8 Amazing…Places to Get Your Buzz On in San Diego.

We love bars. We love San Diego. Why we never shared our favorite watering holes with you guys is beyond me. San Diego’s bar scene is as eclectic as they come, from tiki-dives to high-rise lounges, the city has something for everyone when it comes to libations.  For years, we’ve recommended many of these places to friends and visiting cocktail lovers, so I’m excited to be sharing them with you today.

Pacific Shores Cafe

Whether you’re having a white Russian to start your day or a gin and tonic to forget your day, PAC Shores Cafe is always a good time. This is a true dive bar–cheap well drinks ($2.50) and bottle beer ($3) and locals drinking their day away as they hum along to their favorite song on the jukebox. The inside feels like a 1970s lounge in North Las Vegas, and features an underwater theme with black lights and day-glo mermaid pictures, and a pool table in the back. The place is always dark, but your eyes will adjust, trust me. Evenings can get crowded, but, for the most part, grabbing a table or stool at the bar is never a problem (4927 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA, United States; (619) 223-7549; Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Cash only).

Lahaina Beach House

When the city banned drinking on its beaches a few years back, Lahaina Beach House become the next best thing. A Pacific Beach institution, this is one of the best spots in San Diego to watch sunsets or just relax away the afternoon. Expect to pay a little more for drinks here as well as food. Rumor has it the fish tacos are fantastic, but I haven’t personally tried them. The patio can get extremely crowded around sunset and on the weekends (710 Oliver Ct, San Diego, CA, United States; (858) 270-3888; Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Cash only).

Top of the Hyatt

When it comes to views, the Top of the Hyatt in downtown San Diego is the crème de la crème. One of the city’s best local secrets, the Top of the Hyatt is a swanky spot, perfect for a cocktail or two to get the night started. The lounges floor-to-ceiling windows offer stellar panoramic views of the city and Coronado Island (1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA, United States (619) 232-1234; Hours: 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Cash/Credit).

Ballast Point

Ballast Point has come a long way since its humble brewhouse beginnings in the back of a homebrewing supply store. Named Best Small Brewing Company in 2010 at the World Beer Cup, Ballast Point is one of San Diego’s finest microbreweries. In addition, to its original brewhouse, Ballast Point now has two other San Diego locations–Ballast Point Old Grove Brewery and Ballast Point Tasting Room and Kitchen. All three locations have a tasting room and tours are given daily at the brewery, which also features a speakeasy-inspired spirits tasting room (10051 Old Grove Road, San Diego, CA 92131, USA (858) 695-2739; Hours vary by location: www.ballastpoint.com/locations; Cash/Credit).

The 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro

Wine bars may be a dime a dozen these day in San Diego, but there are some truly great ones, and at the top of the list is the 3rd Corner in Ocean Beach. The restaurant combines a delicious California Bistro menu with a retail wine shop, giving customers the chance to pair a great bottle or two with their meal for a fraction of the cost of most restaurants, not to mention the corking fee is only $5. Whether you’re looking for a full meal, a cheese plate with friends, or a late night snack (the full menu is available until 1 a.m.) this is the spot (2265 Bacon St. San Diego, CA 92107; 619-223-2700; Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Cash/Credit).

The Star Bar

San Diego’s downtown has changed a lot over the last decade, but one thing that hasn’t is the venerable Star Bar. It’s the last dive bar in the heart of the Gas Lamp District. The drinks are cheap, the bartenders are friendly-enough and the jukebox rocks (423 E St, San Diego, CA, United States (619) 234-5575; Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Cash only).

The Casbah

The Casbah has been rocking San Diego since 1989. Its first location, just up the road from its current spot, hosted Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Rocket From The Crypt, among others. In 1994 the venue moved to its current location and now has a capacity of 200+. The new spot has an enclosed smoking patio, a back room with pool tables, pinball, classic video games (Galaga anyone), and a full bar. There is also a music room with a full bar and a state-of-the-art sound system. The Casbah features music at least six nights a week, so there’s usually always something happening (Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA, USA 619.232.4335; www.casbahmusic.com; Cash/Credit).

Pizza Port Ocean Beach

With four locations in San Diego, Pizza Port is like San Diego’s version of White Castle. Yes, it’s that iconic! The beer is delicious and fresh (all of it’s brewed in-house) and the pizza is delicious. On any given day, you’ll find it packed with eclectic mix of families, surf rats and craft beer enthusiasts. In 2009, Pizza Port won a staggering nine medals at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival. Tip: Solana Beach’s brewhouse (this the original) is sunk into the floor. Take a seat to the right of the taps on brew days and you’ll get to see the brewers in action (1956 Bacon Street, San Diego, CA 92107, USA (619) 224-4700; Hours: Sun-Thur. 11 a.m. to 1o p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; www.pizzaport.com; Cash/Credit).

Free travel guides and contest alert

You can get all of the aforementioned places as well as four more in our latest free Buggl Travel Guide: The Alcoholics Guide to San Diego. And to celebrate Buggl’s latest contest–Eat, Drink, Design a Guide–we’re also making The Beer Lover’s Guide to San Diego free until July 1. Buggl guides are the easiest way to take our best recommendations with you when traveling, as they look gorgeous on smartphones and tablets, and can be viewed fully offline.

In June, Buggl is giving away stone-cold cash as part of its Eat, Drink, Design a Guide competition. They’ve got a total of $850 up for grabs! You can find all of the details at http://www.buggl.com/eat-and-drink.

Got a favorite San Diego bar that we missed? Let us know about it in the comments!

*Photo Credit: San Diego Hiking Path in Point Loma near Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego via Shutterstock.