I love this bar. I've been going to Smitty's for about a year and the staff is so friendly and professional. The space is very classic of a dive bar: they have three pool tables, which, combined with the karaoke, makes for a great night of hanging out with people. The staff cares a lot about making sure the guests are respected and looked after. All in all: great place to spend time and get to know people! They also have been hosting shows recently for local bands, def worth seeing! read more

It's a cool little dive bar. I had a great time here. They are cash only so come prepared unless u want to lose $4 at the atm. I played pool and almost won! You need 4 quarters to play. I'm a stout girl but they don't have any here so I just had a Guinness. Bartender was nice and knowledgeable. I didn't see any food. The karaoke is fun, lots of regulars. You need ID & stamp to get in the door but no cover charge. I'll no doubt be back. Had a great time. read more

Smitty's Downtown - Guiness - Karaoke Near Me - Vista, California

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Came here early on a Friday night. They were checking id's out front. You could smell the cigarette smell as you walked up. There's a sign inside that says cash only but they do have an atm. Once we got inside the bartender was super nice and served us right away. There wasn't music playing when we first came in but it's because we found out they were setting up for karaoke. While we waited we decided to play some pool at the one open table. The location of this table wasn't ideal. On one side was the atm, next to it was another pool table and another side was the entrance and bar so people gathered really close to the table making it hard to play. Man when the karaoke started, it REALLY started. It was so insanely loud like holy guacamole!! The bartender even ran over to tell them they needed to turn it down she literally couldn't understand people screaming drink orders into her face. Yowza. It stayed pretty dang loud but hey at least the people singing were decent. There was only one quick early evening brawl with some guys that were pretty wasted for 8 o'clock but the security got them out super quick. We had a couple rounds and headed out. read more

A good friend of mine recommended this bar for a place to play pool and get drinks and that's just it. It's a dive bar, at first glance many west coast residents would say it looks like crap but others would say it feels like home. The service is decent, security is meh and the bars cleanliness is.. questionable. There are 3 pool tables with 2 of them being too close to one another making players on both tables troubling at times. This bar comes to life when the karaoke starts but sadly you won't enjoy it much unless you've had enough drinks to turn everyone singing into a tolerable show. i had some good times there but haven't been back in years with no intentions of going back. read more

If you are looking for a great dive bar, you have found it. Nothing fancy here, great place to grab a beer, play some pool, and listen to some great acts trying to sing Karaoke. They don't take cards so bring your cash. Cool dive bar. read more

I'm from NorCal and went to Oceanside for the first time in my 45 years to visit my uncle. I live in a town of about 1000 people, where we're friendly & love to do karaoke. The first thing I did was look for a local karaoke bar. I don't drink, so it's always hard for me to decide what to order, so I'll always stand for a minute and look at everything a place has to drink. I had walked in the door and was standing at the bar, looking at the drinks and the bartender said: "the line is on the other side" to which I replied: "ok thank you, I'm just deciding what I want"... About 30 seconds goes by and she turns back to me and snaps: "I cant have you standing there!"... I wasn't in the 'waitress area' and there were people sitting to the right of me. Where I come from, I worked in our bar and I'm all about customer service and positive energy. I turned around and walked out... I went to 3 other bars in Oceanside during my visit and had great experiences at every single one of them... When I told people about my experience at Smittys, they would correct me with: "Oh, you mean shi%*ys"... I'm a radio DJ in Northern California and when I go looking for karaoke, I'm finding people to play on my show... Sadly, the only thing I'll talk about at Smittys, was how not to treat "tourists"... you never know who you're being rude to... Treat others how you want to be treated read more

Tuesday: Pan handling and elder abuse night. 7.00 pm Finished work. Entered premises. Empty bar apart from 4 customers. 7.01 pm Asked by the customer next to me if he could bum a drink. 7.02 pm I'm 8 years off retirement. Asked for ID by the bartender. 7.03 pm Figure if the dude's eyesight is that bad, and the customers need donations, it was time to split. read more

Small bar. Seems to not do well with outsiders most people coming in are regulars. Drinks very small and pricy.

Pathetic establishment. Showed up after I got off work, 45 minutes before they supposedly close, just wanting to enjoy a beer with my buddy and co-worker who I just got done working with (we are both in the industry) and was turned away at the door because "they were done". Just close an hour earlier so you don't waste people's time. Lacking common sense. Absolute shite. read more

Best Dive in Vista! Bartenders are great and there's always a good vibe. Karaoke anyone

Woke as f best not go I only wanted to sing one song Signed up Dropped a 20 song in the tip jar Asked the fragile woman how far back I was She said 8 places I counted 13 Asked her what's up She said I was making her uncomfortable Damn Asked the bartender WTH She said that she didn't want to make the karaoke girl uncomfortable 22 names came up before me If you ain't under 30 no go bro read more

Yes! I love a great dove bar and I'm stoked my coworker introduced us! There's ample parking in the evening and thorough door security. I love that it's a safe dive bar that has amazing karaoke! I've been twice and have been met by great bar tender and a generally clean atmosphere. I can't wait to for future post shift wind downs here. read more

Smitty's Downtown - two women smiling for the camera - Karaoke Near Me - Vista, California

Things you need to know: No entry pass 12. Karaoke every night, BUT you will only be able to sing 3 songs at the most. (Long waits between songs and tons of singers) Prices are reasonable. All the regulars are VERY talented singers. read more

Came out to do karaoke on a Friday night. Discovered that they do not allow new people in the bar passed 12. It was 12:40 when I arrived. The bouncer explained that they get a rush of people once the nearby bars close, so to avoid that they don't allow new people. I asked him if it was busy inside, he said 'no, but it was earlier'. So I asked 'can I get in since it's not busy and the problem that the rule was made to fix, is not a problem currently?' and he said 'no'. Just plain stupidity. Very disappointed with the business. read more

Used to like this place. Came by tonight with cash in hand, but your bartender and bouncer ran me out the door. They're going to cost you even more money and business. The long haired guy behind the bar and the healthy sized fellow checking IDs both seemed nice at first, yet are rude and unaccomodating. It's sad, really, because I just wanted to enjoy a drink and leave a fat tip. My little old $20 ended up elsewhere since I was not allowed to keep my personal belongings with me according to your employees. Wish it all could have went differently, but if this is how things are going to be I will not retur and I'll make sure to tell other riders your establishment is not friendly as well. ------------------------ And this is the response I get, false accusations and attitude. That's cool. Guess I'm rude for coming to your business to spend money and not wanting to lose my board while doing so. "Cheers!" read more

Smitty's Downtown - Karaoke Near Me - Vista, California

Overall, looks like a nice local bar to hang out in. A little dark and no food available, but the karaoke is almost any night after 8 pm.

Great sound system for karaoke. Sweet KJ working the system. Friendly bartender. What's not to enjoy?

Twas the night before Christmas, and all thru the streets not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Then what to my wondering eyes should appear, Smitty's was open and full of cheer. And by cheer I mean of course tons Christmas carolers. And by Christmas carolers of course I mean karaoke patrons filled to the brim with Christmas libations! It was our first time here and boy were we impressed, what a hidden gem, a true diamond-in-the-rough. We have found our new Christmas Eve tradition. As a wise elf once said "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." P.s - CASH ONLY establishment read more

Well, I'm back once again here to give a review at a dive bar that I've been at a couple of times. The reason I'm making this review is simply because this dive bar has to be one of the worst that I've ever been to and I've been to a couple of spots. Let's talk about the scenery for one unless you want to feel like you're in the 1950s and stuck there this is the bar for you. And the owner itself definitely resembles that era. if you are looking to get yourself a mixed drink be prepared to have it water down and taste nothing like it should. While you're waiting for your drink, you might want to sign up for Karoke. Good luck you'll be waiting for a century or more you can try to get closer to the spot by tipping, but it's not gonna do any difference. if you're looking to have a good night out and enjoy yourself without any problems this is not the bar for you. If you're somebody that likes to just settle for what they can get in the meantime then this might be the bar for you. Enjoy wasting your money at a place that's definitely been around for a long time unless they change their attitude in their customer service. read more

Rude and not friendly whatsoever. If only you could give negative star I would do just that. Makes other dive bars look way better.

Classic, run-down dive bar - looks really small on the outside but inside is pretty roomy. I went in here for the first time to just hang and play pool. I was actually a little nervous getting here on my own as there were a group of guys smoking around the entrance. I went inside and the bartender was extremely friendly and let me use the restroom without pressuring me to purchase a drink first. There's a decent number of pool tables and on a Thursday night, it was pretty empty. We found the one table near the back and claimed it for a few hours without any interruption. Drinks and game prices were reasonable. It would've been nice if there was music playing through out, but they do have a jukebox that people played occasionally. I really want to come back on a karaoke night as they seem to be really fun! Overall, I'm pretty pleased with this place. Even though it's not flashy or classy, it's a nice place to chill if you're looking for something casual. read more

Oh man, what can you say about shitties downtown! I've been coming here off and on for a long time now "vista resident". Last night I tried to come in and brought 6 over age people with me. Unfortunately due to COVID my license went expired and it's been a pain trying to renew it "I'm 45!!!! Haha. Dude at the front would not let me in with my expired license, haha. What a joke man, I have a full Grey beard! . Anyway, I took myself and all 6 of my friends over to Vista Village Pub and spent our $200 there instead. This place is such a joke! You just have to laugh about it! Shitties Downtown!!! The same crap hole for the last $20 years! Haha read more

Before I get into the whole review, let me give some background. I have been to this bar on many occasions pre COVID. I play pool in leagues that frequent this bar so, Im in no way insinuating anything, but have to share this. I went to Smitty's looking to play pool. At the door the security was sitting outside talking to patrons, he (the security) had on a mask, and I asked him if we needed one for entry. He responded "yes, except if you are playing pool, sitting at the bar, or at a table." As I walk in, I take a look around the room and notice that there is a plastic partition that separates the bartender from the patrons in the bar. The bartenders have on masks and are holding conversations around the bar with them while serving drinks. One of the pool tables is open and the other is occupied by a couple that isn't really playing at the moment but nevertheless, they are standing around talking holding poolsticks having a good time. Obviously, this is an activity that you don't have to wear a mask doing in this bar. There is karaoke going on on the stage and about 3 to 4 other tables have people at them. I walk over to the open pool table, put my $1.00 worth of quarters in the machine and the balls fall and my friend starts to rack them. At this point I decide that I want a drink. I look over at the bar and notice that the people that are sitting at the bar aren't wearing masks, and Im only about 7 feet from the bar not wearing a mask because I'm about to play pool. Anyway, there was a gentleman at the bar standing at the bar leaned over under the plastic partition talking to the bartender as I walk to the bar to order a drink. I walked up to the bar about 6 feet from the man standing there and attempt to get the bartenders attention, when she says"you need to have on a mask when you come to the bar." and pointed to where she wanted me to go order my drink. As I walked over, as I put on my mask, I was kind of confused so I said out loud, "as you tell this to me while talking to the guy under the divider without a mask on." Before I could get to the area where she told me to go to make my order, I could hear someone ask her something, but I wasn't pay inattention to the question until she responded, "Oh just some dude trying to give me a hard time about putting on a mask." In response to that I said, "ma'am why are we even making this an issue, I have my mask on." She kept going with the person saying that I was rude and eventually walked away and said she wasn't going to serve me. The male bartender that was there came over and asked me for my order as the first kept talking about how I was rude and was telling her how to run her business. Before he could take my order I again said to her, "why are we still talking about this? I have my mask on. I am where you told me to go with my mask on." She then said, "He just needs to leave, we aren't serving you!" I stood there confused asking why I was getting put out. She called for the door guy and he asked what happened, and I explained the situation while standing there with my mask on. There were others waiting in line behind me asking me what I did as well. Eventually, I went to walk out and gave a reason to be kicked out and called her a stupid B*&^%... Yes, I know, really uncalled for! I own it and initially felt bad but then I had to ask. " Are you doing this to me because I'm the only black guy in your bar?" The second bartender, responded "I'm half black and she doesn't treat me like that." My response was "maybe you're not black enough." As I walked off and got in the car and left. That interaction in itself was already bad enough, but the next day while I'm at work, I get a message from a Christopher E. Harris. I guess the bartender that said she was the owner is his wife. So I guess Christopher thought that using the information on the card reader to find me on Facebook and send me a personal message was appropriate. It was never going to go well. After some choice words, I blocked Christopher E Harris on Facebook, but he started texting my phone. Unprofessional... read more

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Unprofessional everytime i have ever been. Very ghetto vibe. Also half the time is says they are open nobody is there. Very unclassy bouncer dude was definitely bullied in middle school. If you're looking for a good vibe an good folks this is NOT your place read more

Nice dive bar with great staff and good crowd! You can dance and you can sing karaoke !! Super fun place. Plus I lost my purse and leather jacket here one night lol and got it all back the next day. Every thing, yes including my $100 in cash! This place is an honest gem of a bar. Thank you read more

This is a five star dive bar, not to be confused with five stars for some hot swinging night life place. If you don't know the difference, please don't keep reading. It's not worth either of our times. However, if you frequent the dives (as I seem to do more and more) then please keep reading, you are my target demographic! Located around a liquor store, a Sonic drive in, and near to the Yellow Deli, Smitty's is a great middle ground. They have clean restrooms, three pool tables, a foosball table, and more karaoke than you could listen to in a lifetime. Also? Some dive bar classics such as an oddly shaped bar, friendly staff, quirky regulars, odd little dance floor and stage for all of your dancing (or crooning) needs, and faux wood paneling with random mirrors. If that doesn't add up to a fun night, add in uber cheap drinks and PBR tall boys and you are set. FOR LIFE. read more

I used to revel in the ambiance, the cheap beer and seedy clientele, but I've seriously outgrown my attachment to dive bars. I think it's also dependent on company you go with and something I've been saying a lot lately. Going to the well too much. Imagine a corner lot with 1 entrance and no lines, a huge tree in the middle and it basically looking like a junk yard. The front is quaint with some decorations, some chairs, some bricks to sit on and decent lighting, but then you walk in and immediately see the plumbers crack of some overweight guy nursing his beer. Though that may not be accurate everytime, you are bound to see something like that or worse within these walls. Service is usually slow and the banter is non existant. Curt conversations and cash only with 4 bouncers or so on weekends. After last call it's "gtfo" time and they do not play around, simply put security is on edge and looking to overstep their boundries which would be a mistake on their part. Sticky floors and tables, poor ventilation, but a pretty kick ass stage and a decent sized dance floor where bad renditions of bad songs are butchered nightly. It's more country than Irish towards the back and if you can gather enough people to go with you here it's not so bad, just be sure you outnumber the rest of the bar. Don't go to the bathrooms here and I think that's all that needs to be said. Liqour selection is missing basic mixers and anything remotely top shelf. Ask what their well is because apparently a Ketel tonic and really a Seagrams and 7. I've always preferred Village Pub and probably won't return to Smitty's, I don't know why I didn't recommend it when looking for somewhere else to go locally. Shame on me. read more

Total dive bar but a totally fun one! I have looked past this place for years and heard a few sketchy stories about it so I avoided it at all costs. Last night "last call" was shouted at Mother Earth and my friend and I just weren't ready to go home yet so she dragged me to smittys. There was a pretty decent amount of people inside and no they were not all hoodlums! The super sweet pregnant bartender was awesome. Immediately upon arrival, one of the apparent regulars bought both me and my friend beers. Score! It was $3 PBR night so I pretty much stuck to those all night (don't judge me fellow craft beer snobs). I LOVED that karaoke was available all night it was so entertaining! The bathrooms weren't bad, they were clean and small. I did eventually have a vodka redbull. It was really strong which was nice but it was $6 which is kind of ridiculous but I thought hey what the heck!? Overall I had a really fun night with really great people. Try this place for yourself! The only thing you'll probably regret is your hangover :) read more

Smitty's Downtown - Age verified - Karaoke Near Me - Vista, California

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Pathetic establishment. Showed up after I got off work, 45 minutes before they supposedly close, just wanting to enjoy a beer with my buddy and co-worker who I just got done working with (we are both in the industry) and was turned away at the door because "they were done". Just close an hour earlier so you don't waste people's time. Lacking common sense. read more

Looking for a classic dive bar, look no more. This place has the drive bar feel: cash only, dark lighting, karaoke, regulars and a couple run down pool tables. It's a great place to go to end your night. read more

Smitty's Downtown - Karaoke Near Me - Vista, California

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Oh Shitty's. Came here with family and friends after Mother Earth closed on my birthday for some karaoke. The doorman was weird - he insisted on carding everyone including my dad. My dad's a handsome bloke... but, come on, he can definitely pass for over 35. Average dive bar vibe. Not too busy that night, we took up most of the room. The bartender hated me more and more as I got less and less drunk towards the end of the night and began ordering water. Karaoke was entertaining. The bathroom is tiny. The end. read more

I've been coming to Smitty's for years. Everyone who works at Smitty's treats me like family. The service is awesome. Crisna is the best bartender I've ever had. I travel all over the world for work and pleasure. Smitty's is my favorite bar hands down. Anyone who says bad things about Smitty's is probably pissed they got removed from the bar for breaking the rules. read more

I had some of the best times singing my heart out. The atmosphere is inclusive and the service always does you a service. My experiences there are unforgettable. Follow the rules and at least try to sing. Yes... we're all going to laugh at you But at least you'll have fun read more

Great small bar owned by locals. All are welcome at Smitty's! Good prices and clean. Kareoke starts at 8. Many businesses were hit hard by covid. The team here have kept up with all the crazy lockdown orders. read more

Been coming to this bar since about 2013. Not only do they have nightly karaoke, they were able to take it outside during covid regulations to be able to keep it going and keep their family business running. The owner and staff have made it feel like a small family whenever I return. Just remember that it's cash only, but they do have an atm inside! Thank you for everything that you guys do! read more

Cool little dive. Decent prices and a nice local crowd. All the bartenders that I've met were nice and poured solid drinks. It's dark, the music choice is decent (so far). There is a large area outside the bar for smokers. They have a few pool tables and I hear they do leagues so I'll have to start sharpening up my game. This could possibly be my new go to spot read more

Hands down the best owners work here that I've had the pleaser of meeting run this establishment, and have so safe efficiently and effectively for everyone's needs and they've worked hard to do so for a long time. The atmosphere and environment Is laid back, fun, mellow and relaxed. They have Kareoke, pool a dance floor and a amazing staff the bar is friendly and clean this well keep raven is a hidden gem read more

I've been going to Smitty's for over 20 years. It has always maintained a welcoming, eclectic group of people. The drinks are good and the karaoke is hopping! Feels like home in a bar kind of way! read more

Smitty's is such an amazing bar. I love the Staff. Crisna is such a Gem of a bartender. Carlonzo is such a laid back easy person to talk to, Rico is the best security guard ever and does his job to the "T". Sara is such a sweetheart and Lizz is the greatest KJ ever, if it wasn't for Lizz I most certainly would not be going as often as I do. She is so welcoming and heartwarming. There is such great energy everytime I come In. Truly feels like a little family read more

I wanted to love this place. I love dive bars & having just moved to Vista- I wanted Smitty's to become my new local dive. It's a dive in all sense of the word. Cash only, strong drinks, interesting smell, great people watching (especially the kareoke) BUT it's not a dive bar in prices. Beers are $5. Mixed drinks are cheaper & stronger so we stuck with those. We sat at the bar & it's an older place so it kinda felt like we were in a bar on a boat- if that makes sense. The crowd is a strange mix of people too. The bartenders were nice & attentive. We even had late night Bloody Mary's that were awesome. Total downside was the price! To booze it up for 3 people we spent $200!!! And this was after drinking at Mother Earth & the Vista Village Pub!!! read more

Smitty's Downtown - Late night Bloody Mary's - Karaoke Near Me - Vista, California