Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Rooftop seating
oChef » Altitude Sky Lounge – San Diego
Altitude Sky Lounge - San Diego
Photo from Altitude Sky Lounge
Altitude Sky Lounge at a glance
San Diego East Village
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#555 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
444
Reviews
62.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- City views
- Friendly staff
- Happy hour
Frequently criticized
- Drink inconsistency
- Service issues
- High prices
The bar & pub Altitude Sky Lounge offers an unforgettable experience high above San Diego’s East Village. You’ll find yourself immersed in an upscale and trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the city lights.
With its standout rooftop seating, this spot provides a unique vantage point to savor great beer selections and delicious food. It’s a prime destination for those seeking a vibrant night out in the Gaslamp Marriott Quarter.
Overview: Introducting Altitude Sky Lounge
Altitude Sky Lounge offers a compelling experience, primarily driven by its stunning views and lively atmosphere. Guests often praise the friendly staff and the overall enjoyable vibe, making it a popular spot for an evening out.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies, particularly with certain drinks and occasional issues with service. While the setting is a major draw, these aspects can sometimes detract from the overall visit.
Good
6.5
out of 10
444
Reviews
62.8%
Satisfaction
146
negative
19
neutral
279
positive
Altitude Sky Lounge holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.5 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 62.8%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive experience for many.
These figures are based on a substantial 444 customer remarks, with 279 positive observations against 146 negative ones, providing a solid foundation for these insights. The venue truly shines in its Ambience (7.9), which is clearly its strongest suit, often highlighted by patrons.
Food (5.5) also receives a decent score, with many enjoying the offerings. While Service (4.5) is generally seen as acceptable, there are areas for improvement.
Value (5) is perceived as average, with some finding aspects fairly priced and others noting higher costs.
What people like
- Spectacular city views
- Friendly, capable staff
- Good happy hour value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Occasional service issues
- High regular prices
Altitude Sky Lounge, with a Recommendation Score of 6.6, offers a compelling setting for those prioritizing atmosphere and views. It’s a solid choice for a casual evening, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the cityscape and a lively environment.
However, manage your expectations regarding consistency in beverages and overall pricing outside of happy hour. If you’re seeking a flawless culinary or service experience, you might find it a mixed bag.
It’s best for drinks and the vista.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Altitude Sky Lounge
Food (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink scene here, many guests really enjoy the beverage selection, with 50 positive remarks highlighting the drinks in general, specific mentions of the Spiced Pear Mule, and fried calamari as a tasty bite. The cocktails often hit the mark, contributing to a generally pleasant experience. With a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 52.6%, its clear theres a decent foundation here, especially for those looking for a good drink.
However, not everything is sparkling. There were 39 critical observations out of 95 total customer comments, with some guests finding the drinks to be a letdown, specifically mentioning a nasty old fashion or poorly made cocktails. The food itself also received criticism, with terms like frozen pizza and terrible food popping up, suggesting inconsistency in the kitchen.
This mixed feedback indicates there's definitely room for improvement.
Food
95
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
39
negative
6
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great cocktails available
- Spiced Pear Mule praised
- Tasty appetizers offered
What people don't like
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Poor food quality
- Bad classic cocktails
Often praised
- drinksIt's always a good time here, especially when a Padres game is on! The unbelievable views of DTSD and reasonably priced drinks make this an ideal spot to enjoy the night. This place is definitely the spot to see and be seen, and has been for years.
- foodIt's a fun place to hang out and offers a great view of the city. The drinks were good and the food was delicious. I highly recommend it for a great time.
- FoodFood:5
- cocktailsDie Cocktails sind kreativ und gut gemixt
- fried calamariOrdered fried calamari it was delicious
- good drinksThe amazing views of the bay and the Ballpark were a definite highlight. I enjoyed the good drinks and the friendly staff. It's a place that fills up quick, so be sure to get there early!
- Old Fashionedwhile it tasted good
- Spiced Pear MuleDon’t miss the Spiced Pear Mule… it’s heavenly!
- appetizersThey offer drinks and basic appetizers
- beersdrink beers as it is hard to ruin them
Frequently criticized
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by its amazing views of downtown San Diego, including Petco Park and Coronado. I felt the view itself heavily compensated for the subpar drinks and the spread-out setup. Despite the drinks, it is still worth the visit to see the views of San Diego.
- foodas for food don’t go if you are hungry
- cocktailscocktails were unprofessional and disappointing
- Boulevardierasked for a Boulevardier which is a classic cocktail and the bartender said he didn't know it
- French 75how can you f this drink
- Margaritawas also not well made
- Moscow Mulemanaged to ruin both Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule
- Old Fashionedmanaged to ruin both Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule
- artisan pizzamenu said artisan pizza but it was more like frozen pizza
- bar snacksIt does not have any bar snacks
If youre heading out primarily for a vibrant atmosphere and some potentially good drinks like the Spiced Pear Mule, you might have a great time. However, if your main focus is on a consistently high-quality culinary experience or perfectly crafted classic cocktails, you might want to manage your expectations. The food' can be quite hit-or-miss.
Service (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Lets talk service! While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather low 35.2%, and the score is an average 4.5, there are definitely some bright spots. Many guests highlighted the friendly staff, praising the great service from helpful and attentive team members, including welcoming staff and security.
With 32 positive remarks, its clear some interactions are truly excellent. However, the service experience isn't always smooth sailing. With 56 negative comments out of 91 total, many encountered issues like long lines at the bar, rude behavior from some staff, and even extremely unfriendly staff or stupid management decisions.
It seems consistency and efficiency are areas needing significant attention.
Service
91
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
56
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Welcoming security
What people don't like
- Long lines
- Rude staff
- Poor management
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant offered great views and friendly service. The prices were acceptable.
- staffLuckily, this rooftop is almost perfect year-round in San Diego. The staff is very friendly, the drinks are great, and the view is incredible!
- ServiceService:5
- Great serviceGreat service
- bartendersBartenders are very capable and friendly
- SecuritySecurity is nice though.
- Security and staffSecurity and staff maintained a really buttoned down operation so it kept things classy.
- bouncersThe bouncers at the entrance were friendly
- friendly staffThe amazing views of the bay and the Ballpark were a definite highlight. I enjoyed the good drinks and the friendly staff. It's a place that fills up quick, so be sure to get there early!
- getting thereDespite the drinks, it is still worth the visit to see the views of San Diego. Getting there was very easy, with many signs to guide the way to the venue.
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceprovide some amount of customer service
- securityThe customer service was very bad, even worse than the drinks. The security was immature, and I would not want any of my family to go to this place as I didn’t feel safe. Furthermore, if you are hungry, don’t go as the food was disappointing.
- staffThe staff are completely disrespectful
- long lineexpect a long line when it's in club mode
- managerThe manager said the details were in the "fine print"
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The atmosphere was good, but the service was a significant issue. Despite not smoking and only having a vaporizer in my hand, I was asked to go outside.
- waiting time2 hours go by and he doesn’t even look at us
- RyanRyan instantly recognized me. When I explained, his response was literally: “So what do you want?”
- apologyNo apology, nothing.
- bar menusNo bar menus
When visiting, be prepared for a mixed bag regarding service. You might encounter some wonderfully friendly and attentive staff, but there's also a real chance of long waits and less-than-stellar interactions. Go for the good vibes, but manage your expectations regarding service efficiency.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good score of 7.9 and leaving 81.6% of customers satisfied. Guests consistently praise the stunning views of the city skyline, Petco Park, and the bay, often calling it their favorite rooftop. The open-air bar, complete with cozy fire pits and good music, creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere, as noted in 186 positive remarks.
However, not every aspect is perfect. Some guests found the venue could get quite crowded and noisy, impacting the overall vibe. A few comments also touched on the cleanliness, dated decor, or a DJ trying too hard, though these were less frequent, appearing in 34 negative observations.
Ambience
228
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
34
negative
8
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning panoramic views
- Vibrant rooftop atmosphere
- Cozy fire pits
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- High noise levels
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- viewsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, largely due to its great access through the Marriott Lobby. The fun rooftop bar offered spectacular southwest and northeast views. The ambiance on a Friday night was also a highlight, contributing to a very enjoyable visit.
- viewMy experience at this lounge was overall really dope. We arrived a bit after the 7th inning of a Padres game and were able to snag a few spots with a perfect view of the game. The drinks were amazing, the views were stunning, and the music was on point.
- atmospherethe atmosphere felt lively but still relaxed
- locationthe location is stunning, great view of downtown!
- rooftop barMy experience at this restaurant featured a nice rooftop bar with a great view of San Diego parades stadium. It would have been an awesome time if there was a game going on.
- beautiful viewbeautiful view of the city from above.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- amazing viewsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The rooftop lounge offered amazing views and the bar was nice, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, the food was a significant letdown.
- barAwesome bar that overlooked the stadium
- musicWe arrived a bit after the 7th inning of a Padres game and were able to snag a few spots with a perfect view of the game. The drinks were amazing, the views were stunning, and the music was on point. However, they pack the place way too much.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThis significantly impacted the atmosphere.
- musiccutting into the music
- experiencedidn't get the experience we were interested in and paid for
- DJThe DJ wasn't our favorite this time
- NYE partyNYE party that was supposed to be on the roof top bar
- ambianceno ambiance
- balustradeThe metal balustrade could be modernised to make it feel a little more luxury and a little less police custody toilet
- cleanlinessquite dirty
- creativity and careneeds a bit more creativity and care to really shine
- crowdedMy experience offered an amazing view of the San Diego skyline and of PetCo stadium during Padres games. The space is big enough, but it can get crowded.
If you're seeking a lively spot with unparalleled views for a fun night out or a romantic date, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential crowds and a bustling atmosphere, especially on busy nights.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are definitely some bright spots, especially with 11 positive remarks out of 30 total. Guests often appreciate the affordable prices and the fantastic happy hour deals, which include great drinks and often come with no cover charge. Plus, finding cheapest parking nearby is a definite win, making your visit even more budget-friendly.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit mixed, with a score of 5 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 36.7%. Many of the 17 negative comments highlight concerns about expensive drinks and unexpected charges, like room service fees or being charged full price. Some also advise to watch your tabs due to billing issues, suggesting a need for improvement.
Value
30
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great happy hour
- No cover charge
What people don't like
- Expensive drinks
- Unexpected charges
- Watch your tab
Often praised
- cover chargeMy experience was centered around the great location, which is perfect for relaxing, enjoying a sunset, or getting an aerial view of the Parades game. The happy hour from 5 PM to 7 PM was a nice touch, especially with no cover charge.
- happy hourThe happy hour is highly recommended
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- cheapest parkingcheapest parking and close too
- drinksThe staff is friendly, and the music plays at a nice volume. Additionally, the drinks are fairly priced. Overall, a 5/5 experience.
- happy hour pricesSitting on the comfy deck furniture on the 22nd floor of the Marriott Hotel in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego offered great views of Petco Park and panoramic city skyline views. The full bar menu and happy hour prices were a plus. I enjoyed the fried calamari while sipping a glass of red.
- no cover chargeNo cover charge!
- parkingOnly $10 to park
- pricesaffordable prices
Frequently criticized
- drinksDrink and foods are a little pricey
- accountwhen I checked my account the next day, the correct charge had been refunded, and the wrong one stuck.
- brunch cashbrunch cash to bribe security to cut the line
- chargethe first charge would “fall off.”
- charging for correctionThis was rude. After patiently waiting, I asked again, and he said, "I'll have to charge you bro, " for an additional $2 on a $17. 50 drink.
- extra couple drinkscomped an extra couple drinks since we didn't get the experience
- foodsDrink and foods are a little pricey
- happy hourwas charged full price.
- happy hour tabmessed up our happy hour tab, charged us wrong
- money backI said my money back. He stormed off, had a heated exchange with the server, and then slapped cash in my hand.
If you're looking for a good deal, focus on happy hour and parking, as these are clear wins. However, be mindful of drink prices and double-check your bill, as unexpected charges and pricey drinks outside of happy hour can quickly add up and disappoint.
How are the prices at Altitude Sky Lounge?
You’re looking at roughly $38 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average lands here, it’s worth noting that many guests actually spend less, with a good number of prices clustering in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets. This suggests a nice spread, offering both budget-friendly options and a few higher-end choices.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 52 most recent reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering the range of options available, from more affordable bites to slightly higher-end experiences, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Diego. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Altitude Sky Lounge
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great View and Happy Hour Deals
It's a quiet place with an excellent view if that's what you're looking for. The happy hour is highly recommended; drinks can be as low as $5. It starts between 5 pm and ends at 7 pm.
- quiet place9
- excellent view10
- happy hour9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Views and Fair Prices
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved that there was no cover charge. The amazing views of both downtown and Petco Park were breathtaking.
The staff is friendly, and the music plays at a nice volume. Additionally, the drinks are fairly priced. Overall, a 5/5 experience.
- no cover10
- amazing views10
- staff9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing City View and Fun Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to its amazing Downtown city view, which offers a great perspective of Petco Park and beyond. It's a fun place to hang out with friends, and I found it easy to make new ones. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the noise level was moderate, making it suitable for all group sizes.
The price per person is between $10–20.
- Downtown city view10
- fun place9
- make new ones8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Stunning Views and Great Drinks
My experience at Altitude was fantastic! The view from the 22nd floor was absolutely stunning, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the city lights at night. The drinks were really good, and the atmosphere felt lively yet relaxed.
It's definitely one of the best rooftop bars around!
- view10
- drinks8
- atmosphere8
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Views, Lively Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was marked by its great views and atmosphere. The drinks were plentiful, and there was ample seating, though it was important to be quick to secure a spot. Thankfully, we managed to get seats before the place filled up.
- views9
- atmosphere9
- drinks8
What Altitude Sky Lounge offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Dancing
- 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
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Altitude Sky Lounge?
At Altitude Sky Lounge, you’ll discover an upscale and trendy atmosphere perfect for a night out. Enjoy the vibrant energy and stylish surroundings while you take in the views from the rooftop seating, making for a memorable San Diego experience.
Does Altitude Sky Lounge offer outdoor seating and accessibility?
Yes, Altitude Sky Lounge provides outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the San Diego skyline. The venue is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Altitude Sky Lounge generally rate among visitors?
Altitude Sky Lounge receives a Restaurant Score of 6.5 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at 62.8%. Its Ambience (7.9) is highly rated, while Food (5.5), Value (5), and Service (4.5) are seen as average or needing improvement.
What is the biggest draw at Altitude Sky Lounge?
The most significant draw is undoubtedly the spectacular views and vibrant ambience, which many guests highlight as the primary reason for their visit.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Altitude Sky Lounge?
Some visitors have noted issues with inconsistent drink quality, occasional lapses in service, and that regular menu items and drinks can be on the pricier side.