The Tower Bar

    Claimed
    $ Dive Bars
    Closed4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    What's the vibe?

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    Inside

    33 photos

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    Outside

    10 photos

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    All photos

    73 photos

    Divey
    Live music
    Very loud
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    Review Highlights

    Location & Hours

    Map

    4757 University Ave

    San Diego, CA 92105

    Euclid Ave & Reno Dr

    City Heights

    Mon

    • 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Tue

    • 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Wed

    • 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Thu

    • 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Fri

    • 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Closed now

    Sat

    • 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Sun

    • 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

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    Amenities and More

    About the Business

    San Diego's largest selection of genuine French, Swiss and Bohemian Absinthe, prepared in the traditional method.

    Ask the Community

    • Q:

      Are all races welcome?

      A:

      Yes, also City Heights is one of the most diverse neighborhoods.

      Nicholas S. 
      2 years ago 1 person found this helpful
    • Q:

      Where's the best place to find the history of The Tower Bar including local information about the neighborhood?

      A:

      There is a history of The Tower Bar on the Tower's website at http://www.thetowerbar.com/history/ with a lot of great vintage pictures of the bar and neighborhood.

      Michael R., Business Owner 
      2 years ago

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    Overall rating

    203 reviews

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    • Photo of Gina S.
      Gina S.
      San Diego, CA
      184
      142
      124
      Aug 3, 2017

      Wow! I've lived in the area my entire life and have never stepped foot into this bar. I remember driving by as a kid and looking up at the colorful tower wondering what was inside of it. My friends and I, who also live in the area, wanted to top the night off with drinks after dinner and decided that this was the night we'd finally enter The Tower Bar.

      If you aren't from this area, it would probably look ghetto and unsafe, but it's really not that bad. The lot is small, but we had no trouble parking since it was night time on a weekday. Inside was dark, dingy and also small with a bar, dancefloor? and stage. As newbies in the dive bar scene, my boyfriend and I ordered Moscow Mules (my go-to) and kind of felt ridiculous with our copper cups. My other two friends got Fat Tires on draft, which tasted really strange. To our surprise, we came before a punk rock band was going to perform. They were pretty good; it was crazy loud and awesome. Our bartender, I forgot his name, but he was a cool guy, very welcoming.

      I'd probably return some time in the future? The drinks were cheap. Bottled beer, if they have any, would be a better choice. I'd probably ask for a different drink or for a glass instead of a copper cup to blend in a bit more.

      Helpful 2
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    • Photo of JL S.
      JL S.
      San Diego, CA
      3
      454
      9
      Mar 24, 2024

      Dropped in at Tower Bar after happy hour at Key and Cleaver. Met Mick and he was so cool. He played yacht rock on the tele for us old farts. The Eggo liqueur from Gatlinburg, TN was the bomb. Had the waffle, syrup and butter taste to a T. Friendly folks at the bar. Such a cool vibe. We'll definitely return.

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      Business owner information

      Photo of Michael R.

      Michael R.

      Mar 28, 2024

      Thank you for stopping in, and for the kind words!! It was great to meet you guys. Hope you stop in again when you're out this weay.

    • Photo of Alisa M.
      Alisa M.
      Encinitas, CA
      1544
      1098
      175
      Feb 26, 2024
      1 check-in

      I went to see a friend's band here and it's a tiny place. Total dive, which happens to be my jam. Very cheap.and different cocktails. One drink was called Hello Kitty Farts which was tequila and watermelon. I would guess that is exactly what a Hello Kitty Fart would smell like.

      The day I was there they were advertising Free Nachos and I thought that was a band that was playing later. But much to my delight, they were actually serving free nachos. The kind you get at the movies which I one of my secret downfalls. I pigged out. It was a cool place to see a band. It's way far from where I ever typically visit but I did enjoy myself. And nachos!!!

      Helpful 1
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    • Photo of David I. T.
      David I. T.
      North Park, San Diego, CA
      831
      42
      171
      Jul 30, 2023
      Updated review

      First time here I heard music from outside and I was looking for a good bar in the neighborhood. I was delighted when I came in and met Jenna the bartender. She's great and down to earth with her guests. It's been a year now and I love this place. Today I came in and was happy to see the regulars here and Jenna behind bar. For me it's nostalgic. I work in the industry and live close by! This place is great. People are always enjoying themselves. Jenna thanks for your kindness. I'll just say everyone here is great and I love tower bar! It has tons of history. Ask for the history book and a drink while you read ! I'll be back even if I move away from the area. Tower is a great spot! I love bringing friends here

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      Mar 14, 2023Previous review
    • Photo of Lora K.
      Lora K.
      Linda Vista, San Diego, CA
      123
      11
      2
      Jul 22, 2023

      Loud! Good service. Very tiny space. Punk rock bands and music videos. Crowd is lots of fun and friendly...gotta be cuz it's so small!

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    • Photo of Hannah P.
      Hannah P.
      San Diego, CA
      145
      198
      192
      Sep 16, 2022

      Fun small bar! I came here for my brothers band. Never heard of the place before. Very unique building. This inside is SMALL. Luckily it wasn't crowded when we arrived and we were even able to snag a booth seat (only 4 or 5 of them). The only other seating is at the bar. Punk atmosphere. They had my favorite beer on tap so that was a plus!

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    • Photo of Mario F.
      Mario F.
      Riverside, CA
      175
      357
      399
      Dec 17, 2021

      I've always wanted to come here for the historical aspect of this bar. Surviving a car crash and becoming a landmark are some of the main reasons I had to visit. This bar gave me a punk/mosh pit vibe and I absolutely loved it. It was grunge, dark and felt like as you were sitting time had stopped. The history on the walls, the bands that had played all gave it a euphoric feeling. Their drinks were cheap and got the job done. We had came early evening right when they had opened so we didn't get to hear any live bands. Next time we go, we will make sure to come when a local band is rocking out!

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    • Photo of Jonathan R.
      Jonathan R.
      San Marcos, CA
      133
      3
      Jul 24, 2023

      Great spot. Perfect neighborhood dive bar feel. Cheap drinks, long happy hour and some of the best staff. They have local and touring bands from all types of genre. Definitely recommend checking out their calendar and stopping by if you haven't yet.

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    • Photo of Cristian O.
      Cristian O.
      San Diego, CA
      8
      26
      18
      Mar 25, 2022

      Pop in for a beer or sit and enjoy the dark corner while music is blasted by a local band.

      Bones helped me out like douche bag

      Great beer and great bartenders. Chill vibes till the music starts. I'll update you guys as it goes..

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    • Photo of Tim S.
      Tim S.
      Surprise, AZ
      100
      1521
      2157
      Sep 17, 2019

      Came here a few weeks back to check out my friends band, Western Settings (Dopest punk rock band in all of San Diego, btw....if you ever have a chance to catch them, do so!).

      Bar was super divey! I liked the atmosphere. Small, a bit cramped, but it gave it some personality. Been here forever and a day...my inlaws remember this bar from when they moved to San Diego back in the 60s/70s.

      Good sound, attentive bartenders, party vibe.

      Only thing I didn't like was the sticky floor. JESUS that thing was nasty. Literally had to put force into your step to unstick your shoe from the sticky ass floor. It was rather disgusting and I had to wash the bottom of my shoes off before I entered my friends house as to not drag in layered filth. Other than that, had a great time and would come back to see another show!

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    • Photo of Dexo M.
      Dexo M.
      Lemon Grove, CA
      1
      79
      Oct 11, 2022

      Excellent place to ho have a beer. My kinda place. Good music too. TK& Deadlist. The perfect bar!!!

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    47 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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