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The Aero Club Bar
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 2 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- 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:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
319 reviews for The Aero Club Bar
Review Highlights
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"Plus they have pool tables, movies on loop, and a juxebox." In 72 reviews -
"Good music selection from juke box." In 28 reviews -
"a big plus outside of the essentials is the free wi-fi." In 8 reviews
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319 reviews in English
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Review from Luz G.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place.... you can just walk in after a long day and have a relax time with a great shot of whiskey ;).... I tried my first Old Fashion and was NOT disappointed, a guy I was dating is an expert on them and was happy with what he got so I figured they must be REALLY good ;)...
Drinks are well served and fairly inexpensive.... bartenders are helpful and very friendly... I usually go with a group of friends and we always have a blast (it is definitely a fun 'neighborhood bar' -
Review from Bruce R.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2012
This place should be shut down!!!
Stopped in for a cold one. While I was waiting for the bartender to serve me the manager came up behind me and said I wasn't allowed in because I was "patched". HUH?? I have a leather jacket that has a small Marine Corps patch that I am very proud to have served in. I also have a patch that says "Patriot Guard...Standing for those that have stood for us". I help out the families of our fallen hero's and escort military funerals...which is something I'm also very proud of doing. I'm 47 years old, clean shaven, no tats, was dressed well but because I served my country and also help our fallen hero's families I'm not allowed to have a beer??????????????
Shame on you Aero Club!! If it wasn't for people like us you wouldn't have the freedom to run a bar. -
Review from Stephanie H.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2012
I spent my birthday here this year and it rocked! It was the end of the night, we already got our jazz on down the street at El Camino and decided to come down to Aero to close out the night.. I cuddled into the booth with two besties and we made out all night.
Just kidding, I did make out with some whisky though! It was a 12 year aged Bushmills. Now, I have just begun to drink whisky. It all started with a cough and like with other great remedies this one officially began medicinally. Someone recommended some Crown Royal and my mouth has been a whisky tasting room ever since. I like whisky. If you haven't figured it out yet - Aero is known for their massive whisky collection. . 400 different kinds I think!
So coming to Aero Club is exactly where I wanted to be because my list was still rather short at this point: Crown Royal, Jameson, some other I can't remember and Bushmills. Since Bushmills was my favorite so far I decided to taste something a notch above and went with the Bushmills black. It was so good I had another..
Then someone had the genius idea to try "Fernet" (which is not a whisky), I only did it because of peer pressure (which is sooo NOT me) but I'm glad I did! I got to stay vibrant for another couple hours. Long enough to discover Howlin' Wolf on Spotify and rock myself into the next day. Thanks Aero for fueling some mid-bday festivities. And thank you Fernet branca.. you mystic herbal concoction you!
Note: atmosphere is slightly above dive bar status! Great music if you like rock though! -
Review from Alanna M.
Southwick, MA
5/24/2012
First timer. Chad made delicious drinks, good jukebox, good vibes, excellent time!!
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Review from Jenny P.
San Diego, CA
4/29/2012 1 photo
I go wine tasting a couple of times a year to Temecula and wanted to do something different... what better than whiskey tasting? Per the bartender's suggestion, my friend and I shared the first item on the whiskey sampling page (out of the textbook of whiskeys haha) and I was pleasantly surprised at the subtle distinctions of flavor.
Great music playing at a controlled volume so you can sing along mid-buzz even while keeping up with the conversation at the table.
I also tried other specialty drinks and there wasn't any I didn't like! -
Review from Gordon E.
Canton, CT
5/26/2012
I love stopping by this bar on a random night out in SD. It's just a small, cool, random dive bar. The bar area is large and impressive. The clientele is local. The pool tables are enough to keep you entertained. Overall, just a bit of fun.
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Review from Holly G.
San Diego, CA
5/17/2012
My boyfriend is a scotch lover and he was impressed by this place.
I was impressed at how nice the bartenders were, it actually makes me sad that other people have had a bad experience.
I was impressed they were accommodating to my step mom calling from out of town to set up a birthday tab for us as well as their knowledge of all the different types of scotch and their willingness to locate and climb up on step ladders to get our drinks.
The atmosphere is definitely relaxed-dive and the crowd seems to ebb and flow pretty quickly on a Saturday night.
Totally worth a trip if you like to relax and have some scotch, especially if you go a little early and can grab one of the very few booths. -
Review from Alice C.
[Whet your] whistle while you work...
This place has WiFi & an amazing selection of '90's music to work to.
Physics homework with some vodka? Don't mind if I do! Just don't drink & derive.Listed in: The Best for Guests [SD…, Best of Boozin' in SD
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/28/2011 ROTD 1/13/2012
This place is totally legit!
Don't let its odd/semi-questionable location deter you.
The Aero Club… Read more »
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Review from ameer n.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2012
There's many bottles of booze here, like a lot. free wifi, booths, everything thumbs up.
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Review from Leland S.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
I've been a resident of San Diego for over a year now and have passed by this place with the eye catching red neon airplane sign and have been meaning to check it out ever since. So I finally had the opportunity to stop in after dropping someone at the airport and it did not disappoint. The place is filled with all types of cool things covering the walls and ceiling. The bar tenders were very friendly and instantly made you feel like you were a regular. I was excited to find they had a huge selection of rare whiskeys and a menu of flights that made it just that much more affordable to try some really good whiskeys. Its not a huge place but with a good length bar and 3 or 4 round booth tables it can accommodate a fair crowd comfortably. I'll definitely be back.
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Review from Sam N.
La Jolla, CA
3/15/2012
I really like the juke box. I'm not great at pool, and the tables, at 50 cents a game, are fine by me. Although use the table closer to the bar if possible to limit use of the short sticks--you'll see what I mean. Old Rasputin at $6.50 is strong enough that I'm good with two drinks. When I used to make more money I would sometime order one of the better whiskeys or scotch, they have a great selection, but I don't have the money to waste buying fine whiskey at a bar these days. I come here on week nights when it isn't too crowded and think it's a great place to chill and have a few beers with good friends. I don't come here to meet people or for any other reason. It's conveniently located close to I-5.
I love this place. It's not for everyone. -
Review from Nicole N.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 4/19/2012 8 Check-ins Here
My update: I love this place. I love the bartenders. Everyone is so damn nice and good at their job too. I come here at least once a week now, and its good on a packed weekend or for a quick drink during the weeknight. Good for all types of people and friends. Good for any drink you want as well! Of course, whiskey is always a good choice... inquire about their list.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/13/2009
I was excited to try this place out b/c its close by and advertised "ale house" out front. It was… Read more »
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Review from Katrina L.
San Diego, CA
2/21/2012
This establishment is a CORNUCOPIA of alcohol - they even provide a comprehensive book on all the whiskeys offered here.
It's a little ways down India St. but worth the walk - when we got here it was bustling with a chill crowd and the decor was a mix of aviation themed with lights and laterns on the ceiling. There's pool tables in the back and no one was pretentious or shoving up against you.
I'm looking forward to coming back again! -
Review from Ethan R.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
This is the goto place for whiskey aficionados of San Diego. I came here with one purpose, to try and get a taste of whiskey older than me.
I got that, I got a flight of whiskey, I got other people having me try their stuff, and i got drunk. Praise be to this bar.
Only downsides are the lack of easy parking. Fuck needing food, it takes up whiskey room. -
Review from Jacob B.
Norfolk, VA
1/12/2012
25ish different countries, all the states ours has to offer and a penchant for booze means I've been to a lot of bars. Even though I no longer call San Diego home I compare them all to the Aero. It's the best bar I've been to.
Keep the Jackson 5 on the juke and the beer cold and I'll never stray. Without pretension or pomp this is simply the finest bar in the world.
Aero Club - I love you.Comment from bill l. of The Aero Club Bar 1/12/2012
Thank you.The nicest thing you could say. More » -
Review from Heather W.
San Diego, CA
It takes a village...
Oh yes it does. A village of all colors of the rainbow; just like those haphazardly strung lights that adorn the ceiling of this little slice of [alcohol] paradise in Mission Hills. All business or totally casual? Visit your "stylist" every week? Wear a buzzcut, combover or mullet? GREAT! Beer connoisseur, whiskey fiend or girly drink aficionado? It's all good at the Aero Club. Come one. Come all. Just come. Uh...go.
Want to start drinking at 2pm? No problem! You're totally covered at the Aero Club.
A few of us headed over early today, snatched up one of the oversized booths and got comfortable; especially with the eye candy at the bar in that perfectly tailored suit and oh-so-great hair, but I digress...
$15 for two Grey Goose on the rocks with one lime (of course)? And we're not talking shot glass sizes of vokda here, folks. Full-on mouthful, gulp worthy pours my friends. (My co-horts had three beers each at $9). So what planet am I on? Oh. That's right. Planet Aero!
Bartender rocks. LOVE going somewhere without the attitude. The tunes are groovy and the vibe is totally rad. Oh yes. I just wrote rad.
The only effort you need put forth is getting yourself there.
$10 minimum on cards. Free for the stellar mise-en-scène.
THUMBS UP. -
Review from Nicole P.
Charleston, SC
4/6/2012
I came here a long while back while visiting some friends from college and had a really great time- great drink selection and atmosphere and such. (Almost) everything was so good, that I am almost willing to overlook the fact that the bathroom was so revolting that I almost lost all the vodka I had dutifully taken in that evening. Ladies, if you can't squat... then don't.
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Review from Yvonne C.
One of the best dives around!
My friend was visiting from out of town and I knew exactly where I'd take him for a good time. He made it a point that he wasn't feeling a nudie bar that night...Dude, there's much more to Midtown than strip clubs, my homie. Anyways, after enjoying dinner and drinks at Starlite down the street, we walked over to Aero for more drinks to keep that good buzz going. You know what I'm talkin' bout...
The bartenders here are quick, friendly and know how to make a good drink! The atmosphere is lively, packed with people hanging around the bar. The crowd is eclectic, from your marines to your everyday damn-my-pants-are-so-tight hipster, it's a fun bunch. We quickly made friends with another couple while figuring out why the pinball machine wasn't taking quarters. Oh, TOKENS ONLY. We made our way to the bar and asked our bartender to change out our quarters. Insert coin...uh, token. After lighting up that pinball machine, we decided it was time to give it up. "Oh, did you want to play?"
Nothing but good times here, I will return. Maybe he'll be up for seeing some nekkidness next time he's here. I'm secretly hoping. -
Review from Leonard L.
San Diego, CA
11/28/2011
Aero Club
SD: Mission Hills
Wednesday November 25, 2011
Three Stars
The Style of this bar was interesting - Tons of Bottles on Display, Christmas lights, and Guinness type pictures. We ordered a garbage old fashion, some fireball shots, and some cheap beer. Nothing to write home about but it served a good change of scenery from Starlite.Comment from bill l. of The Aero Club Bar 11/28/2011
With 450 whiskeys most people in the spirit business think… More » -
Review from Refugio G.
Houston, TX
Updated - 11/8/2011
Man, I forgot how much I love this place.
I was recently in San Diego for work and being that the hotel was close by, I decided to go for a drink or three.
I met up with one of my OG San Diego friends and we spent the time reminiscing about back in the day and how the Aero was always the meeting point to begin or end the night. Sadly, those days have gone away, but the memories of good times and good friends will live on.
The place is unchanged, save for a few decorations, and the clientele is still as eclectic as it was back then.
I know I will be stopping by when I am back home.Listed in: Drown thou sorrows!, The Places I Go Out
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2007 ROTD 8/19/2007
As being the site of choice for the Thirsty Thursday V 2.0 I am very impressed by this place.
Many… Read more »
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Review from Emily R.
8/15/2011
Zee Aero Club. This place was magnificent! Specializing in the art of the dive atmosphere, I immediately felt welcomed. With an extensive booze collection that would amaze even Belushi, I wasn't taken aback at all. Instead, I ordered a Guinness, cozied up in one of their nooks, and took it all in.
Friendly service, pool tables, and an adequate smoke deck with a down right neighborly rat milling around. What's not to like?
Will I be back to Zee Aero Club? Yes I will.
WIll I go out of my way for ZEE Aero Club? Yes, yes I will. -
Review from Mike L.
San Diego, CA
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok, i must be in the minority on how i feel about this place but it definitely was not my scene. I can understand how some folks might like it though. if you want a bar that offers cheap drinks, tight spaces, and your dressed down casual scene, then this is for you.
Personally, i prefer places that has actual locks on the rest rooms, and pool tables with enough space to use a full length cue stick. something like hamiltons in south park.
definitely an experience. my coworkers REALLY loved the place for what its worth but half of our guests bounced after being in there for only an hour.Comment from bill l. of The Aero Club Bar 12/1/2011
We try to weed them out. More » -
Review from Gracie M.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place is chill, I like it. I've been here twice now, each time was on a weekend, and the place was decently busy but not over crowded- which is perfect! The bartenders are always super friendly, and the choices for a beverage are endless. I like all the lights on the ceiling too; they have many, many beer signs!
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Review from Bill B.
11/18/2011
Was in here the other night after dinner @ Blue Water Grille. Couple different guys at the bar served us drinks throughout the night. Each was super pleasant and quick. I wish the service in 'dive' bars was emulated downtown. These guys rule.
It's not huge, but it's not cramped. Two small pool tables in the back. Couple booths too.
Friendly vibe for sure. I'll be back. -
Review from Rachel T.
10/18/2011
My favorite dive bar in San Diego! This place has strong drinks for cheap, and I have never had a bad time here. The crowd is always pretty interesting, and there are pool tables in the back. The booths are really big, so if you come with a group, snag a booth if one is free!
The bartenders here are awesome too, and they always have good suggestions for new drinks if you are tired of your usual order. -
Review from Natasha A.
San Diego, CA
10/26/2011
My husband's a regular since he works at the airport, and I've been here with him a handful of times if I happen to drive down to SD with him.
I like this place. It's unlike any other dive bar I've been to, love their wall of bottles (it's quite impressive!). Love their decor and the bartenders are great! Lots of history in this place too. -
Review from Megan D.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2012
Atmosphere, whiskey and scotch selection, pool tables, and no cover make this one of my all time favorite neighborhood bars. I came here for NYE this year and had a fabulous time. What a positive and happy group to celebrate with. I will definitely be here next NYE and several times in between for good measure.
Comment from bill l. of The Aero Club Bar 2/16/2012
Thank you Megan More » -
Review from Sue C.
Encinitas, CA
2/20/2012
If they don't have it, you don't need it. They even have REAL ginger ale not the two button squirt!!!! If you've never been...it's a must. Don't leave San Diego or Earth without stopping by.
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Review from Shauna M.
Nothing bad to say. The people that come here are all chill and pleasant. Its usually pretty full. Prices are decent. The only thing that gets kinda annoying is the hard to find parking.
My favorite time to come is during the holidays when they string up a bunch of Christmas lights on the ceiling! -
Review from Chris S.
San Diego, CA
10/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I will definitely come here again. We showed up at about 9:40 on a Saturday night and it wasnt that crowded at all. Huge (I mean huge) selection of whiskey, from Scotland, Ireland, TN! All over the place. The bartenders were super cool, laid back, and the place wasn't the least bit pretentious. this is what I want from a dive bar.
The old fashioned that I ordered left something to be desired, but I just switched to drinking straight whiskey. Problem solved.
The bartenders were really knowledgable and a great resource to use when trying to get through the whiskey menu.
This has replaced my longtime love of the Reno Room in Long Beach as my favorite dive.
Good juke box too. -
Review from Jen S.
9/5/2011
Old school bar with an impressive whiskey selection.
This place BRIMS with the American Retro Dive Bar experience; the atmosphere, the decor, everything!
I don't drink (well, I sip friend's drinks) but for those who love good strong drinks at cheap prices, then this is the place for you!
The bartender was very helpful in educating us about different whiskeys, and was an all-around nice guy.
The people who come here are mid 20s to 30s, and the place offers a perfect balance between the "laid back" and lively. In other words, the people here have a pulse, but they are not obnoxious.
This is a great spot to take out of towners too, and it is walking distance form the Shakespeare. -
Review from Julia B.
San Diego, CA
9/18/2011
This is an awesome bar. I don't know how this place got out of our regular rotation. We went here last night for a few cocktails with friends, they have a HUGE selection of liquor and some nice local beers on tap.
I had some great gin cocktails, and the boyfriend tried the Brother Felonious beer, which he ended up loving. 9.0+% Alcohol in that beer, what's not to love about that?
We hadn't been here in probably at least 6 months and the bartender (Chad?) remembered us and was SO Friendly. They have Wi-fi here too. Might be a chill place to have a beer and do some business.
There is a hipster population at this bar, but it's not pretentious. Just wear your high waisted jeggings and you will fit right in. -
Review from Sophia G.
8/25/2011
Take one down, pass it around... wait- HOW many bottles of whiskey on the wall?!
I love this place. And right next to Blue Water, Shakespeares, and El Indio? Man these dives make me seriously consider a change of neighborhood! Aero Club is definitely one of my favorite bars in San Diego. Obligatory juke box, pool table, back patio, and old movies playing on loop. Plus, what other establishment can claim cushioned arm rests running the full length of the bar, for those of us who find ourselves mysteriously covered with bruises after a night of drinking. This bar CARES. The booze selection is out of this world, as well. I'm convinced you could come here for a year and try a different label every night.Listed in: Pubbity Pubs
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Review from Annette C.
San Diego, CA
8/10/2011
Love this dive bar. First of all, the staff are the friendliest around and really contributes a positive vibe and visit to the bar (although I just learned that one of the main weekend bartenders is no longer with Aero). So sad. But Chad and John as well as the barbacks and door guys are always great! A real "family" vibe between the staff and regulars. Best selection of music in their jukebox. And the alcohol selection is amazing. Scotch whiskey to vodka (Buchanans, Hangar 1) and a solid beer selection.
Forget the increasingly ghetto North Park and highly overrated Hamilton's and make your way to this little gem in Mission Hills! -
Review from Edwin T.
El Monte, CA
3/5/2012
OK now I have to say...FINALLY A WHISKEY BAR. Wandering in here I felt like Augustus Gloop when he got into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. All I wanted to do was to try every damn bottle they had lined up above the bar. Unfortunately by the time I had arrived here I've already had a few drinks down the block and couldn't muster enough to try a few (shameful) but I did get a chance to try the Ghost Whiskey which was definitely an interesting drink. The bartender actually had to track that bastard down from the top and have the other bartender hold a little step ladder for him to grab it for us. I give this place an A for effort and an A+ for the fact that all those bottles weren't for show. And at the price of $6 a shot, I could have just died there and could say my life was complete. The bar itself had a locals only feel with some rock music playing, definitely a place that you can stay for hours at. I'm definitely coming back here to tackle the rest of the menu and hope to see some of you guys there! cheers!
Listed in: Divin' in and Divin' Bars
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Review from Brandy H.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2011
I love This Bar!
I have friends that live in the neighborhood and it seems like no matter where the night takes us we always end our night here. The crowd is local and nice and friendly. My favorite bartenter is Chad! So sweet, and Barbara she's real funny and chill. If you want a place to come have a good drink maybe a little conversation. This is a great place to do that. It is small so no large groups. That makes it nice. -
Review from virgilio h.
San Diego, CA
8/16/2011
My coworker and friend was right, the bar is an alter to all alcohol. I had three types of vodkas with each one of my sevens. The bar tender was attentive and casual. The crowed was cute scruffy.
Definitely a worthy San Diego spot to visit. -
Review from Erin T.
5/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been wanting to try this place for ever...and seeing as how I'm down at the airport twice a week to drop off and then pick up the man we've never been able or up to stopping in. Well he finally landed on time at a decent time a couple of weeks ago and we popped on it. OMG. LOVE LOVE LOVE. It was even cooler than I'd hoped. It was crazy to see the hundreds of bottles along the wall and all of the airplanes hanging from the ceiling.
They have over 100 whiskey's - great for him - and they have all the flavors of Three Olives vodka for me (namely BUBBLEGUM!!!). We sat at the bar and I think it was great that it was so early in the evening and the place was pretty quiet.
They have free wi-fi...super friendly and awesome bartenders (Barbara, I'm looking at you), delicious drinks to suit any palate - and all for low prices. I'm sure this place is hopping later at night. The bathroom is only a single, the smoking 'patio' looks super tiny (luckily I don't partake in smoking) and they have a pool table. I cannot wait to go back to this place - what a great neighborhood joint. If only it was close to home and not such a long drive back home! Parking is a bit sucky....street parking along um...whatever that road along the freeway is. In any event - AWESOME!Comment from bill l. of The Aero Club Bar 5/7/2011
We have over 350 whiskeys.Thank you for your kind words. More » -
Review from Borracho G.
Chicago, IL
I would consider this place a faux-dive only because its a bit cleaner and has more style than most dirty dives. Inside is an eye full with neon signs, motorcycles, planes, and everything else hanging from the ceiling. The beers they have on tap are not just your basic dive swill, they have some great craft beers to choose from. You also need to check out the 1,00 plus bottles of booze they have over the bar. I'm sure they have what ever hard to find liquor you want. Service is A+ and clientele was cool and laid back. Only wish I was there after dark because I'm sure the it gets better. As another plus, It's also down the street from Lucha Libre taco shop.
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Review from Toshi T.
Dallas, TX
7/18/2011 8 Check-ins Here
This is my favorite bar in San Diego. For the longest time, I used to drive past this rather seedy looking bar on Sunday nights on the way from the airport to my hotel. And each time, I told myself that this totally looked like a place I needed to visit. And...luckily I did one afternoon during a delayed return flight.
As most reviewers state, this place has quite an impressive whiskey collection. So much so that they use a step ladder to get to most of them. The posted photos should provide the evidence.
The service here for me has always been great...from the very first time to the last time. Friendly bartenders. Eclectic crowd.
Whenever I come back to SD to visit friends, this will ALWAYS be a stop. For me, in SD, this IS a top three destination!
