18 Best Nightlife in San Diego, California

Launched by the team behind Kindred, Mothership is a cocktail experience right out of the most fantastical science fiction. Its interior has to be seen to be believed, half of it resembling a cinematic spaceship and the other half looking like the alien worlds it landed on, while the drinks they serve—with names referencing the likes of Alien and Star Trek—are dazzling and delicious tiki concoctions. Reservations open up 21 days in advance but fill up fast, but bar seating is first-come, first-served.

Bar-goers are dazzled by Starlite's award-winning interior design, which includes rock walls, luxe leather booths, and a massive mirror-mounted chandelier. A hexagonal wood-plank entryway leads to a sunken white bar where creative cocktails, such as the signature Starlite Mule served in a copper mug, are mixed. During warmer months, procuring a spot on the outside wood-decked patio is an art form.

Named for its proximity to the airport, this watering hole draws in whiskey lovers for its unbeatable selection.

Although it draws plenty of gay customers, the festive and friendly atmosphere is popular with just about everyone in the Hillcrest area (and their pets are welcome, too). The bar staff stocks more than 100 brands of tequila and mixes plenty of fancy cocktails.

The bar of this restaurant named for the cactus whose sap is distilled into tequila stocks hundreds of top-shelf brands that are as sip-worthy as the finest cognac.

This retro-cool hangout with stiff cocktails might be one of the most popular bars in Hillcrest, but don't expect a glitzy facade. The intentionally dated decor sits within the tatty walls of a white-brick box that probably hasn't had a face-lift since the LBJ administration.

A more laid-back counterpoint to nightclubs where DJs spin bass-heavy EDM, Part Time Lover is a haven for those who prefer their vinyl listening experience paired with a good cocktail. Inspired by listening bars in Japan, the stylish, Stevie Wonder-referencing lounge features a rotating cast behind the turntables every night, spinning jazz-funk, classic soul and other eclectic sounds, with a cocktail menu that features both refreshing and spirit forward options. And if you like what you hear, there's no need to vacate the bar to go shopping—Folk Arts Records is housed inside. 

Referred to as Red Fox Room by those in the know, this dimly lit lounge is dearly loved by locals, and not just the seniors who flock here to sing Sinatra tunes to tickled ivories and the occasional impromptu horn section. The bar opened in 1959, but much of the bar's features—including its ornately detailed fireplace—date back to 16th- and 17th-century England. Though relocated just across the street, its charm and potent cocktails came along for the ride.

The dancing and music here are some of the best in the city, making Rich's popular not only with gay men but also plenty of lesbians and straight revelers.

This whiskey lounge is a swanky addition to an already thriving North Park nightlife scene and a welcome alternative to the neighboring dives and dance clubs. Live jazz, a tranquil atmosphere, and a bourbon-loving craft cocktail list keep locals flocking.

This Mission Hills hangout captures all the warmth and camaraderie of a traditional British pub—except here you can enjoy consistently sunny weather on the sprawling patio. The bar hands pour from a long list of imported ales and stouts, and the early hours for big matches make this the place to watch soccer.

The heavy use of wood and stone, and accents like banjos and rifles, might give Sycamore Den a masculine vibe, but it's a highly specific and kitschy one: ’70s dads. Though the hipster-pop concept might seem like it was plucked right out of a Tumblr meme, the drinks here are worth the irony, and the calendar is typically filled with great local, acoustic live bands.

Cowboys gather for line dancing and two-stepping on the wooden dance floor—but be forewarned, yee-hawers, it can get pretty wild on Western nights. There are also Latin, hip-hop, and drag revues but the real allure is in the creative drinks ("Gone Fishing"—served in a fishbowl, for example) and the breezy patio where love (or something like it) is usually in the air.