Highlights
- Bar games
- Sports
oChef » Pennant – San Diego
Pennant - San Diego
Photo from Pennant
Pennant at a glance
San Diego Mission Beach
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 21 of the guests
#222 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Bar & Grill out of 17 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
163
Reviews
82.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Lively atmosphere
- Good drinks/food
Frequently criticized
- High beer price
- Rude staff
- No vegan options
The restaurant Pennant is a vibrant Bar & Grill located in San Diego’s lively Mission Beach neighborhood. You’ll find it’s a fantastic spot where the energy is always high, especially with exciting bar games to keep you entertained.
This casual establishment offers a perfect blend of delicious food and a fun atmosphere, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Pennant
Pennant offers a lively atmosphere, often described as having a great vibe for people-watching and enjoying the surroundings. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the welcoming feel, making it a comfortable spot to unwind.
However, some experiences point to challenges with loud music and bright lights impacting the ambiance. While drinks are often praised, the expensive beer has been a point of contention for some patrons.
Good
7.9
out of 10
163
Reviews
82.8%
Satisfaction
17
negative
11
neutral
135
positive
Pennant generally earns a solid 7.9 overall, with customer satisfaction sitting at a healthy 82.8%. This indicates a largely positive experience for most visitors.
The Food (8.1) and Service (8) stand out as particular strengths, frequently praised across 135 positive comments out of 163 total. The Ambience (7.9) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, often described as vibrant and engaging.
However, the Value (5.7) score suggests that while many appreciate the offerings, some find certain aspects, like drink pricing, less appealing, as noted in the 17 negative remarks.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Lively, cozy atmosphere
- Quality drinks, diverse food
What people don't like
- Expensive beer pricing
- Inconsistent staff interactions
- Limited dietary options
With a 7.9 recommendation score, Pennant generally delivers a positive experience, especially if you appreciate a vibrant, social setting and attentive staff. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a lively spot with good drinks and some satisfying food options.
However, be mindful of the pricing for certain beverages and potential inconsistencies in service. If you’re looking for a casual, energetic atmosphere and aren’t strictly budget-conscious on drinks, it’s certainly worth considering.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Bar & Grill
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
98
93.9%
- $$
- Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
152
88.2%
- $$
- Hillcrest
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
381
90%
- $$
- City Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
261
84.7%
- $$
- Five Points
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
8
out of 10
out of 10
223
86.1%
- $$
- Loma Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Grill
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
136
82.4%
- $$
- Grantville
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Pennant
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.4%, its clear guests are loving whats on offer. Out of 48 remarks, 41 were positive, praising everything from delicious dishes and tasty food to strong drinks and homemade flavors.
You can expect a great culinary experience here. However, there are a few areas that could use a little love. Only 3 negative comments were noted, primarily pointing out a limited beer selection and a noticeable lack of vegetarian options and vegan options.
If you have specific dietary needs or are a craft beer connoisseur, you might want to check ahead.
Food
48
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food, drinks
- Amazing fish tacos
- Homemade, big flavors
What people don't like
- Limited beer selection
- No vegetarian options
- No vegan options
Often praised
- foodI had a great experience at this restaurant. It has a good vibe and is a Georgia Bulldog bar with a nice food and drink menu. The upstairs seating area is equipped with multiple TVs and heat lamps, making it a comfortable spot.
- drinksDrinks are big and full of booze.
- beerFor a single beer, I was charged $10, which is laughable considering it's a dive bar and even NYC and LA are cheaper. The only positive aspect was that the bartender handed me the beer, and it was cold.
- Mexican foodenjoying the Mexican food from the restaurant in the back
- Bloody Mary'sMy experience at this Mission Bay local bar was fantastic. I was with friends who knew the place, and on a Sunday morning, I enjoyed some very good Bloody Mary's and very good Eggs Benedict. I also had the pleasure of meeting about a dozen new people.
- Eggs BenedictMy experience at this Mission Bay local bar was fantastic. I was with friends who knew the place, and on a Sunday morning, I enjoyed some very good Bloody Mary's and very good Eggs Benedict. I also had the pleasure of meeting about a dozen new people.
- Jameson old fashionedmade a delicious Jameson old fashioned
- Mexican restaurantMexican restaurant in the back for lunch
- acai bowland acai bowl
- breakfastgrab some breakfast
Frequently criticized
- beer selectionBeer selection bad.
- vegan optionsNo vegetarian or vegan options
- vegetarian optionsNo vegetarian or vegan options
If you're looking for a place with genuinely delicious food and strong drinks, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the beer selection might be limited, and vegetarian or vegan choices are scarce. For most, though, it promises a satisfying meal.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80.4%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Out of 51 opinions, 41 rave about the friendly staff, great bartenders, and excellent customer service.
Many found the team welcoming, efficient, and genuinely fun, making for a truly enjoyable visit. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few of the 7 negative comments point to some issues, particularly with servers, certain bartenders, and bouncers.
Some guests reported rude and dismissive servers, while others felt ignored by a lady bartender or even experienced discriminatory remarks from a male bartender. There were also instances of bouncers being unprofessionally aggressive.
Service
51
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great bartenders
- Exceptional service
What people don't like
- Rude servers
- Unwelcoming bartenders
- Aggressive bouncers
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a great mood booster after the challenging hour spent finding parking on MB. It's a seriously great place with great staff, a wonderful atmosphere, delicious drinks, and excellent food.
- serviceThe music was soooooo loud and the lights were too bright, which detracted from the atmosphere. However, the service was great.
- bartendersGreat bartenders. Some have been around for 50-60 years.
- peopleI had a very fun time here. The people were very friendly, and race, ethnicity, and gender did not matter. It was just a cool time.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great. I visit San Diego in the fall and winter, and this place offers great customer service. They also have a Mexican restaurant in the back that's great for lunch.
- friendlyThey're super friendly
- LisanneLisanne was Great
- ServiceI found it to be a Great "Dive Bar". The service was exceptional, with Lisanne being particularly great 👍. I didn't have a chance to try the food, so I can't comment on that aspect.
- bar ladyBar lady was particularly welcoming
- baseball capsgave me one of your baseball caps
Frequently criticized
- bouncersbouncers even yelled at my friend
- kitchenthe kitchen (meaning the only cook) was on vacation
- lady bartenderThe lady bartender ignored me for 5 minutes straight
- male bartenderheavier set male bartender that was there last night
- serversservers were rude and dismissive
- serviceI usually come here often, but I probably won’t now unless he’s not working. He seemed to discriminate based on race, stating, "If you’re not the right shade you won’t get service if you know what I mean. " I hope management will review the cameras to verify this.
- staffThe servers were rude and dismissive, especially towards my friends on her birthday. Despite bringing a large group of about 20 people, we felt like a burden to the staff. To make matters worse, one of the bouncers yelled at my friend about her ID, which was completely uncalled for.
Overall, youre likely to find the service here quite good, with many friendly faces. While most experiences are positive, be aware that a few isolated incidents point to some staff being less than stellar. If you value a lively atmosphere with generally great service, its worth a visit, but prepare for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.9 score and a solid 86.2% customer satisfaction. Based on 50 positive remarks out of 58 total, guests frequently rave about the fantastic vibe, old school feel, and the unique rooftop bar experience. Many appreciate the dog friendly place and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed, with 5 negative comments pointing out some potential drawbacks. A few found the music too loud or the lights too bright, while others mentioned parking as a significant hassle. There were also a couple of remarks describing the interior as dark and dingy, which might not appeal to everyone.
Ambience
58
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Rooftop seating
- Dog-friendly place
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Parking issues
- Dark and dingy
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this classic Mission Beach bar was akin to finding a local spot like 'Cheers, ' but with the added bonus of fantastic people-watching from the top deck. It's a great place to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the vibrant surroundings.
- vibethe vibe can’t be beat
- Charlie's playlistI love walking in and seeing familiar faces, chatting, and enjoying the delicious Mexican food from the restaurant in the back. Of course, listening to Charlie's playlist was a highlight. The service from Charlie and the crew was amazing, and the atmosphere was just as great, making it the best local dive bar around.
- Dive BarMy experience at this restaurant was great. I found it to be a Great "Dive Bar". The service was exceptional, with Lisanne being particularly great 👍.
- TVsTVs around to enjoy the games
- beach dive barbeing a great beach dive bar from a bygone era
- buzzThey had this buzz going on, not too loud though
- cool memorabiliafilled with cool memorabilia
- cool timejust a cool time
- cozy vibesuch a cozy vibe in there
Frequently criticized
- dark and dingydark and dingy
- insideso dirty inside
- lightsMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The music was soooooo loud and the lights were too bright, which detracted from the atmosphere. However, the service was great.
- musicMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The music was soooooo loud and the lights were too bright, which detracted from the atmosphere. However, the service was great.
- parkingThe biggest problem with this bar is you cannot Park here
If youre looking for a lively spot with a great vibe, especially one with a rooftop and a dog-friendly policy, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a potentially loud, dimly lit interior if thats not your scene.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Lets talk value! Some guests were pleasantly surprised, finding prices that won’t put holes in your credit card, and even managing to buy a round for everyone. With 3 positive remarks out of 6 total, theres a decent buzz.
The overall score for value is an 5.7, placing it squarely in the average category, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 50%. On the flip side, not everyone felt they got their moneys worth. Some guests felt they needed to get their money back from investing so much, with complaints about certain items being "crazy expensive.
" With 2 negative comments, its clear the price point for some offerings can be a dealbreaker.
Value
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Can buy rounds
What people don't like
- Some items expensive
- Overpriced drinks
Often praised
- pricesprices that won’t but holes in your credit card
- round for everyonebought a round for everyone
Frequently criticized
- money backget my money back from investing so much
- price$10 for one beer. Crazy expensive
If you're looking for generally affordable options and the chance to treat your friends, this spot might work for you. However, be mindful that some specific items could feel overpriced, making value a bit of a mixed bag.
How are the prices at Pennant?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 21 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.
While most folks spend in the $1–$30 sweet spot, there’s also a single splurge reported over $101!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 21 reviews.
See how this Bar & Grill’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Grill, especially with options for both budget-friendly bites and a potential splurge. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value in San Diego.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pennant
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Cozy Tavern with Great Vibe
I dropped by this little tavern after hearing about it from a friend, and honestly, it has such a cozy vibe. The lighting felt warm, dim in a nice way. The staff were super chill, not rushing us at all.
I didn't expect much walking in, but the smell of grilled something right away made me even hungrier. There was a nice buzz going on, not too loud. It felt like one of those places where you could just hang out forever.
- cozy vibe10
- lighting8
- staff9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great environment and staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The environment is excellent for watching any type of event. The staff was incredibly fun and welcoming, contributing to the great vibes.
I highly recommend this place.
- environment9
- staff10
- vibes9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Feels like home at The Pennant
My experience at The Pennant felt like coming home. Every visit is like walking into Cheers, thanks to the great staff and their wonderful support of SDFC!
- staff10
- support10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Service from One Bartender
My experience at this restaurant was marred by the service from a specific bartender. While all the other staff were wonderful, the heavier set male bartender working on 10/3 at 7: 30 pm provided a negative experience. I usually come here often, but I probably won’t now unless he’s not working.
He seemed to discriminate based on race, stating, "If you’re not the right shade you won’t get service if you know what I mean. " I hope management will review the cameras to verify this. It's sad to leave a 1-star review as I really used to like this place.
- staff8
- male bartender1
- service1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food and Service, Parking Nightmare
My experience at this bar was a mixed bag. The biggest problem is the parking; there's no valet, and finding a spot is nearly impossible unless you live nearby, get dropped off, or use Uber. However, the food was really good, and the service was excellent.
The bartenders were very, very nice, and the bouncer at the door made me feel safe.
- food9
- service9
- bartenders10
- parking2
What Pennant offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Pennant in Mission Beach?
At The Pennant, you’ll discover a casual Bar & Grill atmosphere perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy everything from breakfast to late-night food, with options like quick bites, small plates, and full meals. Don’t miss out on their happy hour drinks and food, all available at the bar.
Does The Pennant offer accessibility and pet-friendly options?
Yes, The Pennant is fully wheelchair accessible, including its entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring comfort for all guests. If you’re bringing your furry friend along, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating areas.
What is Pennant's overall rating and what are its strengths?
Pennant holds a strong overall score of **7.9**. Its main strengths lie in **Food** (8.1), **Service** (8), and **Ambience** (7.9), which are frequently praised by visitors.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Pennant?
Pennant offers a lively and often cozy atmosphere, described as having a great vibe for people-watching. It’s often seen as a classic “dive bar” with cool memorabilia and a good buzz.
Are there any common downsides to visiting Pennant?
Some visitors have noted issues with **Value** (5.7), specifically regarding expensive beer. There have also been occasional mentions of loud music, bright lights, and limited vegetarian or vegan food options.