Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Sidecar Bar – San Diego
Sidecar Bar - San Diego
Photo from Sidecar Bar
Sidecar Bar at a glance
San Diego Morena
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#205 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
330
Reviews
86.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Diverse drinks
- Lively atmosphere
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Loud environment
- Limited selection
Overview: Introducting Sidecar Bar
Sidecar Bar offers a lively setting where patrons often enjoy the relaxed `atmosphere` and a good selection of drinks. Many appreciate the `bar staff` for their friendly demeanor, contributing to a generally positive experience.
It’s a spot where you can unwind with some entertainment. However, some experiences at Sidecar Bar have been less smooth, with occasional mentions of a `rude bartender` or the `loud` environment.
While the overall vibe is often praised, a few visitors have noted issues with service consistency and the availability of `food`.
Good
8
out of 10
330
Reviews
86.7%
Satisfaction
29
negative
15
neutral
286
positive
Overall, Sidecar Bar earns a solid 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 86.7%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 330 customer remarks, with 286 positive observations outweighing the 29 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.2) and Ambience (8) are particularly well-regarded, contributing significantly to the positive feedback.
Value (8) also holds up well, suggesting that patrons feel they get a fair deal. While Service (7.6) is still rated as good, it shows a slight dip compared to other aspects, hinting at areas for potential refinement.
What people like
- Diverse drink options
- Fun, lively atmosphere
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Loud, rowdy environment
- Limited food/drink selection
Sidecar Bar generally offers a positive experience, especially if you’re seeking a lively spot with good drinks and entertainment. With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, it’s a place that many visitors find enjoyable and worth their time.
If you prioritize a fun atmosphere and value in your beverages, this bar is a solid choice. However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the often loud setting.
It’s best suited for those looking for a casual, energetic outing rather than a quiet, intimate gathering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sidecar Bar
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to the grub and sips, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 87%, its clear folks are loving whats on offer. Out of 100 total mentions, a whopping 87 rave about the fantastic drink choices, killer cocktails, and delicious smash burgers and Cajun Fries, often highlighting fresh ingredients.
However, it's not all perfect. A few of the 9 negative mentions point out occasional issues with food availability, noting that the food they claim to have can be erratic. Some also wished for specific items like coconut shrimp or particular liquor brands like Captain Morgan, and even missed the free popcorn.
Food
100
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent drink selection
- Delicious smash burgers
- Fresh food vendor
What people don't like
- Limited food availability
- Specific liquor missing
Often praised
- drinksIt's a great place to go any day of the week. I enjoyed the great food, great drinks, and the great prices. The staff were also wonderful.
- foodI ate everything. There's ... uh ... nothing ... ur ... um ... nothing ... urp ... left.
- cocktailsBest cocktails in town!
- beers on tapMy experience at this restaurant was great, thanks to the awesome knowledgeable bar tenders. They offered a good selection of pretty good local and non local beers on tap.
- bar foodThe outdoor seating was really nice, providing a pleasant atmosphere. The food, which I believe is from a separate spot, was described as delicious bar food. Overall, it's a great spot to grab a beer before catching a show at Brick x Brick.
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found it to be a cool spot with a great beer selection. The outdoor seating was really nice, providing a pleasant atmosphere.
- liquorMy experience at Sidecar was fantastic! They offer a great beer selection and a wide variety of liquor. Beyond the drinks, they also have pool tables and arcade games, which are great for entertainment.
- smash burgersSame goes with their smash burgers
- $6 mulesHad $6 mules and they were good.
- Beersthe beers Ice Cold
Frequently criticized
- Captain Morgandoesn't carry Captain Morgan
- Wild Turkey American Honeydidn't have my whiskey, "Wild Turkey American Honey"
- coconut shrimpI wish they had coconut shrimp
- foodIt's a fun little spot with a pool table and games, which contributed to a positive atmosphere. However, there was ZERO FOOD available, which was a significant disappointment. Additionally, they didn't have my preferred whiskey, "Wild Turkey American Honey".
- food availablethey don't have any food available.
- food qualityfood they claim to have is still erratic
- free popcornI love the vibe, the place, the service, and the cool beer. I only miss the free popcorn : (. But I will definitely be there soon to celebrate my birthday.
- full barwhat full bar doesn't carry Captain Morgan
- lemonsdo not touch the lemons!! Brie will rip your arm off
If youre heading out for some seriously good drinks, including proper cocktails and a great beer selection, paired with delicious bar food like smash burgers and Cajun fries, youre in for a treat. Just be aware that the food menu might be limited or inconsistent at times, so don't go expecting a full-blown restaurant experience or every single liquor brand.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.6%. Many of the 45 positive comments praise the friendly staff, attentive bartenders, and fast service, often highlighting their expert cocktail making and accommodating nature. It seems the team, from barmen/women to bouncers, really makes an effort to ensure a great vibe.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 11 negative remarks point to some issues. Concerns include rude bartenders, long waits for drinks, and instances of rude rejection, with some patrons experiencing bad attitudes. While not widespread, these experiences suggest theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
58
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude bartenders
- Long drink waits
- Unwelcoming rejections
Often praised
- serviceSuch great service and he was so helpful
- staffTheir normal cocktails were also pretty cheap. The place has a great vibe and the staff are friendly, attracting people of various age groups. However, it's important to note that this place is loud; you have to shout to talk over people.
- bartenderthe bartender, along with the crowd, were very friendly
- ServiceService:4
- bar staffBar staff was very friendly
- bartendersvery accommodating are the bartenders, bouncers, and all the workers
- BartenderBartender quite cute
- Patronsthe Patrons were very nice
- bar keepMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the cool atmosphere and the excellent bar keep. The people there were also very cool.
- bar tendersAwesome knowledgeable bar tenders
Frequently criticized
- staffShe then proceeded to argue with me about the sign on the wall. It wasn't a super big deal, but the chick was insanely rude. I wouldn't even waste my time talking to management, but maybe they'll see this and have a conversation with her.
- BrieBrie will rip your arm off
- accountabilityTake accountability.
- bartender attempting to stealbartender tried to steal my whole 20$ bill
- bartendersThe bartenders have bad attitudes
- last calldid last call at 1:35pm and asked us to leave
- patronsdoes not care about their patrons especially women.
- rude bartenderMy experience at this restaurant was marred by a rude bartender. Furthermore, it was surprising that a full bar did not carry Captain Morgan, which is something I've never encountered before.
- rude rejectionrudely rejected at 22 saying my ID wasn’t valid
- wait for drinkswait for drinks can be longer than it should
Overall, youll likely find the service to be quite good, especially if you appreciate friendly and attentive bartenders. Just be aware that a few experiences mention rudeness or long waits, so keep that in mind if youre looking for flawless service every time.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! This place truly nails the atmosphere, earning a good score of 8 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90%. Out of 150 comments, a fantastic 135 rave about the fun games like foosball and pinball, the overall great vibe, and the inviting outdoor seating, making it a super chill place to hang out.
However, its not always perfectly quiet. A handful of 8 comments mentioned that the place can get quite loud and occasionally rowdy, with one even expressing a concern about safety. So, while mostly positive, be prepared for a lively scene.
Ambience
150
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
8
negative
7
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Abundant bar games
- Lively, chill vibe
- Great outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Potentially rowdy
- Safety concerns
Often praised
- pool tableMy experience at this local spot was mixed. It's a fun little spot with a pool table and games, which contributed to a positive atmosphere. However, there was ZERO FOOD available, which was a significant disappointment.
- atmospherethe renovations and atmosphere are so awesome
- gamesMy boyfriend and I visited this cool new games bar, located across from Cordova bar, after having a drink at Cordova. It has a small dive bar feel but offers proper cocktails and games. I loved the vibe; it was the perfect place to enjoy my fancy mezcal cocktail while playing Billiards.
- pinball machinesMy experience at this divey sports bar was super fun! It offers a variety of entertainment options including billiards, foosball, basketball, and pinball machines. The drinks were good, and I found the crowd to be even better.
- barLove this little bar off the beaten path.
- foosballMy experience at this divey sports bar was super fun! It offers a variety of entertainment options including billiards, foosball, basketball, and pinball machines. The drinks were good, and I found the crowd to be even better.
- placeGreat place to go any day
- vibeLocal dive bar vibe
- pinballMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its fun atmosphere, featuring a basketball hoop, foosball, pinball, and pool. They also offer good beers.
- poolMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its fun atmosphere, featuring a basketball hoop, foosball, pinball, and pool. They also offer good beers.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereSpot was dead anyways. No life whatsoever.
- closing timekicked us our before actual closing at 2pm
- loudThis place is loud!
- musicMusic is a little loud for get to know you conversation
- poolMy experience at the restaurant was quite rowdy. It felt like I almost had to knock someone out to play a game of pool. The reviewer also mentioned, "HE DIDNT WANT NO SMOKE THO LOL".
- rowdyKind of rowdy
- safetypretty dangerously run bar. They don't care about safety at all.
If you're seeking a vibrant, game-filled spot with a relaxed atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. But if you prefer a quieter, more subdued environment, you might find the energy a bit much.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 86.4%, its clear most folks are thrilled with what they get for their money. Out of 22 comments, a whopping 19 rave about the affordable cocktails, great specials, cheap drinks, and excellent happy hour deals.
However, its not entirely perfect. Just one comment out of 22 found the price a little pricey, indicating that while generally excellent, there might be a rare instance where someone feels the cost isn't quite right.
Value
22
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap drinks
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- A little pricey
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It offered all the positives of a dive bar, like good people, good prices, games, and music, but without any of the negatives. Plus, they even have parking, which is a huge plus.
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- $10 cocktailsThe atmosphere was calm and the drinks were cheap, with plenty of open space. While they don't have a huge selection like a downtown bar, they offer a good variety in what they do serve, from $4 beers to $7 Irish Mules and $10 cocktails. It's a good place to grab a to-go order and enjoy a drink.
- $4 beersThe atmosphere was calm and the drinks were cheap, with plenty of open space. While they don't have a huge selection like a downtown bar, they offer a good variety in what they do serve, from $4 beers to $7 Irish Mules and $10 cocktails. It's a good place to grab a to-go order and enjoy a drink.
- $7 Irish MulesThe atmosphere was calm and the drinks were cheap, with plenty of open space. While they don't have a huge selection like a downtown bar, they offer a good variety in what they do serve, from $4 beers to $7 Irish Mules and $10 cocktails. It's a good place to grab a to-go order and enjoy a drink.
- PricesPrices were great
- alcoholI think we spent $18 at that game and plan on doing it again. Cheap alcohol, great food, and good people - will 100% be coming back.
- cheap drinkscheap drinks
- cocktailsNormal cocktails are pretty cheap.
- happy hourgreat happy hour
Frequently criticized
- pricethat's a little pricey
If youre looking for a place that wont break the bank, especially for drinks and happy hour, this is definitely worth checking out. You'll likely find the prices honest and the overall experience a great deal, though a rare item might feel a tad expensive.
How are the prices at Sidecar Bar?
You’re looking at roughly $26 per person – reported by 32 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.
Looking at what people actually spent, most of the prices cluster right around this $21–$30 sweet spot, though a few folks did spend a bit less or more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
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. Its a solid mid-range option if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sidecar Bar
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Vibes and Drinks!
I love this place; I've been coming here for years. The vibez are always right, and I love the drinks! It's a very enjoyable experience.
- vibez9
- drinks9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Delicious Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I ate everything, and there was literally nothing left. It was so good that I was left exclaiming "Oy!
Hijola! Double oy. With a side of vey.
" The food was clearly the star of the show, leading to an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
- food10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Cocktails, Fries, and Music!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I love coming here. Sometimes a girl needs good cocktails, Parmesan fries, and great music.
Thanks guys for putting up with me. Muchas grasias 😉
- cocktails9
- Parmesan fries9
- great music9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Spot for Friends and Drinks
My experience at Sidecar Bar was positive. I'd say it's a great place to hang with friends or drink, especially for students at the nearby USD. The parking lot usually has spots when I visit in the late afternoon.
The staff is generally pretty good and hands off. It's also in a great location, close to the airport, Fiesta Island, and centrally located in San Diego.
- place to hang9
- parking lot8
- staff7
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Fun Divey Bar with Great Drinks and Burgers
My experience at this restaurant was fun and divey, with an arcade-oriented atmosphere right off the main road. It's very spacious, offering numerous places to grab a drink and hang out. You can play some games, watch the Padres, or grab food from the food shed outside.
They have an extreme variety of drinks and cocktails, all of good quality and taste. The smash burgers were also excellent. I'd also recommend checking out Cordova Bar across the street.
- atmosphere9
- space8
- drinks and cocktails9
What Sidecar Bar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What is the overall rating for Sidecar Bar and what aspects contribute to it?
Sidecar Bar has an overall score of **8** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **86.7%**. Its **Food** (8.2), **Ambience** (8), and **Value** (8) are highly rated, while **Service** (7.6) is also good but slightly lower.
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can I expect at Sidecar Bar?
Sidecar Bar is known for its fun, lively atmosphere, often described as a dive bar with a great vibe. Patrons enjoy various games like `pool table`, `pinball machines`, and `foosball`, making it an engaging spot.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors to Sidecar Bar?
Some visitors have noted that the environment can be `loud` and occasionally `rowdy`. There have also been mentions of `inconsistent service` and limited availability of certain `food` items or specific liquor brands.