Where to Eat, Sip & Lounge in the Gaslamp: Pool House by Day

Where to Eat, Sip & Lounge in the Gaslamp: Pool House by Day
There’s no better place to soak in San Diego’s daytime energy than the Gaslamp Quarter — and when it comes to combining food, cocktails, rooftop views, and resort-style relaxation, The Pool House leads the way.
Whether you’re planning a chill lunch, poolside cocktail date, or a spontaneous afternoon hang with friends, The Pool House offers a rooftop oasis in the middle of downtown. Here’s your guide to eating, sipping, and lounging the right way— Gaslamp style.
Eat: Rooftop Dining with Flavor and Flair
When you're asking where to eat in the Gaslamp, don’t settle for a sidewalk table. Take your lunch to the rooftop and indulge in fresh, flavorful bites designed to pair perfectly with sunshine and skyline views.
Menu highlights include:
● Tuna poke nachos
● Ceviche tostadas
● Grilled shrimp tacos
● Crispy sliders
● Weekend brunch boards
With a menu curated for rooftop dining San Diego foodies, The Pool House serves light, shareable dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor or style.
Sip: Cocktails That Are as Pretty as the View
Cocktails at The Pool House are designed to impress — from frosé and frozen margaritas to spritzes and tableside pours.
Signature drinks include:
● Classic frosé with a tropical twist
● Spicy cucumber margarita
● Coconut rum punch
● Champagne and mimosa towers (perfect for brunch groups)
● Espresso martinis for the “sip and slay” crowd
Not drinking? The mocktail menu offers fresh, fruity alternatives to keep the vibe going all day long.
Lounge: A Rooftop Vibe Like No Other
The Pool House isn’t just about eating and drinking — it’s a social escape. Whether you’re taking a client meeting outdoors, relaxing solo with a cocktail, or catching up with your girls, the rooftop was built to unwind in style.
Why locals and visitors love it:
● Elevated rooftop pool views
● Shaded daybeds, sunlit tables, and private cabana options
● Chill music on weekdays, DJs on weekends
● Stylish but laid-back atmosphere that feels like a vacation
Want to upgrade the vibe? Reserve a daybed or cabana and lounge like royalty. 📲 Reserve here
When to Visit: Weekday Chill vs. Weekend Vibes
During the week:
It’s the perfect spot for downtown lunch meetings, quiet catch-ups, or a solo rooftop reset.
On weekends:
Things heat up fast — especially during San Diego Events, with DJs, bachelorettes, and brunch crews filling the rooftop by 1 PM.
For events, DJ lineups, and themed days, check the Pool House calendar or explore San Diego Events for what’s going on nearby.
Complete Your Day in the Gaslamp
The Pool House is just the beginning. Pair your rooftop afternoon with:
● Dinner at Lionfish SD: Coastal cuisine and sushi, just downstairs
● Nightlife at Oxford Social Club: Dance under the chandelier
● Strolling the Gaslamp Quarter: Shop, bar-hop, or check out local galleries and music
The Best Place to Eat, Drink & Lounge in San Diego
There are plenty of rooftops in San Diego, but none that deliver the elevated yet approachable daytime energy of The Pool House.
From rooftop dining and curated cocktails to daytime lounging and weekend pool parties, it’s where locals host, travelers discover, and memories are made — one bite, sip, and selfie at a time.
📲 Make your reservation today
📅 Check weekend lineups & menus