I'd bookmarked this place ages ago after hearing a couple of guys talk about it at a Mexican restaurant (yes, that's sometimes how I get recommendations). They made it sound so interesting that I knew we'd have to go check it out. Two years later we finally did.
It's small inside, but was very mellow on a Tuesday evening. Their tap selection was impressive and if either of us smoked cigars, we'd probably be all over their cigar selection.
The place was clean and the service was friendly. And they were actually showing the soccer match on TV! Not many bars do that. My husband said that if we lived within walking distance of Hoffers he would be there every night. Maybe it's good we're not that close to it? Just kidding. I'd be there every night too.
Awesome spot. We will definitely be back again and again. Time after time? If you fall, I will catch you.
Shout-out to Mike Craig and the cool doorman!
After a long day of working out we were specifically craving Hefeweizens (unfiltered German wheat beer). This past Saturday night Hoffer's had a Barrel Aged Beer event dedicated to the art of wood and barrel aging. Barrel aging is a way for brewers to add extra complexity and layers of flavor to beer.
Unfortunately, Hefs were not available this particular evening -only the barrel aged beer. Â Not what I wanted but no problem, I love this place. We were on our way out the door when Mike Craig was cool enough to let us sample a few of their specialties of the night. Everything was great but not what our palates were craving that night.
We did not stay but I really appreciate the attempt to satisfy us. It was my second visit and I can't wait to go back.
Coolest Bar in La Mesa. Â I wish it was open later than 11pm (for any city council members that care) Â The cigras are super cool to have in compliments with the beer. Â I like that we have a beer bar in La Mesa because beer makes me happy and Hoffers makes me Happy because they have 25 brews on tap!
Review Source:Seriously, this place is not as great as many of the posts here suggest.
I've been there several times and have decided not to return for the same reason as several folks here have stated:
The bartenders/owners are arrogant and have never even said "thank you" when I've paid and I'm a very good tipper. I guess they think they're superior to all others because they run a tiny beer & wine hole-in-the-wall with average cigars that doesn't even have a kitchen.
The Regal or Pete's Place are better.
For those of you that don't read the signs, there is no smoking inside the bar. Â Get your asses into the best smoking patio in San Diego county and enjoy one of the finest cigars available.
The owner Phil has a great selection of cigars anywhere at competitive prices.
Mike is the beer master and he makes sure the beers on tap are as good as the cigars available.
So join me in the corner of the patio for an excellent experience.
I love coming to this place for a good quality beer and great customer service. Â I forget the name of who usually is bartending but he is always there and he has so much knowledge about the beer and always recommends something amazing, no matter the mood I am in. Â If you like good quality beer, not the light water stuff, then you must check this place out!!
Review Source:If you are looking for "light" beers by any definition of the word- you've come to the wrong place. All the bad reviews for this bar are written by people who like to complain about insignificant stupid things. Hoffer's is literally my favorite bar period. The crowd mixture of young and older people is quite socially stimulating. The beer is delicious and once you come a couple times the bartenders get to know your preferences and saying "surprise me" is an option you can take with confidence. They have a back patio with heaters where you can enjoy your cigars or cigarettes. The pricing is well done and they offer wine and beer samplers for those people who want to get a good taste of several beers without getting super drunk (which will happen to you given the strength of their beers). They also offer shot glass tastes of beers you are considering which eliminates the disappointment factor. Overall a great place to wind down after work or catch a game with a tasty well crafted beer.
If i could give it more than five stars i would, check this place out!
I come here four or five times a week; during the day I hang out on the patio enjoying some beers and doing homework, and at night I often meet groups of friends and hang out for hours.... 24 beers on tap with a constantly changing tap list, a huge patio, rad employees relaxing atmosphere, cheap prices... One of the best spots in town!
Review Source:I was "free wheeling" one night with a pocket full of cash, so I bought a couple of stogies, and had them fill me about five pints worth of good beer. When I went to pay the bartender, he announced to the entire bar my total in a loud voice to obviously convince them that the price I was paying was customary. The bill was $70 after purchasing the cigars! I guess it put the others at ease with the idea of paying Beverly Hills prices five doors down from Pete's Place.
All bars in the Village think they are located in La Jolla, and La Mesa residents rarely try to put on airs like they are loaded with cash (unless they are loaded on booze and trying to impress someone). So what do we have? A bar that is trying to make you believe that the Village is located in La Jolla. Sorry! La Mesa residents are down to earth, hard working people, that can't be easily fooled.
 BUT!..... It's a nice place for those that like to pretend they are rich!
BTW... The cigars tasted like (are you good at Wheel of Fortune?) D-G TI--DS!
This place is a mans man type-a place so, naturally I find reasons to end up here. They have about a million beers (not exaggerating...ok maybe a lil) and some of the harder to find stuff which most of the male counterparts I bring really enjoy. They have a cigar room also, which adds to the mans man vibe. Out back is a small patio which is nice since this joint is kinda small and can get pretty busy.
la mesa can have nice things.
I have lived the in La Mesa area for over 10 years and was very excited that a small beer and cigar bar opened up downtown. Being a customer who visited the bar at least 3-4 times a month I would say they have an excellent beer selection. They had a knowledgeable staff who understood the beer and cigar industry. It started feeling like a neighborhood bar where everyone knew your name which was a perfect fit for La Mesa.
However, how times have changed! Seems like they have had a staff change and the latest crop of bartenders are extremley rude and have limited knowledge of beer. I also had my beer yanked off my table when it was closing time (at 11:00), more than once, when I had about 1/2 beer left in my glass (this seems like a reoccurring theme according to a few other reviews and friends who frequent the bar) Really? I hadn't been treated like that since my college days. At least when that happened, my beer was a $3 Bud Light and not a $7 craft beer! If they are going to serve beer and cigars and try to uphold an upscale atmosphere, that is not the way to treat your patrons in a tight-knit community as La Mesa.
Save your money and support a bar in our community who treats its patrons as they deserve. With all the other options in our downtown area, save your money and walk up the street to The Regal or Pete's and spend your cash in a business who actually cares about the community its in! Not one who takes the money (and your beer) and runs!
I have been here several times over the last three years.
On the plus side, you can smoke and they have good microbrews for reasonable prices during their happy hour until 7. Bartenders are usually pretty helpful if you have a question about the beers they have. Selection is pretty good too.
No food, but that is ok as there are some decent places that will deliver, but remember to ask if they have a minimum for delivery before you get through your order.
I have had mostly good experiences here. One experience was not so great but the owner went out of his way to contact me and to clarify things so I will head back by one of these days.
Hoffers is a gem! It's worth the drive from most areas of the county for several reasons. Â First the owner Phil, was pleasant, and helpful when selecting a cigar. Â He knows his stuff on the puff. Â I selected several cigars for friends and ordered wine for the group as we were sitting outside. Second, selection of beer. Fantastic. Third, service was as you might expect from Le Mesa. Straightforward, down to earth. Fourth, prices were reasonable and HH had numerous beers and wine for 4 bucks! Last, ambiance...right out of Chicago neighborhood bars. Â Small, quaint, and pack with happy people. Â Nothing pretentious about this place. Parking can be tricky on weekends but it is free meters after 6pm. Â I suggests hitting Ginham for dinner before or after this place. Cheers!
Review Source:Nice bar. Â Love their happy hour - most craft beers are $4 from 4:00 - 7:00.
:. Â
This is not a dive bar, but more of an upscale place, with reasonable prices. Â Very beer and cigar centric, with two walk-in humidors. Â Phil, the boss, is frequently there and is quite personable.
The craft beer selection is excellent, with an emphasis on local brews.
Smoke-free inside, but with a pretty nice outdoor, largely covered patio where you can enjoy your beer and puff away on your cigars. Â
Live Jazz on Saturday evenings.
I love this place. I've been coming here since before it opened... They opened the doors for smoking before the liquor license was ready to go!
There's a little something for everyone here. The beer snob will appreciate 24 quality beers on tap. Michael the Manager is always switching out the beers and works to have variety and lots of new stuff. There are many wines available as well. No hard liquor, but you can get that up the street at Pete's if need be. There's a big selection of cigars that are thoughtfully laid out and organized by the owner, Phil. He grades them on strength and is usually around to recommend new and different smokes based on your taste.
Another neat feature is that the indoor bar area is non-smoking while the patio allows smoking. This is cool when wifey and I come in and she wants to have some drinks and socialize while I want to have a smoke. The place is also very tastefully put together and highly classy. Many cigar places in San Diego are downright sleazy feeling... not here!
The outdoor patio is heated, but in the winter I recommend bringing a jacket and smoking gloves if you got 'em. There are TV's both inside and out that feature sports, news, and a lot of the Food Network. :) They are usually happy to switch the channel to the customers whim and I've often watched full movies here.
Hoffers does a lot of special events. Of course they are open for La Mesa Oktoberfest. They also open odd hours for sporting events like World Cup, etc. I've had fun here on New Years Eve when they are able to host a party, and even watched the 2008 Presidential Election here! They have regular Jazz nights on the patio and the place can get packed on those nights.
If you are looking for a fun bar in La Mesa, a place for beer/wine, or a Cheer's like experience, this is the place for you!
Came here for some after work happy hour shenanigans one afternoon. Â It's located in downtown La Mesa; parking is generally on the street (metered parking, free after 6 pm) so expect to be cruising around the block for a spot if you come at a busier time of day (or night). Â
The bartender was super friendly. Â I started with the Pineapple Hefeweizen by Maui Brewing Co...I had to! Â The title alone was already captivating. Â Tasted like Hef with a bit of a pineapple aftertaste. Â Next we had the Speedway Stouts. Â Good, but pretty strong (12%). Â Definitely may not be a good idea if you are planning to get onto any kind of speedway yourself afterwards for that matter...
We got a seat in the open air patio in the back (where you can smoke cigars) and was comfy until we had to move for a unforeseen reserved party. Â No matter - they offered us some free beers for giving up our seats. Â All in all, a really chill place, cool people and nice vibe. Â Keeping it in mind whenever I hit up downtown La Mesa again!
The stellar beer list is what brought me and and it is what is keeping me coming back for more! Â Love the rotating tap list and the fact that everyone who is working behind the bar actually knows their stuff about beer! Â They are not shy with making suggestions, nor with offering you a sample if you are unsure. Â Great prices, super chill place and the fact you can smoke outside on their back patio if you wish to partake in a cigar, well that just makes this place that much better! Â
Saturday nights they have a live Jazz band (different ones) for only $5 outside on their patio.
This is becoming a regular haunt of mine and has opened up my eyes to the shops and restaurants up and down La Mesa Blvd.
Great job Hoffers!
So this review is way overdue as I was there several months back. Its a dim place with 2 humidors with a pretty good selection. They serve some great micro brews. Smoking is restricted to the patio only but its protected so I was comfortable, and it was late June so it was nice out. The bar tender, wish I could remember his name, was very knowledgeable about the smokes and beers and I was able to pair up a couple of cigars very nicely with the brews.
I will drive out of my way to stop by here again, its worth the detour.
Dim with mirrored walls, it's exactly what I've come to expect from most cigar bars. They have two small rooms full of cigars, of which I didn't scope out. I let someone else do the selecting for me. I like to be surprised. I spent more time pouring over the list of beers to pick one out. It's an impressive selection. I'd head here just to grab a beer, even if I didn't smoke on occasion.
The patio is an intimate affair. It would encourage talking to your neighbor if you didn't know them.
Yep, I'm a fan.
I have been coming to Hoffer's since this place opened. They have 24 beers on tap, all are local and all are less than 7 bucks. The selection changes at least once a week and on Friday the 24th of February they tapped their first cask beer, courtesy of Manzanita Brewing.
The bartenders are always more than willing to help you pick something, and the board tells you what style of beer you are getting as well as alcohol percentage. I don't smoke so I have no opinion on the cigars, but they do have seating in the back if that's what you are into.
I have seen some people complaining about the tent style covering, and all I have to say is even though it's San Diego, it still does rain and they have a nice TV that doesn't work when wet.
I recommend coming in on Monday nights because that is when Kirby, the best tender in the world, is there.
They do have Happy Hour up until 7 p.m. when all draft beers are 4 bucks and as far as parking goes there is some street parking but on Friday's and Saturday's you may have to park at the free lot on the corner of Palm and Allison.
Place is pretty weak. Â Been there a bunch of times and bought over $100 worth of cigars on several occasions. Â Never once threw in anything as a thank you. Â Other places like Churchills in old town always do, however there is just a better class of people there.
I remember I asked the owner at Hoffers about donating a gift card to a cancer fundraiser and he was totally against it.  Hello cigars kinda cause that, why not help out the cause??  Just shows why  they treat customers like that.....well I'm sure the majority of people there go over to Joltin Joes afterwards to hang out with the rest of the white trash....keep it real.
I'm not a cigar smoker whatsoever so I can't vouch for the quality or pricing on their cigars. I did see they have two rooms stocked floor to ceiling for those who do to pick what they fancy.
The inside has ample seating. The bar tenders are nice but could sometimes pay a little more attention to those wanting to order a drink before going to converse with their friends. The beer list looked really delicious and I was very pleased with the selection I made.
Outside patio has plenty of room for groups of all sizes and is heated on those chilly nights. Bathroom is extremely clean complete with nice art on the wall making you feel as if you're in someone's house rather than a bar atmosphere.
However, I did feel that for 3 beers and a cigar, 45 bucks was a bit steep.
Oh well. Good company was had and now I've added another spot next time I'm in my hometown.
Hoffers is awesome!
I'm not really much of a cigar smoker, although I'll take a puff here and there on occasion, but The Boy enjoys them, so we're always on the lookout for a new place to purchase and enjoy them.
Hoffers is right in the heart of downtown La Mesa, a small but inviting place with plentiful street parking. There are two humidors featuring a wide selection of cigars in every style, all very reasonably priced. Hoffers uses a color-coded star rating system to help explain what to expect from each cigar, which makes selecting your perfect smoke even easier. Otherwise, the bartenders are more than happy to suggest their personal favorites, and they're always spot-on!
You can't smoke inside (duh), but the patio out back is heated, and features a large flat-screen TV for game nights. Hoffers has a number of excellent (mostly local) beers on draft, as well as a fairly good wine selection.
The only thing I would recommend is kind of strange, but maybe it's worth mentioning. On several occasions, we've noticed that the music playing out on the patio is, well, just awful. Like The Caption & Tennille awful. And this has been while Monday Night Football has been on, albeit muted. It's sort of hard to get into the action on the screen with smooth jazz on the radio!
Still, that's hardly enough to keep us away, we love Hoffers!
This is a hip little place for cigars and QUALITY beer in downtown La Mesa. Â I don't think you'll find your PBR or Swisher Sweets here, nor would you want to.
I won't rehash what others have said; I'll just add my perspective.
I get together with friends here a couple of times a month. Â It's clean, laid out well and welcoming. Â Everyone seems to be having a good time and the vibe is classic La Mesa
There is a fine selection of cigars, but i usually bring my own stogies and smoke 'em out back. Â
The back smoking area is comfortable.
The beer prices are reasonable for what you get. Â
The bartender is knowledgeable about the many special beers and patient in explaining cigars to newbies (yes, you cut it at THIS end, Cletus).
I'd be hard-pressed to find any downsides. Â
Well, for the ladies: There is only one shared restroom. What?!
I'll see you there, Punch and Palm in hand!
Hoffer's is a pretty decent place if you are in La Mesa and want a cigar and beer. Â Their beer selection is far more impressive than I was expecting, but the opposite could be said about their humidor. Â They had some pretty good sticks, but not as much variety as I have seen in most other places. Â If you are just there for one or two, then their selection will suffice. Â There is no smoking inside, which is pretty nice for the non-smokers, but when I go to a cigar bar I want to be inside. Â I can sit in my own backyard and smoke from my stash for a fraction of the price.
I'd throw in another .5 stars for the bartender. Â He was super knowledgeable about the beers and cigars, and very friendly.
For a long, long time I think the only reason most folks migrated to downtown La Mesa was for the car shows and Oktoberfest. Up until recent years there simply hasn't been enough going on to sustain any kind of consistent bustle in one of San Diego's many bedroom communities. Part of the transformation has relied heavily on places like Cosmo's bringing in a coffee and open-mic seeking crowd and as of three years ago, Hoffer's Cigar Bar.
As a former resident, I suspect there's always going to be an element of high school reunion when drinking in your hometown. The same is true for Hoffer's bit the nature of the bar definitely weeds out many of the Jolt'n'Joes hold-outs.
Hoffer's Atmosphere is the typical old world found in most cigar establishments. They offer an impressive, quality list of craft beers and somewhat obscure cigars in a dark-wood bar setting. Two cigar rooms flank the entrance and each have a wide array of sticks with easy to read color coding to let you know the strength of an unknown stick. You're welcome to smoke on the back patio but they also bag for those using the bar more as a shop than a lounge.
All in all I'm ecstatic that this place is still rolling strong after three years. The last thing the mostly dead downtown La Mesa strip needs is another mediocre Mexican restaurant or antique store. Come support a bar in the suburbs that might make you feel like you're hanging out in a more happening part of the city.
The best little hidden gem in downtown La Mesa. Â This area is really starting to make a name for itself. Â Do not let the 1950's style glass retail doors keep you out, push and go in. Â Hoffers has two good sized cigar rooms with MANY to select from and then a patio area to enjoy them in. Â There are many wines and unique beers to choose from to enjoy with your cigar. Â You can sit alone and enjoy your cigar as you take care of business on your computer or join in the never ending commaraderie that seems to be a natural element of any great cigar bar.
If you do not enjoy cigars, do not let the name keep you out. Â There isn't any smoking indoors and its a very cozy room to enjoy a glass or two with a friend. Â Prices are reasonable too!! Â
Call or check online, they often do live music evenings with a small cover charge.
Okay. I am a La Mesinian, La Mesaite, La Moosan? Alright, I am local! This is the best thing to happen to the Village EVA!
Great beer selection, (Heavy on the IPA's, but this is California) with nice variety of styles. You can order food from most of restaurants in village and they deliver it to YOU. Awesome.
Cigars rooms, if you choose to partake are well stocked with relaxed seating area in the back.
It would be a five star stop if the Village would remove the overly expensive parking meters and if the bartenders weren't so snooty (Every body has to feel important I guess).
This place is worth the stop overall!
Its true, I do love Hoffer's. Im not sure if its because ALL of my guy friends LOVE this place and Ive been here so many times that it feels like home, or if its because of my own opinion...the jury is still out on that one.
I mean why wouldnt they love it? Cigars, Beer and outdoor lawn chair seating with a flat screen in the back? C'mon, its a guys dream come true.
That said, they do have an impressive collection of beers on tap (not the best in SD, but I never have a hard time finding something that I want to try) The bartenders are all very friendly and they are quick to remember your name and what kind of beers you prefer, which I love.
Its truly a no frills, beer drinkers, cigar smokers haven. I do like the fact that I dont feel the need to dress up to go here. A very casual friendly atmosphere, that doesnt really feel like a bar if thats not your scene.
On our way to a happy hour, I looked at Steves GPS and it said East. I said, "Steve, East! Where are you taking me?" He tells me La Mesa and I just raise a brow. Â We end up in the historic downtown district of La Mesa and walk into Hoffers. I'm completely out of my element at this point but am put at ease by the laid back, chill atmosphere. Â It took a little longer that expected to get set up (pay for food and get a beer - I wish they had Blue Moon but settled for Shock Top instead) but once we got that out of the way, the shenanigans ensued. Â
They have the East Coast Hot Dog Company serving up perfect Bratwurst and kosher dogs along with potatoes and all the trimmings. Â
The cigar smoking takes place on the back patio which lends itself to mingling and conversation, something Steve and I proved to be very adept at. Â
I also liked that Hoffers hosts cigar events giving it that more upscale feel and also introducing cigar novices (like myself) to cigar culture. Â Brand new, I smoked an Arganese.
The first thing that came to mind when I walked in to Hoffers two weeks ago was: "Thank you baby Jesus, a bar in La Mesa that has REAL BEER!" And they have a damn fine selection at that. You can't go wrong with the three taps of Stone (ok so I'm a bit biased), but they also have Alesmith Speedway Stout (probably my all-time favorite stout), Leffe Brown, Delerium Tremens, Paulaner, and many more very tasty libations.
I came here on a sleepy Sunday afternoon with the intention of having one beer and I ended up staying for about four hours chatting with the manager Mike, a German student with a heavy accent named Martin, a gem dealer/real estate mogul named Charlie, and a friendly local named Jeremy who had all the dirt on local bars. Nothing but good vibes here.
The cigar selection is apparently out of this world, but I haven't indulged in it yet. I'm a beer drinker first and foremost, but I plan on buying a few choice cigars in the very near future.
Let's face it. La Mesa is known for old people, not bars. This town goes to bed at 4pm just like your grandma, but Hoffers is a bright spot in the nearly non-existent La Mesa bar scene. Unlike most bars in the area, it doesn't reserve its taps exclusively for Anheiser Busch, and it doesn't attract the fizzy yellow beer drinking, wifebeater wearing East County bros with raised trucks and shit for brains.
The only downside of Hoffers can be attributed to the puritanical laws of this sleepy retirement community--they can't serve any alcohol past 11pm. Come to think of it, that's probably better for all involved. I will be forced to stumble home and terrorize the retirees with my morally bereft lifestyle at a decent hour, and the retirees can sleep easy knowing that nobody is enjoying themselves past their bedtime. Everyone wins.
I dont normally come to La Mesa its a little out of my radius of fun! Â
who would have thought that this cigar and beer/wine bar was here. Â Cute little place with 24 different taps of beers and a long list of wines. Â
Its an Adorable place. They have a smoking patio for all you smokers, and of course since they sell a vasts selection of cigars you can choose from; being outside in the patio is a great treat. Â Yes they also have heat lamps, however they were working last night.
Their beer selection is nice, they carry all kinds of stuff like stone, stella, racer 5, leffe, and more. Â i didnt ask what they had in bottle i was way overwhelmed the tap selection i couldnt decide, i went with a hefe. Â which one i dont remember.
 I dig this place a lot.  If im in the neck of the woods i will come back.
Wow what can I say about this place. I went there just to relax before school and had a great time. I have been wanting cigar for a couple of months but didn't really know what I wanted. Usually this problem would be solved by my boy but he is out of town right now. So after checking around I decided to hit this place up. At first I drove right by it because you can miss it. When I did finally walk in I was pleasantly surprised.
There is an humidor on both side of the entrance. I missed this at first so make sure pay attention to this. They have free Internet which is a plus also. I pulled up a stool at the bar and order a glass of Cab and just took in the environment. Eventually I was having a conversation about San Diego and beer. (Side note: San Diego has some of the best beer makers in the country here. I didn't know that.) After explaining that I wasn't much of a beer drinker the bartender who was part of the conversation poured me a tasting of 4 beers. I must admitted the Palmner and Tennets were great. I will definitely have those again.
After about an hour I managed to finally get me a cigar. Now I am new to cigars but once again the bartender came to my rescue. He recommended a couple of cigars and I made my selection. It was perfect. I can't tell how wonderful this place is. Just get down to Hoffers and find out for yourself. I will be going back today.
The very first time I walked into Hoffer's I met three new friends. Phil, the owner, Michael and Rob have done an amazing job creating an atmosphere that is both high class and inviting. The cigar selection is unreal and unmatched in East County. If you love beer or wine this is the place for you, 24 or 25 taps line the wall and about 20 wines are there for sipping as well. Because Phil is completely invested in making his establishment the head of its class he is open to suggestions. This is great because you can request any type of beer and he will try to open up a tap on his line and get it for you.
All I can say is give it a try. It is a great place to smoke, chat and enjoy a drink. I will guarantee you will fall in love with everything this bar has to offer (great staff and a heavenly selection of cigars, beers and wines).
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
