When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
The Hole San Diego
Why The Hole San Diego is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Hole San Diego, established in 1924 and originally known as Murphy's before being called The 19th Hole, is one of San Diego's oldest and most beloved dive bars. Located on Lytton Street, this historic bar offers a truly inclusive, friendly, and fun atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for meeting up with friends. Its unique vibe is enhanced by its tropical outdoor patio, a hidden oasis loved by locals and visitors alike. Known for its strong connection to the local community, The Hole supports local distributors, fundraisers for animal shelters, and works closely with neighboring businesses to foster a vibrant community spirit. Entertainment at The Hole centers around lively karaoke nights hosted by skilled DJs and supportive crowds, making anyone feel welcome to take the stage and showcase their talents. Alongside karaoke, The Hole hosts regular live music events, DJ nights, themed parties, and monthly specialties like BUMP and Parasal Pals, keeping the nightlife diverse and entertaining. The bar’s extensive hours from Thursday to Sunday, including a happy hour, provide many opportunities for lively social gatherings in a historic, relaxed setting that welcomes everyone.
Here's what people think of The Hole San Diego
As of recent, The Hole San Diego holds a 4.6-star rating based on 568 reviews.
Users consistently praise The Hole San Diego for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, highlighting the friendly crowd and supportive karaoke nights as standout features. Many positive reviews mention the historic charm of the dive bar, the outdoor tropical patio space that serves as a perfect social spot, and the variety of events that keep the scene vibrant and engaging. Customers appreciate the strong sense of community spirit fostered by the bar's commitment to local sourcing and charity events, creating a meaningful connection beyond just a place to drink. On the downside, some reviewers note the bar's location under the San Diego International Airport's flight path causes airplane noise, though this is often seen as a quirky rather than a major drawback. Other less favorable feedback includes occasional issues with overcrowding during special events and some inconsistencies in service during busy nights. Overall, the reviews convey that The Hole maintains a great balance between historic dive bar charm and contemporary, inclusive entertainment, earning it a solid 4.6-star rating and a loyal following who return for its unique ambiance and community-focused events.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Gregory Forster
Drinks in the small pitcher are a good value. It is a nice place to relax in the open tropical patio environment on a nice warm afternoon. Bonus- hamburgers on the outside patio cooked to order will leave your mouth watering. This business is gay friendly. But parking can be a hassle.
Aaron Hall
My friends and I went to the hole, a few nights ago for a nice safe atmosphere for some fun. I am disappointed to say the experience was everything but safe and fun. How can you claim to be a safe place for LGBT people in the area, while allowing men in your establishment to go unchecked when they harass women?
Wild Elegance
Stopped in for karaoke and we had a blast. Great staff, great drinks, and a cool vibe. Really well done, welcoming place. We will be back!
Travis Hill
Magnificent. Super friendly staff, great signature drinks by the glass or pitcher. High quality food vendors. Never a dull moment when you add karaoke and beer pong into the mix.
Cheri Ayala
Absolutely best environment. Went for a fun evening with my husband out of town vacationing in San Diego. Everyone is friendly inviting and had a blast listening to the karaoke singers as well as dancing. Drinks are on point as you can see.. definitely a place to visit if your looking for diverse laid back welcoming time.. Thank you all for the best evening.
How to reach The Hole San Diego
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Why The Hole San Diego may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Hole San Diego with your friends? If you’re searching for a vibrant, fun, and inclusive venue to bring your group together, The Hole San Diego is a top choice that delivers exactly that and more. This lively dive bar with a strong 4.6 rating from over 500 reviews is not just a place to grab drinks—it’s a hub of entertainment, community, and memorable experiences that make it ideal for meetups with friends or family. From karaoke nights that encourage even the shyest to take the stage, to free pool and foosball that ignite friendly competition, The Hole creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and energized. Its diverse weekly events are carefully designed to keep the energy high, with DJ nights, open decks, and special theme parties that keep your group engaged and entertained throughout the evening. On top of that, the affordability of drink specials and the casual, laid-back vibe make it perfect for socializing without pretense. Whether looking for an energetic night out or a cozy spot to casually hang, The Hole San Diego offers an experience that brings people closer, making it a prime destination for group meetups.
What makes The Hole San Diego perfect for a group meetup? The answer lies in its wide array of activities that cater to different interests and energy levels, ensuring that everyone in your group finds something to enjoy. Free-to-play pool tables, foosball, and cornhole provide great opportunities for some light-hearted competition and interaction. Unlike many places that charge for games, The Hole lets your group engage in these classic bar games with no extra cost, helping to foster connectivity and laughter. The indoor-outdoor setup of the bar allows your group to spread out comfortably while still staying close, whether you’re cheering on friends at karaoke or dancing to the weekly curated DJ sets. The variety of music genres played—Hip Hop, House, and more—ensures that the energetic soundtrack of your gathering fits a range of tastes. Happy hours from Thursday through Saturday, plus Sunday specials, add an extra bonus, helping groups enjoy quality drinks together without breaking the bank. This variety of offerings in a single venue turns The Hole into a versatile social playground, suitable for casual hangouts or lively celebrations.
What kinds of unique events can your group look forward to at The Hole San Diego? The venue has crafted a weekly calendar to keep excitement bubbling along, centered around different themes that appeal to diverse crowds. Wednesdays, known as Weird Wednesdays, bring an eclectic, relaxed vibe with free games and open DJ decks that feature house and hip hop beats under 128 BPM—perfect for a group that loves to groove at its own pace. Thursday transforms into a karaoke party powerhouse combined with beer pong, creating a spirited, supportive setting that encourages everyone to participate without feeling intimidated. Fridays maintain the momentum with continued games, drink specials, and DJ sets to usher in the weekend. On Saturdays, The Hole often presents curated music or DJ events that can range from open access to ticketed specials, catering to groups who love to immerse themselves in the local music scene. Sundays offer a more laid-back "Sunday Spunday" in the tropical garden area, where your group can socialize, dance, and enjoy open decks and drink deals, wrapping up the weekend with a chill but fun vibe. These events ensure every meetup at The Hole keeps evolving and remains exciting.
How does The Hole San Diego’s atmosphere contribute to its appeal for group gatherings? Situated in a historic dive bar setting, The Hole combines nostalgia with a modern music and nightlife experience, making it warm, quirky, and inviting. The friendly bartenders and supportive crowd create an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and lively celebration. Your group won’t feel lost in a huge, impersonal club; instead, you’ll experience a communal vibe where people connect over shared interests in music, games, and good times. The thoughtful layout offers a blend of indoor cozy booths and a lush tropical garden area outside, ideal for groups who want options between dancing, chatting, or spectacle. This versatility helps accommodate different group dynamics, whether you have a crew that wants to party hard with DJs or simply prefers to chill out while playing pool and sharing drinks. The Hole’s commitment to making every guest feel like part of a community ensures your group will keep coming back to this welcoming venue.
Why is The Hole San Diego a great choice for those who want bang for their buck in a social setting? Budget-conscious groups appreciate the free games like pool and foosball, along with competitive beer pong nights that spice up the fun without inflating the cost of a night out. The scheduled happy hours Thursday through Sunday offer substantial drink specials on quality beverages that complement the entertainment perfectly. This pricing strategy makes The Hole not just affordable but actually rewarding for groups who want to maximize the fun without overspending. Additionally, the diversity of events means your money goes far—offering everything from karaoke and DJ nights to curated live music shows without needing to hop between venues. For groups looking to create lasting memories, The Hole provides an economical way to enjoy a complete nightlife experience that includes games, music, and socialization all under one roof.
What should you know about booking and visiting The Hole San Diego for a private meetup or special occasion? The Hole’s experienced team is accustomed to hosting groups, often welcoming large parties who want to celebrate birthdays, reunions, or casual get-togethers. The venue’s management encourages early reservations or check-ins, especially on weekends or during special themed nights, to ensure your group has ample space and personalized attention. While many events are open to the public, The Hole is flexible enough to accommodate group-specific plans by coordinating with their team via phone or email. The engaging calendar of events also makes planning around a particular theme or DJ night easy and exciting for groups aiming for a tailored experience. Whether your meetup depends on karaoke, live music, or simple social games, The Hole’s staff stand ready to help your event run smoothly, providing a relaxed but vibrant setting tailored to your group’s preferences.
Why do locals and visitors alike rate The Hole San Diego so highly? The Hole has garnered a loyal following because it consistently delivers an authentic and dynamic nightlife experience infused with a welcoming spirit. Patrons praise the friendly atmosphere where everyone—from first-time visitors to karaoke veterans—feels included and encouraged. The quality and variety of daily and weekly activities mean that no two visits feel repetitive, keeping the vibe fresh and the crowd enthusiastic. Its prime location in San Diego offers easy access and proximity to other entertainment hubs, making it convenient for mid-week or weekend outings. Above all, the combination of affordable drinks, no-cost games, engaging music, and spirited events has earned The Hole a solid 4.6-star rating from more than 500 reviews, reflecting genuine satisfaction and strong word-of-mouth recommendations that keep people coming back.
Why choose The Hole San Diego over other venues for your next group meetup? Compared to other nightlife options, The Hole offers a rare fusion of affordability, variety, and community spirit that few venues match. Unlike large clubs that can feel overwhelming, The Hole provides an intimate yet lively environment where groups can interact easily and authentically. Its diverse weekly roster means everyone in your group, regardless of age or preference, finds an event or activity they enjoy. The free games and drink specials encourage casual fun without pressure, while the quality music programming from local DJs and live performers ensures entertainment never flags. Whether your group wants to show off in karaoke, chill with board games, dance to house beats, or unwind in a beautiful garden setting, The Hole delivers a comprehensive, memorable experience in one convenient location, making it the smart, enjoyable choice for meetups in San Diego.