Behind the unassuming storefront of a record shop, San Diego’s finest cocktail lounge hides a gleaming Art Deco-style lounge that whispers of old-school glamour. When you first walk in, your eyes take a few moments to adjust to the minimally lit atmosphere. But after those first seconds, you could believe you have been transported back to the 1930s. It’s retro, it’s refined and it feels like only the most aesthetic people in San Diego know it exists. The bar is purely covered in wood, complimented by dim yellow lamps and wax candles that light up the velvet green bar seats. Sofas, conservation pits and comfy chairs line the room, adding to the old-school glamour aesthetic. There is so much beauty and art, I recommend sinking into a couch or chair and sip on a lovely drink while you take it all in. Part Time Lover, located in Northpark, was named one of the best bars in America by Esquire in 2024, and it sure lives up to the hype. 

After spending a day walking around San Diego’s hippiest neighborhood (and in my opinion the best place to find food and drinks in the city), Northpark, my dad and I stopped in the inconspicuous cocktail bar for pre-dinner drinks. Around 4 p.m., the lounge was only packed with a few locals, most likely with the same pre-drink dinner idea as my dad and I. Couples were cuddled up on the couch and larger groups piled onto conversation pits, having what I can imagine as the best deep-talk in the house. I mean, how could you talk about anything superficial amongst the light of candles slowly dripping onto the counter?

Greeted by the bartender, my dad and I sat at the bar and took a look at the extensive menu of cocktails, whiskey and wine. Staying on theme with the vinyl shop vibe, the drink menu is separated by music themes like “B-Sides” for a drink “worthy of a repeat” or “Easy Listening” for a “sessionable” drink. With help from the bartender, we ordered the Tunnel Vision, Last Word and Soft Spoken. 

Tunnel Vision (left), Soft Spoken (middle), and Last Word (right) were recommended by the bartender.

The Tunnel Vision was Patrón blanco, Amontillado sherry, ginger, koji, lime, fizzy water and wasabi salt. This tequila cocktail was listed under “Easy Listening” and yes, I could easily drink probably 10 of them if I wasn’t with my dad. Tunnel Vision was a Japanese-inspired drink, thus the wasabi salt lined rim and koji. It hit my tongue with an immediate spice from the wasabi and ginger, but was pleasantly cooled by the simple sugar, koji and lime. Next, the Last Word — a classic martini my dad is known to order — was a mix of gin and chartreuse, topped with a cherry. Slight warning: Only order this if you love the taste of a nice gin. I do not think my college tastebuds have grown accustomed to expensive liquor, however I did enjoy sipping on this drink. The chartreuse paired well with the gin, adding an herbal essence to the sharp taste. Lastly, Soft Spoken, listed under the “Global Grooves” section of the drink menu, was a blend of Mezcal Unión, strawberry, basil eau de vie, red bitters, dry vermouth and lime. This was the perfect summer drink: Refreshing, fruity and sweet. I understand why it’s listed as a “Global Groove”; it had everything one could want. It was the perfect sweet treat to end off on before dinner.

As we sipped on our cocktails, my dad and I walked around the bar. To our delight, in the back left corner sits an actual vinyl shop. The walls are lined head to toe with different records — some vintage, some new. The variety spanned from rock to folk to pop and so much more. In between the shop and the bar, a record booth was spinning jazz records sold directly from the store. This was my dad’s heaven on earth: a gin cocktail with endless amounts of music. The shop was slightly dangerous for him after a few drinks — he wanted to buy just about everything. 

If you ever find yourself south of Santa Barbara, wander down to Part Time Lover for a drink and some music. It’s an experience worth the four-hour drive. Check out On The Menu’s TikTok: @otmdailynexus for more pictures and content from Part Time Lover.