When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
Why GARAGE Kitchen + Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Garage Kitchen + Bar in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for meeting up with friends. Renowned as the premier Minnesota Vikings fan bar in the city and a popular pre-game spot before San Diego Padres games, it combines the excitement of sports with great American comfort food. Highlights include their signature Bob's Burger, boozy cereal shots, and Ahi Nachos, which are favorites among patrons. The venue features a lively brunch with bottomless mimosas daily from 11am to 3pm, making it ideal for weekend gatherings or casual daytime meetups. Happy hour specials from 3 to 6pm include drinks at 51% off and appetizers for just $3, offering excellent value and encouraging a laid-back social vibe. Weekly events such as Trivia Night every Tuesday and Boombox Bingo every Wednesday add fun activities to the mix, making it much more than just a bar or restaurant. Whether you’re a sports fan, a burger lover, or looking for a friendly spot with great deals and good times, Garage Kitchen + Bar delivers consistently lively experiences and delicious meals that foster memorable meetups.
Here's what people think of GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
As of recent, GARAGE Kitchen + Bar holds a 4.4-star rating based on 992 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Garage Kitchen + Bar for its lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent food offerings. Many highlight the welcoming service, with particular appreciation for attentive servers like Ashley, who are recognized for making guests feel comfortable and ensuring speedy service. The affordable daily specials, especially the $6 Bob’s Burger deal and bottomless mimosas during brunch, receive enthusiastic mentions for providing great value. Customers also enjoy the vibrant sports bar environment, with many coming specifically for the Minnesota Vikings games or Padres pre-game meetups. Positive reviews emphasize the flavorful craft burgers, creative cocktails, and engaging weekly events, which contribute to a fun, community feel. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional inconsistencies in service speed and minor order delays during busy times. A few mention that the lively environment may not be suited for quieter gatherings. Overall, the general consensus is that Garage Kitchen + Bar is a top destination for sports fans and groups seeking good food, strong drinks, and a spirited ambiance in downtown San Diego. The blend of exciting events, value-driven specials, and quality fare makes it a must-visit despite some occasional service hiccups.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Daniel Gomez
Daily happy hour, good food, great service. What's not to love? I always come here before or after Padres games. The carne asada fries are out of this world! Great place to pregame before any event!
Crystal Maza
From 11-12 and 3-4 you can get an ENTIRE burger with fries for $6.( bobs burger) Best burger deal in downtown San Diego I've ever found. They also have happy hour that is 51% off of drinks which is SUCH a great deal!!!
Karen Gillespie
First night in San Diego and came to the garage for happy hour. It was the best thing to happen at the start of our vacation. Food and drinks were excellent. The bartender is great and all staff were friendly and helpful not only on service but recommending sights to see. We're going back before we leave. Feels like family 🥰
Kitty Gunn
Our experience is probably not typical, but I want you to be aware of something. We had 3 in our party. 2 ordered a veggie burger, which was on the menu. One ordered a burger with meat. The so-called meat burger was served first. She didn't dig in, she waited for our food. About 10-15 mins later, one of the veggie burgers showed up. They apologized saying it was really busy and it will be a few minutes for my burger. The waitress was very nice. Now remember, the first burger has been sitting there and is now cold. A gentleman that I'm assuming is the manager came to our table and said they ran out of veggie burgers so he will take it off the bill so what would I like? I got truffle Mac n cheese minus the bacon. It was good, I just didn't want all of that dairy. I really wanted truffle fries. They comped my Mac n cheese. One I got my food, the girls birthday into their burgers. They both got a veggie burger. The girl that ordered a cow burger got my veggie burger. This could have all been avoided. The burgers were dry and cold. Truffle fries and regular fries were good. They had specially drinks that they liked. Word of warning....they actually up charged $3 for a veggie burger!!! Granted, it's just $3, but it's already priced, so why am I being charged another $3? Just price it $3 more. And listen, veggie burgers aren't expensive. They are like $12 for 10 at Costco. This is like coffee shops charging more for non dairy. So warning to anyone wanting a veggie burger here, just don't. And the one that gets my veggie burger instead of the meat burger she ordered, she didn't get any compensation. In a normal situation, I'm sure it would be fine for most.
Sam Valtenbergs
The micheladas and bloody marys were excellent. Bartender was really nice but the table service was pretty lacking: no waters even after asking twice and we waited ages to order. Also, tacking on a 3% “back of house” fee to the bill in addition to the mandatory 20% for large parties is total BS. It’s like the wait staff saw a large party and thought “mandatory 20% tip, time to take it easy…”
How to reach GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
None
Website: None
Why GARAGE Kitchen + Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar with your friends?
If you're looking for the perfect place to gather with friends for an unforgettable meetup, GARAGE Kitchen + Bar in San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter is a top-tier choice. This spot isn’t just any bar or restaurant; it’s a lively hub where comfort food meets an electric atmosphere ideal for reconnecting and celebrating the company of loved ones. The welcoming ambiance, enriched by rustic décor and a spacious layout, invites groups of all sizes to relax and indulge. Whether you come for the legendary craft burgers, the diverse drink menu featuring unbeatable happy hour specials, or the energy of live events and games, GARAGE ensures every moment shared is memorable. Coordinating a group event here means enjoying stellar service that anticipates your needs—making it effortless to focus on fun instead of logistics. With a stellar 4.4-star rating based on nearly 1,000 reviews, it’s clear this is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. So, why just meet up when you can rally at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar, where great food, drink, and company combine to create those moments you’ll talk about long after the night ends?
What activities and special features make GARAGE Kitchen + Bar perfect for group meetups?
GARAGE Kitchen + Bar offers an impressive roster of activities designed to engage and entertain groups, making it ideal for your meetup plans. One of the biggest draws is its vibrant weekly events that encourage camaraderie and friendly competition, such as Trivia Night every Tuesday and Boombox Bingo on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. These activities create a exciting environment for groups to bond over shared challenges and laughter. For sports fans, the bar proudly serves as San Diego’s official Minnesota Vikings bar and a passionate pre-game gathering spot before Padres baseball games, channeling infectious team spirit and energy. Happy hour here is legendary, running Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 6 PM with an unmatched 51% off all drinks and $3 off appetizers, perfect for groups seeking quality drinks without breaking the bank. Beyond the events, the welcoming rustic interior, combined with indoor and outdoor patio seating, offers plenty of space for groups up to 175 people. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a comfortable place to catch up, this balance of entertainment and space makes GARAGE an excellent venue for groups.
What kind of food and drink can groups expect at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar?
Food and drink at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar strike a perfect balance between comforting classics and innovative flavors to suit diverse tastes in any group. Their menu is anchored by the crowd-pleasing craft burgers, with Crazy Bob’s Burger standing out as a signature item affectionately priced at just $6 during select hours daily (11 AM to 12 PM and 3 to 4 PM). Beyond burgers, the menu features popular American staples like buffalo wings and ahi nachos, making it easy to share and savor a variety of flavors that can satisfy vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Brunch is another highlight, served Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM, where guests can indulge in bottomless mimosas alongside favorites like boozy cereal shots. The beverage program is equally robust, featuring craft beers, specialty cocktails, and classic drink options, all complemented by the unbeatable happy hour deals. This extensive menu ensures that everyone in your group finds something delicious to enjoy, fostering a communal dining experience that is both fun and flavorful.
How does the atmosphere and service enhance group experiences at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar?
The atmosphere at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar is crafted to make every group feel welcome and energized, blending rustic charm with modern social vibrancy. The interior features a warm industrial aesthetic with plenty of wooden accents and an open floorplan that accommodates both intimate gatherings and larger groups comfortably. The outdoor patio seating adds an airy, relaxed option for those who love dining al fresco, making it especially attractive during San Diego’s pleasant weather. Live music performances every Friday and Saturday night between 7 and 10 PM add an extra layer of excitement that transforms casual meetups into celebrations. Service at GARAGE is frequently praised for being attentive and personable, ensuring orders are timely and guests feel genuinely cared for—as one reviewer noted, staff go above and beyond to make the dining experience outstanding. This attention to detail and the thoughtfully curated ambiance not only sets the stage for a great night out but also makes group coordination seamless and enjoyable.
What practical amenities support group meetups at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar?
GARAGE Kitchen + Bar is well-equipped to handle group gatherings both large and small with practical amenities that facilitate an effortless meetup. The venue boasts a maximum capacity of 175 guests, with the option to reserve a private room that can seat up to 75, perfect for birthday parties, reunions, or corporate receptions. It is conveniently located only 0.7 miles from the San Diego Convention Center, making it an ideal spot for conference-goers to unwind with friends after a busy day. The establishment also offers on-site catering services, which add convenience for groups wanting to customize their event with specific menu options. While reservations are not accepted for brunch and dinner service, GARAGE operates a walk-in waitlist system that efficiently manages group arrivals. Free Wi-Fi and family-friendly policies enhance usability for diverse groups, including those wanting to mix work and play or bring along children. All these features come together to streamline group visits and make hosting large meetups simple and enjoyable.