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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Hillcrest

Chill bars

A drink is only worth having if the environment lets you actually unwind.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Cork & Stem image 1
Cork & Stem image 2
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Wine bar

Wine bar combines minimalistic decor with interactive flower bar and custom bouquet workshops. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, suited for quiet afternoons or lively gatherings. Space offers indoor and outdoor seating, encouraging mingling with vibrant floral displays throughout.

Space feels very chill and relaxing with a casual and comfortable atmosphere. It suits both special events and casual happy hours.

Wine tasting happens alongside a flower bar with bright, fun selections. Service and charcuterie complement the experience in a beautiful venue.

People are saying

"The staff helped me choose a wine and made me feel known."

"I loved making my own bouquet at the flower bar!"

"The staff here are excellent hosts and made our event stress-free."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features unbeatable wine flights and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Cork & Stem hosts regular events, including monthly flower arranging parties.

3

The venue is suitable for hosting events with a minimal space fee based on purchases.

02
Puff Hookah Lounge image 1

Hookah lounge offers meticulously designed decor with ambient lighting and plush seating creating a chill, relaxing atmosphere. Music stays lively without overpowering, supporting a laid-back vibe. Smooth, flavorful hookah and well-regarded food complement the elegant setting.

Calm and cozy vibes create a chill environment to unwind and relax. The lounge offers great hookah and a beautiful atmosphere for sitting back and connecting with friends.

A laid-back lounge with ambient lighting and plush seating creates a cozy vibe. The bar offers excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere to relax and enjoy hookah with friends.

People are saying

"It's a chill vibe with beautiful decor and smooth hookah."

"Carmen, the owner, makes this bar feel like family."

"The interior design here is so pretty and cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 PM with discounted hookah prices.

2

The lounge is open late, making it a great spot for night owls.

3

They do not serve alcohol but offer a selection of food and Turkish coffee.

03
Alibi image 1

Dive bar with free pool tables and an outdoor patio offers a chill atmosphere and jukebox music that shifts from 70s tunes during the day to contemporary hits after work. The crowd grows livelier in the evening, creating a relaxed yet social vibe. Cash-only policy and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating add to the straightforward, unpretentious feel.

A chill atmosphere sets the tone with a good jukebox playing in the background. Patrons keep the vibe relaxed, making it a solid spot to enjoy a cold one and unwind.

Dive bar offers a local vibe with friendly staff who know most people by name. Open garage air and outdoor space create a chill atmosphere reminiscent of hanging out in a friend's basement.

People are saying

"It's a great neighborhood dive bar with a local vibe."

"It's a chill spot with cool people to enjoy a cold one."

"I enjoyed playing pool tables here; they were free!"

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; an ATM is available inside.

2

Alibi is LGBTQIA and ally friendly.

3

There is a smoking area where you can drink and smoke.

04
Number One Fifth Avenue image 1

Divey bar with friendly neighborhood vibe and a diverse crowd creates a chill atmosphere. Back patio offers a separate space with talented performers and games like Pictionary. Weekends bring a busy, lively energy while weekdays stay more relaxed.

A divey, chill spot with a mostly older crowd creates a relaxed vibe. Outside weekends, it stays pretty chill for grabbing drinks and hanging out.

Small size creates a friendly atmosphere with a mix of locals and tourists giving a unique vibe. Drinks come stiff and strong, and the bar is known for being ally friendly and chill.

People are saying

"I found this gay bar to be friendly and met some great friends."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and welcoming."

"It's a chill little neighborhood bar to grab a drink."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

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

3

Expect large crowds on weekends, making it hard to find seating.

05
The Brass Rail image 1

Gay bar with a lively dance floor and amazing DJ creates a festive and energetic atmosphere. Space feels welcoming and chill, attracting a friendly crowd that enjoys mingling and dancing. Lighting stays relaxed and not flashy, supporting a strong sense of community.

A cool and chill atmosphere sets the tone with soft lighting that avoids flashiness. Staff and bartenders keep the vibe relaxed, especially in the later afternoon.

Modern, airy space with awesome burlesque shows and a fun dance vibe. Staff and bar service keep the energy lively in this great neighborhood bar.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and quick."

"The atmosphere here is so lively and full of great energy."

"It's a chill spot with relaxed and friendly staff."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Saturdays with discounted drinks.

2

Cover charge for events is typically around $10.

3

Street parking is available, but spots can be limited during busy hours.

06
Uptown Tavern image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant with a loud, lively atmosphere that shifts to chill daytime vibes. Music often plays hip hop and upbeat tunes, creating a party spot feel especially in the evenings. The space welcomes groups and encourages a fun, social experience.

Daytime brings a pretty chill vibe with a newly renovated lounge in the back for casual dinners and drinks. The atmosphere suits casual date nights well.

A lively bar with excellent service and spot on drinks. The fresh, quality food complements the fun atmosphere and newly renovated lounge space.

People are saying

"The staff here is so nice and attentive."

"I always thought about the amazing Mac and Cheese here."

"The bar staff here are really on top of their game."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with a great menu.

2

Karaoke happens on Wednesday nights, attracting a lively crowd.

3

Expect busy times during happy hour, especially on Fridays around 4 PM.

07
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a breezy patio elevated for people watching. Atmosphere feels high class yet welcoming, with artistic plating and a lively bar featuring fresh margaritas and unique cocktails. Crowd enjoys a comfortable, friendly vibe with generous portions and stylish design.

Chill vibes come from a casual and comfortable atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Plates arrive with fun, artistic presentation and generous portions for the price.

Full service bar offers hand crafted drinks with a bartender who prepares beverages right in front of you. Watching the process adds to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here delicious and full of flavor."

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"The mole and fried zucchini blossoms were very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be limited with only street parking available.

08
NOLA on 5th image 1
American restaurant

Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

A chill vibe sets the tone with a casual but fun atmosphere. The space feels beautiful and relaxed, matching the great food and service.

A sports bar gem with a solid lineup of local IPAs and beers. Upstairs hosts another bar and events, adding extra space and vibe.

People are saying

"The jambalaya and poboy here are top notch."

"It's a chill spot with amazing, bold, rich flavors."

"The fried catfish at this bar is unreal crispy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

09
EQ San Diego image 1

Large venue with massive outdoor patio and LED honeycomb ceiling lights creates a lively, spacious atmosphere. Friendly, inclusive crowd enjoys diverse DJs and a dynamic dance floor with pool tables. The vibe stays chill and happy, blending retro charm with modern energy.

A laid-back atmosphere sets the tone with a dive bar casual vibe indoors and outdoors. Music leans toward upbeat but could be more chill to match the overall mood.

Large full bar area operates during the day with attentive staff ensuring a great time. It serves as a small venue music club and welcomes the gay community.

People are saying

"The bar staff are so friendly and welcoming."

"I considered this nightclub one of my favorite spots."

"It's a chill, happy, and laid-back atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available nearby at the DMV until 3 am.

2

Reservations are recommended for popular events to avoid long lines.

3

The venue hosts a monthly 'Are Night' party on the first weekend of each month.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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