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    The Tower Bar

    4.2 (224 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Tower Bar Photos

    Business Info

    THE TOWER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Very loud
    Divey
    Classy
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - The Tower Bar

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    Khamphone K.

    Small bar, pretty dark inside with low lighting. Smelled funny when we entered. There are a few booths and tables to sit down. We sat at the bar, wanted a quick drink for happy hour. The happy hour prices are good. Bartender was super nice. I had the hello kitty fart, it was pretty good. Parking is limited. It's near restaurants and shops. Really small restroom.

    Stephanie T.

    Cool little dive bar with music. Went on a punk night with local bands that were pretty rad. Bartenders were all chill.

    VICTORIA C.

    Quaint little bar off university ave, kind of diverse one might say. Located one block east of Euclid Ave. Attended to support my daughter & friends performing. Drinks are cool & not overly priced. They even have specialty drinks. Not sure how it is at night. We were there late afternoon. Men & women designated restrooms available & the women's was clean. Very dark inside that when the door opens you will be blinded. And that day they were charging for entry so there's that. But we were with the performers so no charge. Not sure if that's because of the acts they were charging or or just in general. Bit this the 2nd bar I've attended where the charge at the door. Do be prepared just in case.

    I would give this place a five star review if it weren't for their really really shitty ass bartender at night. I didn't even care enough to get her name because of how rude she was, she was a very tall and skinny girl, she knew it was my birthday and she couldn't have been any more rude. She wouldn't communicate she wouldn't talk and she even got mad at me for simply recording the videos of the beverages. I wasn't even recording her and she told me to put my phone away because I was recording the drinks. security and the environment overall is amazing, but for some reason, their bartender likes to pick and choose who she wants to be nice with that night. I really hope this dive bar can find a better PM bartender, because I don't think I've ever had a worse experience than I did with her. I wish I knew her name so I could call her out personally, because she was really honestly the shittiest bartender ever. How are you gonna be a person that serves alcohol and serves to customers and you aren't even good at communicating and being nice to them.?? pick a new job. I came in with the happiest attitude ever, I was super sweet and super nice and the second she saw my phone out, recording the drinks, her attitude switched. I don't even think I was there for more than 30 minutes, I wanted to go home because of how rude she was. (thank you to those few that made my night memorable, the security guard was very sweet and he made sure I got to my car safe, even after realizing I was leaving very early. He checked in and made sure that I wasn't upset with my stay, although I was, and I told him how the bartender was rude. They left me a little note on a coaster saying happy birthday and that made my night, the security guard really made up for the shitty service.)

    The famous tower of the Tower Bar.
    Joe L.

    I love the Tower Bar. It offers a wide variety of music, cool t-shirts, and, perhaps most importantly, cheap drinks. Patty and I saw the Soda Crackers and TK and the Deadlist here last night (07/05/2024). They were both loads o' fun. 16 oz Hamm's? Four (4) dollars.

    graffiti on the walls and ceiling
    Mario F.

    I've always wanted to come here for the historical aspect of this bar. Surviving a car crash and becoming a landmark are some of the main reasons I had to visit. This bar gave me a punk/mosh pit vibe and I absolutely loved it. It was grunge, dark and felt like as you were sitting time had stopped. The history on the walls, the bands that had played all gave it a euphoric feeling. Their drinks were cheap and got the job done. We had came early evening right when they had opened so we didn't get to hear any live bands. Next time we go, we will make sure to come when a local band is rocking out!

    Bar area
    David I. T.

    First time here I heard music from outside and I was looking for a good bar in the neighborhood. I was delighted when I came in and met Jenna the bartender. She's great and down to earth with her guests. It's been a year now and I love this place. Today I came in and was happy to see the regulars here and Jenna behind bar. For me it's nostalgic. I work in the industry and live close by! This place is great. People are always enjoying themselves. Jenna thanks for your kindness. I'll just say everyone here is great and I love tower bar! It has tons of history. Ask for the history book and a drink while you read ! I'll be back even if I move away from the area. Tower is a great spot! I love bringing friends here

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    3 months ago

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    Michael R.

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    Michael R.

    Thanks for stopping in, Jazmine.

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Metal night at Towerr and what a blast! Superb service and solid drinks. Plus music you will not hear anywhere else.

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    1 year ago

    Love the ambiance and service I received! The drinks are very well received priced compared to downtown! It's a small bar but soo much fun!

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Loud! Good service. Very tiny space. Punk rock bands and music videos. Crowd is lots of fun and friendly...gotta be cuz it's so small!

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    4 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Excellent place to ho have a beer. My kinda place. Good music too. TK& Deadlist. The perfect bar!!!

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    6 years ago

    Best dive bar in SD. Stiff drinks, prices are cheap and the bartenders are grumpy. This place is a dream..

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Wack and super small. Too many weirdos and way too small. WS there 5 min and left too awkward

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    Michael R.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Tower Bar

    Are all races welcome?

    Yes, also City Heights is one of the most diverse neighborhoods.

    Where's the best place to find the history of The Tower Bar including local information about the neighborhood?

    There is a history of The Tower Bar on the Tower's website at http://www.thetowerbar.com/history/ with a lot of great vintage pictures of the bar and neighborhood.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Tower Bar

    Lady Dottie will make you dance till you sweat with her own raspy version of R&B, funk and soul classics.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Tower Bar - divebars - Updated May 2026

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