours. Drinks: 5/10 Service: 6/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Value: 4/10

Photos
Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

Noble Experiment - Ceiling and chandelier

Ceiling and chandelier

Noble Experiment - Skull wall

See all

Skull wall

Park & Rec - cocktailbars - Updated November 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...