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Foamy cocktail on marble top table.
Kingfisher.
Kelly Bone

The Hottest Cocktail Bars in San Diego, May 2024

The newest drinks in the city can be found at these bars

by Kelly Bone and Candice Woo Updated
View as Map
Kingfisher.
| Kelly Bone
by Kelly Bone and Candice Woo Updated

As summer slowly arrives, San Diego welcomes a fresh array of cocktails. Flavors of calamansi and ube from the Philippines are popping up around town, along with summer raspberries and champagne. Herbal elements, melon, and pineapple are highlighted by vodka or blended with hints of smoky mezcal.

The Eater Cocktail Heatmap will be updated frequently to highlight new openings or fresh menus that are generating serious buzz around town.

Know of a cocktail spot with a decent amount of heat that should be added to the list? Send us a note.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Frankie's

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Oceanside’s newest trove of enticing cocktails evokes notable sights in San Diego. Each is named for historical landmarks, like La Jolla’s the Rock with bourbon and toasted pecan star anise-infused sweet vermouth or the Saint-Malo Beachhouse fashioned from gin, Cynar, grapefruit, and shio koji.

406 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054
(442) 266-2270
(442) 266-2270

Also featured in:

Matsu

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While the ten-course Japanese menus at Oceanside’s Matsu steal the spotlight, be sure to make room for the harmonious cocktails. Begin your meal with the smoky Koi, a delicate blend of mezcal, bitter Aperol, and pineapple, or opt for the Tanuki, their twist on an Old Fashioned infused with the deep intensity of Okinawan brown sugar.

626 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 681-6152
(760) 681-6152
Tall pale cocktail getting dusted with matcha.
Matsu.
Coursey photo

Also featured in:

Jeune et Jolie

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North County’s Michelin-starred establishment continues to impress with its exquisite cocktails. Beverage director Andrew Cordero infuses new flavors into beloved classics, like his classic French 75 with a twist of calamansi citrus.

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 637-5266
(760) 637-5266
Round bar in soft greens and pinks.
Jeune et Jolie.
Coursey Photo

Also featured in:

The Whaling Bar

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After a decade-long closure, The Whaling Bar returns to La Jolla’s La Valencia Hotel. Now reopened, guests can indulge in beverage director Eric Johnson’s vibrant cocktail menu, which pays homage to the bar’s illustrious past with classics like the Whaler, alongside new creations inspired by the charm of La Jolla, such as the Pink Royale with vodka and raspberry cream cheese. To honor the tradition of the three-martini lunch, happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. offers $10 martinis daily.

1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Pink frothy cocktail with a raspberry on top.
The Whaling Bar
Joann Van Noy

Also featured in:

Marisi

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Marisi channels the spirit of the Amalfi Coast into San Diego. Led by Beau du Bois, the lauded establishment features classic cocktails with innovative twists. A fresh spring collection joins the bar menu with notes of budding citrus. The Grapefruit 75 combines botanica gin with bittersweet grapefruit and crisp sparkling wine while the Adriatic Spritz evokes the ocean air with blanco tequila, Italian dry vermouth, lime, and cucumber.

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 401-6787
(858) 401-6787
Grapefruit slice in a tall cocktail.
Marisi.
Kelly Bone

Also featured in:

Realm Of The 52 Remedies

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The speakeasy’s top-notch cocktail team, led by beverage director Chris Lee, has rolled out a new seasonal menu that captures the essence of the Philippines. The Buko Pandan features gin, Bordiga Chiot herbal liqueur, pineapple, and clarified coconut cream, tinted green with pandan and topped with coconut sherbet foam. Not to be missed is the Champorado, a blend of Kikori whisky, crème de cacao, and sherry sweetened with black rice Ovaltine horchata.

4805 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 780-6675
(619) 780-6675

Also featured in:

Paradisaea

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This stylish Bird Rock restaurant, recently added to the Michelin Guide’s culinary gems of Californa, features a lively cocktail bar renowned for crafting trendy drinks like the Cock of the Rock with vodka, falernum, carrot, and ginger. Another standout is the Secretarybird, a clarified milk punch with genever, olive leaf, and English breakfast tea.

5680 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037
(858) 255-8011
(858) 255-8011

Also featured in:

Captain's Quarters

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The latest cocktails featured at this nautical speakeasy next to the Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach include the Siren’s Spritz, made with butterfly pea tea-tinted gin, and the Skipper’s Colada, which blends mezcal, lime, toasted coconut, Ancho Reyes poblano liqueur, and mirto verde.

910 Grand Ave Ste 105-107, San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 412-5237
(858) 412-5237

Also featured in:

Swan Bar

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The $5 draft cocktails at this Adams Avenue bar may be the best happy hour deal in town (4 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily) but you’ll want to stay all night to enjoy a burger alongside well-balanced drinks like the Deadly Sin #4 with shishito vodka, melon liquor, avocado, honeydew, and lime.

2933 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Also featured in:

Gilly's House of Cocktails

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This neighbor pillar recently came under the ownership of renowned bartenders Erick Castro (Polite Provisions, Raised by Wolves) and Jacob Mentel (Youngblood, Polite Provisions). The duo is blending is their years of experience at high-end cocktail bars with a dive bar atmosphere and reasonable prices, making it the kind of place you’d be just as comfortable ordering a 100-proof bourbon and chocolate bitters Old Fashioned as you would a Miller High Life.

2306 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California 92104
Phone number (619) 298-6008
Phone number (619) 298-6008
Golden Cocktail on a tile bar.
Gilly’s House of Cocktails.
Kelly Bone

Happy Medium

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The long-awaited bar from beloved industry veterans Eric Johnson (the Whaling Bar) and Christian Siglin (Fernside) has landed in North Park where the neighborhood has quickly embraced the friendly and relaxed hangout that can do everything from classic to custom cocktails. The menu features draft cocktails and slushees as well as bar bites like fried cheese curds and roasted cauliflower.

4002 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Kimberly Motos

Botanica

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Under the guidance of general manager Marina Ferreira, guests can indulge in a menu of gin-centric classics and innovative cocktails, each as visually stunning as it is delicious. The highly seasonal Garden Cocktail plucks inspiration directly from the onsite plot currently blooming with ginger mint. For those seeking a unique experience, the Teatotalism beckons with its infusion of tamarind into bourbon, accompanied by Moroccan mint, all elegantly served from an iron teapot.

3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Cucumber in a cocktail.
Botanica.
Kelly Bone

Also featured in:

Louisiana Purchase

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Big summer energy radiates from Louisiana Purchase’s bar, run by beverage director Rob McShea. Gear up with cocktails like the G-Thing, a tumbler of guava-infused mezcal, lime, and soda. A lineup of Nola-style frozen margaritas includes the Coco with tequila, lime, and coconut cream or the Drive Through with tequila rose, watermelon, lime, and agave. Can’t choose? Order a hurricane glass swirled with both.

2305 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 723-2880
(619) 723-2880
Three hurricane glasses with cocktails.
Louisiana Purchase.
Coursey Photo

Also featured in:

Mess Hall

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Liberty Public Market’s Mess Hall is unveiling a fresh cocktail menu inspired by the market’s high-quality vendors. Starting Thursday, May 24, enjoy the White Rice-inspired You Had Me at Ube, featuring rum, ube jam, and horchata liqueur. Then, on June 1, the menu will switch to a new lineup, including delights like the Baker & Olive-inspired French Like Emily made with Hendrick’s gin, wild raspberry white balsamic, and a splash of brut rosé.

2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 255-8360
(619) 255-8360
Three skewered raspberries over a pink cocktail.
Mess Hall.
Coursey Photo

KINDRED

Copy Link

Celebrating its 8th anniversary this month, the vegan cocktail palace’s recently overhauled menu introduced a slew of concoctions to their occult-tiki line up. Go strong with their Golden Alter, a whiskey sour with tart green apple, celery, mango and makrut lime leaves or stick to the Kult Classics like the rhubarb and strawberry gin Spinal Tap.

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 546-9653
(619) 546-9653

Also featured in:

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Kingfisher

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Beverage director Stephen Mallory collaborated closely with his team to completely reimagine the cocktail menu at this award-winning Golden Hill restaurant. Aligning the drinks with the essence of Kingfisher’s cuisine, their new introductions include the Favored Winds, which blends Wild Turkey with the nuances of de-acidified Chinese black vinegar and fennel-forward bitters while the Wake Me Up Before You Mango combines the distinct flavors of Mr. Black Coffee liqueur with unexpected fruit-forward elements such as mango, amchur (dried mango powder), and coconut fat-washed rum.

2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 432-1014
(619) 432-1014
Tall cocktail with leaf.
Kingfisher.
Kelly Bone

Also featured in:

Counterpoint

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Reopened in May after a remodel, this popular Golden Hill bar and bistro now features a cocktail menu crafted by bar alumni Ryan Andrews, currently the beverage director of GBOD Hospitality Group. Seasonal favorites include Cool Beans, a blend of cold brew and bourbon accented with orgeat and sarsaparilla bitters, and the summery Lovely Cruise with rum, lime, pineapple, and green chartreuse.

830 25th St (at F St.), San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 564-6722
(619) 564-6722
Wood bar with blue stools. Arlene Ibarra

Also featured in:

Choi's

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The modern Korean fare at this downtown spot is complemented by a menu of elegant, low-ABV soju cocktails. Experience the complexity of the new Tokyo Sour, featuring Nankai Shōchū, lemon, simple syrup, and merlot, with the option to upgrade to Nankai’s white oak cask-finished shochu. Alternatively, indulge in a light herbal affair like the Jeju Mojito, made with Cali Soju, muddled lime and perilla leaves, and a splash of soda.

100 Park Plaza, San Diego, California 92101
(619) 228-9185
(619) 228-9185

La Bamba Room

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San Diego-born bar manager Tony Roehr (Mabel’s Gone Fishing, CH Projects) settles into a new family at Barrio Logan's newest neighborhood bar where the ¡SALUD! Tacos-adjacent listening room offers a hi-fi experience for all the senses. With cocktails named for Salud and La Bamba owner Ernie Becerra’s life and family, the extensive menu is designed to be read slowly while sipping on cocktails like the Since I Fell For You, a gin martini accented with peach and passionfruit.

2196 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
(619) 255-3856
(619) 255-3856
Thin stemmed glass with clear cocktail and lemon.
La Bamba Room
Kelly Bone

Also featured in:

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Frankie's

406 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Oceanside’s newest trove of enticing cocktails evokes notable sights in San Diego. Each is named for historical landmarks, like La Jolla’s the Rock with bourbon and toasted pecan star anise-infused sweet vermouth or the Saint-Malo Beachhouse fashioned from gin, Cynar, grapefruit, and shio koji.

406 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054
(442) 266-2270
(442) 266-2270

Matsu

626 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA 92054

While the ten-course Japanese menus at Oceanside’s Matsu steal the spotlight, be sure to make room for the harmonious cocktails. Begin your meal with the smoky Koi, a delicate blend of mezcal, bitter Aperol, and pineapple, or opt for the Tanuki, their twist on an Old Fashioned infused with the deep intensity of Okinawan brown sugar.

626 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 681-6152
(760) 681-6152
Tall pale cocktail getting dusted with matcha.
Matsu.
Coursey photo

Jeune et Jolie

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

North County’s Michelin-starred establishment continues to impress with its exquisite cocktails. Beverage director Andrew Cordero infuses new flavors into beloved classics, like his classic French 75 with a twist of calamansi citrus.

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 637-5266
(760) 637-5266
Round bar in soft greens and pinks.
Jeune et Jolie.
Coursey Photo

The Whaling Bar

1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

After a decade-long closure, The Whaling Bar returns to La Jolla’s La Valencia Hotel. Now reopened, guests can indulge in beverage director Eric Johnson’s vibrant cocktail menu, which pays homage to the bar’s illustrious past with classics like the Whaler, alongside new creations inspired by the charm of La Jolla, such as the Pink Royale with vodka and raspberry cream cheese. To honor the tradition of the three-martini lunch, happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. offers $10 martinis daily.

1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Pink frothy cocktail with a raspberry on top.
The Whaling Bar
Joann Van Noy

Marisi

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Marisi channels the spirit of the Amalfi Coast into San Diego. Led by Beau du Bois, the lauded establishment features classic cocktails with innovative twists. A fresh spring collection joins the bar menu with notes of budding citrus. The Grapefruit 75 combines botanica gin with bittersweet grapefruit and crisp sparkling wine while the Adriatic Spritz evokes the ocean air with blanco tequila, Italian dry vermouth, lime, and cucumber.

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 401-6787
(858) 401-6787
Grapefruit slice in a tall cocktail.
Marisi.
Kelly Bone

Realm Of The 52 Remedies

4805 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

The speakeasy’s top-notch cocktail team, led by beverage director Chris Lee, has rolled out a new seasonal menu that captures the essence of the Philippines. The Buko Pandan features gin, Bordiga Chiot herbal liqueur, pineapple, and clarified coconut cream, tinted green with pandan and topped with coconut sherbet foam. Not to be missed is the Champorado, a blend of Kikori whisky, crème de cacao, and sherry sweetened with black rice Ovaltine horchata.

4805 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 780-6675
(619) 780-6675

Paradisaea

5680 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037

This stylish Bird Rock restaurant, recently added to the Michelin Guide’s culinary gems of Californa, features a lively cocktail bar renowned for crafting trendy drinks like the Cock of the Rock with vodka, falernum, carrot, and ginger. Another standout is the Secretarybird, a clarified milk punch with genever, olive leaf, and English breakfast tea.

5680 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037
(858) 255-8011
(858) 255-8011

Captain's Quarters

910 Grand Ave Ste 105-107, San Diego, CA 92109

The latest cocktails featured at this nautical speakeasy next to the Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach include the Siren’s Spritz, made with butterfly pea tea-tinted gin, and the Skipper’s Colada, which blends mezcal, lime, toasted coconut, Ancho Reyes poblano liqueur, and mirto verde.

910 Grand Ave Ste 105-107, San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 412-5237
(858) 412-5237

Swan Bar

2933 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

The $5 draft cocktails at this Adams Avenue bar may be the best happy hour deal in town (4 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily) but you’ll want to stay all night to enjoy a burger alongside well-balanced drinks like the Deadly Sin #4 with shishito vodka, melon liquor, avocado, honeydew, and lime.

2933 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Gilly's House of Cocktails

2306 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California 92104

This neighbor pillar recently came under the ownership of renowned bartenders Erick Castro (Polite Provisions, Raised by Wolves) and Jacob Mentel (Youngblood, Polite Provisions). The duo is blending is their years of experience at high-end cocktail bars with a dive bar atmosphere and reasonable prices, making it the kind of place you’d be just as comfortable ordering a 100-proof bourbon and chocolate bitters Old Fashioned as you would a Miller High Life.

2306 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California 92104
Phone number (619) 298-6008
Phone number (619) 298-6008
Golden Cocktail on a tile bar.
Gilly’s House of Cocktails.
Kelly Bone

Happy Medium

4002 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

The long-awaited bar from beloved industry veterans Eric Johnson (the Whaling Bar) and Christian Siglin (Fernside) has landed in North Park where the neighborhood has quickly embraced the friendly and relaxed hangout that can do everything from classic to custom cocktails. The menu features draft cocktails and slushees as well as bar bites like fried cheese curds and roasted cauliflower.

4002 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Kimberly Motos

Botanica

3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Under the guidance of general manager Marina Ferreira, guests can indulge in a menu of gin-centric classics and innovative cocktails, each as visually stunning as it is delicious. The highly seasonal Garden Cocktail plucks inspiration directly from the onsite plot currently blooming with ginger mint. For those seeking a unique experience, the Teatotalism beckons with its infusion of tamarind into bourbon, accompanied by Moroccan mint, all elegantly served from an iron teapot.

3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Cucumber in a cocktail.
Botanica.
Kelly Bone

Louisiana Purchase

2305 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Big summer energy radiates from Louisiana Purchase’s bar, run by beverage director Rob McShea. Gear up with cocktails like the G-Thing, a tumbler of guava-infused mezcal, lime, and soda. A lineup of Nola-style frozen margaritas includes the Coco with tequila, lime, and coconut cream or the Drive Through with tequila rose, watermelon, lime, and agave. Can’t choose? Order a hurricane glass swirled with both.

2305 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 723-2880
(619) 723-2880
Three hurricane glasses with cocktails.
Louisiana Purchase.
Coursey Photo

Mess Hall

2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

Liberty Public Market’s Mess Hall is unveiling a fresh cocktail menu inspired by the market’s high-quality vendors. Starting Thursday, May 24, enjoy the White Rice-inspired You Had Me at Ube, featuring rum, ube jam, and horchata liqueur. Then, on June 1, the menu will switch to a new lineup, including delights like the Baker & Olive-inspired French Like Emily made with Hendrick’s gin, wild raspberry white balsamic, and a splash of brut rosé.

2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 255-8360
(619) 255-8360
Three skewered raspberries over a pink cocktail.
Mess Hall.
Coursey Photo

KINDRED

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102

Celebrating its 8th anniversary this month, the vegan cocktail palace’s recently overhauled menu introduced a slew of concoctions to their occult-tiki line up. Go strong with their Golden Alter, a whiskey sour with tart green apple, celery, mango and makrut lime leaves or stick to the Kult Classics like the rhubarb and strawberry gin Spinal Tap.

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 546-9653
(619) 546-9653

Related Maps

Kingfisher

2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102

Beverage director Stephen Mallory collaborated closely with his team to completely reimagine the cocktail menu at this award-winning Golden Hill restaurant. Aligning the drinks with the essence of Kingfisher’s cuisine, their new introductions include the Favored Winds, which blends Wild Turkey with the nuances of de-acidified Chinese black vinegar and fennel-forward bitters while the Wake Me Up Before You Mango combines the distinct flavors of Mr. Black Coffee liqueur with unexpected fruit-forward elements such as mango, amchur (dried mango powder), and coconut fat-washed rum.

2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 432-1014
(619) 432-1014
Tall cocktail with leaf.
Kingfisher.
Kelly Bone

Counterpoint

830 25th St (at F St.), San Diego, CA 92102

Reopened in May after a remodel, this popular Golden Hill bar and bistro now features a cocktail menu crafted by bar alumni Ryan Andrews, currently the beverage director of GBOD Hospitality Group. Seasonal favorites include Cool Beans, a blend of cold brew and bourbon accented with orgeat and sarsaparilla bitters, and the summery Lovely Cruise with rum, lime, pineapple, and green chartreuse.

830 25th St (at F St.), San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 564-6722
(619) 564-6722
Wood bar with blue stools. Arlene Ibarra

Choi's

100 Park Plaza, San Diego, California 92101

The modern Korean fare at this downtown spot is complemented by a menu of elegant, low-ABV soju cocktails. Experience the complexity of the new Tokyo Sour, featuring Nankai Shōchū, lemon, simple syrup, and merlot, with the option to upgrade to Nankai’s white oak cask-finished shochu. Alternatively, indulge in a light herbal affair like the Jeju Mojito, made with Cali Soju, muddled lime and perilla leaves, and a splash of soda.

100 Park Plaza, San Diego, California 92101
(619) 228-9185
(619) 228-9185

La Bamba Room

2196 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

San Diego-born bar manager Tony Roehr (Mabel’s Gone Fishing, CH Projects) settles into a new family at Barrio Logan's newest neighborhood bar where the ¡SALUD! Tacos-adjacent listening room offers a hi-fi experience for all the senses. With cocktails named for Salud and La Bamba owner Ernie Becerra’s life and family, the extensive menu is designed to be read slowly while sipping on cocktails like the Since I Fell For You, a gin martini accented with peach and passionfruit.

2196 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
(619) 255-3856
(619) 255-3856
Thin stemmed glass with clear cocktail and lemon.
La Bamba Room
Kelly Bone

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