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Champs Lounge
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Champs Lounge
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Champs Lounge

Bar · San Diego

4.3 · 152 reviews Google

About Champs Lounge

At Champs Lounge, we're a laid-back gathering spot where old-school charm meets new friends. We've been a San Diego staple for years, attracting a diverse crowd that comes to unwind over a cold drink and some friendly competition on the pool table or darts board. When the night gets lively, our kara...

At Champs Lounge, we're a laid-back gathering spot where old-school charm meets new friends. We've been a San Diego staple for years, attracting a diverse crowd that comes to unwind over a cold drink and some friendly competition on the pool table or darts board. When the night gets lively, our karaoke nights bring the house down with infectious energy. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service with a side of warmth and hospitality. From our signature burgers to the perfect shot of whiskey, we're all about serving up good times with great company – come experience it for yourself on Balboa Avenue!

What Customers Say About Champs Lounge

Champs Lounge is a popular, low-key neighborhood bar known for its friendly staff, cheap drinks, and games like darts, shuffleboard, and pool. Fridays feature karaoke, which some love and others dislike. It's cash-only, which is a common complaint.

Best For

Locals Casual Late Night Groups

Tip: Bring cash, as it's a cash-only bar. If you enjoy karaoke, visit on a Friday; if not, avoid Fridays.

Features

🅿️ Parking Accessible
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy 👥 Groups

Frequently asked questions about Champs Lounge

Champs Lounge is located at 3050 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117, San Diego.
Champs Lounge offers bar cuisine.
Champs Lounge has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
Champs Lounge offers the following services: dine-in.
Champs Lounge is ideal for locals, casual dining, late night, groups.
Champs Lounge is a popular, low-key neighborhood bar known for its friendly staff, cheap drinks, and games like darts, shuffleboard, and pool. Fridays feature karaoke, which some love and others dislike. It's cash-only, which is a common complaint.
Bring cash, as it's a cash-only bar. If you enjoy karaoke, visit on a Friday; if not, avoid Fridays.
152
Reviews

Champs Lounge San Diego Reviews

4.3
152
5★
64%
4★
17%
3★
9%
2★
3%
1★
7%
Reviews (40)
Valerie P
Valerie P

Champs Bar is truly a neighborhood gem -- hands down the cleanest dive bar l've ever been in. The drinks are an absolute steal for the price and every cocktail is made with care by bartenders who clearly love what they do. I'm a big Bloody Mary fan, and lately it feels like the quality everywhere has gone downhill... not here. Champs makes one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had. No fancy presentation, but the mix is on point and the flavor is unmatched -- which honestly matters more. Amber is the daytime bartender and she makes every random visit joyful and fun. Endless conversations, great energy, and an amazing ability to read people -- she really sets the tone. That said, all the bartenders are solid and good at remembering your drink order, which says a lot. There's no food, but plenty of options next door. The owner clearly takes pride in the place and personally makes sure it's clean and well maintained. TVs throughout for sports, plus darts, pool, golf, pinball. and shuffleboard keep things entertaining. Cash only, but there's an ATM inside. If you're looking for a laid-back, well-run dive with great drinks and even better people, Champs is it And there's Karaoke Friday nights

Joey Best
Joey Best

Prices are great. Pours are average. Staff is responsive. Only thing I dislike is Karaoke on Fridays. Place becomes overly active.

J
Joey Best

Prices are great. Pours are average. Staff is responsive. Only thing I dislike is Karaoke on Fridays. Place becomes overly active.

V
Valerie P

Champs Bar is truly a neighborhood gem -- hands down the cleanest dive bar l've ever been in. The drinks are an absolute steal for the price and every cocktail is made with care by bartenders who clearly love what they do. I'm a big Bloody Mary fan, and lately it feels like the quality everywhere has gone downhill... not here. Champs makes one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had. No fancy presentation, but the mix is on point and the flavor is unmatched -- which honestly matters more. Amber is the daytime bartender and she makes every random visit joyful and fun. Endless conversations, great energy, and an amazing ability to read people -- she really sets the tone. That said, all the bartenders are solid and good at remembering your drink order, which says a lot. There's no food, but plenty of options next door. The owner clearly takes pride in the place and personally makes sure it's clean and well maintained. TVs throughout for sports, plus darts, pool, golf, pinball. and shuffleboard keep things entertaining. Cash only, but there's an ATM inside. If you're looking for a laid-back, well-run dive with great drinks and even better people, Champs is it And there's Karaoke Friday nights

M
Michael Posyananda-Pearl

A comfortable and classic cash-only bar, Champ's has a lot of local regulars and a lot of personalities. Usually quiet during the day, evenings draw a younger crowd and weekend nights are the busiest.

A
Amber Peña

Fave bar ever! Great bartenders, cheap drinks. You can tell the owner puts a lot of effort into the place. This is definitely the best bar in Clairemont/Bay Park!

C
Casey Holman

If you want a great local bar, full of fun characters, and decent drinks. This is the place! Fridays are karaoke and are a ton of fun.

J
JJR lll

Lowkey spot, they have a couple of dart boards a shuffle board table & a pool table. Bartender that night was a chill dude. Good spot to get away from loud bars & just have a brew & relax.

B
B DUB

Had a great night out here with my girlfriend. Bar staff was friendly, drinks were good, and much cheaper than at the beach or downtown. Will be back for more darts!

D
David Jones

This place was great last night! Amber and Katie were too much fun!

D
David Glasgal

Found this local watering hole - what a find! this place is really chill and fun. Great atmosphere, welcoming staff and great drinks, pool table, other games, tvs, funny cardboard cutouts and all around swell place to post up and kick it. The bartender Amber was super cool and had nice cans, bottles and drafts to look at and try out! I'll definitely check it out next time I'm around there!

David Jones
David Jones

This place was great last night! Amber and Katie were too much fun!

JJR lll
JJR lll

Lowkey spot, they have a couple of dart boards a shuffle board table & a pool table. Bartender that night was a chill dude. Good spot to get away from loud bars & just have a brew & relax.

Casey Holman
Casey Holman

If you want a great local bar, full of fun characters, and decent drinks. This is the place! Fridays are karaoke and are a ton of fun.

David Glasgal
David Glasgal

Found this local watering hole - what a find! this place is really chill and fun. Great atmosphere, welcoming staff and great drinks, pool table, other games, tvs, funny cardboard cutouts and all around swell place to post up and kick it. The bartender Amber was super cool and had nice cans, bottles and drafts to look at and try out! I'll definitely check it out next time I'm around there!

Michael Posyananda-Pearl
Michael Posyananda-Pearl

A comfortable and classic cash-only bar, Champ's has a lot of local regulars and a lot of personalities. Usually quiet during the day, evenings draw a younger crowd and weekend nights are the busiest.

Amber Peña
Amber Peña

Fave bar ever! Great bartenders, cheap drinks. You can tell the owner puts a lot of effort into the place. This is definitely the best bar in Clairemont/Bay Park!

B DUB
B DUB

Had a great night out here with my girlfriend. Bar staff was friendly, drinks were good, and much cheaper than at the beach or downtown. Will be back for more darts!

S
Suewhoisme

Quaint local bar we can walk to so don't have to call an uber, saves money so we can spoil our selves with more exotic but pricey cocktails and that's fun!!!

C
CJ Johnson

Hi, I just recently moved here from Los Angeles. The clubs, lounges and bars in Hollywood occasionally host a air night. That's when a team of two pick a song to lip-sync and plays air guitar too. The establishment provides a mic a guitar with no strings and a guitar strap. Some of the higher establishments are doing it, now. I've seen a lot of celebrities participating on air night, just for kicks. Sometimes the establishment will throw in a 50 or $100 price for the winner, but who cares its all in fun. On air night the lines at the establishments are usually long. It should be here in San Diego.

L
Logan Litke

Good fun bar with multiple games available. Three soft tip boards. Shuffle board. Pool table. Jukebox. Reasonable prices and friendly staff.

J
Julianne D.

I gave this bar 4 stars instead of 5 because it's a cash only bar and I rarely carry cash :/ I came here on karaoke night (Friday night) and it was fun! Service was good, prices are good. I'll probably be back because friends semi frequent this place.

T
T M.

Awesome little bar, they have pool, darts and some other games. Cash only but they have an atm inside as well. Definitely would recommend if low-key is your vibe! 4 stars for cash-only as I never carry cash on me and have bank fees on top of atm fees :/

Logan Litke
Logan Litke

Good fun bar with multiple games available. Three soft tip boards. Shuffle board. Pool table. Jukebox. Reasonable prices and friendly staff.

Suewhoisme
Suewhoisme

Quaint local bar we can walk to so don't have to call an uber, saves money so we can spoil our selves with more exotic but pricey cocktails and that's fun!!!

T M.
T M.

Awesome little bar, they have pool, darts and some other games. Cash only but they have an atm inside as well. Definitely would recommend if low-key is your vibe! 4 stars for cash-only as I never carry cash on me and have bank fees on top of atm fees :/

Julianne D.
Julianne D.

I gave this bar 4 stars instead of 5 because it's a cash only bar and I rarely carry cash :/ I came here on karaoke night (Friday night) and it was fun! Service was good, prices are good. I'll probably be back because friends semi frequent this place.

CJ Johnson
CJ Johnson

Hi, I just recently moved here from Los Angeles. The clubs, lounges and bars in Hollywood occasionally host a air night. That's when a team of two pick a song to lip-sync and plays air guitar too. The establishment provides a mic a guitar with no strings and a guitar strap. Some of the higher establishments are doing it, now. I've seen a lot of celebrities participating on air night, just for kicks. Sometimes the establishment will throw in a 50 or $100 price for the winner, but who cares its all in fun. On air night the lines at the establishments are usually long. It should be here in San Diego.

K
Kris Kemp

Cash only neighborhood bar. If you want your drinks fast, come here. If you want your bartender coddling you and treating you like an old friend, look elsewhere or get your own friends. Karaoke on Fridays is terrible re: awesome!

Kris Kemp
Kris Kemp

Cash only neighborhood bar. If you want your drinks fast, come here. If you want your bartender coddling you and treating you like an old friend, look elsewhere or get your own friends. Karaoke on Fridays is terrible re: awesome!

C
Christopher Gorrie

This bar is pretty divey. Not the greatest crowd. On the upside they have darts, pool, a jukebox, and TVs. It's okay for a quick, cheap drink, but other than that I'd suggest avoiding it. I was really turned off by this place after the bartender wouldn't serve my friend and I water. No one was in the bar. We asked once and he said he was too busy. We waited five minutes and asked again. He ignored us. It was pretty rude. I understand that it's possible that it was an off day for the bartender, but this is literally the only time that I've been ignored at a bar when asking for water in my life. There is a better bar across the street called Fast Times. I'd suggest going a couple blocks down Morena Blvd. to Sidecar. It's a much better bar with a very pleasant staff.

J
Jason Restivo

I've tried the place 3 times despite numerous people in the neighborhood laughing when I've asked about it. i love a good dive bar. 2 times i didn't even know who the bartender was as nobody was behind the bar. i stood at the bar and looked around and waited for someone to come. after a few minutes i just left. one time i did get served, but felt really unwelcomed. it felt like if they don't know who you are, they don't want you there.

Jason Restivo
Jason Restivo

I've tried the place 3 times despite numerous people in the neighborhood laughing when I've asked about it. i love a good dive bar. 2 times i didn't even know who the bartender was as nobody was behind the bar. i stood at the bar and looked around and waited for someone to come. after a few minutes i just left. one time i did get served, but felt really unwelcomed. it felt like if they don't know who you are, they don't want you there.

Christopher Gorrie
Christopher Gorrie

This bar is pretty divey. Not the greatest crowd. On the upside they have darts, pool, a jukebox, and TVs. It's okay for a quick, cheap drink, but other than that I'd suggest avoiding it. I was really turned off by this place after the bartender wouldn't serve my friend and I water. No one was in the bar. We asked once and he said he was too busy. We waited five minutes and asked again. He ignored us. It was pretty rude. I understand that it's possible that it was an off day for the bartender, but this is literally the only time that I've been ignored at a bar when asking for water in my life. There is a better bar across the street called Fast Times. I'd suggest going a couple blocks down Morena Blvd. to Sidecar. It's a much better bar with a very pleasant staff.

F
Frank Howard

Daniel, the "bartender", "drug dealer" is as terrible as this bar.. The whole place is horrible, it also stinks and reeks big time of drug activity... I went for a beer and got out fast... The staff and patrons seemed a little rude and this bar came off very cliquey.. Basically if your not a loser stay away from this place...there are much better places around that are normal...

H
Henry Freidenberger III

More like Chumps Lounge. Maybe it was more a bad experience with a couple if the bartenders/servers, but they lacked professionalism, tact, integrity, and character. Food tasted like microwaved sams club food anyhow.

N
Nicole Wheat

If I could give them ZERO stars I would. This place hasn't changed in the 10+ years it's been around. I haven't been to this bar in a while because the owner and bartenders lack courtesy and respect. As a woman I would NEVER recommend another woman to go in here by herself. I can't even begin to describe just how much this owner sucks. Go to the new bar across the street. It's called Fast Times. It's a new establishment in the Clairemont community, staff are extremely friendly, and the owner actually cares about his customers! I'm a San Diego native and a Clairemont native to be exact, and I would NEVER choose going to Champs over Fast Times. I would avoid this place. You won't be missing out on anything.

Nicole Wheat
Nicole Wheat

If I could give them ZERO stars I would. This place hasn't changed in the 10+ years it's been around. I haven't been to this bar in a while because the owner and bartenders lack courtesy and respect. As a woman I would NEVER recommend another woman to go in here by herself. I can't even begin to describe just how much this owner sucks. Go to the new bar across the street. It's called Fast Times. It's a new establishment in the Clairemont community, staff are extremely friendly, and the owner actually cares about his customers! I'm a San Diego native and a Clairemont native to be exact, and I would NEVER choose going to Champs over Fast Times. I would avoid this place. You won't be missing out on anything.

Henry Freidenberger III
Henry Freidenberger III

More like Chumps Lounge. Maybe it was more a bad experience with a couple if the bartenders/servers, but they lacked professionalism, tact, integrity, and character. Food tasted like microwaved sams club food anyhow.

Frank Howard
Frank Howard

Daniel, the "bartender", "drug dealer" is as terrible as this bar.. The whole place is horrible, it also stinks and reeks big time of drug activity... I went for a beer and got out fast... The staff and patrons seemed a little rude and this bar came off very cliquey.. Basically if your not a loser stay away from this place...there are much better places around that are normal...

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About Champs Lounge

How to get there

3050 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117

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Highlights

Good Rating
4.3/5 stars
💬
Many Reviews
152 reviews
💰
Budget Friendly
Price level
👨‍🍳
bar
Cuisine type

Services

🍴 Dine-in

Dining Options

🍽️ Dine In

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
10AM-2AM
Rating
4.3/5
💬 Reviews
152
💰 Price Level
$
⏱️ Typical Visit
People typically spend 1-3 hours here
📞 Phone
+1 619-276-3760

Amenities

🅿️ Parking
Wheelchair Accessible
🚻 Restroom
💳 Credit Cards
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