Pacific Beach Bars & Nightlife
Our Favorite Pacific Beach Bars 2019
Don’t know where to go out on a Friday night? If you are looking for stellar nightlife while still staying close to the beach, PB is a great place to check out! Pacific Beach is home to beautiful beaches and dozens of poppin’ bars. In fact, the Pacific Beach bars are some of the most famous local spots in all of San Diego!
If you are looking to check out the top bars in Pacific Beach, San Diego, we’ve created the perfect guide for you. Whether you’re looking for a new San Diego date night spot or are on the hunt for your next happy hour location, we are sure you’re going to love these fun bars in Pacific Beach, CA. Be prepared to get your DRANK on and continue reading for our personal PB bar-hopping guide. Want help planning your outing? Request a custom San Diego tour and let us show you all our favorite places and activities in town.
El Prez Beach Bar & Cocina
Photo Courtesy of @elprezpb Instagram Account
If you’re looking for tacos, tequila, and sunsets, El Prez is where you want to be. Known for their spacious rooftop with killer ocean views and great food, El Prez is a primetime spot for day drinking and catching a sunset (but also for happy hour). All seating is first come, first serve, so if you want to ensure a table, come early! If you have a large party, you can call and reserve a table in advance. The entire venue is a photoshoot opportunity. Grab a few friends, order one of their giant margaritas, and you have yourself the perfect Instagram pic!
Photo Courtesy of @elprezpb Instagram Account
Candy’s Boom Boom Room
Candy’s Boom Boom Room is the new Red’s Saloon – located below El Prez. Candy’s Boom Boom Room or Candy’s for short, is said to be open to the public this summer 2019. Word on the street, it’s said to have a funk-a-delic speak-easy vibe. Stay tuned for this brand new, soon-to-be bar in Pacific Beach.
Mavericks Beach Club
Photo Courtesy of @mavericksbeachclub Instagram Account
Mavericks is one of the trendiest bars in PB. Located on Garnet, where PB Bar & Grill previously stood, this trendy bar in San Diego remains a popular hangout spot for locals of all ages. This multi-story mansion of a bar is definitely a current PB hot spot. With a whopping 5 bars in total, this venue is truly a powerhouse. Whether you are in the mood to grab a craft beer and play some cornhole with some friends on the patio, sip a cocktail by the fire pit, hit the dance floor, or take in the action on Garnet from the balcony seating, there is plenty of opportunities to enjoy this favorite Pacific Beach bar. Fun fact: Apparently, Michael Jordan is a majority owner and geared the entire staff with Jordan shoes.
Photo Courtesy of @mavericksbeachclub Instagram Account
Waterbar San Diego
Photo Courtesy of @waterbarsd Instagram Account
Waterbar is hands down the most beautiful venue in all of PB. It is seriously gorgeous. The interior design, the amazing view of the pier, and even the smallest details, like the drink garnishes, are all stunning. We recommend Waterbar for the view, as the entire front side overlooks the boardwalk looking directly at the pier. The windows are usually open, allowing the ocean breeze to come in and remind you that you’re in beautiful San Diego. We consider Waterbar to be a more sophisticated venue, catering to a more tame crowd. This is not your wild party location, but rather, more of a spot to grab dinner and drinks while watching the sunset.
Photo Courtesy of @waterbarsd Instagram Account
PB Shore Club
Photo Courtesy of @pbshoreclub Instagram Account
Even if you haven’t been you’ve probably heard of the infamous boozy Shore Club Red Bull slushie. Although these may look fun, do not be fooled, they are alcoholic! PB Shore Club restaurant and bar is located right on the boardwalk and provides great indoor and patio views of the water. On a busy weekend night, expect to wait in a line to get in, as this is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. You’ll jam out to hip hop booming from the speakers as the DJ gets the crowd dancing non-stop. Next time you’re in PB, head to Shore Club and get yourself a nice frosty and boozy Red Bull slushie and dance the night away.
Photo Courtesy of @pbshoreclub Instagram Account
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Firehouse Pacific Beach
Photo Courtesy of @firehousepb Instagram Account
Firehouse is another rooftop restaurant and bar located next door to the actual Pacific Beach Firehouse. We would argue that Firehouse is better experienced during the day. It is an ultra trendy brunch spot with great Intagrammable features (i.e. succulent wall), a great menu and drink selection. The sangria is a must! They have made a name for themselves as a “Sunday Funday” destination with live DJs, dancing and partying into the evening.
Photo Courtesy of @firehousepb Instagram Account
The Duck Dive
Photo Courtesy of @theduckdive Instagram Account
During the day, Duck Dive is a popular bottomless mimosa destination and was Runner Up for Best Bottomless Mimosa in San Diego Magazine 2019. They offer a great selection of local craft beers. In addition, their beverage program is amazing. They are always whipping up tasty seasonal cocktails that are worth a visit. Duck Dive is a beachy casual place to listen to music and grab a drink. Whether you are looking to do sunday brunch in San Diego or you’re in need of a lively bar for a friday night out, The Duck Dive is an excellent option for both tasty drinks and delicious food.
Photo Courtesy of @theduckdive Instagram Account
Thrusters Lounge
Photo Courtesy of @thrusterslounge Instagram Account
Equipped with skee-ball and pop-a-shot basketball, Thrusters is the place to be on your Friday night out. Thrusters is your Pacific Beach dive bar, but with some added character with signs like “F**k Yelp” and art decorating the walls. Thrusters is definitely more of a local’s hangout. It’s fairly small and usually crowded but worth the line!
Photo Courtesy of @thrusterslounge Instagram Account
PB Avenue
Photo Courtesy of @avenuepb Instagram Account
PB Avenue, or “Avenue,” has reinvented itself within the last few years as the go-to place for house music. Avenue is a smaller venue located at the farther end of Garnet. They have recently renovated the space to include an outdoor patio, stripper poles, and a furry piano DJ booth. This is the place you want to go to later on in the night. If you’re looking for dancing and house music, this is the place to be!
Photo Courtesy of @avenuepb Instagram Account
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a classic cocktail while watching the sunset or you are looking to take down a 64-ounce margarita all to yourself, these bars in PB are sure to have what you need for a great Friday night at the beach!
Have any favorite places in Pacific Beach that didn’t make this list? Feel free to let us know in the comments below. At So Diego Tours, we’re always looking for the next best hotspot to share with our guests! We look forward to hosting you on a So Diego tour soon!
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