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    The Haunted Head Saloon

    3.4 (308 reviews)
    Open • 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Haunted Head Saloon Photos

    Business Info

    THE HAUNTED HEAD SALOON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Juke Box
    Good for groups

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    Never heard of the issue from here, but at least they're prepared... because O'side is Sketchy
    Kareem P.

    If you're ever in the Downtown Oceanside area and you're hanging out past 9PM at night, there's a good chance that you will find yourself at this local hideaway. Welcome to The Haunted Head Saloon. It's one of Oceanside's most famous Dive Bars. Actually, The Haunted Head Saloon is one of the only bars in Downtown that can be considered "Divey". Because they do not have any food for sale here, you MUST BE 21 OR OLDER to enter. NO EXCEPTIONS. What I love the most about The Head is that their security is on-point and it's relatively safe inside (considering that it's a dive bar). The few times I've seen drama, it was quickly addressed and carried outside. One of the BEST aspects of The Haunted Head is its location. You can find it right off of Mission Ave & Tremont St in the heart of the Downtown Area. It's just north of the Regal Movie Theater. Because of its location, you can walk to the movies, to the pier or beach (2 blocks away) or to any of the parking garages nearby (within 8 minutes). In addition, there is Pier Pizza located right next door to them selling pizza by-the-slice, tacos across the way at Sanchos Tacos, Strawberry Shack for cake desserts & Fugu icecream shop just around the corner. So, you can always find something to eat BEFORE you start drinking AND the pizza shop typically stays opened late for the crowds. The bartenders work quickly (especially considering the crowds) and there is a Full Bar at their disposal. I wouldn't come here for a "foo-foo" pretty cocktail, BUT, simple mixed drinks or shots are best. They've got some TVs in there (just for decoration because everyone's drinking), a pretty solid pool table (that they maintain monthly) and a jukebox that patrons can customize their songs too (download the AMI MUSIC APP). PRO-TIP: There are snack bags by the bar to nibble on, ask the bartender for one There's also a 5 gal water dispenser in the back. The interior is dark, pirate themed and decorated in $1 bills. The tradition is to get yours from the bartender, sign it and tape it up! There's booth seating in the corners, 2 long wooden tables for seating, bar seating & multiple high-chair tables too. The only aspect lacking in this bar are the bathrooms. Well, I can only speak for the men's bathroom. It's small. Cramped and no privacy. Pretty much exactly what I would expect from a dive bar! Anyhow, The Haunted Head Saloon has been around for as long as I can remember and I always recommend passing through late at night when in the Downtown Oceanside area; besides, everything else is closed!

    Taufiq H.

    Best prices drinks in town. Friendly bartenders, great atmosphere. Pool table. Love visiting

    You gotta be there to see!
    Sabrina O.

    Fun, super divey, loud good music., wild customers. Definitely go after you've had dinner and want to be out late getting your drink on! The girls bathroom is WILD!! What an experience I had funn!

    11$ for a short glass not tall or double.
    Evee G.

    Tried it again and same person Alex was there and when we came in and she gave me a look. She did gave my partner his drink and asked me then the security came behind us saying that we needed to leave because she said we were drunk and wanted us out. I told the security guy we just got in and that she has had a problem with me after I called her out on my charges. I did ask for the owner or person who is in charge of the bartenders and he said that he's in vacation and not sure when he's coming back or no way to get a hold of him. I asked what days is he usually checking in and he said "I don't know but you got to leave." Security guys always changing and too crowded, sinks and drunks hardly can walk there and spend more than 20 minutes to get a drink. Alex needs to get herself checked out since I'm not the first person she's done this too. If she doesn't like you she'll kick you out and if you don't tip more than 5$ for a drink she will also not serve you again. Always rushing everyone and picks and chooses who she makes the drinks for mostly drunk ones so she gets a big tip. Just wished I had my phone on record when we got in and after the incident happened. Like that I would have my proof and she will not get her way with others and maybe the owner will finally step up.

    Dive bar at Beach town
    Tyler B.

    This is just an OK. A very Diveey bar. Don't complaint about the service, Bartenders are nice but they can't afford to retire yet ! #ykyk Atmosphere is cool, pool table and the indictment against Donal trump was on the news. I grab a quicky BPR & small talk with San Diego locals. Interesting place !

    Maya D.

    Best place definitely a must go if your in Oceanside and just looking for a good vibe and a great drink this is that place first time going last weekend I'll most definitely be back this weekend

    Inside the car
    Austin M.

    Great atmosphere, fun thing to do once the sun goes down if you like lively bars. Went 2 nights in our trip and was fun both nights.

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    Excellent cocktails, friendly service, great vibe! LOVED the decor and vibe. Had a great time

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    9 months ago

    It's always a good time at the Haunted Head Saloon. Great time and great bartenders. I recommend it.

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    2 years ago

    Fun, comfortable, reasonable prices, and great friendly bartenders. Nice downtown location.

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - The Haunted Head Saloon

    Review Highlights - The Haunted Head Saloon

    “Valerie and she will HOOK you up, the ambience is something like a pirate ship and so are the guests...”

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Frankie’s

    4.3(167 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$

    Drinks were spot on, the mezcal/habanero Toxica blew me away...bartenders were down for small talk…read more Felt like a proper bar.

    With so many places to imbibe in Oceanside, I realize how competitive these places have to be to…read morestay in business so I have to admit, my standards are fairly high. My husband and I stopped in to Frankie's on a recent Saturday at 5pm. Our kiddo had a performance down the street at 6pm so we had a little time to kill beforehand. The neighboring spots looked busy so we decided to go with Frankie's, seeing as they were less inundated at the time and we had a time constraint. Another allure was the sandwich board at the front door advertising discounted cocktails - sold!! Inside there were a handful of patrons at the bar, another table with two additional patrons and maybe a couple on the patio so it was fairly quiet and slow, so it looked promising. We headed up to the bar and hung out behind two empty barstools, the single female bartender greeted us and said she'd be right with us, but then continued chatting up the seated patrons, serving them and their friends that had just joined (AFTER we'd arrived). We moved a little further down to the handoff area where she was making drinks to save her having to come back to us again, and stood there for probably 10 minutes while she took orders and made all the drinks. We commented that she looked like she could definitely use a hand, and she said they were still adjusting into summer hours and determining whether more coverage was needed at this time - I figured 5pm on a Saturday should be primetime, so I'm not sure in what universe having a single bartender makes any sense. Finally we placed our cocktail orders, waited while they were made, and then put our card down for the tab. After we'd paid, I noticed the cocktails were more expensive than advertised on the sandwich board out front - I couldn't find a disclaimer anywhere that said only certain cocktails were included, so while it was a bummer I wasn't about to wait another 10-15 minutes to catch her attention and ask for clarification. Just a heads up to beware of whatever is advertised that might summon you in from the sidewalk, and make sure you ask before you make your selection. Drinks were very subpar, nothing special to write home about. While I can appreciate the Gatsby-esque vibe they're trying to uphold at Frankie's, they really should increase their staffing especially during prime weekend and evening hours, and be more transparent about their specials and what's included and what's not. Hindsight is 20/20, and the low volume of patrons when everything else around it was going off was probably a sign, so we'll skip Frankie's our next go around.

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    The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill - Poke inari bombs

    The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill

    4.4(221 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$

    Went for Happy Hour Love the Tiki bar Ambience…read more They got it right Hubby loved the Taco Tuesday fish tacos I had the dry rib chicken wings...perfect Shout out to our amazing bartender Parker

    If you like your tiki bars low-key, The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill has got you covered…read more If that sounds like a negative, it's not. In this case, "low-key" refers to a tiki bar that is not over-the-top; one that doesn't cause you to enter into an entirely different reality. There's a time and place for that sort of tiki bar but in a small coastal town perhaps you don't want or need to enter a fourth dimension. The Lobby is small (though larger than I'd anticipated), not noticeably dark (like many in the genre), and outfitted with a nice array of tiki-themed tchotchkes. Scooby Doo, playing silently on a small tv above the bar, is a perfect accompaniment to the pleasing decor. I both ate and drank here and found nothing not to enjoy. Tiki bars generally elicit happiness in me and this one, with its excellent server, did not change that mindset. An Astro Chimp ($14) was my tiki drink of choice, mostly because I was interested in trying a cocktail featuring cold brew. Very good, and it did not keep me up all night. Fish & Chips ($23) was a sizable and satisfying portion, plenty there to be shared by two. "Brussels" ($11), were also quite good and ample. You will not go hungry if you choose to dine here. The Lobby is a fun choice for your time in Oceanside. Stylish and satisfying on every front, I'd happily return. Other stuff: * There is apparently a stairway-accessible rooftop deck here but it was closed for a private event during my visit. If open, definitely worth checking out. * 5% surcharge is automatically added to everything you spend here.

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    The Rooftop Bar - Spread Trio

    The Rooftop Bar

    3.9(612 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$$

    The rooftop has one of the best views in Oceanside and is definitely a great spot to bring a date…read more The atmosphere and ocean views are the main draw, and the chicken sandwich was excellent. That said, after multiple visits, the service has consistently been the weak point. It can be slow and doesn't quite match the upscale experience or price point you'd expect from a rooftop like this. At these prices, I'd expect a level of service closer to what you'd receive at a high-end resort, and unfortunately it hasn't been there. You're definitely paying a premium for the location and view. I'd still recommend checking it out, especially for drinks, sunset, or a date night, but keep your expectations realistic when it comes to service and value.

    Saw great reviews about The Rooftop Bar and the recommendation on making reservations - glad we did…read morethat! It's beautiful at the top, we didn't really have a great view from our seats - but it also seemed like if you are a larger group there isn't too many options. We were seated by the pool area - which was strange since we weren't hotel guests and weren't planning to swim, but it was closer to the pier view. The main area seemed to be more shaded than the pool area, so half our group was in the sun and the other half were shaded, thankfully there was a breeze! We specifically went for the happy hour drinks and they were delicious!!! Service was good - our waitress was friendly. I will recommend this place to anyone visiting the area on the future!

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    The Rooftop Bar - Martini, juice, and olives

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    The Space Pad - Entrance from the back of Kilowatt Brewing

    The Space Pad

    4.2(142 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    •$$

    Drinks are good and definitely a cool place! BUT the waiter/bartender tried to double tip himself…read morehoping I wouldn't notice. They make it hard to see but 20% gratuity was already included and somehow they "accidentally" selected an additional 30% tip for me. I had to ask about it and he gave me a refund but seemed suspicious. Make sure to thoroughly review your bill before paying. I have brought many people to this place over the years and probably won't be back.

    Whimsical speakeasy inside Killowatt Brewing in Oceanside. SMALL but incredibly detailed and…read moreentertaining atmosphere. Reservations suggested. Doors at the end of the hallway past the bathrooms. This is a FUN speakeasy. There are moving parts, visual effects, beautiful dioramas and hallucinogenic black-light effects. Drinks are good. I have been here 4 different times in various capacities (with 2-3 friends or with dates) and I found the staff inside a bit stoic and unwelcoming each time. I'm not expecting Puppy-dog enthusiasm but it definitely feels you are invading their space by being the room and I find I tend to apologize for my presence. That perception aside, if you aren't trying to chat the bartender up for lively conversation there is plenty to see in the cleverly themed bar. There are just a couple U-booths and a handful of bar stools. So you're on a time-limit for your stop in this portal.

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    The Space Pad - Glowing Charcoal margarita

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    Cococabana - Mozzarella sticks

    Cococabana

    3.9(434 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$

    7/10 overall! CocoCabana is definitely giving cute rooftop brunch spot. We went on a Sunday right…read morewhen they opened at 11 AM, and it was actually really nice and chill not crowded at all. The rooftop has such a pretty aesthetic with the umbrellas, decor, bar, and plenty of shaded seating. The view was nice, too! The Bananarama drinks were 10/10. They're non-alcoholic, super yummy, and SO cute. Honestly, I'd go back just for those. My breakfast sandwich with the potatoes was also really good solid 7/10. My mom got the butterscotch donuts and said they were to die for A few things could be better: the paper menus looked pretty worn compared to the cute menus I'd seen online, and some of the outdoor pillows definitely looked like they needed a wash/replacement. I also noticed that some of the food I saw people raving about on Yelp is from an older menu, so definitely check the current menu before getting your heart set on something. Overall, I'm glad I finally got to experience CocoCabana. Cute atmosphere, chill Sunday morning, good food, and those Bananaramas were bomb!

    This place kind of feels like a group of girls were sitting at a bar one night and decided how cool…read moreit would be to open their own place. And honestly, that would be cool if the flow was there, but you can kind of tell that all the ideas aren't fully there yet. For starters, the drinks are expensive, which I get because you're in Oceanside by the beach and I'm sure rent isn't cheap. But man, I paid $18 for a coffee-style cocktail and it was pretty bad. They put this whipped cream on top that just didn't work with the drink and was actually pretty nasty. They definitely put alcohol in it, which was good I guess, but overall it was probably one of the worst cocktails I've had in a while. My wife and I also walked up to the bar and waited to be attended. One of the waitresses was busy cleaning and organizing things, going back and forth from inside to outside, while another waitress was socializing with a group of guys for probably 6-7 minutes before noticing us standing at the front of the bar. I really don't mind waiting, but when you combine that with the quality of the drinks and the lack of attention, it just makes it seem like no one really cares that much. That's kind of why I made the comment in the beginning. The place has a cool idea behind it, but you can tell it's missing some of the professionalism and attention to detail that comes with running a good bar. The one thing that really saves this place is the view. It's a really nice view, and during sunset I can definitely see why people come here. Other than that though, I personally wouldn't spend my money here again.

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    Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen - Pork Verde Chilaquiles (Pulled Pork, Salsa Verde, Tortilla Chips, Fried Egg, Cotija Cheese, Cilantro).

    Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen

    4.4(2.6k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$

    Delicious food awesome customer service. The Mac and cheese…read morewas bomb. Salmon was delicious as well.

    We came here Labor Day weekend to celebrate my brother's birthday…read more My dad had called ahead to reserve a table since it was 6 adults and 2 toddlers. We were seated right away. We started with some appetizers - my favorite was the crispy brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Everything was perfectly roasted and there was a great kick with the habanero jam feta. The fly basket was pretty good, but keep in mind that the portion size is small - 3 of each of the hush puppies, fried shrimp, and fried green tomatoes. My husband ordered one of the specials which was a short rib pot pie - one of our favorite dishes of the night. The short rib was so tender and the dish was rich but in the perfect way. I ordered the tri tip sando. It was loaded up with meat and grilled peppers and onions. I upgraded my fries to truffle fries and those were really flavorful! My mom ordered the cioppino. She was a little disappointed by how many mussels there were in the dish - she had been hoping for more fish and shrimp. She said the flavor was good though. For dessert, we did opt to try the beignets. Honestly I could have done without them. They weren't as light and fluffy as they could've been. Overall, it was a good experience with great accommodations for our toddlers and great service.

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    Finney's Crafthouse

    Finney's Crafthouse

    4.1(442 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    •$$

    This is our second time here in the past two weeks. Food is great Services well above average great…read moredrink selection. The place is really nice. Lots of TVs if you do want to watch sports just a cool vibe very comfortable. I would highly recommend and will be back multiple times. Math the manager has greeted us both times we've been here and been very accommodating and helpful and just looking out for all the customers making sure they're having a great experience. Hope you guys can keep up what you're doing now because it's amazing and will be back and recommend lots of people!

    First timer here! Came on a Saturday evening and there was about a 15 to 20 minute wait. It…read moreactually went pretty quick to be honest. We sat downstairs in a table, booth combo. Our waiter was pretty cool, although his name is escaping me now. We ordered a few appetizers, wings, steak taquitos, and the pretzel. We noshed on these before we ordered our meals of bison burger, and two single patty smash burgers. Not sure if it's because it was around 7:30/8 o'clock at night, but the food was not up to par according to the two that I was with, who frequent this place. The steak taquitos tasted a tad overdone, but still pretty good since it was the first time I've had them. The pretzel was really good, but the dipping sauces not so good. I still cannot figure out why one of them was a hot caramel sauce. I have never put caramel on my pretzel and it tasted like crap to be honest. The queso must've been the bottom of the pot because it was hard and kind of burnt tasting, so pretty disappointed in the pretzel choice. Our meals came and honest to God the Smashburger looked like a kids meal. This tiny burger plopped on a big white plate with onion rings, and the burger was not good. The bison burger did not have any of the sauces on it that it stated in the menu so he needed to ask for some love on the burger. So the waiter brought over a bunch of sauces. It's a shame because they talk about this place all the time and I really wanted to try it and it just wasn't up to par. I ended up taking my Smashburger home, and the next day I scraped the nasty sauce off it, added mayonnaise to the bun and an extra slice of cheese and it was actually pretty good. I definitely wanna come again because they talk about this place all the time and how good the food is. Maybe it was just the night we went.

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    Finney's Crafthouse
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    The Haunted Head Saloon - bartenders - Updated September 2026

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