Aero Club
San Diego, CA 92103-3727
Phone: (619) 297-7211
11/04/2007 Posted by betterbombshell
I'd classify the Aero as more of a neighborhood bar than a dive bar, if that makes any sense. While the building (and the Aero Club itself) is quite old, the interior is clean and booths and stools are updated and comfortable. The decor is appropriate to the name of the bar, and the atmosphere is dimly lit--but not dark--and lively. The juke box is solid, stocked with classics and essentials like The Ramones, Social D, The Who, Pavement, Johnny Cash, and other classic and independent artists. It's a fairly diverse mix, but no, you won't find the latest Panic! At the Disco album on it... to my great pleasure. It provides a good accompaniment to a couple rounds of pool, or for working on your laptop in one of the booths (the Aero also has free WiFi). This isn't a sports bar, but the 4 flat screens are usually showing a requested game, and I've watched the Chargers here a few times. When a game isn't on the screens generally run a Fellini film on mute--I *would* like to see a little more on-screen diversity, but I can't penalize them for that, as I don't really go to bars to watch TV. The staff here is great--friendly and fast--and every beer I've had here from Stella Artois to Stone IPA to Guinness has been a decent-to-excellent pour served at the appropriate temperature. I have never been served in a dirty or soapy glass, and though such things happen in even the best places, I have to say I'm a little suspicious of reviews that plug other establishments. But anyway, good selection of local beers and standard favorites. While the beer selection is good, the liquor selection is where Aero Club shines. Last I heard they were stocking 40-50 different vodkas and a similar number of whiskeys, with plenty of other assorted liquors and poisons. A friend once inquired about a loved, unrepresented vodka, and his favorite spirit was added to their selection by our next visit. I love a bar that listens to its patrons.
Pros: comfort, liquor selection, atmosphere
Cons: parking
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