The High Dive is a little more upscale than most dive bars, but a dive bar nonetheless. They offer breakfast through dinner options, and an impressive salad collection for those who prefer something on the lighter side (to pass on the grease). The breakfast burger seems to be a fan favorite, as is the the Ortega Turkey Melt. And you won’t want to pass up the indulgent gorgonzola fries. Different food specials are offered every day of the week, starting at 5pm.

With this pub it’s not about the quantity of the menu, but rather the quality. Physical menus don’t actually exist here; instead your “choices” are written on a chalkboard behind the bar. Your only option is a burger and fries, and beyond that you can customize it only by size (½ lb. patty or ⅓ lb. patty) and whether or not you want cheese. The simplicity is refreshing, and the burger itself is nothing short of phenomenal. Locals hold this place in high regard and it’s heralded as the best burger in San Diego.

They only serve beer and wine here, so if you’re looking for options and variety you will want to consult the food menu. You can place your order at the kitchen window in the back of the bar and you will be rewarded with a hot and fresh hoagie or an overloaded cheese steak sandwich (there offer about six different types). Both are immensely filling and satisfying, but since the place advertises itself as ‘San Diego’s King of the Philly Cheese Steak’ we recommend the latter, if only for the experience. The kitchen closes at 9pm so make sure to plan accordingly.

It could be that the standards for quality food are just a little lower with Effin’s customers--located right next to SDSU’s campus, most patrons are college students--but the general consensus among those who frequent here is that the food is pretty darn good. One even makes the bold claim that this place has the best wings in town. From the outside, it doesn’t look necessarily look like somewhere you would want to dine, but what dive bar does? If you’re brave enough to order, try a unique house original like the corned beef tacos, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Cake Ballz, served in three on a skewer with spicy jam--flavors include Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, and S’mores. Daily food specials are offered Monday through Sunday.

It’s been voted #1 Sports Bar in San Diego by the Union-Tribune so that’s proof that there is something redeeming about this dive. While the food menu itself doesn’t appear much different than what you’d find on any other dive bar menu, it’s the taste that sets it apart from the rest. Fans insist that you’re making a mistake if you don’t try the pastrami sandwich, and the hand cut potato skins come highly recommended. The portions are plentiful and everything on the menu is under $11, so you’ll be full and your wallet will too--unless you get carried away with the cocktails. They do monthly food specials and currently they are running an Oktoberfest-themed special, which includes Bavarian penne pasta and beer braised brats. Bonus is that the kitchen stays open really late here.

This iconic piece of San Diego history is revered just as much for its dive bar status as it is for its steakhouse status. The dim lights, vinyl booths, and old-school ambience make this a perfect place to sink back a cocktail in comfort, but oftentimes what people really come here for is the food--specifically the beef. Tender, aged, and flavored to perfection, every cut on the menu is a good call; not to mention that each entree includes a relish dish, a salad, garlic cheese bread, and your choice of baked potato, french fries or rice. The seafood specialties are just as varied and just as delicious. Before you go, know that the food isn’t exactly cheap, but you’re paying for a fabulous culinary experience, and as far as food in dive bars go it is worth every penny. Fun fact: Esquire Magazine voted this place Best Bar in America.