Star Bar

Very disappointing experience with security at Star Bar on Monday night, July 6, 2026. I understand security has a responsibility to check IDs, but the way this situation was handled was unacceptable. I presented my valid California driver’s license issued by the DMV. The security guard compared my ID to my friend’s, who had an older version of the California driver’s license, while mine was the newer design issued in October 2025. Because the designs were different, he told me he was “99% sure” my ID was fake. My ID was scanned successfully, and I provided additional proof that it was legitimate. However, every time I tried to explain that the ID was real and issued by the DMV, I was repeatedly told, “No, this is fake.” Even after the ID scanned and I provided proof of my identity, he continued insisting it was not legitimate and initially refused to return my ID. He told me I would need to call the police if I wanted to get my ID back. My ID was eventually returned, but the entire interaction was embarrassing and upsetting. I felt like I was being treated as though I had done something wrong despite presenting a valid form of identification. I contacted management afterward, and I appreciate that they apologized and listened to my concerns. I’m giving 2 stars because of the manager’s response and because this review is not a reflection of the establishment itself, as I never had the opportunity to enter and experience the bar. However, based on my overall experience at the door, the security interaction alone would have been a 1-star experience. I hope this situation leads to better training and awareness when handling updated California IDs and similar situations in the future.

My husband and I visited Star Bar last weekend, and it was hands down the worst bar experience we’ve had in San Diego. The service was completely terrible. When we arrived, we asked the first bartender for a drink, and he refused to serve us, claiming we had to wait for the other bartender—even though he wasn't busy at all. Once we finally got our first beers, we were completely ignored. Both bartenders spent the entire night on the other side of the bar, completely ignoring us to chat with a few other people. They never checked up on us once. To top it off, asking for the check took absolutely forever, and they were incredibly rude when handing it over. Horrible service all around. We will never go back.

So glad I found this place! I came in for the Cinco de Mayo bar crawl and had an awesome time with my group. It had such a great vibe you can't find elsewhere

This is my go to dive bar in Downtown SD. Cheap drinks, nice pool tables, good people. Marina is my favorite bartender, if you see her behind the bar, you are in good hands. If you are a pool player, you should also check the 9ball tournament on Mondays and 8ball tournament on Wednesday.

Bartender was awful, payed no attention to customers, had awful vibes just seemed like he didn’t want anybody even there. Atmosphere was pretty cool, but again, the bad bartender just kinda ruined everything. Left early due to that, it was hard to even get a beer from this dude. Place would probably be pretty dope without bad bartender though so maybe just depends on the nights you go!