Is Pacific Shores Cocktail Lounge worth the trip if I'm not from Ocean Beach?

Absolutely. This place has been around since 1941 and it shows—in the best way. The art on the walls is genuinely worth looking at, the bartenders actually care about what they're making, and the drinks are strong and cheap. It's the kind of spot that feels like you've discovered something locals already knew.

What should I order first?

Ask the bartender (especially John, if he's working) what they're into making that day—the hibiscus drinks get serious praise, and everything leans strong. Don't overthink it; the vibe here is about trusting the person behind the bar, not ordering off a laminated list.

Can I get a non-alcoholic drink here?

Yes, though fair warning: one reviewer had a rough experience ordering water and felt ignored by staff. Come in expecting bar culture, not a coffee shop. If you're sober-curious or driving, grab a beer or wine instead—they're priced so reasonably it won't hurt the wallet.

Is there parking in Ocean Beach near the bar?

You're on Newport Ave in a beach neighborhood, so street parking is your game. It's Ocean Beach, so arrive earlier in the evening or on weekday nights if you want an easier spot—weekends and late nights get tighter.

Should I make a reservation or just walk in?

Walk in. This is a dive bar, not a dinner reservation kind of place. The vibe is 'show up and see who's there,' whether you're solo at the bar or rolling in with a group.

What's the crowd like—is it a date spot or more for hanging with friends?

Both work here. It's casual enough for a weeknight with the crew, interesting enough for a date if you both appreciate good cocktails and old-school charm, and quiet enough if you just want to sit at the bar solo. It's a neighborhood staple for a reason.

Pacific Shores is primarily indoors, so check if they have a patio or outdoor seating before bringing your dog—we don't have confirmation either way, so call ahead to be sure.

Pacific Shores Cocktail Lounge — Bars in Ocean Beach, San D…

“Pacific Shores has been pouring strong, cheap drinks in a Captain Nemo fever dream since 1941.”

While Little Chef down Newport handles your weeknight takeout needs, Pacific Shores is where you actually sit and stay—the second-oldest bar in San Diego, still committed to the bit after eight decades. The underwater theme isn't a nautical accent, it's full submersion: murals of mermaids and sea creatures cover every surface, dim lighting filters through like you're 20,000 leagues down, and the whole place hums with the particular energy of a dive bar that knows exactly what it is.

The bartenders here—John especially—approach cocktails with craft-bar care at dive-bar prices, mixing hibiscus drinks and other off-menu requests with genuine enthusiasm. This isn't a pour-from-the-well-and-forget situation. Drinks come notably strong, cheap enough that locals have been riding the same stools since the neighborhood was still sleepy. The vibe skews both directions: early enough for a solo unwind at the bar, late enough for groups who want character without the Newport crowd crush.

Service can be uneven—one review mentions getting ignored for ordering water—but the regulars seem to navigate this fine. The art collection alone justifies a visit: walls dense with ocean ephemera, the kind of layered decor that only accumulates over generations of the same ownership philosophy.

Practical notes: cash helps. Parking's the usual Newport scramble. This is Ocean Beach infrastructure—the spot that's been here longer than most of the transplants, still doing its thing while the neighborhood gentrifies around it. If you want precision cocktails in Edison-bulb ambiance, go elsewhere. If you want a mermaid watching you drink a strong, cheap old fashioned in near-darkness, you're home.