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The Best La Jolla Bars for Cocktail Hour

Before ordering a meal in La Jolla, do yourself a favor and leave time for cocktail hour. The sophisticated cocktail hour event is a time to enjoy as you wait for dinner, socialize with friends, and celebrate life while sipping on your favorite cocktails or discovering new exciting mixtures. La Jolla bars each have a unique flare and ambiance, whether you’re looking for a more intimate bar experience, outdoor seating with an ocean view to catch a breezy buzz, or a casual spot to unwind and shake off the work day.

We’ve put together a list of La Jolla bars with reputations for having the finest mix of boozy flavors that’ll warm you up from the inside out for the perfect start of your night out in La Jolla.

 

The Best La Jolla Bars for Cocktail Hour

 

Mermaids & Cowboys

La Sala Lounge

Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

The Marine Room

Catania

George’s at the Cove

Eddie V’s

Hennessey’s La Jolla

Mustangs & Burros

Nine-Ten

Which of these La Jolla bars will you pick for your next cocktail hour?

 

Mermaids & Cowboys

1251 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037

Mermaids & Cowboys is a must for La Jolla bars with an incredible signature cocktail menu. Cocktail curator and talented mixologist Praveen Das shares his passion for cocktails and keeps the bar stocked with house-made cordials, fermentations, tinctures, and syrups.

Enjoy colorful drinks infused with flavors and cultures from around the world that’ll take you on a flavor journey you didn’t know you needed. Sip slowly on your new favorite drink while sitting back and enjoying the La Jolla weather from the outdoor patio. There’s no rush.

Try Praveen’s favorite “Tonto’s,” which has Four Roses bourbon, brandy, dark rum, green chartreuse, lemon, and ginger.

And as your cocktail hour winds down, Mermaids & Cowboys invites you to stick around for dinner to round out the night.

You can make reservations and check out their full dinner and cocktail menu here.

 

Hours: Daily from 4 pm to 9 pm

Phone: 858-999-0205

 

La Sala Lounge

La Valencia Hotel 1132 Prospect St La Valencia Hotel La Jolla, CA 92037

When deciding which La Jolla bars to visit while in town, consider adding the La Sala Lounge to your list. It’s located within the iconic La Valencia Hotel and is a dreamy space that keeps classic Hollywood glamor alive.

The sophisticated lounge boasts hand-painted ceilings, Mediterranean coastal-inspired colors, impeccably placed patterns and textures that fill the room, and lovely ocean views. With a setting like that, it’ll make sipping on their signature craft cocktails all the richer.

Try the famous “Pink Lady” with Glendalough Rose Gin, St. Germain Elderflower, J. Laurens Brut Rose, and lemon.

 

Hours: Daily from 4 pm to 9 pm

Phone: 866-686-6752

 

Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Cormorant Boutique Hotel 1110 Prospect St San Diego, CA 92037

Elevate your cocktail hour at Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. As far as La Jolla bars go, this rooftop bar experience is one of the best breezy bar vibes in La Jolla, and with a bit of help from that ocean view, it’s the perfect compliment to your twilight happy hour.

To get to this hidden gem of a cocktail bar, you’ll have to go through La Jolla’s Cormorant Boutique Hotel on the corner of Prospect St. and Girard Ave. Birdseye offers your favorite classic cocktails like multi-flavored margaritas, mojitos, and martinis, plus their signature cocktails.

Try the “Georgy Sangria” with Tooth and Nail Cab, muddled berries, Bulleit Bourbon, pineapple, and OJ juice.

Head up to enjoy the ocean views, and stay for the refreshing drinks and shareable bites. They even have live music on select nights to make the night more fun.

See their complete signature cocktails menu here.

 

Hours: Monday & Tuesday 12 pm to 7 pm, Wednesday & Thursday 12 pm to 9 pm, Friday & Saturday 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday 10 am to 9 pm

Phone: 858-952-5551

 

The Marine Room

la jolla bars with cocktails, appetizer and whiskey at the Marine Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000 Spindrift Dr La Jolla, CA 92037

Which La Jolla bars have a one-of-a-kind wow factor, you ask? Easy, the lounge at the Marine Room. The lounge and restaurant at the Marine Room practically sit in the water with waves crashing in at eye level. That’s the ultimate wow factor as far as restaurants and bars go.

Located on the south end of La Jolla Shores, the newly renovated bar and lounge at the Marine Room brings a Vegas nightlife-inspired style and excitement. So if you can’t make it to Vegas in time for cocktail hour, head to the Marine Room instead.

Try out new specialty cocktails like their Old Fashioned, which has wagyu-infused whiskey, or the ‘Oaxacan Night,’ with Illegal Mezcal, St. Germain, Lavender Blackberry Shrub, Agave, and Tajin.

The thoughtfully curated cocktails at the lounge pair perfectly with their menu of small plates.

 

Hours: Monday & Tuesday 12 pm to 7 pm, Wednesday & Thursday 12 pm to 9 pm, Friday & Saturday 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday 10 am to 9 pm

Phone: 858-459-7222

 

Catania

Catalina cocktails couple at one of the best la jolla bars

7863 Girard Ave La Jolla, CA 92037

Catania is one of our go-to La Jolla bars for satisfying your craving for refreshing summer-inspired cocktails with rooftop patio seating and sunset viewing. They’ve got indoor and outdoor patio seating, so you’ll be happy either way. And if seated on the patio, you’ll have ocean views to enjoy. 

As for the drinks on the menu, you won’t be disappointed, and they keep their offerings fresh with a rotating seasonal menu so you can look forward to trying something new with every season.

With your drink in hand and delicious Italian cuisine, it’ll be your little Italian hideaway right here in the heart of La Jolla.

Try the ‘Mora Maria,’ spicy tequila, mezcal, lime, Campari, agave, ginger, and blackberries served on the rocks.

Reservations are recommended so you can get prime patio seating. See their entire drink menu here.

 

Hours: Monday through Friday, 4 pm to 9 pm. Saturday & Sunday 11:30 am to 3:30 pm | 4 pm to 9 pm

Phone: 858-551-5105

 

George’s at the Cove

1250 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037

We have yet to find other La Jolla bars and restaurants with 3 levels of opportunity to gather, mingle and take in incredible ocean views as you sip on a cold drink.

Level2 is the lively second level to George’s and has big open windows for fresh air and to let the ocean views in. Head up to the ocean terrace for even better ocean views and even more great drinks to try.

Their drink menu is beautifully inspired by the region’s local flora and gives information about the plants and fruit used in the drinks.

Try the Wisdom Cobbler, which has amontillado, Gifford Pamplemousse liqueur, grapefruit juice, house tea, and elderberry syrup.

They also offer a happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, where you can get specials on beer, wine, and special holiday drinks.

 

Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10:30 pm

Phone: 858-454-4244

 

Eddie V’s

1270 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037

La Jolla bars like Eddie V’s are a must-stop if you want exceptionally crafted drinks, supreme cuisine, and views overlooking the ocean.

Their intimate bar area is comfortable and a great option if you’re popping in for drinks and appetizers. They also have live music on select nights to complement your conversation.

Try their signature Hope Diamond Cocktail featuring Grey Goose vodka, butterfly tea, and a purple diamond ice cube, or the 24 Karat Cocktail, which features Belvedere vodka, Grand Marnier, Roederer Rose, and a gold sugar rim.

They have a happy hour from Sunday to Thursday from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.

See their menus and make reservations here.

 

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm

Phone: 858-459-5500

 

Hennessey’s La Jolla

7811 Herschel Ave La Jolla, CA 92037

Hennessey’s La Jolla is an Irish Tavern that holds its own, and although it may surprise you to see it on our list of La Jolla bars for great cocktails, it is a must-try, especially if you want a casual place to grab drinks with friends. Their slogan is ‘Your Neighborhood Meeting Place’ after all!

If you’ve only ever driven by Hennessey’s, consider this your sign to finally stop in for some great drinks and a laid back, welcoming community vibe. They usually have live music going or karaoke once your liquid courage has kicked in. And if you need to get away for a minute, they have an outdoor patio to hang out at.

They offer a variety of hand-crafted cocktails that include freshly squeezed juices. Their restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Try their famous Bloody Mary, hand-crafted from scratch, or the blackberry margarita featuring Espero Blanco tequila, triple sec, blackberry puree, and sweet & sour with lime.

 

Hours: Daily from 11 am to 2 am

Phone: 858-551-8772

 

Mustangs & Burros

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037

Mustangs & Burros is another example of one of the many great La Jolla bars tucked within a hotel. In this case, Estancia La Jolla gives a home to Mustangs & Burros, and they have a stunning backdrop perfect for enjoying excellent cocktails.

Their refreshing and unique cocktails can be enjoyed on their spacious patio or indoor dining room. Either way, you’ll be feeling cozy. 

Try the Mustangs Margarita featuring Herradura Blanco, fresh lime, Cointreau, jalapeño, and tajin.

Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 5 pm, so you can sample even more food and drinks.

Make your reservations and check out the full menu here.

 

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 4 pm to 10 pm. Sunday, 4 pm to 9 pm

Phone: 858-999-0205

 

Nine-Ten

la jolla bars, cocktail selection at Nine-Ten 

910 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037

To wind down our list of La Jolla bars, Nine-Ten might be last, but it’s certainly not least. Nine-ten has class, and you’ll feel classy sipping on one of their colorful cocktails. 

It’s a great place to stop to indulge in one of their specialty cocktails and seasonal food pairings, either at the bar to meet a friend or for a romantic date in the main dining room.

Try a couple of their fun drinks like the ‘Rum Rum Tiki Tiki,’ made with spiced rum, falernum, Orgeat, Banana Liquor, Pineapple, Lemon, and Bitters. Or ‘The Hand of Buddha’ made with Hangar One Buddha’s Hand Vodka, Blood Orange, Tangerine, Buddha’s Hand & Mint Simple, Lemon, and Absinth Spritz. 

Those will definitely heat things up. Check out what other tasty libations they have to offer here.

 

Hours: Monday & Tuesday, 2 pm to 8 pm (no food service is available). Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 am to 9 pm.

Phone: 858-964-5400

 

Which of these La Jolla bars will you pick for your next cocktail hour?

Now that you’ve made it this far, we’d bet you’re thirsty! Now that you know where some of the best La Jolla bars serve up seriously smooth and creative cocktails, we’d love to see where you’ll wet your whistle. 

Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy some ocean views, watch the sunset, or unwind at a casual neighborhood spot, there’s a bar in La Jolla just for that.

Pick one, or take your time making your way out to all of them, because why not?

Cheers!

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