Highlights
- Live music
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Sycamore Den – San Diego
Sycamore Den - San Diego
Photo from Sycamore Den
Sycamore Den at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#425 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#14 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
278
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Crafted cocktails
- Vintage ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Loud music
- Inconsistent drinks
- Billing issues
The bar & pub Sycamore Den in San Diego’s vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood offers you a unique escape. Step into a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere where you can unwind with friends or enjoy a romantic evening.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a lively scene, often featuring live music and performances, making it a perfect spot for entertainment. Plus, you can challenge your companions to a round of bar games, all while enjoying their great beer selection.
Overview: Introducting Sycamore Den
Sycamore Den offers a distinctive atmosphere with a cool, vintage vibe and engaging music that often sets a lively mood. Guests frequently praise the well-crafted cocktails and the attentive staff, making for an enjoyable visit.
However, some experiences point to challenges, particularly with the music sometimes being too loud for conversation, and occasional issues with prices or bartenders not quite hitting the mark. It seems the overall experience can vary.
Good
7.2
out of 10
278
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
65
negative
7
neutral
206
positive
Overall, Sycamore Den maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its 7.2 Restaurant Score and 74.1% Customer Satisfaction, both indicating a generally positive experience for patrons. Based on 278 customer observations, with 206 positive remarks against 65 negative ones, there’s a clear leaning towards satisfaction.
Looking closer, the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.4) stand out as strong points, consistently earning high marks for their quality and setting. While Service (6.7) is generally good, the Value (5.9) aspect appears to be more of a mixed bag, suggesting some find it less compelling than other areas.
What people like
- Well-crafted cocktails
- Unique vintage ambiance
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Overly loud music
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Billing/tip issues
Sycamore Den, with a Recommendation Score of 7.2, is a place worth considering if you appreciate a distinctive atmosphere and well-made drinks. It shines for those seeking a lively spot with a unique vintage feel and generally attentive service.
However, be mindful of the potential for loud music, which can hinder conversation, and occasional inconsistencies in drink preparation. It’s a solid choice for a casual night out, but perhaps not for a quiet, intimate gathering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sycamore Den
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Youre in for a treat when it comes to the offerings here, as this spot generally hits the mark with a solid 7.6 score and a great 81.2% customer satisfaction. Many patrons, accounting for 56 positive comments out of 69 total, rave about the delicious cocktails, especially signature drinks like the Wolf Ticket. The fried chicken and waffle also gets a nod, and the refillable popcorn is a delightful bonus.
However, not everything is perfectly shaken or stirred. A few customers, 11 to be exact, have pointed out issues with a basic drinks menu and some horribly mixed or inconsistent drinks. Theres also a recurring wish for more substantial food or snacks, with some feeling the selection is poor or even non-existent.
Food
69
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious craft cocktails
- Free refillable popcorn
- Well-priced drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Basic drink menu
- Limited food options
Often praised
- drinksThe drinks were incredibly well-crafted
- cocktailsmost delicious cocktails I've had in SD
- popcornA great perk is that the cocktails are $3 cheaper on average than at other places. I also appreciated the free popcorn! I definitely recommend giving this place a go!
- Wolf TicketWolf Ticket—smooth, easy to drink, and made just right
- drinkMy experience at this restaurant was a fun place to hang out and have a drink. The trivia on Tuesday was fun as well!
- foodThe food tastes good
- free popcornIt's a true gem with the best staff. The atmosphere is vintage and unique, and I loved the sunken seating area and the free popcorn. It's a place I definitely recommend!
- tasty drinksconsistently tasty drinks
- Crime of PassionMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of nostalgia and current enjoyment. I really miss the former bartenders and their awesome cocktails, specifically drinks like the Sycamore Den Hot Buttered Rum or Crime of Passion 😭😭😭. I hope these are just some growing pains.
- Old Fashionedor an old fashioned
Frequently criticized
- drinksall of our drinks that weren’t beer or wine were just not good
- Moscow muleIt was bitter and contained no alcohol.
- alcoholcontained no alcohol
- drink selectionpoor selection of drinks
- drinks menudrinks menu has become super basic and lame
- foodI wish they had food
- food/ snacksNo food/ snacks available
- generic cocktailsThe service was attitude-forward, the drinks were inconsistent, and the selection was poor. They passed off boring generic cocktails as "Craft. " I know they can do better and hope it improves.
- horribly mixed drinksThe bartenders are out of their element and do not fit the vibe of the bar as it was just months ago; they are clueless. I experienced long waits for drinks, often 20 minutes, and then received horribly mixed drinks or items I didn't even order. This happened on both busy and quiet nights.
If youre looking for a place with creative, well-priced cocktails and some tasty bites like fried chicken and waffle, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the drink consistency can sometimes be a bit of a gamble, and dont expect a full meal menu.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, but leaning positive! With a solid score of 6.7, things are generally good, and out of 70 customer remarks, 44 were positive. Many folks raved about the friendly bartenders, attentive staff, and fast service, with special shout-outs to individuals like Cody, Danielle, and Dominic for making experiences awesome and welcoming.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 62.9%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement. Some guests encountered slow service, rude staff, and even unprofessional bouncers. There were also mentions of clueless bartenders and long waits, suggesting that while many had great interactions, others faced frustrating moments.
Service
70
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly bartenders
- Attentive staff
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Unprofessional bouncer
Often praised
- serviceamazing service. Everyone is so friendly and attentive
- staffThe ambiance and decor were nice, and the seating arrangement downstairs provided good separation from the bar and game area. I appreciated the good drink selection and the friendly staff.
- bartenderEven the bartender who clocked in to relieve her was on point.
- bartendersMy experience at this restaurant was fun, with nice bartenders. However, it gets really crowded.
- Cody, our bartenderCody, our bartender, made the experience even better
- DanielleDanielle was my bartender and she was polite, friendly and professional.
- DominicDominic made us feel like royalty during our visit with my cousin from out of town, and we even had our little pooches with us! The restaurant has a cool vibe as always.
- ServiceService:5
- awesome bartenderKP was an awesome bartender
- bar responseadded a star for the response from the bar
Frequently criticized
- bartenderThe bartender was drinking shots with his co workers. Im not against it but then he got sloppy.
- serviceThe service was not satisfying
- bartendersThe bartenders are out of their element
- adviceone piece of advice, never talk back to a bartender
- bartendinggirl bar tending makes you feel like you’re stupid
- bouncerBouncer was incredibly unprofessional
- channel choiceThey replied this wasn't that type of bar. Even though no one was watching the TV, and I asked the two people sitting at the bar, they'd prefer to watch the game, but they still wouldn't change it. I was in a group of 8, and we couldn't just move.
- cluelessThey’re clueless
- customers get ignoredSaw few customers get ignored because of it
- former bartendersPlease bring back the former bartenders!
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service and a fun vibe, its worth a shot, especially if you catch the right staff members. Just be aware that some experiences have been less than stellar, so your mileage may vary.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the right notes, with a 7.4 score and a 79.2% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a good experience for most. Many of the 99 positive remarks celebrate the cool, retro vibe, lively music, and inviting back patio, making it a great place to hang out and enjoy events or games. However, not everyone is entirely thrilled, with 24 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement.
Concerns often revolve around the music being too loud, the venue getting crowded, and some patrons missing beloved old features like skee-ball or the fireplace, which have altered the vibe for them.
Ambience
125
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cool, retro vibe
- Lively music/events
- Great back patio
What people don't like
- Music too loud
- Can get crowded
- Missing old features
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere is comfortable and inviting
- vibeI enjoyed the great cocktails and the quality cocktails. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere had a super cool homey vintage vibe. They even have some fun games if that's your thing.
- barI love Normal Heights, and that's probably because of this bar. I feel cooler when I walk in here.
- musicThe moment we heard Blink-182 playing as we approached, we took it as a sign we had to check it out, and it did not disappoint. The vibe was laid-back yet full of energy, with a great mix of music, ambiance, and personality that immediately drew us in. I ordered the Pisco Sour craft cocktail, and it was absolutely top-notch — perfectly balanced and so refreshing.
- ambiancethe hearth illuminated our multiple drinks. Life was good.
- back patioNewest back patio is fantastic
- seatingThe seating down below gives enough separation
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJI found exactly the place I've been looking for. The bartender was very cool and the DJ played great music, contributing to the incredible vibes. The atmosphere was a perfect 5/5, and the food also received a 5/5 rating.
- decorI looked at every inch of the decor from top to bottom.
Frequently criticized
- musicI've been coming here for years as my go-to spot to relax and have a drink with friends or for a nice date night. However, recently the music is played way too loudly, making it impossible to have a conversation without screaming. While the drinks are good, the atmosphere is no longer great due to the excessive noise.
- DJthen the DJ started and all of it together Was just not a good experience
- atmospherethe atmosphere is not great
- babiesI saw one there at 9pm tonight
- bar areaThe bar area is a narrow hallway
- bar typeNo one was watching anything, so I asked if they could change the channel so I could watch the Lakers game. They replied this wasn't that type of bar. Even though no one was watching the TV, and I asked the two people sitting at the bar, they'd prefer to watch the game, but they still wouldn't change it.
- conversation pitthe awesome 70's conversation pit!
- crowdthe crowd was a little stiff.
- crowdedIt gets really crowded though
- fireplaceWhy did you take away the fireplace!?
If youre looking for a lively spot with a cool, retro feel and a great patio, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get quite loud and crowded, especially during events, which might not suit everyones preference for a quiet evening.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9, placing it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 50%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Based on 14 total opinions, with 7 positive remarks, guests often rave about the excellent happy hour, especially the delightfully priced cocktails and generally low prices, making it a great option for budget-conscious outings.
However, with 6 negative remarks, some patrons found the overall experience a bit pricey, noting that prices have gone up. There were also concerns about unexpected charges, with one guest advising to check your statements carefully, particularly regarding tips. So, while the happy hour shines, be mindful of the regular pricing and your bill.
Value
14
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour
- Fair cocktail prices
- Low general prices
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Check your bill
- Prices have risen
Often praised
- happy hourhappy hour here was delightfully priced
- cocktails priceCocktails are $3 cheaper on average
- low priceslow prices
- pricesIt has a divey vibe that works for all the right reasons. KP was an awesome bartender during trivia night, and the prices were way too fair. I definitely recommend giving this place a look!
Frequently criticized
- happy hoursApparently no happy hours though?
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- pricesprices, which have gone up
- priceya bit pricey
- statementscheck your statements after you visit here
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was marred by an unexpected issue with the bill. The bartender decided to add himself another $3 to the tip. I strongly advise checking your statements carefully after your visit here to ensure you haven't been overcharged.
If you're looking for a great happy hour with fair drink prices, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that regular prices might be a bit higher, and always double-check your bill before you leave.
How are the prices at Sycamore Den?
You’re looking at roughly $30 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right around this average, with the majority falling between $11–$30, suggesting a good mix of popular, well-priced options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
See how this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers a solid mid-range experience, and you can find options whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something a little more substantial.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sycamore Den
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Moscow Mule Disaster
My experience at the restaurant was an "Epic Fail. " I ordered a Moscow mule and upon taking a sip, I found it to be bitter and containing no alcohol. When I asked the bartender if she had put alcohol in it, she looked me in the eye and confirmed that she had.
This was a significant letdown.
- Moscow mule1
- alcohol1
- bartender1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Cocktail Bar in Normal Heights!
My experience at this cocktail bar in Normal Heights was outstanding. The staff were incredibly friendly and always ensured a fun night. It's the best in the area, hands down.
- staff10
- cocktail bar10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Perfect Dive Bar with Amazing Bartenders!
It's perfect, don't come here! This place is a great dive and cocktail bar mix. The crowd is great and the bartenders are amazing!
You should definitely order a beer on tap or an espresso martini; the range is top tier here!
- dive and cocktail bar mix9
- crowd8
- bartenders10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Intriguing Ambiance, Eager to Try
I only walked in to check out more options in the neighborhood. It was super busy and live music was playing when I was there, which added to its ambiance. I'm willing to give it a try.
- ambiance8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Service and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. It's one of the few bars in San Diego that consistently offers amazing service. Everyone was so friendly and attentive, which was very refreshing.
The atmosphere and drinks were also great. :)
- service10
- atmosphere10
- drinks9
What Sycamore Den offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Sycamore Den accessible for all guests?
Yes, Sycamore Den ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, making your visit comfortable and convenient for all patrons.
What kind of entertainment and drinks can you expect at Sycamore Den?
At Sycamore Den, you’re in for a treat with regular live music and performances, alongside fun bar games. To quench your thirst, you can choose from a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and a variety of cocktails, including happy hour drinks.
How does Sycamore Den generally score with customers?
Sycamore Den holds a Restaurant Score of 7.2 and a Customer Satisfaction of 74.1%, indicating a good overall experience. Its Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.4) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (6.7) is good, and Value (5.9) is average.
What do customers enjoy most about Sycamore Den's atmosphere?
Guests frequently praise Sycamore Den’s unique, homey vintage vibe and decor, often highlighting the engaging music and comfortable seating options, including a fantastic back patio.
Are there any common complaints about Sycamore Den's drinks or service?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in drink quality, with some cocktails described as poorly mixed or lacking. There have also been concerns about music being too loud and occasional issues with bartenders or billing.