Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Kearny Mesa

Bars for dates

Made for those who need a low-pressure environment where the drinks are as important as the conversation.

Based on 555 Opinions
+552
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Convoy Music Bar image 1
Convoy Music Bar image 2
Convoy Music Bar image 3
View all

Speakeasy bar with a secret alley entrance offers an intimate setting and eclectic vibe. Loud, top-tier music plays through large cabinet speakers, creating an audiophile's dream atmosphere. Crowded space fills with guests enjoying bold, creative cocktails and unique decor.

A gorgeous speakeasy-style bar offers some of the most unique cocktails around. The place runs a five-star operation and feels unpretentious, perfect for unwinding and feeling like a regular.

A cozy spot with a romantic vibe and a fun atmosphere. It offers a setting that works well to impress on a date.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are expertly curated and delicious."

"The cocktails here are creative and delicious."

"The cocktails here are expertly curated and pretty strong."

Good to know

1

Reservations are preferred to ensure a comfortable experience.

2

The entrance is located in a back alley, which may be hard to find.

3

Street parking is the only option available.

02
Excalibur Cigar & Scotch Lounge image 1

Large indoor seating and patio combine with leather seats and wood trim to create a classy, comfortable environment. The lounge offers a wide selection of cigars and scotch, with TVs for watching sports and a bountiful bar. The vibe stays chill and relaxing, suited for solo smoking or socializing.

A fully stocked bar offers a wide range of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon. The lounge features a comfortable atmosphere with murals, wood, and leather trim, ideal for smoking and chatting with friends.

A quiet lounge with a cigar room where partners can pick cigars together. It offers a relaxed setting for couples to enjoy time and conversation.

People are saying

"The cigar and scotch selection here is great."

"The bar staff are so friendly and helpful, they make you feel like family."

"The staff here are so friendly, I felt like family."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups of 10 or more for private events.

2

Parking can be tight in the evenings, but ample nearby options exist.

3

The lounge offers a wide variety of high-quality cigars across all price ranges.

03
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Seating at the bar features a cool set-up that stands out from typical restaurant arrangements. Staff like Julian provide attentive service right at the bar.

A lively spot with a pleasantly full atmosphere that still offers quick seating. Great for a fun date night or casual hangout.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"The Taiwanese beef soup here is perfect for sharing on a date."

"The bar staff, James and Danny, were so attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

04
The Godfather image 1
Italian restaurant

Upscale Italian restaurant with old-school decor and dark wood paneling creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Live piano music adds a classic, elegant vibe that suits romantic dinners and special occasions. The setting feels authentic and transports diners with its traditional Italian heritage.

A full bar with mahogany finishes creates a beautiful ambiance right at the entrance. The bar serves great espresso martinis that complement the dining experience.

Ambience suits a fun date night with a vibe that works well for couples. The setting fits both family dinners and intimate evenings, making it a versatile spot for dates.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes at these dinner spots are excellent."

"The food here is excellent, especially the pasta dishes."

"The atmosphere here is perfect for a fun date night."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to a very small lot, but valet service is available.

2

Prices are on the high end, with many dishes exceeding $50.

3

The restaurant will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 4/21/24.

05
The Butcher Shop image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse with old school Rat Pack style features red leather booths and a real fireplace creating a swanky, low-key vibe. The atmosphere is relaxed with 70s music playing and a bar known for classic cocktails. Spacious booths and preserved antique details add to the plush, vintage feel.

Neighborhood bar atmosphere feels outstanding with a full bar offering a cosmopolitan among other drinks. Service at the bar and tables stays excellent throughout.

Offers a great atmosphere for date nights and special occasions. Serves as a lovely spot for anniversaries or catching up with friends.

People are saying

"The steaks here are always delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The prime rib here is a must-try for date spots."

"The bar staff, especially Eric, are so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 10pm with great food and drinks.

2

The B.A.G networking event occurs on the second Tuesday of every month.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like Valentine's Day.

06
ZZan Sushi & Soju image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern Korean-style sushi restaurant pulses with K-pop music and videos, creating an energetic, lively atmosphere. Bright, loud space combines karaoke rooms and a bar, attracting groups looking for fun nights out. Tables feature call buttons for quick service, enhancing convenience amid vibrant energy.

Combines a bar and karaoke for a lively night out. Decorated like a Korean style bar with K-pop music playing, it offers an authentic vibe.

Energy feels nice but service runs slow even with empty tables. Food tastes pretty good but some guests experienced sickness after dining.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and super fresh."

"The food at this Korean bar is authentic and delicious."

"The food here is pretty good for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The karaoke room costs $40 with a minimum of one hour, and charges start after every 10 minutes.

2

Parking is challenging, but there is a dedicated parking lot right out front.

3

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 8pm Sunday through Thursday.

07
Forbidden Cove image 1

Small tiki speakeasy with secret entrance and intimate seating creates a chill atmosphere suited for quiet discovery. Decor and theme are immersive and well-executed, offering a unique hidden gem feel. Crowd stays low, making it less lively than typical bars but more relaxed and cozy.

An unexpectedly amazing tiki bar with a great bar setup and nice atmosphere for discovering new drinks.

Seating arrangements create a challenge for conversation, requiring awkward head turns. Despite this, the spot works for a date night with intimate drinks.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative, balanced, and beautifully presented."

"The cocktails here are a tropical escape with a fun, chill vibe."

"The drinks here are amazing, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Forbidden Cove is primarily a cocktail bar with limited food options.

3

Parking is ample and convenient near the venue.

08
Casa Machado Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Restaurant offers airport runway views with planes taking off and landing visible from inside. Atmosphere blends Mexican culture with airplane decor, creating a unique and lively vibe. Separate bar area features big screens for sports, attracting groups and company gatherings.

A full bar offers a wide selection of drinks alongside three big screens showing Padres games. The bar area stays less crowded and quieter than the dining rooms, making it easier to chat.

Great food and authentic Margaritas set the mood for a date. The atmosphere suits both family nights and special evenings out.

People are saying

"I love the Mexican food here; the view of planes is amazing."

"The margaritas here are authentic and delicious, perfect for date spots."

"The bar service here is friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 9 pm with various drink specials.

2

Daily specials are available throughout the week, offering great value.

3

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Montgomery Airport.

Discover more

Kearny Mesa, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...