Part Time Lover

I’m a full time fan of Part Time Lover. Come for the vibes, stay for the drinks. Atmosphere Again, great vibes. It’s classy and every detail is unique, from the pillars in the center of the bar to the hieroglyphs on the couches. The bathrooms are a little incongruent though. While they have fancy bidet-equipped toilets, everything has a grungy dive bar feel to it. Seems like it doesn’t belong. Drinks A lot of Japanese or Japanese-inspired ingredients in their drinks. They’re really good. Extras There’s a record store in the back, which is cool. Recommend? Yes, but just keep in mind that a long line forms outside. This place is popular.

Hands down new favorite cocktail bar in SD. Wonderful cocktails, and a very good selection of Japanese liquor. They have Iichiko shochu and Roku Gin, which you don't always find at every bar. It's my favorite gin and I subbed it in for all my cocktails with regular bases, except the Iichiko shochu cocktail Sway Reduction, which is already PERFECT.

+1

Such a creative space! Everything is unique from the seating options to the cocktails. Every ingredient is meticulously chosen just like the music is meticulously chosen by the DJ. If you can visit during a less busy time and grab a seat on a comfy couch, definitely check it out!

Unparalleled mood, decor, interior design, spacial delineation. Pricey drinks as expected for an upscale joint but the music and experience are worth it. Diverse clientele and always meeting open n friendly people

+4

I loved the ambiance and the drinks were really good! The record room and DJ experience is unique and I enjoyed getting to listen to a local artist release his new record! Love the palm tree lights, but we did wish that seating was a little bit more available and less wasted seating was encouraged by staff, we only had three people in our group but couples were taking up areas that could seat 6 people and giving the stink eye if we tried to sit in those areas.

Wow what a vibe! Short line outside and walked in to what felt like the side room in the Saltburn movie. Lots of lounge areas for parties to gather and chat. The music was very chill, so cool seeing a vinyl dj doing a killer job. Drinks were delicious and on point.

There was about ~15 minute wait to get in on Friday night but it was definitely worth the wait because they keep the bar nice and roomy so it was easy to get seats/drinks. The staff was extremely friendly and the drinks were amazing! ALSO I left my wallet there overnight and stopped back the next day — met Gabe who spent at least 10 minutes looking for it and found it with everything in it! Very much appreciated his time and kindness. Highly recommend!

Gabe made me this amazing drink with so much style !!! Definitely must have been off the menu since it was so different but delicious…. Ch has to make this guy the next bar director ❤️🌹🔊 Music was good! They played jazz at 1:13am 👌

Entering Part Time Lover is like stepping back in time. The interior aesthetic spans between the 1910's and the late 1960's. It is as if the space had originated its cozy wood-paneled walls in an Era before prohibition, then recieved an update in the mid 1930's with its lite columns and their Starburst capitals. A nod to the Art Deco Era. However, one cannot deny that the last face-lift must have came in the 60's, by someone who appreciated the rich history of the interior as it was, but with their own mid-century twist and a nod to Bauhas. It's warm, inviting, dark and sensual. So grab a strong, crafted cocktail, sink into the atmosphere and allow the incredible music to transport you... wherever time takes you.

+5

Fantastic drinks and environment. Bartenders are awesome! Me and my boyfriend found this place just looking for a place to have cocktails. I'm from out of town but if I come back to San Diego, Ill definitely be returning here!

I liked the vibe of this place. It was like if Eric Foreman’s basement meets Madmen. It was cozy and cool. Large enough that it didn’t feel packed. They had cool DJs and it attracted a cool crowd. My friend and I had a great time.

+1

Part Time Lover stands out with its eclectic mix of a vinyl shop and a bar, serving unique drinks by friendly bartenders. The atmosphere is elevated by DJs spinning diverse vinyl albums, creating a vibrant yet cozy vibe. It's an innovative spot for a memorable night with a nostalgic touch.

+5

This was a neat place, I had never been to anything like that before. When I went it was a Friday night and extremely packed and louder. The atmosphere and the record store was better than I expected it to be. Even though it was really packed we were able to get a table in the corner and could still hear the music that was being played. Getting drinks was a bit of a challenge but nothing I haven't experienced before. We ended up staying for 3 drinks each before headed out, I would definitely come back and check it out again maybe during the week when it is less busy. There was also a hot dog stand outside as well that a few of my friends had for a late night snack.

A bit crowded at times but PTL has amazing music, a wonderful vinyl store in back, and the service is relatively fast even on a crowded evening. Seating is hard to come by if you arrive late into the evening, though.

This place makes you feel like you’re being transported to a different place and time. I like that they play vinyls from the record store that’s inside too. This is a great date spot, can be a very intimate setting. However, unless you like being in a packed place where you can barely hear each other, then to go during the week or before 6pm on weekends.

Didn't try any food. Excellent Cocktail Lounge, though it seems to cater to a younger crowd. Most everyone we saw was asked for ID on their way in. Decent cocktail skills evident, and an impressive bar back. They seem to run towards a wood interior, though rum and Tiki culture in their cocktails. Whisky or Whiskey drinkers, be ready with your choices if needs be. Moderately noisy and busy. This place sports a vinyl peddler in the rear, and select tunes creating the mood and vibe. Several bar seating areas with 4 packs of comfy but clunky bar stools. Easy to perch upon, difficult to reorganize along the bar.

Had a great time at Part Time Lover. The vibe felt easy and fun, good music, good crowd, and drinks were really good. It’s the kind of place you can actually have fun and enjoy the night. Would definitely go back.

This place has great vibes and music, they were spinning vinyl which is a lost art these days. The bar tender Nick was quick, entertaining, poured a great drink and is a total babe! The art deco style and warm lighting made for a great atmosphere. The record store in the back was awesome to enjoy a cocktail while flipping through records. If you haven’t been…go!

Wow, such a cool bar. The 70’s theming is spot-on (from the decorations to the vinyl store in the back) the atmosphere is amazing (lots of deep couches and lounge seats for cozy vibes) and the drinks and music are great. Great spot.

Love the vibe here! Had a fun time with my spouse and her mother. Staff is friendly and gets you your drinks fast, the seating is plentiful but def get there early if you don’t want to stand for a while. The bar fills up fast!

This place is definitely for the vibes for a drink or two as it’s quite pricey. You do feel like you’re stepping back in time, very retro. Artisanal drinks taking awhile to make for about $17 a drink. Super cute record store in the back with a variety of records ranging from $25-$45. Great music and friendly staff!

It can get really busy, but the vibes are good. Cocktails are nice. Music is fun, unique, upbeat. Record shop at back was fun to peruse. Decor inside is wood and comfy. Reminds me of what someone’s basement would look like in the 80s if they had money and liked to travel.

I am a full time fan of the Part Time Lover. From it’s diverse range of drink options, to its even MORE diverse selection of vinyl (either on rotation or available for purchase), this now extremely well known “hidden gem” proves to be an eternal staple of North Park bar life, the glitz and glam attracting a Wave of Mutilation (and the occasional normies) to the once hallowed remains of Bar Pink.

Great for vinyl lovers. Really appreciated the DJ that offered to play the records for us before we purchased and helped us find some treasures hidden amongst the floor to ceiling collection of items to be played or sold. We definitely enjoyed going earlier in the evening to avoid the crowds and get a comfy seat to enjoy cocktails before headed home to play our purchases.

My new favorite cocktail bar in San Diego! Great drinks coupled with an amazing vibe/aesthetic - what else could you ask for? Modeled after listening bars in Japan, you get an impeccably curated selection of music on vinyl spun while enjoying Japanese inspired cocktails. There’s even a rare record shop in the back, courtesy of Folk Arts records. It opened recently, and it was busy even for a Sunday afternoon. Highly recommend the highball and the old fashioned - will be back, for sure!

Very classy joint - love the vintage interior and the record store in the back. Music was amazing. Lots of separate hanging out spaces. The elephant homage is trippy and fun. I'm old, so I did think it was quite dark in there, but luckily the bartender just recommended an amazing drink so I didn't have to read the menu lol!

Marc Milrod

Didn't try any food. Excellent Cocktail Lounge, though it seems to cater to a younger crowd. Most everyone we saw was asked for ID on their way in. Decent cocktail skills evident, and an impressive bar back. They seem to run towards a wood interior, though rum and Tiki culture in their cocktails. Whisky or Whiskey drinkers, be ready with your choices if needs be. Moderately noisy and busy. This place sports a vinyl peddler in the rear, and select tunes creating the mood and vibe. Several bar seating areas with 4 packs of comfy but clunky bar stools. Easy to perch upon, difficult to reorganize along the bar.

James Voorhies

This place has great vibes and music, they were spinning vinyl which is a lost art these days. The bar tender Nick was quick, entertaining, poured a great drink and is a total babe! The art deco style and warm lighting made for a great atmosphere. The record store in the back was awesome to enjoy a cocktail while flipping through records. If you haven’t been…go!

Frank de Jong

Wow, such a cool bar. The 70’s theming is spot-on (from the decorations to the vinyl store in the back) the atmosphere is amazing (lots of deep couches and lounge seats for cozy vibes) and the drinks and music are great. Great spot.

Joshua

Love the vibe here! Had a fun time with my spouse and her mother. Staff is friendly and gets you your drinks fast, the seating is plentiful but def get there early if you don’t want to stand for a while. The bar fills up fast!

MEGHAN CUMA

This place is definitely for the vibes for a drink or two as it’s quite pricey. You do feel like you’re stepping back in time, very retro. Artisanal drinks taking awhile to make for about $17 a drink. Super cute record store in the back with a variety of records ranging from $25-$45. Great music and friendly staff!

israel gold

I am a full time fan of the Part Time Lover. From it’s diverse range of drink options, to its even MORE diverse selection of vinyl (either on rotation or available for purchase), this now extremely well known “hidden gem” proves to be an eternal staple of North Park bar life, the glitz and glam attracting a Wave of Mutilation (and the occasional normies) to the once hallowed remains of Bar Pink.

Benjamin Penman

It can get really busy, but the vibes are good. Cocktails are nice. Music is fun, unique, upbeat. Record shop at back was fun to peruse. Decor inside is wood and comfy. Reminds me of what someone’s basement would look like in the 80s if they had money and liked to travel.

Breana McGowan

Great for vinyl lovers. Really appreciated the DJ that offered to play the records for us before we purchased and helped us find some treasures hidden amongst the floor to ceiling collection of items to be played or sold. We definitely enjoyed going earlier in the evening to avoid the crowds and get a comfy seat to enjoy cocktails before headed home to play our purchases.

Douglas Clemens

Part Time Lover stands out with its eclectic mix of a vinyl shop and a bar, serving unique drinks by friendly bartenders. The atmosphere is elevated by DJs spinning diverse vinyl albums, creating a vibrant yet cozy vibe. It's an innovative spot for a memorable night with a nostalgic touch.

Joe Yancho

My new favorite cocktail bar in San Diego! Great drinks coupled with an amazing vibe/aesthetic - what else could you ask for? Modeled after listening bars in Japan, you get an impeccably curated selection of music on vinyl spun while enjoying Japanese inspired cocktails. There’s even a rare record shop in the back, courtesy of Folk Arts records. It opened recently, and it was busy even for a Sunday afternoon. Highly recommend the highball and the old fashioned - will be back, for sure!

Jen DeSantis

Very classy joint - love the vintage interior and the record store in the back. Music was amazing. Lots of separate hanging out spaces. The elephant homage is trippy and fun. I'm old, so I did think it was quite dark in there, but luckily the bartender just recommended an amazing drink so I didn't have to read the menu lol!

Lauren B

This was a neat place, I had never been to anything like that before. When I went it was a Friday night and extremely packed and louder. The atmosphere and the record store was better than I expected it to be. Even though it was really packed we were able to get a table in the corner and could still hear the music that was being played. Getting drinks was a bit of a challenge but nothing I haven't experienced before. We ended up staying for 3 drinks each before headed out, I would definitely come back and check it out again maybe during the week when it is less busy. There was also a hot dog stand outside as well that a few of my friends had for a late night snack.

Olivia Valentine

I loved the ambiance and the drinks were really good! The record room and DJ experience is unique and I enjoyed getting to listen to a local artist release his new record! Love the palm tree lights, but we did wish that seating was a little bit more available and less wasted seating was encouraged by staff, we only had three people in our group but couples were taking up areas that could seat 6 people and giving the stink eye if we tried to sit in those areas.

Such a great atmosphere. They got the lighting right. So many places are too brightly lit but this place is perfect. Nice assortment of drinks. Plenty of seating. A DJ playing music in a wonderful setting with friendly service and nice bathrooms.

Went out with a couple friends last weekend and ended up at this bar kind of on a whim. The place had a relaxed vibe, not too loud, which made it easy to actually talk without yelling. Drinks were made well, nothing fancy but solid, and the bartender was friendly enough and didn’t rush us even when it got a bit busy. Seating was decent and we didn’t feel cramped. Music choice was okay, maybe a little random but not annoying. Overall, it was a good spot to unwind for a few hours. I’d come back if I’m in the area again.

Nice music-themed bar with a vinyl store inside towards the back of the bar. Interesting drink menu but I like to try new things. You order at the bar & find somewhere to sit. We went on a Sunday afternoon & had no problems finding seating.

Amy Allred

Went out with a couple friends last weekend and ended up at this bar kind of on a whim. The place had a relaxed vibe, not too loud, which made it easy to actually talk without yelling. Drinks were made well, nothing fancy but solid, and the bartender was friendly enough and didn’t rush us even when it got a bit busy. Seating was decent and we didn’t feel cramped. Music choice was okay, maybe a little random but not annoying. Overall, it was a good spot to unwind for a few hours. I’d come back if I’m in the area again.

Unique bar that has a record shop inside. Music is played with vinyl records. Overall it’s enjoyable except some people will rest their dirty shoes on the table where we put our drinks and food. I had to keep my drink covered with a napkin the whole time. Totally uncivilized and low class for such mannerism.

I am not an expert on Japanese listening bars, but I do remember having ice cold Japanese beers on tap when I was in Tokyo. I was a bit disappointed by the bar menu. DO NOT order the dirty martini unless you like the taste of brine. Great customer service though, and a fantastic highball menu. My favorite thing about this bar is the sound system and small details.

+1

It's got a great interior and vibe. Tasty drinks. Only issue is the drinks take -forever- to make. They need a couple more bartenders they are going fast, they are just complicated drinks for way too many people ordering.

Fun bar with lots of drink options! Went on a Friday night and it was very crowded with no area to sit and barely any standing area.

Very cool and unique atmosphere, overall vibey setting and younger crowd. Expect a wait to get in and hard to find seating. The bartenders also take a long time to make drinks, so you’ll be waiting at the bar for 10-20 minutes after you’ve already paid. Really cool records in the back!

I checked out this new venue in North Park their second day up and running. The vibe was super cool and I had a great spot lounging near the entrance. The music was great and getting drinks was fairly easy even though it was busy. They two highball specialty drinks I ordered were both refreshing and enjoyable to drink. It was a great spot to post up with friends and jam to tunes. I wish I had their playlist because they had some bangers throughout the night. I’d definitely go back. Be aware they are not a restaurant so might want to plan on grabbing a bite in the neighborhood nearby.

This place is a dream come true for record collectors, especially jazz enthusiasts. Their selection is incredibly deep, with rare gems you won’t easily find anywhere else. I spent almost two hours digging through the crates, and the variety was impressive — it’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time hunting for treasures. It can get a bit crowded, sometimes beyond what feels comfortable, but if you’re cool with that, you’ll still have a great time browsing. The one downside is they don’t sell food, which can be a bit of a bummer if you’re there for a long digging session and need a snack break. Still, if you’re into vinyl and jazz, this spot is a must-visit. Just plan ahead and maybe grab a bite before or after your visit!

Mamie Johnson

Very cool and unique atmosphere, overall vibey setting and younger crowd. Expect a wait to get in and hard to find seating. The bartenders also take a long time to make drinks, so you’ll be waiting at the bar for 10-20 minutes after you’ve already paid. Really cool records in the back!

Jerome Cooper

I checked out this new venue in North Park their second day up and running. The vibe was super cool and I had a great spot lounging near the entrance. The music was great and getting drinks was fairly easy even though it was busy. They two highball specialty drinks I ordered were both refreshing and enjoyable to drink. It was a great spot to post up with friends and jam to tunes. I wish I had their playlist because they had some bangers throughout the night. I’d definitely go back. Be aware they are not a restaurant so might want to plan on grabbing a bite in the neighborhood nearby.

Saulo

This place is a dream come true for record collectors, especially jazz enthusiasts. Their selection is incredibly deep, with rare gems you won’t easily find anywhere else. I spent almost two hours digging through the crates, and the variety was impressive — it’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time hunting for treasures. It can get a bit crowded, sometimes beyond what feels comfortable, but if you’re cool with that, you’ll still have a great time browsing. The one downside is they don’t sell food, which can be a bit of a bummer if you’re there for a long digging session and need a snack break. Still, if you’re into vinyl and jazz, this spot is a must-visit. Just plan ahead and maybe grab a bite before or after your visit!

Not for me, but you might like it. First off, I really don't like paying a cover to buy expensive drinks. I was told it was kind of a listening bar, but music was definitely not the focus here. The music, what you could hear, was good but I think everybody was just there to hear themselves talk. It was so loud. The space was decorated well, carpet is an interesting choice, looks like the vibe most other places have. The drinks were good. A bit pricey. Service was not great. A lot of people frantically moving around but not really helping anyone. While standing at the bar, waited about 15 min to order drinks, paid for them, then waited at least 10 more minutes to actually get them. The bartenders that were there are definitely the "feelin themselves" type. A lil rude, a lil dismissive, a lil selective. Hopefully they are not all like that. There seemed to be a good amount of people having a good time. Good spot for your social media pics. The door guy was pretty cool. Funny dude. Probably wouldn't come back. *Made me really miss the Pink Elephant

I came in around 9pm on Friday. There wasn’t a line to get in but it was very packed. There’s a record store in the back that has some rare records that are worth checking out. I got three different drinks but i didn’t like any of them. I love sweet cocktails but they were all too sweet. The lychee one would taste really good if it wasn’t so sweet. I’d love to check it out again when it’s less crowded and maybe bartenders would have more time to make their drinks.

Meh, pretty average and certainly overrated. Interior and concept are great but the drinks are disappointing, overpriced, and slightly boring. Bartenders seemed talented. Worth the experience but won’t return. Many better places for cocktails in town.

Bonnie Ye

I came in around 9pm on Friday. There wasn’t a line to get in but it was very packed. There’s a record store in the back that has some rare records that are worth checking out. I got three different drinks but i didn’t like any of them. I love sweet cocktails but they were all too sweet. The lychee one would taste really good if it wasn’t so sweet. I’d love to check it out again when it’s less crowded and maybe bartenders would have more time to make their drinks.

Matthew Garcia

Meh, pretty average and certainly overrated. Interior and concept are great but the drinks are disappointing, overpriced, and slightly boring. Bartenders seemed talented. Worth the experience but won’t return. Many better places for cocktails in town.

bmfmikeb

Not for me, but you might like it. First off, I really don't like paying a cover to buy expensive drinks. I was told it was kind of a listening bar, but music was definitely not the focus here. The music, what you could hear, was good but I think everybody was just there to hear themselves talk. It was so loud. The space was decorated well, carpet is an interesting choice, looks like the vibe most other places have. The drinks were good. A bit pricey. Service was not great. A lot of people frantically moving around but not really helping anyone. While standing at the bar, waited about 15 min to order drinks, paid for them, then waited at least 10 more minutes to actually get them. The bartenders that were there are definitely the "feelin themselves" type. A lil rude, a lil dismissive, a lil selective. Hopefully they are not all like that. There seemed to be a good amount of people having a good time. Good spot for your social media pics. The door guy was pretty cool. Funny dude. Probably wouldn't come back. *Made me really miss the Pink Elephant

The drinks and atmosphere were amazing. Music super vibey, I came for the Thee Sacred Souls event with my girlfriend. Everything was honestly perfect besides the fact that I was rudely sassed by one of the bartenders I believe she said her name was Karen. She acted exactly like a “Karen”. Rude as hell for no reason and gave me and my girlfriend the nastiest attitude for asking questions regarding the drinks. She kept side eyeing us while preparing our drinks like we were bothering her for being customers! Like what!!! I’m not sure if it was racially motivated or what but I seriously hope she fixes that attitude of hers because it honestly ruined my night. It’s so saddening finding a place I would call my new favorite bar but there’s one singular person who ruins it all for you. Also super unrelated to her unnecessary ugly attitude, but her breath was not pleasant either. Pungent.