Drinks
Roger's Hillcrest cigar-bar pick, run by an owner (Raul) he calls the friendliest in town, open later than most local lounges with a strong Belgian beer selection on tap and bottle.
Start with a cigar paired by Raul or belgian beer on tap or bottle, and check the restaurant’s current menu before you go.
Source-backed notes
Checked in 3 times on Yelp, most recently Sep 21, 2024. See the check-in log
“Raul is the friendliest cigar bar owner in town.”
Roger called Raul the friendliest cigar bar owner in town and praised the spot's ability to pair newcomers with a cigar they'll like, plus a well-run humidor system. He highlighted the late hours — open until midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends — and a strong beer selection, especially Belgian beers on tap or bottle. An earlier review of his also mentioned a pool table and ample outdoor seating.
Stay in the neighborhood
A Hillcrest Chinese restaurant Roger says declined after the pandemic, dropping from a two-star review to one star, after an earlier visit he'd already called just okay and Americanized.
A Hillcrest location of the Nishiki Ramen chain -- a separate address from the site's existing Kearny Mesa entry -- rated a middling three stars by Roger.
A Danish spot on University Avenue run by Tina and her husband, who moved from Denmark; Roger loved the free rye bread starter with goat cheese and pickled cabbage, and the grillbar burger's generous rib roast slabs.
Keep exploring
Browse the Drinks page, or continue to another place with a matching cuisine.
A ginger beer tasting room Roger called home to one of the best ginger beverages in Southern California — start with the original flavor.