Knotty Barrel is a no-frills spot that just gets it right. The customer service might not be fancy, but it's genuine and straightforward – just like the atmosphere here. They've got a solid lineup of draft beers that covers a wide range of tastes. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there's something on tap to satisfy every beer enthusiast. Speaking of the atmosphere, it's a great sized spot where you can come with your buddies to catch the game or just hang out. The bar area is spacious enough that you're not elbowing your way through the crowd, and that's a win in my book. And let's not forget about happy hour – it's one of those deals that you don't want to miss. But wait, there's more – the food! Knotty Barrel serves up some seriously good eats. Whether you're in the mood for burgers, nachos, or some other hearty fare, they've got you covered. So, if you're looking for a place to unwind, grab a cold one, and chow down on some delicious grub, Knotty Barrel is your spot. It's the kind of place where simple pleasures are celebrated – and that's just the way we like it.

The Knotty Barrel is located on the corner of Market and 9th Ave in downtown San Diego. They have a welcoming atmosphere as well as a huge selection of beers and other libations. Parking is extremely limited in the area being it is downtown. We tried the Potato Chip Nachos on this trip and they were tasty. It’s a really different concept in a city full of nacho joints. Honestly I think the beer and libations selection as well as the on point service provided are the key reasons we would return. Try the Julian Black and Blue hard cider if you get the chance.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Potato Chip Nachos
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking, Parking is unavailable
Parking
Limited street parking.

A friend and I ordered the Buffalo chicken nachos. They came out and looked very appealing, but as soon as we dug in we realized there was a weird, chemically aftertaste to them. The potato chips did a disservice to the platter. If this nacho had included tortilla chips, maybe that would have made it better. Either way, the experience was thoroughly disappointing given how expensive they were. I’ve paid less for a bigger and better nachos. The drinks were mediocre, so I’d recommend finding a different spot if you want good food.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

Great food, great service and I loved the giant windows that make the inside feel like you’re sitting outside. My kids loved the fish and chips and the chicken tenders. I thought the fish needed more salt, but not my kids. The chicken tenders were super crunchy and good. The Buffalo sauce for the tenders was just hot sauce. The chicken sarnie was fantastic! It came with an aioli that I thought was spicy- but delicious. Burger was great too. The restaurant has partitions that help with distancing. The staff all wear masks.

A fun sports bar with consistently great food! I've been here many times and would go just for the food even if not drinking. I love coming here when I want to avoid the super packed bars in the gaslamp district, but still want the energy of a sports bar while watching a game. They also have their own brewery next door, and serve some of the beer that they brew there at the bar. Staff is always friendly. Highly recommend!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I enjoy going here on Saturdays (in Fall) for a college football watch party to cheer on my favorite team. Great choice of beverages and food. In my last visit I had the Knotty burger and Belgian lager.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Knotty Burger
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Paid parking lot, Paid street parking
Parking
I parked in a paid parking lot nearby and walked to the brewpub.

Proud to be review #1000! Love this place Padres pregame. Great vibe, solid beer list with some house brews, has the feel of the neighborhood, and steps to the ball yard. A must visit destination for me before the Friars.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Parking
Parking can be tough but doable if you're patient or splurging.

The best smoked brisket in San Diego hands down. Also I don’t remember his name but the bartender on Friday is super friendly and accommodating. Not that it’s a competition Elizabeth/Monica inside joke is super awesome. The owner who makes the bbq is truly a master and his really cool wife told me she would give him two hugs upon my request as a reward for his bbq skills. Give it a go
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

As a NY Giants fan I'm a tad biased, but only because this place is G-Men FAN-tastic during football season The food is delicious, the drinks stay filled (whether coffee, water, soda or adult-bevs ) because the wait staff and bartenders are AWESOME (attentive AND nice!)...and...the fan-friends-family make it so worthwhile and fun. Stephanie and Tommy are solid people who make it feel like "home for football season."

I love the courtyard here- it's super peaceful, quiet, and just right when I need to get out of the house for the richest grilled cheese around. Staff was friendly, and the sun was shining.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Grilled Cheese and Soup, Tomato Soup

If you’re looking for the place where the East Village locals hangout then this is the place you’re looking for! Amazing atmosphere, even better friendlier service, such incredible home-brewed beer, tasty food and probably one of if not the best outdoor spaces that all of downtown has to offer. Locals love it here and you will too!

The food is awesome! and I had a non-Alcohol beer which is so fresh and good! The Chicken strips were tender and delicious! Service is great and friendly. Love the place : food and drinks!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fish, Wings, Chicken Strips

Love it here. Food is amazing. I feel like throughout the years we’ve tried a kit everything on the menu. Fun spot to watch the game, get brunch, or just relax out back on their patio/outdoor area. Service has always been amazing and you can tell people really enjoy working here. Definitely a staple in EV. More

Always a fun vibe with great food. They go along with the "barrel" theme here that helps set this place apart from your typical bar. They have a back area that I've often hung out with a few friends that's fun to start your night off at. I've also never had any issues with the service. Fast and friendly!

Nice environment to spend time with good food, well prepared, and a really good crafted beer made by them. The restaurant also have a beer garden and considering you are at down town is a big plus. The team was super friendly and they really want to take care of you. Really recommend it.

This place is great, really good drinks and the best steak salad I've ever had. The atmosphere is really nice with the windows open and air flowing through the bar, was perfect on the first day I went, a little cold on an overcast day. I'd recommend if you're in the area.

This place is a nice bar to go to if you want a drink. The food was good but definitely could have been better. The staff was friendly , prices are kinda high for what you get.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

A great place for beer and its happy hour is wonderful - always consider this spot as a good start for your pub crawl thru town - the bartenders are great and describe each beer perfectly! Thank you everyone! I love your space and selection! More

Gonna spill the beans, they have a "secret" patio in the back with its own bar. If you have dogs with you, head straight back there, it seemed like there's always plenty of seating. They have staff in the back patio so you aren't forgotten

Terrible experience. Customer service sucked and food was basic. They didn't take my order until I LEFT. I got stopped passing the restaurant after i left when I was sitting for 20 mins without a waiter seeing/greeting me until I was gone.

Great customer service. The bartender helped us get food past 9 pm (when the kitchen closes). We waited here mainly because the bowling alley next door was finishing an event, but we were glad we stopped by because their wings were yummy!

I love this place! Its clean, comfortable, there's 100 beers to choose from, including their own brew, and the food is delicious. The front patio and backyard is dog friendly and there's plenty of space to roam around and explore the

The Knotty Barrel is a Penn State bar. They host alumni for Saturday games. There's a lot of friendly service, great beer and great food. I had a great time watching today's game.

Always a great time. Lots of beer on tap, but has other options to satisfy everyone. The food always comes out hot and flavorful. The beer cheese is the highlight of every trip.

This is a good, small brewery spot in downtown San Diego that serves their own beer asking with beer from other breweries. And they have a good Monday beer-and-burger special

Good food, great drinks, recommend there own brew it's very good, the bar has 3 sections and all are pretty cool I highly recommend will be back

Have not eaten here. Beeris solid. Darts could be better, the boards need to be replaced...overall I recommend the knotty barrel. More

The quality is fine but not more than that. The drinks were not good enough, although expensive. The menu was limited as well.

Loved the food here! One of the best meals I’ve had so far in San Diego and the service was great. Thank you. More

Great local bar with craft brews and good food...
Food: 5…
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