Summer Happy Hour Destinations

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Whether you're chasing golden hour by the coast or just need a spot to unwind after work, San Diego's happy hour scene delivers in every way. From craft cocktails with ocean views to unbeatable bites in buzzy neighborhoods, these standout spots are redefining what it means to clock out in style. Get ready to raise your glass - these are the summer happy hours you won’t want to miss.

In the heart of downtown San Diego, The Smoking Gun offers a revolutionary spin on the neighborhood bar and restaurant. Happy hour at The Smoking Gun brings bold bites, creative cocktails, and retro vibes to the heart of downtown. Dishes like the infamous Butter Burger and Fried Pickles in addition to cocktails like Espresso Martinis, Mai Tais, and $30 spinning Disco Punch Bowls make The Smoking Gun’s happy hour a crave-worthy mix of comfort and fun. Whether you’re winding down or revving up, this downtown favorite sets the tone for a laid-back, good vibes evening. Happy hour is weekdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, with 50% off gameplay in the arcade Monday through Thursday.

If you’re looking to elevate your happy hour with an authentic and rich culinary experience, Piedra Santa is the perfect spot to stop for a drink. In addition to their impressive Argentinian Steakhouse menu, Piedra Santa also has an a great assortment of happy hour items including multiple craft cocktails, a beer and wine selection, and shareable dishes like Tuna Tartare ($18), an Empanada Trio ($15), and Wagyu Sliders ($17). It’s the kind of happy hour that turns into a full evening - rich in flavor, culture, and good company! Happy hour is Sunday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

For a fun, beachy vibe, there is no better spot than PB’s The Duck Dive. As an ode to the rich surf and beach culture that resides just steps away in the Pacific Ocean, The Duck Dive offers a bright assortment of daily specials and happy hour. Duck Dive’s Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, and feature an $8 house margarita, mojito, Berry Bramble made with Starward Two-Fold Blackberry, Amontillado Sherry, fresh lemon, and orange bitters, cucumber lemonade, and $7 select wines and drafts. Happy Hours also includes ½ off select snacks and sharables, like Spinach & Artichoke Dip with poblanos, chorizo, corn and pepper jack cheese.

If the elevated beachy feel is more your vibe, Mavericks Beach Club brings an unbeatable happy hour experience to the Pacific Beach neighborhood. In addition to their multi-level entertainment complex that makes Mavericks San Diego’s top party destination, the beach bar’s happy hour is a huge hit. Stop in Monday through Friday from 2:00pm - 7:00pm to enjoy half off all drinks. Pair with delicious bites and top-notch ambiance, and Mavericks makes every happy hour feel like a mini vacation.

Craving a traditional sports bar feel? Sitting right in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Beach, Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill is a perfect place to immerse yourself in authentic SoCal culture. Happy hour at Sandbar serves up $6 14oz and $9 22oz Estrella Jaliscos, $8 Sandbargaritas, along with $4 Street Tacos and 50% off chips and dip. With happy hour Monday through Friday, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the ideal spot to catch a game, kick back with friends, and soak up the sun-soaked energy of Mission Beach.

Little Italy’s Cloak & Petal, brings the fun, creative, and bright vibe of Tokyo straight to San Diego. With a large menu of Japanese fusion dishes, a colorful and upbeat setting, and a huge drink selection, Cloak & Petal makes happy hour feel like a full-on experience - not just a pre-dinner stop. It’s the perfect spot to sip, snack, and start your night in style. Weekdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 p. (excluding holidays and special events), enjoy $7 Chicken Katsu Skewers, $13 Sticky Fingaz Ribs, classic rolls from $6-8, and $8 hot or cold sake.

The Whiskey House holds the Guinness World Record for Most Variety of Whiskeys Available, but there’s way more to the downtown hotspot than dark liquor. Happy hour is seven days a week from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, and it’s developed a cult following among locals with deals like $10 house-ground burger with hand-cut fries, $1 wings (min. 6), and even an 8-oz New York Strip with fries for $18. Drink specials include select draft beers for $5, wines by the glass for $7, and Moscow Mules for $8. Guests may also add a shot of whiskey to any beer for $1. Some say The Whiskey House a little slice of New York City in America’s Finest City.

Coin Haus self-pour beer bar and arcade in the heart of La Mesa Village offers a fun date night or pre-dinner experience with happy hour seven days a week from open until 6:00 p.m. Enjoy select beers from the taps for $0.30/ounce, $2 off ready-made cocktails and slushies, and free game play for the entire duration of happy hour. Games include Mario Kart, Game of Thrones Pinball, Frogger, Pac-Man, and more. Food is available for purchase from Surf Rider Pizza Co. across the street, and orders are brought over and served to guests inside Coin Haus.

Courtesy of Alternative Strategies