5 Must-Try Happy Hour Spots in Old Town San Diego

Embark On A Culinary Adventure In Old Town’s Historic Heart

Old Town San Diego is not just a haven of history but also a bustling center of culinary delights. At So Diego Tours, we’re passionate about showcasing the unique flavors and stories of this iconic neighborhood, especially through its enticing happy hour offerings.

Discover the finest happy hours Old Town San Diego has to offer, where tantalizing specialty cocktail blends shake hands with historic charms. Let us stir up the top spots in this iconic neighborhood for a “spirit-ed” adventure with 5 of our favorite happy hours:

Harney Sushi

Harney Sushi

Harney Sushi | Facebook

This trendy spot is a haven for sushi lovers. Harney Sushi’s happy hour, running from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday through Thursday, offers an array of delights for your palate. You can enjoy discounted favorites like a $5.50 Sapporo Draft Beer and a $5.50 Large Hot Sake. Don’t miss out on their specialty rolls and nigiri samplers, which combine traditional Japanese techniques with a modern twist, ensuring a culinary experience that’s both authentic and innovative.

Casa De Freds

Casa De Freds

Casa De Freds | Facebook

Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere right along San Diego Ave at Casa De Freds, where every day from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, you can enjoy Fiesta Hour. This vibrant spot offers $7 specials like the El Perfecto Skinny and Mango Chili Margarita. The Grande Mexican Lager pairs perfectly with their delicious range of street tacos and mini quesadillas, creating a flavor fiesta that celebrates the spirit of San Diego’s Mexican heritage.

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Daily Tours

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Explore little italy, while sampling premium wines and Italian food.

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Join our Little Italy walking tour full of food, fun, and Italian culture.

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Indulge your senses and taste original flavors from restaurants.

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Rockin Baja Lobster

Rockin Baja Lobster

Rockin Baja Lobster | Facebook

For a coastal twist to your happy hour, head over to Rockin Baja Lobster Monday-Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM to get your drink on. They also have a late-night happy hour on Saturdays from 9:00 to 9:30 PM Their specials, available in the Bar & Lounge area, include $5.50 draft beers and well drinks, and $6.50 house margaritas. The menu boasts unique bites like Mexican Street Corn and Chili Lime Fries, blending traditional Mexican flavors with a Californian flair.

Tahona Bar

Tahona Bar

Eater San Diego

As a sanctuary of mezcal and Mexican cuisine that is situated just along San Diego Ave, Tahona Bar invites guests into a world where rustic charm meets modern elegance. Perfect for tequila lovers, enjoy artisanal, daily cocktails such as the Old Town Margarita, their popular Sangria, and the grapefruit liqueur delight Paloma De La Casa for half during Tahona’s happy hour on Wednesday to Friday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM You can also get small plates and appetizers to share with the table like their Daily Guacamole for $10 and their Empanadas Pescadillas for $12.

Cafe Coyote

Cafe Coyote

Cafe Coyote | Facebook

Situated on San Diego Avenue is Cafe Coyote, an Old Town San Diego institution that has been Voted ‘Best Mexican Restaurant’ for 20 years. They’re known for their authentic Mexican food (including handmade tortillas!), delicious margaritas, and an atmosphere that screams fiesta. Cafe Coyote offers specials on Taco Tuesdays from 2:30 PM to close, including $3.50 to $4.50 tacos and $8 house margaritas! This Old Town Mexican cafe is a definite must-try for the ultimate Old Town San Diego happy hour experience!

In Old Town San Diego, every hour is ‘happy hour’ if you know where to look. The 5 spots are just the beginning of what this historic neighborhood offers! We’d love to share the hidden gems and local favorites of San Diego with you. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, join us on a journey through the vibrant streets of this historic neighborhood on our Daily Old Town food tour. We promise not just a tour, but an experience filled with delicious flavors, fascinating stories, and the warmth of San Diego’s spirit.

Let’s raise a glass to the unforgettable experiences waiting for us in the heart of Old Town San Diego! So Diego is happy to be your travel guide while you’re visiting San Diego. We offer Daily San Diego Food tours in Old Town, La Jolla, Little Italy, and Downtown San Diego.

Written by: Melissa

Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.

 

Book our old Town Tequila and Taco Tour today!

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Daily Tours

The historic Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its entertainment, shopping, and nightlife, but most people don’t realize the historic district was once home to one of the most anticipated red light districts in the West. On this guided Gaslamp tour full of cuisine, culture, and curiosities, we’ll take you through the scandalous post-Gold Rush history of the heart of downtown San Diego.

On our Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones guided tour, we take you back in time to Old Town San Diego—also known as the Birthplace of California. Together with one of our expert tour guides, you’ll discover the events and learn about the individuals that led to Old Town’s current popularity as a cultural hotspot.

But don’t worry, we don’t believe in following the usual tourist paths when it comes to exploring a town so rich in history and culture. On our Old Town food tour, you’ll get authentic food tastings, elevated cocktail sampling, and a haunted location or two for an unforgettable historic Old Town experience.

No San Diego Little Italy walking tour would be complete without exploring this culinary hotspot’s best places to eat. Known for its variety of restaurants, America’s biggest Little Italy has become a food lover’s bucket list destination, and we’re here to show it off!

Join our Little Italy walking tour full of food, fun, and Italian culture.

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Whether you’re a local event planner, trying to “wow” your clients with unique San Diego team building activity ideas, or a bride coordinating a whole family outing for your wedding, So Diego can help you plan a special day.