Jewel Box

Old-school East Village watering hole offers friendly service and affordably priced food and drinks.. In Short
Known affectionately to regulars as "The Box" long before the neighborhood became a pre and post game destination, this laidback bar attracts an eclectic crowd ranging from off duty cops, sailors, bikers and pool enthusiasts to baseball fans and construction workers stopping in for Happy Hour. The hodge-podge décor features random license plates, a mounted deer head and zany bumper stickers, while entertainment options include two pool tables, shuffleboard, a digital jukebox, and flat-screen TVs. The full bar is known for cheap beer, an impressive selection of tequilas and daily specials on mixed drinks. Appetizers like nachos, buffalo wings and onion rings won't break your budget, and those with heartier appetites will find a tasty variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads to choose from.

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What a shame. This used to be one of San Diego's gems, hands down the best dive bar. But since it's changed hands, it's gone way down hill. The crowd has changed alot, and for the worse. Before they wouldn't let in some of the less savory clientele, now it's fair game for anybody. They employ some of the worst bartenders I've seen-completely lazy, and unknowledgable(who doesn't know what a greyhound is!). The food used to be one of the great reasons to go there, but the menu has gotten smaller, and the food has gotten nastier. And the last time I ordered food, the cook with the long greasy hair smelled so bad of B.O. that I almost threw up! There has to be a health code violation for that.

Bottom line, it used to be a great place to go with great bartenders, great management, and an awesome crowd. Now it's nothing better than the Star Bar, and that's not saying much. But at least at the Star Bar, you get better service.…

Home-made grub and diverse atmosphere. This bar has really changed for the better in the last year. Since the Jewel Box has come under new ownership a year ago, the food has become way above average (and made from scratch) bar food and the crowd has transformed into a mix of the trendy tattooed, the restaurant industry crowd, and then the regulars that have been going to the box for the last 10 years! Many have made this their new watering hole to get away from the pricey and superficial gaslamp. Happy hour is from 4-8 and prices are the best in the city..... 6 dollar pitchers and $2.50 well drinks. I have made this my new neighborhood bar to say the least.…