TL
The Lamplighter
San Diego's classic dive bar with legendary karaoke and a welcoming local vibe.
2.6(5 reviews)
bar
$
San Diego's classic dive bar with legendary karaoke and a welcoming local vibe.
The Lamplighter is a beloved dive bar in San Diego, offering a classic, no-frills atmosphere with a focus on karaoke and community. Known for its energetic karaoke nights hosted by personable DJs, it attracts locals and visitors alike. While cash-only and sometimes loud, it features a well-ventilated smoking patio and a friendly, industry-heavy crowd. Perfect for those seeking an authentic bar experience with singing, drinks, and a laid-back vibe.
No photos available
Energetic karaoke sessions with a wide song selection, hosted by engaging DJs in a lively atmosphere.
Classic dive bar drinks served quickly by friendly bartenders, with a cash-only policy for affordable pricing.
A well-ventilated outdoor area with ample seating, ideal for conversations away from the main bar noise.
A welcoming spot for locals and industry professionals to socialize in a relaxed, dive bar setting.
Hosts special events like Christmas parties, offering a casual venue for gatherings and celebrations.
This place advertises karaoke, my buddy graduated from the marine corps today and got to leave his base for the first time. All he wanted to do was sing karaoke. We come in and right away, he puts his name in the ring to get called up. We gave these people our money, tipped well, even bought shots for the DJs, and they refused to call his name. They said “if you check up on us and ask, it’s not going to get you up here at all.” We stayed for hours, all the way til close and they never called his name. It’s all he wanted and we got to see the same people go up several times. If you’re not a regular suck up at this place, don’t expect to have any fun. No matter how you treat the people working.
Classic dive bar vibe with a great karaoke setup. The karaoke has a lot of energy, but the sound quality isn’t great and it’s unbearably loud unless you go to the back of the bar. I’m a musician and have never been to any concert or bar that was louder than this. Makes it very difficult to chat with your friends. Getting your song to be played by the DJ requires a cash tip and a lot of waiting around. The bar is cash only.
The place smells pretty bad, drinks are cash only, you’ll get called to sing maybe once. The bar tender was cool except the Armenian girl, I was shocked by how she was treating the people beside us. So much so, my date and I left. I don’t think I’d ever return but if you’re looking for a place that’s for locals it’s a good spot other wise save your cash dollars…
I used to go there all the time when I used to work in the industry as a bartender, my dad and my grandfather used to go there as well as a bunch of the fishermen back in the day. I've always had a pretty good experience, I haven't been in a while but my friends wanted my sister and I to meet them The lamplighter is having a Christmas party, my sis and I got there a little early to wait for them, she had a $10.00 Coke it was supposed to be rum and coke I had a mixed drink that tasted like only o.j. with a splash of rum at the top. I am a light weight and stop at 2. I spent $11.00 on mostly ice and juice. I took an Uber just in case. They brought out a bunch of desserts which I thought was nice for the customers, but we left early, I felt ripped off. 2 🌟 for the atmosphere and two more for the customers who were nice l.
Been here a few times over the years, more so recently. Really great local bar that reminds me of some bars back home. The karaoke hosts are super personable and encourage me to sing even though I suck lol the bartenders are fast and east-coast friendly. If you go on a night when jj, Spider, or Jess is working youre gonna have a great night! Sidenote, the best smoking patio in San Diego. Well ventilated with lots of seating! If smoking isn't your thing, its still a great place to have a conversation away from the karaoke lights and sound. Ive met a ton of bartenders out there, definitely an Industry hang
Claim The Lamplighter to update business info, respond to reviews, and access analytics.
