Score 89/100 · Order: Old Fashioned or seasonal craft cocktail · $14–20
The Nolen is the rooftop bar for people who care about the drink as much as the view. The cocktail program is serious, with classics like the Old Fashioned and a rotating list of seasonal creations. The space is refined without being stuffy, and the crowd is mostly downtown locals and professionals. The view is strong, with sightlines toward the bay and the downtown skyline. The food menu is small but well-chosen, and the service is attentive. It is the best rooftop bar in San Diego for a date or a conversation over a well-made drink.