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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Gaslamp Quarter's best

Bars and burgers

You want a burger that holds its own against a cold drink. A bar is only as good as the food it serves.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Good Night John Boy image 1
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Retro discotheque with 70s theme and light-up dance floor creates a lively atmosphere. Energetic music ranges from disco to modern hits, drawing crowds ready to dance all night. Patio features a grill master serving notable burgers and hot dogs, adding to the vibrant vibe.

Offers fast service at the bar with a unique music selection that stands out from other spots. Creates a lively atmosphere suited for celebrations like birthdays or bachelorette parties.

Smash burgers and hot dogs grill fresh on the patio, offering reasonably priced options. The Johnny Meal with a smash burger stands out as a solid choice.

People are saying

"The dance floor was enjoyable with lively music."

"The burgers on the patio were to die for."

"Keenan made me one of the best burgers of my life."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Fridays features custom cocktails and great deals.

2

Sunday is industry night with special $8 well drinks.

3

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

02
Taste & Thirst image 1

Bar with many TVs and high-top tables creates a lively, sports-focused atmosphere. Music ranges from digital jukebox selections to curated playlists, contributing to a loud, energetic vibe. Comfortable seating and a mix of classic cocktails and quality food define the experience.

Happy hour stands out with awesome deals and a sensational atmosphere. The bar feels simple and quaint, great for casual nights with friends.

Spicy burger stands out with medium rare cooking and BBQ sauce. American Burger and Chicken and Waffles also feature alongside top quality burgers and a hot dog platter.

People are saying

"I loved their happy hour, especially the food specials."

"You have to try the carne asada fries; they're the star."

"I loved their delicious burgers, especially the spice burger."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily until 8pm, including weekends.

2

The establishment is 21+ on weekends, so no kids allowed.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider using Uber or Lyft.

03
Saint James French Diner image 1

Stylish French-inspired restaurant with a cozy ambiance and classy decor reminiscent of a Montmartre cafรฉ. Brightly lit bar features a stacked bottle display creating a cool vibe. Rooftop lounge offers a breathtaking city view, enhancing the overall experience.

A fantastic rooftop bar offers a bright, cool ambiance with a stacked bottle display shining from below. Happy Hour features quality cocktails and attentive service from Christian behind the bar.

Burgers come with double patties that are juicy and flavorful. The Parisienne burger stands out as a culinary masterpiece with French flavors, and the happy hour offers half-price on all burgers, making them a great deal.

People are saying

"I found the Parisienne burger to be the best burger I ever had."

"You have to try the burger during Happy Hour; it's massive and worth it."

"The happy hour drinks and gourmet burger are a steal."

Good to know

1

Weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 offers burgers at half off, making it an incredible deal.

2

Happy hour runs Wednesday through Sunday from 3-6, with $10 burgers on Thursdays.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

04
SideBar Nightclub San Diego image 1

Two distinct rooms create an upscale, VIP atmosphere with a crowded back room and a more spacious front lounge. Energy stays electric with top-notch music from skilled DJs keeping the floor lively. Friendly, diverse crowds mix comfortably in a well-designed space that balances luxury with a fun vibe.

A relaxed, lounge-like vibe defines the karaoke bar with fantastic craft cocktails and a great music variety. Attentive service adds to the experience, making it a standout spot for nightlife.

Side burgers stand out with rich flavor and satisfying texture. Sharing the burger reveals its amazing taste and quality ingredients.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are so friendly and attentive."

"The VIP hosts here provide excellent, personalized service."

"I split the burger and it was really good."

Good to know

1

Cover charges apply after 10 PM on weekends; arrive early to avoid fees.

2

The DJ typically starts around 10:30 PM, attracting a larger crowd.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 5-7 PM on weekdays.

05
Kaluรบ Upscale Mexican & Lounge image 1

Upscale Mexican restaurant transforms into a nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere and rooftop dancing. Elegant interior features a 1970s-style light show and expertly mixed craft cocktails. The space fills with lively crowds, especially during girls' night events.

A tequila bar with a buzzing atmosphere that feels more like a sports bar. Friendly, confident staff add to the lively, chill vibe.

Wagyu burger stands out as a key dish here, recommended by both staff and diners. The burger pairs well with other Mexican flavors like aguachile and rockfish tostadas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The bar staff were super friendly and kept the vibe going."

"I had the best burger Iโ€™ve ever eaten here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers exceptional drinks and food from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The venue transforms into a nightclub on weekends, starting at 9pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on Saturday nights.

06
Bronze Bird image 1
Restaurant

Hotel restaurant with modern design and artful decor creates a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Spacious seating and a dog-friendly outdoor patio add comfort and convenience. Noise levels can rise during events, affecting conversation.

Erica makes a killer martini, both espresso and classic styles, and is great for bar-talk. Drinks sometimes sit at the bar before being served, and food orders can take at least 15 minutes.

Burgers come perfectly cooked, with options like the sirloin and Wagyu varieties. They pair well with sides like salad or steak frites.

People are saying

"The beet salad with goat cheese and steak was a great choice."

"The bar's martinis are killer, and Erica makes them great."

"I ordered the sirloin burger, and it was cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Show your Broadway show tickets for a 20% discount on your meal.

3

Valet parking is available for $10 when dining and attending a theater.

07
The Smoking Gun SD image 1

Bar and grill with large open space and 1990s style memorabilia creates a laid-back vibe with arcade games and ping pong for entertainment. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for spectators and casual hangouts. Seating is ample, and visibility from all angles is excellent.

A big bar offers plenty of space to hang out with attentive staff serving quickly. The arcade and bar games create a fun vibe and provide good value for hours of entertainment.

Butter burger stands out with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The smash burger shines during happy hour, offering a classic, juicy bite. The Waygu double cheeseburger delivers a flavorful, well-cooked experience.

People are saying

"The arcades here are amazing and have a great atmosphere."

"The smash burger at the bar is one of the best."

"The butter burger melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

Expect a cover charge during major sports events like UFC fights.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

08
Baja Rick's Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating overlooks waterfront with stunning harbor views and a coastal-meets-urban vibe. Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere, especially before sports events. Playful, colorful decor with nautical touches complements the bright, airy indoor space.

Lots of fun drinks fill the bar. Outdoor seating near the bar creates a relaxing, easygoing atmosphere for food or drinks.

Burgers here are great but tend to be wet and messy to eat. The Ricks Burger stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-notch."

"It's a fun bar to grab a tasty meal before a Padres game."

"I thought the burgers were good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with 32-ounce Coors for $12.

2

Expect longer wait times during conventions or special events.

3

The kitchen closes early, so check before arriving.

09
Zama San Diego image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant with beautiful Tulum-inspired decor and a magical patio creates a lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, often featuring DJs and dancers, making the vibe energetic and festive. Celebrations include sparklers and indoor fireworks, adding to the dynamic party energy.

Bar seating offers a direct view of skilled bartenders like Gerardo and Jasmine. The spot works well for happy hour and late-night drinks, with cocktail recommendations that pair nicely with food.

The bison burger stands out with its rich, tasty flavor. It pairs well with sautรฉed vegetables that bring a lot of taste to the plate.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, full of flavor."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and give great recommendations."

"I thought the bison burger was so tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

10
Gaslamp BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with saloon vibe and indoor and outdoor seating opens up to the street, creating a relaxed and calm atmosphere. TVs show sports while music adds to the friendly mood. Quiet evenings contrast with nearby busy spots, offering a unique, laid-back experience.

Burgers here are juicy and packed with flavor, often featuring pulled pork alongside beef patties. The BBQ sauce soaks into the bun, adding a tangy richness that complements the meat well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The barbecue here is so good, it'll blow your mind."

"The Duke burger's pulled pork and beef patty are so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Gaslamp BBQ does not serve breakfast.

2

It is the only place in the Gaslamp with beef ribs.

3

Parking can be difficult due to its proximity to the San Diego Convention Center.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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