Last month we took advantage of a long weekend and headed to the West Coast for some oldest tavern hunting. On a bright morning we cruised to the Waterfront Bar & Grill, reputed to be San Diego's oldest tavern. Apparently, the Waterfront was a lot closer to the water when it opened its doors in 1933. On this crystal clear day it seemed a lot closer to the runway of San Diego International Airport than the harbor. Since it was early in the day we opted for our usual eye openers, Mimosas and Bloody Mary's.
After finishing off our beverages we headed over to the Kansas City Barbeque. Not an oldest tavern but one with tons of character, complete with loads of funny signs, hanging brassieres and hats, and awesome bartender, Jennifer. You'll know the place as the setting for Maverick and Goose's bar scene in Top Gun. The Kansas City Barbeque doesn't serve draft beer, but don't let that stop you from landing there for a couple of cold ones. While there, say hi to Jennifer for us.
During our travels about town we heard about another challenger to the title of San Diego's oldest bar; that being the Tivoli Bar and Grill, located in San Diego's famed Gaslamp Quarter. The Tivoli traces its birth back to 1885, which is nearly 50 years before the Waterfront, and it has retained most of its bucket list dive bar charm. Bartender, Isabella, was top notch. She schooled us on the many uses for Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, our new favorite liquor which our nephew, Jeff, introduced us to while in San Diego. You have got to try it! And please stop in to the Tivoli where Isabella can give you about 20 different ways to enjoy it even more :-) .
We had one more memorable stop in San Diego, the South Beach Bar & Grill. The South Beach deck provided a great view of the Pacific waves and skilled surfers, and they served up the most amazing calamari we have EVER had! We finished off the great day with a couple of Azul Tequila shots. It's usually around $25 a shot, but go ahead and treat yourself to one. No salt, no lime, no ice, just sip it slowly and enjoy. You'll thank us for it.
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