Just because the prices at the pump are suffocating your funds doesn't mean this semi-recession has to cramp your style. To alleviate this pricey pain, we've researched the best bars and lounges in San Diego for intoxicating cures on the cheap. Let's look beyond the $2 you-call-it specials at dive bars around town and get a little creative with our craving for good drinks in a nice atmosphere without the big balance.

Discover the top ten bars for cheap cocktails in San Diego.

The Prado
Sit among the gardens and waterfalls in Balboa Park while sipping a Caipirinha, Brazil's national drink, made with Cachaca, (similar to rum), fresh lime and sugar, at a reasonable price, like most of Prado's cocktails. Or stick around for passion fruit and house margaritas for only $3.50 during Prado's happy hour. (pictured)

Turquoise Café Bar Europa
Every night Turquoise kicks off the evening with Sunset Tapas from 5-7pm. Patrons can choose from delectable small plates and specialty wines by the glass, and with everything priced at $3.00, you may never look at sunsets the same way again.

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge
If the view isn't breathtaking enough, Altitude's Corralejo Margaritas and Absolut cocktails at $5.00 are enough to make anyone giddy. Both the Corralejo and the Absolut are offered in all types of infused flavors, from star fruit, to watermelon, pineapple and orange, creating a tasty concoction that is highly addictive.

Beaumont's
Don't let the high-priced homes in La Jolla scare you away from a great deal, Beaumont's in Bird Rock is giving away $3.25 premium micro drafts for you hops connoisseurs and wine flights specials daily beginning at 4pm. And if you feel like deviating from happy hour, go for a Key lime Pie martini, graham cracker rim included, for $7.50.

The Cask Room
Where tables are barrels filled with corks and the staff is as fanatical about wine as a Charger's fan is about the play-offs. Learn about wine and drink it reasonably at this East Village wine bar; the average glass is about $8 dollars or less and the average bottle below $20.

The Yard House
If the ridiculously long line of taps isn't enough to get you inside, the Yard House's happy hour, which is possibly one of the best around town, will make you a fan for life. With so many beers to choose from, and at $3.25 a pop, this kind of happy hour could keep you pinned to your bar stool all night long. Yard House also offers house martinis, think dirties, lemon drops, and cosmos for only $5.50.

La Puerta
Another downtown fav changing the face of the costly downtown façade, La Puerta gives guests what they want, at a reasonable price any time of day or night - no strings attached. You Shook Me All Night Long, La Puerta's house margarita, made with El Jimador Blanco, Triple Sec, lime and fresh squeezed sweet and sour, and the Purple Haze, a homemade sangria swirled with La Puerta's frozen house margarita, along with every other drink on their specialty cocktail list, are all priced under $10.

U-31
Hipster hangout, mechanical bull, photo booth, local artist décor, great DJs and bands - Lady Dottie and The Diamonds anyone? Pair all that jazz with specialty cocktails ranging from 5 to 7 dollars and you might just step outside of your Jack and Coke safety zone and go for a Midori Sour.

Beachside Bar and Grill, Encinitas
Whether strolling in for happy hour, a Sunday afternoon sporting event, or just simply kicking back after work, Beachside is always keeping up the North County spirit - laid back and casual. Beachside carries some unusual beers on tap like an Australian pilsner and serves up a spicy Bloody Mary - at a safe North County price.

BASIC
Not only is the pizza amazing, but wines priced by the glass and bottle are as well. Grab any glass of white for $7 and any glass of red for $8. Beers and cocktails are also priced practically, and you won't have to pay a cover to get in this East Village spot.

Discover more San Diego nightlife trends here, and our complete directory of the best bars and clubs in San Diego here.