Fun speakeasy in North Park. Probably the most popular bar in the area. The DJs are unreal and this spot always has the best music. The drinks are creative and fun. The vibe is immaculate: dim-lighting, wooden furniture, nice wallpaper, and dark curtains. Cute but very overpriced vinyl shop in the back, it's more for show. It gets insanely busy here every night. There will always be a wait after 9 PM. Wait isn't long, but it's essential as it gets PACKED inside. Seating is always full and people will throw hands for a table. There is minimal room to stand. Unfortunately, there is NO DANCEFLOOR :,( The bar lines are INSANE and can be hard to follow. But the bartneders are patient and helpful when it's finally your turn. While I warn about the crowds, this place is awesome. 10/10 one of the best spots in San Diego, the staple of North Park. read more

This is a nice establishment, especially for lounging with a date. Very clean and nice drinks too. A little pricey however that's the norm in this area for the more popular out of towner type spots. The servers are friendly. But you have to be patient as they are often quite busy. The record store and records theme is what they present online but to be honest that is only a minute section of the establishment. It definitely doesn't describe the theme of the place neither. The worker in the record section simply ignored me when I tried to purchase a record and after a minute I had to ask for him to please ring me up. No apology from him. No biggie, I still had a decent time drinking here. read more

Part Time Lover is the perfect spot to chill if you want good music and an even better ambience to people-watch or catch up. Their drinks are ok. Their bartenders are super nice, but the drinks are usually meh whenever I go. Seating can be difficult to come by as it gets pretty busy inside. If you come with another person or a group of people, I recommend one person (or maybe two) ordering at the bar while everyone else tries to find a seat. I came by on a random weeknight but there were still plenty of people inside. A bartender helped me right away, and I got a couple PTL Whiskey Hi-balls. They were fine. Not very strong. Besides the drinks, I enjoy people-watching here. So many patrons, so few seats. It's great. As others have said, there's a vinyl shop towards the back of the bar near the restrooms. Such a cool concept! The restrooms are also generally clean, and it's even decorated super nicely and retro in there too. read more

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Vibey! My favorite part of Part Time Lover was probably their unique interior design. Such eye catching light structures, and gorgeous archways at the bar. I enjoyed their music themed drink meu and in-house record store. Very cool. I came here pretty early on a Saturday evening (around 6pm) to avoid any long line. I had left to get food and came back (around 7pm), after which I think the line started to form. It was a vibey environment: low-light, candles, plush seating. The seats are hard to come by, so another plus of coming early. They also had a record shop inside the bar, which was cool to look around. I was DD that night, so I got one of their NA drink (I forgot the name of it) but it was a fun juice mixture. read more

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Did not know what to expect coming in, but we ended up loving the ambiance & the drinks. From the outside, you could not tell there is a cocktail bar inside. We came around 7pm on a Thursday night & there was a good amount of tables available. We also tried a couple drinks & loved them. Parking can be a bit hard, as it's only street parking or paid lots, you might have to walk a bit. Overall, would recommend this spot & would visit again! read more

Part Time Lover - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Went to PTL to grab a couple of drinks with some friends for their birthday, drinks were very strong but really unique in their own ways. Two of my friends enjoyed the mocktails as well. Very cozy and casual setting as we sat in the way back of the place with a round couch. Very nice place for casual drinks! read more

Part Time Lover - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Such a cool bar with a chill vibe. Dark and old times, intimate lighting, interesting decor, delicious cocktails with creative combinations. Bartenders were great, and the space is made to be open to small groups and pairs, you can make friends on the sofas or at the bar, or have your own time with your party along the walls. read more

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Ooh I dig the vibes here. I came here after eating some City Tacos nearby. This place was packed on a Monday night. Good thing there was plenty of bar tops for me to sit down. They don't have a bouncer or security so once you enter, the bartenders will ask for your valid ID in order to stay inside and order. Menu is cute it's like a tiny record. What makes this place cooler how it's kinda a speakeasy. You can browse their record store in the back of the bar area. Good music and vibes. I ordered the Bikini Kill and it did not disappoint. I really liked it!! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend! read more

Part Time Lover - Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon) - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Part Time Lover has such a fun, unique concept combining a cocktail bar with a vinyl record shop. The space has warm lighting, retro design details, and a really lively energy that makes it great for a night out with friends. The cocktails were well made, and the overall vibe felt stylish and social without being overly crowded. Definitely a cool spot if you enjoy good drinks, music, and a creative atmosphere. read more

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Very chill vibes! Like what other people have been saying, it is super hard to find seating and if you are by the bar, you have to squeeze your way through people. Cute vinyl shop in the back and cool bathrooms. I'd recommend finding seating first, and then ordering. I'd say the age range is maybe mid-late 20s. Bartender was super sweet and gave good recs! Drink: Lodi Dodi- Sweet and would def order again! I love the presentation of it read more

Part Time Lover - Interior - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Finally got to check out this spot in May of 2024. It was packed but we were still able to find shared seating. My friend and I got mocktails and my other friend opted for the Grave Robber cocktail. It came with tequila, oolong, agave, lime, grapefruit essence, and lava salt. The drinks were refreshing, but mocktails were pretty simple. There is a back room where they sell records. Definitely a cool spot in North Park! read more

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Great spot for delicious cocktails and chill vibes. We came in on a Saturday night around 9pm and there was a bit of a wait to get in since the space is limited. The drinks were great and the tables open up quickly. I recommend the chain reaction! Would come again! read more

Part Time Lover - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Just a couple of full time lovers who decided to check out Part Time Lover! Known for their groovy theme and moody interior, this spot is definitely one of the most popular bars in North Park. Disguised as a record store from the outside, it's quite the sexy listening party on the inside. We dropped by for a nightcap on a Saturday night and it was packed! There's a line to get in, but it moved rather quickly. Once inside, you can really enjoy the gorgeous interior! Super classy and beautiful. There's a walk-up bar and plenty of plush seating and tables. Tucked away at the back is a vinyl shop with tunes from everywhere and from every era. They have special guests spinning pretty often-- be sure to check their calendar to find out who's up next. The drinks are pretty good! We got their Sway Reduction which was a nice citrus-y cocktail. I wouldn't say that they have a full bar or the widest variety for any special requests. Just something to note! read more

Part Time Lover - Sway Reduction - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This place gives the whole vibe of a speakeasy but the best part is no reservations needed to get in. The space inside is a lot larger than expected, but half of the battle is trying to find a seat. If you come during the weekend, you might have to stand around for a bit before a space clears up. The main area is dimly lit to set the vibes, but chilling at the record store is such a cool way to take a break from the crowdedness of the main room. The drinks are all pretty good and reasonably priced for the area. I would say this place is more for getting a couple of drinks to chat with friends (the interior is gorgeous), but I wouldn't go out of the way if you're looking for some unique drinks. You go to the bar to order so plan your route accordingly to get back to the table if you want another round. read more

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Great drinks, but a bit loud so it's hard to chat. The theme is 90s so they have a room full of records and the drinks are pretty good. Bartenders really nice had a great chat with them about other bars they recommend like polite provisions read more

Cute bar and awesome bartenders! I came here on a wednesday evening after dinner so it was not packed like a lot of other reviews mention. I had no idea that this place was around. The last time I was here - it was still bar pink. Ha! Anyways, our bartender was quick and so friendly which I appteciate. We had one person in our group who couldn't have alcoholic drinks so our bartender made her a delicious booze free 'shot'. Ambiance is perfect for date night or just a place to chill and have a few drinks with friends. Seats were comfy and I just loved the vibe. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

Part Time Lover - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Cousin took us here and it was our first time bar happing at North Park! Great great ambience. The only thing is it gets really packed so we did not find any seating and was primarily standing at the records store area to hear each other. The records are nice to look at but a bit over MSRP. My favorite was seeing the Nirvana record. We were hoping for a live DJ, but they went on a break while we were there. They didn't restart until we're leaving. The drinks are good but quite expensive. I think we got the Lovers Rock, Sway Reduction, and Lodi Dodi. There are very few stalls at the bathroom so line could be long, but the bonus is that they have Japanese toilets! Another bonus is the great stickers they have at the record store! read more

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It's an absolutely amazing speakeasy with a fantastic 70s vibe ranging from the furniture to the ceiling to the bar top. It's incredibly comfortable and inviting and you'll easily find a corner or spot for yourself to enjoy. But first and foremost it's about the drinks and the bartenders there are world class. They are friendly cheerful engaging and can keep track of a lot of orders. And the drinks they turn out are fantastic - a great mix of options whatever your flavor profile is. Definitely worth the trip to visit read more

Part Time Lover - Right hook - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Part Time Lover is the perfect place to relax and have a good drink and listen to good music with friends or on a date. The cocktail bar does get very busy which does cause a louder atmosphere unfortunately. But the ambiance and the decor of the bar is amazing. Low lit room with different tables and chairs to sit at. The back has an actual record store where you can buy vintage records and there's also a DJ playing music on his record player. The drinks are very good as well! The main issue I had with the bar was how they present the tipping options to customers. If you weren't paying attention you'd be tipping very high since they start their tip amounts at 20%, 23% and 26%. I've yet to go to any bar that had such high expectations when the drinks themselves are nothing bizarre or crazy which would make someone want to tip 26%. To me this is a very sneaky business model that hopefully doesn't catch up to them. read more

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Honestly a staple in North Park and San Diego for anyone that is coming out of town! It is such an upscale yer chill bar, it gives vintage romance style if that makes sense! So much seating and beautiful bar - along with great selection. My go to is the High Roller I believe. My gf and I came on a Wednesday around 5pm not busy at all, if you come on a Friday to weekend it is packed like a line outside the door sometimes too. I suggest coming weekday for a casual drink and check out their awesome record store inside! The record team are great guys very welcoming and love sharing their knowledge and thoughts! Don't be shy to ask they seem very passionate about what they do and it's refreshing. Fun bar, fun drinks, and fun music what more could you want for a night out! read more

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I came in around 9pm on Friday. There wasn't a line to get in but it was very packed. There's a record store in the back that has some rare records that are worth checking out. I got three different drinks but i didn't like any of them. I love sweet cocktails but they were all too sweet. The lychee one would taste really good if it wasn't so sweet. I'd love to check it out again when it's less crowded and maybe bartenders would have more time to make their drinks. The bartender who made drinks for me was amazing though. read more

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I stopped by here on a friday night with a friend. The line was pretty long, we wondered if it was worth the wait. I asked the people behind us if they had been there before and if it was worth the wait after an hour of waiting. They said yes and that we'd love the place. 20 mins later we got in and genuinely loved the place so much. The security guard at the entrance I think could tell it was our first time there and gave us a warm welcome which was nice of him. This place is truly amazing. Only downside was not much seating but that's ok because the music was good! We got drinks and it does take a while to get a drink at the bar but I do appreciate the bartenders doing their best to make sure everyone is taken care of. read more

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I think this place is a tad overhyped, but good to visit at least once! I capped off a night out here and there was a short line to get in around 11:30. The security at the front is really nice and friendly. I was surprised at how big this bar was??? Lots of seating and tables if you're able to find a party leaving. Great music and lounge atmosphere if it wasn't so busy. They have a record shop/showcase in the back that displayed various vinyls. It's cute! I didn't get a drink here but my friends did and they really liked them. read more

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Dark and vibey, it's a good bar for hanging out but can be hard to have conversations in. The cocktails are varied, but mine was much sweeter than expected with very little mezcal smokiness coming through. Seat yourself and then go up to the bar to order. Do love the wine menu descriptions. read more

Part Time Lover - Wine July 2025 - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a really cool bar, I actually intended to go somewhere else for a happy hour with a friend but we ended up coming here and weren't disappointed. I got the fool's remedy cocktail and it was yummy. I tend to prefer refreshing or sweet/fruity drinks and this one was definitely very refreshing and crisp. Service was fast but we also got there right when they were opening. It got busier as the night went on but seemed like there wasn't a terribly long wait at any point, if anything you just have more limited seating options if you come later. It's super dark in here, since we came early our eyes had to adjust and we actually lost track of time since there wasn't any light coming in from outside so we ended up chatting for 3 hours at one of the tables here. There's the main bar area where you order drinks then there's a ton of seating throughout the place there are tables and couches, it kind of feels like a trendy mid-century decorated basement but in a good way. I think it would make a good date night spot after dinner or a nice place to hangout w friends and grab a drink. read more

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Popped in for the first time with a date on a Thursday night. This place was popping! We were immediately asked for our IDs by the bartender when we walked in. I don't drink but I appreciate architecture and aesthetics of bars. I loved the vibes here. I forgot to checks out the records because it got super crowded. Will come back again! read more

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Really cool vibe in here! Came here over the weekend. Very busy. My friends and I kinda had to camp out some peeps and wait until a spot open up for us. The drinks are good (pricy) but loved the atmosphere of this place. read more

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I just love the cool vibes had a drink here while waiting for a comedy show to start staff is super friendly always ready to answer drink questions no food read more

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Great bar with great drinks. You have to go early, like most CH projects it gets way to crowded later. read more

Part Time Lover - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

this place is so aesthetically pleasing ! it's always hard to find a seat bc it's so popular and it's hard to order a drink at the bar too. be ready for a crowd read more

Part Time Lover - Matcha IPA - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I love speak easies! The outside looks like a record shop, but once you open the door you're transported to a very large, open bar with lots of great seating. You seat yourselves. We got there early enough to snag a table, but you order at the bar. By the time we finished our first (and only) round, people were hovering over us to swoop our table. It got packed! It turned into a very crowded, almost club like spot. It was almost impossible to make it to the bar to close out our tab with all the people. If you don't enjoy the large crowds, I recommend you go a bit earlier and leave when it starts to turn into a whole other vibe. They also have a record shop tucked inside. read more

Part Time Lover - First time at Part Time Lover! - Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

A real lively place for cocktails and vibes on a Saturday night! The decor was great for an intimate date or a party with friends. The music was cool and not so loud. You can have a conversation without having to yell. The drinks were on-point, but I'm knocking a star off because there was just too much ice and they could've been a bit stronger. Presentation was good and neat. My date and I got there a little after 8pm and he was able to find a nice corner spot relatively easily. The place got crowded with standing-room-only and a line to get in when it got closer to 9 PM. No wait service staff here. You have to go up to the bar to order your drinks. read more

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This place here you would have never noticed she was there. It is a great speaking set up where you sit with groups and meet new people it was perfect. The atmosphere was pretty chill matter of fact met some new people I'm just there for a little bit. That's good they lived up to our expectation The record shop in the back was pretty chill could use it being played or is this the place to take the atmosphere whatever you're trying to do. I'll be coming back here another speakeasy down. read more

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Interesting concept record store in a bar drinks were good but barely tasted any alcohol

Stopped in for a drink and loved the decor and ambiance. It wasn't too busy yet and able to order right away. Drinks were great and able to grab a seat and relax. It was free when we arrived but was going to be a $20 cover at 8pm. Not sure how often that happens or just special occasions/performers there. Unfortunately we had to leave for a dinner reservation but would def come back again. read more

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The people who work the door are the kind of people that make you not return to a place. There's this nonchalance about being an asshole. Genuinely, came up and asked them hey is this Part Time Lover cause I'd been walking around trying to find the place. So, when they say yes and I say oh good cause my sister is inside, the appropriate response is not "why does that mean we should let you in". I've never been there before, I spent like fifteen minutes trying to figure out if this poorly labeled bar was the right place. Don't make it so I never want to come here. Treat people with respect. I do not care that you guys have gotten comfortable treating people poorly because you frequently interact with drunk people. I do not care if it's late at night. You owe people a level of respect as a business. read more

Great bar with great drinks and even better music. There's often a line, don't let it deter you, it moves quite quickly. The inside can get packed but you'll always be able to get a drink. Enjoy the music and ambiance inside :) read more

This place has a super cool vibe. The decor is very neat and theres a vinyl record store in too. I've came here twice now. One on a friday night and it was packed with limit capacity. Had to stand in a line and to get in. Its nice they keep it safe. However once inside there was barely any space to sit so have to find your own standing space. Nonetheless the vibe was neat. I came again on a none busy weeknight and thats where the vibe really stood out. It seems like the djs switch every hour or so so a different mix of genres. I was a to find seating no problem and able to enjoy conversation with my company with nice vibe music and stay for quite awhile. The drinks here are really thought out. I got the lodi dodi which happened to be their most popular drink. Its sweet but the flavours are very good. My pal got the big cat which has lots of undertones. The most interesting was the pandan flavor that gave it a nice vanilla aftertaste. read more

We heard about some great speakeasy in SD but most of them were small, crowded, and long lines. So we opted for this place since it's larger. It was still crowded and with a line, and standing room only, but we got in fairly quick. The bar doubles as a record store which made it more interesting. I had ordered Fool's Remedy cuz it had ume plum wine in it. I liked the taste. Fun place to hang with friends. read more

Wendy's hair stylist Sarah Vaughn of Salon VIP on Adams Ave at 30th Street recommended Part Time Lover so immediately after her hair appointment we headed over. Like a Speakeasy... not clearly signed as Part Time Lover... very cool! Stepping into the delightfully dimly lit lounge, we were immediately warmly welcomed and invited to sit anywhere, with bar service only. A live DJ was spinning vinyl. This review is primarily about the Folk Arts Rare Records outpost hidden in plain sight in the back. Dillon and another guy chatted us up really nicely, talking about music. We listened to and then purchased a super cool "Sinatra" record. Thanks Dillon! Thanks too for the memories of our personal neighborhood a bit to the East Great experience! We comin' back as soon as we can. read more

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