- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Live Wire
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
253 reviews for Live Wire
Review Highlights
-
"Their juke box is a mix between popular and local music." In 33 reviews -
"Also terrific music as well as a somewhat good pool table." In 45 reviews -
"Their beer selection is incredible." In 23 reviews
Loading...
252 reviews in English
-
Review from Melissa S.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2012
I love to take my dog here. This is the best bar ever. For endless reasons.
++ GREAT BEERS! -
Review from Jenifer P.
La Mesa, CA
3/25/2012
This is a fun bar with a cool vibe. It's not pretentious at all and doesn't try to pretend to be something it's not which is a nice break from the hipster scene in North Park. It's not a big bar and tends to get crowded around 10:00 p.m. on weekends to the point it's hard to get a drink or move around much.
The bartenders are down to Earth friendly and boy do they know how to pour a drink! I wouldn't call it a heavy hand, but they definitely don't measure! I am not sure how their drink prices are as I never paid for one, but it's a favorite haunt of my friends and I am sure I will be going back here more often. -
Review from Amy S.
3/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Live Wire is a solid place.
Busy or dead inside.
Friendly bar tenders.
Good mixed drinks and decent beer selections.
Cool juke box.
Pool tables if you're into that kind of thing. Big Buck Hunter in the corner.
Dark. Windowless.
Comfortable bar stools.
Solid. 4.5 stars. -
Review from Andrew M.
San Diego, CA
5/11/2012 22 Check-ins Here
This is one of the last great bars in San Diego, its dimly lit, with a well stocked juke box and although the billiards atmosphere can leave something to be desired for the enthusiast. That has never my reason for showing up, its good music, good drinks and a always entertaining crowd. This is a must visit for any and all local bar flies looking for that red lit room where there are no sports on the tv (usually), and there's plenty of tattoos and stories to be shared..
-
Review from MAY J.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 4/17/2012
Still one of the best bars in San Diego....
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/23/2008
The picture-perfect dive bar.
Go here any night of the week, especially Thursdays to observe the… Read more »
-
-
Review from SuzieQ L.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2012
Moto bar.
Think Motor Head w/ Iggy pop. The club has a CBGB kinda feel to it. -
Review from Tom A.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
They got the bar height table top game back!!!! Wooo hooo
Thanks guys2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
5/24/2010
Still love this place for everything that I have said before but......
What happened to the bar… Read more »
-
-
Review from Adam P.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2012
This place is almost as good as my bed, made better only by the massive selection of beers on draught. Though the bartenders come in all shapes and sizes, they're tied together by their friendly nature, quick service, and heavy-handed pours. All things I like in a man behind a counter. Without getting too flowery, this place is divey, but eclectically decorated, with vintage, pop, and local music in the Juke box and crowd-pleasing movie on with subtitles. If you're still not aroused, they have an arcade style Big Buck Safari. Nothing tops off a great beer, or dirty martini like shooting an endangered species from the comfort of your neighborhood bar. Cheers.
-
Review from Erin S.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2012
Good local spot with a groovy happy hour.
I'm a fan of the loud music and and funky crowd but if you prefer jazz piano and whispering over flights of wine this is not the place for you.
I know there are great bartenders in San Diego somewhere. I have yet to find them, you won't find them here. -
Review from Frank R.
Imperial Beach, CA
4/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice spot if you want to just chill and have a few. I ended up here after a few hours of drinking so my memory is a little foggy but from what I recall it was a-ok
-
Review from Guapalena C.
San Diego, CA
1/17/2012
Great Jukebox- check
Great stiff drinks, and cheap- check
Great if you're rolling solo- check
Great craft beer selection, including Pliny the Elder- check.
Locals, Joe schmos, and hipsters- check.
Dancing on the weekends? Haven't seen it yet.
DJ's? Sometimes.
Free Pizza from Luigis when they close? Usually; Always when I'm nice and toasty.
Vegetarian Chili during Happy Hour? Had a couple bowls to date and they were delicious. Can't tell you on what days though.
Pool table? One. Congested and did someone almost knock me out over it? Yes.
First place I think to go to? No
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. -
Review from Meghan S.
San Diego, CA
2/11/2012
Chill vibe, diverse crowd, great tunes in the box, nice-ish staff & dog friendly.
Also, BEER. -
Review from Matthew C.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2011
Best bar in America. Not a ridiculous claim, I just know I will never see better. Dark, loud, sweaty, grimy, dirty, joyous, local, occasionally dangerous when Thad throws quarters at your head (its a good thing?), its everything I look for in a bar. Metal, thrash, surf, noise-rock on the jukebox! And the crowd is equal parts fem-roller derby/glam-tattoo/pbr-hipster/North Park beer snob. If it were 1982, I imagine there would be more denim-on-denim, multicolored mohawks, nose clams, bathroom sex...how do I say this...excitement? Well, in the aughts, its not that sleazy, but a heritage of edge prevails.
They have a committed and rotating tap list rarely found in places like this and they can pour a mean cocktail. For me, its hard not to go for a Macallan 12 (7 bucks!) and a double IPA, my version of a shot and a beer. Best nights? Every night, although weekdays you don't have to contend with bridge and tunnel nonsense (here its those having to take the 5 or 805 or 15 to get here) looking for a night out in the "hip" North/South Park area. They usually don't stay long anyway.
In a city crowded with twee, family friendly beer bars and fratclown strongholds, Livewire offers a much needed antidote. It eschews pretension and everything that defines Gaslamp, La Jolla, and PB. The hardcore days may be gone, but along with Cherrybomb, this place holds it down for keeping a more punk aesthetic alive. Let's hope its stays that way. -
Review from Lianas V.
San Diego, CA
11/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
LiveWire has a full bar and a great beer selection. It's hard not to get drunk when going here, especially during happy hour.
When available they get Pliny the Younger. Be careful, the beer is a lot stronger than you think. I like getting a Hendricks martini when I come here. It's a solid drink and at a good price.
Their juke box is a mix between popular and local music. I think they have even won awards for it.
A must try.Listed in: The Beverage Snob
-
Review from Jeff m.
San Diego, CA
3/1/2012
I want to start a campaign to get Live Wire 5 stars. Join me. This is the OG craft beer bar in SD and they deserve it.
-
Review from D. W.
Sacramento, CA
3/18/2012
I loveLOVElove Live Wire!! I insist my friends bring me here at least once whenever I'm in town, which is often. It reminds me a lot of my favorite hometown bar.
Fun atmosphere, stiff drinks, friendly and attentive bartenders, an amazing jukebox, chill vibe and it's dog friendly which earns them major points in my book. It is very, very dark but I like my dives dark. -
Review from Sila B.
San Diego, CA
10/22/2011
I'm a fan of dive bars, and this is a good dive bar located on "The Boulevard." I've been here a few times, and have not yet been disappointed.
Often, you'll walk in to a dimly lit bar full of people from all parts of the land. The jukebox is often rocking some sort of metal or hard rock, and the mantel above the bar is adorned with a random collection of brick-a-brack, some probably donated by regulars.
Take a seat in a red leather booth that probably has a rip in it. Hit some balls on the meh pool table. Or try your hand at Big Buck Shooter (no divey-type bar is complete without it).
They actually have a pretty good beer selection (as many other people have pointed out), however they still offer the 24 oz PBR tall boy. Who doesn't like 2 beers in one? Or, order yourself a strong little well cocktail. All offered at fairly competitive prices.
I love the Live Wire. -
Review from Howeler G.
San Diego, CA
9/28/2011
The Grand Daddy of Craft Beer in San Diego is.....NOW OPEN at 1pm on Sundays for Football season!
YES! no more having to wait for 5 pm on Sundays. GET in there for an afternoon of beers or booze!
Thanks Live Wire! -
Review from Raudel E.
San Diego, CA
6/22/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Nightlife in SD tends to take its own turn once you're inside this bar. The music selection is very unique. They have a great punk/rock selection and if you enjoy that, you will enjoy Live Wire. They have a pool table at the end of the bar and its a pet friendly bar if you like taking your furry friend to you when you drink. They have local beers on tab (kinda like hamiltons) and my favorite is their dirty martini (extra olives). Their well vodka is smirnoff, which for the price, 6bucks i believe, i think its a good deal (extra olives, dont froget...this is important :p)
Cheers! -
Review from Josh K.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2011
Scene. A Crowded Bar.
A young woman sits at the bar staring at her reflection; a thirty-ish man with a beard and a sleeve of tats sulks into his local brew; swirling around them are people clad in the black uniform of post-mod-dirt-chic drones, pushing towards the bar en masse to order drinks from surly, disinterested bartenders; loud DJ music reverberates off the dark walls; tendrils of blue-white smoke waft in from those outside the front door patrolling the scene with p-funks and american spirits. The bearded man spots the woman and walks over to her, shoving not a few people on his way.
Man - Hi.
Woman - Hi.
Man - I noticed you were wearing a black hoodie, that's cool, I like,
have a few of those myself.
Woman - That's cool, I really like those tattoos on your arm. I have some
on my wrist and calves.
Man - Cool. Yeah, so this place is cool, huh?
Woman - Totally, I really dig your beard. How long have you been
growing it?
Man - Oh, I've always had this beard. Since I was like twelve, I just
keep it trimmed. Um, can I buy you a drink?
Woman - For sure, I'll um have a vodka and soda.
The two sit there for 20 minutes while the bartender ignores them. -
Review from Jeph B.
San Diego, CA
3/24/2011
Since so few seem willing to discuss (or perhaps aren't aware of) the annoying scenesters in this bar, let me give you the head's up. I have no problem with tattoos, piercings, skinny jeans, mods, rockers, or any other dive bar types. And I'm not a downtown/PB kinda guy, I prefer dives, Casbah, Cherry Bomb, Ruby Room, and the like. But the majority of patrons at this place act like YOU can't possibly be worthy to drink there unless you dress from a thrift store, and look obviously counterculture. There are MANY cool people who like an eclectic juke and local brews, but if their job or preference doesn't allow for an outward display of just how cool you think you are, then you likely won't feel welcome here. ;)
(-former musician with 5 years of Casbah snobbery behind him. ) -
Review from Melissa F.
San Diego, CA
3/10/2011
Live Wire, previously of the beer and wine-only marketing, now provides large cocktails at reasonably priced costs together with its long-lauded intensifying music. Though the bar no longer includes live acts, it is still a perfect location to hear grunge rock and harder beats missing from the city's other night attractions.
Live Wire is often a location with small affectations, with no requirements anticipate for an appreciation for the extra independent issues in life. -
Review from Tyson G.
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good selection of beer
Dog friendly, even inside
I like booths.
Good neighborhood dive bar -
Review from Larah M.
12/24/2010
After my first trip to Live Wire I am compelled to give this fine establishment 5 stars, even though a 5 star establishment this place is not.
If you're a princess, this place is gross. It's grimy, gritty, falling apart, service is slow albeit friendly, and the bathrooms give off a faint whiff of Trainspotting. These are all the things that set my heart aflutter. Strange, I know. But especially in these times where gentrification has taken hold of my once gritty North Park and transformed it into a overly polished, sometimes contrived butterfly, Live Wire is a breath of fresh air. It's raw and honest, and will slap you in the mouth if you're being a dumb whore. I totally appreciate that.
Oh and I gave everyone SARS at this place last night. Merry Christmas.Listed in: Teh List of Egocentricity
-
Review from Jen R.
12/27/2010
I came here with some fellow Yelpers on the Eve of Christmas Eve. When I made my way to the bar I ordered bottled water. The bartender replied that they don't serve bottled water. She did however mention that I could go next door to the liquor store to purchase some. I was fine with that.
Well I'm on my second bottle when the bouncer comes up and says that I'm not allowed to bring in any outside containers. I explained what I was told and he wasn't having it. The bouncer dude wasn't rude, only doing his job. He apologized for having me get ride of my water. Bummer for me.
Dear bar owners:
SERVE BOTTLED WATER!
Sincerely,
Someone trying to get home safe
I left since I wasn't planning on drinking alcohol and the soda machine was not working. The bartender was nice and hooked everyone up with shots since the carbonation on the soda machine wasn't working. This was my only experience but it really left a bad taste in my mouth. -
Review from Steffanie C.
New York, NY
12/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I will forever love live wire. One of the best Dive Bar's in San Diego. If you want a classy or quiet place just don't even bother stopping in. I used to live directly across the street from the bar for a few years, Yes I did pick this apartment BECAUSE it was across the street from Live Wire. Back in 2002-2005 it was the place to be, I went there often, and closed it down often ( I should of worked there). Thursday's was the day to go...but it was so hard to move. So i went in on Tuesdays and Fridays to relax and hang with friends. I used to be able to get a tall drink for $6, now its short but still $6.
I remember one time when there was a bomb threat ( YES A BOMB THREAT AT LIVE WIRE) and we all had to leave....IDK who the fuck had a psycho (ex)girl/boy-friend but sucks to be them. We all went down to Red Fox, then just back to my apartment instead. Which was a common occurrence, after parties at my place.
I was actually told on Monday that it was MY old building, that tried to get their licence revoked and taken away. Sorry about that! -
Review from Mike V.
San Diego, CA
1/2/2011
Judging by the shape alone,
Was this dive once a mobile home,
I am inclinded to think it so,
But that doesn't mean I don't want to go,
The sign outside says "Cold Beer, Warm Friends",
And that is how it always is. -
Review from Prentice P.
San Diego, CA
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can I say about Livewire?
I can say that every time I've been here, it was because of a birthday party that I was being dragged to, and the place was always packed to the core. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. I gather that places are "packed to the core" because of the quality of the goods or services they deliver, right?
I've never been one for a massive crowd. I am just an introverted fool who only goes out because I was "along for the ride". So then, "Prentice.. Why the hell would you find Livewire worthy of your five star review", you may be asking yourself.
Let me give you the answer in an in famous one sentence review:
"Livewire has Boddington's Pub Ale on draft." -
Review from Eder E.
San Diego, CA
11/28/2011
This place is a pretty laid back place to hang out with friends. You can hang by the bar or in a booth. There is also a pool table and a shooting arcade game in the corner that costs only 50 cents. Best of all they have really good beer on tap. Not a huge selection, but they had some quality stuff.
-
Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
While the Live Wire has a pretty awesome beer list, their mixed drinks are nothing to scoff at. When the place is virtually empty, it's a solid spot to sit (or stand) around. Make sure you cover the top of your drink if you head outside for a minute. The staff is super efficient, and you'll come back to a drink that has been whisked away. It only takes one. Lesson learned.
The jukebox looks like it has a decent selection, and their bathroom was clean. Hurrah.Listed in: I Gave My Heart to San Diego
-
Review from David N.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2010
Came here last night to grab a quick beer. They just happened to have Yeti, by great divide here - on tap, for 4$ - along with 23 other good brews. Holy crap. They also have buck-hunter and a great jukebox. This place is large enough for a good bday spot, but small enough so that you could pack the place with mostly just your friends.
Excited to come by here next time i'm in town. -
Review from Angela W.
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
3.5?
live wire you stole my heart with magic hat no. 9 on tap. i thought all hope of having magic hat in san diego was lost, until that fateful day we stepped into your incredibly divey bar, packed full of people, and my eyes met that beautiful tap handle. i had one glorious glass, and then the keg ran out. i was devastated, and i hope that magic hat will return.
magic hat aside, this place is fun, your typical dive with cheap drinks and interesting company. it's not too big, and gets crowded fast, but it's fun that there are dogs randomly hanging out. the bar staff could use a little less 'tude, but i'll take it. unfortunately it's just a tad far to walk to, so we won't be here super often, but i'll definitely be back in hopes of more magic hat.Listed in: Beertastic
-
Review from Austin D.
1/10/2010 ROTD 12/6/2010
"And then the lesbian threw a drink in my face," said a man with a British accent to his friend. That's the first thing I heard upon walking in the door on my last visit to Live Wire. I shook the confused man's hand and thanked him for a proper welcome.
Naugahyde booths, dark corners, a pool table, jukebox, a video game (a shotgun hunting game as of Jan '10), dirty bathrooms.
And of course, good and cheap drinks (featuring an impressive tap selection that can hold its own against most craft beer-houses in town), with cool bartenders, in a space completely free of any airs or pretensions. This is what a dive bar makes.
They have special happy hours sponsored by a local brewery roughly every month. If you get there early enough (thankfully I work from home and live 4 blocks away!) you can get a commemorative pint glass.
This is a dive bar that surely has seen its share of people from hippie to hipster come and go over the years. Yet it refuses to lose its soul and sell out to any one of the ephemeral cultural fads of its clientele. It's the United Nations of bars, welcoming anyone with a few dollars and at least twenty-one trips around the sun under their belt.Listed in: Craft Beer Bliss, Egomania!
-
Review from Breanne P.
San Diego, CA
12/31/2010
Dear Live Wire,
Please forgive me for the time I booed the only live performance I have ever seen on your premises. Even though I think it totally sucked, I still feel guilty about it.
I am also sorry for the time my friends and I stood up and danced in your booth, then continued to do so after being asked to stop. Drunk girls are easily compelled by the siren songs of James Brown.
I am sorry for being a jukebox-hog. It is terribly difficult to resist the likes of MC5, AC/DC and the Sword all in one machine, especially when you know the hipster nearby would queue up Coheed & Cambria or the Beatles if that kinda poopery existed on such a perfect machine. On second thought, I am not sorry. So there.
Live Wire, I am sorry for every time I have snorted at a grown man ordering a light beer or at a female patron requesting a lime slice in a Corona. Not everyone likes the same things I like. I know.
I apologize for any other bad behavior not covered here. From the bottom of my shiny, swollen, whiskey-infused apple of a heart.
I write to you today to tell the world you are my all: Your beer line-up, your jukebox rotation, your sexy red booths, your behaved clientele--these things compose the foundation of my love for you. Your jive barkeeps and proximity to amazing pizza keep me running back. The others just aren't the same. You are everything to me.
Yours always,
Breanne P. -
Review from Ryan R.
San Diego, CA
8/12/2008
The air was thick and smelled of lucky strikes and urinal mints. Anonymous cars and bikes passed up and down the boulevard, speeding towards another weekend. There was something different about the people lurking outside of the Live Wire; they reminded Ryan R of something but he couldn't put his finger on it. Perhaps it was nothing... perhaps it was a warning... There was nothing on the docket for the evening because Ryan R makes no plans. He had come to the Live Wire to scope it out before deciding whether or not to meet up with various recalcitrants later in the evening.
Upon entering the bar he was greeted by what could have been mistaken as hostile glares; Ryan R knew better though, these idiots were just drunk at 6pm. He sat at the bar and took in his surroundings- noting the fastest exits and the various items that could be used to kill someone. A dark figure sat at the other end of the bar. He sat alone, in a leather coat, guarding his beer. His face was masked by the shadows and this made Ryan R uncomfortable. Never trust a guy in a leather jacket...Who was he... He reminded Ryan R of someone but he couldn't remember who... Suddenly, Ryan's concentration was broken by a voice, it was the bartender... He looked like Leif Garret....
Leif Garret: Can I get you something?
Ryan R: I like your selection of beer. (eyeing the shadowed figure)
Leif Garret: Thanks, let me know if you want to try anything.
Ryan R: (under his breath) I bet you got laid a lot in the seventies.
Leif Garret: What was that?
Ryan R: I'll have a Pliny the Elder...
Leif Garret: Sure thing.
As the child star poured Ryan R's beer, the shadowed figure moved slightly into the light. It was Guy Davenport! Immediately noticing that Ryan R had made him, he darted for the rear exit. Ryan R raced after him only to be greeted by an empty street.
Ryan R's beer tasted better than any beer he had ever had. He now knew the truth...Guy Davenport wasn't dead! That sonuvabitch!Listed in: North Park
-
Review from Marisol C.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2008
Ah, Live Wire...I *heart* you.
You will always hold a special place in my heart.
----------------------------------
Ruggy was the one who suggested meeting up here...
It happened on Tuesday...wait- no. Wednesday.
This is the first place I ever got drunk.
It wasn't drunk, like fall on your face drunk...
I was just freaking happy and buzzed and the world was all
pretty and good...which was a nice change from the threads
that night.
I sent a mass txt to whoever I thought might like to show up,
and we actually had a pretty good turnout.
---------------------------------
Thank you bartender (sorry I forgot your name)
for the wonderful recommendation...
I could've sworn you said it was a Malibu, but Jeanna insists
it's a Long Island Iced Tea. Whatever.
And thanks for holding on to my card. I can't believe I forgot it... ;pListed in: Popping my Yelp Cherry ;)
-
Review from Andrew C.
The Live Wire now accepts plastic for payment.
Does this make a difference to the original review? Not really.Listed in: Sandy Eggo
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/4/2007
The amount of elitist shit heads is balanced well enough by the number and quality of brews to… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jeanna W.
5/8/2008 ROTD 5/28/2008
What kind of dive bar doesn't have the Doors on the jukebox!? Great selection of tunes, other than that. I satisfied my taste with some Zombies. It's nice to go to a bar where they don't have one of those new fangled digital contraptions to choose music from... makes me feel more chillaxed.
The last two times I was here I wanted to get nekked and bump uglies because it was like an orgy of sexy scenesters.
This time, last night, I wanted to get nekked and bump uglies because I was with fun people, getting drunk, on a Wednesday (hump day). ha. That always calls for sexy time.
Usually parking is terrible in this part of town, but I guess that's mainly on the weekend.
-Outside is a large, long bench for smokers and Fritos eaters.
-Next door is a liquor store. As you walk into the bar, it's almost eerily dark but the bartender will probably smile, say "hey" and something easy going and you won't feel so dark anymore.
-Head straight to the back and find the pool table, and probably me!
-Feel the need to relieve yourself? The rest room was clean and large with one of them wall-length mirrors - always good for checking ourselves out, ladies.
-The booths are comfortable and fit five people very well. Next time I think I'll dance on the tables because they are big and sturdy.
The Live Wire sometimes has DJ's. As a matter of fact, I heard a heart warming story about Edgar DJ'ing here with Ruggy once! How lovely. You should ask him about it.
What the hell else do you want to know? Go to the bar and find out for yourself what it's like. Now. Tonight, even. -
Review from Misty B.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2009
Why have I waited so long to review the Live Wire? This bar has become a staple of my weekends. If I am out someplace, and it is decidedly lame... we go to the Live Wire. The bartenders are awesome, they have a great beer selection, and maybe the best jukebox in San Diego.
Sure, it's a local dive, but personally, that's what I like about it. I know that for now I'm known as that (awesome) chick with Lety, but with as often as I frequent this place, hopefully I'll get to the point where my status includes my own name. Regardless, I love coming here. Plus, I can always walk home if I enjoy too many pints.Listed in: Bars, The Good, The Bad, and…
-
Review from Eddie P.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2008 5 Check-ins Here
When you come across a place you haven't reviewed yet, but you've been there numerous times, it's safe to say you're kind of a lush.
I was here last night and it's still small and cramped as ever. The juke box is dirt cheap, but the selection is lame. The drinks are still good, though everyone thought I was gay for my fruitastic drink selection--mainly Edgartronic and Nick, and they shared with the ladies at the bar my favorite drink is Malibu and pineapple juice, then the women made some lewd comments and suggestions regarding my drink.
Yup. Live Wire. Can someone gentrify that bitch already?
Read more reviews for this business:
Dutch (1)
