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The Wit's End - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Nightlife Bars American (Traditional), Bars [Edit]
420 Robinson Ave(between 4th Ave & Brant St)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
(619) 294-4848
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
84 reviews for The Wit's End
Review Highlights
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"The beer selection is outstanding." In 25 reviews -
"Wednesday nights-Karaoke with Laura Jane is so much fun." In 4 reviews -
"They have a Happy Hour with great drink and food specials." In 16 reviews
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84 reviews in English
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Review from Geraldine P.
San Diego, CA
4/23/2010
great little local bar!
it is TINY but a great place for a nice cold beer and some grub.
their food is surprisingly good for a little "dive" bar. they dont fry anything there- which i think is rad b/c most bar food is all fried!
the hubby and i would meet here on our way home from work for a little happy hour date at least once a week :)its never packed right around that time and we were always happy with our service. the people who work there are always so friendly and great!
they recently have been doing more live music and fun nights like that and they extended their happy hour :) AWESOME.
i give this place 5 stars for sure would tell any of my friends to go check it out! -
Review from David G.
11/9/2010 3 photos
Eeeeek! A week late for Halloween, it's the Jekyll and Hyde of bars! Or rather the Hyde and Jekyll.
Why the distinction, you ask?
Well, Jekyll was someone who looked decent by day but had an evil side that came out night. By contrast, my experiences at the Wit's End have been underwhelming during the day, when it's mostly populated by sullen folks on their fifteenth Bud Light. But, by night, the Wit's End turns into one of the most fun and under-appreciated party zones in Hillcrest.
Such was the case this past Saturday evening, when I dropped by to mingle with a handful of sexy yelpers and enjoy the musical stylings of the illustrious Rossi H. While various scheduling issues precluded me from catching the guitar tunes, the bar itself proved to be an awesome spot for a drinky-drink.
THE BEER: This is a beer bar. If you need liquor, keep movin'. The Wit's End has an impressive selection on tap, and I got to enjoy a Stella, courtesy of mister Rossi. I'm sure if you send him some sexts, he'll buy you a beer too. Otherwise you're on your own.
THE VIBE: So. Much. Fun. A deejay was playing 80's tunes when I was got there, and the place was packed. This is a small bar (unlike Small Bar, which is actually a medium-sized bar. The Wit's End is more of a teeny bar. Got it?) There's an eclectic interior that looks like someone's basement rec room -- a lot more charm that you'd expect from the strip mall where it's located.
One more thing -- I had my nipple grabbed here. Double-eeeeek!
o_OListed in: The heart of Hillcrest, Best bar bites
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Review from Howeler G.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 11/23/2010
The Wit's End has met its END.
CLOSED!
The landlord raised the rent in the entire strip mall.
Bummer, going to miss you guys. Best of luck.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/25/2010
The Wit's End is pretty chill. I started going there years ago when Neil ran the place. He had… Read more »
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Review from Sharon L.
8/20/2010
I came here five years ago and remember leaving generally content because I was quite pleased with the beer selection. However, the meatloaf left something to be desired, as it was chock-full of carrot bits. To rephrase the Beastie Boys: want a little meat with that carrotloaf?
I don't know if they serve meatloaf any longer, but that's irrelevant. This is one darn fine karaoke establishment. The crowd was mixed, the energy level was high, there were several well-choreographed songs. 2 Cool For Karaoke was filling in for Laura Jane. Do you think you are 2 cool for karaoke? I think not! I really like the concept and charitable premise behind Good vs. Bad vs. Banned songs. I haven't had this much fun at a karaoke bar in awhile.
The bar itself feels like how I would picture a mother's womb: dark and comforting. Sorry, was that a little too much? -
Review from Mike C.
9/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Completed my 5th bar hop of the evening here at The Wit's End. It was good because I got to enjoy some Niners action with some Niners fans. It was bad because they lost at the end.
They have $5 drafts, but during happy hour (until 8pm), they are $1 off, and $2 off the appetizers. Went with the Stone Smoke Porter. Kinda tasted like Guiness, so yah, it was pretty good.
Cool atmosphere, couple of tv's and a juke box. Lots of red walls. Reminds me of Cherry Bomb...the red walls that is, but there are no gargoyles, skulls, and punk music in the background over here at the The Wit's End. Their bathroom tiles were also red for whatever reason. Bartender dude was cool, good customer service.Listed in: 100 bars in 100 days, Suhweeet North Park
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Review from Chun P.
7/16/2009
Last Saturday, I came here to see my wife's - friend's - boyfriend's - boss's - coworker's band...called "Abe West". Nice job guys!
Bartender was a friendly, petite and cute gal. She happily helped me get a Stella ($5)...later that evening she asked me if I wanted another Stella, it was nice that she remembered my beer! I also asked for a water and she gave me a nice glass with a straw and lemon piece...she's awesome. No hard liquer, but large beer and wine selection. They serve food, but I haven't tried it.
The place was packed, but this place is TINY! I'm guessing maybe 750sq feet. Don't bring more than a "few" friends with you.
PROS:
-Really nice bartenders
-Pre-Dinner or Pre-Party chillin
-After work chillin
CONS:
-Not for a big night out on the town
-Not for large groups
Though this is in middle of the Gay-Lesbian Mecca of San Diego, the crowd seemed to be mostly straight folks, and pretty good looking ones, both genders. -
Review from Ryan R.
San Diego, CA
4/4/2008
My best friend lives a block away from Wit's End and this is a bad thing. As I have always been lacking in self-control and moral fiber, I tend to frequent this fine establishment every time I visit my friend. They have a fine selection of local craft beers on draught as well as a decent bottle selection. They are no Hamilton's or Liar's Club but they have made a nice effort to provide a decent line up.
As with every bar that I like in San Diego, there is a hot bartender that has a boyfriend that is probably more awesome than me in every way. It's like a prerequisite to work behind the bar. The entire time I was bartending I was in a serious relationship and thus could not exploit the perks of the position.... Fuck....
From time to time Wit's will attract some douche bag east coast transplant yuppies. I don't like it when they come in dressed like they just ran the mile in their Hugo Boss suit. Dudes that talk loud enough for everyone to hear them piss me off something awful. Last time I was in there I was nearly moved to hurl this one asshole off a cliff... Unfortunately there were no cliffs.
Quintessential Douche Bag: Yo, lemme get one a ya strongest beers and a cider to chase it down..
Bartender: (douche bag alert going off) oooooooook
Ryan: (under his breath) what a fucking douche bag....
Scott: I'm surprised he isn't over at brass drinking Jaeger bams and Heinekens all fricken night.
Adam: Jaeger Bams!
Douche Bag: I'ma get fuckin hammered!
Ryan: (condescendingly) Take you're time, enjoy yourself...
Douche Bag: Fuck no man, this is business...
Adam: So which pyramid scheme do you work for?
Bartender: (cracks smile and interjects) Can I get you another round?
Douche Bag: I run my own business.
Ryan: What do you sell, haircuts?
Scott: (To the bartender) No, I think we're going to bounce.
Bartender: (Thanks for leaving me with this douche bag look) Are you coming back later?
Ryan: (Thanks for having a boyfriend look) I dunno, we'll see what happens. -
Review from Greg T.
5/22/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Some UFC highlights were playing when I walked/strutted in along with some sports hightlights on the other TV (Stanley Cup highlights of SJ vs. CHI. SJ got shut out). This was a huge plus cuz I love UFC, but It also kind of characterized my experience at the Wit's End. Here's how, just take your typical UFC fighter: cut, testosterone fueled, tatt'd, etc. Now, imagine that dude coming up to you, and than having him lean over to whisper in your ear "I''ve got some cute panties on". That didn't literally happen, but my ears were assaulted in the same manner cuz they had some good music being played by the live DJ who played some New Order, Police to some other classic rock, but every now and than he'd throw in something along the lines of something by Erasure or the equivalent of "it's raining men"...sashay shante
This is Hillcrest so there's gay specific bars which Yelp has designated as GAY. The Wits End wasn't listed as gay, but regardless if it's not a gay bar, for such a small bar it wins points for having Fat Tire although bottled only, and the total tab for 3 beers was only $14. So minus some random songs, this place is a decent BAR..... with some flare. let's get it on! (drinking that is) -
Review from Lety M.
San Diego, CA
5/30/2009
Wednesday night, you wanna hang out with friends but your tired of your normal bar stop; so what do you do?
You grab your crew, head to Wits End and enjoy Karaoke with Laura Jane Rocks! from 9pm -12am every Wednesday she host the best Karaoke besides my Adam Gimble (but this isnt a review about to cool for karaoke)
Wits End is amazing for their beer selection two big screen tvs that always have a game on. Not to mention Karaoke!
i believe you should all go their soon!Listed in: Venues!
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Review from Mick G.
10/3/2008
Good Food, and a great beer selection.
It is a very low key place. No loud tunes, not a pick up joint, not even really a bar ... kinda a hybrid light dinner/bar thing, but not quite all of either.
So ... I guess ... a unique atmosphere and a fun stop.
Worth it worth it worth it. -
Review from Teej T.
Urbana, IL
6/5/2007
God this food is good.
The Wit's End is a strange place; it's in the middle of what is basically a mini mall, and you expect it to boast three chairs, a picture of something ironic, and thrilling selection of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Coors, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The place is FAR roomier than it appears, comfortable, stuffed with a great menu of delicious food, and boasts a wonderful, friendly estaff (especially Jess, who rocks!) that showcases their HUGE beer selection on tap. Not sure what you want to drink? Ask them. They'll have a great selection just for you.
The Wit's End is a kickass way to spend a Friday night with coworkers that you like, and to have fun conversations about everything from the deep to the shallow and from the stupid to the sentimental.
If you're looking for a fun, funky way to spend an evening, head over to Wit's. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Lisa W.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2007
This is a true neighborhood bar. And the best part is that their happy hour is at 420 (that's their address, too).
I can go into this bar after a month or two and Neal (the owner) will remember what I like to drink (Yellowtail Pale Ale) and eat. Their beef (and chicken) strogonoff are to DIE for. Made right before your eyes with real half and half and sour cream. Perfect comfort food.
All of the food is cooked bar side with little propane fueled stovetops and a toaster oven or two. The Tuna melt Laurie Katherine style is GREAT (cilantro is the Laurie Katherine style ). All of the salad dressings are homemade, too.
Good creme brulee, too. -
Review from Suzanne F.
San Diego, CA
7/12/2007
I want to LOVE this place and become a regular, I really really do.
I love the atmosphere. I love the list of a million beers. I love how they cook right out in front of God and everybody. I love the board games. I love the mixed crowd. I love the politics. I even love the bathroom.
Last time we were there (mid-afternoon) we waited a LONG time for our food. Long enough to play Operation twice, Mastermind three times, watch TV a little, and have a deep philosophical discussion. And it was only sandwiches. And when they came, they were kinda average. Nothing wrong with them by any means, but not worth waiting forever for.
Still 4 stars for all the "I love"s...Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Annie H.
11/11/2009
I love this place so much.
Great Food!
Great Beer!
Great DJ's/bands!
Great Bartenders!
They have tv's for watching all the games and they have special deals on Sunday for football. I think that they even started having brunch on Sunday's as well. I love to stroll in here and see the familiar faces of Shannon or Matt serving up some cold drinks. They are very nice and always down to suggest a good beer.
Check it peeps! -
Review from Nick T.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2009
Pretty cool bar although its kinda small. Beer and wine only which threw me off. I always thought that this was a full bar with hard stuff. I think I need to come here more often to really appreciate it as Ive only been here one time and that was on a weeknight and it wasnt that busy.
I just read some of the other reviews and I didnt realized that they served food here. How did I miss that .
They did have Chimay in the bottle here so that was great. The bartender had friends hanging out so she kept going back and forth from the bar to the booth.
Yea I need to check it out again soon. Its right next door to a Thai food place. -
Review from Dean V.
Santee, CA
1/17/2010
We stopped in here on our Friday night pub crawl. I was a great little pub!
They had a huge selection of beers. The live DJ was great. They have a Happy Hour with great drink and food specials. Definitely worth a stop when you are out.
Dino...)'( -
Review from Meredith W.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 7/2/2009
I still don't love this place. I hate that it's so teeny and narrow; there's no room to move. They've also installed one of those memory game machines at the end of the bar. I hate those things.
I liked the place when it had the couches in the back and tons of old-school board games to play. That has been replaced by a small stage.
Came back here the other night for an Open Mic. My boyfriend, our friend and her boyfriend all performed. So in that respect I had a good time. I just don't like being cramped on uncomfortable stools listening to semi-pretentious singer-songwriter types who try to incorporate jazz in their acousticrap, but end up just sounding unintelligible.
So why the bump up to 3 stars? Because the service is outstanding. Our bartender was SO nice - chatted with us, gave us suggestions, and was just overall extremely attentive. Plus they have Blackthorn Cider. Cider makes everything better!
I'm a sucker for kindness and nice people, what can I say?Listed in: Drinkin' and Singin'
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/14/2008
This place is TEEEEENY. And whatever redecorating they did has made it even TEEEENIER. More chairs… Read more »
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Review from Kat A.
San Diego, CA
1/30/2007
Great hang-out place when you want to have a quiet evening at home but don't want to clean up the next morning.
The atmosphere is comfy and funky, the food is fantastic, the beer plentiful (if a bit overpriced) and the service amazingly friendly. Top it all off with a stack of boardgames and free wifi, and you've got a cozy little place to kick back and relax. Unless of course you're a republican... this place certainly has a political lean!
[edit] SO SAD. this place has changed ownership and now is too loud, too modern, and not nearly the fun geek-spot it was. dropping from five to two stars, man.Listed in: Local color, Cream of the crop
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Review from Matthew N.
San Diego, CA
9/11/2010
Wednesday nights-Karaoke with Laura Jane is so much fun. She is hilarious and very entertaining. 5 stars for LJ
Bar is small and can get very crowded. Good selection of beers on tap, friendly and fast bartenders. 3 stars for venue. -
Review from Chris R.
1/30/2008
Granted I should of hit this place up years ago, just due to the fact that it is close to my place. I didn't, my loss. I have made up for it. Wit's has a really awesome beer on draft selection. From hard to find stouts, as well as "exotic" beers like Delirium and Duval, and local favorites like Karl Stauss and Ballast Point.
I'm pretty sure half the reason my roommate and I go is so he can talk to the lovely and friendly bartender, Ms. Nicole (who won't add me on myspace, oh well). The happy hour is a great deal and definitely worth checking out.Listed in: The Great San Diego Pub Crawl
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Review from Del R.
6/12/2009
To be fair I've only been here for hours on end on Tuesday nights and once for happy hour on a Wednesday afternoon. So i can't vouch for the Friday night DJs or anything else. But, I'm at The Wit's nearly every Tuesday night doing the open mic thing. There's a group of regulars and of course every week there are loads of new people, fun fun fun. The drinks are on the pricey side (for beer), the food is alright. But, if you're a performer you get happy hour prices all night on Tuesdays.. ALWAYS GOOD! and the bartender is fun.
I highly recommend this joint on a Tuesday, tends to get packed. And, since i go all the time, it seems it's always packed with my new performer friends. It's a low-key, low maintenance crowd, very friendly and very funny. I always meet new people that just want to have a fun conversation about film, music, beer, whatever!
You know, even if you're not performing, I'd recommend to go grab a beer on a Tuesday night, you get FREE entertainment, loads of laughs and you'll discover new talent =). And, the best part, is if you go more than on one Tuesday, you'll find you have a whole new set of bar friends.
So on a Tuesday night grab a couple of your preexisting friends, hit up the ATM, head over to The Wit's, sit right down at the bar and have a good time..
See you there! -
Review from Jon D.
11/15/2009
The Wit's End Rocks! Plain and Simple. Been coming here for several years. I really liked them when I first came here and they were being managed by a different guy (wish I could remember his name) who was both the owner and the chef. It was so cool to watch him make your food right there in front of you while you sipped away on your beer and watched the daily show on the screens. He took such pride in what he was doing - it was great.
Flash forward to a year later. The Wit's End has changed ownership and undergone a few internal changes. I like the upgrades. The Beer menu has grown and the decor inside has been modernized. The menu changed a bit and lost a step or two in preparation - but the food's still good. Overall, I'd describe it as American comfort food. And it's great!
My favorite thing about The Wit's End is the crowd. No SoCal pretense here at all. No scenesters. No hipsters. No gangstas. No idiots. Just good people through and through. This is definitely a beer drinker's Bar no doubt about that. But they do have a couple of wines available if you swing more in that direction.
Jukebox is decent. But it can get a little loud when you're trying to socialize with friends. And the Karaoke crowd is entertaining at best. I think I've been here when they had an open mic night - also entertaining and a bit eclectic.
Everyone that works here is really nice and cool. And pretty attentive to their patrons. These guys work hard to make sure that everyone has a nice experience here. And that's what keeps guys like me coming back. Keep it up guys! -
Review from Bart P.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2007
I've been told this place is getting new owners, and that makes me sad. Even with the age old promise of "things will be the same", you know that's not going to be the case. For what it's worth now, the food is excellent and the beer is all good and well thought out. One of the few places in town that had Temptation and Supplication bottles and the only place I know of where you can get a pot roast quesedilla. The food here is all homemade and cooked to order. Very satisfying comfort food in an unpretentious atmosphere.
I wish them the best on all future endeavors and have no doubt the new incantation will be good, just not the same. -
Review from Chris A.
San Diego, CA
7/29/2008
Not bad. Good place for a quick beer or if you want to try something new.
One of the few places around that carries 1664. I have yet to try the food. I guess they have Kareoke there but I can't imagine it in such a small place. -
Review from Drea S.
Oakland, CA
12/8/2008
The Wits End is one of my favorite Friday night stops.
Yes, it's in a strip mall, and yes, that generally means that the bar sucks.
Not in this case though! The beer selection is excellent, the staff is very professional and personable, and the bar has excellent ambiance.
Friday nights DJ Nick spins a fantastic collection of music, from post-punk to funk to old school hip hop to new wave. He has excellent taste in music, and his style is different than any other DJ in town.
This is a great little mellow bar to sit with friends, enjoy some tunes, drink a yummy beer, and relax from a hectic week.Listed in: Off the wagon and on the…
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Review from Beverly G.
San Diego, CA
1/13/2009
Another quaint bar that's good for a few friends who wants to share a drink or two. Free mixed snacks at the table. Really good selection of beer, and prices aren't bad at all.
It's a small place, so not good for a big group at all. They have really good happy hour from what I saw on the menu. Good food from the looks of it. -
Review from Scott W.
La Jolla, CA
3/23/2009
The Wit's End used to be my favorite neighborhood bar in my past life as a Hillcrest hipster. I lived right across the street and my girlfriend and I would come over to enjoy a cheap beer and sandwich while watching the Daily Show with the weekday regulars.
I was there the other night for the first time in a while and I have to say that the sleek new remodel took away from the charm just a little bit. Or it could also have been the one-eyed baby being featured on Inside Edition. Then again maybe that is the Wit's End. You never know what you're going to get, but it will always involve good beers and good people. I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Costas K.
San Diego, CA
8/29/2008
Great place to sip on a pint of your favourite ale.
They change stock frequently to keep us guessing, and that's the way I like it. They have quite a selection which makes it difficult for me to decide. They are nice and help me find the perfect fit based on my criteria of the qualities I enjoy in a beer. It's like going and getting a custom suit fitted.
Nothing beats it!
Tony knows his stuff when it comes to beer. Thanks man! I've never had a beer I didn't enjoy there. -
Review from Alicia S.
6/28/2009
Just got back from here. It was Sunday about 5pm.
Terrific bartenders! So friendly and always checking to make sure we weren't feeling too thirsty.
Happy hour 5pm-7pm and we got the nachos (half price)! Huge plate with tons of good stuff like chili, fresh avacado, red onions, and nacho cheese. So delish.
I got a porter, my buddy got the stout. I forget the names. They were good. 2nd round was Stella and Hoegardden. Everything on tap was $5 or less; and less for happy hour.
We watched MJ video tribute, the NYY vs NYM game, Sports Science, and surfing on the 4 TV screens.
THEN: Peter, a kind soul, picked up everyone's tab at the bar!!! IT was SO cool. Yet, surreal at the same time.
Friendly vibe, good grinds, excellent beer selection, and 4 TVs for the ADD crowd and you have a GREAT bar.
Thanks Wit's End!! -
Review from Jonathan R.
San Diego, CA
2/21/2008
I would probably give this a 3.5. I have gone here a couple of times for drinks as it is practically walking distance from where I live. Even though it is in a strip mall, it is a pretty good place. I went there to watch a game during football season when I found that the Nunu's wasn't serving food until 1 pm (this doesn't make sense to me). I ordered a chicken pesto panini sandwich and added a bowl of chili for $1. The bowl of chili was big enough that it could have been a meal by itself. Someone else got a sausage sandwich that he also enjoyed. I was surprised with the quality of the food especially for the prices--most of the options were under $8.
I went here for drinks this past weekend and they have $3 pints on special from 10pm-1 am but then the bar closes at 1. -
Review from Lauri N.
Alexandria, VA
4/3/2008
The Wit's End, yes, indeed sir.
The selection of beers alone requires me to give 4 stars to this lovely little bar. (And it is little, make no mistake). I am a HUGE fan of beer, especially the smaller breweries, and this place caters to people like that, err, me. My friend, Scott, got the Speedway, which was delicious, and packed with 14.5% alcohol. Zoiks! Been awhile since I've seen that.
I would give at least 1/2 a star to 1 whole star more just for the Wednesday night karaoke (but since it is only one night a week, I left it off this rating). Let me tell you, this place is a riot. All ranges of talent (and trust me on this one, I am at the lowest range) get up and perform. It is wonderful! The DJ/VJ/Karaoke Goddess is super funny, and she gives a little ribbing to everyone involved, which makes it that much better. Everyone is out to have a good time, there is more laughter in that place than umm, other places with lots of laughter. I went last night, and had more fun SOBER than I have had at other places tipsy/on my way to drunky. Now that, dear readers, is a comment for the ages. (Not that you need alcohol to have fun, kiddies, I'm just sayin'.)
So, to sum up: The Wit's End, Wednesday nights, Karaoke and beer, do it. -
Review from Inga I.
San Diego, CA
12/18/2009
I stumbled across this small pub for lunch because Einstein Bros Bagels next door has poor service, so went next door to Wits End because I wanted a soup and corn chowder was on the menu (I love corn chowder)
The soup was very good!!! I ordered a cup and it was the size of a small bowl. My server was very sweet and gave excellent service. I gave it 3 stars because I was really disappointed when it was time to pay my check, NO DEBIT CARDS FOR ANYTHING UNDER $10! Since I don't carry a lot of cash, I had to use their ATM and was charged those dumb transaction fees. It annoys me when businesses do not accept debit cards for small transactions, many people only use debit cards and don't carry a lot of cash. There should be signs stating this in the place, I had no idea. Oh well, my soup was great and the service was great, just go there with cash! -
Review from Evan M.
10/21/2009
Pros:
- Good beer selection
- Decent juke box
- Serves food
- Dj
- Sports on the tv
Cons:
- They don't chill their glasses! I know not all beer is best served chilled, but when I was going here it was summertime and it was hot inside, so nothing like a hot beer on a hot day to ummm warm me up! -
Review from Christopher V.
Chula Vista, CA
3/30/2010
I am still looking for a five-star burger, but this one definitely gets four.
This rating is obviously for lunch, but I can definitely see how coming here for a couple of drinks would be fun too. This has "neighborhood joint" written all over it.
How have I managed to keep 30+ pounds off while simultaneously on a burger binge? The sides, baby, the sides. Yesterday, instead of the requisite french fries I ordered The Wit's End potato salad. It was tasty, definitely not out of a Sysco bucket. I recommend it.
The cheeseburger was one that I will return for, yes, indeed (the last two words are just to avoid ending a sentence in a preposition). Well cooked and seasoned, and piled high with crisp, fresh vegetables. The bun did its job, too, by staying intact until bitten.
My dining partner ordered - and enjoyed - the meatball sandwich, which, according to the guy who helped us, was made with the owner's personal meatball recipe. It's refreshing to find a place that doesn't purchase everything pre-made in bags, cans, etc.
The service was friendly and competent, and the prices just right. I'll be back. -
Review from Ryan J.
Long Beach, CA
2/28/2009
I haven't explored Hillcrest. To be honest, its a bit overwhelming because the place averages between 6 and 82.7 bars/restaurants per city block.
So my wife and I were looking for wedding invitations and our last stop of the day was in Hillcrest. After leaving the store I was seriously ready for an afternoon drink and my fiance, knowing as much, asks "do you want to grab a beer somewhere?" God, I love this woman! We are walking down [insert street that Wit's End is on] and the name catches my eye. I am not sure if this is because it is the first bar I see or because after doing wedding errands, I can really relate to the name.
In any case, at first glance, I wasn't so sure about Wit's End. It is sandwiched between North America's smallest Thai restaurant and bagel shop. From the outside it looked like the place that could have one senior citizen drinking her third gin martini while playing video memory games and smoking a cig with an ash hanging limper than her husband . Fortunately, my intuition was wrong.
Upon entering, I immediately liked the place. It's small, but comfortable and senior citizen free. My only complaint was it was dark, really dark, and it was two in the afternoon. I feel better about myself drinking during daylight hours, if I can see daylight. But my insecurities aside....
So we sit down, and I am immediately impressed with their craft beer selection on tap. Recognizing all their beers but one, I ask the helpful bartender "What's Dog Fish Head 90 min IPA?" A lenghthy explanation about how the hops are added every thirty minute the brewing process, and the awards its won ... (Dude, you had me 9 %) This beer and the Wit's End will forever be linked in my mind. This is an incredible IPA. Great aromas, well balanced (surprisingly not crazy Hoppy), and you cannot really taste the 9% alcohol, which is good but be careful- three pints later and you certainly can feel the 9%.
Ok, back to the Wit's End. So I have been back a handful of times. Each time I am continually impressed, great beer, great bartenders. I can't compare it to the competition, but if you are a hop head or like a quiet low key spot to enjoy good company, then this is your spot. -
Review from Dan G.
Austin, TX
6/29/2009
Bars are about 2 things - selection and service.
From the other reviews, you can see that the selection is good here. The service during out visit was possibly the best I've ever had at a bar, but this needs some more explanation:
My wife and I came in looking for a bite to eat, needing to relax a bit before driving home from another establishment. We cam in around 7pm on a Friday night, found a table right away and order the Chicken and Mozzarella Panini and two waters. Yes - we went to a bar and order one dish to split and two waters. Normally the server / bartender would probably ask you to kindly leave after this. Not only did our waitress take the order cheerfully and quickly, but she came back to check on us several times while we were eating just to make sure we had enough water and were enjoying our food!
I honestly can't believe that we got such great service after being a couple of stiffs at this neighborhood bar, and it was wonderful! We gave her 100% tip, so it made up for it a little bit, but I still can't get over it. The panini was great too, which made it that much better! We'll definitely be back and thanks for the great service! -
Review from Greg B.
San Diego, CA
9/11/2007
What a great little hidden gem! The outstanding beer selection will keep your thirst at bay for hours. The funky red bathrooms give me Twin Peaks flashbacks after a couple Arrogant Bastard drafts.
Cool staff with great humble, welcoming attitude. It reminds me of how Bub's Dive in PB used to be before it got its liquor license - a great, comfy place to drink a beer and watch some football. -
Review from Jonny T.
Hollywood Beach, FL
11/24/2007
Wits End has a fantastic selection of beers. They even have Duval which I used to drink on weekend piss-ups over in Belgium in my youth (1990ish). The bad point here is that Duval should be served in a rounded glass and not a straight up pint glass, but I'm just being a dick. It does flow better that way though.
The bar staff are nice. Some people above rated that the service isn't the quickest. They're right. It's not Chili's or Outback etc. Its a local bar where the bar staff chat to people.
Anyway, my main point of happiness is they now have the Fox Soccer Channel. YES, they still show, football, baseball and basketball but, by golly, they also show soccer, boxing and rugby. Three sports that I enjoy! Hooray for Wits End.
By the way, the food is not that good (not that bad either) but with the beer they have, who gives a Donald Duck? -
Review from Jack K.
San Diego, CA
7/30/2009
This is my first review and why not on a place that I've been going to now for over 2 years. Wit's End is a great local craft beer and wine bar. They have a good, tasty menu and great taps on rotation, from local breweries to one's from afar, not to mention a sweet bottle list.
They also have entertainment on a nightly basis which is fun, one of my favorite nights is Wednesday, it's karaoke! The staff is great, fun and will always help keep your glass full!
If you haven't checked it out yet, definitely do so! I think you'll be back.
I love this bar!! -
Review from Brian R.
San Diego, CA
7/16/2009
Stumbled in on a Wed. night to find gay karaoke goin' on...That's right, I got to witness two dudes and a puppet sing Backstreet Boys. I'm sold.
