Whether it’s happy hour or date night, drinks always taste better with a view.
Given San Diego ’s year - round fair weather , wassail on rooftops is second - nature . Sunsets over the Pacific Ocean : check . sidereal day drinking : control bridle . Breezy deck well above street horizontal surface are our go - to for after work cocktails , brunch with the gang and celebrations of all kind . We ’ve gathered fifteen of our favorite San Diego rooftop ginmill that are perfect for any affair , fromhappy hour with friendstointimate appointment Nox .
Borrego Kitchen + Cocktails
East VillageAt 22 stories , Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails is one of the highest candid - melodic phrase rooftop ginmill in the region , which means you ’ll have good opinion of the metropolis here than almost anywhere else . In addition to the bird ’s eye view of the urban center , Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktail ’s location next to Petco Park also means you may catch a free ball game , as well as vista of the Coronado Bridge , The Rady Shell and Point Loma . The cherry on top ? It ’s also dog - friendly .
Topside Terrace Kitchen and Bar
Little ItalyPerched atop the boutiqueHotel Republic , Topside Terrace Kitchen and Bar is a decidedly relaxed yet svelte spot that cater visitors with potent crafted cocktail like evaluator ’s chambers – Dos Hombres Mezcal , Knob Creek , amaro nonino , demerara , and Angostura and sarsaparilla bitters . Monday through Friday Social Hour is just a quick 4 to 5 pm , but on the weekend it runs from 2 to 5 atomic number 61 which is reasonably unusual anywhere in Little Italy .
Mister A’s
Banker ’s HillThe best sentiment in San Diego is at Mister A ’s 18 - seat deep-set bar and 72 - seat indoor - outdoor lounge . Its positioning just outside the kernel of downtown in Banker ’s Hill gives you a view of the entire metropolis in all its splendor , from the airport to the bay tree . Sip on a signature Smoke & Mirrors ; Chichicapa mezcal , Bulleit Secale cereale whiskey , Carpano Antica , tobacco bitter and fume hoja santa , or a retro , cask - of age Espresso Martini for a sophisticated last . Upscale barroom bite include Caviar Tater Tots and a luxe Maine Lobster Grilled Cheese .
Techo Beso
Gaslamp QuarterTecho Beso , meaning “ rooftop kiss , ” is located on the top ofAC Hotel Gaslamp San Diego . Inspired by the culture of Tulum , Mexico , it features a main bar space with a raised DJ platform that connects it to the pool deck for a communal party atm . helping hand - crafted cocktails and small plate eclipse the menu , with highlights like Maya Blue ; Del Maguey Vida mezcal , cointreau , rakehell Orange River , lime and Jarritos grapefruit soda or Yucatan 75 ; butterfly pea Camellia sinensis infuse hendricks gin , prosecco , honey , plum tree and lemon . Small plates include Five Spice Brisket Bao Buns , Chesapeake Crab Sliders , Habanero BBQ Wings and more .
Seneca
DowntownThe InterContinental is the site of another favorite rooftop drinking smear — Seneca is yet another ofCH Projects’successful drawing string of trendy hot spot . Endless sea sunset wait on the talkative rooftop , while you sip cocktail handily unionize into categories : spritz , long , hole , gin down , whiskey and agave . The open kitchen takes advantage of San Diego ’s copious seafood , as well as the ever - change refreshed garden truck options with Market Catch , simply dressed in tomato confit , olivata and herbs ; handmade pastas such as Bucatini Neri and Clams with Calabrian chili , white wine and ail or Cavatelli alla Sugo di Agnello ; lamb ragu , organic tomato plant , white vino and ricotta salata as well as shareable little plate and pizzas .
Coco Maya
short ItalyCoco Maya explores the flavour of the Yucatan and Caribbean with cane- and agave - based spirits enhanced by citrus and spice up in both lineal and yield - forward cocktail . miss to the tropical zone while you sip Cocomaya Cocktel , a home rum blend , with passionfruit , coconut cream , and pina orange cordial or Peacock Ponche ; mezcal , sherry , overproof rummy , Jamaica tea , Citrus paradisi , pomegranate , honey , Myristica fragrans and bubbles . Weekend brunch serves up coffee cocktail , mimosas , Bloody Marys , micheladas , and mojitos alongside Bokits , a Guadeloupan fry bread sandwich stuffed with chop beef or white fish or the accolade - winning Maya TKO Tacos .
Cococabana
OceansideThe Brick Hotel in downtown Oceanside is home to Copacabana , a Caribbean - inspired open - atmosphere rooftop cocktail bar with bird’s-eye views of downtown O’side and the Pacific Ocean . Beverage director Rob McShea ’s cocktail program lean into infused spirits , fresh juices and tropical flavors , perfectly paired with shareable plate like Charbroiled Cauliflower , Fresh Catch Ceviche and Cubano Sandwich .
George’s at the Cove
La JollaGeorge ’s at the Cove ’s Ocean Terrace has stunning bird’s-eye views of La Jolla Cove from most every seat in the sign of the zodiac but for optimal showing , snag one of the twenty - two coveted seats along the track . The upscale cocktail menu by Trey Foshee features all the summery drinks you ’d conceive of , from margs and martinis to mojitos and micheladas . block by at lunch period for local Rockfish Tacos on heirloom corn tortilla , or George ’s renowned blackened bean , broccoli , and smoked chicken soup , or at dinner party for Prime Flat Iron or Wild Isles Salmon over pea , asparagus and king trumpet mushrooms .
Lumi by Akira Back
Gaslamp QuarterMichelin - starred chef Akira Back is the force behind Lumi , an energetic rooftop concept have modern Nipponese dishes with Nikkei and Korean influences , handcraft cocktails , top - tier up Japanese whiskies , and an splendid option of sake , including Akira Back ’s own recording label .
Garibaldi
DowntownGaribaldi ’s speakeasy - dash rooftop saloon and Sardinian - influenced restaurant , in the luxuriousInterContinental San Diego , feels like the sodding Mediterranean escape . Think hand-crafted pastas , local seafood and vibrant cocktail like the touch Sardinian Old Fashioned with Longbranch Bourbon , Honey , Mirto , Bergamot Bitters or a seasonal refresher such as Spring Tide , a blend of Bottega Bacur Gin , Italicus , Amati San Diego Mirto , Sella Mosca Brut and Eureka Lemon . Curated selections of Italian beer , Sardinian and Sicilian wine and amaros are usable , and Late nighttime libations , usable from 4 pm until sunset , include $ 6 Amati Fizzes and discounted sharable bites .
Firehouse
Pacific BeachFirehouse has become a Pacific Beach institution by focusing on two thing : offering an excellent bibulous brunch during the daylight ( Crème Brûlée French Toast ! ) , and really leaning into the dance lounge vibes at dark , all with an ocean scene . Brunch is served every day until 3 pm , and dinner features a menu of American comforter deary like a Firehouse Burger with duck adipose tissue Roger Fry and Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese . Day or night , the shivering atmosphere and gorgeous views keep us coming back .
Born & Raised
Little ItalyThe Born & Raised experience is opulent yet eccentric ; the interior decoration is ornate and apparently inspired by the roaring ‘ XX ( think marble bar tops and waiters in bloodless dinner coats ) , but dot with late soda polish references . The menu reflects that eccentricity as well : there ’s a 21 - twenty-four hours Dry - Aged Duck to match with an over - the - top dessert like a giant Chocolate Macaron emblazoned with the Wu - Tang logotype . total prepared to spend a pretty penny in rally for one of the ripe food and beverage experiences of your liveliness .
Catania
La JollaAn excellent date daub , Catania serve up some of the best coastal Italian food in San Diego in a relaxed environment with a view of La Jolla ’s picturesque downtown . Start with one of their spirit - forward craft cocktails , like Vicino ; pistachio infused bourbon , cinnamon , dear , orange and bitters , or a natural selection from the ever - change wine list . Handmade pasta are the stars of the menu : essay the Duck Sugo Orecchiette , or regulate the wood - fired Sicilian Pistachio Pizza .
Cannonball
Mission BeachAside from the sexual conquest of tourists that are sure to be at round shot on any given twenty-four hours , the bar has an unobstructed view of the beach and the best people watching in San Diego . Seafood dominates the menu , with sushi roll , sashimi , oyster , and crab leg , plus its specialty roll like My Shiromi ; crispy calamari , avocado , bloodless fish , yuzu rock oil , shishito capsicum and marinated salmon hard roe . The drink menu have a smattering of classic cocktail with beach - inspire ingredient , like the Cat ’s Meow with a three rum portmanteau , lime , banana , cinnamon and tiki bitterness , plus club soda , plenty of wine by the glass or bottle , as well as sake and Nipponese whisky .
The Nolen
Gaslamp QuarterA 14 - fib jewel in the Gaslamp , The Nolen features a patio and a rooftop — include a communal fire pitfall — because why not ? Its beautiful mise en scene underlies an immersive cocktail menu , featuring can’t - young woman drinks like Dope Smoker ; lapsang instill Bourbon dynasty plus chocolate bitters and Summer Sangria . Soak up the booze with bar bites like Buratta and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Chili Glazed Meatballs .
Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails|Photo by Kambria Fischer
Courtesy Teso Becho
Seneca dining room|Photo by Garret Rowland
Cococabana Bar|Courtesy of the Brick Hotel
Garibaldi at sunset|Photo by Diana Rose
Born & Raised|Photo by Zack Benson
Cannonball|Courtesy of Belmont Park
