Tucked away at 3365 India St, Aero Club Bar is a time-capsule of San Diego’s post-war nightlife — opened in 1947 by aviatrix Marianne Profit as a hang-out for pilots and aircraft workers. Stepping in, you’re greeted by a cozy dive-bar interior: worn wood, strings of lights overhead, vintage airplane parts and memorabilia hung on the walls — a nod to its aviation roots. Behind the bar, shelves glow under dozens (or hundreds) of whiskey bottles. In fact — that collection is the bar’s pride and joy: today it boasts more than 1,200 different whiskies, making it one of the largest whiskey selections in San Diego. But Aero Club is more than just whiskey. There’s a selection of draft & craft beers, well-made cocktails (including house specials like the “Be Good or Be Gone” — a whiskey-elderflower-citrus cocktail) and bar snacks. For those who want a bit more than sitting at the bar — there’s a patio, retro video-game or arcade section, maybe even pool tables or games depending on the night. The vibe is eclectic and welcoming. From shift workers and military vets to craft-drink fans and late-night regulars: Aero Club draws a diverse crowd. It’s the kind of place where you might walk in alone, ask the bartender for a whiskey recommendation based on your mood, and walk out having chatted with strangers, played a game, or discovered a new favourite dram. Despite its dive-bar past and rough exterior, what you get inside is a bar with soul — storied walls, character, and a sense of history married with good drinks, low-key fun and local flavour. Whether you crave a strong dram, a cold beer after work, a casual hangout with friends or retro games and easy conversation — Aero Club offers a little bit of everything, and does so with consistency and character.
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