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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Gaslamp Quarter

Bars and lunch spots

A midday break at a bar provides a quiet escape from the afternoon rush.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Havana 1920 image 1
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Cuban charm with live music and vibrant atmosphere. Decor includes folk art and vintage details creating a cozy, immersive vibe. Guests enjoy energetic evenings with Cuban sounds and themed seating.

Upstairs offers a quiet but fun bar with great drinks and small bites. Ground floor features authentic Cuban domino tables near restrooms and an enclosed street area with wooden railings and many taverns.

Late lunches come with a quiet atmosphere and a nearly empty dining room. The Cubano sandwich pairs well with a strong coffee for a simple midday meal.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and people were dancing."

"This lunch spot's empanadas and Cuban sandwich were fantastic."

"The food at this bar is delicious, especially the croquetas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

On Tuesdays, enjoy 2-for-1 empanadas during happy hour.

3

Thursday specials include half-off sandwiches at 2:30 PM.

02
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.

Offers lunch and dinner options alongside an expanded Sunday brunch menu. The burger Parisienne stands out as a lunch choice on weekdays.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot's burger Parisienne with secret sauce is exceptional."

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.

03
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Two-level space combines an intimate bar with a quaint upstairs dining area. Atmosphere shifts from loud live music downstairs to a cozy, romantic vibe upstairs. Frequented by those seeking a casual, friendly setting with a touch of old-school charm.

Intimate bar area offers a cozy spot with amazing cocktails and a solid selection of wine and beer. The space feels small but welcoming, blending well with the dining area.

Chill vibe suits lunch meetings or casual dates. Lunch menu offers options for kids, and calling ahead for specific dishes works well.

People are saying

"The mussel bisque soup here is rich and amazing."

"I thought the food at the Bar was really good."

"The food here is amazing; I loved the mushrooms with garlic shrimp."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Music is featured on Tuesday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on busy nights.

04
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.

Lunch offers light but filling options like BBQ Chicken Wraps and fish tacos. The spot suits multiple visits with a relaxed vibe and beer choices.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has delicious tacos and burritos."

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

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.

05
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.

Lunch offers an inviting atmosphere with well-crafted dishes. It suits casual meals with family or friends.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's pizza and fries were perfectly crispy and delicious."

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

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.

06
Hasta Maรฑana Cantina image 1

Lively restaurant with colorful decor and upbeat Latino music that creates a high-energy atmosphere. Spacious layout includes a large bar offering a wide selection of drinks. Outdoor seating provides a shaded area for a more relaxed experience.

Big, beautiful bar offers an awesome selection of beers and drinks. Bartenders provide fantastic service with a friendly vibe and cold, crisp beer.

Friendly and helpful servers create a welcoming lunch atmosphere. The Diabla burrito offers a filling meal with delicious beans that can be enjoyed in multiple sittings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The bar's street tacos and crispy tacos were so good."

"The service at this lunch spot is so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on drinks runs from 3-6pm daily.

2

Expect a $6 charge to add meat to quesadillas.

3

Generous portions are served, so come hungry or plan to share.

07
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.

Tri-tip and ribs stand out as lunch choices here. The spot suits a business lunch or a casual after work beer, with a quiet bar during midday hours.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's pulled pork platter was pretty darned darned good."

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.

08
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 1

Mexican restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere featuring loud TVs and live music that keeps energy high. Offers a self-serve salsa bar and a full margarita menu, with seating options including a pleasant outdoor patio. The space fills up and gets noisy when busy, making it lively rather than quiet.

Big self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of salsas from sweet to spicy. Beer happy hour prices stand out as the best in the area. Friendly service and a great atmosphere come from the efficient bar staff.

Prompt seating outside creates a relaxed vibe for lunch. Service stands out as fast and friendly, complementing the fresh seafood and beer options.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, with great flavors and fresh ingredients."

"The drinks here are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy."

"The lunch spot service was attentive and kind."

Good to know

1

The happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Expect a wait outside during peak hours.

3

There is a 5% surcharge added to each bill.

09
Urban India Restaurant & Bar image 1

Small space shifts from quiet restaurant by day to lively nightclub with a DJ playing Latin music on weekends. Atmosphere feels more like a bar with awesome music and a family-owned vibe. Outdoor patio offers a spot for people watching during major events.

A full bar offers all kinds of drinks in a noisy, bar-like environment. Music stands out as a key feature, creating a lively atmosphere even when only a few people are present.

Lunch offers fresh naan and a variety of options including chicken curry and vegetarian dishes. Portions can be small but the food tastes great and provides enough for the next day.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I found the food at this Lunch Spot to be delicious."

"I found the food here to be amazing and very good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for busy weekend nights.

2

Credit card payments incur an extra charge; cash is preferred.

3

The lunch menu can be confusing; ask staff for recommendations.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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