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    The Gutter

    3.6 (64 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Gutter Photos

    THE GUTTER ATMOSPHERE

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    The bar
    Leticia C.

    We visited The Gutter on a Wednesday afternoon about 30 minutes after they opened. There were guests playing pool and a bowling game getting started. They also have basketball and ski ball. I ordered from their happy hour menu which is designed like a bowling ball, so cute. Super cheap prices! Their regular menu had nice choices as well. The highest priced cocktail was $17 and it included a test tube of champagne. It was very tasty. Sweet and refreshing. The 4 star is because it was sooooo cold. I had to move over a few seats to avoid the blasting a/c. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were all very nice.

    Shay M.

    I thought we were bowling, but just ended up with a gutterball of a time. Came out with some friends to celebrate a MOMENTOUS occasion. I'm talking a huge accomplishment. My friend had reserved both lanes for us to enjoy some bowling and drinks to commemorate the occasion. Unfortunately, both bowling lanes were absolutely buggin' out and really made for a disappointing bowling experience. While we still know how to have a good time, one of the lanes couldn't even put all of the pins up. It was so bad, it was worse than all of the podunk bowling alleys I've ever been to, and I've been to some podunk bowling alleys. At one point, the lane tried like 20 times to setup the pins and they just kept falling. I kid you not. When the lane would set the pins up, it would often miss 1-3 pins, thereby giving you a couple points every frame. WTH? Even when I brought it to the attention of the associate, they were like 'Yeah, there's really nothing we can do. We'll have to have someone fix it tomorrow ". Say whaaaaaat? Both lanes had numerous issues, and forget the "reset" because that was useless. Yeah, it was a crappy bowling experience to say the least. But how about the bar you ask? Well that also was kinda bunko. The drinks were delicious, which I greatly appreciated, but ducking and dodging pool cues for 15+ minutes while we waited for our drinks was not the bizness. I really just think there's a little bit too much stuff under one roof. Nobody wants an accidental pool cue in there rear. Ya know. I'd like to come back another time, because I do think this spot has potential. Thanks to the bartenders for making some delicious and pretty cocktails.

    Two bowling lanes.
    Morgan H.

    The Gutter is a unique bar inside the Lafayette Hotel. It's pretty large, with 2 bars, 2 pool tables, shuffleboard, arcade games and two lanes for bowling. As most people have mentioned, it does get packed. And it takes quite a while to get a drink. We planned ahead and booked a lane for bowling on Open Table. For $50 you get the lane and shoe rental for up to 6 people for one hour. You can also put your name down on a waiting list at the bar if you're not able to get a reservation. It's pricey but you're paying for the vibe that's unlike a traditional bowling alley. I'm not from SD, so personally I find The Gutter a cool place to come spend a few hours because it's not like anywhere else in the area. The cocktails are tasty, they have a good beer selection including NA beers and my recent favorite Donna's Pickle Beer, and the atmosphere is vibrant. There's plenty to do other than sit around and drink but it's also a solid spot if you want to do just that.

    Chai Noir
    Raine S.

    We had so much fun! It's an old school alley, so not ideal for professional practice, but it's great for some intimate rounds with delicious drinks! I had the chai noir and I definitely would go back for more!

    Hallway

    Such a nice and chill experience to have a drink or two. I noticed as a younger person who usually goes to dive bars the vibes are off most of the time but here the vibes were chill everyone seemed like they were having a good time. No one was there being belligerent or starting any fights, which was nice. The bartenders had a good attitude and I was watching the bartender handle our drinks with precision and passion. Drinks had just the right amount of liquor they weren't super sweet it seems like the drinks are made with good quality ingredients.

    Cocktails
    Eva B.

    I always have a fun time here!! Some games tend to be broken from time to time but otherwise, this spot is always super entertaining. The decor is gorgeous and there's lots of seating and room. Tends to get busy on weekends and chiller on weeknights. I love the pool table and skeeball

    Nilanj D.

    I'd give The Gutter 5 stars for ambience, decor, and fun factor. We love that there's a vintage wood paneled bowling alley, a shuffleboard table, and plenty of other games to keep you active. Atmosphere is definitely fun. And it's appreciated that tons of water pitchers are available for designated drivers. But it's next to impossible to get served a drink here, as in the parent Lafayette Hotel. I was one of the first in the door and to the bar when Gutter opened at 5pm, and bartenders ignored me for 20 minutes. Would come here to play games, but I'd rather drink elsewhere.

    Sasha A.

    The bartender Hunter was so sweet and attentive! He recommended pretty good cocktails and was super enthusiastic. Thank u for making our birthday celebration nice

    Connor P.

    The only strikes here are on the ACTUAL bowling lanes in this bar! One of the coolest concepts with amazing drinks! Probably my favorite spot in North Park. It gets loud and fun later in the evening which awesome. Bartenders are so nice too! NOTE: they card religiously here (as they do at all Lafayette venues) so keep your license on you whenever you order

    Michael B.

    I really dig the concept of this place. It's located within the hotel along with a few other bars and speakeasies. This one is separated by a mini courtyard from the others. This place however is always packed. I came a few times and each time on a Saturday night. It's bustling after 8pm until close. If you're lucky to grab a spot to sit. You should be okay. If you're lucky enough to get a pool table you'll be okay. If you wait out the long line for bowling, you're golden. The problem is, is that you might be waiting 1-2 hours. If this is your only stop of the night. It might be worth it. But if you're looking to just stop in and have an activity and drink, think again. Drinks are ~16 dollars per cocktail. Pretty tasty. I had the Midnight Mischief which was super smooth. Highly recommended. There's far more people than seating. And with the amount of people there, it's pretty noisy so you'll most likely be shouting over folxs. Haven't had any of their food. I like to categorize this as a perfect one drink spot to end the night.

    Bar
    Joe P.

    The Gutter is a play area at The Lafayette: It has a two lane bowling alley, billiards, arcade basketball, and free skeeball. It also has one of the seven bars on the property. At this point in the evening, I needed a break from hard alcohol, so I had a beer. The bar is very cool, as is the rest of the space. There were a lot of pretty people, and I felt myself instantly being upgraded from a 5 to a 7 - LOL. The bartenders are super nice and friendly. TG is a nice playground to visit while you are at TL.

    No Strings Attached

    Very fun place! Love all the free games that's this place has to offer. Although they break often. I personally haven't really like their specialty cocktails but their bartenders can make anything you'd like.

    Sabrina T.

    This review is piggybacking on my review to Beginner's Diner. As I said it before, any establishment / human willing to serve people as they debauch themselves into the wee hours of the night are worthy of sainthood and much respect. I can't speak to the games and activities but I can speak to the sneaky luxury of wandering around a beautiful manmade dreamworld with a cocktail and the urge to reflect on every detailed square inch.

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    4 months ago

    This was a Fun experience! You Can book a week in advance for up to 6 people per lane.

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    9 months ago

    Best atmosphere, great drinks, super friendly service. One of my go to spots in SD for a fun night. I will be coming back

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Gutter

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    Review Highlights - The Gutter

    Every part of the Lafayette Hotel is beyond impressive, but the gutter is next level.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Gutter - bowling - Updated May 2026

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