San Diego/ Food & Drinks
Published on January 31, 2020
5 top budget-friendly pubs in San DiegoThe Ugly Dog Pub | Photo: Eliza M./Yelp

Looking to try the top inexpensive pubs around?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable pubs in San Diego, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list. Read on for a rundown.

1. Hamilton's Tavern

photo: amanda s./yelp

Topping the list is Hamilton's Tavern. Located at 1521 30th St. (between Beech and Cedar streets) in South Park, it's the most popular cheap pub in San Diego, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,294 reviews on Yelp.

Yelper Gordon V., who recently reviewed Hamilton's Tavern, wrote, "Love this place. Enter into a dim-lit bar area with a super-cool ceiling of beer taps. The bartender and employees are super-friendly, outgoing, knowledgeable and fun. Good-size bar area, tables, booths and high tops. Enjoy your favorite brew with a burger or wings — delicious!"

2. Newport Pizza & Ale House

photo: amanda s./yelp

Next up is Ocean Beach's Newport Pizza & Ale House, at 5050 Newport Ave. (between Bacon and Abbott streets). It's another top choice, with Yelpers giving the inexpensive pub and Hawaiian spot, which offers pizza and more, four stars out of 478 reviews.

Yelper Mireille T. wrote, "Hands down the best pizza I've had in San Diego. Everyone that works there is so nice, they give you honest beer recommendations and they always greet you, even when it's busy and there is no sitting room."

3. The Ugly Dog Pub

photo: the ugly dog pub/yelp

The Ugly Dog Pub, a dog-friendly dive bar in Rolando, is another much-loved, inexpensive go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 106 Yelp reviews. Head over to 6344 El Cajon Blvd. (between 63rd and Choctaw streets) to see for yourself.

Yelper Erik L. wrote, "Everyone is so genuine and friendly. If you ever looking for a good spot to get a beer and relax this is it. It's basically one big family. Karaoke on certain days, video game tournaments, football games nights, movie nights, free pool and the most awesome rotating beer selection in SD. What more can you ask for?"

4. Effin's Pub and Grill

photo: jack l./yelp

Over in Rolando, check out Effin's Pub and Grill, which has earned four stars out of 303 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the pub and traditional American spot by heading over to 6164 El Cajon Blvd. (between 63rd Street and College Avenue).

Yelper Austin N. wrote, "Crowd on Thursdays is really cool for college night. They offer $1 beers and buy-one-get-one bowls. There are activities like pool, beer pong and foosball."

5. JT's Tavern

photo: jt's tavern/yelp

Last but not least, there's JT's Tavern, a Grantville favorite with four stars out of 251 reviews. Stop by 5821 Mission Gorge Road (at Fairmount Avenue) to hit up the pub and karaoke spot, which offers beer, wine, spirits and more.

Yelper Zointrikca W. wrote, "JT's is one of the best neighborhood bars you could ever hope to find. The regulars are great and the staff is even better. Once they get to know you, when you walk in, they'll start making your regular drink. The whole experience in JT's is like a modern-day 'Cheers' episode."


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.