Dollar bills and jolly roger flags line the ceiling at Oceanside’s pirate-themed bar, the Haunted Head Saloon. It’s the perfect spot to say ahoy to a shot of tequila after strolling through the Sunset Market.

From afar it looks like a roadside restaurant, but this wood-clad Leucadia dive is better known for its drinking environment than its food. Crawl in and enjoy cheap drinks in red leatherette booths or at the fire table under a round shingled roof. Look for the hand-painted sign advertising $2.99 spaghetti and happy hour from 6 a.m. to midnight to find the bar entrance.

Loaded with pool tables, dart boards, and unpretentious well cocktails and bottles, this strip mall bar is the perfect stop after Thai food at Charm Thai Kitchen or a pedicure from one of the neighboring businesses.

Pacific Beach is no stranger to bars but the Silver Fox Lounge is one of its OG stars. A requisite pool table and 6 a.m. opening time seals its deal in the dive bar hall of fame. Enjoy (Rolling) Rock and Shot specials and a $5 liquid brunch (Bloody Marys and screwdrivers) on weekends.

This is the kind of bar you love or hate. With atmospheric sound provided by local bands and karaoke, the vibe is amplified by strong specialty shots and classic cocktails poured by sassy bartenders.

Though the exterior has been majorly overhauled, inside it’s still the same old Lancers. The wood paneling and drop ceiling were painstakingly preserved at the still cash-only bar so grab a stool and crack open a bottled beer while waiting your turn for one of the recently re-felted pool tables.

This City Heights hotspot is serving some of the finest cocktails made by some of the liveliest bartenders on El Cajon Boulevard. Find live music and seriously good Monday happy hour deals from opening until 2 a.m.

Live Wire is the ultimate local dive. Don’t let the low red glow fool you into thinking this is not a serious bar. They make solid drinks and offer good craft beers served through some of the best maintained lines in town.

Warm up your pipes and head to karaoke night at the Lamplighter or take your cocktails to the patio for a bit of fresh air. 

With its colorful facade, Tower Bar is the easiest to spot dive bar in town. Grab a stool at this live music venue and bar in City Heights and play it safe with a beer or be a hero and order the bar a round of Hello Kitty Farts.

Naugahyde abounds at this 60’s-era watering hole, a longtime industry favorite. Cozy up in a booth with strong drinks and bar bites like burgers, wings, and breakfast all day.

This is the destination in Spring Valley for good times, dive bar-style. Under the new owners the space enjoyed a lovely clean while maintaining good drinks, karaoke, pool tables, and a solid lineup of friendly bartenders.

Can’t stay at home, can’t stay in school? Sounds like the heavy pours at Cherry Bomb are for you.

Dimly lit and cash-only, the East Village’s Chee-Chee Club serves bottled beer and well drinks with splash of kindness and shot of attitude. Order anything else at your own risk.

Offering a respite from the tourist-filled Gaslamp bars that surround it, Star Bar remains a favorite on the dive bar circuit with the vibe still intact under new ownership. You can still enjoy $5 happy hour beers or step up to cocktails like Topo Chico ranch water or Japanese whisky and ginger.

With affordable drinks and friendly service, expect mostly locals and those looking to escape the peninsula’s tourist attractions.