Tivoli Bar & Grill

There is no older establishment in Downtown San Diego specializing in reasonably priced spirits, sociable atmosphere and eclectic music than the historic Tivoli Bar and Grill. Although it has had an interesting 128 year evolution, the Tivoli (“I lov it” spelled backwards!), remains a popular “watering hole,” embraced by locals and visitors alike who enjoy an old-fashioned ambiance and friendly welcome. The Tivoli Bar lies on a lot originally owned by land baron Alonzo Horton, who helped develop most of downtown San Diego. Built in 1864, the building was first called the Walker House and functioned as a boarding house, feed store and blacksmith shop. The Walker House was converted into a saloon and kitchen in 1885. The original bar, which still graces the premises, was built in Boston and brought to San Diego by ship around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, a journey which took three or four months. In the bar is displayed the original cash register from the turn of the 20th Century, and the old safe, located in the back of the bar.