Saddle Bar

It wants to be a dive bar but the stuck up college kids takes that feel away. Amazing bartenders.

On the weekend, this place is such a blast. Good vibes, good drinks, dancing… what more do you need? I like that it’s not huge, but not tiny, and the bartenders are usually very attentive and fun. Not a big parking lot but there’s almost always a spot nearby. I’ll be back next time I’m looking for a fun weekend night out close to home!

I love this bar. I always have a great time here and everyone is always friendly. I mean, every time I come here alone, a conversation is always struck with some one. Some bars seam intimidating. At least they are to me. I like friendly people and Saddle Bar never disappoints.
Another great thing at Saddle Bar is there’s a restaurant next door so you can order and have it brought to the bar. You’ll make fast friends if you do right? Live music and a DJ on certain nights and this place gets rocking. Wide age range and all are cool so no worries.
Always a great time, I’ll be coming back forever.

I went there last night and I had a good time but while there I got bitten by a bug. This morning there are 3 big red huge bug bites on my arms. I was wearing a short sleeved shirt. There was a guy who looked and smelled homeless in this bar — I am not sure how they let him in. I am hoping these are not bed bugs bites.

Love it here and they pour like Tractons! Great, open space. Clean and easy parking. Next door will also bring you food to the bar which is exceptional. The drinks are amazingly priced and HH rocks. Well drinks for $ 4? Calls for $ 8? Premium tequila on the rocks for $ 11. The bartendar is amazing and sweet and knows how to make a drink. Hadn’t been here in forever but will definately make it back soon.

I had so much fun dancing the night away w my best friend who was visiting from out of town here. Their DJ played great music and was receptive to my requests. The place is clean and has minimal creepy drunks hanging around. Only four stars because the ppl outside were leaning against my car smoking cigs.

Good service, incredibly super nice manager. I got told about the jukebox in a understandable professional way
I went here to hang and play some head banging hard rock music on the jukebox. The manager of the bar asked me how many more songs, I told him a few more. He told me a one or few people were complaining, they have to put on classic rock music on the house, turn off the jukebox, he refunded me $ 5 that I inserted into the jukebox, it was so incredibly nice of him to do that for me.
My first experience at the 1^st Street Bar in Encinatas, there was a rude overweight big Mexican bald security guard, he would now let me in, he yelled at me that «you went ahead and played hard rock and I don’t give a fuck!» I strongly recommend anyone to stay away that Encinatas bar. I never been to Saddle Bar, first time, I’m hoping to come back again.

The best part about this little bar is the jupbox.
It is exactly what you’d expect for a higher end tavern.
No food, but good drinks.

Fun crowd, fun music, perfect mix between dive bar and an accessible nice bar that you can easily get into and not worry about any creepers. You can also easily have a convo and just hang out at the tables or get rowdy on the dance floor. Also, I may or may not have left my purse at the bar and the next day they texted my sister in my phone and told her they had it. Not only was that super nice of them, but they were genuinely concerned about me the next day and making sure that I was fine since clearly I had had a bit of a wild night. Great place with great staff!

Don’t come here unless u want to get robbed!!! My husband and I have been coming here for over 9 years after the races. However the last time, one month ago, the normally fun, polite, & friendly bartenders treated themselves to an extra $ 41.00 on my credit card. I attempted multiple times to reach management by phone # listed on website with no answer or availability to leave a msg. I then tried to contact them through their e-​mail and again no response. Obviously management does not care for their patrons and r silently allowing theft by their staff to continue. If u must go, PAY CASH!!! SORELY DISAPPOINTED and will never return.

Great for dancing with a top notch DJ this past Friday night. Main bar area looks revamped and reminds me of a bar you’d find in Portland, OR. The craft beer selection was a tad weak sauce with about 60% macro, but there was a Pizza Port and an AleSmith beer on tap. Dance area in the back was small and the raised platform amongst a bunch of kegs and beer cases seemed to be an afterthought. Given the popularity of the place, it would seem they would do well to revamp this back area as well. Single use bathrooms for a venue of this size was also a major oversight creating a line for the toilet that spills out onto the dancefloor.
I don’t think «Dive Bar» and «Music Venue» are the correct categories for this place. How about just regular bar and maybe «Dance Club.»

hilarious i say…
2^nd visit here.
first time was a month or so ago… started on cedros and hit up a couple o bars…
crossed the street to hit some more… this was #4 on our stop…
I was with some dear friends and the 2 focal points of our walk was drinks and conversation… the conversation wasn’t a possibility here because of the loud music (radio​.no dj & not very crowded) so we headed over to tidewater…
this more recent visit was stop #3 on our über/​bar tour.
post races… the place was PACKED! there was a DJ… not the best… but there was a DJ… it was loud… i already drank at 2 prior locations… but still had a beverage here… we danced a bit… the place is a bit douche baggery (worse than Jimmy O’s and without a GOOD DJ)…but oh well… i was here to hang with my friends… not other people (while the people watching was quite amazing!)…
i would come back =)

I love Saddle Bar for a few reasons. The staff is great and the bartenders know their patrons. They usually have live music a couple times a week and a DJ on the busier nights to keep the party going all night long. Drinks are strong and not too expensive at all. Not always crowded, which is nice for relaxing after work, but weekends are great and Sunday night usually has some great local talent for Open Mic Night. I’ve seen some great musicians play there and continue to return regularly.
Great local vibe and awesome for Sporting events, definitely a Niners bar during the football season. New place next door with similar owners serving food and cocktails as well. Nice addition to Solana Beach.

I hosted a surprise 40^th birthday party at the Saddle last night and it was the absolutely perfect venue! From the first minute I inquired about a party to the last detail, Mike and his team were so helpful. Food was provided by Pillbox Tavern two doors up and everyone raved about it. The bartenders and staff made sure everyone in our group was well taken care of. If you are looking for a venue for a fun party, look no further than the Saddle Bar!

This is a cute little place. I went here for a drink after a work event. The bartender was nice and the place was clean. I have no idea how it is for the night life scene.

I’m going to be totally honest– I only came to this place in hopes of seeing Scott hehe. BUT, having been here and not seeing him, I can unbiasedly say that this place is great, and it’s not because of who owns it and the fame that comes along.
I came in with about ten friends after having brunch in SD. Took the coaster right to the Solana Beach station across the street. Literally, across the street. Easiest walk and so close to the beach. The bar had maybe 10 people in it also– very nice looking crowd. I’ve read that it’s divey but I disagree– the woodwork and décor is very cowboy style, hence the name. Plenty of space to sit which was nice because some football game was on. Pretty much whatever seat you had was in view of the TVs.
The bartenders were SO NICE. Super great guys, very sweet. You order at the bar and take your drink back to your seat. They have a great selection of alcohol, or beer on draft.
We were there for a couple hours it was that fun of an atmosphere! The prices were very reasonable, and the drinks very tasty.
Will I be back? Absolutely. Come summertime, I will be at the beach and then wander up for a cocktail, just perfect!

OMG! Always a bomb night at Saddle Bar! :) came in with my lady when they were beginning to get busy! We sat at the bar and then started to hit the floor to some great hip hop music. Manager, James Eszlinger was more than accommodating to my girlfriend! She loves to dance and he turned the lights down, and the ceiling fans on immediately upon request! Great Friday night can’t wait to go back Sunday for some great live music and stand up!

I was prepared to like this bar a lot. I’ve been a few times at a variety of times of day. The clientele definitely skews older (30s and up) so it doesn’t get too crazy, so that’s a big plus for me.
Or rather, I did. Last time I was there, the bartender let go a string of homophobic comments (I guess without realizing I could hear her?). I’d actually call it a rant, that’s how long and how awful it was. I was pretty surprised– she was young and normal-​seeming, and I’d been perfectly polite to her, so I just couldn’t figure out what had provoked her into such nastiness! Also, that kind of behavior seems like an especially bad choice for someone in a service profession. I’m a good person so I left a normal tip, but I’m not likely to go back. I’ve also mentioned my experience to my friends, as well. No one wants to deal with that kind of nonsense when they’re trying to relax. Boo.

Liked it!!! I came to the bar with a friend, we came in at 11.00pm and the bar was quite… at about midnight, a group of like 20 came in and they seem to have a great time. My friend and I were not in a party-​mood, but I will definitely take this bar into account for birthday celebrations or late night go-​out.
We had 3 glass of wine, each one for $ 8. Not bad.
The thing I did not like was the fact they do not serve any food, not even snacks.
Parking is good, seconds from the bar.

Great local bands. Super cool staff.
Awesome local venue… this place has a local vibe while making you feel right at home.