Best of 17 happy hours in Hillcrest
Hillcrest, a vibrant neighborhood in San Diego, is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse dining scene. A popular time to experience Hillcrest's culinary delights is during "happy hours in Hillcrest." These special deals offer patrons discounted drinks and bites, making it an ideal opportunity to socialize, unwind, and explore the area's many eateries. Join the locals and discover the joy of Hillcrest's happy hours.
- 1. Gossip Grill
- 2. Uptown Tavern
- 3. Common Stock in Hillcrest
- 4. NOLA on 5th
- 5. Urban MO's Bar & Grill
- 6. &bar Hillcrest
- 7. Nunu's Tavern
- 8. Number One Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest
- 9. Trust
- 10. Alibi
- 11. AWOL
- 12. CJ's Club
- 13. Baja Betty's
- 14. Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest
- 15. Huapangos
- 16. Hillcrest Brewing Company in Hillcrest
- 17. The Loft
1. Gossip Grill
Located in the heart of San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community

Gossip Grill offers amazing happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers, with a lively and fun atmosphere that keeps customers entertained. The lunch special is another great feature of this establishment, where all regular menu items are available at half price from 12 pm to 2 pm, including beer and wine. This deal is perfect for those craving a burger and a beer at a budget-friendly price. Additionally, Gossip Grill offers a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deal during happy hour from 2 pm to 6 pm, with tokens that can be used to get a free drink.
In summary, Gossip Grill is an excellent spot for those looking for affordable lunch and happy hour options. During lunchtime, customers can enjoy half-priced menu items and drinks, while happy hour offers BOGO tokens and reasonable deals on drinks and appetizers. The vibrant atmosphere of the grill makes it an ideal place to socialize and enjoy great food and drinks at a reasonable price.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
Relate link
2. Uptown Tavern
Spacious patio with fire pits, trendy ambiance, and trivia nights

Uptown Tavern offers fantastic happy hour deals that are definitely worth checking out. The drinks are not only strong but also reasonably priced, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind after work. The atmosphere is perfect for socializing and enjoying a casual drink or two.
During happy hour, you can enjoy delicious mules and a variety of appetizers that are perfect for sharing with friends or colleagues. The mules are a crowd favorite and are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Overall, Uptown Tavern's happy hour is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and affordable way to spend their evening.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
3. Common Stock in Hillcrest
Spacious patio, dog-friendly, and trivia nights

This establishment is an excellent choice for happy hour, offering well-priced drinks and delicious food. The chicken sliders and signature cocktails are highly recommended. I have had positive experiences during my numerous visits. The food, drinks, and staff have always been excellent.
The happy hour deals are a standout feature, providing great value for customers. In particular, the chicken sliders and signature cocktails are popular choices. My experiences at this establishment have consistently been positive, with high-quality food, drinks, and service.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
Relate link
4. NOLA on 5th
Live music and festive atmosphere

During our visit, we took advantage of the happy hour specials, which included discounted drinks and appetizers. The atmosphere was energetic and enjoyable, making it a great spot to relax and unwind.
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy happy hour, this is a solid choice. The prices are reasonable, and the lively atmosphere makes it an ideal location to spend time with friends or coworkers. The drinks are a particular highlight, making this a popular destination for those seeking a fun and affordable evening out.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
Relate link
5. Urban MO's Bar & Grill
Lively atmosphere with sports watching and live music

Urban MO's offers an excellent happy hour with great deals on drinks and appetizers. The staff is known for being friendly and welcoming, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all patrons. During happy hour, the bar is bustling with energy, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day or to kick off a night out with friends.
The drink selection at Urban MO's is impressive, with a variety of options to suit every taste. From draft beers to creative cocktails, there is something for everyone. Moreover, the appetizers are delicious and perfect for sharing. Happy hour at Urban MO's is not to be missed for anyone looking for a great deal on food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
Relate link
6. &bar Hillcrest

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
7. Nunu's Tavern
Cozy neighborhood bar with a friendly atmosphere and a wide selection of beers

Nunu's Tavern offers an excellent happy hour experience, known for its strong drinks and cozy atmosphere. It's an ideal spot to relax after work and enjoy a friendly and laid-back vibe. During happy hour, Nunu's Tavern offers amazing prices, making it a popular choice for people looking to unwind and have a great time without breaking the bank.
The writer frequently visits Nunu's Tavern for happy hour, attracted by the affordable prices and welcoming ambiance. The tavern's drinks are a highlight, with strong and delicious options that are perfect for customers looking to unwind after a long day. The combination of affordable prices, tasty drinks, and a cozy atmosphere make Nunu's Tavern an ideal destination for anyone looking for a great happy hour experience.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
8. Number One Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest
Rooftop bar with stunning city views

The bar or restaurant is offering a special deal for the month, a $3 beer. This is a great opportunity for customers to enjoy a drink at an affordable price. The establishment, however, may be understaffed or experiencing a high volume of customers, resulting in a slight delay in beer service.
Despite the wait, patrons are encouraged to remain patient and understanding. The staff is doing their best to accommodate everyone in a timely manner. In addition to the cheap beer, customers can enjoy the lively atmosphere and socialize with others while waiting for their drink. The $3 beer special is a great way to unwind and enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- American Cuisine
Relate link
9. Trust
Cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music

Trust's happy hour is a popular choice, featuring a vibrant atmosphere and excellent service. The margaritas are a standout choice on their drink menu. Additionally, the happy hour deals offer great value with impressive cocktails and delectable food options. The wild mushroom mac & cheese is a must-try for food lovers.
During happy hour at Trust, you can enjoy a lively ambiance along with top-notch service. Their margaritas are a highlight, but the cocktails overall are worth trying. Furthermore, their happy hour menu includes delicious food, with the wild mushroom mac & cheese being an exceptional choice. To sum up, Trust's happy hour is an excellent option if you're looking for fantastic drinks, delicious food, and a great atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
Relate link
10. Alibi
Cozy speakeasy vibe with craft cocktails

The Alibi bar can be described as having a mixed experience. On one hand, it can be horrible, especially when a live band is crammed into the back corner. The bar is not large enough to accommodate live music, making it overly hot, loud, and eventually annoying. However, the Alibi can also be a great spot for a more relaxed evening. A Thursday or Sunday night during happy hour is ideal, with the opportunity to enjoy a cold beer on the back patio.
During my visit to the Alibi, I was there after work for happy hour. Unfortunately, Freddie was not present, but Doug made sure we had a good time and were fully intoxicated. This statement provides a brief overview of the author's personal experience at the Alibi and highlights the contrasting qualities of the bar.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
11. AWOL

TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
12. CJ's Club
Cozy sports bar with pool tables and arcade games

CJ's bar offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a long day. The staff is known for their courteous and friendly demeanor, contributing to the overall positive experience of the patrons.
If you're in search of a new favorite bar, CJ's is a top-notch choice. With excellent bartenders, affordable drinks, and a great vibe, it has earned a special place among regulars. The welcoming ambiance and satisfactory service make it a standout spot for visitors.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Dinner
Relate link
13. Baja Betty's
Friendly staff, vibrant atmosphere, and popular with the LGBTQ+ community

Happy hour at Baja Betty's is a popular choice for unwinding after work, known for its strong drinks and delicious food. The vibrant atmosphere and great deals make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable time.
During happy hour, visitors can enjoy fantastic margaritas and other refreshing drinks at discounted prices. The lively atmosphere at Baja Betty's makes it an ideal place to socialize and catch up with friends or coworkers. Whether you're looking for a place to relax after a long day or a fun spot to start your evening, Baja Betty's happy hour is the perfect choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
Relate link
14. Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest
Offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with outdoor seating

This place has a inviting and comfortable atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax after a long day. During happy hour, they offer impressive deals on their sushi. The sushi selection is always fresh and prepared with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
If you're looking for a happy hour with fantastic value, this is the place to be. With unbeatable prices on fresh sushi, it's easy to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. The happy hour specials are a great incentive to try their sushi, which is known for its freshness and exquisite taste.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
15. Huapangos
Family-owned restaurant with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere

Happy hour specials are a popular attraction at many restaurants and bars. Despite potential issues with slow service, many customers are willing to overlook this due to the appealing food and drink options available at discounted prices.
During our visit, we took advantage of the happy hour deals and enjoyed a lively atmosphere. The reasonably priced drinks were a definite highlight, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
16. Hillcrest Brewing Company in Hillcrest
San Diego's first LGBT brewery

The establishment offers a great happy hour with generous discounts on draught beers and well drinks, making it an attractive option for beer and cocktail enthusiasts. The lively and welcoming atmosphere further enhances the experience, making it a popular spot for patrons looking to unwind after a long day.
During happy hour, the pizza slices are a must-try, priced at $3 each and known for their delicious taste. Complementing the excellent pizza are the wide selection of beers available, catering to different preferences and ensuring a satisfying experience for beer lovers. It is highly recommended for those seeking a great happy hour spot with quality food and beverage options.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
17. The Loft
Cozy rooftop setting with fire pits and heaters

The Loft is a welcoming bar, particularly popular among older gay men. It boasts a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a pool table and sports on the television. The bartenders are a highlight, known for their exceptional service. Three notable bartenders are Travis, John, and Justin.
The Loft offers a daily happy hour, an attractive feature for many patrons. This happy hour lasts until 6:30 PM, providing an extended period of discounted drinks. This generously long happy hour is another reason why The Loft is a favorite spot for many.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night