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
Review Highlights
“Lady Dottie will make you dance till you sweat with her own raspy version of R&B, funk and soul classics.” in 20 reviews
“has a kick ass jukebox and lots of frickin cool ass old skool pbr and schlitz memorabilia everywhere!!” in 6 reviews
“Hey, why not get a tattoo upstairs while you're there?” in 3 reviews
Location & Hours
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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 helpfulQ:
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 Owner2 years ago
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
203 reviews
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- Gina S.San Diego, CA184142124Aug 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 2Thanks 0Love this 5Oh no 0 - JL S.San Diego, CA34549Mar 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.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
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.
- Feb 26, 20241 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 1Thanks 0Love this 3Oh no 0 - David I. T.North Park, San Diego, CA83142171Jul 30, 2023Updated 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
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Mar 14, 2023Previous reviewI love this dive bar I came in one night just looking for a neighborhood bar and I heard music from a distance so decided to pop in. There was no cover and was able to walk in after having my ID checked at the door. I've been back here a handful of times now and even brought friends with me. Christina and Bones are great bartenders. Each have their own style but you can't help but love and appreciate them. They make you feel welcome and genuinely happy to serve you. This place also has tons of history and I've made friends here so I continue to come back
- Lora K.Linda Vista, San Diego, CA123112Jul 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!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 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!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - 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!
Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 1 - Jonathan R.San Marcos, CA1333Jul 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.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Cristian O.San Diego, CA82618Mar 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..Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 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!Helpful 8Thanks 0Love this 9Oh no 0 - Dexo M.Lemon Grove, CA179Oct 11, 2022
Excellent place to ho have a beer. My kinda place. Good music too. TK& Deadlist. The perfect bar!!!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0
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