I want to start off by saying that in my 20s, I had spent many nights at this bar with friends and have very fond memories of the ambiance and fun I always had. I went there last night accompanied by a friend for a couple drinks. I had to use the restroom so bad and the women's restroom was locked so I made a typical "Girl-Entitled" decision by using the men's restroom. I very much appreciate Gender assigned restrooms for the safety of women and men so I don't know why I just didn't wait for the women's restroom. I got in trouble for using the men's restroom and I was reprimanded, as I deserved. I know the staff was not happy about it so things got a little heated. I felt embarrassed and nervous so I fired my mouth off and made a terrible insulting comment to a gentleman who didn't deserve it and who was only trying to provide me with the rules and safety of the bar. I would like to extend my deepest apologies for the inappropriate comment I made to you. As I was grasping for my words, they came out terrible and insulting. I don't feel that way at all and I am truly very sorry for the inappropriate choice of words I used in the heat of the moment. I knew as soon as they came out of my mouth, that I was wrong. I'm very sorry for my actions last night and I do appreciate you protecting the safety of the women and men in your establishment. I genuinely appreciate a protective staff like you. You will never have to see me again but I hope you can understand I made a poor decision which I am very remorseful for. To the staff of 3 gentlemen, the protective woman, the bouncer, and my friend who accompanied me- It is with my deepest regret and apologies for last night. I'm sorry I put myself and you all in a terrible position. I will drop off an envelope with cash to the bouncer outside tonight, settling up for the unpaid drinks I left behind. There is also a note in there apologizing to the gentleman that I wrongly insulted. Thank you in advance for your time reading this, protecting your bar, and keeping your guest safe. Sincerely, NG read more

We had a very strange and hostile interaction with a bartender there. I'm not sure what was going on with him but I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Not quite the same vibe as the old Surf n Saddle Bar but still a decent watering hole / dive bar.. they have all the popular beers in draft. Usually there's some good music playing, sometimes live... read more

Came as a group of 4 before a concert at The Sound. We get ID'ed at the bar (all of us are well over 30), show our ID's and the bartender starts inspecting my friends Hawaii ID (she lived in Hawaii) he denies us service because he "doesn't feel comfortable" accepting her ID, then threatens to KEEP it?! So, if you're from out of state, be prepared to be asked for a "secondary" ID or they will refuse you service. Insane! read more

If you're a niners fan, then this is the bar for you! My bf and I felt right at home, it gets crazy packed especially for the games so I suggest getting there a little early if you plan on staying for the game. Bartenders were fast and you could tell they tend to their regulars first but over all good vibes, clean and environment, we will definitely be back read more

Chill vibes kind of bar that is right by the beach! So surely a great spot to grab a drink after a day relaxing on the beach. Didn't get to stay here for too long but glad I check it out. Did get more pack at the night moved on and it was a week day so that was pretty cool. read more

Wanna chill? If so go. A minute walk from the Coaster. Glad we went it has a really fun vibe. Locals are all around and live music a lot of nights. Food is from Next door and they have a good happy hour menu read more

Before all the micro breweries started to pop up, there was Saddle bar letting us bring our own food. Right in the heart of solana beach, it's an alternative to one or more good spots of Del Mar. Park around neighborhood and walk down to this place to catch your breath. read more

Saddle Bar - a view of a restaurant from across the street - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Spent the evening with friends and decided to try a classic Whiskey & Coke. It looked fine but tasted flat, lacking depth. The staff were polite, but the cocktail itself didn't impress. read more

Not great for dancing. Super loud and super hot with no a/c but everyone is friendly.

We ordered a few whiskey colas at the bar, but they were way too sugary and heavy. Everyone agreed it was more like a kids' drink than a real cocktail. read more

a jack and coke for $8 :( not the worst but i miss a $5 j&c :( too fancy to be a dive bar anymore but drinks are good. need a pool table

This spot is great, and the prices are reasonable. I got a hazy IPA, a Coors light, and a Bud Light for only $20. The service was on point. The staff members were super friendly. The crowd was awesome. They had the football game playing with tons of TVs to watch the game. read more

We love dive bars and this one is across the street from our friend's beach house. What better way to go bar hopping than to walk! Once we were seated it didn't take long for Sam to come over and take our orders. She was the only bartender with a bar full of happy patrons. When a person walked in the door, she was quick to smile and wave, pop the top off a beer and slide it on over. Such a great Cheers vibe! Thank you to Sam for such a warm welcome and for keeping the drinks coming. I wish we had a place like this in our neighborhood. read more

Saddle Bar - a no hour of life sign - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Amazing fun and friendly place. Definitely worth another visit. Bartenders were completely amazing.

I would consider this to be a classy dive bar. The drinks are very reasonably priced and they have a ton of TVs. We watched the Derby there and it was a good crowd. They have a good amount f regulars . read more

Always a good vibe. Staff is fun. Love the jukebox because as long as I have $8 in my bank account there will be Hoobastank blasting

Charming beach are restaurant. I'll have to come back again with these reasonable prices for drinks and food.

This is your neighborhood, all-American bar. They pour strong drinks, have a large bar top with counter seats, have some seating options in booths, and also have a small dance floor for people who feel the want/need to boogie after a few. Come in your usual wear, dress up, or sport a cowboy hat and you'll fit right in! read more

Saddle Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Super friendly bar!! Fun games and we were pleasantly surprised it was so clean for a place that picks up in late hours.... Or it did that night read more

If you are looking for drinks and TVs, this is where you want to go. Open most days at 6 AM. No frills but good crowd. You can always get food from pillbox next-door. This one falls into the category of classy dive bar as it is close to the water ;) read more

This bar was very different type of bar we normally go, it's like old american style bar, probably you know what i meant if you didn't grown up here. I was kind of excited about how cool the bar looked like. The best things were they had the best music played. I think the DJ name is Peter.. he played my favorite genre whole night!! And drinks were insanely affordable lol read more

This might be the vibe for men 40+, they treated us (mid-20 queer women) like shit. Turned away at the door by a super rude bouncer, claimed an ID was fake, they must hate gays. read more

Weird here. Weird guy out front ID'ing on his life. We're well above 21 - he turned us away. Bad vibe. Don't go. Honestly glad this happened because we don't want to go to a cop bar with bad music. read more

I always love when I find a drink special that speaks to me! Like, $3 Miller high lifes Stopped in looking for a cold drink last week and we found one. The bar is divey but very cool. Check it out! read more

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Baddest place in the Greater San Diego Area. Came here with a former colleague of mine to watch March Madness. Live music, good drinks, awesome people. Owner / partner is out on the floor hanging out with his customers. Great place to hang out read more

Went here after Pillbox and the bartender Stephanie was so friendly and nice. If you want to get turnt after a nice meal, you should check out this place. They don't have a cocktail menu but hey she'll try her best to make them. The place is not too pricey. It is moderate price which is good because there are other bars that are overpriced. They also let you sit and order from Pillbox if there's no table available inside Pillbox. Everyone is friendly and because of that it always makes every journey fun and great. read more

Saddle Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Trust those who Yelp regularly... 1st timer, though I've been in the area for some time. I've been to Pill Box several times, and finally decided to check this place out on Saturday night. To my surprise, it was actually pretty good. A slightly older crowd (), good music (DJ), and quick service at the bar. I will definitely come again. Recommended read more

Saddle Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I'm hesitant to review because it's such a great little place that isn't usually over crowded. But truly enjoy every time I've come here

Was here for a friends b-day and it was a wig out party. The place has a simple, local watering hole vibe. Lots of fun people there and the bartenders kept the drinks flowing. Made a great old fashioned to boot. We had pizza brought in for 30ish people and it felt like there was enough room there for everyone to grab a slice and mingle. read more

Rude and aggressive bartenders. I've gone to this neighborhood bar on and off since college. It used to be really fun, but after last night, I won't be going back. One bartender in particular was very rude and when I complained, I was kicked out. I haven't been kicked out of a bar in 20 years. Won't be going back to this bar...ever. Really unfortunate experience. read more

I'm giving this a four because at the end of the day every time I've been here I've had fun, and I don't wanna lose sight of fun. Now, how we get to that fun is entirely a different road. There were times I've been in the saddle bar and they have a great band playing outside, but I just don't understand the hours?! By the time I arrive at what I think is a reasonable afternoon drinking time, the band is either on a break or playing it's the last song of the day. I wouldn't call this out to any of you, except it happens all the time! And, the bands are good... Especially the Droppers (OC guys who do covers their way!). The inside is playing enough there's plenty of seating, long bar. The location is phenomenal, I've never had a hard time finding parking, and if you get hungry you can order from the Pillbox next-door, they have some kind of food extradition policy or something. It just works. The staff has always been great and relaxed, with the exception of one bartender who seems to have a very high opinion of herself, and makes it difficult to order a drink. I haven't seen her there much so I'm going to go with either the management picked up on what I noticed, or I've just been lucky in the nights I've chosen (And, I know this is the truth, because I am a pleasure to take an order from ). Otherwise, this is a super friendly staff! The entertainment is hit and miss, that doesn't make it any different than most other places around here, and like I said at the top they encourage fun. So, not a lot of pretense here, it is a place to get your drink on, dance if you feel like it, party with like-minded people, and have fun. read more

Chill spot. Thursday evening. Jukebox you can play songs from your phone. Band is setting up right now. Idk what they will be playing. I'd come back, I just stopped here to kill time so it was perfect. read more

Saddle Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I would describe the Saddle Bar as your friendly neighborhood watering hole. Bartenders are great and even when there's a crowd inside, they get your drinks served up quick. There is a decent amount of seating at the bar and ample bar tables. We haven't had issues coming with a group during the week. I'm not sure how busy it is on the weekend, but I can only assume it can get a little busier than the M-F after work crowd. What I love about this place, is it's dog friendly! Last time here, there was an adorable bulldog puppy. No kids though, and honestly, it may be a little too rowdy and/or boring for little ones. There are TVs up above the bar, typically displaying sports. Overall, a great vibe to unwind and have a few. No food served here, BUT, you can place an order next door at Pillbox Tavern (highly recommend the tater tots and wings) and they will deliver your food to Saddle Bar when it's ready. I LOVE wine and wish they had a better selection, but Saddle bar is just not a place for serious wine lovers, so switch it up and get the draft beers or mix it up with a cocktail. Last, they have a small parking lot. I recommend parking on the street, or using the Solana Beach free public parking lot, literally just a 30 second walk away. Also nice, it's within walking distance from the train station, so grab beers here, then enjoy a nice walk along the beach or hit Cedros Design District for some shopping. read more

Yo this bar is top notch, if you haven't gone you done messed up. Beautiful location and the bar itself slaps. The manager (or maybe the bartender) Kyle is probably the best bartender in San Diego. This guy was awesome... Almost as awesome as his choice in Thai food. Amen. read more

This ain't your mama's old Surf and Saddle. Packed to the gills for Fiesta Del Sol but I got pretty prompt service. And the bartender didn't rush me as I was hemming and hawing about what I wanted to drink. I will have to drop by again when it's less hectic but it's pretty much the same looking as McCaffreys was with the exception of exposed ceilings and the removal of the couches. Seemed like a good vibe. Time will tell. read more

We came here before the Ozomatli show at the Belly Up this past Saturday and were not quite sure what to expect. The name makes you think a western theme but this was certainly not the case. The bar was really great! When we walked in we were greeted by very friendly bar tenders and also very friendly patrons! It seemed like there were definitely regulars here but they did not seem to mind us! Granted, we were here early so it was not at all packed (6:30-7 on a Saturday night). However, we were able to get some really nice seats that line the perimeter of the place and were able to drink our libations and chat it up. The ambiance is a bit divey but with some class. They have a great SB lighted sign and their light fixtures all had a really nice gastropub finish with the bulbs and the thick, dark metal rings. The drinks were also a really great price so it is definitively worth checking out. read more

Service was trash the middle age guy with black hair and glasses was on a weird one. Threw back my beer and got up out of there.

Only place/bar that was open on a Wednesday night after 9:30pm in Solano Beach. Yes, I guess it ain't really popping in this area! It was pretty empty when we came in. First thing, definitely a dive, pretty decent size, can see the neon lights from the other side of the street. Walked in, and it smelled like puke mixed with some fruity spray/mix with beer and sweat. It was really weird/disgusting smelling, but you get used to it in like 10 minutes. They have beers, cocktails and TV available. As the night went on, some more younger people started to come in, like 2 group of girls. It's not going to be your typical bar in PB or DT but I guess this is what you get in this area. I'm just glad it was open! read more

UPDATE FOR FOOTBALL!!! So it looks like we have a cool bar in the North that is friendly to NINERS fans!!!! In fact a bunch of 49ers fans were there for the Packers victory and they were even bumping some Niners music. It is a cool bar to begin with and if you are looking for a good spot for football, or better yet, Niner football, go to the Saddle on Sundays. Bartenders Mike and BJ(NINERS FAN) hold it down and keep the booze flowing quickly.....what more could you ask for on Sundays? If your tired of the bro's at Typhoons for Niner football, come North!!!! There's actually girl Niner fans there too....and chicks are cool right? (I'm married, but still....) GO NINERS!!!!! P.S. Try a drink called the Parker while your there.... read more