Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Ould Sod – San Diego
The Ould Sod - San Diego
Photo from The Ould Sod
The Ould Sod at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#228 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#4 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
195
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Guinness Pours
- Lively Atmosphere
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Discriminatory Service
- Overcrowding
The bar & pub The Ould Sod in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood offers a truly authentic experience. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, known for its lively live music.
It’s a casual and cozy spot where you can unwind, catch a game, or simply enjoy a great selection of beers and spirits. This local favorite provides a welcoming environment for everyone looking for a good time.
Overview: Introducting The Ould Sod
The Ould Sod offers a vibrant experience, often praised for its authentic Guinness pours and lively atmosphere. Patrons frequently enjoy the generous happy hour specials, finding the overall value quite appealing.
However, some experiences with service have been less positive, with serious concerns raised. This establishment balances a strong social scene with good quality offerings.
While many appreciate the friendly staff and engaging events like karaoke, there are notable reports of unwelcoming interactions, particularly regarding how some guests were treated.
Good
7.9
out of 10
195
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
20
negative
12
neutral
163
positive
The Ould Sod earns a respectable 7.9 overall, indicating a generally good experience for most patrons. This is further supported by a strong 83.6% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting that the majority leave content.
These figures are drawn from 195 customer observations, with 163 positive remarks outweighing 20 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food scores highly at (8.5), particularly for its well-regarded drinks.
Value also performs well at (8.4), with many appreciating the reasonable prices and happy hour. The Ambience (8.3) is a significant draw, known for its lively setting.
However, Service (6.7) presents a mixed picture; while many find staff friendly, some serious concerns have been voiced.
What people like
- Proper Guinness Pours
- Lively Atmosphere
- Good Value
What people don't like
- Discriminatory Service
- Overcrowding Concerns
If you’re seeking a lively pub atmosphere with a well-poured pint and good value, The Ould Sod could be a solid choice. The 8.2 recommendation score reflects its appeal for many, especially those looking for engaging events like karaoke and a vibrant social scene.
However, potential visitors should be aware of the reported service issues, particularly concerning discrimination. While the positive aspects are strong, these serious concerns warrant consideration before your visit, ensuring it aligns with your expectations for a welcoming environment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Ould Sod
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.5 and an outstanding customer satisfaction of 96.3%, its clear guests are loving whats on offer. Out of 27 remarks, a whopping 26 were positive, frequently praising the excellent food quality and especially the Guinness Draught Perfect Pour, Proper Guinness, and great drinks overall.
Interestingly, there were no negative remarks about the food or drinks among the 27 opinions. This suggests a consistently positive experience, leaving no room for constructive criticism in this area.
Food
27
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Perfect Guinness pour
- Great drink selection
What people don't like
Often praised
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the nice atmosphere and the great drinks. The staff was very friendly, and the balance of outdoor and indoor seating was particularly helpful in alleviating COVID concerns.
- GuinnessBest place for a Guinness in town
- foodThe food quality is excellent, also rated a 5
- Guinness Draught Perfect PourI highly recommend the Guinness Draught Perfect Pour
- Proper Guinnessa Proper Guinness!
- beerThey pour beer proper.
- big 3 on tapThey have the big 3 on tap
- black velvet GuinnessThe black velvet one it's simply delicious
- couple drinksThis is a nice place to enjoy couple drinks. I don't come here often, but when I visit this place, something I like is the service.
- dark and tan GuinnessGet dark and tan Guinness!
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with excellent food quality and, especially, a top-notch drink selection, this spot is definitely worth a visit. You can expect a consistently great experience, particularly if youre a fan of a perfectly poured Guinness.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally lands in the good category with a score of 6.7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more of a mixed bag at 65.5%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, bartenders, and even superb service, often highlighting their attention to detail. Based on 36 positive remarks out of 55 total comments, it seems many have had genuinely pleasant interactions.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, as the 65.5% satisfaction rate suggests some room for improvement. There are 18 negative comments, some quite serious, mentioning racism and discrimination, rude behavior, and issues with one bartender in particular. A few also noted a wait for drinks, indicating some inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
55
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Superb bartender service
- No wait time
What people don't like
- Racism and discrimination
- Rude bartender behavior
- No table service
Often praised
- serviceproviding the service, safety, and attention to detail
- bartendersI came here for a Guinness and chill, and it was exactly that. The pub has a great atmosphere with great bartenders. The Guinness was delicious, and I was told this is because they go through so much of it and keep their taps clean.
- staffthey have very nice staff
- bartenderthe bartender has been attentive
- EveryoneEveryone is friendly and fun
- Jerry at the doorJerry at the door protecting everyone and being the most genuine human
- SarahSarah is the best bartender I’ve ever seen work a bar
- ServiceService:5
- WarrenHe knows what he is doing!
- Warren and SarahLook for Warren and Sarah to take care of you
Frequently criticized
- serviceConsequently, we left. We were the only minorities there, and she ignored us on purpose; I believe she's racist. I've read comments that the owner is the same way, and I'm not surprised he lets his staff act like that towards paying customers.
- bartenderbartender multiple times tall white lady with brown hair
- cooperateIt was like pulling teeth to get them to cooperate.
- disrespectNEVER felt such disrespect in my life
- making excuseskept making excuses about why they wanted to cancel
- minoritiesdon't treat minorities bad
- one bartenderone in particular unable to smile and barely communicates
- order a drinkpush your way thru to the bar to order a drink
- racism and discriminationexercised racism and discrimination against Arab-Americans!
- rudeShe was very rude
Service here offers a mixed bag; many praise the friendly staff, but some serious negative experiences have been reported. If you're willing to take a chance on potentially great service, it might be worth a visit, but be aware of possible inconsistencies.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.2%, its clear most folks love the vibe. Out of 102 remarks, a whopping 90 rave about the lively bar, fantastic large patio, and the authentic, dog-friendly neighborhood pub feel.
Expect live music, karaoke, and a laid-back, judgment-free environment that truly feels like home. However, a couple of voices (2 out of 102) did mention concerns about crowding. While generally a spacious place with open-air seating, it seems that during very busy times, like St. Patricks Day or specific events, it can feel a bit too crowded for some.
So, if you prefer a quieter experience, you might want to pick your timing carefully.
Ambience
102
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
10
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, friendly atmosphere
- Fantastic outdoor patio
- Live music, karaoke
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereI stopped in for a drink with a friend and fell in love with the place! The friendly barkeep and great atmosphere made for a wonderful experience. I will now be a regular customer!
- live musiclive music which is fantastic
- KaraokeMy experience at this restaurant was a fun spot for Karaoke, especially on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It's recommended to get there on the early side to grab a table.
- back areainstalled a whole new back area that is very nice
- dive barlooking for a dive bar, it's great
- environmentsuch an amazing environment
- karaokeMy experience on a quiet Thursday night was surprisingly lively, filled with an amazing crowd doing karaoke. It reminded me of the fun atmosphere of an Irish bar in Boston.
- pubVery nice pub with friendly people
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Fernando doing karaokeFernando doing karaoke is never a dull moment
Frequently criticized
- crowdedToo crowded for St Patrick's day
- crowdingscary during covid there was easily fifty people all way too close together
If you're looking for a lively, authentic Irish pub with great outdoor space, live entertainment, and a friendly crowd, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get quite busy during peak events, so plan accordingly if you prefer a more relaxed setting.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Customers are absolutely thrilled, giving it an excellent 100% satisfaction rating, and the overall score is a good 8.4. Based on 11 positive remarks, folks consistently rave about the Happy Hour, reasonable prices, and Great prices, especially for drinks.
Youll find a real happy hour here, even on a Saturday, making it a fantastic deal. Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. Out of all 11 customer remarks, not a single one mentioned any concerns about pricing or perceived lack of value, which is a rare and impressive feat.
Value
11
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable drinks
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are reasonable
- Great pricesGreat prices
- Happy Hourthey have a happy hour, a Real one.
- drink pricesDrink prices are pretty good
- happy hourrare place that has a happy hour on a Saturday
- happy hour specialsIt features a large patio in the back, which is a fantastic amenity. The staff was incredibly friendly, and they offer happy hour specials. It's also dog friendly, making it a welcoming spot for pet owners.
- price per personI highly recommend the Guinness Draught Perfect Pour. The price per person is very affordable, ranging from $1–$10, and there was no wait time.
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this divey bar in Normal Heights was fantastic. It has an old school feel with reasonable prices. I especially loved the great variety of events, particularly the karaoke nights on the weekends.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, especially for drinks and happy hour deals, this spot is definitely worth checking out. You can expect genuinely reasonable prices and excellent value, making it a smart choice for your wallet.
How are the prices at The Ould Sod?
You’re looking at roughly $18 per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend right around this average, with the majority of prices clustering in that $11–$20 sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
See how this spot stacks up against similar restaurants in San Diego when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Diego. It offers good value for a casual outing without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Ould Sod
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Authentic Irish Pub Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's the real deal for Irish pubs in Southern California, unlike any imposters. I highly recommend looking for Warren and Sarah, who will take great care of you and your group.
They offer the big 3 on tap and an extensive selection of whiskeys. With plenty of televisions to catch your game, great prices, an amazing atmosphere, and superb service, it's a fantastic spot. Erin go braugh 🇮🇪 slainte 🍺.
- real deal10
- Warren and Sarah10
- big 3 on tap9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Fun Atmosphere, Slow Service
I didn’t eat anything, so I have no idea how the food is. The atmosphere is fun, with an Irish folk band playing. We sat outside on the patio, and it was so nice with the warm weather and cool breezes.
It did get pretty crowded, and there was only one bartender, so there was a wait if you wanted a drink.
- atmosphere10
- wait4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Happy Hour on Saturday!
What a rare place that has a happy hour on a Saturday! I'm not a sports guy, but if you are, there were lots of televised baseball, golf, etc. The atmosphere was great, rated 5/5.
- happy hour9
- atmosphere10
- televised baseball, golf6
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Divey Bar with Events
My experience at this divey bar in Normal Heights was fantastic. It has an old school feel with reasonable prices. I especially loved the great variety of events, particularly the karaoke nights on the weekends.
- old school feel9
- reasonable prices8
- great variety of events9
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Racist Service, Avoid This Place
DO NOT GO HERE. On Thursday (04/10) around 10pm, after buying drinks, we wanted to order more. I called the bartender, a tall white lady with brown hair, multiple times.
I even waved her down when no one else was around. I gave her the benefit of the doubt, thinking she didn't hear or see me, and waited. I then said 'excuse me' again.
She looked me directly in the eyes and proceeded to talk to the guy next to us, who wasn't even trying to get her attention. Consequently, we left. We were the only minorities there, and she ignored us on purpose; I believe she's racist.
I've read comments that the owner is the same way, and I'm not surprised he lets his staff act like that towards paying customers. There are many bars on Adams that are much better and do not treat minorities badly.
- bartender1
- service1
- staff1
What The Ould Sod offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at The Ould Sod?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at The Ould Sod in Normal Heights. It’s a vibrant spot where you can enjoy live music, watch sports, and experience other engaging live performances, making it a perfect place to relax and be entertained.
What are the service options and parking availability at The Ould Sod?
The Ould Sod offers both outdoor seating and dine-in options for your convenience. When you visit, you’ll be pleased to find free street parking available, making your trip hassle-free. The venue also features a wheelchair accessible entrance.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Ould Sod?
The Ould Sod holds a good overall score of **7.9** with **83.6%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.5), **Value** (8.4), and **Ambience** (8.3) are highly rated, though **Service** (6.7) shows some room for improvement.
What makes the atmosphere at The Ould Sod appealing?
Customers frequently praise the lively **atmosphere**, highlighting the presence of live music and fun karaoke nights. It’s described as a friendly pub with an engaging environment, though it can get crowded.
Are there any notable concerns about the service at The Ould Sod?
While many find the staff friendly, there have been serious negative reports regarding service, including instances of perceived racism and discrimination, particularly towards minorities. Some customers have experienced rudeness and inattentiveness.