The Rook

Nice little bar. Heads up this wine and beer only. They do a good job keeping a nice rotation of beer coming through, so its nice to stop ever now and then.

Went for the first time Monday night.
Super chill spot. The bartender (which I don’t remember her name, sorry) was really attemptive in trying to get me into a puzzle game with locals. I refuse cause I don’t like puzzles, the attempt is what matters.
Beer selection is great, I wasn’t expecting them to have that amount of different beers.
The locals were really nice and talkative, unlike my last local.
It’s a great spot to get a drink during the week if you want some time to relax. I imagine on the weekends it gets crazy.

Fun spot! Great beer selection! We love to come here and play pool or pin ball or even connect four! It an intimate bar so it’s easy to make new friends with the other patrons. Check this place out! They have good bands that play here too!

Cool spot! Went and heard our son’s band play there recently. We live in La Mesa and had never stopped in before.
Really clean with friendly staff! Love the old feel of the place. Prefer a full bar but will definitely drop into the Rook again if the opportunity presents itself!

Great spot to get a drink. Came here with my navy buddies a while ago and we had a blast. Didn’t hurt that the bar tender was hot. I’m hoping to go back again solo or with friends

Has chess boards

We had a fabulous time. The music by local San Diegans is nostalgic. Abby bartending is awesome. local American Rock atmosphere.

Been in here a couple times, and have been pretty happy.
Dive bar-​ish, but a tick above. Beer and Wine only, with a good beer selection, including several craft beer taps.
Been pretty quiet while we’ve been in here, but everyone’s been friendly. Sure we’ll be back.

I went to this bar last night to watch my friends cousin perform with his band and this bar is great. The owner was very nice and let us sample a taste of beer which is very helpful in deciding of what to get. Will be back.

If you like live jazz, this is the place to be on Friday nights! 9 – 2 there is a live jazz band and jam session. It’s fun to listen to and the beer selection is nice. The wine selection ain’t half bad either. This is only a wine and beer bar though so don’t be surprised when you can’t get a cocktail. Don’t let that deter you though. Come have a beer, play a round of pool or a game of chess, and you won’t regret checking out the Friday night jams.

This place is cool! I just happened per chance to fortunately end up here by sheer luck!!! Thug life.

Stumbled upon this place after having a terrible experience with a rude bartender down the street at The Riviera Supper Club. WHAT A GREAT FIND!!! To think that I’ve been going to Riviera all these years with this place a block away is crazy.
Chris, the bartender made us feel welcome as soon as we stepped thru the front door, and it is obvious from all the regulars seated around the bar, Chris treats everyone with his friendly outgoing personality. People were all very nice, and although this does look like a dive bar from the outside, this inside (including bathrooms ladies!) is clean and well decorated in The Rook’s Theme.
Great Happy Hour, great people and outstanding bartender– we will definitely be back!!!

The beer is really cheap, the atmosphere is awesome, and the bartenders are always really great. Used to play shows here and Chris + staff was always a huge help when setting up. All the various theme nights are super fun. Love it!

Beer and win bar. Good choices though. No frills. TVs galore and a pool table. Bartender Jayme is awesome fun. Good place for a San Jose Sharks game!

I am sort of teetering between 3 and 4 stars, but since I never get out on the weekends it is hard to say what this spot is like. When we went there it seemed like a few locals, so it was a tad depressing. The bartender was really nice though at all times. Unfortunately they were out of the beer my other half specifically came for, and these didn’t have the house wine I requested. Which was fine, because I was given a better wine for it not being available. I didn’t realize it was beer and wine only which was sort of a bummer.
The places has a few TV’s, Connect four, chess and pacman. These added things give it a fun touch other bars do not have.
I may come back if we are close by. It still had a welcoming atmosphere which was refreshing. I just prefer my booze when I go out…

So im a bit of a chess nerd :/
its a total dive bar complete with dive par type of people. Don’t come here expecting bottle service and chicks with short skirts.
bartenders are always nice.
beer and wine only.
pool table and pac-​man. what else do you want? what else do you neeeeeeeed?
did I mention its a chess bar? (hence the name ROOK) Bring your «A» game and prepare to be challenged or challenge someone to a game. The owner is always around making sure that people are having a great time.
don’t come here unless you’re ok with chess and with being around «different» type of people

Every time I come here I’m impressed with the service, and I have a great time. The Rook doesn’t do anything special, but I can come here have a pint for a good price and watch a game. It’s a friendly place to play a game of pool, maybe some chess, and just have a conversation.
I haven’t been to any of their events, but I’m going to try to attend one since they do a darn good job on just being a bar.
If you’re looking for something special, this isn’t the place, but if you just need to unwind after a long week or meet a friend for a drink then stop in.
The Greek place next door is decent if that «one drink» turns into 3, and you need something to eat.

Love this Bar! The Rook is really cool! The Owner takes a lot of his time in being at the location and wants everyone to have a great time!
Lots of events and different stuff!
I love the swords on the walls and the décor, no place like this in San Diego! One of a kind!

The rook is DOPE!
Darts…
Pool…
Pac Man…
What more do you need? Really?

This bar is a Mini Kadan. Since there is no more real Kadan, this is now the mini one.
It has the same Armor, Castle and Chess motif, but it is not as dark and dank as the old Kadan. Also, like 80x less Hipster cuz its in La Mesa.
FYI: It is Beer & Wine Only. They have that weird Asian kinda liquor but not really liquor to make a few cocktails with, but not many. Its cheap, its rad!
They have delicious ciders and beers!
They have an Oldskool PacMan Video game, which I can play for forever.
The Bartender Cat, is phenomenal! She has patience to deal with some crazies, myself and friends included. This is a newest last bar we stop off at on the way back to the besties place.
You wanna make La Mesa bars happen? Go HERE!