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    The World Famous IBar

    4.5 (32 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars
    Closed • Closed

    The World Famous IBar Photos

    THE WORLD FAMOUS IBAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    I think these were called kegs, there were 4. They had cheese and sour cream in them.
    Andrea M.

    Decent bar food. The prices are great but the servers are really fun. I really enjoyed the bloody mary.

    The bar rules.
    Roy I.

    The Top Gun bar. I'm not even a drinker but I enjoyed visiting her with my niece and sister. The atmosphere is great. I got a Pepsi and popcorn and obeyed the rules. Great bar!

    Pilot's mugs overhead and bar behind.
    Holly S.

    Yep, it is the official pilot bar as described on North Island Naval Installation, Coronado. You will need a military ID to access it but guests are permitted and tolerated / ignored by the groups of multiple pilots themselves talking stink and welcomed warmly by staff, families, other patrons. Small bar, with popcorn machine and covered area out back for seating with small, walking paths, fountain and games (corn hole, etc). Families out on patio running around with little ones and on special occasions (such as Cinco de Mayo for us) offer food out back. Street parking around block building. Only 6 spots in front around circle.

    Inside the bar
    Tyson C.

    You need special permission to get on base, but once you do this bar is fun and the staff is super friendly and helpful. The bar is small and tall people may hit their heads on the mugs hanging from from the ceiling. No food is available, but they do have a popcorn machine with a bunch of different seasoning toppings. Their is a few rules at the bar, but I will not tell you and you should know them before you enter the bar. Staff is super sweet and genuine. The public are welcomed, but have not always been. It is a treat to be inside and enjoy a cold frosty beer. A great piece of history in San Diego.

    Great service, drinks and next level ambiance! It's on a Naval base, so you either have to know a stud (studette) or be one to get on base; I know one! Hats off to our military!

    Lots of history in this place and friendly staff. Bartender gave us an overview of the place. Just make sure you know and observe the rules of the bar. They are posted.

    Main entrance
    Lawrence C.

    This is the real deal! This is where the top guns would come if they were based here. There is an incredible amount of history here. I'm sorry I didn't take any photos of the interior.....you'll just have to check it out yourself. Pitchers of beer are $13, and glasses of wine are $6.50. Hot freshly popped popcorn is free and overflowing. Service by the bar is efficient, friendly, and with a smile. Originally (we're talking 1950's), the I-Bar was reserved for senior officers. By the mid 1960's, it had become a general pilots' hang-out. The model aircraft, hanging from the ceiling, are now limited to U.S. Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard types, and they could be experimental, developmental, under evaluation, or otherwise. NASNI Instruction 1710.13 of 29 July 1994 designated the "I-Bar" a "Commissioned Officers' Mess", insuring its availability for the enjoyment by future generations of Naval Aviators.

    World famous I bar

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Great bartenders, great atmosphere. It was good to be back around the Navy. I highly recommend this bar if you can get on base.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    If you can get on base to this gem, it's a good place to hang out for an aviation atmosphere

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    2 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    3 years ago

    If you want the authentic naval environment and drink with the pilots, this is the place.

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    3 years ago

    Fun place to visit or sure! Bartender and locals were very welcoming! Definitely worth trying!

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Was TDY and stayed at the BOQ North Island. The I bar was a quick walk from my room; spent many a night there!

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The World Famous IBar

    Can civilians go to this bar?

    Sort of. You need to be with someone who can get on base.

    Says closed for renovations until summer 2019, anyone know when this summer? Planning a trip the end of June and hoping it will be reopened by then.

    It's open now

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    Review Highlights - The World Famous IBar

    “. There are model aircraft hanging from the low ceiling that you cannot touch”

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Raised By Wolves - Lots o' Scotch

    Raised By Wolves

    4.3(2.3k reviews)
    12.3 mi•University City
    •$$$

    RAISED BY WOLVES @ UTC LA JOLLA…read more Raised by Wolves is located inside UTC La Jolla, tucked away in the very back of the mall near the Din Tai Fung area. I would definitely recommend parking around Corner Bakery or near 24 Hour Fitness for the closest way in. This was my very first time going to Raised by Wolves. I made a reservation on OpenTable, and if you are reading this right now, I highly recommend booking one. When we got there, the wait was two hours for people without a reservation. I booked for 9 PM on a Saturday night with my friends after dinner. We actually arrived at UTC earlier than expected, so we let the host know and they let us in about 20 minutes early. As for parking, they do not validate here. Parking is free for the first hour and then two dollars per hour after that, so just be aware that you may end up paying for parking when you visit this bar. It is set up like a speakeasy, which is really cool. You get to see where the actual bar is hidden. We ended up ordering a bunch of cocktails and the drinks were super great. I really loved the vibe overall. It was lively and chatty, and the staff was super friendly. The ambiance is very dark and classy. Keep in mind they do not serve food here. It is purely drinks only. Overall, I would definitely recommend stopping by.

    LOVE THIS SPEAKEASY…read more Shoutout Taylor and Lexi for the incredible service. The ambiance and drinks are unmatched.

    Photos
    Raised By Wolves - Tiramitini and Mojito.

    Tiramitini and Mojito.

    Raised By Wolves - The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.

    The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.

    Raised By Wolves - Smells of leather bound books and rich mahogany

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    Smells of leather bound books and rich mahogany

    False Idol - Reserve Mai Tai

    False Idol

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    2.5 mi•Little Italy
    •$$

    They don't serve food but they are connected to craft and Craft & Commerce which has good food…read more The staff is awesome I've never had a bad experience and when visiting for a special occasion they've always gone above and beyond to ensure we have a good time! The decor is incredible it's absolutely a must see for all tiki fans and anyone who loves a heavily themed bar!

    This is a very small but beautifully decorated tiki bar inside the Craft & Commerce restaurant. I…read morerecommend making a reservation but you can also try walking in (you may be allowed access but may not get a table, so be prepared to stand). The place is not exactly hidden; there is a host stand near the entrance. For what it is worth, the parking lot next door to False Idol and Craft & Commerce should be renamed Butch Cassidy, not because of the entertaining movie, but because it charges highway robbery rates. We paid $40 on a Friday night. That is...outrageous. The menu at False Idol is long and delightful and the drinks are delicious. As far as I can tell, none of the drinks are blended, so sorry for you Pina Colada fans, which includes me. They also offer three mocktails. We tried a Mac Nut Chi Chi (macadamia based) and a Chi Breeze mocktail (also macadamia based). They were both very nice. I appreciated the detail in the menu. If you want stronger and boozier drinks, they are available. If you want something lighter, they have that, too. Most of the drinks seemed reasonably priced. The lighting and music were excellent. When someone ordered a shareable "bowl" drink, loud volcano rumbling noises played and the lighting flickered. That was fun. As a tiki fan, I would return, but I would never, ever park in that evil thieving parking lot next door again.

    Photos
    False Idol - Rum Old Fashioned

    Rum Old Fashioned

    False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

    Isn't it gorgeous?!

    False Idol - Tiki themed decor

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    Tiki themed decor

    Mothership - Amazing decor

    Mothership

    4.3(993 reviews)
    4.7 mi•South Park, Golden Hill, North Park
    •$$

    This was such a cool bar with very nice staff…read more It's easy to find, street parking was a nonissue, and they have a huge selection of cocktails with a decent selection of mocktails as well. I love their menu design. It gives a lot of attention to each drink with a clear description breakdown along with the level of alcohol meter. A lot of the drinks are STRONG and their presentations are magnificent.

    We had such a great experience at this space themed bar! One thing that I would make a note of is…read morethat we did make a reservation for 10 pm on a Saturday night, but still had to wait in a very long line out the door for a good 15 minutes. We were confused, along with many other folks in line. I think they were just preparing their tables way longer than expected. Other than that inconvenience, the bar itself was beautifully decorated and very on-theme. The drinks were very much giving "tiki bar but in space" and were veryyyy strong. They have an alcohol strength spectrum on their menu so you can guide yourself through the drinks. We got drinks that weren't even on the strong side of the scale and they were still pretty strong. This would be a great place for a pregame for sure! They even have some food and seasonal soft serve other than their normal drinks. Overall, great service, strong drinks, and fun vibes. Perfect place for a pregame!

    Photos
    Mothership - Deceiving Exterior

    Deceiving Exterior

    Mothership - Mindkiller

    Mindkiller

    Mothership - Away Mission

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    Away Mission

    Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

    Noble Experiment

    4.5(1.9k reviews)
    2.7 mi•East Village, Core
    •$$

    My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

    Drinks are hit and miss. No menu bar is more gimmicky than anything…read more I'm sure there's some set menu that the bartenders just play off of and quality of the drinks really really just depends on who's your bartender. First round was great, not exactly what we ordered but still quality cocoktail. Second round was not good at all. And especially not what we ordered lol The wait on off days can be 5-10 minutes. Busy days it can be 1-2 hours. Drinks: 5/10 Service: 6/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Value: 4/10

    Photos
    Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

    Noble Experiment - Ceiling and chandelier

    Ceiling and chandelier

    Noble Experiment - Skull wall

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    Skull wall

    Part Time Lover - The record room

    Part Time Lover

    4.2(533 reviews)
    5.5 mi•North Park
    •$$

    Great vibe and speedy service!…read more We loved the Vinyl room and security was very attentive to their surroundings.

    I came to Part Time Lover last year after eating at a restaurant nearby. I don't drink alcohol in…read moregeneral so I had asked if they could make a drink virgin... They told me no. The only options then were "a fruity drink, a chocolate drink, or a bubbly drink" and so I asked for a fruity. It tasted like juice in sparkling soda. I honestly was underwhelmed and turned off by the fact they hadn't put any effort in thinking about customers who come for the vibes but don't actually drink alcohol. It was also a jam packed Saturday night and it was incredibly loud so when trying to talk to my friends sitting next to me I had to shout. Ended up straining my voice by the end of the night. This experience last year was probably 2-3 stars, not good. But fast forward a year and some months later, they have a "Free Spirited" section on their menu now!!! This time I also went with a fruity drink and it was actually really good!! I'm glad Part Time Lover has turned a new leaf and actually put conscious effort into their mocktails. We also came here earlier on a Thursday night so it wasn't packed, was very easy to get a seat and just hangout. This better experience bumped up my impression of the place, so 4 stars!

    Photos
    Part Time Lover - The bar at PTL San Diego

    The bar at PTL San Diego

    Part Time Lover - Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

    Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

    Part Time Lover - Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

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    Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

    Convoy Music Bar - Lychee Martini

    Convoy Music Bar

    4.5(432 reviews)
    9.3 mi•Kearny Mesa
    •$$

    Such a great speakeasy-style music bar! The drinks are strong, delicious, and really well made. The…read morebartenders are also incredibly friendly and go above and beyond to make sure you get something you'll enjoy. They're happy to suggest unique drinks or even create something specifically tailored to your taste, which made the experience feel really personal. Getting to the front door is probably the only slightly questionable part because you have to walk down an alley, but once you get inside, it's completely worth it. The place is beautiful, clean, and has a really great atmosphere. Even the bathrooms were spotless! I also loved the little personal touches. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, the staff gives you a personalized card, which I thought was such a thoughtful touch. One of my friends and I were sitting at the bar, and the bartender noticed how much I loved their cheese-stuffed olives and brought me a few extra. It's those little details that really stand out and make you feel welcomed. Overall, such a fun and unique place with great drinks, great service, and an amazing atmosphere. Definitely a place I'd come back to!

    We had RSVP Walk past the dumpster alley…read moreDo not knock they will see you on camera Dark moody vibes 4 stars cute little space Drinks delicious 4 stars Service 4 stars Not too ridiculously expensive either

    Photos
    Convoy Music Bar - Corner table view:  large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Corner table view: large JBL speakers with Macintosh amps

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

    Interior

    Convoy Music Bar - Interior

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    Interior

    Prohibition - Our famous Prohibition Old Fashioned

    Prohibition

    4.0(1k reviews)
    2.6 mi•Gaslamp
    •$$

    So came down to San Diego to celebrate my brother birthday and we decided to take a whiskey class…read morewith our ladies. So we found that Prohibition offers a whiskey class where you can make drinks yourself. Met the owner Ryan who is the owner of Prohibition Whiskey and he told us the story about how he started the business and we connected because he was from Oakland. From that moment it was on and poppin. The vibes of the class was great and conversations along with the drinks were flowing. We ended the night by making an espresso martini made with whiskey and it was amazing. Plus it was dope that I got to make the drink myself. Can't wait to come back to San Diego to patron this establishment

    I went to Prohibition when I was attending a conference at the Convention Center, so I think my…read moreexperience is a little different. A sponsor had rented out the whole place and all drinks were comped with food being passed around. We had cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which I think were all from the Havana restaurant upstairs. Food was great! Drinks were good, but the menu was so confusing to me. I didn't really like how they categorized them. Sometimes I feel like just being straightforward is better. Too cute with trying to do the prohibition/speakeasy menu. It did take a while to get drinks when it was packed. Understandable. But I had a few that were good, the boats and hoes, and keffir lime tequila drink were great. I would say that the bathroom had a bit of a stink to it...not sure what it was but smelled just like coming up from the pipes. May just be a basement issue. Overall, good experience. It didn't feel super special but just like any other speakeasy. I like False Idol better in terms of overall vibe.

    Photos
    Prohibition
    Prohibition - El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

    El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

    Prohibition - Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

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    Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

    Starlite - Starlite Burger

    Starlite

    4.1(2.7k reviews)
    3.2 mi•Middletown, Mission Hills
    •$$$

    Starlite delivers that quintessential sleek, mid-century modern lounge atmosphere right along India…read moreStreet. The iconic geometric wood ceiling, dramatic chandelier, and moody lighting make the space feel effortlessly cool. The craft cocktail program is legendary, and the elevated gastropub menu is just as impressive, the grilled octopus was tender with a wonderful smoky char, the Jidori chicken was remarkably juicy with perfectly crispy skin, and the sea bass was delicate and flaky. Taking off one star because street parking along India Street can require quite a bit of circling during peak evening hours, and the dining room gets rather loud and dim once the crowd settles in. Still, an absolute San Diego staple and a top choice for a stylish date night, late-night craft drinks, or dinner with friends.

    Every thing from the food to the service was amazing!! My fiancé and I went for our anniversary,…read morethey sat us next to the waterfall and it was absolutely beautiful! Our favorite meals from our trip were actually from here! The sides are best in my opinion but we did not have a single dish that we thought could be improved! Our servers were so sweet and on top of it!! We also really enjoyed all of the cocktails we were able to try. If you're thinking about going here I'd say book the reservation!

    Photos
    Starlite - Bar area after entering

    Bar area after entering

    Starlite - Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!

    Chef's vegetable salad, beautiful presented and super yummy!

    Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

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    Cocktails are fun!

    Polite Provisions - Uncle Jalapeño

    Polite Provisions

    4.3(2k reviews)
    6.2 mi•University Heights, North Park
    •$$

    Always a 5 Star experience when gathering for drinks here…read more Over the years, the names have changed for the provider of Polite Provision's delicious orderable food to go along with their polite provisions. Items such as scrupulously prepared meatballs, fried polenta, spaghetti with mushroom sauce, etc., from the prior next-door, connected purveyor "Soda and Swine"...but those days are done ...I digress. And where is Soda and Swine's Yelp page? I know I did a review, but now the page appears gone completely in search? Nah, it's just hidden, presumably to accommodate Fortunate Sons, which opened about a year ago after re-construction of both establishments. I'm too lazy to see if still owned by Consortium Group. I did search my reviews and found my updated Soda & Swine review dated 8 & 10 years ago. O_o !! Now, food is still served, however, there's a new name in town called "Fortunate Son" (next door, connected). Apparently, food now served is Asian-inspired. I've not visited recently to taste. The North Park area is a great neighborhood with many different types of food close by. While you're there, don't forget to stop by "An's Dry Cleaners", where the most inventive gelato's, ice creams and sorbets come from.

    You can order from the bar or your table. Lots of different seating options indoors and outdoors…read more Very extensive drink menu almost too many options. The drinks we ordered were good and service didn't take too long. Right next to Fortunate Son so you can order food from them and enjoy in their bar.

    Photos
    Polite Provisions - Want. Make. Disco.

    Want. Make. Disco.

    Polite Provisions - Real oil lamps!

    Real oil lamps!

    Polite Provisions - Art deco

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    Art deco

    Kiku Room - DJ in the front room. Back room behind him that can be accessed from the side.

    Kiku Room

    3.4(46 reviews)
    3.0 mi•Middletown

    Maybe it's because we went right at opening time 6pm on a Saturday- our group enjoyed this spot…read more The bartender was great and we got a few rounds before heading to our next destination. Being here for about an hour and a half, people started to arrive. It is on the smaller end but it was a vibe! Would come again even with the mixed reviews on yelp.

    I've visited here a couple of times, and my experiences have been completely different depending on…read morewhen I went. The first time was fantastic. The atmosphere immediately reminded me of Berlin with its moody red room aesthetic and unique vibe. There's a DJ right when you walk in next to the bar, and as you make your way toward the back, you'll find additional seating. It's a fun, energetic space that's unlike many other spots in San Diego. However, my visit this past Friday was a completely different story. We had to wait outside for people to leave before we could get in, although thankfully that only took a few minutes. Once inside, it was packed shoulder to shoulder. There are only two bathroom stalls so it took about 20 minutes just to use the restroom. The biggest issue, though, was the temperature. It honestly felt like it was 100 degrees inside. It was unbearably hot, and after a while we had to leave because we were so uncomfortable. During a crowded San Diego summer night, having air conditioning or at least improved ventilation would make a huge difference. That said, I still recommend checking this place out. My advice is to visit on a weekday instead of a weekend, and avoid especially hot or overly crowded nights. When it's not packed, the atmosphere is unique, stylish, and definitely worth experiencing.

    Photos
    Kiku Room - Pay to get in bar.

    Pay to get in bar.

    Kiku Room - Entrance to the back room

    Entrance to the back room

    Kiku Room

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    The World Famous IBar - bars - Updated October 2026

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