5 Hot San Diego Pools That Are Open to the Public

Pick your poison. Everybody has their favorite liquor, and San Diego is home to a vibrant and diverse bar scene, with many outposts specializing in a single type of booze. From record-setting collections of fine whiskeys to in-house distilled liquors and the wine cellars of your wildest dreams, join us on a tour through San Diego’s top establishments tailored to the most popular spirits.

Whiskey Bar in San Diego

The Whiskey House

For scotch enthusiasts and whiskey connoisseurs, The Whiskey House stands out as San Diego’s number-one destination. The bar, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, boasts the record for the world’s largest collection of purchasable whiskey, sourcing over 2,467 unique varieties from around the globe. You can sample a range with a whiskey tasting flight, which includes brands from San Diego, Kentucky, Ireland, and Japan. Join their Whiskey Club for monthly tastings and discussions with visiting distillers. | 420 Third Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter

Notable Mentions: Seven Grand, Aero Club

Gin Bar in San Diego

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Cozy, Spanish-inspired seafood restaurant Mabel’s Gone Fishing lures locals for more than freshly shucked oysters and jamon iberico—they also have one of the best G&Ts in San Diego. Mabel’s and accompanying bottle shop, Bodega Rosette, offer an extensive collection of gin and a rotating gin and tonic of the month. For $75 per quarter, you can also join their gin club, which gets you curated deliveries of gins, tonics, and mixers, plus access to their exclusive release parties. | 3770 30th Street, North Park

Notable Mentions: You & Yours Distilling Co., Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar

Vodka Bar in San Diego

619 Spirits

The rare San Diego bar producing its own vodka, 619 Spirits was one of the city’s first craft distillery and tasting rooms to hit the scene in 2012 before expanding into a full-fledged bar and restaurant. Located in North Park, this under-the-radar watering hole offers unexpected farm-fresh vodka infusions, including pickle, coffee, rose petal, and scorpion pepper. You can order shots, pick up a whole bottle, or opt for a mixed drink (though, if you’re seeking complex craft cocktails, be aware that it’s all about the vodka here—libations are simple and spirit-forward).  | 3015 Lincoln Avenue, North Park

Notable Mentions: Malahat Spirits Co., Storyhouse Spirits

Tequila & Mezcal Bar in San Diego

El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria

Established in 1996, El Agave is home to the largest selection of tequilas in the US, with over 2,000 unique brands of tequila and mezcal (they call it their “tequila museum”), including their own award-winning spirit, Agave Artesanal. Attend one of their various tequila-tasting events on their lively outdoor patio overlooking Old Town. Or, if you really feel like treating yourself, opt for a shot of rare 1800 Colección for just over $185. | 2304 San Diego Avenue B, Old Town

Notable Mentions: Cantina Mayahuel, Tahona Bar, La Puerta, Quixote

Sake Bar in San Diego

Tanuki Sake Bar

One of San Diego’s only sake bars, Tanuki (the Japanese name for cute canids called raccoon dogs), is a must-visit for patrons seeking tough-to-find brands of Japanese rice wine. Located in Kensington, Tanuki offers over 100 junmai daiginjo, nigori, ginjo, and sparkling sake flavors from Dassai, Shinsei, and other major exporters. Keep an eye out for their omakase events, ticketed multi-course dinners thoughtfully paired with sakes. | 4191 Adams Ave, Kensington

Notable Mentions: Beshock Ramen, Cloak and Petal

Wine Bar in San Diego

The Rose Wine Bar

Housed in the renovated 1927 Rose Grocer building, the Rose Wine Bar bar is a laid-back locale ideal for enjoying some of the city’s best natural wines. Relax with a glass of white and a charcuterie board on their dog-friendly patio or pop by the accompanying bottle shop for the finishing touch on a home-cooked Italian dinner. Membership in the bar’s wine club includes up to four bottles of wine of your preferred type per month and discounts on bottle shop purchases and tastings. | 2219 30th Street,  South Park

Notable Mentions: Vin de Syrah, Carruth Cellars, Pali Wine Co., Vino Carta

Rum Bar in San Diego

Havana 1920

Perched in the Gaslamp Quarter, Havana 1920 is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s time in Cuba (it’s where he wrote The Old Man and the Sea). You can party like the famous author and daiquiri downer with one of our city’s most robust rum collections, from traditional agricole rhum to imported bottles from Barbados, Jamaica, Bermuda, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico. | 548 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Notable Mentions: False Idol, Raised by Wolves

Absinthe Bar in San Diego 

Wormwood

From the shores of the French Riviera to the mountains of Switzerland, bar-goers can sip their way through a world tour of absinthe and pastis at Wormwood in Normal Heights. The dreamy French bistro serves the “green fairy” over a sugar cube, as many famous writers and artists enjoyed it, but they also mix the anise-flavored spirit into balanced cocktails like the A La 30th, a blend of absinthe, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. | 4677 30th St, University Heights

Notable Mentions: Noble Experiment, The Lion’s Share

Japanese Whisky Bar in San Diego

Realm of the 52 Remedies 

For a taste of single-malt goodness, visit Realm of the 52 Remedies, an apothecary-themed Convoy speakeasy packed with traditional Japanese artwork and more than 20 whiskys from the Land of the Rising Sun. Order your favorite straight, or try a cocktail inspired by Japanese treats and even pop culture like anime and manga. Plan your visit in advance, as reservations for this underground spot are extremely limited and only available two or more weeks in advance. | 4805 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa

Notable Mentions: Huntress, The Whiskey House

What does “HTTP” stand for? What is Hermione Granger’s Patronus in Harry Potter? What is the least common zodiac sign? If you love a good trivia night, San Diego has plenty of ways to test out all the random facts and knowledge you’ve stored up over the years—while also enjoying a great craft brew.

We put together a list of the best bars and breweries offering trivia in San Diego where you can win fun prizes like t-shirts, free shots, tasty food, and most importantly, team pride.

Duck Foot Brewing Co.

Multiple locations

Duck Foot’s portfolio of gluten-reduced beers means you can have your trivia and beer too, without the gluten levels found in a typical craft beer. Both of their locations offer weekly trivia nights, as well as long tap lists and food trucks for the full experience.

When: Wednesdays in Miramar from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Leucadia from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What to drink: Their limited releases give patrons a chance to try something new, but I’m partial to their Duckzilla Double White IPA, a mashup between a White Ale and Double IPA.

8920 Kenamar Drive, Suite #210 | 978 N. Coast Highway 101

Black Plague Brewing

Multiple locations

Arrive early to snag a seat at the heavy metal-themed brewery’s trivia nights in all three of their taprooms—it gets pretty packed in all of them. Black Plague’s Purgatory Lounge in Escondido and Oceanside tasting room both have Full Metal Burgers to supply plenty of brain food, and the Dearly Departed taproom in North Park’s full kitchen offers omnivore and vegetarian-friendly fare as well.

When: Tuesdays in North Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Oceanside from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Escondido from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What to drink: Stay hoppy with one of Black Plague’s IPAs, like their Dearly Departed Cold IPA, brewed with three hops for a tropical and citrus-forward refresher.

2899 University Avenue | 2550 Jason Court | 239 E. Valley Parkway

Kilowatt Brewing

Oceanside

See if you can beat Trivia Tim every Tuesday during Trivia Night and Music Bingo at Kilowatt’s Oceanside taproom. Can’t make it on Tuesday, or trivia not your thing? Check out the hidden speakeasy The Space Pad, a psychedelic journey through space and time (open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Reservations recommended.

When: Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

What to drink: With 25 taps to choose from, Kilowatt offers everything from hazy IPAs to hard seltzers. But I prefer to keep my wits sharp for trivia night, so a low-ABV option like a tangy Berliner Weisse is best.

406 Mission Avenue

Pali Wine Company

Little Italy

Bring a friend to Pali’s free trivia nights every Thursday in Little Italy. Their breezy, modern tasting room is the perfect spot to sip wine, shout answers, and share some small plates like charcuterie, oysters, and yellowtail tuna crudo.

When: Thursdays starting at 7 p.m.

What to drink: Not sure what to start with? Try a curated flight of five different wines, ranging from seasonal favorites to more esoteric natural wines from across California wine country.

2130 India Street

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Helix Brewing Company

La Mesa

Helix Brewing Co. is nestled next to car repair shops and dispensaries, but don’t be fooled by the gritty surroundings. Their indoor/outdoor patio is one of the best-kept secrets in East County and their weekly trivia nights are the perfect chance to come check it out.

When: Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm

What to drink: The Commercial Street location is actually home to two concepts: Helix and Sourworx, their wild and sour beer counterpart. Try a little something from both, but their Dark Sour beers like Animals in the Night and Betting On Stars are as complex as they are funky.

8101 Commercial Street

Resident Brewing

Downtown

Pop inside The Local every Wednesday to try your hand at Resident Brewing’s trivia night, paired with brews made by local brew icon and head brewer Bill Lindsay. The space gets pretty lively as the night goes on, so arrive early to stake out a good spot.

When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What to drink: It’s a tie between No-No Joe, their West Coast IPA collaboration with Joe Musgrove, and their Gaslamp Porter, a malty, smooth, and wildly drinkable robust porter. Or, of course, you could just try both.

1065 Fourth Avenue

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Bivouac Ciderworks

North Park

Enjoy $2 off cider flights during Bivouac’s own Sunset Trivia nights on Wednesdays at their North Park location. Don’t skip their food menu, either—from a Mediterranean meze platter to a chimichurri-smothered steak, this is beyond basic bar food.

When: Thursdays starting at 6:30 p.m.

What to drink: A cider flight, obviously.

3986 30th Street

As a resident UTC Westfield shopper, I know my way around the mall like the back of my hand, even through the significant renovations it has undergone over the last decade. Of course, nothing works up an appetite like a shopping spree, which is why I’m grateful for UTC’s growing number of dining options.

This isn’t your typical food court fare. UTC has embraced global cuisine, hidden speakeasy gems, and elevated establishments and transformed into a gastronomic haven, drawing in food enthusiasts as eagerly as it does folks on the hunt for a new pair of shoes.

So the next time you need a break from browsing shelves—or are seeking a dining destination in its own right—try one of these 14 food and drink spots at Westfield UTC.

Lucrezia

When it comes to Italian cuisine, I’m a discerning critic, but Lucrezia managed to surpass all of my expectations. Among the freshest additions to UTC’s culinary scene, this coastal Italian spot captivates with an ambiance that transports you to the Mediterranean, and servers, while attentive, allow guests to savor their meal without feeling rushed. The memory of the exquisite cacio e pepe and grilled baby lamb chops lingers, and I eagerly anticipate my return to explore their pizza offerings.

Din Tai Fung

I frequently daydream about the xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, and the constant line and the scarcity of available reservations on OpenTable serve as a testament to the fact that I’m not alone in my admiration for this UTC gem. If you’re lucky enough to snag a table, try the vegetable and pork dumplings, chicken spicy wontons, and tantalizing noodles with spicy sauce. Your taste buds will thank you later.

Javier’s

Javier’s Cantina reigns supreme among dining experiences that effortlessly convey you away from the bustling mall environment. The decor inside Javier’s will make you feel like you’re entering a high-end eatery in Cabo. This is one of my go-to picks for a date night, birthday dinner, or special event, thanks to the restaurant’s perfectly shaken margaritas and steamy empanadas. Tyr their fresh seafood dishes like aguachile del rey made with callo de hacha, camaron and pulpo or signature plates like the chile negro made with braised angus short ribes in chile negro sauce.

Ramen Nagi

If you go to Ramen Nagi, be prepared to do some waiting. While standing in the serpentine line that winds its way through an exterior courtyard, though, you’ll receive a customizable ramen order sheet to tailor your bowl precisely to your preferences—right down to the desired quantity of oil, garlic, and spice. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional soup, the Original King is an excellent choice. Seeking a spicier adventure? The Red King beckons. Beyond the realm of ramen, make room for the crispy karaage chicken.

Haidilao Hot Pot

At this hot-pot hot spot, you’ll choose up to four broths in which to cook an array of meats, seafood, and veggies, including harder-to-find proteins like tripe, sea cucumber, and duck tongue. Spring for access to the sauce and seasoning buffet to kick all your selects up a notch. Futuristic robots traversing Haidilao‘s add a quirky and entertaining dimension to your dining adventure.

Queenstown Bistro

This restaurant’s menu may be New Zealand–inspired, but the décor of its outdoor bar and bistro embraces the laidback SoCal spirit. Queenstown Bistro sits in the heart of UTC Mall, offering an indulgent baked brie, a delightful soup and sammie combo, and the Hogs & Heifers burger (a grass-fed beef patty with bacon, edam cheese, and tomato chutney), plus an ever-evolving selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.

Raised by Wolves

When you cross the threshold of the hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy Raised by Wolves, you’re ushered into a chair flanking a fireplace that pivots to bring you into the inner sanctum of the bar. While the initial journey can feel like the entrance into an amusement park ride, the energy inside more closely resembles a Victorian gentleman’s club. My drink of choice here is the Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, a blend of blanco tequila and Aperol with strawberry, habanero, and lime.

Silverlake Ramen

One Silverlake dish is that has left an indelible mark on my taste buds is the garlic truffle ramen, a flavor bomb featuring a creamy pork and veggie broth blend with thick noodles, kale, mushrooms, and the soup’s titular garlic and truffle oil (that said, it’s not a great date night choice). In addition to its delectable ramen offerings, Silverlake Ramen offers savory rice bowls and chicken, pork, and Impossible meat bao buns.

Pacific Catch

Inside Pacific Catch’s breezy, wood-paneled UTC space awaits a diverse spread of sustainably sourced seafood. Fish is rolled, raw, into sushi; fried and tucked into tacos or beside fries; and served grilled in bowls or next to sides like kimchi fried rice, blistered shishito peppers, and broccoli brushed with miso butter. I’m partial to the crispy Baja shrimp taco with avocado-tomatillo salsa.

Board & Brew

Few sandwich places in San Diego compare to Board & Brew. I used to trek to their original location in Del Mar to get my hands on the coveted Turkado (turkey breast, jack cheese, and avo on sourdough) with the shop’s cult-favorite secret sauce. Over the last few years, the chain has expanded across San Diego, OC, and Tempe, adding a location in UTC. If sandwiches aren’t your jam, Board & Brew also offers a winning cobb salad and a grilled Baja chicken wrap loaded with spicy jalapeños.

Tocaya Modern Mexican

After a Mexican-food feast, I typically find myself wishing for more forgiving pants, but Tocaya presents a refreshingly light twist on Mexican cuisine. They have a robust lineup of vegan offerings, and you can customize protein options (including plant-based meats) for nearly every dish. I can’t get enough of the plantain chips and guac, and the Fajita del Rey bowl—featuring sautéed peppers and onions, rice and beans, and dairy-free chipotle crema—is my go-to order.

Wushiland Boba

This tea spot is a great place to meet up with a friend before hitting the shops—but don’t come hungry. Wushiland is all about the drinks. They offer refreshing sips like grapefruit green tea and the floral Four Seasons tea, as well as creamier picks such as a red bean black tea latte. I like a classic milk tea with a scoop of ice cream inside, like a richer version of a float.

True Food Kitchen

Nationwide chain True Food is the kind of spot that manages to strike that ideal balance between scrumptious fare and a lighter, more health-conscious approach. Though their seasonally rotating menu makes brilliant use of less-common ingredients like sea moss and sweety drop peppers, my favorites are deceptively simple: the Tuscan kale salad shines with lots of lemon and garlic (add salmon to make it a meal), and their nostalgia-inducing flavored lemonades remind me of carefree childhood days.

You’ve been too busy enjoying the end of June gloom (fingers crossed, anyway!) to make detailed plans for the Fourth. No matter. We’ve cobbled together a handful of the best hassle-free things to do before, during, and after the moment that things go boom (which happens at 9 p.m., by the way.) See our exhaustive list of fireworks shows all around the county to make sure you have the best view possible.

Eppig Brewing’s Red, White and Brews Party

Craft beer? Spacious outdoor seating? Tri-tip sandwiches? Bayfront location for prime firework viewing? Check, check, check, and check. Eppig’s all-day celebration at its new Waterfront Biergarten at the base of Shelter Island will give you front row seating to the fireworks, plus delicious beverages, including the Independence Pale Ale being released on the Fourth. Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Cookout at Carnitas Snack Shack’s Embarcadero Location

Cookouts are even better when someone else hosts them—especially if that someone is Carnitas Snack Shack. Their Neighborhood Cookout at the Embarcadero location kicks off with burgers and hot dogs starting at 11 a.m., followed by a live DJ set from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a live band from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Coronado Island Parade

Walk, bike, or ride the ferry to the traffic-jammed island, where festivities—a run, a swim, art at Spreckels Park, and live music from the Coronado Community Band—supplement the parade. Starting at 10 a.m., the parade makes its way down Orange Avenue from 1^st Street to Churchill Place. Find a place on the sand or the golf course for the island’s 9 p.m. fireworks show.

Bub’s @ the Beach

In addition to their tater tots, look for half-off wing specials all day, $4 beers and shots, and a newfangled patriotic cocktail called Merica Mule—a mix of honey whiskey, lime, bitters, and ginger beer—at this Pacific Beach establishment.

Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp

Want an early start? Wake up with bottomless mimosas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Want to whoop it up until the wee hours? Get your groove on with sounds from a live DJ from 10 p.m. until close. Want to maximize the entire day? See above.

The World Cup is here. That means the wait to care about soccer again is over—and so is the wait for another excuse to grab a seat (and bites and drinks) at the bar. The world’s best will duke it out on the pitch for another month, giving you plenty of opportunities to make it to these joints for a match or two.

El Chingon

Cancel all your plans for the next month: This “Bad Ass Mexican” restaurant in the Gaslamp is showing World Cup games from the first kickoff through the final match. Watch on high-definition TVs while enjoying specials on food and drinks from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., including $5 micheladas and regular menu items like elote and chicharrones.

Bluefoot Bar and Lounge

Bluefoot isn’t just a soccer bar during the World Cup. It’s a full-time soccer bar where footy-fans can always flock for no-frills viewing in the heart of North Park. Their calendar is stocked with World Cup games over the next month, plus their usual pints of micro and macro brews and specials like weekday happy hours of $1 off everything all day until 7:30 p.m. Expect a rabid crowd on June 24 for Colombia versus Poland.

Mavericks Beach Club

With more than three dozen flat-screen TVs (and five bars) spread around its 15,000 square-feet, this new indoor/outdoor Pacific Beach haunt will let you enjoy San Diego weather while watching the World Cup and probably a few other sporting events simultaneously.

O’Brien’s Pub

This Convoy Street establishment doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: an Irish pub with a bias toward European (and European-style local) beers, sandwich melts, and soccer. What more could you want for a proper World Cup experience?

World Cup Final Game Watch Party in North Park

Sunday July 15, 8 a.m.

Whether or not your team is in the World Cup final, you’ll want to flock to North Park for the biggest outdoor game-watching party on the West Coast, complete with a beer garden and food trucks. A Jumbotron will show the game as thousands of fans pack a viewing area on 30th Street and University Avenue. The last party, in 2014, drew 10,000 fans, so get there early—game time is 8 a.m.—to set up shop.