. Came in for one drink, left with questionable memories and a new appreciation for bad decisions. The drinks were cold, the vibe was grimy in the best way, and everyone looked like they had somewhere to be tomorrow but absolutely no intention of making it.. Would ruin my sleep schedule here again. read more

Star Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Fun atmosphere, DJ playing a good beat. Security was helpful and quick to respond to a situation, felt all was in control. Didn't have any food and as far as drinks we went to the bar for, there were no servers walking around I'd go again read more

Still a dive. Still in business. I suppose their formula is cheap drinks, minimal ambiance, and courteous and quick bartenders. One might argue it's the most authentic bar in the Gaslamp. read more

I do not recommend this place. They have an annoying dj who takes over when we forget one word in the karaoke song. They push signing into their wifi, I'm sure for spying purposes nonetheless it's a run down place. They have this one tall skinny red headed, stuck up bartender. Not Long ago some dude was at the bar, kicked out, beaten and shortly thereafter died. Yeah the energy is bad, negative dodgy vibes. read more

Cool spot! Popped in to have a drink on my exploration of the area. On Thursday 8.00 Margaritas... top shelf The drinks were nice and the establishment was clean. read more

Very disappointing experience with security at Star Bar on Monday night, July 6, 2026. I understand security has a responsibility to check IDs, but the way this situation was handled was unacceptable. I presented my valid California driver's license issued by the DMV. The security guard compared my ID to my friend's, who had an older version of the California driver's license, while mine was the newer design issued in October 2025. Because the designs were different, he told me he was "99% sure" my ID was fake. My ID was scanned successfully, and I provided additional proof that it was legitimate. However, every time I tried to explain that the ID was real and issued by the DMV, I was repeatedly told, "No, this is fake." Even after the ID scanned and I provided proof of my identity, he continued insisting it was not legitimate and initially refused to return my ID. He told me I would need to call the police if I wanted to get my ID back. My ID was eventually returned, but the entire interaction was embarrassing and upsetting. I felt like I was being treated as though I had done something wrong despite presenting a valid form of identification. I contacted management afterward, and I appreciate that they apologized and listened to my concerns. I'm giving 2 stars because of the manager's response and because this review is not a reflection of the establishment itself, as I never had the opportunity to enter and experience the bar. However, based on my overall experience at the door, the security interaction alone would have been a 1-star experience. I hope this situation leads to better training and awareness when handling updated California IDs and similar situations in the future. read more

This is one of the few times I have ever posted on yelp to make a review. I am saying that to make sure everyone that reads this understands how personally assaulted and vilified I was when we came here to simply have a good time for my brothers bachelor party. If you come here understand that all their employees will be passive aggressive towards you the whole night, belittle you, and ultimately ruin your night. If you want to go out to a bar that will verbally assault you and make you feel like a victim, then this is the place for you. They will make you feel dumb, idiotic and sorry for coming just because you ask them a question. My recommendation would be to avoid this place at all cost, and I truly hope this place goes out of business within the year because no human should ever be subjected to the way they treated my friends and I tonight. read more

Star Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This used to be one of my favorite places because of the memories attached to it. Years ago, someone who was like a second father to me, a Green Beret veteran, and I would meet here for the old $1 beer nights. Since moving downtown, I've stopped in occasionally for karaoke because it always felt nostalgic. Unfortunately, my most recent visit completely changed how I feel about this place. As my bud & were stepping out for a smoke, we rang the bell, not realizing it meant buying a round of shots for everyone. Before I even had a chance to understand what was happening, a cocktail server came running toward me, yelling that I had to buy shots for the entire bar. I immediately responded, "Oh darn, okay, I will," but before I could finish speaking, another employee rushed over, didn't ask for my side of the story, and aggressively ordered me to "Get out." The interaction felt intimidating, humiliating, and completely unnecessary. I walked out in tears because I wasn't given the opportunity to explain or make things right. Customer service should include listening before escalating a situation. I also noticed the owner allowing a dog to roam the bar off leash. In a crowded establishment where people have been drinking, that seems like an unnecessary safety risk for both patrons and the dog. This bar no longer has the warm, welcoming atmosphere I remember. Instead, it felt hostile and uninviting. It's heartbreaking because this place held so many meaningful memories for me, but after the way I was treated, I won't be returning. If you're looking for a place where customers are treated with patience, respect, and kindness, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. read more

Star bar? Fubar. Chill, but looking for a good pour? Run far. So little alcohol you can still drive a car. Wanna compare the vodka cranberry to the red felt pool table. Here they are. (See photo). Casual, but why a dive has this much light? Bizarre. If barbaric medieval costume thrash metal is a weak pour, this place is GWAR. Star bar? Subpar. Au revoir. read more

Star Bar - You know it's weak if it matches the pool table - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Sun-Tues this is my favorite bar Downtown! Art is the best Karaoke DJ, and the bartending staff are amazing. Always good vibes around here, and cheapest beers DT! read more

Star Bar - Art working the mic for Sam and Lex's birthday - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This was a fun dive bar with a very local feel. There's lots of space to sit or stand. They have games here like pool, basketball, and there's even a Photo Booth. The drinks are pretty standard. I don't believe they serve food here. But everyone was really pleasant here. It's a great spot if you're looking for a neighborhood feel bar rather than something upscale or bougie. read more

I was in San Diego for an extended work trip. I searched for a bar that wasn't full of fake young money. Star bar was an oasis for me. Good beer selection, full bar, pool tables, jukebox box was playing great stuff, karaoke, live music. It was refreshing being out of town and being treated like I was home. Samantha is an incredible bartender and an asset to Star Bar. I think the other bartenders were Rob and Lex; also super chill and very accommodating. read more

Everything was great until I got my bill, it was me and my boyfriend just enjoying some drinks and playing pool. Well I notice after that I have a large party gratuity and I ask what is this it was only me and him and they said their protocol for any bills over 100 bucks is they add large party gratuity. Just because me and my significant other sat there for hours and kept to our self we shouldnt be charged as if you handled a party of 6 or more that needed alot of attention. We walk up when we needed another drink, cleaned up after ourselves. No one waited or attended to us. Mind you I tipped 20 bucks without even realizing that additional 20 was on there, regardless I was tipping them 20 bucks but the fact you even put that on their for a party of 2 because a bill is over 100, doesn't make sense. read more

Came to this bar after The Tipsy crow to play some pool and thought it was a cool dive bar until we encountered a very rude bartender. Bailey R. does NOT represent the establishment. I felt disrespected and unwelcomed. Baileys customer service was unprofessional as she slammed our drinks onto the counter and had an attitude when we asked for a menu, she claimed there was no menu & I felt pressured to order a drink. The drinks were solid and good, but, I never felt the need to go out of my way to leave a review / post after a very bad customer experience. read more

I love StarBar and am a regular!! Always having events, pool and good music. The Karaoke is something that brings people together especially with Art. He brings the vibes!! If you want to have a good time just come to STAR! read more

I love this place and I've been coming here for years but today I decided to come and bring friends from out of town and unfortunately our bartender was so rude that it made me feel so embarrassed to bring people here. We got helped by the bartender in dreads and he was obviously not happy to be there which sucks because if you're not having a good day maybe just stay home instead of letting it out on others. Besides that it's such a good bar, I guess it just depends on what bartender helps you read more

Art show karaoke is amazing here. Came here with a business group and had an amazing time!

Don't miss the Art show. super awesome karaoke night there. me and my coworkers had a blast! Art stepped in and made it so fun!

Was a fun bar, but the karaoke line up was incredibly long. Sad face. Would love to try it again when there is a shorter rotation.

Karaoke is the best here, drinks are really good. They have pool tables. 10/10 would come again especially for karaoke, the KJ Art is the best! read more

April 24, 2025 we were in the area and for nostalgia had to stop in. 12 beers on tap. A pool table. Great music and lots of seating... Friendly bartender and (regular) patrons... Lots of great libations (go for the double) What is there not to like? Give it a try!! Definitely, for this afternoon's Bartender, thank you so much for assisting with rooftop bar/restaurants !! read more

Star Bar - Street view - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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A good choice for downtown if you want a casual place to hang out, play some pool or other games and cheaper drinks. It definitely has the dive bar feel and is decorated with lots of red in the interior. I've come here a few times after it changed ownership a while back and I will say it is a little sad they got rid of the old bartenders and the clientele is a little different now, however, every time I have come here the service has been quick and friendly. On this particular occasion I brought a friend from out of town and he loved it. read more

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Star Bar is a fun little dive bar in the Gaslamp. Great service, good prices, fun local crowd. That's really all you need in a local dive and Star Bar delivers. read more

I moved to San Diego a few years ago and, to find my new spot, I looked up every local bar with at least two pool tables because I like playing pool. Time Out is closed now. ChiChi is a cash bar and far to walk now thar I live in Gaslamp. Star Bar has been my favorite since day one. They expanded and now have 4 tables. The staff is great, the drinks are strong and the least expensive in the area. I'm convinced anyone here speaking poorly of Bailey must have been acting immature or inappropriate because I have personally seen her practice amazing patience, tolerance, and kindness with rude customers who didn't deserve even one of those responses. If you want to have a good time with good drinks and great people, I recommend Star Bar each and every night. read more

Awesome spot I love going for karaoke especially when Art is there. Wish he was there every night

We had an karaoke host and I had a great time! Theres no food bit the drinks are strong and the environment is friendly and welcoming

This bar is strict with out of state ID's. I have a legit out of state ID was that denied . Very frustrating

good vibes, fast service , and my vodka cran was the perfect ratio to my liking, reviews were right, bailey is great read more

Star Bar - vodka cran - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

In town for an event, so we went down to the GasLamp area of Diego....and stumbled upon..The EstrellaBar(StarBar)..Had a great time!! Drinks were coool... but it was the Friday Night rotating DJs that really turned the spot up!!! spun various 90s HipHop and kept the place rockin...Had a great time read more

Do not go here. A patron was taking photos of the four of us. He was taking photos with a camera with the flash on specifically of the women in our group. We asked him politely to stop and he just laughed and continued to take photos WITH THE FLASH. He took over 10 photos in the first 5 minutes of us sitting down and the bartender refused to do anything and didn't even acknowledge it. We immediately left. I have never experienced that in my life. I've experienced bad service in my life but never something like this. Do NOT go here. read more

Bailey is best bartender ever best drinks ever and have you seen how great her hair is wow !

The quintessential dive bar. Make sure you ask for Bailey, an exceptionally phenomenal representative of this platonic ideal of a drinking establishment. Great drinks, even better vibes, and the service from Bailey--who was kind, quick, and demonstrably talented--went above and beyond. You'd have to have a peerLiz penchant for M.isery in order to somehow manufacture a bad time for yourself here. read more

Definitely one of the best dive bars in downtown hands down ... the friendliest day time bartenders. And the best night time team !! Definitely would become a regular here... if not already considered one haha read more

I heard great things from coworkers about this bar and finally decided to stop by. Unfortunately , the customer service and the drinks were the worst I've ever experienced. I ordered a cranberry vodka and was served straight up cranberry juice . When I approached the bartenders with my issue , I was dismissed with the worst attitude and no resolution to my problem. As a paying customer , all I wanted was my issue resolved, could have been just a remake of my drink that was left untouched after a taste test , or a simple refund . To which I was told "babe I can't remake it just because it's not strong enough for you" . There are other reviews regarding this same drink which makes me wonder if any alcohol is even being served in their drinks. Overall I wouldn't recommend this bar unless you're in the market for horrible customer service and even worse drinks :( read more

Unfortunately this place needs some help, even for a "dive bar" it's more dive then bar and the bartender was more interested in playing pool with his girlfriend then serving drinks... read more

The only bar I visit when I'm in Gaslamp. I spend every evening here. Met lifelong friends here. Met Star, the owner, and she spent the whole evening chatting and hanging with us. Been there over a dozen times. If you're looking for fancy or flashy, this might not be your spot. If you're looking for chill, good times, great people, dive bar with pool tables, you've hit the jackpot. read more

Star Bar is the ultimate dive bar in Gaslamp. It's become a go-to spot for my wife and me over the years. If you love a no-frills, old-school vibe, this place is a must-visit. They have some of the best deals on drinks in the area, and the bartenders know how to make a killer Long Island or Adios. Plus, they don't skimp on the pours..you definitely get your money's worth. The atmosphere is DIVEY, with pool tables, cool music, and an eclectic mix of people. It's our first stop downtown when we're looking to grab a cheap drink before hitting the rest of Gaslamp or catching a Padres game. If you're into dive bars, CHECK OUT STAR BAR read more

Great vibe for local dive bar, not too many people in Halloween and all good vibes. Can't go wrong!

We had an incredible time at Star Bar! We visited this bar on a whim and were really pleasantly surprised by the number of games and activities, cheap drinks and good selection, and exceptional service that made us feel welcomed. This is an excellent bar to frequent if you're a fan of Fernet-Branca / Fernet Mentha, as they offer $6 shots of each and even have a super rare Fernet themed Pop-a-shot basketball game! Shoutout to Matt for his generosity after he found out we were Fernet fans. Looking forward to our next visit! read more

come play some pool here, they keep the tables clean enough for all the abuse they get. New tables in the back you can rent so you don't have to beat me on the challenge table.... read more