Best Restaurants with Bar Seating in Hillcrest

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodJapaneseBarbecue

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillDowntownHillcrestLittle ItalyNorth ParkPacific Beach

Top Rated

CharmingGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for happy hourGreat for live music

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

1. NOLA on 5th

4.3

Awesome(85)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest

Booked 11 times today

NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.

A photo of Wilma's Carousel Bar restaurant

2. Wilma's Carousel Bar

4.7

Exceptional(92)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Little Italy

Booked 30 times today

As one of only two carousel bars in the United States, Wilma’s Carousel Bar offers a truly unique experience.We invite you to immerse yourself in this nostalgic retreat with Executive Corporate Chef Brian Redzikowski’s French-Creole inspired dishes and Beverage Director Eric Johnson’s a selection of cocktails including both innovative spins on traditional favorites and imaginative new concoctions.

3. Madison

4.4

Awesome(3072)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 62 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

4. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(46)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 12 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

5. Craft Bar Kamon

4.8

Exceptional(201)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 32 times today

"Taisho Roman craft cocktail bar in the heart of East Village San Diego that reflects the period in Japan when traditionalism and modernism first converged. We are committed to offer the unique and best craft cocktails! **To make a reservation for a party of 6 or more, please contact us through email at info@barkamon.com Please refrain from booking multiple tables as we most likely won't be able to accommodate to seat together.**Please be aware that table or bar seating selection is just a request and it is not a confirmation. We will try our best to accommodate but due to limited seating availability, you may be seated to a different section from what you have requested at the reservation.

A photo of Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego restaurant

6. Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego

4.5

Awesome(37)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

A sophisticated watering hole with elevated bare fare. The Pendry San Diego hotel bar, Fifth & Rose, is a classic cocktail bar in an elegant, chic, and comfortable room. A classic setting for a fitting drink, it is a place to engage in conversation, enjoy bar fare, and linger over the perfect cocktail. Rich stone stands out amidst a black and white palette with crimson details, while candles and fresh roses accent tables. Fifth & Rose is inspired by a host’s living room: comfortable, always welcoming, a place you never want to leave.

7. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(327)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 102 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

8. Coco Maya

4.4

Awesome(388)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy and overlooking the Piazza della Famiglia, Coco Maya offers a contemporary twist on classic American dishes. Our diverse menu ranges from light coastal cuisine to robust, flavorful proteins cooked in a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven. Additionally, we pay homage to our neighborhood's roots with several Italian-inspired entrees, featuring unique takes on flatbreads and pastas. As part of the Grind & Prosper Hospitality Group, Coco Maya is an evolution of our original concept, Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. Since our inception, we've continued to explore new flavors and culinary techniques while broadening our scope and enriching our cocktail program. Coco Maya boasts a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, alongside the delicious tropical and rum-based cocktails that have become synonymous with Miss B’s.Open daily for brunch and dinner, with a weekday Happy Hour from 2-5 pm.

A photo of Marina Kitchen - San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina restaurant

9. Marina Kitchen - San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina

4.3

Awesome(415)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Comfort Food • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Marina Kitchen is a dynamic, chic and comfortable San Diego dining venue where people go to relax, socialize and take in the sights and sounds of a rhythmic and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego coastline from our bay restaurant.

A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

10. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(879)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
TriciaVIP
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We had a really fun time at Wilma’s Carousel. The hostesses were very friendly and helpful. They made us feel so welcome! We got to sit at the carousel and it was really comfortable. The bar tenders were all very nice and helpful. The drinks were tasty. I tried both NA drinks and enjoyed both. The smashed Big Mac was absolutely delicious. Hubby had steak frites, but the steak was overcooked. It didn’t detract from a lovely evening. We will return and try some appetizers and dessert!
More info
Wilma's Carousel BarPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Little Italy
•
4.7
L
LupitaVIP
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Service was excellent, drinks were absolutely delicious and food was great. The place is kinda of small but very chic.
More info
BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• North Park
•
4.6
O
Oscar
Baja California •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Pretty pricey, just about $300 for 2 appetizers, 2 main dishes and 2 drinks with tax and tip. The food and service were great though and the place is beautiful.
More info
MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.4
S
Susan
Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
It's a small place with the front space filled with the bar. It was so cold that we had to keep our coats and fleece on! The food was hot, tasty and came out quickly. We would definitely eat there again.
More info
NOLA on 5thPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Hillcrest
•
4.3
J
Jenny
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Perfect experience at this speakeasy. True to the title of a speakeasy. Drinks and mocktails were delicious, food and ambiance on point! We will definitely be back and highly recommend!
More info
Craft Bar KamonPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.8

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