Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » U-31 – San Diego
U-31 - San Diego
Photo from U-31
U-31 at a glance
San Diego North Park
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#499 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#18 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
223
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively Atmosphere
- Good Service
- Fair Value
Frequently criticized
- Bad Drinks
- Dirty Environment
- Inconsistent Service
The bar and pub, U-31, in San Diego’s vibrant North Park neighborhood, offers a dynamic spot where you can catch live music and enjoy a lively atmosphere. This popular local haunt is known for its energetic live performances and a great beer selection, making it a go-to destination for entertainment.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after work or kick off a fun night out, U-31 provides a casual yet trendy setting for all.
Overview: Introducting U-31
U-31 offers a lively setting where the `atmosphere` often receives praise, with many enjoying the `music` and overall `vibe`. Guests frequently commend the `bartenders` for their attentiveness and positive demeanor, contributing to a generally satisfying experience.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the cleanliness, particularly with `bathrooms` and a general `bar smell`. While specific food items like `Chicken &Waffles` are well-received, the quality of some `drinks` has been a point of contention for others.
Good
6.8
out of 10
223
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
62
negative
10
neutral
151
positive
U-31 registers an overall score of 6.8, placing it in the average category, with a Customer Satisfaction of 67.7%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons. This assessment is drawn from 223 customer observations, comprising 151 positive and 62 negative remarks.
The venue’s Ambience (7.2) stands out as its strongest aspect, often highlighted for its engaging atmosphere. Food (6.6) and Value (6.6) both land in the average range, while Service (6.4) is perceived as slightly lower, suggesting some room for improvement in guest interactions.
What people like
- Lively Atmosphere
- Attentive Bartenders
- Happy Hour Value
What people don't like
- Poor Drink Quality
- Uncleanliness Issues
- Service Inconsistencies
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with a good crowd and engaging music, U-31 could be a suitable choice, especially for its lively atmosphere and specific food offerings. The Recommendation Score of 6.8 suggests it’s a decent option, but not without its caveats.
However, if pristine cleanliness or consistently high-quality drinks are your top priorities, you might find aspects of U-31 disappointing. It’s a place that seems to excel in creating a fun environment, but some practical elements could use more attention.
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Verdict: Our expert take on U-31
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, guests often rave about the deliciousness, especially highlighting the amazing Chicken and Waffles and tasty truffle fries. Many also enjoyed the Nachos and found the drinks to be great. With 28 positive remarks, the food experience generally hits the mark, contributing to an average score of 6.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 68.3%.
However, there are some areas needing a bit of polish. A few folks found the drinks to be quite disappointing, with some even mentioning issues with the liquor tasting like water or causing a stomach hurting sensation. There were also reports of fries arriving cold and sodas being completely flat, as noted in 12 negative comments.
Food
41
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing Chicken Waffles
- Delicious Truffle Fries
- Great Nachos
What people don't like
- Disappointing Drinks
- Cold Fries
- Flat Sodas
Often praised
- foodeverybody else food was hot
- drinksThe drinks are always good and strong
- 50 cent wing Wednesdays50 cent wing Wednesdays are great
- Chicken &WafflesChicken &Waffles umm, umm good.
- Chicken and WafflesBryan that works the Chicken and Waffles was also friendly! The food is amazing!
- Classic Margaritaask for his take on the Classic Margarita—it’s a smooth blend
- NachosOh those Nachos r to good
- Prickly Pear Muleand Prickly Pear Mule.
- Strawberry Mulefavorites were the Strawberry Mule
- chicken and wafflesthis place has some great chicken and waffles
Frequently criticized
- drinkbuddy didn't get a drink for 5 or 10 minutes
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The drinks were not good, and the DJ switched songs too quickly, which disrupted the atmosphere. To make matters worse, the bathrooms were really dirty; I'd rather go to a porta potty and take a shot while busting Pandora.
- Milagro tequilaHowever, I would advise against ordering the liquor. A group of friends and I ordered two shots of Milagro tequila each, and it tasted like water. I have the same tequila at home and know what it should taste like.
- foodNo food
- friesmy fries came out cold
- liquordo not order the liquor
- sodasWe were told we had to buy drinks to stay, which was acceptable, but we only wanted soda. Unfortunately, all three sodas were completely flat. When we requested a refund, we were firmly told it would not be given.
- stomach hurtingleft both of us with are stomach hurting
- strawberry muleworst drink it left both of us with are stomach hurting
- waterThe music was good and the vibes were cool, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, the drinks were horrible; not even the water tasted okay. This significantly impacted the overall enjoyment of the meal.
If you're heading out, the Chicken and Waffles and truffle fries seem like solid bets for a good meal. However, be mindful of the drinks menu, as experiences there appear to be a bit of a mixed bag.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Lets talk service! Many guests have had some really positive interactions, especially with the bartenders and staff who are often praised for being friendly and attentive. Shout-outs also go to the door host and security for making people feel welcome.
While the overall score sits at an average 6.4, with 39 positive remarks out of 65 total, theres a decent foundation, leading to a customer satisfaction of 60%. However, its not all smooth sailing. Some experiences point to issues with security and certain bartenders being rude or inattentive, even leaving the bar unattended.
There are also mentions of weak service and concerns about a new manager. With 25 negative remarks, its clear there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
65
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Welcoming door host
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Bar left unattended
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- bartendersthe bartenders actually seem to enjoy being there
- serviceThe drinks menu is creative without being over the top; the Strawberry Mule and Prickly Pear Mule were favorites. Prices are fair, service is quick, and the bartenders genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs, which is a rare and welcome find in the nightlife scene. If you're in San Diego, you absolutely must visit U31 at least once.
- bartenderMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Tonas the bartender was great, and they had the cheapest beer. The karaoke was amazing, with friendly people to sing along with.
- securitysecurity is wonderful
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- BryanBryan that works the Chicken and Waffles was also friendly!
- DJThe DJ is cool af
- JamesHuge shoutout to James behind the bar.
- Staffthumbs up to the Staff Good Job
- Stellawhen Stella is working. She seems to be the bartender
Frequently criticized
- servicethey will bus full shots, spill ot all over the table and deny it ever happened
- bartenderI was immediately hit with a chemical smell. I came in with some friends, and the bartender was sitting down behind the bar, sharing a scratch off with a customer. Multiple times, he would leave the bar unattended.
- Google advertisementGoogle advertised they were open.
- another bartenderMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The bartender was nice, but when it got busy, they REALLY NEEDED ANOTHER BARTENDER. I don't know why they don't have it, especially on a fight night 🤷♂️.
- another bouncerAnother bouncer saw and laughed.
- bar unattendedleave the bar unattended
- bouncersBecareful of the bouncers on the weekend
- embarrassing touchingembarrassing touching if my friends had not gone in
- favoritismStraight up favoritism or idk
- female bartenderthe female bartender was rushing us out of the way
Overall, service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. You might encounter some fantastic, friendly staff and attentive bartenders, but be prepared for the possibility of inconsistent service or less-than-ideal interactions. If youre willing to roll the dice, you might have a great time, but dont expect perfection every visit.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The vibe at this spot is a definite crowd-pleaser, earning a good score of 7.2 and boasting good customer satisfaction at 72.6%. With 77 positive remarks out of 106 total opinions, many rave about the energetic music, the inviting back patio, and the overall great atmosphere created by the DJs. It sounds like a fantastic place for a good time! However, not everything is perfect, as 21 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement.
Some patrons found the tables and seats dirty, and the bathrooms were frequently mentioned as needing attention. A few also noted unpleasant chemical smells or a generally sticky ambiance, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
106
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
21
negative
8
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great music and DJs
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Spacious dance floor
What people don't like
- Dirty tables and seats
- Unclean bathrooms
- Unpleasant chemical smell
Often praised
- atmosphereI've met some great people and made some good friends here. The bartenders are very attentive, and regardless of the crowd size, I'm always satisfied with the atmosphere. The DJs are always entertaining, and I love it!
- musicMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer something different throughout the week theme wise and have great music on the weekends. The security were professional, and the service was fast.
- DJthe dj playing tonight was mixing allll the songs together
- crowdThe crowd? Chill, stylish, and here to dance.
- back patioget to the back patio with the cabana style seating
- pool tablesThis is my go-to spot for watching UFC fight cards. They have two awesome pool tables there!
- dancingMy experience was great for getting out late at night. I enjoyed a cold drink and the DJ while dancing the night away.
- vibeThe vibe is great
- vibesthe vibes are cool
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking isn’t easy to find (the earlier the better), but this place is a blast to stop by with some friends.
- BOhit with BO
- DJThe dj was lame....he really needs to work on his transitions
- DJ switched songsMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The drinks were not good, and the DJ switched songs too quickly, which disrupted the atmosphere. To make matters worse, the bathrooms were really dirty; I'd rather go to a porta potty and take a shot while busting Pandora.
- NYG barIt's worth noting that during my visit, there seemed to be only two staff members working besides the cooks: a bartender and one person serving food. I will definitely return to try the other chicken and waffle variations, but I do wish it was still a NYG bar.
- ambianceambiance is that of a dingy seven eleven
- bar smellThe bar smelled disgusting
- bathroomsBathrooms where really dirty
- boothsthe booths are filthy
- chemical smellimmediately hit with a chemical smell
If you're seeking a lively spot with great music and a vibrant crowd, especially for dancing, this place is worth a visit. Just be aware that some facilities, like seating and restrooms, might not always be pristine, so manage your expectations on cleanliness.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a somewhat positive picture, earning a score of 6.6 and leaving customers with a 63.6% mixed satisfaction. Based on 7 positive remarks out of 11 total, many appreciate the fair prices and cheapest beer available. The happy hour deals and reasonable cover charge are frequently highlighted as excellent perks.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 4 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Concerns include drinks being overly priced and the house margarita being a bit steep. Theres also some grumbling about the cover charge and the overall cost of the night, especially after an expensive Uber' ride.
Value
11
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Excellent happy hour
- Low cover charge
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Steep margarita
- Expensive Uber ride
Often praised
- cover chargecover was only $5 on a Saturday night
- PricesThe drinks menu is creative without being over the top; the Strawberry Mule and Prickly Pear Mule were favorites. Prices are fair, service is quick, and the bartenders genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs, which is a rare and welcome find in the nightlife scene. If you're in San Diego, you absolutely must visit U31 at least once.
- cheapest beerCheapest beer
- happy hourGreat happy hour through the week
- happy hour dealsHappy hour deals are excellent
- pricesfair prices
Frequently criticized
- coverdon't charge a cover!
- drinksDrinks are overly priced
- expensive UberAfter paying an expensive uber
- house margaritaHouse margarita was $10 which was a little steep
If youre looking for good happy hour deals and fair prices on drinks, especially beer, this place could be a solid choice. Just be mindful that some drinks might feel overly priced and theres a cover charge, which might add up if youre also factoring in an expensive Uber' ride.
How are the prices at U-31?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – from 24 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most prices cluster right around this $21–$30 sweet spot, indicating a consistent offering, though you’ll find a few cheaper and some pricier options too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in San Diego for value.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about U-31
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Fun Trivia Night, Host Needs Costume Help
My experience at the restaurant involved a Trivia Fill-In Host who was described as 'Very Hairy! '. I wished they dressed like Cluemaster, Puzzler, or the other one, perhaps in a green outfit but understated.
This is a personal preference I need to own. Unfortunately, we got last place because my parents had to leave early for date night. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also rated a 5.
The food received a perfect score of 5. There was no wait time.
- Trivia Fill-In Host6
- atmosphere10
- service10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great DJ, Fun Crowd, Needs Snacks!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic thanks to the amazing DJ and the great crowd. The atmosphere was lively and enjoyable. However, I would have appreciated some snacks, as that could have been a real crowd-puller!
- DJ10
- crowd9
- snacks6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Chicken and Waffles, Not a Giants Bar
I visited this restaurant on a Sunday morning hoping to watch the New York Giants play football, as I was told it was a Giants sports bar. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. However, the chicken and waffles here are great, with several interesting variations.
It's worth noting that during my visit, there seemed to be only two staff members working besides the cooks: a bartender and one person serving food. I will definitely return to try the other chicken and waffle variations, but I do wish it was still a NYG bar.
- chicken and waffles9
- chicken and waffles variations8
- staff3
- NYG bar2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Spot for UFC and Pool!
This is my go-to spot for watching UFC fight cards. They have two awesome pool tables there!
- UFC fight cards9
- pool tables9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Drinks and Dancing, No Food
My experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on the atmosphere and drinks, as there was no food served. The DJ was great, and the drinks were great. It provided a safe environment for dancing with no judgment.
They even allow you to bring outside food at late night. The atmosphere and service both received a perfect score of 5, and the food score was also a 5, which is interesting given the lack of food. The noise level was loud, but it was still possible to talk.
There was no wait time.
- DJ9
- drinks9
- environment for dancing9
- food1
What U-31 offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
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
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment can you find at U-31?
At U-31, you can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere featuring live music and exciting live performances. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll appreciate the sports viewing options available. Additionally, you can challenge your friends to various bar games, ensuring there’s always something engaging to do during your visit.
What are the dining and drink options available at U-31?
U-31 offers a comprehensive selection of beverages, including a great beer selection, wine, hard liquor, and expertly crafted cocktails. You can also enjoy food served at the bar, with happy hour drinks and food specials available. Whether you’re craving a full meal or just some snacks, U-31 has you covered with diverse offerings.
What is the overall customer sentiment for U-31?
U-31 holds an overall score of 6.8, indicating an average experience, with customer satisfaction at 67.7%, suggesting a mixed reception. The Ambience scores highest at 7.2, while Food and Value are 6.6, and Service is 6.4.
Are the drinks at U-31 generally well-received?
Opinions on drinks at U-31 are mixed. While some customers praise the creativity and strength of certain drinks like the Strawberry Mule, others have reported issues with poor quality, flat sodas, or liquor tasting like water.
What is the atmosphere like at U-31?
The atmosphere at U-31 is frequently highlighted as a strong positive. Customers enjoy the great music, entertaining DJs, and a chill, stylish crowd, often finding the overall vibe and back patio appealing for dancing and socializing.