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Lumi by Akira Back

San Diego's best rooftop bars offer open air, great views, and an abundance of alcohol. Here are the breezy bars you have to check out.

San Diego

Photo by Diana Rose Photography, courtesy of Garibaldi

Drinking on rooftops is practically a spectator sport in San Diego. Over the last couple of years, while indoor drinking and dining were limited, these breezy decks well above street level were our go-to. Add to that our year-round sunshine, casual attitude toward day drinking, and love of sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and San Diego becomes the ultimate destination for sipping adult beverages at altitude. These San Diego rooftop bars are perfect for any occasion, from <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-san-diego-happy-hours-in-different-neighborhoods" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">happy hour with friends</a> to <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/san-diego/most-romantic-restaurants-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">intimate date nights</a>:

Drinking on rooftops is practically a spectator sport in San Diego. Over the last couple of years, while indoor drinking and dining were limited, these breezy decks well above street level were our go-to. Add to that our year-round sunshine, casual attitude toward day drinking, and love of sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and San Diego becomes the ultimate destination for sipping adult beverages at altitude. These San Diego rooftop bars are perfect for any occasion, from <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/san-diego/best-san-diego-happy-hours-in-different-neighborhoods" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">happy hour with friends</a> to <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/san-diego/most-romantic-restaurants-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">intimate date nights</a>:

Techo Beso, meaning “rooftop kiss,” opens its doors in May,” on the top of <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sanar-ac-hotel-san-diego-downtown-gaslamp-quarter/overview/" rel="noreferrer sponsored" target="_blank">AC Hotel Gaslamp San Diego</a>. Inspired by the culture of Tulum, Mexico, it features a central bar space with a raised DJ platform that connects it to the pool deck for a communal party atmosphere. Hand-crafted cocktails and small plates dominate the menu, with highlights like SD Smoke, made with mezcal, gin, and pineapple, and the Mango Marg, made with tequila, mango, lime, jalapeno syrup, and a tajin rim. Small plates include Rock Shrimp Ceviche, a trio of tacos including brisket, shrimp and mushroom, tuna tartare, chicken quesadillas, and more. For the latest information on Techo Beso, visit its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/techobeso/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and check out the preliminary food menu <a href="https://www.techobeso.com/menus/#food-1" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. How to book: Sign up for <a href="https://www.techobeso.com" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">email updates</a> and reservation information.

Photo courtesy of AC Hotel Gaslamp San Diego  


 Techo Beso

The Brick Hotel in downtown Oceanside is home to Cococabana, a Caribbean-inspired open-air rooftop cocktail bar with panoramic views of downtown and the Pacific Ocean. Beverage director Rob McShea’s cocktail program leans into infused spirits, fresh juices, and tropical flavors, perfectly paired with shareable plates like Jerk Butter Charbroiled Oysters, Chipotle BBQ Shrimp, and Roasted Wild Mushrooms. How to book: Reserve your table <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=1243408&amp;lang=en-US&amp;ot_source=Restaurant%20website&amp;corrid=318bea36-afad-4f90-8c68-092465384411" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo courtesy of Cococabana

Cococabana

The InterContinental is the site of another favorite rooftop drinking spot. Seneca continues <a href="https://consortiumholdings.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">CH Projects’</a> successful string of trendy hotspots, where endless ocean sunsets await on the expansive rooftop while you sip cocktails conveniently organized into categories: spritz, long, fix, gin down, whiskey, and agave. The open kitchen takes advantage of San Diego’s plentiful seafood, as well as the ever-changing fresh produce options with Whole Fish with artichoke, tomato confit, olive oil sauce, and herbs; handmade pastas such as Spaghetti Neri and Clams with ‘nduja sausage, white wine, pangrattato or Lumache alla Wagyu Bolognese with beef and pork ragu, tomato, Parmigiano as well as shareable small plates and pizzas. How to book: Reserve your table <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?lang=en-US&amp;ot_source=Restaurant%20website&amp;restref=1194058&amp;corrid=54c4a84e-2a60-46f8-ad8d-f653aed30473" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo by Garrett Rowland, courtesy of Seneca


Seneca

Coco Maya explores the flavors of the Yucatan and Caribbean with cane- and agave-based spirits enhanced by citrus and spice in both direct and fruit-forward cocktails. Escape to the tropics while you sip Cocomaya Cocktel, a house rum blend with passionfruit, coconut cream, and pina orange cordial, or Peacock Ponche with mezcal, sherry, overproof rum, Jamaica tea, grapefruit, pomegranate, honey, nutmeg, and bubbles. Weekend brunch serves up coffee cocktails, mimosas, Bloody Marys, micheladas, and mojitos alongside Bokits, a Guadeloupan fry bread sandwich stuffed with chopped beef or white fish or the award-winning Maya TKO Tacos. How to book: Reservations can be made <a href="https://www.opentable.com/r/coco-maya-san-diego#" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Coco Maya

Perched atop the boutique <a href="https://hotelrepublicsd.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Hotel Republic</a>, Topside Terrace Kitchen and Bar is a decidedly relaxed yet refined spot that plies visitors with potent crafted cocktails like Rye'd On with Whistlepig Piggyback 6 Year Rye, demerara, Peychaud's bitters, and Angostura bitters, finished with an absinthe spritz. Newly launched Wine Down Thursdays, showcasing wines from Decoy by the bottle or glass, happen the second and fourth Thursday of the month. How to book: Reserve your table <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=988276&amp;restref=988276&amp;partysize=2&amp;datetime=2020-08-04T21%3A30&amp;lang=en-US&amp;r3uid=xjz3sv1jcA&amp;corrid=8454e964-081d-4699-8fdd-42f0a1599faf" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo courtesy of Topside Terrace Kitchen and Bar

Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar

Michelin-starred chef Akira Back is the force behind Lumi, an energetic rooftop concept featuring modern Japanese dishes with Nikkei and Korean influences, handcrafted cocktails, top-tier Japanese whiskies, and an excellent selection of sake, including Akira Back’s own label. Lumi’s brand new weekend lunch service launches on April 29, from 11:30 am to 3 pm. How to book: Reserve your table <a href="https://lumirooftop.com/reservations/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo by Zack Benson, courtesy of Lumi by Akira Back

Take the smooth, silent elevator up to the rooftop deck of SKA Bar for Asian-inspired, spirit-forward cocktails like the purple-hued Dark Magician, made with white rum, taro, rhubarb liqueur, vanilla, lemon, and cream, or Professor Oak, an intriguing play on a classic Manhattan, using nori-infused rye, Amaro Nonino, and sweet vermouth. Snacks and shareable plates include four kinds of bao buns, Drunken Noodles, Korean Asada Fries, and a Wagyu Double-Double. How to book: Rooftop seats are available on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of SKA Bar

Ska Bar

George’s at the Cove’s Ocean Terrace has stunning panoramic views of La Jolla Cove from nearly every seat in the house, but for optimal viewing, snag one of the twenty-two coveted seats. The upscale cocktail menu by Trey Foshee features all the summery drinks you’d imagine, from margs and martinis to mojitos and micheladas. Stop by at lunchtime for local Rockfish Tacos on heirloom corn tortillas; George’s famous black bean, broccoli, and smoked chicken soup; or at dinner for Prime Flat Iron and Wild Isles Salmon over braised lentils. How to book: Reserve your table <a href="https://www.georgesatthecove.com/reservations" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Prepaid, premium seating is also available for groups of one to four. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo courtesy of George’s at the Cove

George's at The Cove

Garibaldi’s speakeasy-style rooftop bar and Sardinian-influenced restaurant in the luxurious <a href="https://www.intercontinentalsandiego.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">InterContinental San Diego</a>&nbsp;feels like the perfect Mediterranean escape. Think handmade pastas, local seafood, and vibrant cocktails like the signature Green Flash Tonic crafted with Wild Sardinian Vodka and Mirto Verde with a tonic of fig, cinchona bark, peppercorn, cinnamon, and cardamom; and curated selections of Italian beer, Sardinian and Sicilian wines, and amaros. Late-night libations, available Thursday through Saturday, from 8 pm to 10 pm and include $7 Orange Fashioneds and Bartender’s Whim cocktails, as well as discounted sharable bites. How to book: Reserve your table <a href="https://resy.com/cities/sd/garibaldi?date=2020-06-05&amp;seats=2" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Garibaldi

Firehouse has become a Pacific Beach institution by f​​ocusing on two things: offering an excellent boozy brunch during the daytime (Crème Brûlée French Toast!) and really leaning into the dance lounge vibes at night. Both options come with an ocean view. Brunch is served every day until 3 pm, and dinner features a menu of American comfort favorites, such as the Firehouse Burger with maple-peppercorn bacon and the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese. Day or night, the chill atmosphere and gorgeous views keep us returning. How to book: Reserve a table <a href="https://firehousepb.com/reservations/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo courtesy of Firehouse Pacific Beach

Firehouse Pacific Beach

The Born &amp; Raised experience is opulent yet eccentric. The decor is ornate, seemingly inspired by the roaring ’20s (think marble bar tops and servers in white dinner coats) but sprinkled with recent pop culture references. The menu also reflects that eccentricity with a 21-day Dry-Aged Duck to pair with an over-the-top dessert like a giant Chocolate Macaron emblazoned with the Wu-Tang logo. Come prepared to spend a pretty penny in exchange for one of the best food and beverage experiences of your life. How to book: Reserve a table&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=298585&amp;lang=en-US&amp;corrid=fdd53856-ff3b-47c7-972d-231c76a92bf2" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo by Zack Benson

Born And Raised

At 22 stories, ALTITUDE is one of the highest open-air rooftop bars in the area, which means you’ll have better views of the city here than almost anywhere else. In addition to the bird’s eye view of the city, ALTITUDE’s location next to Petco Park also means you can catch a free ball game and views of the Coronado Bridge and Point Loma. The bar rarely has a cover, but it does have a dress code calling for “smart casual” attire, which seemingly and rather predictably translates to no baggy clothes or flip-flops.&nbsp; How to book: Rooftop seats are available on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

 ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

Aside from the scores of tourists that are sure to be at Cannonball on any given day, the bar has an unobstructed view of the beach and the best people-watching in San Diego. Seafood dominates the menu, with sushi rolls, sashimi, oysters, and crab legs, plus a Cannonball Burrito in a sesame soy wrap with shrimp tempura, crab, tuna, avocado, cream cheese, cucumber, cilantro, green onions, and spicy mayo. The beverage menu features some classic cocktails with beach-inspired ingredients, like the Mission Beach Mai Tai with white rum, pineapple, orange juice, and dark rum; local draft beers; seltzers; plenty of wine by the glass or bottle; and sake and Japanese whisky. How to book: Rooftop seats are available on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of Cannonball

Cannonball

An excellent date spot, Catania serves up some of the best coastal Italian food in San Diego in a relaxed environment with a view of La Jolla’s picturesque downtown. Start with one of their spirit-forward craft cocktails, such as the Il Viaggio, made with mezcal, Averna, Licor 43, cherry liqueur, and chocolate bitters with a Scotch mist or a selection from the ever-changing wine list. Handmade pastas are the menu’s stars. Try the Duck Sugo Orecchiette but also, don't sleep on the wood-fired Sicilian Pistachio Pizza. How to book: Reserve a table <a href="https://www.opentable.ae/r/catania-san-diego" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo courtesy of Catania SD

Catania 

Too often, lists like these neglect North County, which is outright silly. Just one block off the beach, Hello Betty boasts stunning views of the Oceanside Pier. It can get busy up there with people throwing back oyster shooters, ceviche, and beers, but the unparalleled surf and sunset views make it worth the wait. How to book: Rooftop seats are available on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of Hello Betty

Hello Betty Fish House

A 14-story jewel in the Gaslamp, The Nolen features a patio and a rooftop, including a communal fire pit, because why not? Its beautiful setting underlies an immersive cocktail menu, featuring can't-miss drinks like the Nolen Old Fashioned and new-age cocktails like a Nolen Smash. Soak up the booze with bar bites, such as the Chili Glazed Meatballs and the&nbsp;Buratta and Roasted Peach plate.&nbsp; How to book: Reserve a table&nbsp;<a href="https://resy.com/cities/sd/the-nolen?date=2020-08-04&amp;seats=2" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo courtesy of The Nolen Rooftop

The Nolen

The best view in San Diego just improved after Mister A’s recently completed makeover, which includes an additional 18-seat sunken bar and 72-seat indoor-outdoor lounge. Its location just outside the heart of downtown in Banker’s Hill gives you a view of the entire city in all its splendor, from the airport to the bay. The kitchen makes an incredible Maine Lobster Pot Pie that we won’t judge you for ordering as your main while you sip on a signature Smoke &amp; Mirrors Chichicapa mezcal, made with Bulleit rye whiskey, Carpano Antica, tobacco bitters, and smoked hoja santa or a retro, barrel-aged Espresso Martini for a sophisticated finish. How to book: Reservations are required and can be made <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=4756&amp;restref=4756&amp;partysize=1&amp;datetime=2021-5-12T10%3A00&amp;searchdatetime=2021-5-12T10%3A00&amp;lang=en-US&amp;corrid=945362aa-a70c-4704-afa7-609d2e4da9ee" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

Photo by Lucianna McIntosh, courtesy of Mister A's Restaurant

Mister A's

Located in the shadow of Petco Park, Level 9 at the <a href="https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/reservation" rel="noreferrer sponsored" target="_blank">Hotel Indigo</a>&nbsp;has one advantage over all the other rooftop bars. It’s dog friendly. Level 9 lets you enjoy cocktails and light bites with your doggo at elevation. There’s no specific menu for pets, so you’ll have to share your burger, but you probably do that anyway, right?&nbsp; How to book: Rooftop seats are available on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter

Level 9 Rooftop Bar 

Sometimes, far too often, the designers of rooftop spaces will sacrifice atmosphere to make a location look chic. A rooftop will look awesome but be filled with stuffy people. That’s definitely not the case at El Prez. If you’re looking to let your hair down and have a good time, this is the spot. Five crafted margaritas headline the cocktail menu along with slushies and micheladas, and the bartenders make a mean Mai Tai. How to book: Rooftop seats are available on a first-come basis.

Photo courtesy of El Prez

El Prez

This fine-dining Italian restaurant isn’t exactly the “sandals and tequila shots” rooftop joint you might be looking for, but if you’re after great food with a stunning view, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better location. Get the Piatto di Salumi, a sampler of sliced meats including mortadella with pistachios, speck, and spicy salame served with caponata, stracciatella cheese, grilled ciabatta, and marinated olives. It’s what Il Fornaio is known for. How to book: Reserve a table&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=3973&amp;restref=3973&amp;datetime=2021-05-13T20%3A30&amp;covers=2&amp;rtype=ism&amp;searchdatetime=2021-05-13T20%3A30&amp;partysize=2&amp;lang=en&amp;corrid=cda3751c-7f20-48d1-901b-f45d28c135eb" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. Walk-ins are accepted if available.

Photo courtesy of Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio 

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/mary-beth-abate" target="_blank">Mary Beth Abate</a> is a San Diego-based freelance writer.

Restaurants

The Best Rooftop Bars in San Diego for Basking and Boozing

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Drinking on rooftops is practically a spectator sport in San Diego.

Lumi by Akira Back

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