Great Bars and Cafes in Downtown - Center City (San Diego)

Blarney Stone

This established San Diego chain of Irish pubs invaded the Gaslamp Quarter, grabbing a prime corner location on the Convention Center edge of the district. Its charming Irish feel (with a somewhat un-Irish outdoor patio seating section) snags passersby, enticing them to come in and enjoy its ambiance. The late-night hours make this a popular spot among the 20-something local crowd, as well as among visitors seeking a lively evening.

Panda Inn

This popular venue, offering mouth-watering Chinese food, is a quiet place on the rooftop of Horton Plaza. Featuring red and black decor, the contemporary restaurant is popular among local business professionals and shoppers. The Mandarin and Szechuan menu items include fresh seafood and vegetable dishes. Some of the specials include Orange Flavored Chicken and Sweet and Pungent Shrimp. The talented chefs claim to follow the four tenants of Chinese food preparation: color, fragrance, taste and completeness. They definitely succeed!

Gaslamp Liquor & Delicatessen

Whether in town for business, pleasure or a special event, sometimes a little libation is in order and this is where you will find the widest selection of wines and spirits in the downtown area. A nice feature of this liquor store and deli is that the staff will deliver to your hotel room in the downtown area. Also available are party trays, grocery and sundry items, beer and wines by the case.

Pitchers

This restaurant and sports pub has built its reputation on New York-style pizza and a happening atmosphere. It has five televisions for watching your favorite sports, two pool tables and a jukebox. A full cocktail bar has 20 beers on tap, with a variety of bottled beers and wines as well. Food runs from huge pizzas to burgers, sandwiches and salads. If you let the bartenders know you are a designated driver, they will supply you with free soda, coffee or water.

Princess Pub & Grille

An unabashed British pub, this spot serves fine ales and spirits. Live entertainment is offered most nights, featuring British, Scottish and Celtic music. Traditional English specialties are unfortunately overshadowed by the ale and beers, but the grub is good! The Traditional Sunday Roast Dinner is meant to assuage homesickness for the big expatriate clientele, but it is delicious even if you are not British. Fish & Chips? Of course beer battered, big portions are available.

Khyber Pass

This popular establishment, hosting a menu and atmosphere that showcase the traditions of Afghanistan, is located in the heart of Hillcrest. The renovated restaurant is alive with bright fabrics encompassing the room. Traditional Afghani cuisine dominates the menu. Culinary choices include Aushak (scallion-filled dumplings), Zomorrod Chalow (lamb stew) and Aush (soup with vegetables and noodles). Eggplant is a popular item among appetizers and main dishes. Try the Bauraunee-Baunjaun, which is sauteed eggplant served with yogurt.

Bernard'O Restaurant

Bernard Mougel, a former maitre d' of a prestigious dining room, has designed his own restaurant where he provides first-class service to locals and tourists. The restaurant has even been noted by San Diego Magazine, in which it won the Readers' Poll Pick for Best Service. Located in a small shopping center, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. Traditional French specialties highlight the menu such as French Onion Soup and snails served with white wine. Customer favorites include the Grilled Scallops (served with garlic and lemon) and the fabulous Filet Mignon.

Nunu's Cocktails

This eclectic '60s holdover will give you a warm, cozy feeling reminiscent of that era. Large comfortable booths, a diverse jukebox and a fireplace all combine to bring you back to a slower-paced world. The white Christmas lights, intertwined with ivy, illuminate cowboy pictures and other western artifacts. It is easy to imagine John Wayne, Hugh Hefner or even Frank Sinatra coming in the door. Drinks are moderately priced and the dress code is casual.

The Brass Rail Nightclub & Lounge

Originally opened in the 1930's, The Brass Rail is considered the oldest gay bar in San Diego and has seen many changes in its day. The most recent renovations bring a modern lounge feel to this historic bar. Plush raised platform seating and VIP rooms with bottle service blend with updated original fixtures such as a 1940's phone booth turned “cell phone booth” and stained glass ceilings for the perfect mix of old ambiance and modern cool. Featuring live music on Thursdays, house music on Fridays and Latin Night Saturdays, there is something for everyone.

Onyx

This club is as sleek as its namesake, a polished precious stone in a world of rough rocks. The decor is ultra-retro and swanky, attracting a hip crowd in cool clothes and with even cooler attitudes. The bar is beautiful and made of onyx, which is really something to see. Live bands play here often and there is a healthy-sized dance floor for those who are interested in more than just posing with a martini.

SRO Lounge

This club's name means "Standing Room Only," and that is often what it is like in this legendary gay and lesbian bar. It is frequented by a local theater crowd. In fact, this bar even has a local play, called Oh Marys, written about it because of its status in the San Diego gay and theater community. The decor is elegant, and there are mirrors everywhere. The drinks are strong.

La Gran Tapa

La Gran Tapa is a popular restaurant that draws diners of all ages who often dress up a bit in the evenings. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by dark wooden tables and a bright floor pattern. Many newcomers are happily surprised by the wide range of innovative dishes on the menu. Try Sauteed Octopus, Steamed Clams, Lamb Chops or a tasty bowl of soup. Taco plate combinations, as well as enchiladas and burritos, are equally popular. Be sure to review the wine list. Spanish wines often have a tart taste to complement your meal.