GoodBar in Point Loma, closed nearly two years during the pandemic, reopened recently with a revamped look and feel along with new food and cocktail menus.
“We pride ourselves on being a Point Loma neighborhood bar, and now we’re calling ourselves ‘gooder than ever,’” said co-owner and operator Kenny Casciato, who pointed out they’ve “added a food menu and made the place more comfortable.”
The establishment at 1872 Rosecrans St. was closed from March 17, 2020 until March 12 of this year. “We waited a long time to reopen,” noted Casciato. “A few things went right and we were able to.”
One thing hasn’t changed about GoodBar following its redo: It continues to host live weekly stand-up comedy. Goodjokes comedy shows are live Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
“We’ve been pulling in well-known comedians who like to work out their material at our place,” Casciato noted. “Some of the comedians we have on have very popular podcasts, and some have had their own Netflix specials. It’s very original shows with real high-quality comedians, and not just from San Diego.”
GoodBar hosts both comedy and open mic nights. Comedy nights typically involve a headliner and a couple of other stand-up performances. “GoodBar’s space really lends itself to comedy and we have some really good shows: It’s really exciting,” said Casciato.
Casciato and his business partners took over GoodBar in 2017. He said it was long overdue for a refit. “It had existed for 30 or 40 years, and with each iteration, it got a little dingier,” he said. “By the time we bought it, it had lost most of its dive-bar charm. The interior was in disrepair. It was about 20 years overdue for a remodel.”
So Casciato and his partners stripped GoodBar’s interior down to a “gray box” and then rebuilt it from there. “We took a lot of pride in building a bar that was a neighborhood-friendly hangout,” he said. “We just tried to make it a fun place where you could watch a game or hear a live music act or watch comedy. If you want a place to go after work or for happy hour to have a drink – we’re your spot.”
Regarding food, Casciato noted GoodBar had none previously, as it had been operating with an old-style license that didn’t require both food and drink to be served. “My partners and I agreed we needed to have a food aspect,” he said adding, “Now we have a food trailer outside where we serve Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and chicken wings. It’s basically pub grub. But we like to think of it as elegant pub grub.”
A military veteran himself, Casciato said the nearby submarine base “is a big part of our business. I always take good care of the military.”
About the enhanced appeal of the upgraded GoodBar, Casciato noted they have 11 TVs throughout their remodeled space. He said the pub is also renowned for its rotating craft beer menu. “I’ve been a craft beer geek for 15 years, and I have one of the best beer menus in town,” he said. “We have a good craft cocktail selection too. Nothing too crazy. The GoodBar old-fashioned (whiskey), a local favorite, is still here.”
GOODBAR
Where: 1872 Rosecrans St.
Hours: 2 p.m.-1 a.m. daily.
Contact: goodbarsd.com.
