20 of San Diego’s Best Rooftop Bars with a View
We did it. We made it to summer. After a seemingly indefinite hiatus, the sun has made like Blink-182 and returned to rocking. Later, seasonal depression! And hello, boat rides and base tans. Now that June Gloom is in the rearview mirror, it’s time visit your favorite rooftop bar and grab a cold one to celebrate. To help kick off extended happy-hour hangs and beer-goggle summer romances, we rounded up 20 of our favorite rooftop bars in San Diego to check out. Here are some of the top sun-kissed patios in the city.
Seneca Trattoria
Walking into Seneca Trattoria is like strolling onto a luxurious cruise ship from another era. Located on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Hotel, Seneca peers down at the San Diego waterfront and offers booth seating along the perimeter. The restaurant whips up Italian eats like Wagyu bolognese pasta and wood-fired pizzas that pair well with their Mediterranean-inspired cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation and dress to impress—may we suggest Italian linen?
Address: 901 Bayfront Ct Level 19, Downtown
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Rooftop at Mission Pacific
Dine poolside and sky-high at the Rooftop at the Mission Pacific hotel. This 21-plus lounge is a great spot to mix and mingle, order refreshing cocktails, and enjoy live music from their resident DJs. Drinks at the Mission Pacific can lean toward the pricey side, but the beachfront views, classy atmosphere, and great service make it worth a little extra coin.
Address: 201 N Myers St, Oceanside
Hours: Monday–Thursday, noon–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour: Weekdays, 2–5 p.m.
Coco Maya
Nestled in Little Italy, Coco Maya’s lush rooftop is the spot for fun island flair, killer brunch (hello, lobster caviar benedict and spicy mango ceviche), and Instagram-worthy cocktails. By day, soak up the sun with fresh flavors and colorful mimosas; by night, dive into smoky Josper-oven dishes and mezcal drinks in a lively, inviting setting.
Address: 1660 India St, Little Italy
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–midnight; Sunday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m.
Reservations: Coco Maya
Communion
High above Mission Hills, Communion crowns The Sasan with an impressive view of the whole San Diego skyline and a hyper-seasonal menu. The chic rooftop spot serves plates like squid ink risotto, lamb lollipops, and kaluga caviar, paired with cocktails crafted to play up those rich flavors. Communion was also voted critic’s pick in our annual Best Restaurants issue this year, so you know it’s going to be a good time.
Address: 901 W Washington St, Mission Hills
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 4–8:30 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 4–9 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Happy Hour: Daily, 4–6 p.m.
Reservations: Tock
Lumi
Lumi, a restaurant atop the Huntress on Fifth Avenue in downtown, takes you on a culinary journey. Created by Michelin-starred celebrity chef Akira Back, Lumi turns globally sourced ingredients into colorful works of art. The rooftop eatery features booth seating for larger groups, a cocktail bar overlooking the Gaslamp strip, live DJs, and creative Japanese-Peruvian fusion plates. Crowd favorites include the tuna-topped Akira Back Pizza and the Kanpachi Ceviche.
Address: 366 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
Hours: Sunday–Wednesday, 5:30–11 p.m.; Thursday, 5:30 p.m.–midnight; Friday, 5:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.; Saturday, 6 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
Happy Hour: Sunday–Thursday, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Mister A’s
One thing that didn’t change with Mister A’s 2022 renovation? The local institution’s 180-degree view of the San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, and the bayfront. The San Diego Magazine Best Restaurant winner sits on the 14th floor of the Manchester Financial building in Banker’s Hill. Impress your summer sweetheart with a fancy meal (potato-crusted sea bass and butter-poached lobster!) and complex cocktails, or make it a daytime date at the restaurant’s Jazz Brunch from every weekend.
Address: 2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, Bankers Hill
Bar Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 3:30–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 3:30–11 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
The Holding Company
The Holding Company in Ocean Beach features three floors packed with dining space, bars, and a live music venue. Blocks from the beach, the restaurant is a perfect spot to catch a concert, or simply inhale chicken wings and a Screwball shot after an afternoon wandering Newport Avenue.
Address: 5046 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach
Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 4 p.m.–2 a.m.; Saturday–Sunday, noon–2 a.m.; Monday–Tuesday, closed
Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday, 4–6 p.m.; half off select drafts, half off most spirits, and 30% off entire food menu
Private Events: The Holding Company
Kairoa Brewing Company
With more than 10,000 square feet of space, Kairoa in University Heights is a great rooftop bar for large groups. The New Zealand–inspired spot also features an in-house brewery and a private event area. Post up with a pilsner and a rack of lamb and, since Kairoa’s dog-friendly, order your furry pal some chicken and veggies from the pup menu.
Address: 4601 Park Blvd, University Heights
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, closed; Wednesday–Thursday, 4–11 p.m.; Friday, 4–11 p.m.; Saturday, noon–11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Top of the Hyatt
Perched a whopping 40 stories high atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt, this sleek lounge provides a relaxed getaway from the bustling streets below. With a panoramic view of the ocean and city skyline, Top of the Hyatt is the perfect spot to unwind with its menu of unique cocktails inspired by San Diego’s neighborhoods.
Address: 1 Market Pl, Downtown
Hours: Daily, 3 p.m.–12 a.m.
Private Events: Top of the Hyatt
31ThirtyOne
This North Park rooftop gem from Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman is a fresh take on local, sustainable dining. With cozy lounge areas and sunset views, it’s a great place to unwind with creative cocktails, Baja wines, and a rotating menu of seasonal small plates. For a wallet-friendly dining experience, don’t miss the happy hour special featuring $12 dozen oysters and $10 cocktail specials.
Address: 3131 University Ave., North Park
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 5–9 p.m.; Sunday, 4–7:30 p.m.
Happy Hour: Tuesday–Saturday, 5–6:30 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Catania
Looking for one of the best views in La Jolla and one of the top Italian restaurants (named critic’s choice in our 2023 Best Restaurants issue) in San Diego? Hit both goals at Catania, which sits on Girard Avenue scant blocks away from the La Jolla Cove. A Whisknladle spot, the restaurant boasts stellar views of the ocean and dishes like duck sugo orecchiette and an assortment of Italian beers, wines, and cocktails. Be sure to get a reservation around sunset to get the most out of your rooftop Italian feast.
Address: 7863 Girard Ave 301 F3, La Jolla
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 4–8:30 p.m.; Friday, 4–9 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Cococabana
Located above the Brick Hotel in Oceanside, Cococabana is a Caribbean-style rooftop bar known for its fruit-forward cocktails. Sip on tropical concoctions like the guava-grapefruit Havana Good Time, served in a copper flamingo statue, while taking in the ocean views and the lively atmosphere of Oceanside’s main street. To make the most of your visit without breaking the bank, drop by during the weekend for bottomless mimosas from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only at the Coca… Cococabana.
Address: 408 Pier View Way Suite 401, Oceanside
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3–10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Happy Hour: Friday, 1–4 p.m.; weekdays, 3–6 p.m., 25% off drinks for Oceanside locals
Reservations: OpenTable
Garibaldi
Garibaldi is one of San Diego’s best-kept rooftop secrets. The Southern Italian restaurant and bar, located blocks away from the marina, features gorgeous views of the San Diego Bay. Order a spread of seafood and seasonal cocktails (we like their spiced agave Quattro Rosso) and make peace with being a little late to work tomorrow.
Address: 901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, Downtown
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, closed; Thursday–Friday, 4:30–10 p.m.; Sunday, 4–9 p.m.
Happy Hour: Daily, 4:30 p.m.–sunset
Reservations: Resy
Leave of Absence
Opened in early May, Leave of Absence is the rare San Diego rooftop bar with a swimming pool. Chef Jason Neroni helms the kitchen (and the Desmond Supper Club and Hotel Alma Cafe below at Kimpton Alma). If you call out sick to lounge waterside with a margarita in hand, we won’t tell.
Address: 1047 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
Hours: Wednesday–Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
George’s at the Cove
George’s at the Cove, a four-decade-old cliffside restaurant, features two levels of oceanfront seating in the La Jolla Cove, plus a menu full of surf and turf and salads and an almost dizzyingly long wine list. Parking can be tough around the cove, so either valet on Prospect Street or search for spots deeper into the village.
Address: 1250 Prospect St, La Jolla
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Reservations: Tock
Cannonball
Perched on the boardwalk of Mission Beach, Cannonball is a lively sushi bar just a stone’s throw from the beach. The vibrant spot offers sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes like the tuna-and-tempura Red Dragon and the seafood-filled Cannonball Burrito (which, spoiler, is really a massive sushi roll). Pair any of these dishes with one of their sakes, Japanese whiskeys, or craft cocktails. And every Tuesday and Thursday, they tap San Diego musicians to perform an acoustic concert from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach
Hours: Monday–Thursday, noon–8 p.m.; Friday, noon–9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Happy Hour: Weekdays, 2–5 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar
This laid back lounge is proof that any hour can be happy when you’re on island time. Play giant Jenga, jump in the pool, or relax in a cabana while sipping tropical cocktails and munching on roasted poblano and mushroom tacos. With 7,500 square feet where you can roam and soak up the sunshine, this oasis is one of the biggest rooftop spaces in San Diego. Cheers to never watching the clock here.
Address: 616 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour: Tuesday–Sunday, 3–6 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Born & Raised
If you like your San Diego skyline views paired with mouthwatering Wagyu steak and expertly prepared espresso martinis, Born & Raised’s glitzy rooftop is your spot. The CH Projects restaurant mixes old-school charm with a little bit of edge—servers in tuxedos and Converse, cocktails dramatically prepared right at your table, and an ambient environment that’s perfect for lingering.
Address: 1909 India St, Little Italy
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3 p.m.–midnight; Friday, 3 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.–12 a.m.
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–4:30 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Sea & Sky
Sea & Sky has certainly earned its name with its breathtaking views of the Pacific from the top of Hotel La Jolla. The food is fresh and local, showcasing the best of coastal California seafood, while the drinks highlight regional wines and creative cocktails from around the world. Come for daily happy hour, Sunday jazz brunch, or a sunset that makes your drink taste even better.
Address: 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Happy Hour: Daily, 3–5 p.m.
Reservations: OpenTable
Pueblo
Only a couple blocks from the beach, Pueblo captures the spirit of Baja with fresh coastal Mexican flavors and a laid-back PB vibe. The margaritas are strong, the pints are ice-cold, and the bar pours wine and brews from both sides of the border. With its breezy, open-air setting, it’s the perfect spot to drift from beach day to happy hour seamlessly.
Address: 877 Hornblend St, Pacific Beach
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–5 p.m.
Reservations: Yelp
The post 20 of San Diego’s Best Rooftop Bars with a View appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
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