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El Dorado Cocktail Lounge
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Lounges, Music Venues [Edit]
1030 Broadway(between 10th Ave & 11th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 237-0550
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun 7 pm - 2 am
Fri 5 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
308 reviews for El Dorado Cocktail Lounge
Review Highlights
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"The white buffalo head is my favorite." In 15 reviews -
"Try the Moscow mule you wont be disappointed." In 26 reviews -
"Great crowd and awesome bartenders." In 96 reviews
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308 reviews in English
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Review from Jonathan T.
San Diego, CA
5/24/2012
Step 1: Look up "Dub Dorado" on their facebook page (every other wednesday-ish).
Step 2: Free up said Wednesday night
Step 3: Walk up to the bar, buy a few "mules"
Step 4: Hearing damage due to the most powerful wall of speakers in san diego set up specially for dub dorado wednesdays.
I'm really no hipster but this place was spinning real dubstep since before skrillex made it to the radio. True story. I've had friends who despise dub come here and just be wow'd.
Even if you are one of those "skrillex ain't dubstep" purists, trust me this place is JUST the place for you. The regular dub dorado DJ's here headshake, austin speed, and others, are absolutely rediculous. Guest talent DJ's are off the hook as well, sometimes even live MC's appear. Crowd is pleasant, staff is chill and polite, drinks are cheap. Come before this place gets too popular!
Word to the wise: This place changes atmospheres in music DRAMATICALLY from day to day so pick your poison wisely, do your research on whats going on the night you plan on going!
Cheap delicious drinks, cheap ($5) or FREE cover with guestlist, great music, novel atmosphere, pleasant crowd and bouncers.
Side fact: skrillex actually played here before he got rediculously blown up ;) -
Review from Doris K.
Questionable outside, swanky inside. I faintly remember seeing bars on windows and big guys hanging around outside which made me question whether or not I really wanted to enter. A quick text to my friend who hadn't yet arrive, a big deep breath and immediately I was transported to another world by opening the door. With expertly mixed cocktails aka the entire new Spring menu, I certainly ended the night on a high note.
P.S. Check out the drink pictures that I uploaded. -
Review from Emily M.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012
Because I recently committed myself to yelping, I realized I would be doing a disservice to myself, my sheer adoration for El Dorado, and the nice people of San Diego if I DIDN'T write this review. While I hesitate to share my love for El Dorado with others in fear that they may destroy my place of serenity with overpopulation, after perusing the posts below I found myself nothing short of amused and more compelled than ever to share my thoughts.
Clearly the people who had low quantities of stars are deranged and should perhaps remove themselves more quickly from the establishment and head to Fluxx or Stingaree so that I may continue to enjoy it.
Here are the facts: the drinks are ridiculously tasty and amazing, if you complain about a cover please show me somewhere DT that has one any cheaper than $5 especially when there is always live music, if you want cheaper drinks come to happy hour where they are $5 and it goes all the way until 9pm (a notable 2 hours beyond the average), and it's truly the only bar downtown that doesn't make me want to throw up on my shoes because it's filled with stacked heels, minidresses and button down shirts or worse yet, Ed Hardy gear.
If you're looking for a dirty dive-bar you're right....you can find something cheaper and dirtier. But I love a good cocktail over a pitcher of crappy beer and enjoy that they kept so much of the old Chinese restaurant that preceded it within the decor - I find it just old (odd?) enough that it's comforting.
I have a passionate love affair with El Do. Period. And I have since the day it opened. But you're welcome to try it and create your own opinion. And if you don't like it, please don't come back so that those who love it may continue to do so. -
Review from Lea J.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was karaoke night and cinco de mayo. Almost thought this place would have all the elements of an epic night but I guess I misjudged a bit too early?
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Review from Kristen E.
La Jolla, CA
5/2/2012
Came here for the first time Saturday night for a friend's birthday party and I was fairly impressed :) We got there 5 mins before 10:30pm to get in for free which was sweet (It's supposed to be $5 after that) and our friends hadn't arrived yet but the bouncer said he would still let them in for free since it was for her birthday - super nice! Rarely to bouncers in downtown give anyone a break! This place isn't in the gaslamp though, it's far from it, but the great thing about that is that parking is way easier to find. I didn't want to walk since I had heels on so I paid $5 for parking for the lot right next door where there were plenty of open spaces.
Inside El Dorado the walls are painted black with the bar lit up in yellow. I love the animal heads on the walls, especially the huge buffalo that overlooks the bar! The bartenders are dressed in classic speak-easy uniform complete with suspenders and the recommended drink is the Mule in a cute mason jar. One random thing I liked was the two little TVs that had flanking the bar where they played WEIRD old movies from the 70's or 80's with no sound, so you can make up your own back story to what's playing.
There IS a dance floor with a DJ and that night he was playing electronica...but not super fast paced electronica. It was ok to dance to, it could've been better. We requested some super random songs that he did not play, but I can't blame him, I mean what DJ carries the theme song to Mortal Kombat??? The dance floor is relatively small, but it was fine, I never felt crowded.
Overall we all had a GREAT time and I would definitely come back here!!
I just want to comment on Christa C.'s comments below because my experience was totally different:
1) I ordered a WATER and the bartender had it to me right away.
2) The layout is great cause it separates the dance floor from the bar and the pillars provide for lots of table space to put your drink down
3)The crowd was fine, maybe ya a little pretentious, but whatever, nobody gave me dirty looks
4)Get there before 10:30pm and there's no cover....it's not THAT early.
5)Bring cash....jeesh
6)In my opinion, the staff were great.
One thing I agree with is the bottle service...it's lame....not that we paid for it, but the booths aren't that great and this is not a place where you NEED bottle service...although there is NO place to sit...but I didn't expect there to be, so :) -
Review from Christa C.
San Diego, CA
4/9/2012
Last I checked the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. I must be insane. El Dorado and I have a toxic relationship. Without fail, every time I enter El D I walk in optimistic and leave promising myself I'll never go back. Shame on me.
Where to start? The bad:
1) Plan on waiting 20+ mins to be served a drink
2) The layout is all wrong...a clusterfuck of pilars and railing
3) The crowd is an unsettling mix of pretensious hipsters and downtown d-bags
4) Cover charge
5) $20 minimum for credit card purchases
6) Unfriendly staff
The good:
1) Tasty beverages
2) Clean venue
Honestly, I've been here at least 5 times and every time I go something bad happens. The cheesy-wanna-be saloon decor doesn't make it any better. Its a great concept but they didn't nail it when they designed it. In the past my drinks have been stolen, I've been treated poorly by barstaff and fellow patrons, and this last time I went the band that was supposed to start @9 didn't play 'til @1130...on a weeknight. Meanwhile, people were being crammed inside and we were kicked out of our booth to make room for bottle service?! At no point was there ever a RESERVED sign on the table. Bottle service is nothing fancy. Presented in a sliver bucket you'd find on a farm to feed livestock, now that I think of it, perfect for the Gaslamp crowd of sloppy livestock surrounding it. Did I visit a dive bar or a saloon or a club? The world may never know. I don't even think El Dorado knows. -
Review from Chris P.
San Diego, CA
5/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Stopped in early on a Saturday evening and there was karaoke for cinco de mayo. The place really didn't live up to the hype. I understand it was cinco so I'm willing to give it another chance. I was just expecting more after thoroughly enjoying C&C and El camino.
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Review from Danielle O.
San Diego, CA
3/21/2012
I was heading out the door to the spring menu release party and wondered to myself, why have I not yet told the world why I love El Dorado?
First things first--why all the fuss about hipsters? I am so square I have been likened to Trudy Campbell, the saccharine (and anal retentive) Mad Men character. No one in this establishment has ever glanced at me sideways. Get over yourselves. Anyway--I love El Dorado because...(in no particular order)
The Location. It's far enough away from the gaslamp that you can park for free and still walk somewhere for dinner. If not, the lot next door is $5...on a Friday night...downtown...Also, as a square I don't want slimy men trying to hit on me or to see sorority sisters kiss each other to get free drinks. Feel free to wear flats or Ferragamo pumps ladies.
The drinks. Since I've been coming here I think I've learned to drink like a grown-up. The bartenders are this place's biggest asset--they really take the time to find out what you like, tell you about it and then craft you an amazing cocktail. And you cannot beat the happy hour prices. You're an idiot if you complain.
No food. I think this is a 100% plus--there's nothing to distract you from your friends and a good cocktail. Hodad's is right across the street if you eventually need a burger or if--like me--you crave the best white trash burger this side of Hemet, Broadway Pizza is right next door. Why aren't you there drinking yet?
I generally come early, drink for a couple hours and go home by 9pm so the noise/space issues have never been a problem. There have been a few occasions that I've stayed to dance, but at that point who is really trying to have a conversation? -
Review from Taylor G.
Solana Beach, CA
3/15/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Had birthday drinks here on a Monday night. We got there around 9:00 and our group easily tripled the number of people in attendance.
Steve/Stephen was our mixologist for the night with Chris at the door.
Everybody thoroughly enjoyed their concoctions. It was fun to monopolize the bartender for a little while. He did a birthday shot with me that made me feel like a pansy, but I guess if I can't take a shot on my birthday, when will I?
Love the totally casual vibe. I made my friends dress up for me but everything about this place says Relax... Wish i lived closer.
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PS They take a shot for Steve Jobs once a week. Amazing. -
Review from Sayanan S.
San Diego, CA
2/27/2012
I understand what this place is trying to do, and I'll concede that it makes them quite a bit of money, but it's frustrating to be here. The old-school cocktails, the solid DJ's, the decor...it's all nearly worthwhile, but not quite.
This place chooses a very high price point, to discourage the "riff-raff." I get it; you're in an exceptionally crappy part of town. You're trying to encourage clueless hipsters, people who think it's "divey," and Gaslamp spillover, people looking for somewhere "real" and cheap compared to Gaslamp. Unfortunately, these two demographics are really annoying to be around.
The $5-a-head cover [starting at 9.45pm] and a round of drinks, for my girlfriend and me, set us back $30+tax+tip as soon as we walked in the door. The bartenders are very precise about their mixology; there are no generous pours here. $10 for a cocktail with just 1 shot of liquor is a raw deal. The cheapest beer available is PBR, for $6 a can. The bartenders all dress "vintage," sporting suspenders and bowler hats.
El Dorado is very pricey, and the crowd consists of the sort of douchebag who thinks the prices, faux-vintage bartender uniforms, and [admittedly pretty good] music are all the best thing since sliced bread. The clientele consists mostly of hipsters and gaslamp spillover. Stay away. -
Review from Crystal N.
Santee, CA
2/13/2012
Had a rough week at work and need a good cocktail to take the edge off? El Dorado is the place you want to be.
Thanks to my good friend who took us here on a Friday night, it has become one of my new bars to hit up with my friends. Two words for you...Army Navy! It is a must for you to try this delicious concoction. It's a smooth drink that definitely brings you to your happy place. They have many other delicious concoctions that will give you a few more chest hairs. The drinks are strong, but beautifully created and will surely hit the right spot.
The place is not the typical trendy bars you find in the gaslamp. No pretentious crowd and annoying young group of girls who ruin your evening with their screams and giggles. The crowd that goes to this little gem of a watering hole are serious drinkers who knows what they want. You will find crowds of people who you can actually have an intellectual conversation with and that is certainly a breath of fresh air to happen in a bar.
There are plenty of seats at the bar and booths to rest your caboose. Plenty of room to mix and mingle with your friends and new friends. The decor is quite cozy and has this saloon type of feel to the place. The bartenders are a huge plus with their personable service as they mix your drinks and converse with you. -
Review from Ashley H.
San Diego, CA
3/15/2012
Great cocktails and cute bartenders! Win win win! The cocktails use good liquor and are creative and delicious. I've tried:
The Honey Badger: rye, honey bitters. Fabulous!
The Night Creature: rye, mezcal, averna, benedictine, orange bitters. Deliciously smoky! Really interesting and nuanced.
Moscow Mule: vodka, ginger beer, lime, bitters. A classic, done well.
The Jolly Roger: black rum, aged rum, lime, falernum. This was tasty but not as good as the others.
Great whisk(e)y selection! I will definitely be back. They're debuting their spring cocktail menu soon and looks like it will be fantastic! -
Review from Jessica C.
Chula Vista, CA
4/24/2012
Haven't been since my birthday when 3ball MTY was there, but it was great! Drinks are unique, crowd is cool (mixed, not to extreme one way or another), love these little bars, they always have the best dance parties!
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Review from Rudy D.
San Diego, CA
4/5/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I think its the 3rd Wed of the month...French Kiss Collective and other DJs throw an awesome disco house night...this is the spot....disco house is amazing...the old fashioned whiskey sours are amazing....the bartenders are cool...the people are cool...its even too hipster for the hipsters....and thats why i love it!
Happy hour! 5 bucks for your drinks! And they have an awesome rotating drink menu! What other bars have drinks that they have people try and vote on???? awesome!
Bring your coolest golf cap....bowties...suspenders..moustaches....
It can get crowded...but thats like any place with a great night vibe.....
Take the 7 bus...it drops you off one block away...how do i know this? cuz i knew i would drink one night and a cab was too much...luckily the best friend picked me up in front of the spot as i was in no condition to find the bus stop....
SO in conclusion, el d...is the place to B....unless you are pretentious or are part of the PB crowd... -
Review from Amy S.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Review # 666
Don't let the devilish numbers fool you as there is nothing against El Dorado seeing as they are definitely a solid 5 star place.
My visit to El Dorado was with a group of friends after a walk through Christmas on The Prado. The bouncers were cool about us bringing in our empty coffee thermoses to the bar which we were thankful for even though we looked like freaks with giant empty mugs. It wasn't long until we got what seemed like drinking a mug of cocktails in one glass when we ordered drinks that were out of this world.
I had the Honey Badger which sounded cooler than it tasted but that's alright because their revised gin and tonic with celery bitters I give 666 stars to especially the evils it wreaked upon me the next day. Many of those were had. Devil drink I love you so!
There is a large dance floor to get down to jams, we happened to be there on 80's vs. 90's nights. I found their gender-oriented obscene bathroom photographs to be fabulous when I navigated myself over there and was very pleased with the cleanliness of the situation inside. Definitely not a grubby bar bathroom. There are plenty of booths to sit at off to the side of the establishment and lots of bar stools to choose from.
Love the decor. Love the cocktails. I love dancing when I have had cocktails. I love the proximity it is to my house.
El Dorado, I love you.Listed in: It Was Love, Sorry I'm Late, I Was Out…
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Review from Jordan S.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2012
"We serve free tap water." There's some -free- ad copy for El Dorado's competition.
First I'd like to say this spot plays solid music, serves tasty cocktails, and has an overall good vibe. But last night, I was incredibly disappointed to find out our bartender wouldn't give my friend a glass of tap water unless he also bought a drink... Say again??
The same night, another friend of ours was obligated to buy a bottle of water after being told the same thing. Coincidentally, when my buddy offered a tip he didn't seem to mind breaching this "policy." After confronting the bartender, he made sure to let me know he was "part-owner" and any complaints to a manager didn't really matter.
Legal or not, this policy is fucked. Only place I have ever run into this sort of backwards policy was in Las Vegas, Nevada -- at a booty club called Haze. One thing is for certain, good music, good cocktails, good vibes, tall cans of beer, or tap water aren't exclusive to El Dorado in San Diego.
So DDs, people trying to sober up, and people not drinking for the night, you have been warned! Sorry El Dorado, fail by "the part-owner" (a.k.a. blonde dude with the tucked-in pony tail). Hope this is remedied with this policy disappearing, because I previously enjoyed your bar. -
Review from Mark P.
San Diego, CA
3/3/2012
Karmeliet Tripel. Master mixologists. Good tunes.
Enough said. -
Review from Danielle W.
San Diego, CA
1/22/2012
Delicious handcrafted cocktails, that are quite strong, extra friendly staff and good tunes...what more could you ask for?
This place doesn't open until 7pm (except on Friday it's 5pm) and they do a daily happy hour featuring $5 specialty cocktails, which they rotate seasonally, until 9pm. The mixologists are artists here. I recommend getting a bartender's choice cocktail from any of them. Basically you tell them what kind of flavors you are into and they make you a fabulous concoction, even with minimal direction.
I usually arrive at 7pm before it gets too busy so that I can take advantage of the cheap drinks and have good conversation with the friendly staff. By the time I am leaving the place is usually full. The overall ambience of this place is a dark western type feel, I personally enjoy it.
The one thing I don't enjoy is their location. While parking is easier to find in the area there isn't much else around besides quite a few homeless men and other sketchy characters, makes for a walk where I don't feel too safe. But with a group of friends nothing to fear and doesn't stop me from going here. -
Review from Melissa S.
San Diego, CA
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Question: What's a girl to do on a Wednesday night?
Answer: Go to El Dorado
Parked near city college/friends condo off A and Park and walked over to El D. Imagine if I walked by myself, yea not happening. I was SOOO GLAD I told my friend I didn't walk by myself because there were a bunch of weirdos near the trolley station, I probably would have been kidnapped.
Anyway, it El D was only a hop, skip, jump away from where I parked.
El D has HH 5 to 9pm which is AWESOME. Personally I am a fan of their mules, not too strong, not too sweet, just the right amount of ginger beer and vodka. I love that they're in mason jars.
They came out with a few new drinks, like the p90-x, I only had a sip of it but it tasted like fruit punch; contained Aperol among other things.
This particular night was dubbed as DUB DORADO. It was interesting. I won't say I'm not a fan of dub step, I'm just not accustom to it, considering all I listen to is the Biebs. sike. After a few minutes, I started to dance in my seat.
El Dorado is definitely a go to spot for Happy Hour and after HH hours.
There was a cover after 1030pm but we were there before and got a stamp.
They were playing Evil Dead 2 on one of the TVs and I just thought WTF is this, but couldn't stop watching.
There has been a large gap between the last time I went to El D and this time. I'll have to remember to go here more often. -
Review from Elaine C.
San Diego, CA
11/18/2011
There were free moscow mules during their anniversary night. It was pretty fun and cool to offer this type of event. I really enjoyed the place, but I'm a huge mule fan and this drink was not even close...
I did enjoy it and would come back. I just think you should stick to Starlite for the mules... -
Review from John T.
San Diego, CA
10/21/2011
Now this is probably one of the best cocktail spots in San Diego. It's off the beaten path a bit, between 10th and 11th on Broadway, but well worth the visit.
Their happy hour is from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm (or 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Fridays) serving up $5 drinks from their menu. These are top notch drinks...not like the stuff the other bars in downtown SD serve up. The bartenders here def know their stuff.
Now a word of advice...this place becomes a club after 9:00 pm charging cover and all. If you're looking to try their drinks without the crowd then come right when they open (7:00 pm everyday except Friday where they open at 5:00 pm). You can't beat their $5 drinks.
Now if you don't see anything on the menu that you like, or if you've tried everything on it, then you can go off menu for $9 a drink. Just tell the bartender what you're feeling, the type of spirit you like, or ask them to make something up...they can do all kinds of crazy drinks here.
Def try this bar...you won't regret it. -
Review from Jon G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I guess my friend's friend owns this place, and since it is located somewhat near where my friend stays for the holidays, Ive gone there the last couple of years.
The first time I went, which was december 2010, it was very crowded and loud, and though I only ordered three drinks, my tab was over $30, so their drinks are a bit over priced.
This year it was almost completely dead there, and the music wasnt too loud. They were playing an old sinbad movie on one tv, and some really cool animation on another, so when I didnt feel like talking to my friends, the tv was there to save the day! haha, actually no, I didnt actually want to not talk to my friends. This time around though the drinks were still way expensive. I got a simple whiskey on the rocks, and it was $9! Thats what they reach for when someone doesnt specify what kind of whiskey they want! I recommend getting the burbon, its a lot cheaper! Or stick with beer if youre ok with paying $5 for a bottle.
aside from that the selection is pretty good there, but there are a ton of other places I would go to before hitting this place up again. -
Review from Pat M.
Pine Bush, NY
3/16/2012
This place is awesome I always walkin sober out not so much habah
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Review from Elizabeth K.
La Mesa, CA
2/16/2012
I really like his place. It is owned by the same people that own Craft and Commerce and The Noble Experiment...so you will get the same quality of drink and service you will get at these places. In my opinion El Dorado is easier to park at and the drinks are less expensive.
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Review from Jonathan H.
San Diego, CA
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has that dive-y location and look, but I really don't think it is. I went on a Friday night and the DJ was spinning 90's hip-hop. Lots of people were dancing (not typical of a dive bar IMO). Not sure it was worth the trip "off the main path", but it was fun.
Dress light, because it's hot up in this mofo! -
Review from Vina A.
11/14/2011
They make 4-5 Star drinks filled with quality and care. I am told they will even sit down with you and share the steps and reasoning behind a particular cocktail, something which is rare these days.
They get 3 stars for atmosphere. Sure I went during happy hour, but it felt kind of like I was at a college freshmen party....one that didn't know if it wanted to be punk rock or hipster... and am I getting that old that I think these early 20 somethings look like undersized tweens in their ripped rock tees, tats and dirty hair? Prob just that night I went b/c our host really advertised the great music lineup and down to earth crowd. Doesn't matter though, people need to come here for the drinks. -
Review from Claudia A.
San Diego, CA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I remember this time I went to El Dorado to get my hipster on with a tall can of PBR and the DJ was killing it!
My girls and I go and get our dance on despite the fact that everyone was all middle school dance status by standing on the sides leaving the dance floor empty.
Somebody must do something about this and that was me.
Managed to get folks to come out to dance.
Before I know it a guy comes with 3 brown bags: "You. You. You" points at me and my friends, hands bag over. Swag bags! Oh sweet! Kept dancing. Someone bought us shots, friend mentioned wanting a cigarette and BAM there it was in her mouth and some dude lighting it telling us how cool we are. True story. Was I being treated like royalty? How? Why? Was it my sweet dance moves?
Open the bag the next morning and I pull out a mix CD compliments of le DJ and a shirt that read "99 Problems But My Style Ain't One"
Great drinks, great music, great swag, good times! -
Review from Sharon N.
San Diego, CA
3/3/2012
Great cocktails (The Mule especially), great old school hip-hop tunes on Friday nights, and a great diverse crowd.
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Review from Adolfo M.
San Diego, CA
The drinks are great but its just not my kind of bar. Kinda loud but awesome for those into that. I'd give it 5 stars 6 years ago.
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Review from Jay L.
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to 2 sibs from this family...Noble Experiment andNeighborhood...and am soon to visit the third in Lil' Italy (Craft and Commerce).
The City of Gold is in a kinda shady area as mentioned by all the other reviewers...but that's not bad. I'm sure the owners chose it to cater to the "I'm so cool and hip cuz I like dive bars in seedy places" type. It works. It's not too far to walk to the Gaslamp though, if you want to get back to the trendy/clubby/douchbaggery/nice/cleaner spots...
Anyway, go before 9 so you can get $5 cocktails. That's the money right dur...I've had a bunch from their specials and liked them all...the one with tequila and cucumber was hella (yeah, hella) good. Moscow Mule is a popular neo-classic too.
They are re-doing the taps so no good beers right now...though they are gonna be bringing in a variety of bottles instead (Boo!). I guess that's ok, since they want to be a cocktail place. I wonder if that's a great idea here in SD, where the craft beer is king...? I guess I like it enough so they got me as a customer.
I've never been when it's packed...I wonder what that's like since it's a small place. -
Review from nicole r.
Granada Hills, CA
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
The road to El Dorado was paved with expectations of the coolest hippest bar I have ever seen or been too. But really this bar is only slightly different than that of sweet bar in Echo Park or Silver Lake. For instance, most bars in the "hip" part of L.A. don't have guest lists or cover charges to get in (unless there is a live show happening, but even then it's not common.) and most of them don't have lines out the door and a dance floor seperated from the lounging area of the rest of the bar like El D has.
Club like features and waiting outside make the hype all that much greater. I wish there wasn't a huge hype on how awesome this place was gunna be. It's a fun bar that also feels like club, and if that's what it was hyped up to be then this review would be 4.5 stars instead of 3.5.
Once inside, it was very difficult to move around, there were SO MANY PEOPLE, that standing in one stop made me feel like seaweed, being swayed back and forth by the motion of the sea which was the crowd. Bumped and nudged and elbowed and pushed left and right non stop.
Ordering a drink was a whole 'nother game of push and squish to get to the bar and then patiently gaze and the beautiful bartenders who apparently have hands of magic and can make drinks faster than you can say "i'm thirsty". It's a long wait to get to that point tho.
If you haven't been here before, get the Moscow Mule. It's delicious. Not very strong, and they won't make it a double. But it's served in a jar and it's amazing. Lemon/citrus juice. Vodka with sugar and bitters. Ginger beer, and lime and a mint leaf. So refreshing and crisp. I give that drink 5 stars!!!
The music loud and full of bass. The dj's knew was we wanted to hear. And there weren't to many creeps lurking and waiting for weakling to take advantage of.
If I were in San Diego again I'd most likely revisit, but on a more mellow night. It was just toooooooooooooo cramped for my taste. I couldn't handle it.Listed in: second chances
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Review from Patricia A.
San Diego, CA
8/12/2011
If you're one of those people who hate hipsters, don't come here (unless you enjoy having hipsters around to bag on). They've got the sketchy location and the oh-so ironic decor, including a white buffalo head mounted on the wall.
In all seriousness though this place is great. It reminds me a bit of Tractor Room, but grittier. The drinks are absolutely delicious, and at $5 each before 9pm they are also an absolute steal. I got the El Pepino, from a friendly bartender, which was fantastic. Apparently they are affiliated with Noble Experiment, and I got the impression that the drinks are very similar, so I felt great about getting my drink for only $5 and sans a two week waiting period. -
Review from Dennis T.
San Diego, CA
6/10/2011 4 Check-ins Here
So you want a really nice craft cocktail? Your options downtown are Noble Experiment, Prohibition, Craft and Commerce, and El Dorado (+ a few others not worth mentioning).
At Noble Experiment, you literally have to wait a week or two to get your drink because of their reservation process. Drinks are $12 there.
At Prohibition, you have to abide by a strict dress code and be willing to dish out $14 for a drink.
Craft and Commerce is really good and not as expensive as the previous two bars, but it's cramped and also acts as a restaurant, so it's not strictly a bar, and its a long walk from the gaslamp/east village.
Then there's El Dorado. I like how its in the sketchier part of East Village, near bums, crack heads, and tattoo parlors. This scares away the typical beach crowd and Gaslamp d-bags (but also makes it hipster paradise). Before 9pm, their specialty drinks are only $5! After 9pm, they're $10, but its still less than what you'd pay at the other places for the same quality or better. For these reasons alone, its the best craft cocktail bar in SD. I also like how their menu changes seasonally. Last time I was there, it was dead quiet on a weeknight, they were on their laptops looking up old drinks from the roaring 20's and used me as a guinea pig.
But wait, there's more to love about El D:
-Free guest list on most nights, RSVP on their website. But most the time if you're their early, theres no line and no cover.
-DJ's, dancing, live bands, hip hop Fridays, and the infamous Dub Dorado wednesdays.
-Great crowd and awesome bartenders.
Just be warned, if you happen to be there when Miranda is working, try not to lock eyes with her or else you'll fall into a trance and never want to leave. -
Review from MiKA D.
3/22/2012
the el dorado was one of our barfly stops and i really loved this bar. they spun house that night and i'll definitely come back to kick it here with friends!
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Review from P F.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2011
If you're sick of dodging the navy boys, mainstream kids and community college underagers in the Gaslamp District, go check out El Dorado for a nice change of not so much pace, as scene. With Landlord Jim's out of the picture, this place offers a good hipster dance dive alternative.
At El Dorado the beer and whiskey drinks I've ordered have all been decent (although I tend to go for PBR at divey hipster establishments to make things less complicated). There are DJs most nights of the week and Dub-Dorado wednesdays are fun. On Friday nights I've witnessed a good mix of old & newschool hip hop along with 80s dance party techno-esque mixes - basically the DJs know what they're doing, with none of those cheesy Katy Perry techo mixes of the gaslamp... One more thing, there is a cover ($5 or $7 I believe) on Fri & Sat nights. -
Review from Maria C.
Updated - 6/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I was invited to attend the Summer Menu Release Party. Along for the ride were Sophia and teh Rog (even being sick!!!).
Drinks were $5 until 9p for Cocktail Hour. Free Ono Sushi was offered, but was quickly devoured by those in attendance.
Although the Moscow Mule was their most popular drink, I opted to try one of the summer drink specials. I ordered the Alameda. Alameda: Tequila, Lemon, Orgeat, Mole Bitters and Nutmeg.
Ya, Tequila... I hadn't had tequila in a while, and forgot how deadly this drug is for me. At the end of the night, I came home with a sore throat and a cough for several days. I forgot how Tequila made me feel.
There was a live band, and we met some cool peeps that we shared tables with. It was super loud that you would have to shout to get your neighbor's attention or simply go outside.
What made this place stick out to me are the super nice, cute bartenders. They wore these fun little outfits and are very informative and honest when conveying their drink menu. They also came around the tables asking if everything was ok and picked up empty glasses and bottles on a regular basis.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/9/2011
I can see myself having fun here with the right peeps. I expected this place to be bigger for some… Read more »
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Review from Lahnna E.
4/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
For me, El Dorado has now become synonymous with the phrase "night cap", partially due to the influence of my friend, but also because this is a perfect chill place to head pre-bedtime.
Andrew is a great bartender; excellent drinks and great service. He concocted a couple of delicious shots for me and my friend the other night called Sexy Alligators. They looked a bit harsh, but went down smooth as water. He also makes my Palomas best.
On the regular though, they prepare a stellar list of drinks that they change seasonally while carrying a list of classics. They also have a wide variety of beer ranging from cheap/standard to not-so-cheap/obscure. I'm fine sticking to North Park to meet my beer needs; I come here for a liquor injection.
Also, the jukebox is chock full of amazing tunes. It's like the owners are siphoning music right from my iTunes: Grizzly Bear, MGMT, Gorillaz...
Definitely thinkin' about a nightcap tonight.Listed in: High Class Inebriation.
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Review from Jillian D.
San Diego, CA
3/27/2011
El Dorado-well what isn't there to say about this dive bar. Cool beats, cheap drinks, and lots to eat.
Me and 7 other people went here on a Saturday night just to mix things up. Place looks a little shady mcshade from the outside. You got homeless drunk people crawling around with a sign that says "Chee Chee" across the street in neon lights. All the more reason to check out this joint.
There is a $5 cover charge to get in. Drinks like I said are way cheap. A shot of tequila and a beer is $11.00. We thought we were seeing things after a shot or two with that stellar price. Also the bartenders actually paid attention to you and you weren't stuck waiting until your buzz wore off to get a drink. The venue reminds me of voyeur except the music doesn't suck. And if you get hungry there is a grill outside selling hotdogs and hamburgers haha. The people well they sure are interesting. Saw two girls sucking face, a girl who we called the "stomper" because well that is just how she dances, two mom cougers on the prowl with there daughters and friends, and a dude that looked like he belonged in the movie twilight.
I will definitely be coming back at El Dorado. And you should just come here to see the giant bull head plastered on the wall. Oh and make sure you order the rattlesnake. -
Review from Jonathan C.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 12/29/2011
Still loving El Deez, The crew frequents this spot on charlie/ratty's night. Also been here on Armory wednesday a few times. This place is where bboys can still get down to some great djs.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/30/2010
This place kicks butt for sure. Couple blocks away from the Broadway and 9th 7 bus stop. Very… Read more »
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Review from Annie K.
4/27/2011
Don't remember much of the night.....which means this place deserves at least 4 stars! lol, was definitely mostly house/electro music, and I was dancing away, but some beezy stomped on my foot and now my platform heels have a HUGE crack/mark on them....and that was my first night wearing them out. SO DISAPPOINTED.
The actual place was smaller than what I'm used to but TOTALLY FUN! There's a smoking area in the back which is cool. Don't know how much drinks were....even tho I bought a few, haven't checked my credit card yet haha. I would definitely go back :) Cover was $5.
