My brother and friends are going to San Diego for a guys weekend. What are the best bars and restaurants to go to with a party of 18? The guys are all around 40 yrs old, not too rowdy, but need appropriate fun places to go for beers and margaritas. Any suggestions?

The answer is in the title to your post. Go to the Gaslamp. They'll find enough places to go.

Were you looking for something more specific? the Gaslamp is not a very large area, and it's a common scene to have groups as large as your brother's, roving the area and bar hopping.

Start the night out at Dick's Last Resort.

they normally don't do it but i'd ask casa de bandini (old town) if they'd take a reservation for that many people. fun restaurant and great margarittas. then head to the gaslamp if you want the bar scene.

The guys have already planned a night at Dick's. Another night they are going to a Padre game. They were heading to Old Town and Gaslamp for the last two nights. I was looking to save them some time and give them a game plan.

Since both dick's and the ballpark are in the gaslamp, it's likely they'll be burned out on the GL by then.

how about newport ave in ob?

The newest bar downtown in the Gaslamp is called Mr. Tikis Mai Tai Lounge. They specialize in Mai Tais and fun appetizers and the place has lots of atmosphere. Chelsea Clinton was seen hanging out there last week when she visited San Diego. It's on 5th.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I don't think the guys are in the same league as Chelsea Clinton. May be to foo-foo for a bunch of 40 year olds that are glad to be away from the wives for the weekend. I think they are looking for a more down and dirty kind of place. That's if they make it back from Tijuana!

If you're really going to Tijuana, be VERY careful.