The Shanty Cocktail Lounge

One of the oldest continuously operating bars in Cardiff — established 1964, original location, same wooden bar and walls for 60+ years. Cheap pours, generous cocktails, the house Shanty Blonde on tap, an outdoor patio with neighborhood-dog regulars, pool tables, foosball, and rotating food trucks parked out back (Stoked Sushi and Copper King Burgers are the locals' picks). Walking distance from San Elijo State Beach. Bring an ATM card — drink prices stay reasonable all day until 9pm and they're cash-friendly. The kind of dive where the bartenders introduce themselves.