Porter’s Pub

Came here with the boyfriend because he wanted to come here one last time before they close for good in June. It’s pretty basic in here. since it is located in UCSD, it’s nothing fancy. It’s pretty much bare bones in here… to me it’s nothing special, but to my boyfriend. it’s memories of his grad days lol.
I have to say. it’s kind of ghetto in there and even my boyfriend agrees with me that it seems more ghetto now.

Bartender in the green beany is not only enough to make you never go here or a show again, but if you’re a student (which I’m not, graduated UGA 10yrs ago) you would drop out of UCSD. She told us to leave despite having tickets to the show, and aggressively told us to go outside and wait in line for the show to get a beer. If the owner reads this, I will gladly pay her 6 month wages outright for you to fire her. I’ve got a healthcare company and don’t mind putting it on my business card. I actually being serious. Fire that ride ignorant girl

Music is great, people working in the pub are ridiculous. The bartender was incredibly rude to us, I guess that’s what you can expect with millennials who don’t feel the need to work for what they are given. Came here for the cartel show and after the service I received, I doubt I’ll ever come back.

My first time checking in and reviewing this place and I’m SO SAD because they’re closing it down… This was a great spot to hit up when I was living on campus and after. I even had my first legally purchased drink as a 21 year old here! The place always had cool events going on, whether it was an LGBT dance, a musical performer, or just grabbing a beer between classes to catch up with some friends. I’ll never forget this place and I’ll miss it dearly, but the bartender was telling me that they’re opening two new Porter’s Pub locations — one in Del Mar and one in OB, so I’ll definitely be hitting those up!

Music Venue — Sound isn’t that good, and there’s a big pillar in front of the stage obstructing my view from stage right. However, they have some big hip-​hop acts come thru which is cool. Since the venue is small it has the potential to be a pretty intimate show.
Saw Pete Rock there about a month ago and he was just kicking it on the side of stage next to the crowd. People coming up to him to give him daps and take pics. Couldn’t tell if there wasn’t a backstage area or if he just wanted to say Whaddup to some fans.
Bar — beer selection is nice but overpriced. Paid $ 7.50 for a beer that should normally cost $ 5. Food is super cheap, but you get what you pay for.

This review is only for the pub portion of the business, as I’ve never been to a show here.
They have about twenty beers on tap at any given time. Many are usually local San Diego beers, or at least craft beer from one location or another .
The food selection is good, like it should be for a pub, but the quality is a little on the low side. It is usually good in flavor though, and the fries are always fried well.
The reason I only gave four stars is because price is high for beers. You can expect to spend between 8 and 12 dollars for a single pint. But at least you can get beer pretty easily at ucsd, and the bartenders are usually very nice.
I’m surprised I don’t see more faculty here, I guess they have a better place to get booze, or are afraid of being called alcoholics.

If you’re on campus and looking for a beer/​some cheap food come on down here. They have a nice selections of beers on tap plus a five dollar menu for food! The chicken burger is my personal favorite and get it with a beer you can’t go wrong!
When events go on it because super hipster looking which is fun and has a good amount of space for dancing! The vibe is cool other than being around a bunch of 18 year olds but its fun and really its what you make of it!
But porters will forever have a place is my heart from my first date with a good friend to trying the eggplant burger to starting the campus crawl. this place is great

Porter’s Pub is pretty much the only thing resembling an actual bar within reasonable distance of this major university. That’s kind of ridiculous. Also: University City/​La Jolla sucks. However, within just a few years, the pub has become the preeminent venue for indie hip-​hop in San Diego. Pretty much anybody who’s anybody has played there. So it’s unfortunate that the usual crowd kind of sucks. What do you expect at an under-​21 place located on a college campus?
I’ve been to a few shows there. Last night, I attended a Run the Jewels performance. Upon arriving, I was greeted with two lines: under– and over-​21. The under-​21 was twice as long. Staring at the longer line, I became the hipster I’ve always feared: what the hell do these kids know about non-​Top 40 rap? I’ve been listening to El-​P and Killer Mike in various forms since these kids were in grade school.
Well, it turns out I didn’t need to be afraid of posers. The largely White male crowd seemed to know most of the lyrics, admittedly more than I did. (Although they seemed oblivious to the fact that the second opener, Rat King, sucked muchly.) However, I did need need to be afraid of these ass clowns deciding to mosh and crowd surf at a hip-​hop show. Now, hipster me has been going to metal shows since some of these kids were still in diapers, but this was not a metal show. I did not expect to be shoved in every which way and become drenched in sweat (only some of which was my own) at a rap concert. I was caught in the middle of a totally straight orgy of sweaty men grinding up on each other. It was kind of like professional wrestling if every member in the audience was also participating. While El-​P and Mike seemed to appreciate the energy, it got so bad at one point, Mike felt the need to tell the boys engaged in the collective peen waggle to be careful to not physically assault the handful of women in the audience. Eventually I moved to the edge of the space if for no other reason than to get away from that one dude’s sweaty hair whipping me in the face.
Best moment of the night: El-​P explaining to the neckbeards in the audience and their fellow future men’s rights activists that Run the Jewels’s one sexually provocative song is about gaining consent and not about typical frattery. The room immediately quieted, and you could practically hear the sound of one hundred unshaven jaws dropping.
Obviously, there’s only so much Porter’s can do to control the make-​up of its audience, and I think the security did a fairly decent job at restraining the most obvious jag-​offs. Whereas, at previous shows, I was kind of appalled at the lax attitudes towards smoking in the venue – FYI, UCSD is 100% non-​smoking – the pub has seemingly improved in this regard. They quickly shut down the one guy who somehow thought it was okay to light a cigarette in the interior section. (Pot fumes are to be expected at any concert, but the cigarette and the second-​hand cancer was NOT ok.) So good on Porter’s.
That said, Porter’s *can* control the quality of the sound. Honestly, they need better speakers or something. Part of the sucktitude of the second act (beyond the fault of the performer) was the absolutely atrocious sound. Tinny doesn’t even begin to describe it. The sound during the headliners was only a little better. My ears are still ringing a little, and not in that good I-​just-​got-​pumped-​full-​of-​hot-​bass way.
Summary: Get these kids off my dang lawn.

I despise coming here. I have to come here for shows because SD is hurting when it comes to hip-​hop shows. The security and bartenders are the worst ever. Security yelling outside every 5 minutes for a pat down and security check you’d think you’d get seeing the President. I was on the guest VIP list from one of the artists performing and they didn’t even have a list at the front gate. It took forever for them to get their act together.
The bartenders have no hustle at all. Marked up drinks and a sold out show — move your ass and make that money! Slow as hell and don’t care. The security at the outside bar blows. Take their jobs way too seriously asking smokers to move and pretty much harassing people.
The security grabs my friend and falsely accuses him of doing something they had no proof of. These assclowns are grabbing him in the front of the place handcuffing him and dragging him around in front of the crowd and embarrassing him for 20 minutes. I finally had to confront them and ask them where’s their proof. They had nothing and had to let him go. Don’t put hands on anyone before you know they’re in the wrong. Amateur hour here.

This place sucks. The security staff is rude and the parking is nonexistent. We’re here for a 8:00 show and the doors have yet to open at 8:30. Save your time and go see a show at a better location cause this one is terrible.

Ah, Porter’s Pub, how do I love thee!
Way back when I was a student at UCSD, I very rarely went to what was then known as Triton Pub. In fact, my guess is that I would only need part of one hand to count the number of visits to the pub. Back then, I was more of a Coffee House Person and likely to be found hanging out on the outside deck under the (falling) Eucalyptus branches at the (sadly defunct) Grove Caffe. Although the Graduate Student Association had a few events there with FREE FOOD for we impoverished grad students, I didn’t know — or like — anything about beer, so I stuck with soft drinks as my beverage of choice. It also made the on-​campus pub less of a draw when the food wasn’t free. I mean, why go to the «beer place» when you weren’t looking for beer?
Fast forward to now. In my ripe old middle age, I’ve learned a thing or two and discovered that I actually do like my water with malt and hops, at least some of the time. San Diego has also exploded into a major beer mecca, so I’ve been exposed to libations I’d never have identified as «beer» a few short years ago. (I’m also spoiled, now.) Even in comparison to some of the well-​known brew pubs around town, Porter’s Pub does not disappoint. And if you’re a student more or less stuck on campus (or just don’t want to have to worry about driving anywhere), you are seriously in luck! Yes, there are pubs/​bars in town with more taps. But Porter’s always has an excellent selection when I’ve been there. (And seriously — how many different beers can you drink in one night?) It’s also one of those places where the people behind the bar know beer and can offer friendly, accurate, advice on what to try next. Add to that the reasonable prices, and it’s a winning combo, as far as I’m concerned.
Did I say reasonable prices? Yah, you betcha! During non-​happy hours, beers on tap are about what you’d expect, maybe $ 6 or $ 7, depending on what you’ve selected. Some will be more, if they’re super strong, super premium, or otherwise super special. During happy hour (4 pm to 7pm), however, things are at least $ 1 off. In fact, I’m pretty sure I spent $ 4/​pint on my selections that last time I was there. There’s also a $ 5 food menu for HH. I got the grilled chicken sandwich which was served atop a bed of french fries. Just right for $ 5! Other menu items are quite reasonable, even when it’s not happy hour. I love the sandwiches (about $ 6 or $ 7), and they’ve got a very wide selection of other dishes and appetizers, not to mention desserts. The prices clearly reflect the fact that they’re serving the student population, whose members are generally on a limited budget.
The space itself is a little odd. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but it’s something to be aware of. The main pub area is actually pretty cool. There are tables and chairs to accommodate a variety of party sizes. I like to sit up at the bar, myself, and chat with the people who work there. My other favorite spot is at a table up against the window. I like to people watch, and it’s perfect for that. Once upon a time, there was also a foosball table (no quarters necessary), but I didn’t see it during my last visit. (Sad face.)
The rest of the building is divided into a few different spaces, connected by a funky hallway. Be prepare for some confusion, if you’ve never been there. One room is for the live music (more on that in a minute), and there are restrooms and, if I’m not mistaken (and I may well be) some other little nook. There is a patio area out back, which is pretty pleasant, but not my go-​to spot if I’m alone (as I usually am).
Now, about that music. I get the impression that music is a big deal there. In fact, it may be what draws most of the nighttime clientele. I’ve never heard of any of the groups that play there, so I’m not going to comment on the general bookings. I will say that, the last time I was there, there were TONS of people who showed up to see the headliner. The audience varied widely in age, and they all seemed pretty excited that this group was there. If you’re someone «in the know,» you might want to keep an eye on their calendar.
The artists play in one of the adjacent rooms (not the main pub), but people come and go for drinks. If you show up for drinks or food on a night when a band is playing, be aware of the following: it got VERY crowded, and the only reason I wasn’t kicked out by security was because one of the bartenders was nice enough to tell them to give me a bracelet. Otherwise, I’d have had to pay my tab and take off. I don’t know if security is always that hardcore, but it was that night. The bottom line is that there is not much overlap between «hanging out at the pub» and «going to the concert.» Once the concert is happening, hanging out appears to be no longer possible.
My only other complaint is parking, but that isn’t the fault of the pub. It’s such a ble that a great spot like that is fixed right in the center of a

I would not recommend coming here unless it’s for an event… then it’s decently awesome! Plus it’s only worth it if you are a UCSD student or faculty member because of impossible parking. It’s cool to think that there is a pub (omg with alcohol!) on campus until you are 21+ but by then you should be able to travel off-​campus to somewhere better.
There is not much selection of beers on tap, and the food is average. It’s basic bar food like burgers, pizza, and chicken strips, but they take forever to be ready. There is plenty of room for a large gathering or event, though, so props for being an extra venue on campus. Maybe it was cooler «back in the day» but I’m guessing Porter’s Pub hasn’t stepped it up with time.

I enjoy how small The venue is, but your fucking security guards fucking suck. You might want to remind them that they are security guards not professional cops. I wouldn’t recommend anyone going to the pub to see a show, not because it’s a bad place, just because how shitty and disrespectful the security guard stuff is. I asked one of the older security guards named Brenda, «where I can smoke a cigarette at» and she told me «to get out of her face». As a customer buying a ticket to go enjoy a show and being told by a security guard who’s getting paid «to get out of her face» I don’t recommend porters pub.

I walked past this place every day while I was a student at UCSD.
I went to support a co-worker’s band and liked the venue for local talent. The bartender was friendly however we had a real ‘wtf’ moment when we learned we had to specify that we wanted ice in our water, only after we saw someone else get it. Maybe I’m uppity. The beer selection was small but probably decent for a college campus.
Restrooms left much to be desired, I’d hate to see them during Sungod.

Awesome venue to see you favorite band, it is a little difficult to find if you do not have a smart phone. Great sound and great area to catch the band outside also!!! The food is really good too. I’m not a drinker but they had a great selection of beer and alcohol!!!

This review is for Porter’s Live Camp Pendleton 4^th of July beach stand at Camp Pendleton.
Top Notch one of the best beach stand meal I have had. Outstanding all round. The stripped pork sandwich favorable to the last bight. It came with two sides which was great.

Wanted to see a show here and thought that I could buy the tickets at the door since the website said «Tickets no longer available online» when i wanted to purchase them, it did NOT say sold out.
So I called the place to ask, no answer. I even drove all the way out to buy the tickets in person just to be safe. After finding this very hidden place on the UCSD campus I walked inside and asked the bartender if i could buy tickets to which he replied «Tomorrow at 5» I asked him if I could just buy them now. «I said… Tomorrow at 5» he snapped at me bluntly clearly angry and drunk.
Clearly this man is very unhappy or just didn’t like my face because he was incredibly rude and dismissive
So the day I came to the show i showed up a little after 5 and waited 15 minutes in line at the bar (everyone in front of me was buying booze not tickets). I asked him again «I’d like to buy those tickets please». After glancing at me for a second he said «Sold out. NEXT» And completely ignored me.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO INCONVENIENCED IN MY LIFE
I live 45 minutes away and wasted all that gas simply because this a**hole of a bartender wouldn’t sell me the tickets when i came the day before. He could’ve just told me it was sold out.
F**k this place for not saying on the website that they were sold out or selling you tickets there (They charge you TWO fees to buy them online. no thankyou) and especially f**k the bartender who wasted my time
Avoid going here please

I just went there last night for the Grouch & Eligh Show (which was amazing!) I have to say the security guards are very nice & are great at what they do, I mean their the ones who keep us safe there right? We were able to sit on the inside bar & have a bite to eat, we did wait for almost 20 mins. for the Mexican Pizza, when it was brought to us it was burnt but the chef was able to give us free chicken tenders & fries, so that was a plus! Anyhow this is a great venue. I have been coming to shows at Porters for almost 4 years now & I can’t complain I always have a great time, thanks to all the Porters Employees for what you all do!

So I’ve been to this venue to see Brotha Lynch a couple years ago and then to see Too short last Friday. Porters holds a lot of events with many known artists which is great since it’s a small place. This makes it easy to be super close to the performer. Tickets are usually cheap as well (about $ 30). Inside there is an inside bar in a separated room with a few tables, a dance floor with a stage, and an outside patio with a 2^nd bar and more tables. Drinks are regularly priced, about $ 5-​$ 10 a cocktail.
Please note, parking is VERY limited. Since this pub is on the UCSD campus, once the little lot right outside is filled, then you will have to drive down about a block an a half and park in one of their other student lots. On the evening I went, a few officers working out front directed me towards the specific lot for overflow parking that night but I don’t know if they always use the same ones.
Overall though, it’s a great place to hang out if you are going to go see an artist perform. Super fun!

Now this place has a potential for future visits. But I recommend sticking with the beer only. Get your grub on somewhere else like the food court or the cafeteria or something.
They got about 30 or so beers on taps and many more in bottles. The happy hour is pretty much every day from 4−7pm and it’s a buck off for every beer. Started talking with the manager dude who was a 21 year army veteran and he says military discount always applies… nice!!!
So most of the beers they have on tap I’ve already tried at least one point in my life, but I did notice a new one called Ace Perry Cider. Yum… tasted like apple juice and beer together.
One of the more popular ones is the Stone IPA. Nice and refreshing with a slight bitter taste. Stone IPA will get you where you need to be. The taps are cold, but not super-​cold, but still, pretty decent in the amount of beers they have to offer.
For «dinner» I got a bacon cheeseburger and fries. First, it was more a like a mini-​snack. And second, the burger itself was burnt, super-​nuked. Gross and disgusting. But hey at least I got my vegetable intake.
Note to self: Don’t get lost again trying to find this place. Old student union, look for Wells Fargo ATM, near Meyer College. Ask random Asian girl for assistance if continue to be lost.