Club Kensington Cocktails
Known to the locals as “the Ken Club,” this dive bar is a favorite spot to catch a rock show, play some pool, or just sip a cocktail. Located on Adams Avenue in Kensington, the bar is instantly recognizable by its pink neon sign. This place attracts all kinds of people, from young urban hipsters to seasoned San Diego locals.
Triple Crown Pub
In Normal Heights, Triple Crown is a small and friendly local bar. In the evenings, catch their yummy BBQ grill while you sip beer and watch the game. On Saturday nights, live bands transform the pool table area into a dancefloor; other nights, it has games galore, including darts, shuffleboard, and ping pong.
Rosie O'Grady's Pub
On the corner of 34 th Street and Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, Rosie O'Grady's is not your typical Irish pub. All the traditional fare can be found here, but be sure to check out Wednesday nights for karaoke.
Lancer's Cocktail Lounge
Lancer's in University Heights on the corner of Adams and Park is a neighborhood hotspot. This bar has been around since the ‘60s, and they have the décor to prove it. Pool tables and a vintage jukebox accompany the stiff drinks served by friendly bartenders.
Air Conditioned
For a taste of downtown San Diego club appeal in Normal Heights, check out Air Conditioned, or “the AC Lounge” as its commonly called. Located at 30 th Street and Adams Avenue, this swanky bar is hard to spot unless you know what you're looking for: the small glowing blue lightbox outside. With cocktail tables that look like orange slices, and vintage bond girl posters on the walls, the young and hip who are sick of the downtown scene congregate here on the weekends. Each night, DJ's spin everything from hip-hop to new rock.
