July 9, 2010
This is a smoker’s joint since they have an indoor/outdoor smoking section. Taps are weak, it’s a trendy bar, food is ok. If sending someone to OB this is NOT a place I’d tell them to hit. Same owner is taking all the great dives in the area, buying them out, and gentrifying them. It’s OB dammit! I feel bad I gave this joint/owner over a 50. Skip it.

March 28, 2008 [ Updated October 27, 2008 ]
Average. Can get what they have on tap pretty much anywhere else without having to put up with the tweakers and other sketchy people that are usually in this place at night. I have definitely outgrown this place.

June 3, 2005
Tourist trap and meat market. Locals do not frequent the Shine as a rule, but the truth is, that’s where the chicks tend to hang out, even if they’re just passing through. Lots of taps. Tony’s martini bar is next door, same ownership, but fewer taps. Tony’s tries to cater to the local beer fans a bit more, but the Shine allows a tap or three for some local IPAs or whatever promotion their distributors are giving them a price break for. Lots of pool tables, though a straight cue might be hard to find when busy. The upstairs deck and lower level smoking room are big draws. Plenty of attractive women to look at/talk to/get shot down by. This is San Diego after all. Not the best destination for a beer enthusiast, but you can find something tasty if you fight your way through the crowd to the bar. There is a window through the downstairs wall to the Mex restaurant next door, which has great wings and roasted chicken, but little else in comparison to the numerous Mex restaurants within two blocks. Great happy hour for the price break on pitchers, but if you dislike crowds, bail before the sun goes down and go elsewhere for superior local beers.

August 16, 2004
My old stompiung grounds. About 30 handles with nothing too special. Ballast Point Yellowtail as well as Stone Pale are the micro highlights here. 4 pool tables as well as a roof top patio and bar upstairs. Go any day at 5:00 for half price pitchers. Micros are usually $7 at this time. Full bar. The place gets packed most nights around 8-9 with a 20-something, beach crowd.