Happy Hours in University Heights

Hundred Proof

When: Monday-Friday until 6 p.m.

Deals: $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 draft beers, $4-$6 bites

Go here for: Understated interior design and because one happy hour drink can lead to more drinks and dinner, Japanese whisky and Chef Brad Wise’s menu of burgers, steak, poke, and bao.

Park & Rec

When: Monday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close.

Deals: $6 blood orange margaritas, Old Fashioneds, mules (with choice of booze), wine, and Tecates.

Go here for: The comfy, heater-equipped patio, dual Ping Pong tables, and strong cocktail game.

Cellar Hand

When: Wednesday-Sunday, 4-5 p.m.

Deals: 50 percent off all wine by the glass, beers, and sangrias, along with discounted bar snacks and pitas

Go here for: Hyper-local ingredients and a respectable selection of wines

Photo Credit: Nate Madlem

Madison

When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

Deals: $7 signature cocktails and wine; happy hour food menu featuring $10 mussels and toast; $10 burger-and-beer combos, and small bites.

Go here for: The feeling of being inside a giant guitar and smokin’ deals on high-caliber cocktails.

Wormwood

When: Wed., Thurs., and Sun., 5-7 p.m.

Deals: Absinthe, cocktails, wine, and bites

Go here for: San Diego’s largest selection of absinthe paired with authentic French cuisine

Happy Hours in North Park

Louisiana Purchase

When: Wednesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. and weekends from 3-5 p.m.

Deals: $7 cocktails, and a few appetizers, including $7 three-cheese mac with crawfish tails.

Go here for: To get all the burrs outta your saddle (as they say in the South).

Seven Grand

When: Monday-Saturday until 8 p.m.

Deals: $5 beers, $6 bourbon mules, and $6 whiskies including Evan Williams, Wild Turkey 81 Rye, Black Grouse

Go here for: Whisky, taxidermy, low lighting.

Tamarindo Latin Kitchen and Bar

When: Tuesdays.

Deals: $7 tequila shots, $4 tacos, sopes, and tostadas

Go here for: Sustainably-sourced tequila, the dog-friendly patio, and tempura avocado.

Working Class

When: Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m.

Deals: $4 draft beer and wine, $5 starters including Buffalo wings, onion rings, and meatballs

Go here for: The doggo-approved “Puppy Chow menu” and umbrella-shaded patio.

Splash Wine Lounge and Bistro

When: Daily until 6:30 p.m.

Deals: $6 wine, $5 beers

Go here for: The conversation-spurring effects of wine-by-the-ounce dispensers.

Coin-Op Game Room

When: Weekdays, 4-7 p.m.

Deals: $4 well drinks, $6 cocktails, $1 off beers, $3 fries and other bites

Go here for: Obliterating your co-workers in Skee-Ball.

Pro Tip: Games are free all day on the last Sunday of every month.

Finca

When: Tues.-Fri., 5-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 3-6 p.m.

Deals: $10 glasses of wine and sangria, along with $10 tapas

Go here for: Bone marrow, caviar, and a never-ending wine list

Happy Hours in South Park

Fernside Bar and Kitchen

When: Weekdays, 3-6 p.m.

Deals: $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beers, and $5 menu items including chicken liver toast, chicken wings, and burgers.

Go here for: Come for happy hour, stay until midnight, when the kitchen closes on weekdays.

Kindred

When: Always.

Deals: $5 well drinks, $5 herb puffs, $6 popcorn

Go here for: Though not technically a happy hour, you’ll want to let that minor point slide seeing as this vegan fave with an outstanding bar always offers a few easy-on-the-pocketbook options.

The Rose

When: Daily, 2-4 p.m.

Deals: $8 house rosé, $9 amaro spritz, and baker’s half-dozen oysters

Go here for: Anything you could want—a glass of wine, brunch cocktails, freshly baked pastries, and a comprehensive lunch and dinner menu

Happy Hours in Normal Heights

Rabbit Hole

When: Weekdays, 5-7 p.m.

Deals: $5 draft beers, $6 wine, $6 specialty cocktails, half-off appetizers

Go here for: Bring the dog, bring the baby, bring your sharpest pals for Wednesday night trivia, at 7:15 p.m.

Abnormal Heights

When: Thurs., 3-7 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 3-5 p.m.

Deals: $10 house cocktails, $5 craft beer, $7 wine, $7 cocktails, and $5 off all food plates

Go here for: An under-the-radar rooftop bar offering killer flat-top steaks and cocktails.

Happy Hours in Pacific Beach

The Grass Skirt

When: All day Monday, and Tuesday-Thursday, 5-6 p.m.

Deals: $6 cocktails, $5 well drinks and wine; $10 discounts on punch bowls, $6 okinomiyaki fries, $6 garlic edamame, $6 Korean chicken wings, and other bites

Go here for: Volcanic eruptions, flaming cocktails, and shameless levels of tiki-ness.

Mavericks Beach Club

When: Weekdays 3-8 p.m.

Deals: $4 beers, wine, and well cocktails, and $6 margaritas and Mai Tais

Go here for: Plenty of outdoor space to for corn hole and ocean breezes.

Pro Tip: Taco Tuesdays (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) offer the dangerous proposition of $4 house margaritas.

Hideaway

When: Mon.-Fri., 3-6:30 p.m.

Deals: Half-off shots, bottles, and canned beer; food specials; and discounted glasses of wine

Go here for: Lobster mac, churro beignets, and a surfer’s dream interior 

Happy Hours in the Gaslamp and East Village

Blind Burro

When: Weekdays, 3-6 p.m.

Deals: $4.50 beer bottles, $6 margaritas, $5 well drinks, $4.50 fish tacos, and $4.50 TJ dogs with fries.

Go here for: Elote, ceviche, carne asada nachos and Baja-style ramen.

The Smoking Gun

When: Monday-Thursday, 4-7 p.m.

Deals: $5 for draft beer, house wines, well drinks, and select plates; $10 specialty cocktails

Go here for: The photo booth, Frito pie, and housemade corn nuts.

Pro Tip: The entire bar is half-off Fridays 3-7 p.m.

The Nolen

When: Every day, 4-6 p.m.

Deals: $7 cocktails and wine, and $6 appetizers like tater tots with chile mezcal salt and chile glazed meatballs.

Go here for: Views of the waterfront, fire pits, and getting far above the fray of the Gaslamp.

Happy Hours in Little Italy

Ironside

When: Weekdays, 3-6 p.m.

Deals: $8 cocktails, $5 beers, and small bites like $1 oysters and $6 chowder fries

Go here for: Did we mention the $1 oysters?

The post The Best San Diego Happy Hour Specials in 2025 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

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.

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The post 5 Zero-Hassle Things to Do on the Fourth of July appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Taste of Morena

April 11 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This year’s Taste of Morena offers food and drink specials from 20 restaurants along the Morena Blvd corridor. Complimentary Old Town Trolley Shuttles will do continuous loops every 15 minutes or so to participating establishments, such as Urbane Café, Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ, Luce Bar and Kitchen, Poseidon, and Project. Tickets are $25.

Taste of Point Loma

April 11 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sample the best of a long and varied list of eateries from the Point Loma area, including Blue Wave Bar & Grill, Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Charles + Dinorah at The Pearl, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, Living Room Café, and Point Loma Fish Shop. Tickets are $25 for general admission, or $20 for students, military, or cyclists. Dogs are welcome in designated areas.

Taste of Hillcrest

April 14, noon to 4 p.m.

Join this self-guided walking tour of Hillcrest’s culinary delights. Whether on foot or in one of the provided electric shuttle buses, you can sample Thai, Italian, or French delicacies, plus beer, cocktails, and much more from 35 restaurants, cafés, and bars. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 on the day of. For ADA-compliant shuttles, call (619)818-8897.

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The post 3 Neighborhood Tasting Tours Not to Miss This Week appeared first on San Diego Magazine.