Updated April 26, 2023

These days, the cocktail scene in San Diego is booming. With a rise in everything from speakeasies to tiki bars, San Diego is quickly making a name for itself as one of the most up and coming and innovative places to imbibe. When it comes to downtown San Diego bars, it seems that new places are constantly popping up in the neighborhood and keeping us curious to sip and discover via a San Diego tour or simply on our own!

If you’re looking to mix it up this weekend, check out this list to read about some of the newest and best bars in downtown San Diego. Whether you’re enjoying a brunch beverage or a fancy cocktail over dinner, we’re sure this list will whet your whistle and get you eager to explore your favorite things to do in downtown San Diego!

Bar Moxy

Photo by: Bar Moxy

If you’re craving a swanky hotel bar, look no further than Bar Moxy. Located in the newly opened Moxy Hotel (the first California location for the Marriott international Moxy brand), this place is both playful and wildly cool inside. From tiki cocktails to old-time classics, and a mix of burgers, sandwiches, and snacks, Bar Moxy is the type of downtown San Diego bar that can be enjoyed at all hours of the day (and night). Starting in the mid-afternoon, there’s a DJ, and there’s also a lobby packed with arcade games for the gaming enthusiast in the group. Try the Pink + Black with Casamigos blanco, black tea, hibiscus, and fresh lemon — or the selection of whites from places around the world like South Africa, Germany, and Italy. We recommend satisfying your late-night munchies with a Nashville Chicken Sandwich made with crispy chicken, Tennessee hot sauce, spicy pickles, and crema on a brioche bun. A side of the Loaded Fries with crumbled bacon is a welcomed addition to enjoy, too.

Juan Tequila Bar and Restaurant

Photo by: Juan Tequila Bar and Restaurant

Juan Tequila Bar and Restaurant is a new hot spot in the Gaslamp Quarter that features inventive small plates and cocktails reflecting the Baja-California style. The venue proudly boasts a surprisingly New York vibe with chandeliers, club leather furniture, and marble tabletops. The cocktail program offers everything from tiki-inspired drinks based on tropical fruit and Mexican ingredients, to old-world tequilas, Baja wine, and craft beer. They’re huge on “sea fare” from Baja and present locally sourced and foraged ingredients. Try them out for brunch, where you can indulge in the delicious food like the Huevos Montados, a tostada with over hard egg, salsa ranchera, crema, and beans or the Juan Tequila French Toast which is made with three slices of Texas bread dipped in egg and grilled with Piloncillo and agave syrup, then topped with strawberries. Don’t forget to try the Driftwood cocktail, a classic house signature that’s an old-fashioned tribute to Mexico — a brilliant mix of house-infused chile Mezcal, Sotol, Cacao, amaro, and peach bitters. For an excellent downtown San Diego happy hour, come to this spot on Tuesdays for 50% off tacos, tequilas, and mezcales!

Storyhouse Spirits

Photo by: Storyhouse Spirits

Welcome to Storyhouse Spirits, an East Village spot that opened in February 2019. It’s a distillery, a cocktail bar, and wood fired restaurant bundled up into one, two-level building. Drink everything from Seaside Vodka to Storyhouse Aviation Gin and pair your sips with a plate of Rockefeller-style oysters from the beautiful copper wood-burning oven. It’s a large venue great for big groups or celebrations like birthdays and group cocktail crawls. With a design aesthetic of lots of deep blues, wood, and industrial shiny silver (plus comfy couches and tables), we’re sure you’ll sit back, drink up, and stay awhile at this latest addition to the growing San Diego cocktail scene.

Young Blood

Photo by: Young Blood

One of the most exciting and unique bars in the area is Young Blood, located in the heart of downtown. This bar has quickly become a local favorite, offering an exclusive refreshing departure from the typical pub or sports bar experience.

Entered through a faux refrigerator door just beyond a tiled gateway, into a warmly-lit, high-ceilinged rosy fantasy. Guests will be guided through progressive courses based on their personal preferences.  With around 30 velveted seats creates a personable curated 90 minute, three course cocktail experience incomparable to others for the price of  $67 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are accepted as early as two weeks in advance for groups of 4 or less.

 Young Blood’s nightly experience starts with a welcoming glass of bubbly plus three cocktails over a one hour and 30 minute session. The bartenders at this establishment are skilled mixologists, able to craft delicious and inventive cocktails that are sure to please any palate.Your reservation includes 3 drinks that resemble an appetizer, a main dish, and dessert.Each one custom made to your taste.

Besides their pre-paid courses, patrons will also be able to add on bonus drinks, from some vintage amaro to prized Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. Early reservations are encouraged.

Wolfie’s Carousel   

Photo by: Wolfie’s Carousel

Climb aboard,  you’re in for a ride with our next bar of interest. Wolfie’s carousel bar encapsulates a fun whimsical playland which features hand-carved carousels. Taking its first pin in August 2021 in Little Italy and ever since has been creating an awe-inspiring immersive experience.

Enjoy a fresh glass of their Whispering Angel Rosé while feeling like you have been swept away to a French carnival as the bar revolves around creating the childhood sensation. The Carousel Bar seats 24 and completes one revolution in 15 minutes and is illuminated by 400 light bulbs.

The space is  2,500-square-feet serving up to 256 guests with French bistro cuisine with Parisian-inspired cocktails. Wolfie’s Carousel is a singular setting to enjoy a moveable feast with the vanguard of old and new.

Coco Maya

Photo By: Coco Maya

Coco Maya inspired by exploring the history of the Islands and Latin American regions of the Caribbean Ocean. The drinks presented by Caco Maya are a contemporary link from the past to the present from a full bar menu centered around rum cocktails, as well as craft beers on draft and a curated wine list.

The first thing you’ll notice about Coco Maya Bar is the beautiful and colorful decor. The bar has a tropical theme, with brightly colored walls, palm trees, and plenty of colorful decorations. This creates a fun and festive atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends or a celebration.

But Coco Maya Bar isn’t just about the drinks – they also offer a variety of delicious food options. The menu features a mix of Mexican-inspired dishes, with options like lobster tacos, Alaskan halibut, coal-fired octopus and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.

If you’re looking for a fun and memorable night out in San Diego, Coco Maya Bar is definitely worth a visit. With its tropical decor, delicious drinks, and great atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and have a good time. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun night out with friends, Coco Maya Bar is sure to deliver.

Whether you’re in the mood for slowly enjoying a three-course cocktail experience or for sharing a punch bowl with your best friends, we hope this list of new downtown San Diego bars has you excited to get out there, check them out, and have a good time!

For more cocktail inspiration, make sure to give our article on Top 10 Trendiest Bars a peek or read about San Diego beer staples in our Unique Beer Flavors article.

Written by: Melissa

Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do …  In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.

Sources:

1.   https://sandiego.eater.com/2018/11/28/18116078/moxy-san-diego-hotel-cocktail-bar-downtown
2.   https://sandiego.eater.com/2018/9/14/17860542/french-cocktail-bar-rendezvous-us-grant-hotel
3.   https://sandiego.eater.com/2019/2/8/18217207/storyhouse-spirits-distillery-cocktail-bar-restaurant-east-village
4.   https://sandiego.eater.com/2018/3/26/17164840/juan-tequila-mexican-baja-med-restaurant-cocktail-bar