Tivoli Grill & Bar
As the oldest bar in San Diego, Tivoli was originally built by Alonzo Horton in 1864 and was called the Walker House. Horton originally owned all of the land that makes up the downtown area today and divided it into small blocks because corner lots could be sold for more money. The huge wooden Tivoli bar was brought over from South America from Boston, and the establishment opened as a saloon and kitchen in 1885. In the late 1800s, the area was known as both the red light district and the “rocks” because sailors were often stung by gamblers and swindlers. In 1915, the Italian owners named it Tivoli, and since 1972 it has been run by the Romero family.
Waterfront grill and bar
The Waterfront was first opened in 1933 by Chaffee Grant and Claire Blackley, shortly after the end of Prohibition. It has been owned by Nancy Nichols since the 1980s with her grandchildren. They hold the oldest “full liquor license” in San Diego. When the current owner took over, the walls were bare, but a lot of fishermen came in. Over time, they started bringing photos to hang on the walls, and the tradition continued. One day I brought my father to the Waterfront for what I thought would be a quiet afternoon lunch.
Hamilton’s Tavern
Hamilton’s was opened in 1935 by Harold Sparks, who originally named the bar Sparky’s. Most local bars at this time usually only served beer, and it wasn’t craft or microbrewed, but good old Miller High Life or maybe San Diego beer from Aztec Brewing Company. Hamilton’s has had several owners over the years. I remember Paul Broadway, who took over the company in 2001 until the company became Hamilton’s property in 2006 and was sold to Scott Blair. They’ve kept the tradition of a welcoming neighborhood tavern that focuses entirely on beer.
Kensington Club
Ken Club originally opened in 1935. After the end of Prohibition, the bar opened with a card room. Many old bars after prohibition opened a card room inside or very close by. It may have been called “Ratskeller” before it was called Ken Club, which is the name of basement bars in German-speaking countries or simply music venues in Boston. It is now run by Brett Bodie, who earned his club and bar by running Bodie’s restaurant in the Gaslamp.
Alibi.
The Alibi in Hillcrest opened in 1936 on the corner of University Avenue and Richmond Street. The owner recently painted the exterior with a new coat of paint, but they still pay cash only. This bar has my favorite pool table, jukebox, and a full line of alcoholic beverages. You may have seen the “Before I die…” plaque on the west side of the building, installed by Andrew Barajas. This is the second “Before I die…” board in San Diego since 2011.