The best bars and cafés South Coast

Avocado toast, crab cake, shrimp ceviche, fried Brussels sprouts, salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood pasta, desserts ranging from apple strudel to crème brûlée... Despite this extensive menu, it's not necessarily for the food that we recommend The Rooftop Lounge, but for the absolutely breathtaking view from its terrace. This makes it the ideal place to watch the sun go down, with a good cocktail in hand. As the place can quickly become overcrowded, try to book in advance.

Hidden in a restaurant, Noble Experiment is a speakeasy as we like them, in the image of the famous bars of the Prohibition. Subdued light, chandelier hanging from the ceiling and candles on the tables: the atmosphere is intimate and muffled, while a wall made of skulls attracts curiosity. Once installed, there are two options: choose one of the excellent cocktails on the menu, or share your tastes with the chef, then let your talent express itself. Be careful, the room being relatively small, it is better to book online before coming.

It's not necessarily for the restaurant part of this Ocean Beach landmark that we recommend you visit, but for its trendy, convivial bar, with DJs and live bands. There's also a fine cocktail menu, with Margarita "rounds" alongside house specialties such as the La La Land, made with coconut rum, lemon, guava and syrup - among others. The icing on the cake: a pleasant rooftop on warm summer evenings.

If you're staying in Ocean Beach, love good artisan coffee and travel while working, OB Beans Coffee Roasters is for you! Apart from the customers who come in to take their cups to go, you'll mainly come across digital nomads. It has to be said that the music, soft enough not to interfere with concentration or a call, the large, high tables that offer a degree of tranquillity, the numerous sockets and the good Wi-Fi connection are all parameters conducive to home office. Bonus: delicious acai bowls.

In the heart of Gaslamp, this lively address is renowned for the show it puts on every opening night: the Dueling Pianos. Two talented players take their places at the bar's two pianos and compete in a frenzied face-off. The program ranges from rock to rap to jazz, with customers selecting the tunes. The lively show, which involves participation, calls for dancing - on the tables or on the floor - and singing along. All washed down with a draught beer, glass of wine or cocktail.