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Uptown Tavern

4.1 (704 reviews)
Open • 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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UPTOWN TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Trendy
Loud
Dogs allowed

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Veggie sliders
Christina H.

This place does not have very many vegetarian options. However, the veggie patty sliders, they had beats in the patty and I LOVE BEATS. The sliders were a bit dry but the flavor was delicious. The noise levels were a bit high. There was indoor and outdoor seating but there wasn't much of a divide from inside to outside so I feel like there was still a nice breeze inside. The decorations were very fun, I liked the energy of the space. Plus there is no parking lot, it is all street parking. Jerad our server was and he was kind and attentive. Our food came out very quickly.

Lauryn M.

I always come here for happy hour food and the atmosphere. It is a LBGTQ bar that surprisingly serves not only great drinks but also good food. We had the buffalo chicken Cesar wrap and the LGBLT sandwich or something like that. They were both really good. We have also had their 5 spice wings that are also good. Fair warning it can get crowded as it gets later in the night so be aware of that if that's not your thing. They also serve seasonal specialty drinks as well which are usually tasty and super cute.

Drinks with my sister
Michael N.

Great place to unwind after a long day. My sister took me here. The drink pours are generous if you know what I mean. For munchie foods I ate fries and veggie sliders; they were both good. The service is exceptional and in a great location. My only critique was that I was underneath an A/C vent so I was a little cold as the evening wore on. Besides that, I loved it!

Potatoe skins
Taelyr V.

Ambiance is great, I love the set up! We sat and looked over the menu, which we loved! Between the brussel sprouts, pretzel, and the steak frites it was hard to choose. I ended up getting a unicorn mule, and a virgin one for my partner. Both were really good! We also got the pretzel with house cheese dip, which may have been the best pretzel and cheese I have ever had in my life. No joke, I am a connoisseur after all. We also got the potatoe skins! My only complaint with the food was it was a tad greasy, but also what do you expect for fried and bar foods. The only reason this isn't a five star review, was the service. Our waitress looked less then pleased to be waiting on us and just us Since she was friendly with so many others. Will return for the food and drinks, but maybe lower our expectations for service.

Stay hydrated.
Bertolucci S.

It was our first time back at Uptown Tavern in a while, and it did not disappoint. We grabbed seats at the bar, and Mulan ( Spelling) was our bartender the MVP . Even with the Sunday Funday crowd packing the gayborhood, she kept the drinks flowing, the energy high, and the service on point. The food was great, the service was even better, and the vibe was absolutely vibing thanks to the DJ.

Andy V.

I come here often and it's always a fun, reliable spot. The drinks are consistently good, and the steak and eggs is one of my go to orders. Portions are generous and satisfying. Sundays get very busy, but that adds to the energy and makes it feel like a true day spot. Service keeps up well with the crowd and the vibe stays lively. It's somewhere I enjoy returning to and bringing friends for an easy, social meal.

Charles C.

I had dined at this restaurant located on University Avenue in Hillcrest a number of years ago. However, recently i re-visted on several occasions to see what was on the new menu that I had heard about from friends. When I have gone to the Uptown Tavern recently, I have decided to dine at tehthe bar each time. The bar is a big square located in the center of the dining room. I was also told about a new lounge in the back. However, I understand the back lounge is designated for private parties, so I have not yet been back there. The menu is more comprehensive than I had expected. There are a number of salads and sandwiches, all of which sounded very interesting. There is also a Happy Hour Menu if you dine early. One of the bartenders told me also that the brunch at the Uptown Tavern is very popular with locals.

Randall B.

We were a bit parched so we tried Uptoen Tavern on a Friday night. It was busy but we were seated very quickly. We wanted refreshing and a splash of fruit. The server asked us to let him pick the drinks so we did. Yummmm-eeeee. Both we're amazing. We enjoyed our drinks and wanted just a bit more but we didn't want two full drinks. We asked if we could order one drink and split it and wahoo, they did it. All around a great place for food and drinks. Enjoy!

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Jane A.

"I'M WITH THE BARTENDER..." (5 stars) The Hillcrest place you go to pregame before stepping out to the scenes. - FOOD: good bar food - PRICE: fair - SERVICE: spectacular - VIBE: fun and lively We stopped in during prime time (around 8p) and it was busy! Lots of hot gay boys filled the bar - predominantly male scene. I'm not gay but them boys would make me wish I was a gay boy. Everyone seems like a regular here and everyone was so darn friendly and welcoming. I felt the positive fun vibes here and foresee myself coming through more often. A friend is a bartender here and I see why she loves her work. Decided to do a surprise visit - it's my first time in the scene outside of pride. :: FOOD :: TRADITIONAL BUFFALO WINGS ($14) - Served with pickled celery and house made buttermilk ranch. Got the sauce on the side. I love me some chicken wings! They were average but delicious. HIGHLY RECOMMEND TAVERN SLIDERS ($15) - 3 Angus patties with cheddar cheese, house-made pickles, ketchup, and garlic aioli served on Hawaiian rolls. Plumpy little bite size burgers served with a thick patty. The fries it came with were seasoned well and crispy. RECOMMEND CHICKEN STRIPS BASKET ($17.50) - Crispy, hand-battered chicken strips and fries, served with house made ketchup and buttermilk ranch. Our friend recommended this, although a lot of food was already ordered and yet to be consumed this was ordered on top of that because it's the "popular" item many people order. It came with 3 gigantic very breaded pieces of chicken. While popular amongst everyone else who orders this it was just ok for me. Very giving potions doesn't always make up what lacks and I felt that something in this dish lacked and didn't wow me. I think I prefer naked chicken wings. BERRY DRINK - I asked for "something fruity, cocktaily... with gin" and was served a big drink that tasted refreshing and fruity!!! I will leave the mixology up to the pros, I trust their judgements. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Will def be back. JABA APPROVED. Until the next time...

Nikki R.

Started coming here a few months ago after the gym. We were hooked after our first Friday happy hour. Their specials are perfect. Always get a seat at the bar. Everyone we have met is so friendly, whether is a random person sitting next to us or a member of the staff!

Steak And Eggs

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5 months ago

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Scott B.

Thanks Raymond! See you next Friday?

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27 days ago

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Scott B.

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3 months ago

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3 months ago

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Scott B.

Thanks, Jacob. Hope to earn that 5th star someday!

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1 year ago

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Scott B.

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7 months ago

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Scott B.

Thank you so much, Lauryn!

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7 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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9 months ago

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Scott B.

Thank you so much Andy, look forward to your next visit!

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2 years ago

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Scott B.

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2 months ago

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Scott B.

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5 months ago

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Scott B.

Thanks so much, Chelsea. Look forward to your next visit!

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1 year ago

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Scott B.

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5 months ago

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Scott B.

Thank you so much Allan!

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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Scott B.

Thanks so much Randall and look forward to your next visit!

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6 months ago

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Scott B.

Thanks, Dash (how about one more star?)

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3 years ago

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Scott B.

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1 year ago

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Scott B.

Thanks, Andrew. Look forward to your next visit!

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2 years ago

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Scott B.

Thank you Nikki!

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3 years ago

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Scott B.

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5 months ago

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Scott B.

Thank you Alex!

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6 months ago

Our server is always amazing! He is why we return every week for happy hour. They have a pretty good happy hour too

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Scott B.

Thanks so much!!!

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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Scott B.

Thank you Tammy!!

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2 years ago

I love this spot. Food is good, the drinks are great and the staff is always friendly. I love the patio, it's giving what it needs to give!

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4 years ago

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Scott B.

Thanks Luis, see you again soon!

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3 years ago

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Scott B.

Thanks, Mai!

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9 months ago

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Scott B.

Thank you so much!

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3 years ago

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Scott B.

Thank you Morgan!

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5 years ago

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Scott B.

Thanks, Teresa!

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2 years ago

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Scott B.

Thanks so much Ebony….see you again soon!

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6 years ago

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Scott B.

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3 years ago

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Scott B.

Well Okay, I guess

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5 years ago

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Scott B.

Thanks Caron. Hope to see you again soon!

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4 years ago

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Scott B.

So kind of you Tracee, look forward to your next visit!

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2 years ago

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Scott B.

Wow, we’re blushing—thanks so much!

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2 years ago

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5 years ago

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Page 1 of 18

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Part Time Lover

4.2(539 reviews)
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Part Time Lover is such a gem! I remember this spot from its Bar Pink days, and bonus points for…read morekeeping the iconic elephants in the women's restroom. Some things just deserve to stay! The entire vibe here is fantastic. The bartenders are friendly, know their craft, and make a seriously good drink. The Lion's Den #2 is absolute perfection. Add in the record store tucked in the back, cozy couches you can sink into, and the dark, moody ambient lighting, and you have the perfect spot to settle in and stay awhile. A little nostalgic, a little eclectic, and a whole lot of cool. Love everything about this place. Five stars all day!

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!

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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)

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

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Mothership - Amazing decor

Mothership

4.3(1k reviews)
1.8 mi•South Park, Golden Hill, North Park
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We've been wanting to check out Mothership for a while, so we finally made it happen during our San…read moreDiego trip. Definitely make a reservation. It's a pretty small place, and I can see how it could fill up quickly. We lucked out with a great corner seat where we could pretty much see everything happening around us. The whole space is themed like you've stepped onto another planet or into some kind of spaceship. The lighting, the decor, even the cocktail menu fits the theme. Make sure you check out the hallway and restroom area too. They really put some thought into the details. We ordered a few cocktails and appetizers, including the bao buns, and just hung out enjoying the atmosphere. The drinks were fun, especially the Mindkiller, which came in this crazy-looking glass. The staff was friendly, and we had a good time. I will say, I was expecting a little more to happen based on some videos I'd seen online. There wasn't really anything extra going on during our visit. It was more of a cool themed bar where you sit, have drinks and some food, and enjoy the surroundings. Nothing wrong with that, just a little different from what I expected. Would we go back? Absolutely... It's a fun spot, especially if you love themed bars. I'd definitely give it another visit and see what the experience is like next time.

Very cool concept bar, one of those places you can visit once and check off your list. It can be…read moretough to get a reservation here so just plan ahead. Staff was friendly and informative about the menu, had good recommendations. Food was tasty, we tried the bread & sandwiches + cake. I think everything on the menu was vegetarian if I'm not mistaken. Sandwiches were made with jackfruit. Really enjoyed the flavors of the dipping sauce that came with the bread. Drinks were tasty & well made. They do monitor your time pretty closely, I think for a party of 3, we had maybe 1.5 hours or 2 at the most to enjoy our time. So if you're not someone who likes to give up their table within a set time frame, I would not recommend this spot because they do make it clear they need the table back.

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Mothership - Deceiving Exterior

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Mothership - Mindkiller

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insideOUT - Chips and dip

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4.4(1.5k reviews)
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InsideOUT is always one of those places we try to visit whenever we're in San Diego, and we've…read morenever had a bad experience. This time we stopped in for brunch, enjoyed some cocktails and mimosas, and just took in the whole atmosphere. They really know how to transform this place. The Enchanted Oasis theme was beautiful, with flowers everywhere, butterflies, and so many fun little details. It's definitely one of those places where you want to take pictures of everything. The brunch was delicious, the drinks were fun, and the staff was super friendly as always. There's just something about the energy here, especially during brunch. Everyone seems to be having a great time, and it makes you want to hang out a little longer. We've been here on different visits to San Diego, and it's always a good time. Between the changing themes, the food, the drinks, and the people, they keep giving us reasons to come back. Already looking forward to our next visit.

Super cool vibe. Great spot to hang out for on a special occasion. Both Mike and Mark who were…read morebehind the bar tonight, were amazing. Never once did I need to tell them I needed another drink or more water. They were on point! Cocktails were good. I'd say they very much so matched the decor - A bit artificial but cool to be around. First cocktail was Crimson Smoke: verde amaras mezcal, ginger bitters, lime juice, prickly pear Nice and Smokey. Def not too sweet. Great balance. Second cocktail was the Mango Encanto (Clarified): bacardi (infused with toasted rice), illegal mezcal, giffard banana, mango puree, simple syrup, lime, topped with coconut cold foam They honestly could have done a lot better w the cold foam. The consistency was too airy and now I'm just being critical. But the bit of banana and mango puree was a good amount. Sweet. But not punch you in the face sweet. It was a good dessert cocktail.

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insideOUT - Spring oasis

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Botanica Art & Cocktails - Happy hour skewers

Botanica Art & Cocktails

4.4(332 reviews)
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I stumbled upon it as happy hour started. Emmy was my bartender. She is awesome. I had two espresso…read moretinis - they were the most smooth non-acidic espresso martinis I've ever had. They were topped with lavender cream... what a delicious balanced craft cocktail. Aside from my cocktails, I had a couple of bites, the chicken and the corn ribs. Both were very good. I enjoyed the ambiance. I love the colors of the furniture and the art. It was a lovely way to cap my late Saturday afternoon.

TLDR: good cocktails, and the crispy rice tuna is canned tuna. Disappointed about that…read more Great cocktails and love the cocktail menu I will come back for more drinks! We got the poke nachos first, but they weren't as good as we hoped so we ordered the crispy rice tuna after. We did like the poke nacho chips, but really minimal tuna and about a whole entire pickled onion on top. It was still good and we finished the dish, but I wouldn't order it again. However, why is no one talking about the spicy tuna crispy rice being canned tuna? It is not written anywhere on the menu that it is not raw tuna and I have never had crispy rice at a place served with canned tuna that would make me think I'd have to ask before ordering. The flavor in the tuna salad was also so strong and overpowering it was hard to eat. We were quite disappointed in paying ahi tuna grade prices for canned tuna. The menu also says 5 pieces and we got 4. We didn't say anything because we didn't want another anyway, but still, 4 pieces of canned tuna for $18? Also way too much rice wine vinegar flavor in the rice, it was just a lot of bitter flavors happening. Lastly, they were out of the blistered shishitos so those must be the go-to dish here. Overall, I really did love the vibe of this place and their drink menu and drink options. I don't want to be harsh either, I think just for me personally, this is a great cocktail bar to come get drinks! I just wouldn't come back for the food.

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Side Bar

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4.3(217 reviews)
2.6 mi•Gaslamp
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Exceptional Hosting by Keagan at Side Bar and Gaslamplighter!…read more If you are planning a corporate event, team-bonding outing, or just looking for an unforgettable night out in San Diego, you absolutely need to visit Side Bar and Gaslamplighter. Our team was in town for our quarterly QBR last quarter, and we went out afterward to let loose on the town. We randomly came across Side Bar on a Thursday night and met Blake the manager who introduced us to Keagan, who completely transformed our entire trip. He was the ultimate curator! He immediately assessed our group's vibe, realized we were out for team bonding, and invited us right in, securing a fantastic VIP booth for my team. After a few shots and grooving to great music, he personally ushered us over to Gaslamplighter for a change of scenery, where we spent the rest of the night enjoying amazing drinks and live karaoke. The experience was so incredible that on our second night out, after hopping around various other bars in the Gaslamp Quarter, our team unanimously decided to end our night right back at Side Bar. Once again, Keagan took flawless care of us. He hooked us up with another booth and a few bottles. We happened to be celebrating a team member's birthday that night, and Keagan made it unforgettable. The staff brought out the full VIP treatment with bright sparklers and "Happy Birthday" signs to close out the night in style. What makes Keagan so special is his attention to detail. Even while working a packed club and making his rounds to ensure everyone was taken care of, he constantly circled back to check on our group. He made every single person on our team feel incredibly important and looked after on both nights. We walked away with fantastic pictures, amazing team memories, and a strong desire to return. Shout out to Keagan and the exceptional teams at both Side Bar and Gaslamplighter; memories were truly made! I highly recommend these venues for any group outing in downtown San Diego.

Love Side bar good vibes good music and the employees there are amazing! I booked my table with…read moreGiancarlo and it was the most easiest process ever! Mike always takes care of me and my people and provides the best service for us to have a good night out

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Side Bar
Side Bar - Wine by the glass in a whimsical lounge setting.

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Side Bar - Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.

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Gorgeous tasting 'Hush Money' cocktail in the Side Bar Lounge.

Uptown Tavern - newamerican - Updated November 2026

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