The Merrow has been through several iterations through the years, and slowly has become one of the best places to hear music and dance in San Diego. Firstly, it has some of my favorite underground events like Sabbat, Blue Monday, and Ascension. They have other regular nights that I've heard good things about but I haven't been to all of them. The bar has what I'd call an upscale-divey feel, meaning that it's not a super classy place but it's not a dump either. It's pretty dark inside typically with a cool nautical theme. Also atypical of your normal dive, it's not cramped. The dance floor is pretty large and you can always find a good place to dance, even when it's a busy night. The sound system is good too and they have some club lights for nice atmosphere. The bar area is not huge but big enough for 2-3 bartenders to get you drinks pretty quick. Pours are sturdy and they have a nice selection of craft beers and tequilas relevant to my interests. Staff and security have always been excellent. They keep an eye on things and do their best to keep everyone safe. Outside they've converted the small parking lot into a smoking patio that sometimes has another bar open where you can hang out with some fresh air, chairs, and movies projected onto the wall. I usually only come out here to cool off from dancing! It's probably not allowed due to ordinances or whatever but I always thought it'd be cool if there was a speaker somewhere playing the music from inside. Overall, if you wanna have an affordable night out of dancing and drinking with good people and vibes, the Merrow is easily one of my favorites! I'd check their calendar to see what's going on since the themes are always rotating. For the most popular nights like Sabbat you might even want to get a ticket in advance to avoid getting stuck in line.

Tonight I went to my first Hillcrest bars since coming out the closet and this was one of the places I went to. I asked the bartender to give me his best drink that’s not sweet and doesn’t taste too much like alcohol and the bartender made fun of me and told the other bartender to “ get a load of this guy “ that the question I asked him was a “ bartenders worst nightmare “ I felt kind of bullied I can see how this is a good bar for regulars but don’t go to this bar if it’s your first time I felt like hiding in the closet again I still left him a tip tho and said thank you definitely will go back next time knowing what to order and when I build the confidence enough to go back in there and try not to make a fool of myself again

This place is a hidden treasure in Hillcrest, service is extraordinary, free pool if you buy a drink/beer its also a great music venue tons of fun and variety.. hint if you're nice they have popcorn!

Played a show here on a Tuesday night and I was blown away with the staff. They treated us so well and ensured everything was set up exactly to our liking. Made it very easy to feel comfortable and play our best. Thanks guys.

I haven't written a yelp review in years or any online review for that matter, BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY WRITING ONE NOW THE MUSIC WAS THE ABSOLUTE PERFECT VOLUME I'LL SAY IT AGAIN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT I went for a goth industrial night. I am hearing impaired and rarely go to (expected to be) loud indoor events, like concerts or club type settings. I even brought ear plugs in case. I ended up not needing them! The volume was great no matter where you were! Loud enough to dance and vibe, but even on the dance floor (no matter where you were on it) you could have a conversation. It was absolutely excellent. All the staff is also super great. Drink service is a moderate pace. They have 3 bathroom options; male, female, and gender neutral. Coat check is available and was only $3. The outside bar area is pperfect. Overall it was the best night out I have had in years. Absolutely will be back!

Small bar area, nice dance area. Disco ball included lol. Bartender was extremely friendly and offered nice alternative ingredients when they don't have everything needed for cocktails you like. Really loved their pool tables. Smoothest game I've played in awhile. Also recommend their open mic karaoke. Very supportive crowd.

There's been an issue with drinks getting spiked here, and while that happens anywhere, specifically here they opt to kick people out onto the street instead of making sure they're well or with people to watch over them. "It's a liability." Yah exactly the bar is liable for what happens in it, so take care of it instead of sweeping it under the rug. I won't be back if I can help it

Horrible service, they treated us like we were less of humans. Can't believe this place exists in Hillcrest

The Merrow offers a great repertoire of live music, dance and EDM events including a variety of genres from pop, industrial, new wave, etc. The bartenders are friendly industry veterans as well as the security who are thoughtful and keep everyone safe. The venues has classic stylings like a car in the ceiling, metal embossed ceilings and tiles bathrooms. It's a hidden trasure.

Small bar area. Dark, dive type vibe in the day where you talk to the bartender and meet a local or two who are regulars. Great martinis.

my favorite safe space to go for any of their events or even on a weekday, blue mondays and sabbat so much fun, bartenders and security are lovely people and so chill. always a good time!! they look out for you here at the merrow!<3

Was turned away for having an expired ID (which was only 2 months expired) even when I presented my birth certificate. Incredibly disappointed. Be wary of employees on a power trip. Not welcoming whatsoever.

I go on an event night. Bartenders are usually on point & friendly, bathroom cleanliness is managed well, especially for being a bar. Drinks are getting more expensive, but so is everything these days 😖.

this is our favorite go-to spot for music nights and themed events. everyone is so nice and it is not overpriced. It is never way overcrowded like nearby places and the outdoor seating is vast, a godsend for those looking for a quieter place with fresh air.

Had one of my favorite experiences here in a decade of living in San Diego. Went on a Saturday night with one of my favorite people. Went on Bear Night, but there were so much more men and Dilf guys, but it was the last time I went out before leaving the States on tour. And yes, they smoke outside *big deal*, speaker systems can be updated *so is life*, doorman could have been a tad nicer *sorry* but the men and vibe in general were on point. Middle-aged mostly, nearly zero gay drama at the venue, and I would love to spin here next year if they'll have me spin sexy sounds. I would be honored if I had a tribe in the SD male scene. This would be it. Thanks for the fun energy exchangers ✨️ and my new friends.

I invited a dozen other ladies to join me for a night of burlesque here at The Merrow. I ordered a paloma, and it was delicious. Service was friendly, and the bartender made me laugh. Bonus points! And then the show! Every single performer was high energy and entertaining. Some went for pure joy, others comedy, still others traditional sexy seduction. We're already talking about our next burlesque night!

A lot of super drunk people were in here in the middle of the day on a Sunday. I didn't like coming inside hearing drunk people arguing, but the bartender was nice, and the lighting and decor were cool. They have seating inside and outside (sadly you can smoke outside), pool tables inside, as well as a stage inside for events and karaoke (with lots of loud, bad singers). The prices were good, though. Not really my style of place, but not a bad place.

This bar Caters to all tastes play music. With themed nights and great shows. Step outside of the box and into the Merrow

Music good. People questionable.

Nope.

Great venue! Stopped in for Club Sabbat! Great music, drinks, and people. The venue square footage is pretty good! There's a big dancefloor and multiple restrooms. It's in Hillcrest so parking is always a bit challenging but worth it! We had a great time and will be back.

Here for Sabbat!

Update for Covid-19 times: the owner and staff have gone above and beyond to get this place opened. New outdoor tables and chairs, shade awnings, a new fence. The tables, chairs, awnings, handles are all completely sanitized before new groups are allowed in. Oh!!!! And they now offer good from some nearby local restaurants and food vendors! It's really great to see all these establishments working together!

The Merrow is a gem that feels like a home away from home. The bartenders, security, and DJs (Blue Monday, Sabbat, Ascension) are awesome folks who are welcoming and prioritize making the Merrow a safe place. Really grateful for this space.

If you're ever up for a completely different vibe than your norm. This is the place. Everyone was great and goth night was epic!

It was fantastic, with 3 times as many people as before, and of those people, almost all were new, except for a few diehards. Make me want to come back more often. Prices very reasonable. Loved it!!

Goth nights are good

Blue Monday and other nights are fabulous. Don't forget to tip your bartenders!

Really dig the alcohol selection. Great staff, great events and overall good vibe. I like the outdoor setup too. Live Music is pretty intimate here as well so it's awesome to watch shows at.

Love this place. Great service, Great atmosphere

Great beer selection! On tap or bottle. Good price and 2 free pool tables. If you like beer and playing pool look no further. Parking can be a pain but hey you can't have it all lol.

Reasonable Drinks and a Specific Environment. You'll go here if you're looking for the right thing.

Ed and the crew are wonderful. Loving the parking lot tables!

Huge group of friends came to go to the club but a lazy security guard didnt let us go through, despite having valid forms of ID. Casinos and other bars caused us no issue but this place did? Stupid. Looking at the other reviews seems like we saved up on overpriced drinks and headaches from the people running it.

Ed and Ernesto. HC finest.

Club sabbat is always a great time

Love the atmosphere. Had lots of fun and live the shows

venue is great. in the middle of Hillcrest

Girlfriend and I stopped by for a quick drink because the bar we originally wanted to check out was too busy. Easy to miss if you're not familiar with the area. Might seem like it's supposed to be the building that currently isnt occupied, but it's just to the side of it about 30 yards from the street. Security guard checked our IDs, seemed pretty friendly. Sat down and got tended to right away. Girlfriend ordered a Malibu & coke, I ordered a bud light. Really nothing to say, but most importantly nothing to complain about. Bartender struck up some conversation, asked where we were coming from, what we were doing on our trip, etc. Really nice guy, cant remember his name though. We were there for about 30 minutes, definitely checking it out again when I'm in town.

Nice convert dive venue. The owner is a good dude too.

Great venue with the right vibes towards their themed events. My friends always feel safe and welcomed here.

One of the first bars in the neighborhood to reopen. You have to order food in order to get drinks, but it's well worth it. The food options are varied from the local food establishments. Daddy's hot dogs, Liv juice bar (I love the chorizo burrito), and Freshii deli, are al on board to deliver food to your table. As of August 2020 this is the best spot in the neighborhood. Don't miss out!

Great bar staff and always an incredible time. They have the best gay parties in the city!

Dive bar. Fun. Feisty. A little back from the street so you have to look for it.

Always love going in there great place for music pool tables or couple drinks at bar with one of there great bartenders

Blue Monday: It has SO much potential. Everyone at the bar was great. Seating outside and old films amped us up. Candy bowl in the bathroom lobby was a cool touch. Crowd was awesome!!! Venue fantastic! Lasers and smoke on point. Literally the only let down was the music. Its so hard to find 80s new wave tunes to go dancing and we had such high hopes for this night. We were teased with depeche mode, joy division, etc. but the DJ never truly delivered. Enough of a song was played to get you psyched, but then it fell short. It didn't really feel like 80s all that much. More like house with some 80s samples sprinkled in. Still, much better than not going out at all. But damn, what a tease.

Went for Pride. I've passed this place many a time & never felt too drawn to enter, it seemed more like a Luck O The Irish type pub. But, at least for Pride, it was lit. One of the DJs was insanely good. Coulda listened/danced to that all day. Drinks are okay. Lost of room on the dance floor.

What a cool venue. Caught the singing competition on sunday and it was so fun!

Great neighborhood bar and nightclub in Hillcrest. Hidden back from the street, but once inside reveals a roomy long bar, and an event area with a stage for live music.

Good dive bar that features local talent. It's nice to have a venue in San Diego that helps cultivate a local music scene. There aren't that many compared to other cities.

The bar hosts Club Sabbat and Club Ascension, two long running Goth themed nights. It's a nice little bar, there's a stage, a good sized dance floor, coat check, and a large outdoor area. In addition to the men's and women's restrooms, there is a gender neutral one. The place is very LGBTQ+ friendly.

Ernesto's absolutely the best bartender in San Diego

Great place. Friendly bartender.

Awesome time

First time visit! Enjoyed! Be back soon!

Third and final stop for my bachelor party, had a great time and enjoyed the ambiance of Sabbat.

Great! Went for Sabbot. Had an amazing time! Will be back!

Good bar for our clean family

The karaoke is absolutely fabulous on Sunday nights

(Translated by Google) A very comfortable place (Original) Un lugar muy comodo

Has the funk

Best music venue in Hillcrest! Love it and Bear Night every first Saturday is awesome.

Loved it all.. show, drinks and people

Incredible, awesome staff! Very friendly

Fair priced drinks for the area, and typically puts on local shows in the punk/alt genre

Great drinks, and check out the shows

My friends surprised me by having my bachelorette party here. It was amazing! The boyesque show was awesome, and the Diamond Dogs were so talented! The host, and everyone really made me feel special, the drinks were great, and my girls and I had a blast. I can't say enough good things. Thanks everyone for giving me an amazing night. Ladies, have you bachelorette parties here!

Awesome crowd, great drinks, amazing dance music.

Nice, old school neighborhood bar. Mixed crowd, no posers, no attitude.

Great club, no one was rude and I had a great time. I will be back.

Fun place! Went to bear night, but it was pretty light on bears. Still a fun crowd though. Nice patio, friendly staff, and they had some food tents set up on the patio.

Good neighborhood bar/venue with quite a few fun events happening monthly.

First time there. But did like the atmosphere.

Good night at Kareoke...lot of regular came out ...also got air time to sing as well

Nice enough people. Busy bar/club. Not enough staff to accommodate everyone. Great for a theme night, but be cautious and look at the calendar and make sure you're into whatever they're offering for the night.

Dive bar with lots of character. We enjoyed this place

Karaoke on Tuesday evenings from 7-11 pm. Not too crowded - chill vibe.