Pal Joey's Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in San Diego

Update: 1/15/2024

I dont think I have ever amended a review until now but I definitely feel this needs to be shared. It may be a little lengthy but please bare with me as I truly believe this will help you in deciding to either give this establishment a chance if you haven't or possibly another chance if you had an unpleasant experience in the past. Let me also say that im in no way affiliated with this establishment in any way. Im just a patron sharing my experience. Believe it or not I have really bad social anxiety and getting comfortable is something I don't let myself do except for a few select places. Usually I go in, get a drink and for the most part I'm on a pool table, either with acquaintances I would meet out for an evening or by myself with which I'm just as content. In doing this I get the chance to not interact with staff but, observe. This is what I have observed...Mainly, I come in twice a week. I have been there other nights and all I saw those nights were smiling staff that engaged with their patrons and seemed to enjoy what they were doing and it wasn't just a show for a bigger tip. Now, the same young lady works both nights I come in and well, from our 2nd interaction on it has truly been a pleasure. To the point I found myself able to get comfortable, and actually relax. That has come over time and with the consistency I see when I'm in there. There are places I have been visiting alot longer but getting comfortable is out of the question. Since going regularly what I have observed and especially what I saw on the night of 1/14/2024 showed me there are still people in this world who will put their personal affairs and what they have going on in front of them aside and do what they can for the safety and well being of someone else if the situation arises and will do so even if that person is not a close friend.. This is not a new seasonal drink that is learned to mix for a few months but, it's a showing of who someone truly is as a person as these actions come from the heart and without thinking of their own personal gain. So, thank you Kylie for showing me something that no amount of words could show, it was your actions in doing what was necessary to try and keep someone safe and out of harms way and doing it from a side of genuine care and concern. It's not that some people don't do that but I could see how genuine you were in doing it. And thank you to the owner for caring enough to actually care about who you put on your team in your establishment. I have no doubt that with what I witnessed that anyone on your staff would have done the same thing. This also is a huge reflection on you and shows you care as well because you chose these individuals who you put your trust in and I must say, you have put a top notch team together and I personally want to say Thank You. That being said, if your looking for a place to unwind from the day, a place to start your big night out on the town, or just a place to go to get out of the house I highly recommend you give Pal Joey's a try. And if you have had an unpleasant experience there, well don't we all deserve a second chance at times? And one last thing and this is more important than you may think. If one of the staff seems to be having a moment, whatever you do, don't mention anything about smiling more. That was interaction number 1 which is why I started with 2. Now it's a wonderful memory that is laughed about when it's mentioned. So, I originally said Pal Joey's was in my top 5. It's now top 2. And it's not #1 only due to the fact of my own personal story and the effect the other place had on my life. And even if I can't stop in and stay at times I'll definitely atleast stop in and say hello and so appreciation to who is working because I'm certain they genuinely appreciate us . Kicked back, chill place to relax. Amazing atmosphere that I would almost guarantee you have not seen before. Pool tables are amazing. Friendly staff and very reasonably priced drinks. If you haven't been I highly encourage you to. This place is...

Pal Joey's is just above a dive bar and just under a sports bar like Hooters or something along those lines. From what I can tell you get a pretty mixed crowd... Young, mid and older people... I would say 60% local neighborhood regulars and 40% other. Guy to girl ratio from my limited experience is 40 % hot female(including the bartender)20% not so hot female/ 10% good looking guys and 30% not so good looking guy... So if you got game and are good looking you are gonna get some attention. Not sure what the bartenders name was but she is smoking hot 🔥, nice, and maybe even a little flirty... Music varies to what the crowd wants which is good in my opinion. I live fairly close and think I'll become a regular just based off the service and environment. Drinks are cheap and average strength. Not a lot if places to eat around there at night so plan ahead. I think that covers everything. All in all I had a good time and...

Great place, used to go here, all the time...Just beware of the Stalker-Witch who claims that she is from the North/East... She hangs out here....she claims that she is 40 years old, yet she is in her mid 50's and on a bad day, looks 60... She has also had a Botox mishap, in 2014....wow! Not good.... Everything she says is a lie, (Look up Sociopathic behavior, and you will know). So beware of the Red headed witch, (She wears wigs, to change her look, and changes her contact colors, continuously) she is a sociopath...appears to be 61 years old, yet claims that she is 41....She lies about everything, to set you up....and then tells everyone else her lies to try and socially snuff you out...It's too bad, because I really love this place, but now it is contaminated with BS...and a dark, Evil spirit...who bullies the staff, with her/his lies... (Ya, shim may be a she/male) How do you like me now, Biatch!!!? ...