Welcome to Waterfront Bar & Grill
San Diego's Oldest Tavern
Come visit us in Little Italy, the historic neighborhood in San Diego, and we'll make sure you have a great time.
The Waterfront opened in 1933, the year prohibition was repealed, and we've been having fun ever since. It's always been a place where everyone is welcome — opening at a time when the tuna industry was booming, serving fishermen and other hardworking folks some much-needed relaxation.
Things have changed so much since then, but not much has changed here. Soon The Waterfront will be open for 100 years, with so many amazing memories created in this tiny tavern.
Great food. Many drinks. True friends.
"Chill vibes, great playlist, open seating, open till 2am AND Guinness Draft?!? Def coming back for late-night shenanigans."
"A hidden gem. Food is great. Feels like a 5-star dive bar. Logan is great!"
"Very fun San Diego dive bar. Great prices on food and drinks. Had to try the tater tots — BEST ever!"
"Super cool place! Atmosphere was a total vibe! All the bartenders were so friendly. Loved Kat!"
SAN DIEGO'S OLDEST BAR — A LITTLE ITALY ORIGINAL SINCE 1933
Tucked into the corner of Kettner Boulevard and Grape Street in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, Waterfront Bar & Grill has been pouring drinks and serving hot food since the very year Prohibition ended. We opened our doors in 1933 to fishermen coming off the tuna boats, and almost a century later we're still doing the same thing we've always done: making sure everyone who walks through the door has a good time.
That history is part of why locals consistently vote The Waterfront one of the best bars in San Diego and one of the most fun dive bars downtown. We're proud of being a true neighborhood tavern — no velvet ropes, no bottle service, no dress code. Just an honest bar with great prices on drinks, a kitchen that turns out some of the best burgers and tater tots in the city, and a crowd that ranges from third-generation regulars to Padres fans, tourists, off-duty service workers, artists, and everyone in between.
A True Little Italy Bar
Little Italy has changed more in the last ten years than it did in the previous fifty, but The Waterfront has stayed exactly what it's always been. Walk in any afternoon and you'll find sunlight spilling through the open garage doors, the Padres game on, and a friendly bartender ready to pour you a cold draft. Come back at 11pm on a Friday and the same room is packed shoulder to shoulder with one of the best late-night crowds in downtown San Diego. We're open every single day from 8am to 2am — yes, including breakfast, and yes, the kitchen stays open late.
Great Drinks at Honest Prices
We take drinks seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. Our cocktail list keeps it classic and well-made — Old Fashioneds, Margaritas, Bloody Marys, Palomas — alongside a deep beer selection with local San Diego craft taps and proper imports including Guinness on draft. Daily happy hour pricing runs every afternoon, and our drink prices stay refreshingly fair compared to the rest of downtown. If you're tired of $18 cocktails and tiny pours, you'll feel right at home here.
A Real Kitchen, Not Just Bar Snacks
The Waterfront kitchen has earned its own following. The smash burger is widely considered one of the best in San Diego. The tater tots show up in dozens of "best of" lists and Yelp reviews for a reason. We serve a full weekend Mexican brunch, daily breakfast starting at 8am, and weekly specials that rotate with what's in season. See the full menu for everything we're serving today.
Sports, World Cup, and Live Events
We're one of the best bars in San Diego to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with multiple screens, sound on for the big matches, and a full kitchen running through every game. Padres games, NFL Sundays, college football, fight nights — if it's on, we're showing it. Check our happenings page for live music, trivia nights, and other events.
Finding Us
We're at 2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, on the corner of Kettner and Grape in Little Italy — a five-minute walk from the Santa Fe Depot, the County Administration Building, and the Embarcadero waterfront. The closest trolley stop is the Little Italy/County Center station. We don't have a parking lot, so most folks rideshare or walk in. We're walking distance from most downtown San Diego and Gaslamp Quarter hotels, and a quick rideshare from Balboa Park, Coronado, and the convention center.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is The Waterfront really the oldest bar in San Diego?
- Yes — we received our liquor license in 1933, the year Prohibition was repealed, making us the longest continuously operating bar in San Diego.
- Do you take reservations?
- We're a walk-in bar — no reservations needed. For larger groups or private events, get in touch through our contact page.
- What are your hours?
- We're open every day, 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM. The full kitchen runs from breakfast through late-night.
- Is it family-friendly?
- No — Waterfront is a 21-and-over bar at all hours. Bring a valid ID.
- Do you have happy hour?
- Yes — daily happy hour with great drink and food pricing. See our happy hour guide for current specials.
GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD TIMES
Whether it's a special occasion or a spontaneous gesture, a Waterfront gift card is always a hit. Use for drinks, food, or merchandise.
BUY A GIFT CARD NOW