The Waterfront's 78th Birthday Celebration

The Waterfront is San Diego’s oldest tavern, a preserved historical landmark of local nightlife that has survived through the judgment and debauchery of generations. Effortlessly attracting new kids on the block without ever sacrificing its old-school cool, chances are this antiquated dive will outlive any fresh faces along Kettner.

Throwing back a few cocktails at The Waterfront is much like an interactive history lesson that dates back to the Prohibition era. Or better, the end of those dreadful days. On December 5, 1933 Prohibition was repealed, an act which allowed businesses to post for liquor licenses. The very next day, The Waterfront secured the first liquor license in all of San Diego, and a new nightlife tradition was born. Although many entertainment trends have evolved since ’33, our basic love of booze still remains the same.

The Waterfront now celebrates its 78th birthday, and you’re invited to remember the magic of parties past and create new memories in San Diego’s original tavern. The big birthday bash is going down on Tuesday, December 6th, and will boast a festive ‘30s theme, which means flapper dresses, fedoras, suspenders, bow ties and more classic accessories are highly encouraged. During the party, guests can enjoy dollar burgers and dollar beers with a $5 charitable donation. When you give, you get a lanyard that hooks you up with dollar anniversary discounts. The Waterfront is located at 2044 Kettner Blvd. in Little Italy. For more information, visit waterfrontbarandgrill.com.

Waterfront Fun Facts & Tall Tales:

- Chaffee Grant (Ulysses S. Grant's grandson) and partner Clair Blakley opened The Waterfront.

- It was rumored that Wyatt Earp was an early customer. More famous fans have included the Western author Stewart Lake and author Max Miller who wrote “I Cover the Waterfront.”

- There were many early owners, and Melvin Miller took over in the late ‘60s to early ‘70s. Miller's daughter Nancy Nichols bought into the bar and became the sole owner in the early ‘80s and still owns The Waterfront today.

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Anniversary party photos courtesy of The Waterfront