Highlights
- Sports
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Blarney Stone – San Diego
Blarney Stone - San Diego
Photo from Blarney Stone
Blarney Stone at a glance
San Diego Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#629 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#22 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
302
Reviews
50.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Fun atmosphere
- Dual menu
Frequently criticized
- Overpriced drinks
- Poor drinks
- Slow service
The bar Blarney Stone Pub, located in San Diego’s vibrant Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, offers you a classic Bar & Pub experience. You’ll find a great beer selection here, perfect for unwinding.
This spot is known for its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal place to catch live performances or enjoy sports with friends. You can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery options.
Overview: Introducting Blarney Stone
Blarney Stone offers a lively atmosphere and often features friendly staff who make guests feel welcome. It can be a comfortable spot for a casual outing, providing a generally fun atmosphere for patrons looking to relax.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding watered-down drinks and instances of expensive drinks, which can detract from the overall experience. While the setting has its charm, consistency in beverage quality and pricing seems to be a point of contention.
Average
5.7
out of 10
302
Reviews
50.7%
Satisfaction
116
negative
33
neutral
153
positive
Blarney Stone registers an overall score of 5.7, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 50.7%. This indicates a somewhat balanced experience, where opinions are divided.
The restaurant garnered 302 total opinions, with 153 positive remarks and 116 negative ones, suggesting a noticeable split in customer perceptions. Looking closer, Ambience (6.8) stands out as a stronger point, contributing positively to the experience.
Food (5.7) also holds an average standing. However, Service (4.9) and particularly Value (4) appear to be areas where many guests found room for improvement, pulling the overall assessment down.
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Unique dual menu
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Poor drink quality
- Slow service
With a recommendation score of 5.7, Blarney Stone offers a rather average experience. It might be a suitable choice if you’re seeking a casual, lively pub atmosphere with a unique dual menu option, and you prioritize a comfortable setting over consistent drink value.
However, if top-tier drink quality or consistent pricing is a priority, you might find the experience a bit hit-or-miss. It’s worth considering for its social vibe, but approach with an awareness of its potential inconsistencies.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Blarney Stone
Food (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink here, theres a lot to appreciate! With 51 positive remarks out of 97 total, many guests rave about the craft beer selection, the variety of Irish meals, and even the unexpected addition of Thai food. Youll find a good selection of drinks and many praise the cold beer and flowing liquor, making it a decent spot for a casual bite and a beverage.
However, the experience isn't always consistent, leading to a 5.7 score and 52.6% customer satisfaction, which is a mixed bag. Some of the 30 negative comments highlight issues with watered down drinks, poor Guinness pours, and even problems with fish and chips preparation. There are also reports of popular Irish food items being unavailable, which can be a real letdown.
Food
97
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
30
negative
16
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great craft beer
- Irish and Thai menus
- Good drink selection
What people don't like
- Watered down drinks
- Poor Guinness pours
- Menu items unavailable
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere is very fun, located in the heart of the Gaslamp District. They offer excellent cocktails, a great selection of craft beer, and a wide variety of food. It's a classic place to visit when in San Diego.
- Thai foodsaving grace was the Thai food
- beersstopped by late at night for a final pair of beers, and they really hooked it up
- fish and chipssplit the fish and chips. It came out nicely crispy
- beergood spot to grab beer
- cocktailsThe atmosphere is very fun, located in the heart of the Gaslamp District. They offer excellent cocktails, a great selection of craft beer, and a wide variety of food. It's a classic place to visit when in San Diego.
- drinksThe bar has a pretty good selection of drinks
- Belgian beera belgian beer
- Blarney Stone pale aleBlarney Stone pale ale is a must try
- Both menusBoth menus are awesome
Frequently criticized
- beerevery beer tastes and smells like mold and mildew
- Guinnessthe Guinness poured out already settled. There was no creaminess
- drinksall were watered down to the point of being disgusting
- French friesthe cook fries the French fries in the same fryer as the fish, they were awful
- Guinness pourthe pour was atrocious - on par with a frat house
- Irish food itemsvery slim choice of Irish food items on the menu
- Irish stewAfter we were one drink in, they informed us the shepherd's pie was out. I then ordered an Irish stew, only to be told 10 minutes later that they were out of that as well. By the time I was able to order something that they did have, the fish and chips were delivered to us.
- Manhattanit was poorly made
- alcohol flavorthere was no alcohol flavor at all
- alcohol in the drinkhow much alcohol was in the drink
If youre looking for a casual spot with a good selection of craft beers and the unique option of both Irish and Thai menus, it might be worth a visit. Just be aware that drink quality and food availability can be hit or miss, so manage your expectations, especially if youre a Guinness connoisseur.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, though the overall score sits at an average 4.9. Many customers praised the friendly staff and dedicated bartenders, often highlighting their care and attentiveness. With 34 positive remarks out of 87 total, there are definitely moments where the service shines, making you feel well looked after.
However, customer satisfaction is a poor 39.1%, largely due to 48 negative comments. Several experiences mentioned issues with bartender attitude, slow service, and feeling like the place was understaffed. Some even reported being overcharged or experiencing long wait times, which clearly impacted their overall visit.
Service
87
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
48
negative
5
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive care
- No wait
What people don't like
- Rude bartenders
- Slow service
- Overcharging issues
Often praised
- staffDuring my 4 days in San Diego, I visited every evening for a beer. The staff were very friendly. It's a quiet Irish pub, not a place to spend a long time.
- bartenderMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The bartender was very nice, which was a positive aspect of the service. However, the pub, which calls itself the Blarney Stone and is an Irish bar, failed to serve Guinness in the appropriate glassware.
- serviceWonderful and kind service from the bartender Betsy
- Irish guyIrish guy by the name of Sean
- JerryJerry was welcoming
- RosemaryRosemary, the bartender, is like the most wonderful grandma you could imagine
- SeanSean that works there. He's a really cool guy.
- amazing timeI had an amazing time
- bartender ZoeOur bartender Zoe was excellent
- carethey took great care of us
Frequently criticized
- bartenderMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The beverages were watered down, and the bartender was unfriendly and down right rude. As a San Diego native, this was a very disappointing visit.
- serviceMy experience at this bar was for a quick drink before a comedy show. The service was pretty slow, but my Old Fashioned was okay. I went in for a comedy show in the back of the bar and just had one drink.
- bartendersbartenders were unorganized, and chatting with people
- waiting timewaited for the food a bit longer than expected
- Betsyshe got attacked by some homeless guy
- Betsy's appreciationshe was not appreciated with our help
- Thai restaurant ownerThai restaurant owner bought out the pub and is trying to run both. It’s not working.
- attitudedidnt have a good attitude about it
- bar staffMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The bar staff were rude and ignorant. I was served an overpriced pint in a plastic cup, which was a joke.
- bar tendershort blonde haired bar tender
If you're looking for a place with consistently stellar service, this might be a gamble. While some staff members genuinely shine, be prepared for the possibility of slow or less-than-friendly interactions, especially from the bartenders. It seems to be a hit-or-miss situation, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Based on 62 positive remarks out of 92 total, the ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 6.8. Many customers rave about the cool atmosphere and music, appreciating the Irish pub feel and cozy environment. The live music and outdoor patio also contribute to a great vibe, often described as having a family atmosphere where you can make new friends.
However, with 21 negative comments and a customer satisfaction of 67.4%, there are some areas for improvement. Some found the ambiance too quiet or the vibe down, while others noted issues like no AC and poor air circulation, leading to a musty smell. Sticky tables and an unclean floor were also mentioned, detracting from the overall experience.
Ambience
92
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
21
negative
9
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cool atmosphere
- Enjoy live music
- Great outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Poor air circulation
- Unclean surfaces
- Can be too quiet
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this great little Irish pub was unique and enjoyable. The pub offers a good selection of drinks and a fun atmosphere. What stood out was the ability to order from both the Irish pub's menu, which features authentic Irish meals, and the adjacent Thai restaurant's menu.
- Irish pubWe stopped by for a final pair of beers and they really hooked it up. The place truly embodies everything you’d hope for from a genuine Irish pub, and I’ll definitely come back to see Rosemary next time I’m in town.
- locationthe location and patio are great
- Irish barFirst Irish bar I've been to
- baseball memorabiliaIt's a down-to-Earth Irish pub and a rare gem in the Gaslamp District, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual expensive and overly crafty establishments. The interior is clean, warm, and welcoming, decorated with baseball memorabilia. Our bartender, Armando, provided perfectly friendly, attentive, accommodating, and engaging service without being intrusive.
- placeVery comfortable place to just relax
- Blarney Stone barWho doesn't like a Blarney Stone bar or pub
- Blarney Stone pubWho doesn't like a Blarney Stone bar or pub
- NFL and NCAAI had a great time at this pub. They were showing NFL and NCAA, which was a nice touch. I enjoyed the great Sirloin sandwich.
- San Diego weatherlet's you soak in all the San Diego weather
Frequently criticized
- ACno AC, no fan…. Just muggy and 80° inside.
- Irish Musiclistening to Irish Music while choosing from a Thai food menu
- Irish experiencenot recommending if you are looking for an Irish experience
- Irish musicWish they had irish music playing
- air circulationThe structure in the building was really cool, which definitely boosted my overall rating. However, it was very hot due to not enough air circulation. The service from the staff was 50/50; some were friendly, while others ignored us and weren't very friendly.
- ambiancethe ambiance is a bit too quiet
- atmosphereWe should have known when we saw the entire place was empty
- beer linesthey never clean their lines
- crowdedNot too crowded on the weekends
- empty placethe place was empty when I came in, which was a huge red flag
If youre seeking a lively, cozy Irish pub with good music and an outdoor patio, this spot could be a great find. However, be mindful of potential issues with air circulation or cleanliness, especially if you prefer a pristine environment. Its worth a visit for the right occasion, but manage your expectations.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4 indicating an average performance, yet customer satisfaction sits at a low 23.1%. Still, some patrons found pleasant surprises, with 6 positive remarks out of 26 total. They often praised certain drinks and price points as less expensive than the area norm, especially noting great deals on tequila shots.
However, the majority of feedback, with 17 negative opinions, points to significant concerns. Many felt items were expensive or pricey menu items, with complaints about overpriced pint and even issues with billing. Some found the beer to be particularly costly, making for a less-than-ideal experience.
Value
26
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap tequila shots
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Pricey food items
- Billing errors
Often praised
- 6 shots of mid-shelf6 shots of mid-shelf was like $28
- drinksThe drinks were reasonably priced
- less expensiveMy secret spot in Gaslamp is a small, less expensive Irish-style pub with an outdoor patio perfect for people-watching. It features a full bar with about 8 beers on tap and a decent selection of whiskey.
- price pointsat price points lower than what is common for the area
- pricesPrices are extremely low compared to the surrounding businesses
- tequila shotsMy experience at this fun little spot was marked by the extremely cheap tequila shots. I'm not sure if they made a mistake, but 6 shots of mid-shelf tequila cost around $28, which felt like an unbelievable deal.
Frequently criticized
- priceDon’t waste your money or time
- GuinnessThe Guinness was $12
- drinksWe sit down and get a drink. For 2 drinks it was nearly $40 which is CRAZY. We start to order some dinner, and halfway thru my order the person taking my order just walks away?
- Price$12 for THIS BABY LITTLE GUINNESS?
- beerbeer was $12 for a half pint
- billingput some drink on our bill that we didn't even have
- car bombI ordered a car bomb, which was disappointingly small, and my wife ordered a pint of Guinness. The bill for these two drinks was an astonishing $30 ($17 for the car bomb and $13 for the pint), significantly higher than the typical $7 for a pint of Guinness on Fifth Street. After finishing our drinks, we paid and left.
- establishmentTruly appalling establishment
- expensiveSo expensive for what I got
- overpriced pintserved an overpriced pint in a plastic cup
If you're looking for a bargain, this spot is a gamble; while some drinks might be a steal, many find the overall pricing, especially for food and certain beers, to be quite steep. Proceed with caution and perhaps stick to the known cheap drink deals if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Blarney Stone?
On average, you’ll spend around 24 per person – from 30 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average is 24, a good number of guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range. But don’t be surprised to see some higher tabs too, as there are also folks opting for pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
See how this spot’s value stacks up against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub, especially given the range of options available. It’s good to know you have choices!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Blarney Stone
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Awful Service, Crazy Prices
Um. What. So we've been here once before a few months ago and it was great, so we came back. It went completely different this time.
To start, when we came in, it was empty. First red flag but whatever. Its a Sunday night, maybe thats it.
We sit down and get a drink. For 2 drinks it was nearly $40 which is CRAZY. We start to order some dinner, and halfway thru my order the person taking my order just walks away?
In the middle of my order? And walks off to take a different group's order who *just* walked in. Doesnt even takes my date's order.
Um ok fine I guess we wont order then. Eventually we flag down the bartender and cancel the order. We pay for our 2 drinks and go next door to the Brunette Social where we had a GREAT time.
- bartender6
- drinks2
- order1
- waiter1
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Appalling Establishment - Overpriced and Poor Quality
My experience at this establishment was truly appalling. They charged us $5 for a soda water, which is something I've never encountered at any bar, even at the airport. The Guinness was $12 and it was served in what appeared to be a 12-ounce glass.
To make matters worse, the Guinness was already settled and lacked any creaminess. It was a truly disappointing experience.
- soda water1
- Guinness2
- establishment1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Guinness and Muggy Atmosphere
My experience at this Irish pub was quite disappointing. I was shocked to see that a "baby Guinness" cost $12, and the fact that they didn't even serve a full pint of Guinness felt like a major letdown for an Irish pub. The pickleball I ordered, made with watered-down pickle juice, was also nasty and, surprisingly, cheaper than the Guinness.
Adding to the discomfort, despite a beautiful 68° evening outside in San Diego, the interior was muggy and around 80° due to a lack of AC or fans. I would advise taking your hard-earned money elsewhere.
- baby Guinness2
- pickleball2
- AC2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Confusing Thai-Irish Pub Experience
We were in town for a few days and decided to visit Blarneystone on a Sunday when Gaslamp was packed. Despite the bustling atmosphere of other restaurants, Blarneystone was nearly empty, which should have been a red flag. The building shares space with a Thai restaurant, and this became apparent when an elderly Thai woman, who we assumed was the bartender, served us.
We asked for food menus and were presented with a limited American/Irish menu alongside an extensive Thai menu, with the bartender recommending the Thai food next door. This was a bizarre and unexpected situation as we were seeking pub fare. We opted not to eat and proceeded to order drinks.
I ordered a car bomb, which was disappointingly small, and my wife ordered a pint of Guinness. The bill for these two drinks was an astonishing $30 ($17 for the car bomb and $13 for the pint), significantly higher than the typical $7 for a pint of Guinness on Fifth Street. After finishing our drinks, we paid and left.
It seemed like the Thai restaurant owner had taken over the pub, and the combination was not working. While the inside vibe was okay, it wasn't enough to salvage the experience. We advise others to stay away.
- Thai menu5
- American/Irish items5
- inside vibe5
- car bomb2
- pint of Guinness3
- Thai restaurant owner2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Service and Non-Alcoholic Options
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful, largely due to the kind service from the bartender, Betsy. They serve non-alcoholic beers, which is perfect for me! The atmosphere was rated 5, service was rated 5, and food was rated 5.
Parking can be somewhat difficult to find, and it's paid street parking. The wait time was no wait, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. The price per person is between $10–20.
- service10
- non-alcoholic beers10
- atmosphere10
- parking3
What Blarney Stone offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Blarney Stone?
At Blarney Stone, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. It’s a welcoming spot where you can relax and enjoy your time, whether you’re watching sports or catching a live performance.
What are the parking options available near Blarney Stone?
Parking near Blarney Stone can sometimes be a bit challenging to find a space. There is usually paid street parking available in the vicinity for your convenience.
What is the overall customer experience at Blarney Stone?
Blarney Stone has an overall score of **5.7** and a customer satisfaction of **50.7%**, indicating a mixed experience. While the **Ambience** (6.8) and **Food** (5.7) are generally average to good, **Service** (4.9) and **Value** (4) are areas that often receive lower marks from patrons.
What do customers appreciate most about Blarney Stone?
Customers frequently highlight the **friendly staff** and the generally **fun atmosphere** at Blarney Stone. Many also appreciate the unique option of ordering from a **dual menu**, which includes both Irish pub fare and Thai food.
What are the common complaints about Blarney Stone?
Common complaints at Blarney Stone often revolve around **overpriced drinks** and inconsistent **poor drink quality**, with some mentioning watered-down beverages. Additionally, some visitors have experienced **slow service** during their visits.