The Absolute Best Bars in Hillcrest San Diego [Updated 2024]

I've been going to bars in Hillcrest since I was old enough to do so, and I've developed quite the palate when it comes to finding the best bar experience.

So here's my collection of the best bars in Hillcrest San Diego, where I'm reviewing seven worth mentioning. We'll look at a range of ambiances, quality of drinks, staff performance and more to determine the overall vibe of each establishment.

You can expect a lighthearted yet detailed assessment from me as I present my picks for the best bars in Hillcrest San Diego.

Gossip Grill

The atmosphere of Gossip Grill is amazing. You immediately walk into a vibrant and energetic space, perfect for special occasions or just an enjoyable outing. The staff are friendly and always willing to answer any queries you may have about the bar.

I love how their bar menu offers drinks of all styles, especially with the great selection of craft beer. They even have vegan cocktails, which is a rarity in bars nowadays! Overall I was really pleased with what they had to offer in terms of drinks.

Food wise there's also something for everyone; burgers, tacos, and other snacks that pair nicely with the drinks. The food is incredibly delicious. You'll want to come back for more after your first visit!

If you're a Hillcrest San Diego local looking for one of the best bars around, Gossip Grill is definitely worth checking out.

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Uptown Tavern

The atmosphere is upbeat and energetic with great music playing. The bartenders are friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Whether you come to dance or just hang out, Uptown Tavern has something for everyone.

The drinks selection is impressive with craft beers on tap and a plethora of bottles and cans to choose from. Plus their signature cocktails are delicious! I especially love the seasonal sangria and their Old Fashioned! They also have an impressive selection of wines if that's more your preference.

The food menu is also scrumptious - my favorite items are the nachos, sliders and tacos! Prices are very reasonable no matter what you order, making it perfect for shared plates or individual bites.

Overall, Uptown Tavern is the best bar in Hillcrest San Diego. From the tasty drinks, good food, and lively atmosphere - this is definitely one spot you don't want to miss!

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Alibi

The atmosphere at Alibi is unique and inviting. It's quite spacious, with a cozy outside patio to enjoy drinks and snacks near the bustling downtown streets. The inside has a great vibe with plenty of seating and an open bar counter, making it perfect for groups or solo visits.

The staff at Alibi are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They can recommend creative cocktails made from carefully chosen ingredients or help you find the best wine to pair with your meal. I'm always impressed with their willingness to go above and beyond for customers.

The real reason why Alibi is one of my favorite places in Hillcrest San Diego is their selection of craft beer on tap. I've yet to find another place that has such a wide variety of styles and flavors – from light lagers to dark porters, there's something here for everyone! The prices are also reasonable, making it easy to enjoy a few rounds without breaking the bank.

Overall, Alibi is one of the best bars in Hillcrest San Diego that offers something for everyone – whether you're looking for a nice place to grab drinks with friends or just want to try some new beers, it's perfect!

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insideOUT

The atmosphere of insideOUT is unlike any other bar I've been to in the city. It's a quaint, cozy little watering hole, with plenty of seating for groups both small and large. There's even an outdoor space for when we're lucky enough to have some nice weather in San Diego.

I love the drinks selection at insideOUT - they have classic cocktails and an ever-evolving selection of craft beers on tap, that are great if you want a unique experience! The bartenders are always friendly and knowledgeable, especially Amy, who is incredibly helpful when it comes torecommending drinks or food.

The food at insideOUT isn't to be missed either! They offer a diverse menu of delicious tacos, burgers and other pub-style dishes that are served late into the night so you can enjoy a bite with your drink.

In conclusion, I couldn't recommend insideOUT more highly as one of the best bars in Hillcrest San Diego! Whether you're looking for a romantic evening or just a night out with friends, this is definitely the place to be!

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The Merrow

The atmosphere at The Merrow is always buzzing. As soon as you walk in, you get a good vibe from the friendly staff, relaxing music and variety of games that make it easy to hang out for hours. But what I love most about The Merrow is their amazing selection of beers on tap. From IPAs to ales to ciders they have something for everyone! Plus they often host beer events and special releases, giving you plenty of chances to sample different types of craft brews.

The kitchen is equally impressive with its creative pub fare and rotating specials. Whether you want something light like a plate of fish tacos or a hearty bowl of mac and cheese, The Merrow has something for every palate. Plus their chefs use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible - so not only do you get great-tasting food but you're also supporting local businesses!

Everything about The Merrow stands out from other bars in Hillcrest San Diego. It's no surprise that they're consistently ranked as one of the best bars in the area. So if you're ever looking for some fun times and great drinks, be sure to give The Merrow a visit!

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The Lamplighter

I was immediately drawn in by the unique atmosphere of The Lamplighter. From the warmly lit interior to the friendly staff and clientele, this place has a great ambiance that makes you feel right at home.

The drinks served at The Lamplighter are something special. Whether you're looking for a craft cocktail or an old-fashioned beer, they have it all! They have an extensive selection of spirits and wines as well, so there's something for everyone here.

When it comes to food, The Lamplighter does not disappoint. Their menu boasts incredible flavors from around the world, yet all still retaining their own regional touch, making sure you get one-of-a-kind dishes every time.

The experience I had at The Lamplighter was truly extraordinary and has solidified it as my favorite bar in Hillcrest San Diego! If you're looking for a great night out with plenty of options to choose from, then I highly recommend The Lamplighter!

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&bar Hillcrest

I've been frequenting this bar since I was young, and they always have an amazing selection of craft beers on tap and delicious cocktails. Plus, their party vibes never fail to create a great atmosphere.

The staff at &bar Hillcrest are some of the best around - they're always friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable about their beer selection. I often find myself hanging out with them for hours just talking about beer!

The bar also has some really cool activities like karaoke contests and trivia nights that everyone loves. The prizes are usually decent too so it's definitely worth competing!

In my opinion, there's no better way to spend an evening than at &bar Hillcrest. In terms of quality drinks, great people, and an awesome atmosphere - they truly are one of the best bars in Hillcrest San Diego.

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Brad Thomas

With a true passion for exploring all that San Diego has to offer, Brad takes great pleasure in discovering new spots and sharing his experiences with his readers. From hidden gems to tried-and-true favorites, he doesn't miss a beat when it comes to exploring different corners of town. When he's not writing or dining out, Brad can be found soaking up some sunshine at the beach or taking an outdoor adventure around SoCal.