{"id":276281,"date":"2025-10-04T04:33:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T04:33:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/276281\/"},"modified":"2025-10-04T04:33:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T04:33:25","slug":"unhinged-a-dating-series-7-san-diego-bars-to-meet-singles-at","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/276281\/","title":{"rendered":"Unhinged, A Dating Series: 7 San Diego Bars to Meet Singles At"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier last month, New York real estate maven Laurie Cooper made a call to singles everywhere: \u201cGo sit at the bar this September to meet someone<\/a>.\u201d Posting on TikTok, the octogenarian influencer urged people people to \u201cget off the apps\u201d and into real life, recommending a roster of New York classics\u2014The Carlyle, The Chelsea Hotel, The Gilded Age\u2014that could serve as the perfect backdrop for a meet-cute.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no secret that today\u2019s daters are firmly fatigued with online apps<\/a> and looking for screenless alternatives to meet up with other singles<\/a>. How fitting, then, that an 86-year-old real estate broker should play shepherd to greener pastures. Everywhere, from The New York Times to Bon Appetit <\/a>and The Washington Post<\/a>, has declared \u201cSit at the Bar September\u201d a movement, this year\u2019s newest (oldest) dating trend. So why not keep it going in October in San Diego\u2014one of the best, most crush-worthy months in the city?<\/p>\n

While it might at first feel uncomfortably vulnerable to leave emotional-support friends, books, and screens behind, there\u2019s nothing sexier than owning your solidarity and inviting friendly barkeeps and perhaps a lucky fellow single to join you in a drink. So, get into your main-character energy, be brave, and check out some of San Diego\u2019s best watering holes to kick off your \u201cSit at the Bar October.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SanCourtesy of The Waterfront Bar & Grill<\/p>\n

The Classic: The Waterfront Bar & Grill<\/p>\n

Tucked away somewhat unassumingly on Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy<\/a> is one of San Diego\u2019s oldest and still liveliest drinking establishments. Opened in 1933, The Waterfront Bar & Grill<\/a> possesses San Diego\u2019s longest-held full liquor license and is one of the city\u2019s most packed bars (most times of the day). So, it\u2019s a great place to try being on your own for the first time, because you\u2019re always likely to meet at least one person. Plus, you\u2019ll be in great hands with the incredibly friendly bartenders slinging stiff and affordable drinks. Grab a burger at the bar or get a basket of complimentary popcorn and see where the night takes you.<\/p>\n

Who You\u2019ll Meet<\/p>\n

During the day, you\u2019ll find the Little Italy local who\u2019s been coming for years. They\u2019ll introduce you to the bartender and tell you all the insider lore. At night, say hi to the young professional, ready to dump their high-stress job at the door and show you how to party Waterfront-style. Long Island iced tea, anyone?<\/p>\n

\"SanCourtesy of the Gaslamp Quarter<\/p>\n

The OG: Tivoli Bar and Grill<\/p>\n

Tivoli <\/a>opened in 1885 as a saloon and still features its original wooden bar inside. Known for being one of the city\u2019s oldest watering holes<\/a>, this Gaslamp Quarter dive bar is a favorite among locals, especially during baseball season. Head here before a Padres game and channel your inner Wyatt Earp. Order a whisky to give you some liquid courage and be ready to meet your soulmate\u2014at the very least, you\u2019ll come away with a history lesson and a story to tell.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Who You\u2019ll Meet<\/p>\n

The Padres die-hard<\/a> who knows it\u2019s much smarter to order $6 whiskey sodas for pregaming than it is to shell out for the $18 beer at Petco Park.<\/p>\n

\"SanCourtesy of Aero Club Bar<\/p>\n

The Dive: Aero Club Bar<\/p>\n

This much-beloved neighborhood s<\/a>p<\/a>ot<\/a> off the 5 in Spruce Canyon supports a roster of regulars. It has all the trappings of a satisfying dive bar with strong drinks, friendly staff, flight-themed d\u00e9cor on every surface, and colorful Christmas lights strewn across the ceiling. (Because who doesn\u2019t love a good holiday romance on a random Tuesday in October?) Aero Club is known for its whiskey collection, so consider having the bartender recommend one you\u2019ve never tried and use it as a way to start a convo with the person next to you. Or, busy yourself with a round of pinball (the bar boasts a room dedicated to arcade games) while you work up your courage to approach the cutie playing Big Buck Hunter.<\/p>\n

Who You\u2019ll Meet <\/p>\n

The tatted former hipster who\u2019s buddies with all of the industry folks<\/a> and can give you the rundown on their favorite ryes.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo Credit: Robert Benson<\/p>\n

The Tiki: False Idol<\/p>\n

Treat yourself to this speakeasy<\/a> just south of Little Italy and rub elbows with true fans of tiki. Make sure to go on a weekday night when it\u2019s less crowded but still lively enough to give you the opportunity to chat up a stranger. The bold d\u00e9cor and inventive drinks draw a diverse crowd, including bigtime tiki enthusiasts. And take it from us, the local scene in San Diego<\/a> is full of interesting characters who you\u2019ll want to spend your time speaking with. For drinks, rum is the name of the game. Grab a Painkiller and offer your barmate your best dad joke about its name\u2014it\u2019s sure to at least get a convo going.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Who You\u2019ll Meet<\/p>\n

They\u2019re in full regalia for Tiki Oasis<\/a> every year and might let you sample their homemade falernum if the night goes well. You can dance to Les Baxter in their palapa.<\/p>\n

\"SanCourtesy of Happy Medium<\/p>\n

The Hot Spot: Happy Medium<\/p>\n

This charming corner spot<\/a> in North Park<\/a> opened in 2024 and offers fresh takes on cocktail classics, delicious bar bites, and a youthful vibe. Though it\u2019s popular, there\u2019s usually a seat at the bar. Like any good neighborhood haunt, this place is often filled with locals talking about their latest vinyl purchase or which taco shop serves the best adobada tacos. Order a Super Grass (lemongrass mezcal, tequila, lime, mango, and pandan), then get cozy and people-watch from the bar. Pro tip: Talk music to the person sitting next to you; there\u2019s usually someone nearby who will be excited to share their album recs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who You\u2019ll Meet<\/p>\n

They\u2019re a bookseller at Verbatim Books<\/a> by day and the DJ at Soda Bar<\/a> by night. They\u2019re sweet, passionate, and impossibly cool.<\/p>\n

\"Nine-TenCourtesy of Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar<\/p>\n

The Hotel: Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar<\/p>\n

The beauty of a hotel is that you\u2019re sure to never run into the same crowd twice. Fresh faces and new opportunities are in high supply, and if you want the heady combination of new romance and a great drink, head to Nine-Ten<\/a>, tucked inside the Grand Colonial Hotel in La Jolla<\/a>. Striking the right balance of upscale yet laid-back, Nine-Ten draws an elegant and professional set looking for great food and a refined ambiance. You\u2019ll find someone here to match your ambition and discerning standards. Start at the bar, and then head outside to the patio for a more private conversation.<\/p>\n

Who You\u2019ll Meet<\/p>\n

The jet-setting sophisticate. They know their way around a wine list and might have a house in Monaco. You can impress them by ordering the pork belly.<\/p>\n

\"\"Courtesy Visit Encinitas<\/p>\n

The Brewery: Modern Times Beer<\/p>\n

Looking to meet a surfy, down-to-earth cutie with great taste in hazy IPAs? Modern Times<\/a> in Encinitas<\/a> is the spot. Delicious brews and craveable vegan food<\/a> draw in a host of outdoorsy, active North County types. The generous semi-circle bar means plenty of space to find a spot, and the chilled-out \u201970s vibe makes chatting up your neighbor feel breezy. Plus, dogs are welcome, so bring your fluffy buddy for emotional support. It\u2019s easily accessible right off the 101, so head over after your next wave sesh and see if someone catches your fancy.<\/p>\n

Who You\u2019ll Meet<\/p>\n

The dawn patrol devout, who just got off work at Sun Bum<\/a> next door. Their rescue dog is well-behaved, and they\u2019re planning a trip to Hawaii<\/a> next month. They\u2019ll flirt with you over a Dungeon Map IPA and ask you for a walk on the beach afterwards.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to Unhinged, catch up on\u00a0all the dating chats you\u2019ve missed here<\/a>\u00a0with columnists Nicolle Monico and Natalie Cooper. And follow along at\u00a0@monicles<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0@sandiegomag<\/a>\u00a0on Instagram to know when a new article drops each week.<\/p>\n

Sign up now for the Unhinged newsletter for exclusive content, Q&As with columnists Nicolle and Natalie, and subscriber-only meet-ups!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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