This is literally a small bar in the University Heights area of San Diego. The exterior is aesthetically pleasing with it’s black color and accents of red. It distinguishes itself from adjacent bars with it’s sinister appearance. Looking up from the street seating, one will note a series of red, three dimensional elephant head designs that create a horizontal border. Once inside the bar, it gets cozy. The dim lighting combined with the black with red accents creates a soothing atmosphere. One that dovetails with the collective spirit of the staff and patrons and physical closeness of everyone present. The staff are friendly and accommodating. Even the doorman was pleasant. I had requested that one of the beers I was trying be served in an 11 oz. tulip because I wanted to try several without ruining tomorrow (an epic San Diego brewery tour) with a hangover. He honored my request even though it is sold only in pints. He also discounted the already cheap price of $4.50. All the beers are, at worst, reasonably priced. There was a pretty impressive variety of taps ranging from brews like Allagash to local offerings from Monkey Paw. Food was of average quality, reasonably priced, and served quickly. We enjoyed our time spent here.

Very quite place and if you like ipa they have it its worth trying and their good menu is finominal

Visited this bar for a beer while in San Diego. The bar had a nice selection of beers on tap and bottle, which were written in chalk on the wall. Did not try the food. The staff was friendly and allowed for samples, while the prices were leaning toward the higher end.

Good draught selection that seems to focus one more normal, quality stuff and less special release. I like the gothic feel and long tables, plus the order-at-the-counter food is good. A small place, but a good beer bar/pub.

Another great spot in SD. Good selection of beers on tap but no bottles available. The service is always great when I’ve been there. I’ve never tried the food, but the menu looks good and features a couple of old favorites from the Liar’s Club. Nice ambiance with an Asian restaurant turned neighborhood bar sort of feel that actually works.

They should rename this place to Fucked up Bar, that would be more honest. Ordered some food that 45 minutes later still did not show even though I was told repeatedly that it would come right up. Beer selection was mediocre, clientel mixed, had its share of aging hippies tha tried a bit too hard. Walked out without eating, caused quite some consternation on the staff They are either clueless or they seriously expect you to put up with their incompetence. They did not try to please the customer, they rather copped an attitude Easily the worst experience I evee had in a beer bar

This is really quite a place. Cool atmosphere, excellent quality, fantastic service. The 42 taps are all the highest quality from both American and European craft brewers. Prices are very reasonable. I only had the fried pickle appetizer, but if it’s an indication of how good their main menu is, I’d guess that the food was awesome. A definite "must stop."

I really liked this place. ’Very Red’. Good crowd and some interesting people. Excellent tap list. Has a certain quality that I could really vibe with. Along with Hamiltons this was my pick of the places I would love to call my local.

Great place! Stopped in for lunch & a pint. The draft list was great, but only a handful of bottle options. That was fine because they had plenty of great local , national & Belgian offerings on draft. The food was awesome & the bartender was friendly & knowledgeable. the open window seating was great til the party outside said window started smoking. Can’t fault Small Bar because of them though. Great place, definitely be back...

How does this place have only 5 ratings? I would say this is a must-go bar for anybody visiting San Diego. Didn’t go when it was crowded, and we got seats right at the bar. The bartenders are efficient and knew what to recommend to the lady on my right, who was clearly with a guy on their first date (it didn’t sound like there was going to be a second one). Cool dimly-lit red/black ambiance, with the majority of people sitting outside in their small outdoor porch area. The beer list could have been better, but was still decent. We ordered their "small fries" and that was ohhhh soooo good!! I’m happy I had a chance to visit and will return again very soon.