Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Desi’s – San Diego
Desi's - San Diego
Photo from Desi’s
Desi's at a glance
San Diego Loma Portal
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#198 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#5 Bar & Grill out of 17 in San Diego
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
223
Reviews
86.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional service
- Delicious food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Bad parking
- Smelly areas
- Rude staff
The restaurant, Desi’s, is a vibrant Bar & Grill nestled in the heart of San Diego’s Loma Portal neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a quick bite.
Known for its great beer selection, Desi’s also offers an array of bar games and is a fantastic spot for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks, late-night food, or just a relaxing dinner, this spot has you covered with its diverse offerings and welcoming vibe.
Overview: Introducting Desi's
Desi’s offers a lively, laid-back atmosphere, often described as a welcoming dive bar. Guests frequently praise the great service and the diverse food options, including popular Coney dogs and Detroit style pizza.
It’s a spot where many find a genuinely friendly atmosphere for a casual outing. However, the experience isn’t without its quirks.
Some visitors have noted challenges with parking and an occasional unpleasant place smelled issue. While the overall vibe is positive, these aspects might affect the initial impression for some patrons.
Good
8
out of 10
223
Reviews
86.1%
Satisfaction
15
negative
16
neutral
192
positive
Desi’s generally performs well, achieving a solid Restaurant Score of 8 and a strong Customer Satisfaction of 86.1%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by its exceptional Service (9), which receives high praise from patrons.
The Food (8.4) also stands out, contributing significantly to the positive experiences shared by many, based on 192 positive comments out of 223 total. While Value (8.4) is also highly regarded, the Ambience (7.4) receives a good, though slightly lower, score.
Despite a few negative remarks, particularly concerning the atmosphere, the overall feedback indicates a consistent and enjoyable experience for most visitors, with only 15 negative comments recorded.
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Delicious bar food
- Great value drinks
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Unpleasant odors
- Occasional rude service
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.3, Desi’s generally delivers a positive experience. It’s a place that excels in providing a friendly, engaging atmosphere with solid food and drink options, making it a reliable choice for casual outings.
If you appreciate a lively dive bar with good value and don’t mind potential parking challenges, Desi’s is certainly worth considering. However, those sensitive to occasional atmospheric issues might find it less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Desi's
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Alright, let's talk about the grub! The food here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.4 and leaving a whopping 87.5% of customers satisfied. With 56 positive remarks out of 64 total, folks are raving about the delicious offerings.
Highlights include the fantastic smash burger, yummy pizza, and delectable chicken sandwich, not to mention the really good cocktails that complement the meal perfectly. However, there was one minor point raised among the feedback. While the beer selection generally receives praise, one diner wished there were more beer options available.
It seems like a small desire for even greater variety, rather than a critique of the quality of the existing brews.
Food
64
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
1
negative
7
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food quality
- Smash burger stands out
- Detroit pizza excellent
What people don't like
- Limited beer variety
Often praised
- foodAs a huge fan of dive bars, I can confidently say this place doesn't disappoint! It offers a great vibe with delicious food, including offerings from Angry Pete's Detroit Pizza and authentic Coney dogs. If you've never tried a Coney dog, you're in for a treat – the only way to truly describe them is to go and taste them!
- drinksMy experience at Desi's was fantastic for our wedding after-party. We had an amazing time filled with karaoke and lots of drinks. Desi was a great host, and I can't wait to go back and see her again.
- bar foodMy experience at Desi's was a fun time with friends. It's a great dive to hang out, offering good bar food. A highlight is that Jerry Gontang plays on Tuesday nights, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere.
- pizzaCome when the pizza is there “Angry Peetes Pizza”
- burgersThe burgers are served until 9:00pm and are really good
- smash burgersmash burger are delectable
- 1/2 burgerrecommend the 1/2 burger and fries, both were cooked to order and amazing
- Coney dogsAs a huge fan of dive bars, I can confidently say this place doesn't disappoint! It offers a great vibe with delicious food, including offerings from Angry Pete's Detroit Pizza and authentic Coney dogs. If you've never tried a Coney dog, you're in for a treat – the only way to truly describe them is to go and taste them!
- Detroit style pizzaDetroit style pizza there is top notch
- Italian tacosItalian tacos as a specialty, and they looked scrumptious
Frequently criticized
- beer optionswished there were more beer options
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely good bar food and drinks, this place is absolutely worth a try. Youll likely leave satisfied, especially if you're a fan of burgers, pizza, or a well-made cocktail.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic 95.2% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 42 comments, a whopping 40 rave about the friendly staff, awesome bartenders, and the amazing owner, Desi.
Many felt like family, praising the genuinely kind and welcoming atmosphere and the quick service. However, a couple of comments (2 out of 42) did mention a less positive experience with a bartender and a specific policy. One guest encountered a rude bartender regarding a food ordering rule, which they felt was not a great policy.
While isolated, its worth noting for a complete picture.
Service
42
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Awesome bartenders
- Amazing owner Desi
What people don't like
- Rude bartender
- Questionable policy
Often praised
- serviceAs newcomers to the area, we absolutely loved this place! We visited shortly after arriving and were impressed by the great service and great prices. The people were genuinely kind.
- bartenderAs someone from out of town, I found it to be exactly the kind of place I enjoy. The crowd was fun, and the bartender was very nice.
- staffThe staff has always been great
- peopleIf you're looking for a great dive bar, this is the place to go. The food is great and the people are friendly.
- DesiWe had an amazing time filled with karaoke and lots of drinks. Desi was a great host, and I can't wait to go back and see her again. Thanks Desi!
- Desi's passionDesi's passion for what she does!
- LoraMet Lora, Lovely Young Lady. Bartending. 2 Nite,. Was A, Pleasure, Chatting with Her
- bartendersBartenders are great
- customer servicethe customer service was cool
- friendly servicefriendly service
Frequently criticized
- bartenderRude bartender. Apparently you can only order food if you are “a drinking customer”.
- policyRegardless not a great policy.
If friendly faces and top-notch hospitality are what you seek, this spot comes highly recommended. While there was a rare mention of a policy issue, the service here is overwhelmingly praised, making it a place you'll likely feel right at home.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this place hits a good note with a score of 7.4 and a strong 81% customer satisfaction. Based on 85 positive remarks out of 105, guests consistently praise the fun ambiance, multi-level layout, and the lively atmosphere. Many highlight the karaoke, pool tables, and darts, creating a casual, laid-back environment with positive vibes.
However, 12 negative comments point to a few areas needing attention. Some patrons have mentioned difficult parking, an unpleasant sewage smell, and that the downstairs by the restrooms could use a remodel. These aspects, while not universal, are noted concerns.
Ambience
105
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
12
negative
8
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, lively atmosphere
- Activities like pool
- Casual, laid-back vibe
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Unpleasant sewage smell
- Restrooms need update
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is one of my favorite watering holes in Point Loma. I experienced great service and a friendly atmosphere. Although it feels small, the multiple levels of bar ensure you'll always find a seat.
- pool tablesIf you've never tried a Coney dog, you're in for a treat – the only way to truly describe them is to go and taste them! The staff and patrons are very friendly, and the atmosphere is enhanced by two pool tables and a dart board. I definitely recommend checking it out.
- dive barI visited San Diego for a weekend getaway and found this place with my date as an escape from the Gaslamp area. We were looking for a friendly, laid back dive bar with food and pool tables, and we found it! It's a great little gem.
- pool tablepool table in the bottom level
- barmultiple levels of bar always mean you'll have a seat
- dartsMy experience at this great lil bar was very positive. The food was good, and they offer activities like pool tables and darts. The staff has always been great, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- jukeboxIt's a basic bar with two pool tables for . 50 cent games, a dart board, and a jukebox. They also have a smoking patio.
- dart boardIf you've never tried a Coney dog, you're in for a treat – the only way to truly describe them is to go and taste them! The staff and patrons are very friendly, and the atmosphere is enhanced by two pool tables and a dart board. I definitely recommend checking it out.
- karaokeMy experience at Desi's was fantastic for our wedding after-party. We had an amazing time filled with karaoke and lots of drinks. Desi was a great host, and I can't wait to go back and see her again.
- smoking patioMy experience at this awesome dive bar next to Liberty Station was fantastic. It offers pool tables, an event room, and a smoking patio. The drink prices and food were great.
Frequently criticized
- parkingIt offered ample room and activities like darts and pool, which are standard for a dive bar. However, the parking is bad and the place smelled like sewage.
- localsThe bartenders were great, and the pizza was yummy, earning a perfect 5 for food. However, the locals were very off-putting and just not very friendly, which detracted from the overall atmosphere, rated at a 3. I stayed just long enough for a cocktail and then hit the road.
- downstairs by restroomsThe downstairs by the restrooms could use a remodel
- drivewayin fact it's a single drive way
- parking situationentirely defined by the parking situation
- place smelledthe place smelled like sewage
- room to turn aroundnot enough room to turn around
- sketchya bit sketchy
If you're seeking a lively, casual spot with plenty of activities like pool and karaoke, this place offers a fun, laid-back environment. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a less-than-fresh scent in some areas.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 91.7%, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 11 positive remarks out of 12 total, folks consistently praise the "great value, " "happy hour deals, " and "drink prices" for both "food and drinks.
"Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. It seems customers universally agree that the pricing here is a major win, leaving no room for complaints or areas for improvement in this department.
Value
12
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Cheap drinks
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
Often praised
- drinksMy experience at this local dive bar was characterized by its cheap drinks and fast pool table. The food was also cheap, making it a good spot to grab a beer.
- great valueit was a great value!!
- drink pricesgreat drink prices
- foodCheap food
- food and drinksI highly recommend the chicken sandwich or the corndog. The atmosphere is enhanced by a jukebox and two pool tables, and the food and drinks are reasonably priced. It's an all-around good spot to hang out for an hour or two.
- happy hour dealsenjoyed the happy hour deals
- mixed drinkThey also have a smoking patio. The staff were very friendly, and the drinks were priced well at $7 for a mixed drink. I’d recommend this bar for a relaxed evening.
- priceIt's a great little gem. The food was cheap and really good, and the locals and bartender were very welcoming and down to earth. If I lived in the area, this would be my local spot.
- pricesAs newcomers to the area, we absolutely loved this place! We visited shortly after arriving and were impressed by the great service and great prices. The people were genuinely kind.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this is it. With consistently praised great value and cheap drinks, you can confidently expect a satisfying experience without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Desi's?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests found themselves spending in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 ranges, indicating a good cluster around that average price point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Grill. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, with options for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Desi's
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Wings at a Dive Bar
My experience at this small dive bar was positive. I found the wings to be good, and they offer the usual selection of beer and drinks. The atmosphere was great, with a score of 5 out of 5.
There are also pool tables, which adds to the cool vibe of the place. For two orders of wings and two beers, the total cost was $45.
- wings8
- beer6
- drinks6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Friendly Service, Yummy Food, Parking Woes
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive. The bartender was super friendly, contributing to a great atmosphere. The food was yummy, and my group had a great time.
However, finding parking was somewhat difficult as only street parking is available in the neighborhood. It wasn't too loud, which was nice. My only other wish was for more beer options.
- bartender10
- food10
- atmosphere8
- parking3
- beer options4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Vibes and Service, Will Return!
I had a great experience at this bar. The positive vibes were evident, and the customer service was cool. I'm looking forward to coming back with friends and family.
- positive vibes9
- customer service8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fun Dive Bar with a Grill!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I love a good dive bar, and this place truly takes the cake. It's a multi-level establishment with a grill, which is a definite win-win in my book.
The atmosphere was a perfect 5 out of 5, and even though the noise level was loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation.
- dive bar10
- multi level9
- grill9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Bartenders and Pizza, But Locals Unfriendly
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The bartenders were great, and the pizza was yummy, earning a perfect 5 for food. However, the locals were very off-putting and just not very friendly, which detracted from the overall atmosphere, rated at a 3.
I stayed just long enough for a cocktail and then hit the road.
- bartenders9
- pizza10
- locals2
What Desi's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of food and drinks can you expect at Desi's Bar & Grill?
At Desi’s Bar & Grill, you can enjoy a variety of offerings including food at the bar, late-night food, and quick bites. They boast a great beer selection, along with wine, coffee, hard liquor, and cocktails. Don’t miss their happy hour drinks and food for excellent deals.
What service options and amenities does Desi's Bar & Grill provide?
Desi’s Bar & Grill offers convenient dine-in and takeout service options. You’ll find free street parking available, and the establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, and restroom. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and an onsite bar for your comfort.
How does Desi's generally perform according to customer feedback?
Desi’s receives a Restaurant Score of 8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 86.1%. Its Service (9) and Food (8.4) are particularly well-regarded, with Value (8.4) also scoring highly, while Ambience (7.4) is good.
What are the standout features of Desi's atmosphere?
Customers frequently enjoy the friendly atmosphere at Desi’s, highlighting amenities like pool tables, darts, and karaoke for entertainment. The multiple levels of bar also ensure seating availability.
Are there any common complaints about Desi's?
Some patrons have noted issues with parking and an occasional place smelled problem. There have also been isolated comments regarding a rude bartender experience.