Waterfront Bar & Grill Reviews

Great hamburgers. Sunday mornings breakfast have eggs with chorizo! Lots of regulars. Actually much larger than the photo would lead you to believe. Parking is a problem.

Fine type restaurant with fine service. Open space with lots of room. Seafood and wines were great - especially the lobster made our day. Try the crabcakes for starters. Best place we had dinner during our 3 day stay in town.

A little hole in the wall in Little Italy and it was one of our favourites. Good food and excellent staff. Many regulars here and they made us feel welcome.

This is the classic burger "dive". Lots of draft beer, plenty on burger combos, and sassy staff. Stop by and watch the people, professionals, bikers, retirees.

Amazing. I have missed tacos and salsa so much lol, the guac was a little tasteless but the salsa was perfect! Our server James was super sweet and very attentive. FIVE STARS TO JAMES

Bar was really packed on Friday night; fun atmosphere, young crowd. We're older, so we stuck around for a drink and moved on, but... Breakfast on Sunday was delicious; not as packed and more diverse age demo, but still pretty crowded.

we visited the waterfront bar n grill to experience one of the oldest dive bars.we ate and drank and had a really good time. this bar may be considered a dive bar but the clientel does not match.we had to order a burger because of the good reviews and yes the burgers are good.

Now it's just trendy. It's always crowded and I haven't been back.

This place goes back for decades and is long in the tooth and old California beer joint charm. The breakfast is outstanding & Saturdays Mexican food specials are on the menu. Go have a bloody for me!

It's a hopping bar with lots of young folks having fun. Did not eat there, but drank there and had a great time.

The real deal as San diegos oldest bar and grill. Not a place trying to appear authentic, just honest friendly service in an unpretentious setting. Might be the best Bloody Mary and breakfast in San Diego, so good we came back for lunch.

My wife and I started at this local bar before heading out to the Gaslamp District. We really enjoyed sitting on the patio having a couple of drinks to start out a night on the town. We also came back after heading out and finishing our night at this watering hole. It was real nice, even being a tourist, hanging out and chatting with a lot of the locals. The microbrews that they serve here were great to try since I can't get them back in Georgia. On top of that, the wait staff was real friendly and personable. We came back here on a few different occasions and had a great time each visit.

The oldest establihment in Little Italy. Frequented by the Professional Fishing Community. This is one hearty eatery. NOTE: You must be 21 to enter. ID required. No exceptions. Back to the important points. The staff will want to know your name and use it for the entire service.The food... Great. Let em no if you don't like spicy. Calamari a pleasant suprise. I had the Breakfeast Burrito.WoW !. My love had the Ahi Ahi Sandwhich. One incjh slab of tuna. Wonderful. For desert we split a Grilled Cheese Sandwhich with tomatoes and grilled onions. I dream of this sandwhich.. OUTSTANDING. Great menue. Wonderful drink menue. Put this on your must eat at list for San Diego.

Enjoyed the brunch menu's chorizo. One friend really liked the fish and chips and my fiance loved the chilaquiles. They would get a 5 rating but the staff missed simple things like giving us the correct food the first time, ensuring we had silverware when the food arrived and providing our check within a reasonable amount of time (we had to chase down the server TWICE to finally get it).

Good bar. Food is just ok.

My husband and I have a condo in Little Italy and can walk or jog to the Waterfront. Love the breakfast and the dinner menus. When my parents were in town, we took them to there. We have met friends there. The food is not only amazing, but the service is usually great! Everyone from the bartenders to the doorman are friendly. The atmosphere is really cool. It's old school and has lots of fishing items, sea photos, etc. on the walls and around the place. They have a juke box so you can choose your own tunes while dining. The only complaint I have is that it's sometimes tough to get a seat since they are ALWAYS so busy.

Fun spot to relax with an inexpensive drink. Lot's of history on the walls to read. Bartenders are friendly.

Just the girls headed to the Waterfront after the Farmer's Market... what fun! The sliders were awesome and the beet and Brussel Sprout Salad was terrific. Great people watching on the sidewalk patio.

Not sure why we ended up there twice, must be the drinks...smells terrible outside in the sitting area, they need to bleach it down..yesterday saw buckets with bottles of champagne for mimosa's

this is a great place to sit and boat watch....from the ferry's, Navy carriers, sailboats, yachts and fishing boats.....the food is very good....the parking can be a problem on the weekend even though they have valet parking....it was full....the drinks are also good....kid friendly....even though we didn't have any with us....great fish market in front to buy delicious looking seafood...

Love the specials and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. As a visitor it's great when you are in a place where everyone is chill and welcoming. I meet new friends every time I visit. Food is good and drinks are generous. Love the wings!

After arriving in San Diego after a long day of travel, we were looking for lunch & a cold beer- Waterfront was the answer! I like all things vintage & the slightly divey, old time pub atmosphere drew me in. The food was way better than I expected!! My husband & I had the Ahi Tuna Sandwich & it was by far the best seared tuna sandwich I have ever had. Great place for a casual lunch & a pint- they claim to be the oldest tavern in San Diego est. in 1933. Def worth a try!

This place was within walking distance of our hotel and we wanted to grab a bite before heading downtown for an event.My daughter and I ordered a fish and chips and an extra plate. They gave us an extra piece of fish, a huge order of fries each, and did not charge a plate charge. The fish was tasty and the fries were well cooked. I had a beer and my daughter had a delicious cocktail. I would like to visit this bar again when we have a little more time. It is a really cool, historic spot with sports and good old Rock n' Roll playing. The staff was really friendly and we had fun people watching.

Great Gouda grilled cheese. It's in little Italy. Take walk down street to local market and buy some cookies or a treat after dinner.

Open early for breakfast. We went at lunch and ordered fish and chips and Texas half pound hamburger. Burger is ala carte. Extras such as cheese and mushrooms cost more. Burger was delicious and huge. A side of fries is $4. Fish had nice batter that wasn't greasy or thick. Bar is really old and looks it. Rafters in ceiling a little gross. Bar has a lot of character. A block from India Street, so probably is considered Little Italy section of downtown.

It's a San Diego staple. If you are visiting SD for the first time or have lived here your whole life, this is a perfect dive to get a slider with onion rings and a San Diego local beer. They have an open bar- so anything is possible.

I was alone at a business conference and tried this place for Monday Night Football. It did not disappoint. It had a great draft selection and Monday is wings night!! I recommend the Asian style wings. The service is good and the clientele very friendly. Like a lot of San Diego bars, this is semi-open air. So, dress appropriately. (Shorts in the summer and a little warmer in the winter.)

Popped in here for a few quiet beers with my husband. Coming from London, I asked for a recommendation for a local beer. Young girl threw a menu at me and shrugged then tutted as I tried to figure it out for myself. Round came to $11.25 so I asked to call it $14. She looked at me like I was from another planet and gave me the correct amount of change. I left a few dollars for her anyway, all the while she looked at me through squinted eyes. Sorry if I ain’t from round ‘ere.... I have travelled extensively around the USA and the bar ordering etiquette varies greatly. There was a nasty and parochial vibe in this small town excuse for a bar.

We were recommended this place by a bar maid at Bolt Brewery which didn’t serve rum. It is really a locals bar, but full of life and atmosphere. There’s a narrow strip of seats outside, a bar area in the middle and seating in the rear. The servers were bang on and we never had to wait to be served. There’s sport on TV which was showing various baseball games. With it being a local bar, the drinks weren’t as expensive as some along India Street / Little Italy.

I just read an article about a place we've been to many times and I don't think I've ever written about. The Waterfront is a great place in downtown San Diego. They made the top 101 burgers in the US according to Yelp and the Daily Meal. Checking in at #100 The Texas, Waterfront Bar & Grill, San Diego. "Packing in crowds since 1933, what’s quite possibly the oldest bar in San Diego also serves what very well might be its best burger. Called the Texas, this half-pound, hand-formed patty is topped with melt-in-your-mouth fried onions and your choice of seven cheeses (opt for American). Wash the Texas down with a cold beer and it’ll quickly become obvious why Waterfront has become such an institution." The waterfront is a small place, almost more like a bar that serves food than a restaurant. Its been there since 1933 and they have seen a lot of places come and go. The have a great selection with everything from burgers to fish and chips to tacos and salads. They also have a great bar! Parking is on street only or you'll have to find a parking lot in the area.We like to sit outside! Try it, I don't think you will be disappointed!

Nice laid back atmosphere with a unique history. Don't expect elegant but certainly worth the stop. Has become my favorite San Diego bar.

We stopped here after visiting the Farmer's Market in Little Italy. This is our first visit to the city. The place was packed for a Saturday around 1pm. We found a bar table outside. The service was excellent. My chicken burger was good though it could have used a larger slice of tomato and piece of lettuce. My husband described his beef burger as ok. Both the server and the manager, Lauren, provided very prompt and friendly service. Lauren even gave us two drink cards to redeem if we come back before we leave. The only distraction was a party of guys one table over and one of them was smoking. We're from the Seattle area where smoking is prohibited in restaurants indoors and out. Aside from that annoyance, I would recommend this restaurant.

My wife and I were exploring downtown San Diego, and even though we were in Little Italy during lunchtime we were not in the mood for Italian food. I did a little research and decided to try the Waterfront. The menu offers quite a few items from Mexican Brunch (weekends), to many sandwiches and old favorites. At first I thought I would order a burger, but the majority were in the 1/2 lb. category, and during the holidays, well I was "saving up." In reality, how hard is it to make a burger. If you add french fries, well that eats up your calories for the day ... no Christmas cookies later! :) What caught my eye was their three choices for grilled cheese. I know what you are thinking. Grilled Cheese? Really! You might just want to add the Campbell's Tomato Soup and get it over with! Read on! I ordered the Jalopeno grilled cheese which came on a Jalopeno artisan bread. The sandwich was grilled in butter (Just like Mom's!) and had fried onions inside as well. My wife order the Smoked Gouda which was dressed with some olive oil soaked sun-dried tomatoes. It was also grilled in two slices of artisan bread. Both were served with a baby spinach salad that was garnished with a generous portion of walnuts and chunks of blue cheese drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette. Okay, they were not a great, healthy substitue for a burger and fries, but what great choices they turned out to be! We enjoyed them, and one of the staff admitted that the Gouda was her favorite. As a side note, a well dressed businessman noticed our lunches and asked what they were. Guess what he ordered! We sat at the large, worn wooden bar, which also added to the open air atmosphere, and it was quite busy. We had a chance to chat with some of the staff, and found out they had a Christmas party the night before. From what I can gather it must have been a good one! This place is what you would expect. It had a local feel to it, and you could tell the regulars as well as the tourists enjoy it. Having a happy staff always adds to your experience, and these folks were really happy. We had some house chardonnay with out lunch. Not much in the way of choices for wine by the glass, but if you are a beer drinker you will be happy. It was too early in the day to evaluate their martinis :) . I would certainly come again, and I probably will next time I am in town.

The best shrimp tacos ever at very reasonable prices. Loved the dive bar vibe, but the food wasn’t dive-y at all. Friendly service and good beer selection.

I was a bit unsure of what to expect as we entered, but found this place to be great. Seat yourselves, order at the bar. Staff is fantastic - friendly, willing to talk about beer options and provide samples, etc. Food was definitely much better than typical bar food, and everyone in the group enjoyed what they got. Recommended: the fish and chips, burgers, and burrito were all great, as was the peanut butter porter. Definitely stop by for reasonably priced drinks, good food, and terrific service.

Had st. Patrick's Day lunch here with some business colleagues. They had a Reuben sandwich that was outstanding. Service was good atmosphere was unique. And the waiter knew how old the bar was. What could be better!

Picked this spot because I was in the area, and it had a four star Yelp review. I never read the reviews, just popped on over. Judging by the name, I expected a typical American grill on the water. It was nothing like that! It is a grungy biker type bar with good hamburgers and a good happy hour. They aren't near the water, and their menu isn't really "grill" fare. That being said, we enjoyed our burgers and the lively atmosphere. Staff was friendly. Drinks were cheap! I'd go back!

Can't beat the setting especially at sunset looking out over the ocean. We ate on the porch and it was lovely. The food is just ok with a lot of unnecessary sauces smothering fresh fish. The service was very nice.

Recently had an early good basic breakfast at the Waterfront. A great location...we walked to an art show close by and also absorbed the essence of Little Italy. I would suggest getting an outside table...Saturday mornings have a bit of the smells of Friday nights activities inside. Breakfast was tasty, service was excellent.

Great place for some beer and a burger for a great price

Can't miss out on the local dive bar! Great little place great drinks. Apparently they are San Diego's oldest tavern, kinda cool, locals place

Super cool dive bar we stumbled across for a breakfast cocktail after landing at the airport. Everyone was so friendly and the service was perf! Hubs had the wings-he loved them and he's picky! I had a fish taco and it was amaze!! We will definitely be back!

What a fun place to have stumbled across, neighbourhood pub atmosphere and delightful entertaining staff. The burgers were great and we followed up the next morning with breakfast and that was great as well. The staff are a big part of what makes this place special and it is one of the oldest pubs in town.

This awesome bar is friendly, comfy, fun, and the food hits the spot! James was our bartender and absolutely spoiled us. Thanks for making us feel so welcome and taking extra special care regarding my food allergies. All the staff were great, music was fun, food was delicious - and we went back again the next night for more!!

We stopped in here because it just looked like our type of place from the outside. However when going in, it was better than ever. The staff, the food and beer were just great. I recommend this to anyone that likes to.enjoy good food and people.

Visit here spring break, before catching my flight stop by and let me tell you Best cheeseburger ever, French fries on point. Awesome atmosphere it is a must if you visit San Diego.

I was staying nearby in the Gaslamp and I had some time for a late lunch before I was going to the Padres game in the Gaslamp. I decided to find a meal near my hotel, and ended up going to the Waterfront Bar. I am glad I did, it was much better than the Padre food offerings. I recommend eating on the patio, and the burger I had was giant. I even had 1/2 a pound of tater tots, good choice, but it may have been too much. The choice of beers was more than enough. I was there in the early afternoon, I think it gets quite crowded as the evening moves on. If you like that, then do it, otherwise, the earlier the better.

First off, me and my girlfriend almost walked all the way inside before the doorman carded us because he wasn't paying attention. We then sat down at the bar and could barely hear the bartender ask us if we wanted menus. I understand it's a bar but the music was extremely loud. Also, we looked at the menus for about 5 minutes and decided what we wanted but never had the chance to tell the bartender. We go to a lot of bars so I know how to get a bartenders attention but we were still ignored. It was busy and loud and so we left. Might be better for a lunch meal but we won't be coming back to find out.

I walked over here on a Sunday morning with my dog. Sat outside and was surrounded by late nighters who were enjoying a cocktail or a beer at 8am. Adorable waitress from Maine took great care of me, and I ordered a simple egg-hasbrown-sausage breakfast that was really great. Potatoes crispy, toast done with quality bread, and GREAT coffee to boot.

It may be the oldest, but it's also the best. The drinks are good, the staff is good. They have a pool table. The tacos are good, the burgers are better. Bottom line, it's a gem of a place.

This is a great bar/grill. Just 5 minutes from the airport, makes this place ideal for waiting on someone arriving at SAN International. One of the old classic bars from the past where fishermen would visit early before going out to fish. The turkey melt is very tasty. Stop here and wait for the plane to arrive.

I requested a glass of wine at the bar before seating myself. The waitress rudely stated that I had to leave my credit card before opening a tab. I hesitantly gave her my card, expecting her to make an open voucher, but she took it and walked away. This bar/grill wants to keep your credit card in their hands at their cash register until you have closed your bill. I recommend that they change their philosophy to a private club where only members are welcome so they do not need to keep the client's credit card with their service staff far out of the eyesight of the consumer.

This place has an amazing vibe, seems good with the locals and as a traveler it's a must visit. I hate to put it in the dive bar class because of its history but all I can say is the beers are as tall as the women.

This was our first trip to San Diego and we happened to find this place in Little Italy section of downtown. It was a blast. Although we were the oldest people in the place, the staff and “the regulars” were very friendly. Just a fun place.

We stopped in for a quick drink on Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. There was a lot of energy and happy people. After talking with locals they gave a great ideas of places to visit. The food looked good as well. We heard the burgers were delicious. Lots of outdoor seating as well. A fun pub atmosphere.

Looking for lunch and we were lured in by "the oldest tavern in San Diego." Very friendly personable service. Surprised by the chopped salad - avocado, bacon, capers, and more with a terrific pesto dressing. Good food, good service, and a casual atmosphere.

We stopped by for a quick Sunday lunch- love the charm, service and mix of folks. I ordered the pozole and my husband had the fish and chips. Pozole was very good- only complaint if serving microwaved corn tortillas wrapped in paper - they stick together and detracted from the soup. Really good portions, reasonable prices. Loved sitting in the open air area.

My friend took me to Waterfront Bar. When we got there all outdoor tables were taken but we were welcomed to a table shared by some locals. The doorman was super friendly and gave me the brief history of the bar and the bartender was also friendly and made excellent drinks. You must go in and order as drinks are not served to the outside tables. Oh, and the free popcorn? THE BEST!

I have been enjoying the Waterfront since I arrived in San Diego nearly 40 years ago. A group of us get together every month...we are called The Burger Brigade....and we recently polled our members on their favorite burgers in town. The Waterfront won! Great burgers and other items. Fries are perfect. It's near the airport on Kettner and on nice days (often in San Diego) you can enjoy the sidewalk tables. If you are a burger lover....this place is the best in town!

Great service from friendly and attentive staff. Better than average tavern food, especially the burgers and salads. Very good pazole. Have been here dozens of times, and I'll be there again... probably tomorrow.

One of our favourites, very friendly bar, reasonable prices and good food! We come here every time we're in town, i highly reccomend this place!

Right is Little Italy with outside and inside seating, this is a sports bar like none other that I have been to. It is "cozy" (small), but full of super fun people. The grilled tuna sandwhich is worth coming here for. the beer selection is excellent! We made a lot of new friends at the Waterfront and we can't wait to go back.

I was in town for a customer event and one of our customers was only available for breakfast. My associate and I arrived at 7am to witness the patrons at the bar doing shots. We immediately got concerned as to how this breakfast would go. We set down on the patio and the waitress brought us coffee and water. I asked what was good for breakfast, she said it all was but the country fried steak breakfast was the best. I informed her I was the Texas the day before and had a great chicken fried steaks in Ft.Worth and it might not be fare to compare. She said let find out, and I ordered one. It was all you could ask for, excellent gravy, tender steak and crispy breading. I recommend trying it if in San Diego and looking for a great breakfast with a unique atmosphere.

I stopped here with a friend for a drink after a day of training. He lives in San Diego and claims this is a local favorite. I can believe that it is, I had a great seat by the sidewalk where I could people watch, or turn the other way to check the football score on the TVs over the bar. We tried a few different local beers (and one Guinness) all were good. I didn't check out the food this time so I guess I'll have to come back again to see what it's like.

This place is amazing to hang out for drinks, got some awesome beers, service and fun. It is really one of the best bars in San diego. It is full of life, and interesting, I spent about 8 hours here just in one day, being perfectly comfortable. You really get all the people here, from bikers to marines, and that contributes a lot to the ambience.

Very casual and interesting. I enjoy this bar all staff are friendly and the food is good. We live in San Diego and this Bar is our go to. I understand its the oldest bar around.

The Waterfront Bar & Grill in Little Italy. Good drinks. Good burgers. Good dive bar. If you like football, come watch it here.

A nice little hole in the wall for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This place opens early for those who may want a beer before heading home after working the graveyard shift and would like some breakfast food. It is also open late for those getting off the swing shift to have a beer before heading home. The food is really good and the staff friendly.

Just stopped in for a few happy hour brews, nice friendly crowd and staff. I meant to come back but only had 3 days and got distracted.

We had a business lunch planned, meeting an associate "in San Diego" for lunch. All of us were from out of town. We found the Waterfront and agreed to meet there. It was convenient off of the (just west) and off of Pacific, north end of San Diego. Easy off, easy on. This is arguably the oldest pub in San Diego. We parked on the street, right in front. We were there for a "late-ish" lunch, the crowd was less. Bar/pub like environment, outside seating. We sat inside, had a GREAT waitress who explained and then customized for us according to what we each wanted. VERY unusual for such a place. I think I had a Reuben, that was large, excellent and very satisfying. A whole vareity of selections...seems like sandwiches are the mainstay. Don't disregard the place because of that. Some history there; relaxed...good choice!!

I didn't know San Diego was known as such a major beer hub. Super diverse crowd, the only consistently late-night place in the Little Italy area. You can even buy beer from them to-go until they close which I think is almost always 2am. They always seem pretty eager to give you local advice, too. First time I went they even sent me packing with a coupon for a free drink I used another night months later

A colleague and I stopped here for lunch after arriving in San Diego, before heading to a meeting. We both had a burger - I had a Waterfront with pepperjack, and my colleague had a breakfast burger with an egg. It was simple, but one of the best burgers I've had in a very long time. The fries were excellent as well. Service was friendly and thorough, but a little long between visits. Despite the name, it's a way from the waterfront, and you can't see any water, but the place is small, neat, and has great food.

If it weren't for the burgers, this would be just another dive bar. As it is, it is a San Diego Landmark. Good burgers, friendly atmosphere, cold beer. What more could you want? It just doesn't quite make it over the hump to very good.

This is the definition of a great bar Good drinks Good food Good location Good old building Friendly staff Good crowd What more could you ask for?

Husband and I were looking for a late night food around the airport. I had an excellent Thai salad and he had a spicy bean burger. Both were very good. The atmosphere was ok.

We had a great time in the shoulder period between lunch and dinner. The staff was super helpful during a time when a lot of staff seem to check out and go on break. We had three checking on us throughout out meal. Thank you Michelle, Kayla & Joey!! The food was delicious too. Burgers for a late late lunch. The meat was tasty, juicy and cooked to my order (medium rare). The toppings and sauces were high quality. I’m a bacon lover and I’d come back for that topping on my burger! Give a visit to San Diego’s oldest tavern. Whether it’s for a beer, cocktail or a burger lunch!

One of our old favourite bars in SD and we always come when we're in town. The staff are friendly, nice atmosphere, the service is good and so is the food! Their Bloody Mary's are awesome and I can't recommend them enough!

My first and only visit to the Waterfront Bar & Grill was ruined by the bartenders who failed to keep track of people's tabs. I had one Sculpin IPA and one brown ale, but was charged for two Sculpins, the brown ale, a Guinness and a Blue Moon. When I pointed out the mistake, the bartender made no apologies, saying only that my friends' tabs had already been closed out, so there was no way of correcting it. I ended up paying the bill just to avoid what I'm sure was going to be an unpleasant confrontation. There are too many good bars in San Diego for me to ever want to go back to that place.

Wow, this bar has been around for 150+ years. The bartenders know what they are doing. The beers are flowing in this crowded bar where everyone is having a great time. TVs for sporting events and tables inside and outside. Worth a visit while in San Diego to this timeless bar.

We stopped by for lunch and I had another delicious burger at the Waterfront Bar & Grill. It's the oldest bar and restaurant in Little Italy and one of the best burgers in all of San Diego. I had the jalapeno stuffed 1/2 lb. burger and the Mrs. had the Philly cheese-steak and both were cooked to perfection. It's the ideal Guy Fieri dive bar for adults, since nobody is allowed under 21.

We came to the place thanks to a very positive review given by the hotel where we stayed. Went to the bar to ask for information and the girl was very busy and didn't pay much attention to us. Told us there was no specific list of cocktails but she could prepare them anyway. We ordered 2 mohitos surprisingly paying them 10 dollars each, even if there was happy hour time. I then discovered that the happy hour is only on some specific things and I had to go on their website to see it. Nobody explained it to me to help me out, everybody was just very busy looking after returning customers apparently or people who already know how it works, more than treating also new joiners in a good way. The mohito was completely without alcohol, just water with some lime. Didn't even finish it. Just some wasted money. It's full of other places to go around, so you shouldn't have many problems finding a better solution if you wanna enjoy a proper drink in the heart of San Diego.

This place was packed but great low price drinks and wonderful service. We were walking around this area and found this hidden gem. Worth a stop for a beer! Fun atmosphere

The oldest bar in San Diego. I was visiting from out of town. I stopped in for a drink. The bartender Samantha was very friendly and gave me some good recommendations on other bars in the city worth stopping at. The other bartenders were cool and know the regulars by name. I came back the next day for breakfast and got the breakfast burrito. I only ate 3/4 of it but it really filled me up and I didn't even need lunch after that. They are open 6am-2am so you can stop in any time of day for bite to eat or have a few beers.

My hubby and I had breakfast and it was great! The huevos rancheros were delicious!!! They also gave my hubby two vouchers for free drinks at the door. It's a small but very cozy bar. Definitely going back!

At the end of the day, the staff are the highlight. The bartender told me that it was the oldest bar in San Diego, that opened the day after prohibition. That was pretty cool. The staff was friendly, and the place always seems to have a crowd. The food is lack luster, but my expectations weren't all that high eating in a dive bar. According to the same bartender, the cocktail menu had recently been overhauled with the goal of simplicity. Joking menu items like rum and coke including rum, coke, and ice. A nice respite from the many trendy bars in the neighborhood.

So i ordered food was there when they said pick it up still waited for 20 minutes while the manager Tom walked by me 8 times as i tried to get the server who also came over 3 times to serve customers looke me in the face and walked to the other end to serve customers with 2 other ber tenders already working that side so why do i have to wait for a order for 60 minutes

Not only is the entire restaurant poorly run (rude bartenders, low grade food, overpriced drinks) the management here is awful. I am a regular and personally know of multiple employees that were fired only a week before Christmas without being given a reason. Most weren't even properly trained and were used for busy season and then fired for no reason. Don't waste your money or time here! You are supporting a terrible organization with terrible food & drink & rude/disrespectful employees that have no respect for their customers or fellow employees!

This is a hidden treasure. Staff is friendly and made me feel like I was a regular customer. Food is great and open early for breakfast. Check out the memorabilia along the walls too.

The waitress asked my name and even remembered it afterwards. :) I had a carne asada burrito, but their fish tacos and beers have very good reputation as well.

I love a good dive bar and how could I possibly walk by this place without stopping in, especially with the DIVE BAR sign right above the door. The awning over the patio out front boasts that is is the oldest tavern in San Diego. I bellied up to the bar just in time for Happy Hour and complimentary crab legs & popcorn were being offered to go with my beer. They seem to have a loyal following of patrons and I'm sure over the 80+ years, there are some real stories to be told about this historic place.

Had the Waterfront burger with cheddar. YUM! For sure on my top 5 list of best burgers ever! This place was interesting...bikers and hipsters. Try to avoid the bathroom...you may get stuck in there...its tiny. Service was top notch.

We finally made it here, after 3 months of trying to get to it on Saturday night- date night. The obstacle wifey & I had in the past was the parking excursion jaunts we experienced in & around Little Italy & Middletown. Coming to this fine establishment - on a St. Patty Day Saturday 2014 lunch meal - made it worthwhile & momentous. We shared the 1/2 lb. Texas Burger & 1/2 O-rings/1/2 tater tots basket. This is one of the few places in town with Bitburger Pilsner on tap & yes I imbibed a couple 2/3. Wifey had a Saint Archer White Ale, which coincidentally, the local brewery is only a few miles from where we live. This appeared to be a locals only hang-out with out-of-town visitors walking in on a spur of the moment visits. Our initial reason for coming was for the burger (s)....

Had just spent 10 days in the Baja and was in dire need of a Hamburger & Fries. Waterfront Bar & Grill delivered with the expertise of a Gypsy Mindreader. I was given a 1/2 lb plate of heaven with a basket of hot french Fries that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. :) After inhaling my food and washing it down with a great Microbeer (Of which they have many to choose from) I staggered back to the hotel to relax. Well done Waterfront....Well done indeed.

Great time very welcomed staff was always happy to serve you . Food was good and beer was ice cold!!

The staff are friendly, and the food is awesome. This is a great place to watch your favorite team, but come early as it will be packed. We have been here several times and have always been treated like old friends. This is considered a “dive bar” so if thats not your thing, you might not agree with us, but you should try it. Breakfast is fantastic and it is laid back in the morning, which is our favorite time to go.

Waitress was very personable and informative. The food came out quickly and was quite delicious. Highly reccomend

Visited a few weeks ago with some family from the area. Had a few drinks, really cool atmosphere especially since it’s the oldest bar in San Diego. There’s plenty of food places to go eat around it too and drinks were relatively cheap for what we had.

This place is literally a hole-in-the-wall type of place but has natural ambiance galore. Located partially on and off the busy sidewalk of downtown San Diego makes for great people watching for no extra charge. Service is ok...but the food and drinks are MUCH better! All kind of draft beers are offered & our bloody marys were award winning. The four of us ordered many different breakfast things off the menu and none of us complained about anything!

I ate here twice, and for a change of pace (for me) I had the turkey club both times. It’s not a big place, but I managed to find a seat at the bar both times (went there at about 6:30); otherwise I would have been outside ( a bit chilly in mid-winter). Despite the constant demands on their time, the service provided by the staff was excellent both for drinks and food. The sandwiches were delivered as ordered, and were hot and tasty. The beer needs no review.

Was looking for a quick breakfast before hitting the airport with my wife, and stumbled onto this little gem. 5 minutes from the airport and we saw tables on the sidewalk at 7:30 in the morning so figured we would give it a try. Turned out our breakfast was excellent, (and we're not saying that because the Bloody Mary was just as delicious!). The Bartender/Server was friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was "neighborhood bar" so don't expect anything fancy. But if you want good food and/or drinks at a reasonable price with friendly surroundings this is the place! I can already tell my wife has found our new place to wait for planes to arrive or leave! Enjoy!

This is a great place with quite a bit of San Diego history. Supposedly it has the oldest liquor license in San Diego. There is a great beer selection, really good bar food, and very good, attentive servers. The fish and chips are outstanding - Italian style and different from any fish and chips I've had anywhere else. Great food and great drinks at bargain prices. A fun place any time of the day or night. There is usually a crowd so be prepared. No kids.

My workmates and I go for hamburgers regularly. We work close by. We tried all the other places in San Diego that say they have the best. (Hodad's in Ocean Beach is very good but you have to wait or go really early. The bar in Pacific Beach is good. The place in North Park with all the burger choices was yucky.) Anyway, we love these cheeseburgers. I tried a couple other things but always revert back. It is a bar, and close quarters. They have some outside seating. The servers are usually very friendly. Parking can be a challenge and parking is metered. Take plenty of quarters - 6 for 1 1/4 hours.

Visited in early December before heading to the airport. Wish I had stopped earlier in my trip! Monster breakfast burrito... excellent. Great blue collar neighborhood spot for breakfast and a beer.

Light fare food at historic place that has many pictures showing the life in San Diego when the Tuna Fleet operated here.. Local hang out. Mexican breakfast on the weekends. Music some nights. Tables also outside. Many TVs for sports.. Local draft beers. Seats at the counter.

The oldest and best bar in San Diego. Colorful history with a new twist. Family owned and operated since time began, this place is a great find.

One of the longest standing licences in the area (apparently Wyatt Earp frequented here) and the place has a great atmosphere and really good burgers. It's a little off the beaten track and doesn't look much from outside but I would go here again.

Went in December, great beer and wings. Good service. Super cool old pictures on the wall. This is the oldest bar in San Diego!

The service was awesome and the food was even better. This was my husband and I first stop to eat when traveled to San Diego. You've got to try the steak Nachos.

We read about the Waterfront in a review for our hotel in little Italy. When we arrived our first day we walked down to the bar and fell in love with it. Had a few drinks and an appetizer that afternoon. We then returned that night with our son and his friend and had a great time. Our son has lived in San Diego for 5 years and never knew heard of the Waterfront. He said it is going to be a regular stop for him from now on! The staff was friendly and made us feel like family. Had the brunch on Sunday and the food was great along with the mimosas. The Waterfont's food and drinks are reasonably priced and delicious! We can't wait to stop by again on our next trip to San Diego!

The Waterfront has been around a long time. It is not a place for wine drinkers. It is always pretty crowded due to its reputation. I have been going there for over 15 years, so it must be OK. BUT, the shots are small and kind of pricey for the type of place. Beer selection is just OK. I never eat there but the food is supposed to be decent. Overall, I would say it might be OK to go there. There are too many swanky, high priced places around to avoid. So, if you want an easy going bar with only stools to sit on, this may be your place. It’s a neighborhood bar and that’s it. If it is close to you, go there. Like it or move on.

We ate breakfast several: mornings, and lunch beverages and all were very good. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was very good. Every morning they have a breakfast special on week days; very good and reasonably priced. Highly recommended if in area.

If you love a great local beer variety and great service this is it. The food is not your common bar menu. I had the spinach salad w glazed walnuts and cranberries. Yum!! They will accommodate to make your meals to your likings with a smile. The pricing is extremely reasonable for the area. If you love to people watch, the street seating is great. The hours are perfect.

Found this place because of good reviews and it was so packed after the Rock & Roll Half Marathon...but found a table, very friendly staff, and VERY good food!! Staff friendly, and I wish they had a place like this where I live!!! Best music playing as well!!! Totally will come again!!!

With tip, $29 for 3 (very good) beers and some French fries. Enough said

Really enjoyed this place. The food was good, service prompt and frendly and the atmosphere was great. I will return on my next trip to the area. Love the SD area and this place makes it even better :-)

Whenever it's getting late and we want to go out in San Diego - The Waterfront seems to be always the first option. The food is great and The prices are reasonable. They seem to be open late To the best of my knowledge there is no parking at the place but we always find parking especially if we come after 20:00 Always a sure bet.

My wife and I tried this bar by accident, as visitors we didn't know it was there or of it's history. Place was crowded (Happy Hour and cheap drinks). Has a great range of beers and the wines that are served are good quality. Friendly staff and good atmosphere, free popcorn, plenty of TVs with every imaginable sporting event ongoing. My only reservation was my food - Got the 1/2lb hamburer which though tasting OK was very greasy, dripping grease. If that could be corrected I'd give it an "excellent" rating!!

We really enjoyed our late morning breakfast at the Waterfront. They have a nice covered seating area outside and on a nice day (which is just about always in San Diego) you can enjoy the views and the people-watching on the street. Breakfast was typical, but plentiful and the staff, and the patrons we met, all seemed to be having a good time. I'm sure most people come to this place later in the evening and it looks like a good time to be had by all, it's just the right size for mingling.

Packed with old, marine pictures and local people, this place knows how to create a good and classic San Diego vibe. Nothing out of the ordinary except for a good feel, good value, and good neighbors.

This is one of my favorite spots when I ride to San Diego. I've enjoyed their breakfast early in the morning like their huge breakfast plates and their Pozole. I've also enjoyed a cold beer with their delicious Texas burger. The service is always friendly and the food is delicious, their night life is amazing also plenty of people chilling and having a good time enjoying their drinks and listening to music. I highly recommend this place.

Sports bar food, not anything out of the ordinary-but always busy. Opens early, easy to walk to from my office - occassionally go for lunch.

This bar has liquor license 1 - the first license issued in San Diego after Prohibition ended. That alone makes it worth visiting! The menu is not long or diverse, but all the food we got was excellent. The bleu cheese burger was massive, and had cheese dripping off the top. The fish and chips have an italian batter; they seem much lighter and less greasy than traditional fish and chips. The beer list was varied, and the prices are decent. Over all, a great experience.

Met some fun folks at the Waterfront. Wouldn't recommend the food, but it's there in case it's late in Little Italy and you're hungry. They had a DJ playing classic hip hop when we visited and the places was bangin' Had a good time.

This is a nice place for a drink, help yourself at the bar... it´s crowded, good selection of drinks

Just a straight up place. Good food, good service, authentic and friendly vibe, good prices...I have nothing negative to note about this spot. We sat outside and I absolutely LOVED my Ahi sandwich. I'd have it again next time. The fries and onion rings are great as well. Good beer list. If you are near it, it's a great spot.

Been in plenty of bars and dive bars around the world and never been made to feel as unwelcome as here. Do yourself a favour and hit any of the other great venues in this part of town.

I must apologise that it has taken me so long to submit this review following our visit in May 2019 (I thought I already had). Not exactly on the Waterfront but don't let that put you off. I researched this bar having never been to the City before and thought, "Well it's local to our hotel and for a first night we won't be travelling far". Walked in to be greeted by the bar staff with a Hello & Welcome which made me, and I realise everyone is treated the same, feel very special. Place was busy for a Tuesday and as I found was the same most nights, mornings, afternoons etc. Great selection of beers and we tried may items of food over the week from breakfasts to tacos to sliders (the business) etc, etc. Prices were very reasonable and the quality top notch. All staff were excellent, very friendly, very helpful. On our last day we popped in, sans luggage, for a final beer. The Manager, whose name escapes me, I apologise, beard, baseball cap, shorts came and spoke to us and mentioned we had been "regulars" and he'd noticed us whilst having their breakfast meeting. He offered us shots as we were leaving but we declined in case we messed up our onward journey. Great Bar, visit if you can. Please don't think this was the only place we visited in San Diego but rest assured, it was always our choice if at a loose end.

Jules could not have said it any better. Even though he was talking about Big Kahuna Burger, his comment applies here. I had their standard 1/2-lb. cheeseburger last night with a side of garlic French fries. It sure was tasty. The burger was better than your average pub grub, yet still rather greasy. The made-to-order burger was served piping hot as were the French fries. The patty seemed to be hand-made and fresh, plump in the middle with a nice juicy pink medium-cooked section. Loaded with grilled onion (well-done and caramelized), the cheese was overflowing on the sides. It was served on a soft, flour-dusted bun resembling a dinner roll. The unassuming bun was perfect as it did not take away from the burger at all. The lettuce, tomato, and pickle, as well as mayo and ketchup are served on the side. I was so hungry and this was so good I didn't even add the ketchup or mayo (the others I kept on the side because I was sharing with my five year old). The burger was good enough, and hungry enough, that if I didn't pace myself, I could have easily gobbled down two. Good thing I didn't, as I was rather full at the end. The garlic French fries resemble those of Gordon Biersch, yet were not soggy. Even my son liked them! I give the cook props for timing the fries right. They were not undercooked as is common wit4h made-to-order fries, nor where they cold (he knew to start them when the burger was half-cooked... I hate it when they start everything at once, and then the fries sit for 5 min cooling while you wait for the burger). This joint is perfect before heading to the airport. That is what we did yesterday. Was dropping a friend off from North County. Left plenty of time in case of traffic, we had little, so got a burger and beer before heading to the terminal 3 min away. He paid, but I think he said it was pretty reasonable (I am guessing, but maybe ~$8 for the burger). Note: 21+ only (we took the food to-go and ate in the cell phone lot at the airport so that my boy could watch planes takeoff and land). The bar itself is a total dive at the edge of Little Italy.

Service is great, people watching spectacular, food is great..lots of fun and beer too! Fun place to take out of town visitors on a sunny day..take the trolley if you can hard to park, they've overbuilt the area! Great place!

Good selection of draft beers, great selection of whisky and bourbon! 🥃 Will definitely return for another round or two.

we sometimes stop and have breakfast at the Waterfront, good bloody Mary's, the food is good. Problem is it is always mobbed with locals and not much seating, if your lucky enough to find a seat, you will enjoy, and if you sit outside you pup will too.

This is the oldest bar in San Diego and it is worth a visit. The food is great, the onion rings are real and the burgers are the best I have had in San Diego. My favorite was the mimosa. When I ordered the mimosa, the champagne was $10. I thought it would be a small bottle - it was a full big bottle of Brut champagne with a small bottle of orange juice. My kind of place!

I stopped in for a few drinks visiting from Cleveland stopped in a a Harley does it get any better?!!What a great place love the location and the bar tender was great food was A+. Thanks for a great time!!

We were here very late night after a concert. There were staff delivering food, which really seemed like wait staff, but nobody came to take our order, and we were sitting for about ten minutes before we were informed that we had to order food at the bar. This information would have been useful immediately upon arriving. Food was good, and on the west coast, bar food has the advantage of including burritos and tacos. Plenty of tv around if anyone would be interested in catching a game or SportsCenter. Loud, boisterous atmosphere.

We went here for lunch and sat outside. We all got sandwiches that were large and filling. They all came with a choice of sides. Everything was very good. There was a large sandy area adjacent to the restaurant that the kids enjoyed. Bottom line...excellent food-large portions- I would definitely go back given the chance!

This place has been around forever and continues to be a San Diego landmark! Good for a late night drink when in the Little Italy area. Also good for breakfast before dropping someone off at the airport since it's just 5 min away. Will continue to visit. NOTES: This place can get pretty loud so be prepared. On game day mornings they have the game on and it's pretty lively. Sit outside on the sidewalk for a lower volume. Good prices for a burger or pub food.

My husband and I had a late lunch here. We sat on the patio area overlooking the bay. Lunch was yummy and I had one of the best margaritas ever.

Supposedly the Waterfront is the oldest bar in SD. I just loved its "homey" read "divvy" nature, great service and excellent location. Nop wine snobs here just beer, football and great weather!

We stopped in mid-afternoon after arriving at the San Diego airport. My wife had read a review indicating they had some of the best burgers in town. We were traveling with our 16 year old and grabbed a booth that was constructed in the edge of the street. My wife ordered inside at the bar. Shortly before our food came out, the manager came over to inform us that no one under 21 was allowed to be seated in the establishment to include booths in the street. He was very professional and apologetic about it and we understand the city rule. However, we should have been notified of the rule prior to placing and paying for our order as we had been there for at least 15 minutes or more. A sign on the hostess stand might be beneficial. We had little choice but to take our food to go. A note about the food...burgers were great, even some 20 minutes after they were prepared. We can only imagine how good they would have been had we been able to enjoy them at our table. This small incident did impact our experience and my overall rating. Otherwise, I would have no problem scoring a 4-5 for The Waterfront.

This bar is a great place to grab a drink. We didn't eat there so cannot comment on this. The décor is interesting and it has a relaxed feel. We were dressed casually and felt very comfortable sitting at a high table having a few beers.

Fun dive bar with a group of friends! Friendly staff, esp. Val, I hope that's the right way to spell it! They really made a group of out towner's feel welcome. The burgers are super tasty! Will definitely be returning next time in town.

The Waterfront Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink. It has a great atmosphere, the bar staff are friendly and helpful, there is free popcorn to help keep you thirsty and ward-off any hunger pangs which you might develop when waiting for friends to join you for dinner. Apparently, it was frequented by Marshall Wyatt Earp which must make it one of the oldest places to eat and drink in San Diego. Also, The Waterfront bar is directly over the road from Kettner Exchange, which is convenient for visiting both places. Highly recommended

We stopped in for a drink during happy hour. The place is filled with pictures and articles that reflect the long history of this watering hole. They served complementary crab legs during happy hours. Several people mentioned the good hamburgers but since we were there for a drink, we decided not to order from the menu. It was a fun place to hang out.

Went to watch a football game but no seating available, so I left. Arrive early on game days in order to see the game you want! They have NFL Sunday Ticket.

Loved this bar! Saw it walking past and thought the atmosphere looked buzzing so went there Sunday night. Drinks were reasonable and food was too as well as delicious (calamari, buffalo wings and burger). Staff were v friendly and music/vibe was really uplifting and what we thought was typically American which we loved being tourists from the uk. Highly recommend to anyone who likes a good drink with equally good atmosphere!

Foods good, nice draft selection, always a good crowd of a mix of people looking for a fun time. Free popcorn, jukebox, bands.. What more do you need!?

This place reminded us of our favorite bars in Key West. We never ate here but I understand that their burgers are pretty good. The drinks are good and not too pricey. The atmosphere is fairly typical for a popular bar, a little loud, but cheerful and fun. Always crowded.

Old bar where fisherman used to frequent and blow off a little steam. Fun place to go...beware if you want peace and quiet this is not the place to go...which is fine because I like to get a little rowdy sometimes.....Food is fine. Try their chili...yummy. Best drink is their Long Islands...

We like the historic places. She made a good margarita and encouraged us to stay to enjoy the happy hour which starts at 3. Couldn't this time but you should!! Ambience is great!

My wife heard of this place and I shrugged my shoulders and dutifully went. There was a line out the front door when we arrived and I cursed under my breath. The line moved swiftly and the seating seemed to open up on cue. The food was spectacular. It was fresh, well prepared and the service top notch. We really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back. It is our number one recommendation to our friends

not the flash of India Street but darn good wings and fish tacos, friendly fast and entertaining servers....we had two. Love the environment...get tired of the trendy expensive cookie cutter places.

Great place - lots of history and very socialable - all of the waitress were very friendly and willing to help - order the Waterfront burger - outstanding - definitely a place to go

I ate breakfast there twice and was really charmed. Staff is very nice, especially Laura, who recommended me the dishes and even gave me a sample of soup for tasting. The soup is great, with pork amd corn, so was taco with mahi fish. Very laid back atmosphere made me come back there. Highly recommended for atmosphere and decent food.

I came here last month with my parents. We ordered the calamari appetizer for the three of us but the portion was very small which was disappointing. For my meal, I ordered the wedge salad and a clam chowder. The chowder was a little watery and I prefer thick so I was disappointed, but the flavor was still good. The salad was delicious and a good size. The only true downside to this restaurant was our waitress was not very attentive and wasn't the friendliest. But I would still go back.

Had a great time, met fun people, had great drinks and service. A really cool bar. My wife, granddaughter and daughter were doing the 1/2 Rock & Roll marathon, while I sat and enjoyed this place.

Pricey but good food, popular hangout with the locals. The Pozole is excellent but too expensive, lots of beers.

In the heart of Little Italy this bar has typical bar food. Prices are reasonable & the place is always hopping. Great spot to catch a sporting event on one of their many TV's. Service was great.

Great selection of quality beers and all the mixed drinks you can imagine. Comfort food when you need it. Great greasy food to satisfy your cravings. Breakfast, burgers, Mexican, grilled. Great meal and a memorable experience.

We love this place! Lots of nice locals pack this place all of the time. The Mexican breakfast is wonderful. The best pozole in the world. great burgers too.

If you don't like the Oldest Tavern in San Diego, and rubbing elbows with a fisherman, fireman, policeman or a member of our Country's Military Volunteers, then you probably don't like Mom or Apple Pie, either!. They call this a dive bar, so don't forget your bathing suit!!

I walk by this place , after two blocks I turned back and visited this establishment . I'm happy I did. Good service , very good food , huge selection of beer and stronger . Then a few days latter I went back again. I had to wait 9 hours for my flight , and I was hungry. So I had the same burger ,shot, beer. I had a very decent flight after this .

This is supposedly the oldest bar in town or something like that. It was a crowded bar in Little Italy area. We had a couple drinks and left. Nothing to get excited over.

Should try Hamburgers! And service is great! I love to go breakfast! They serve Beer 6 morning! Every night is free popcorn! Nice choice of draft beer!

I have had several friends recommend this place, and on my most recent visit to San Diego I decided to check it out. I was not disappointed. I was there on a Tuesday night, and wanted to catch the World Series, (Congrats Red Sox) The place was packed, but still quite a few spaces available at the bar. I was hungry, and being in San Diego I had to have seafood. The menu had fish and chips, so I gave it a try....These were by far the BEST fish and chips I have ever had...Nicely fried but not at all greasy, and the Panko-breadcrumb coating was the best!! As a New Englander who loves seafood, I'm picky, but these were totally outstanding. I also had a couple of their rum-and-cokes, which were well mixed and generously spiced with lime. Considering how crowded the place was, my order was ready in less than 10 minutes. The bartenders were pleasant, and friendly, I was impressed. Lots of TVs there, so if you weren't a woirld series fan, lots of other sports to be enjoyed. This was a highlight of my San Diego visit, and I will be back again on my next visit, in the spring. Highly recommended.

The Waterfront has quite the history and my husband's been a fan for 40+ years (he jokes that many of the people there now weren't even born when he first started visiting there). They have wonderful Mexican food for breakfast on the weekends & there always seems to be someone at the bar looking for an instant hangover cure. When we first started going there you'd see people from all walks of life - fishermen, tourists, bikers, young people, older people, businessmen and political types - just plain fun! The bar food is good, the drinks are inexpensive and the staff is friendly and laid back. It's old and funky but always fun!