The term dive bar is probably overused. A true dive bar won’t be in a guide. But something that isn’t dressed up and Instagrammable will fit the ticket these days. Generally, it will be a place that has a pool table or arcade games, serves Bud heavy, and is not particularly focused on customer service. It will smell vaguely of urine, the floor will be sticky, and you will have flashbacks to your days in high school. Karaoke will be taking place. There are plenty of good dive bars in San Diego, but here is a list of our favorites, in no particular order, with no additional details. We will leave out places that are aggressively local. You should not go to those.

Great Dive Bars In San Diego

Gaslamp, East Village Dive Bars

1. Star Bar: Well known dive bar in Gaslamp that keeps it simple. And divey.
2. Chee Chee Club: Chee Chee club is a straight up landmark. Dive bar in East Village since 1941. That’s, like, older than San Diego.

North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, University Heights Dive Bars

1. Live Wire: One of the best dive bars in San Diego. On El Cajon Ave in North Park. Sometimes has Pliny The Younger.
2. Bluefoot Bar: Large bar in North Park well loved by soccer fans, but other sports fans can go too.
3. Whistle Stop: Hosts lots and lots of live music. Also a dive bar with a patio. In South Park.
4. The Lancers: Nicer than most dive bars, but still fits the bill. Located in University Heights.

Mission Hills, Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, Little Italy Dive Bars

1. The Lamplighter: As divey as you can get in Mission Hills. With karaoke.
2. Nunu’s: Dive bar in Hillcrest with a big food menu and cocktail menu (relative, for a dive bar).
3. Alibi: Low key dive bar in Hillcrest next door to an adult bookstore.
4. Cherrybomb: Very stripped down dive bar in Bankers Hill. For when Mr A’s is full.
5. Aero Club Bar: Just north of Little Italy, on India Street. Kind of still a dive bar, kind of an arcade bar, kind of a whiskey bar now.
6. Waterfront Bar & Grill: A Little Italy gem that gets packed and stays packed all day and night.
7. Princess Pub: British dive bar in the heart of Little Italy that hosts Liverpool fans.

Normal Heights, City Heights Dive Bars

1. The Ould Sod: Dive bar in Normal Heights that takes their karaoke seriously. Huge back patio.
2. Rosie O Grady’s: Dive bar and sports bar in Normal Heights.
3. The Tower Bar: Historic dive bar in City Heights with lots and lots of live music.
4. Soda Bar: More a music venue, but counts as a dive bar. Located in City Heights

Mission Beach, PB, OB Dive Bars

1. Beachcomber: Beachy dive-ish bar in Mission Beach. Get a beer before you jump in the water.
2. The Silver Fox: Big open dive bar in PB. Good for pool and drinking too much.
3. West End PB: A North PB staple since the 70s. Slightly more beautiful humans at this one.
4. Pacific Shores: Don’t let the label cocktail lounge fool you. This is a dive bar in Ocean Beach.