Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Whiskey Girl – San Diego
Whiskey Girl - San Diego
Photo from Whiskey Girl
Whiskey Girl at a glance
San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 83 of the guests
#603 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#21 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
472
Reviews
54.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Lively atmosphere
- Happy hour
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Overpriced drinks
- Poor cleanliness
The bar & pub Whiskey Girl in San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter invites you to experience an unforgettable night out. You’ll find yourself immersed in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for catching live music or cheering on your favorite sports team.
With a great beer selection and a lively vibe, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the energy of downtown San Diego. Whether you’re looking to dance or simply grab a drink, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Whiskey Girl
Whiskey Girl offers a vibrant spot where many appreciate the lively atmosphere, often enhanced by music and sports. Guests frequently commend the food, noting satisfying portions and quality ingredients.
It’s a place that can genuinely hit the mark for a good time. However, experiences can be a mixed bag.
While some praise the attentive staff, others report inconsistent service, particularly during busy times or shift changes. There are also concerns about overpriced drinks, which can detract from the overall value.
Average
5.9
out of 10
472
Reviews
54.7%
Satisfaction
172
negative
42
neutral
258
positive
Whiskey Girl holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.9, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction of 54.7%, indicating a mixed reception from guests.
With 472 customer comments, including 258 positive and 172 negative remarks, there’s a clear picture of what works and what needs attention. Looking closer, the Food (6.7) and Ambience (6.6) generally receive favorable marks, suggesting these are strong points.
However, Service (5.1) appears to be a more inconsistent area, while Value (4) is noted as a significant concern for many. This blend of experiences contributes to the restaurant’s middling overall standing.
What people like
- Quality food options
- Lively atmosphere
- Fair happy hour
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Overpriced drinks
- Poor cleanliness
With a Recommendation Score of 6.2, Whiskey Girl presents itself as a venue with potential, particularly if you’re seeking a vibrant setting and generally satisfying food. It could be a good choice for a casual outing, especially during happy hour.
However, be prepared for potential service fluctuations and higher drink prices outside of special offers. If consistent, top-tier service and value are your absolute priorities, you might find aspects of your visit disappointing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Whiskey Girl
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, yet many found it quite satisfying, reflected in a 61.7% customer satisfaction. With a score of 6.7, it lands in the good-to-average range. Out of 141 total comments, a strong 87 were positive, frequently praising delicious items like the Mushroom Burger, fish tacos, and whiskey burger.
Many also loved the tater tots, nachos, and grilled salmon, often highlighting generous portion sizes and quality ingredients. However, not every dish hit the mark. There were 34 negative comments, with some finding certain items like the quesadilla to be flavorless or wings needing more zest.
Concerns also arose about greasy meat and bland salsas, suggesting inconsistency in preparation. Some felt that the portions didn't always justify the price, leading to a less than stellar experience for a few.
Food
141
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
34
negative
20
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burgers
- Tasty tacos
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Greasy meat
- Bland flavors
- Expensive dishes
Often praised
- foodI lived in San Diego for close to a year and did enjoy their food. However, their attitude towards stoners and non-locals can vary.
- drinkssuggested drinks to order which were great
- nachosSpinach salad and nachos were amazing!
- beerIt's one of the best places I've found. They open early, have big TVs everywhere, and the beer is good. The service is beyond reproach.
- portion sizeThe portion size was just right
- spinach saladThe spinach salad was good
- tater totsMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I ordered the whiskey burger with tater tots, which was a highlight. The burger even came with a shot of Jack Daniels!
- BURGERthe #1 BURGER in San Diego's Downtown Marina area... he was spit on.
- BushmillsI had the Bushmills to wash it all away.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodThe floor was sticky, which immediately set an unpleasant tone. The food was terrible, and the service was horrible. To make matters worse, the bathrooms were disgusting, making me feel like I was being treated like a farm animal.
- drinksThe drinks are overpriced and not even good
- beerUnfortunately, I have to give a low star review due to the gouging drink prices. $11 for a beer is ridiculous, and there should be a good deal for regulars at $5. I normally visit three nights a week but will likely only come once every other week now, as the cost of drinks kills my vibe.
- Old Fashionedold Fashioned was short on flavor
- beersHad to walk to the bar 3 times to get our own beers
- dishFix menu or fix dish.
- drinkwait for 25 min to get a single drink
- greasegrease they used to cook the meat in literally tasted like it was either reused
- high noonthey were out of the high noon he ordered
- meatall three of our meals had meat...extremely greasy and unpleasant
If you're craving a hearty burger or tasty tacos with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. However, be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent in flavor or perceived as overpriced, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
Based on 156 customer remarks, the service here often shines! Many guests rave about the attentive service and friendly staff, with specific shout-outs to bartenders and their kindness. While the overall score for service is an average 5.1, there are plenty of positive experiences to be found, showing a real effort from the team.
However, with 82 negative comments, there's definitely room for improvement. Common frustrations include long wait times for everything from seating to drinks, and feeling ignored for refills. Some even reported rude service or feeling the staff was understaffed, contributing to a mixed 44.2% customer satisfaction.
Service
156
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
82
negative
5
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Great bartenders
- Quick issue resolution
What people don't like
- Excessive wait times
- Lack of attentiveness
- Rude staff interactions
Often praised
- serviceOn 8/18/23, I visited for the second day in a row, as the previous day's experience was decent enough to warrant a return. Around 2 PM, the service was off the charts. However, after a shift change at 4 PM, the attention completely dropped.
- staffOur server was incredibly attentive and kind throughout the entire night. Every staff member we encountered was extremely kind and respectful. The drinks were great!
- bartenderThere weren't a lot of choices in the immediate area, and aesthetics didn't make this look like an awesome food place, that it was "just a bar", but I took a chance. The bartender was friendly, and I enjoyed my time there. I got the chicken tacos, and they were very filled with quality chicken, and fresh pico.
- bartendersthe bartenders were super friendly
- serverWe waited 15-20 minutes after being seated before the host brought us waters, and one was only half full. Our server was nice, and the food was decent bar food, which met expectations. However, no one checked on us for drink refills or anything else.
- waitressOur waitress was friendly and beaming
- ServiceService:5
- girlsgirls were gorgeous carfying big smiles and friendly chatter
- GraysenGraysen pours the best drinks
- GustavoShout out to Gustavo, security guard extraordinaire.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile I understand the UFC game might be more popular, it's misleading to promote a San Diego FC watch party and then not deliver. Beyond that, the service was HORRIBLE. It was a Saturday evening, and while they might have been understaffed, it's unacceptable.
- waitressMy wife and I were the only ones in the restaurant during the lunch hour on a Monday afternoon, so we had everyone's attention. Our waitress was very friendly but easily distracted by the bartender, and she never returned to check if we needed refills on our water or sodas. The food was mid at best.
- waiting timeI hope management addresses this, especially considering my Google Reviews level. We waited a full hour, with 11 customers present, and still, no one checked on us or the people sitting on the sidewalk. Despite the service issues, the food and atmosphere were rated a 5 by the reviewer.
- hostAfter about 5 minutes, I went back outside and asked if I could just sit down at one of the empty tables on the patio. The host outside said it was preferred that I waited at the sign to be sat. I went back in for another 5 minutes and was never met by anyone.
- customer serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by really bad customer service. Because the bartender was busy, I received only a half glass of beer.
- managementmanagement shouldn’t allow something like this to happen without being sure of what happened
- staffFrom staff to management, all around shady and unprofessional
- wait timewaited over 10 mins for a server
- waitressesthe waitresses don't seem to know what they're doing
- DJThe guy on Tuesday has no clue what he's doing
Service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter incredibly attentive staff or face frustratingly long waits. If youre patient and the place isnt too busy, you could have a great experience, but be prepared for potential delays.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
Based on 94 positive comments, the ambience here offers a lively experience, earning an average 6.6. Many guests rave about the great atmosphere, enjoying the live music and the sports bar vibe with many TVs for game watching. Its often described as a fun, energetic spot with good entertainment and even clean bathrooms.
However, with 34 negative remarks, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.1%, indicating some areas for improvement. Common complaints include loud music making conversation difficult, overcrowding, and issues like a sticky floor. Some also found the karaoke' repetitive or poorly managed, impacting the overall vibe.
Ambience
138
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
34
negative
10
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively sports bar
- Great music variety
- Clean restrooms
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Overcrowded space
- Sticky floors
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for watching sports. The Manager and Bartenders truly hustled to take care of all the customers, ensuring a great atmosphere. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect score.
- musicI was so sad about the absence of attention from the staff. However, the fun music and the opportunity for people watching did provide some enjoyment.
- karaokeThe karaoke is excellent on Sunday and Monday.
- barMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. I absolutely loved the bar and the bartenders! However, I purchased some apparel, and unfortunately, nothing fit.
- live musicI stop here a couple of times while visiting San Diego. It's a chill place with good live music.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorblown away by the cool and modern decor
- placea wonderful and fun place to spend a night out.
- MusicMusic !!!
- TV screensmany TV screens to enjoy many different games
Frequently criticized
- karaokerecycle the white guy group for hours during karaoke
- musicmusic was so loud could not even understand
- atmospherethe atmosphere was severely impacted
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- San Diego FC gamethey were playing the San Diego FC game
- Wheelchair accessibilityNot very wheelchair accessible
- animalsMy experience at this restaurant was marred by an incident where a dog jumped on me inside the establishment. I was under the impression that, according to the San Diego Health Department, animals are not permitted inside restaurants, and this was not a service dog. The staff chose not to handle the situation, which was disappointing.
- bar atmospherea quarter full bar nothing special
- bathroomsThe food was terrible, and the service was horrible. To make matters worse, the bathrooms were disgusting, making me feel like I was being treated like a farm animal. I strongly advise anyone looking for a good time to avoid this place.
- characterI didn't think it had much character
If you're looking for a vibrant spot with sports, diverse music, and a party atmosphere, this place could be a great fit. Just be prepared for potentially loud music and crowds, especially during peak times, and manage your expectations if karaoke is your main draw.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests have found bright spots, especially with happy hour specials and cheap drinks making for a good deal. Out of 37 total opinions, 8 were positive, noting fair pricing and decent drinks. The overall score for value sits at an average 4.
However, a significant number of guests felt the pinch, with 22 negative opinions highlighting overpriced drinks and cocktails, and concerns about unexpected gratuity or price inconsistency. Customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 21.6%, indicating many felt they didnt get their moneys worth.
Value
37
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Fair food pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Unexpected charges
- Price inconsistency
Often praised
- happy hourWe got there for happy hour
- PricingThe salsa was very flavorful for the chips, and the rice was just fine too. Pricing was very fair, especially for the comparable area. Thanks for the great meal!
- cheap drinksEverything about the place felt smooth, even with the surrounding activity. The bar is a highlight, offering cheap drinks and a fantastic selection of early 2000s R&B and hip hop. DJ and MC Romeo were amazing, and the music variety was excellent.
- drinksThe drinks were reasonably priced
- drive pricesthe drive prices were decent
- happy hour specialgreat happy hour special
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant during the last day of Comic-con was phenomenal. The staff was incredibly attentive, and the food was delicious with great portion sizes considering the prices. Overall, a 5-star experience!
Frequently criticized
- priceThe drinks are overpriced
- 20% gratuitycharged a 20% gratuity for our party anyway which she didn’t mention prior
- Price$20 for flavorless quesadilla
- additional taxthere's a other dollar tax on top of the coupon advertised price
- bank statementI see a charge for $15+tax AND $20+tax.
- beer pricegouage you $10.50 for a beer
- cocktailscocktails are $20 each
- cost of drinksthe cost of drinks just kills my drinking vibe
- deal for regularsthere should be a good deal for regulars at $5 a beer
- drink pricesgouging drinks prices $11 for a beer is ridiculous
If you're looking for a good deal, hitting up their happy hour seems to be the smart move for reasonably priced drinks. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially higher regular prices, especially for cocktails, and keep a close eye on your final bill for any unexpected charges.
How are the prices at Whiskey Girl?
You’re looking at roughly $34 per person – reported by 83 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 sits here, it’s interesting to note that a good chunk of guests actually spend less, with many falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly higher-end choices.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 83 most recent reviews.
Heres how this spots value for money stacks up against similar restaurants in San Diego.
For a Bar & Pub, we think the pricing feels pretty fair, especially with the variety of spending options available. It seems like you can tailor your visit to your budget, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Whiskey Girl
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by Christina, who was incredibly sweet, attentive, and fun to interact with. She truly made our first visit memorable.
The food was also amazing, with the spinach salad and nachos being standout dishes. The owners have found a gem in their bartender; she's definitely a keeper. The overall atmosphere was also a highlight, contributing to a very enjoyable dining experience.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Experience with Excellent Staff
My experience at Whiskey Girl was great. I want to give a shout out to Gustavo, the security guard extraordinaire. He was like 3 employees in one, acting as a greeter, buser, and security.
Our server, Valeria, was also on top of things. She clearly knows her trade and was warm and friendly. We will look for her next time we are in.
We had the nachos, and they were yummy.
- Gustavo10
- Valeria10
- trade9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
1
Terrible Experience with Accusations
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I was there for about an hour when a waitress, described as a slim Hispanic girl with curly hair, insisted I pay for something I never ordered. When I suggested checking the cameras, she had security remove me from the premises.
Management should not allow such actions without verifying the situation. This employee is a really bad employee, and I will be calling as soon as possible, hoping management can address this issue with this really bad employee.
- waitress1
- security1
- management2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Nachos, Generous Portions!
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their incredibly delicious nachos, available in both chicken and beef options. The portion size is very generous; even as a large guy, I found it difficult to finish. I love coming here for this reason.
- nachos9
- portion size10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
1
Terrible Service, Won't Recommend
My experience at this restaurant was defined by terrible service. I waited over 10 minutes for a server to come to the table, and then she never returned. After waiting another 10-15 minutes for her to come back, I got up and left.
I wouldn’t recommend this place.
- service1
- wait time1
- server1
What Whiskey Girl offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
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
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and drinks can you expect at Whiskey Girl?
At Whiskey Girl, you can dive into a lively scene featuring live music and exciting live performances. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated atmosphere for games. You’ll find an impressive selection of hard liquor, wine, and a great beer selection, alongside creative cocktails and happy hour specials on both drinks and food.
What service options and accessibility features does Whiskey Girl offer?
Whiskey Girl provides various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. The venue is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom. For parking, you’ll find paid street parking available nearby in the Gaslamp Quarter.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Whiskey Girl?
Whiskey Girl has a Restaurant Score of 5.9 and a Customer Satisfaction of 54.7%, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. While Food (6.7) and Ambience (6.6) are often praised, Service (5.1) and Value (4) show room for improvement.
Does Whiskey Girl offer good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some guests appreciate fair pricing and happy hour specials, many find the regular drinks overpriced, with some cocktails costing up to $20.
What is the atmosphere like at Whiskey Girl?
The atmosphere is generally described as lively and fun, with many enjoying the music, karaoke, and multiple TV screens for sports. However, some found the music too loud or the bathrooms unclean.