Waterbar was born of a deep appreciation for and understanding of the free-spirited creativity, fresh cuisine, and approachable culture unique to California's southern coastline. Located alongside the vibrant ocean-front boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Waterbar offers only the best in tantalizing menus, innovative libations, panoramic views, and lively entertainment.
Our "social seafood" menu is inspired by East coast, West coast and Baja cuisines, and transforms the freshest flavors through our chef's unique renditions of coastal classics. Flavor-forward craft cocktails, local micro-brews, national brand favorites, and a diverse wine list are offered across comfortable bar seating, community-table dining, and intimate ocean-side tables.
Our "social seafood" menu is inspired by East coast, West coast and Baja cuisines, and transforms the freshest flavors through our chef's unique renditions of coastal classics. Flavor-forward craft cocktails, local micro-brews, national brand favorites, and a diverse wine list are offered across comfortable bar seating, community-table dining, and intimate ocean-side tables.
Services
Perched above the Pacific Beach Boardwalk is Waterbar, a 6,700-square-foot beachside eatery. The floor to ceiling windows showcase unparalleled ocean views and is the perfect backdrop to a seafood-forward menu inspired by East Coast, West Coast and Baja Coastal cuisine.
The "Social Seafood" fresh dining experience at Waterbar captures the heart & soul of sunny San Diego and features fresh shellfish, locally caught specialties, premium beef selections and farmer's market favorites.Chef Steven Lona has introduced an innovative menu that transforms well known coastal classics into unique and delicious renditions.
The "Social Seafood" fresh dining experience at Waterbar captures the heart & soul of sunny San Diego and features fresh shellfish, locally caught specialties, premium beef selections and farmer's market favorites.Chef Steven Lona has introduced an innovative menu that transforms well known coastal classics into unique and delicious renditions.
Reviews (24)
Violet G.
Jan 30, 2022
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I love coming here for a fun weekend night out. However, food-wise: would definitely not recommend. It's sad because the view is obviously great on the ocean. But I would not be back for a meal nor recommend people for a meal.
Clam chowder was WAY too salty, I could only get through it by eating more of the bread-bowl to try to balance out the saltiness. Would not order again. Even though the sourdough bread bowl was great. Idk why so many restaurants cannot get a decent clam chowder recipe right?!!! Salt is NOT always the answer guys! Bleh.
The lomi-lomi salmon with wonton chips sounded
Clam chowder was WAY too salty, I could only get through it by eating more of the bread-bowl to try to balance out the saltiness. Would not order again. Even though the sourdough bread bowl was great. Idk why so many restaurants cannot get a decent clam chowder recipe right?!!! Salt is NOT always the answer guys! Bleh.
The lomi-lomi salmon with wonton chips sounded
Zac S.
Jan 28, 2022
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Lina O.
Jan 25, 2022
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Waterbar is a sports bar with excellent food and a beautiful beach view.
I came here for dinner on a Friday evening. They sat us right away (walk in). Our waiter was super friendly and helpful. I got the cocktail "mermaids are real" with tajin on the rim, so good.
My dinner was surprisingly delicious and healthy - I got the vegetable curry bowl. The portion size was perfect and definitely got me full.
I came here for dinner on a Friday evening. They sat us right away (walk in). Our waiter was super friendly and helpful. I got the cocktail "mermaids are real" with tajin on the rim, so good.
My dinner was surprisingly delicious and healthy - I got the vegetable curry bowl. The portion size was perfect and definitely got me full.
Nicole S.
Jan 20, 2022
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Decided to come to San Diego for a birthday lunch and delicious seafood. After careful Yelp reviewing we decided on Waterbar. Beautiful view and cool weather. The pictures on the Yelp page were very enticing. However, once we got there we were only offered a lunch menu. Ok, early in the day no biggie. The lobster rolls online looked absolutely delicious, BUT, they had no lobster . Apparently there's a lobster shortage. After speaking with the waitress (I wish I would have gotten her name), we decided to stay. The clam chowder was thick and very flavorful. I ended up getting a shrimp roll,
Jenna C.
Jan 19, 2022
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We came around 5 pm, and it was a little busy but nothing terrible. Our waiter was just so rude to us. He didn't seem like he had the time of day to help serve us. We were only getting drinks and he seemed a bit annoyed by this.
The drinks also took too long to be made. They had an outdoor bar to just serve the people that sat outside, so I am not sure what took so long for one cocktail and a can of beer.
Lastly, the waiter did not come back to help us close out our tab so we had to go look for him and he didn't really seem to care. We won't be back.
The drinks also took too long to be made. They had an outdoor bar to just serve the people that sat outside, so I am not sure what took so long for one cocktail and a can of beer.
Lastly, the waiter did not come back to help us close out our tab so we had to go look for him and he didn't really seem to care. We won't be back.
Amy L. Perez
Jan 17, 2022
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Kris K.
Dec 28, 2021
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K. V.
Dec 28, 2021
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Friendly servers and ample outdoor seating with a view of the ocean, and great food and drinks! What more could you ask for? We had a delicious Sriracha Shrimp Roll that was huge and I was grateful that it wasn't spicy; also creamy butternut soup, and mac & cheese. Oh, and delicious hot toddies!! Loved this place, such a great find on our trip to San Diego.
Denise Y.
Dec 15, 2021
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This is a 3.5 star review and to be fair the jury is still out for deliberation on whether to come back and I'm leaning to come back.
We just got in from San Diego and were looking forward to walking the boardwalk and sitting outside eating & drinking. The weather wasn't sunny, but it didn't detour us from sitting outside.
I asked about the most popular drink so I had the 'Mermaids Are Real'. It wasn't bad, but it had really no flavor/punch to it. My hubby felt like it was meh. He had the Toki-O Sunset and liked it. He would have gotten another, but just not
We just got in from San Diego and were looking forward to walking the boardwalk and sitting outside eating & drinking. The weather wasn't sunny, but it didn't detour us from sitting outside.
I asked about the most popular drink so I had the 'Mermaids Are Real'. It wasn't bad, but it had really no flavor/punch to it. My hubby felt like it was meh. He had the Toki-O Sunset and liked it. He would have gotten another, but just not
Dan C.
Dec 12, 2021
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Nice experience on this oceanfront place. Upstairs dining area a wide and open. Plenty of seating next too open windows. Staff is helpful and ready to answer questions. The menu and drinks add the the experience. Price is not he higher side and everything came out as expected. A nice place to people watch and relax.
Ethan M.
Nov 26, 2021
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Eric
Nov 26, 2021
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For a bar this place has some chill vibes outside for music. Heaters work great. Purple lighting is fun. Inside environment is more bar-esque.
I had the cheeseburger and siblings had the clam chowder. Burger was medium well, cooked great. Raving reviews for the chowder. Nice to hear and see the waves while enjoying dinner. Waitress was kind and caring
I had the cheeseburger and siblings had the clam chowder. Burger was medium well, cooked great. Raving reviews for the chowder. Nice to hear and see the waves while enjoying dinner. Waitress was kind and caring
Will Romero
Nov 22, 2021
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AMAZING VIEWS AND FOOD!!
We ate here earlier in the day and came back for dinner
When I asked the waitress "Kat" for cocktails sauce she said they didn't have any but served a beat type sauce
The manager "Luke" came by to say they didn't have cocktail sauce and The waitress "Marina" must have made it for me earlier in the day which he would also do post haste
It may have been the best cocktail sauce I've ever eaten
I was blown away at how awesome Luke, Marina and Kat were in their kindness, service and willingness to do what it took to make customers happy
Waterbar will always be OUR SPOT
We ate here earlier in the day and came back for dinner
When I asked the waitress "Kat" for cocktails sauce she said they didn't have any but served a beat type sauce
The manager "Luke" came by to say they didn't have cocktail sauce and The waitress "Marina" must have made it for me earlier in the day which he would also do post haste
It may have been the best cocktail sauce I've ever eaten
I was blown away at how awesome Luke, Marina and Kat were in their kindness, service and willingness to do what it took to make customers happy
Waterbar will always be OUR SPOT
Geoff M.
Nov 08, 2021
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I actually give Waterbar 3.5 stars but rounded it up for what I I did like.
Let's start with positives. I liked the place. I liked the decor, I liked the tall ceilings and the windows that opened and looked out at the ocean. I even liked the art which I swear I stared at the crashing surf pic for about 10 minutes. The employees were really nice even they messed up, more on that later. I liked most of the food and it came out quick... mostly. The location is great being on the beach, good luck with the parking though. I guess that's why I saw so many electric scooters back in the neighborhoods
Let's start with positives. I liked the place. I liked the decor, I liked the tall ceilings and the windows that opened and looked out at the ocean. I even liked the art which I swear I stared at the crashing surf pic for about 10 minutes. The employees were really nice even they messed up, more on that later. I liked most of the food and it came out quick... mostly. The location is great being on the beach, good luck with the parking though. I guess that's why I saw so many electric scooters back in the neighborhoods
Jacki K.-D.
Sep 27, 2021
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Adam Santos
Sep 22, 2021
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Great place to hang out with friends or your special one. Food is delicious and goes well with all the drinks… beer, wine, cocktails. Drinks were well crafted and not watered down. Priceless view of the ocean with a nice breeze if you can get a window table.
The entire staff is simply awesome, from the hosts, servers, bartenders and security. Hats off to the chef for the innovative and delicious menu selection. Stop by on a Friday night for dinner and hang out to dance after!
The entire staff is simply awesome, from the hosts, servers, bartenders and security. Hats off to the chef for the innovative and delicious menu selection. Stop by on a Friday night for dinner and hang out to dance after!
Ginger L.
Sep 20, 2021
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I came here for brunch with my mom this past Saturday. The views are awesome and the food was pretty good! I tried their pineapple mimosa which was yummy and I ordered their 2 eggs with bacon, breakfast potatoes and toast. Eggs were fluffy and tasty and I also enjoyed the rest of my food too! My mom got the green omelette which she really enjoyed. The only reason for 4 starts is because our server could have been a tad bit more attentive but I would still recommend coming here and I would come back!
The Az Trav
Sep 20, 2021
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Michael Graeber
Sep 18, 2021
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Kirsten D.
Aug 20, 2021
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Was back visiting my old hood and grabbed lunch twice here.
They have great real estate right on the boardwalk. So the view is great.
The food was really really great. Like surprisingly great for a boardwalk bar. I had the lomi lomi salmon one day. It was super flavorful and light. Day 2 I went for the cheeseburger because my friend had it the day before and it was LEGIT! The bun was to die for!
Tito's frozen lemonade was my drink of choice and it did not disappoint.
I'll definitely be back!!
They have great real estate right on the boardwalk. So the view is great.
The food was really really great. Like surprisingly great for a boardwalk bar. I had the lomi lomi salmon one day. It was super flavorful and light. Day 2 I went for the cheeseburger because my friend had it the day before and it was LEGIT! The bun was to die for!
Tito's frozen lemonade was my drink of choice and it did not disappoint.
I'll definitely be back!!
Amanda Garfias
Aug 19, 2021
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Emmett T.
Jul 25, 2021
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Waterbar is an upstairs establishment right along the beach front so you can't ask for a better view of the ocean. The refurbishment of the very large space was a terrific upgrade from the previous tenant, Joe's Crab Shack. I did notice the ambiance was rather noisy even when the place was less than half full. You can use the valet behind the building to park, otherwise try your luck with nearby street parking.
As usual, I ordered the charred octopus when I saw that on the dinner menu. The portion size was large, and it came with an ajo blanc sauce, green grapes, cilantro, and slivered
As usual, I ordered the charred octopus when I saw that on the dinner menu. The portion size was large, and it came with an ajo blanc sauce, green grapes, cilantro, and slivered
Mylesha D.
May 17, 2021
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Getting there:
This restaurant is located beachfront in Pacific Beach. There is street parking and public parking lots all around the area.
Experience:
Came here for a couple of quick bites to share. We were seating quickly since the evening rush hadn't come in yet. There is tons of indoor and outdoor seating options. It was a little windy so we sat indoor next to the window.
We ordered brussel sprouts and the sweet and spicy wings to share. We were a little skeptical of the wings because of the sweet and spicy flavor, but they ended up tasting delicious.
This restaurant is located beachfront in Pacific Beach. There is street parking and public parking lots all around the area.
Experience:
Came here for a couple of quick bites to share. We were seating quickly since the evening rush hadn't come in yet. There is tons of indoor and outdoor seating options. It was a little windy so we sat indoor next to the window.
We ordered brussel sprouts and the sweet and spicy wings to share. We were a little skeptical of the wings because of the sweet and spicy flavor, but they ended up tasting delicious.
Caleb Gaunt
May 11, 2021
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Waterbar was just the experience I was looking for at the oceanside. I came here for the view and was not disappointed. We were greeted by friendly staff and an upbeat atmosphere. The decor was beyond expectations and fit in nicely with the beach below. The menu was fancier than a lot of the nearby restaurants, and the prices higher too. The food was at par with the prices. One notable thing off the menu was the Sweet Potato Curry. It was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
