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The World Famous IBar

4.5 (31 reviews)
InexpensiveBars
Open 3:00 pm - 9:00 PM

The World Famous IBar Photos

THE WORLD FAMOUS IBAR ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - The World Famous IBar

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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.

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.

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!

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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2 months ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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11 months 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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3 years ago

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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

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

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10 years ago

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2 years ago

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

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6 years ago

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3 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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9 years ago

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11 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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False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

False Idol

4.4(1.4k reviews)
2.5 miLittle Italy
$$

My False Idol experience was memorable, albeit blurry toward the end! My boyfriend and I had been…read moreon a half-day tour beforehand, but I saw that False Idol was near our hotel and I insisted we stop in for a cocktail before calling it a night. I knew it was a speakeasy but he did not. I was trying to double-check on my phone that Craft & Commerce was the right restaurant its housed in (yes) when he tried to jet set off down the block "to keep looking" rather than listen to me. I yelled, "MOTHER!" by accident and then he did truly leave me hahaha. He resurfaced a few minutes later, and then we walked in. It was 5:15 at the time, so 15 minutes after opening. I had NO IDEA how popular this spot was, nor anything about its nation-wide reputation. I actually didn't know that until two days ago when a Yelp-friend at home here in Richmond, Virginia, exclaimed excitedly when I told her we stopped in. The host who greeted us was kind, informed us there had been a line to get in that day, but that they had one barrel left; we jumped on it of course. It was happy hour, so the first cocktail I ordered was dirt cheap at $9. It was the Imperial Hawaiian with gin, rum, lemon, pineapple, and orgeat. I really shouldn't have ordered a second drink after that one, but I did have the classic Saturn later on in the night and it was absurdly good! Definitely my favorite of the two. The moody tiki vibe was so cool and fun. They even had frogs you could play on the tables. We had some fun neighbors too, which livened up the experience even more. We had a great time and both walked out heavily buzzed. We were asleep by 8 that night, but it was worth it!

False idol is a tucked away Hawaiian themed speakeasy behind a restaurant. Reservations are…read morerequired so be mindful of that before going. Once inside seating is first come first served so the place is insanely crowded with people trying to get drinks. Service is a little confusing as the waiters will come up to you with a menu asking for your order instead of an order at the bar type of thing. Once we actually got a seat things were okay. The menu is mostly rum drinks since this is a rum bar however since I'm not the biggest fan I ordered the only thing with tequila on the menu. My drink was actually really good, it was refreshing, not too sweet or strong at all. I just wish there would be more variety.

Photos
False Idol - Tiki themed decor

Tiki themed decor

False Idol - Rum barrel

Rum barrel

False Idol - Back bar rum selection

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Back bar rum selection

Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

Noble Experiment

4.5(1.9k reviews)
2.7 miEast Village
$$

My brother-in-law and I were looking for places to drink....And we just wanted somewhere chill. We…read moreknew that any bar by tacos el gordo would be too wild for us, so we walked a couple blocks and approached Noble Experiment. I would say this was probably our highlight of our trip in San Diego. Garrick, the bartender there, was super accommodating. Not only was he and the other bartender were making damn good drinks, they would legit talk to you. The ambiance of the place is cool too. Felt like I was going inside some continental room like John Wick. Definitely my vibe and definitely coming back. But if you ever get Garrick as your bartender, you're in for a treat!

The Noble Experiment: 9/10…read more Aesthetic & Ambiance: 9.5 - This place gives "speakeasy haunted mansion" vibes. You walk into the barrels, down the mirrors, and into the skull room...IYKYK no less. The waits to get very deadly so make sure to put your name on the list early. Service: 9/10 The host was chill, and we had Quintin as our mixologist. There are no menus he told us, he just went off of our flavors, and palate, so I can't really speak for how to order the same drink. First drink: 9/10 (profile) Vodka bases with cucumber and strawberry. Second drink: 8.5/10 (profile) Smokey, deep old fashion. Overall a MUST-GO to if you're in the area stopping by!

Photos
Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

Noble Experiment - Bartenders creations.

Bartenders creations.

Noble Experiment - Skull wall

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Skull wall

Part Time Lover - The bar at PTL San Diego

Part Time Lover

4.3(506 reviews)
5.5 miNorth Park
$$

Fun speakeasy in North Park. Probably the most popular bar in the area. The DJs are unreal and this…read morespot always has the best music. The drinks are creative and fun. The vibe is immaculate: dim-lighting, wooden furniture, nice wallpaper, and dark curtains. Cute but very overpriced vinyl shop in the back, it's more for show. It gets insanely busy here every night. There will always be a wait after 9 PM. Wait isn't long, but it's essential as it gets PACKED inside. Seating is always full and people will throw hands for a table. There is minimal room to stand. Unfortunately, there is NO DANCEFLOOR :,( The bar lines are INSANE and can be hard to follow. But the bartneders are patient and helpful when it's finally your turn. While I warn about the crowds, this place is awesome. 10/10 one of the best spots in San Diego, the staple of North Park.

This is a nice establishment, especially for lounging with a date. Very clean and nice drinks too…read more A little pricey however that's the norm in this area for the more popular out of towner type spots. The servers are friendly. But you have to be patient as they are often quite busy. The record store and records theme is what they present online but to be honest that is only a minute section of the establishment. It definitely doesn't describe the theme of the place neither. The worker in the record section simply ignored me when I tried to purchase a record and after a minute I had to ask for him to please ring me up. No apology from him. No biggie, I still had a decent time drinking here.

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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

Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

Part Time Lover - Record Store inside the bar

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Record Store inside the bar

Prohibition - Our famous Prohibition Old Fashioned

Prohibition

4.0(1k reviews)
2.6 miGaslamp
$$

As I approached the old law office, we found a line wrapped outside ensuring ID was confirmed prior…read moreto entry. Our group was surprised as is was 2115, it's been open for about an hour and a half and packed. As you enter this old law office down a staircase one would find the "speakeasy statutes/rules" to maintain the 1920s atmosphere-- we loved the setting, the people, the drinks, and of course the live music!! One would not be disappointed. The cocktail menu was on an old record, which I thought it was so clever. Back to the rules, seems pretty easy! They mention to keep an open mind with the drinks as they do not carry vodkas, redbull, Budweiser or bulls**t. Mentioned a dresscode, more so be classic and states be respectful and don't be a di*k. I couldn't agree more with the rules. I don't think there is good at this establishment, as our group just came from dinner I wasn't looking for food. Just spirits, live music and a good time. Highly recommend if you are looking for live music and uniquely crafted cocktails.

I am writing this review to bring a serious safety and security issue to management's attention. On…read moreMay 18th. around 10pm, I was at this establishment and was unfortunately dealing with a male date who became erratic, weird, and made me feel unsafe. Multiple bystanders witnessed his behavior but failed to intervene, assuming it was just "relationship drama" After the man finally left, the venue's security completely misread the situation. Instead of checking on my well-being or ensuring the aggressor had left the premises, security targeted and chased me as if I were the problem. It is incredibly disappointing and dangerous for a business's security team to lack the basic situational awareness and training required to identify the actual victim in a situation. I felt entirely unprotected by the staff here. I hope management takes this as a serious sign that their security team needs immediate retraining on bystander intervention and de-escalation, rather than harassing women who are already in vulnerable situations.

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 - Pistachio ice cream sandwich

Starlite

4.1(2.6k reviews)
3.2 miMiddletown, Mission Hills
$$$

We had an incredible date night at Starlite! The different…read moresections each had a cool vibe, we got sat in the mirrored seating area right next to the waterfall. I enjoyed a delicious mocktail and my husband had one of the house cocktails. The twice baked potato was amazing! Honestly couldn't go wrong with anything off there menu. Would highly recommend. (Definitely get reservations)

I wish I had the capacity to let y'all get the full experience that I did. I booked my reservation…read morethrough the Opentable app (highly recommend). Please keep in mind, if you do book through Opentable that they ask you to put a card down on file. The reservation was for 5:30, luckily a block away there's a parking lot (you do have to pay) as their personal parking lot fits 5-6 cars. The hostess was a sweetheart and super accommodating, as we were a few minutes late due to the parking situation and we had a great seat that showed the open layout with the chandelier, the back panel by the entrance with all the stars, etc. Overall: Service, exceptional. (5/5) Our waitress: Kelly, was a sweetheart, informative, mindful on consistent check-in's for refills, drinks, going over steps of the menu (e.g. - small bites, entrees, dessert, didn't feel rushed or too pushy, and considerate on time, and promptness). The waiter that came by mid-video to do the torch component of the butters we added on to our meats was great, I love that it's table side because it enhances the experience to the ambiance and you can squeeze a little video in. If you do go for your birthday, as I did, they provide you with a dessert outside of their choices, however, we did overindulge a bit. Overall, I had a phenomenal experience for my birthday dinner, the music/ambiance was great, service was great, and the food quality for both the meat choices we got, sides (caesar salad, broccoli, and macaroni) we're all SO yummy! I will definitely be back!

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Starlite - Bar area after entering

Bar area after entering

Starlite - Herb Scalloped Potatoes

Herb Scalloped Potatoes

Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

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Cocktails are fun!

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

Kiku Room

3.6(33 reviews)
3.0 miMiddletown

One of the coolest new spots in San Diego in my opinion. This is the original location of the…read moreCasbah, it then languished for years as the Kava Lounge, a strange spot for wooks, and finally it became Kiku Room. Kiku Room has a chic minimalist interior, with polish concrete, metal, and glass as the primary backdrop. The DJ booth is large and separates the front sitting area from a lounge in the back that is draped in deep red lighting. The bartenders are cool and welcoming, the DJs who come through are usually really good, and the lounge is quite comfortable as well. Pretty good price on drinks overall, too. You can get a glass of draft Asahi here for $7, for instance, which is pretty good for a place that's in this DTSD-adjacent area.

The music is their main focus -- and you can feel that the second you walk in. It's not random…read moreSpotify vibes. Yes the space is small but that helps make it feel more intimate. The cocktails are just as dialed. Balanced, clean, strong (in a good way), and not trying too hard. They have some great NA options as well. The NA Asahi beer is amazing. You can tell there's real intention behind the bar, which makes the whole experience feel cohesive. Yes, there's usually a line -- but that's what happens when something is this good. I've heard they're working on expanding, which would be amazing because the space deserves to hold more people without losing that energy. Five stars. For the music. For the drinks. For the vibe. I'll happily wait in line for this one.

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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 - Dj area

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Dj area

The World Famous IBar - bars - Updated May 2026

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