Be a tourist for a day and visit these three must-visit lobby bars in San Diego. Whether it is in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, by the bayside or in North Park, the below bars have unique offerings that make them truly special.
Photo Credit: AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter
AC Lounge
AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter, in the heart of Downtown San Diego on 5th Avenue, is centrally located to all that the Gaslamp has to offer. The lobby bar — AC Lounge — is a great place to kick off a night out on the town as it is walking distance to Petco Park, The Rady Shell and other downtown hot spots. AC Lounge offers European-inspired small plate tapas, local beers and crafted cocktails. Cocktail menu highlights include the Seaside Margarita or Smoked Spanish Old Fashioned. For food try the Roasted Cauliflower with prosciutto, arugula and baba ghanoush and the AC Burger on a brioche bun with mozzarella, prosciutto crisp, paprika aioli and roasted potatoes.
InterContinental San Diego
Luxury waterfront hotel InterContinental San Diego offers breathtaking water views of the San Diego Bay along with Baja-influenced bites and libations from the hotel’s signature restaurant Vistal. Drawing inspiration from the region stretching from Central California to the Baja peninsula, Vistal showcases the flavors of Baja California and the Pacific with a focus on seasonality and locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy staples like the Morro Bay Crab Dip featuring fresh Dungeness crab combined with cream cheese and topped with velvety seascape cheddar and served with salt & pepper potato chips. For something a little more adventurous, try the Crispy Taro Root Tacos made with exceptionally tender braised Kurobuta pork belly, housemade spicy cucumbers, bacon fat powder, and cilantro. Pair these snacks with one of Vistal’s signature cocktails including a twist on a classic like the Caramel Washed Old Fashioned made with local Malahat Bourbon, salted caramel, Mexican Chocolate bitters, finished with orange zest.
The Lafayette
The newly reopened LaFayette Hotel & Club, San Diego’s historical landmark in the heart of North Park, has been completely renovated and reimagined by local hospitality group CH Projects. Just beyond the formal entry gilded with rich plastered crown moldings is the Lobby Bar, a circular light-filled room with soaring glass atrium and glittering with vintage-inspired glassware. The menu features thoughtful, classic throwback cocktails and is the perfect location to perch with drink and people watch. Enjoy a Pimm’s Cup with Lafayette Summer Pimm’s, Strawberry, Cucumber, Ginger and Lime, a Lafayette Fix with Jamaican Rum, Fino Sherry, Apricot, Cassis, Molasses, and Lemon or a Martini with London Dry Gin, Blanc Vermouth, Green Chartreuse, Fino Sherry, and Orange Bitters.
