The Mesa Bar & Grill, a brand new bar concept from a San Diego native, is set to open in the College Area at 6164 El Cajon Blvd.
Owner Darrien Oliver is launching his first restaurant in the former home of Effin’s Pub, focusing on affordable drinks, fresh food, and community engagement, first reported by San Diego Magazine. The new venue will feature a full liquor license, 18 beers on tap, and entertainment such as DJs, trivia, and karaoke. The menu will offer classic bar fare like burgers, wings, and salads, with most dishes made from scratch. The Mesa is scheduled to open in May 2025, aiming for a debut around Cinco de Mayo or Memorial Day. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch, staying open until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends, with weekend brunch available.
The Mesa aims to provide a welcoming space for locals while revitalizing the community staple that once was Effin’s Pub & Grill, which first opened in 1996 and permanently closed in late 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The longtime neighborhood bar offered a lively atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Known for its numerous TVs, the pub was a popular spot for watching live sports, while its menu featured classic bar fare like burgers, wings, and fries. Effin’s also offered a full bar, with a variety of drinks, and hosted live entertainment, including karaoke and trivia nights.
While the space has been vacant for nearly five years, it’s time for Oliver, a San Diego native with years of experience in the bar and restaurant industry, to take over the bar with The Mesa Bar & Grill. Oliver has plenty of experience to make this new concept succeed. The first-time restaurant owner has spent years honing his skills in the hospitality industry, starting as a security guard at Tin Roof in downtown San Diego and working his way up to bartender, assistant general manager, and general manager. After gaining extensive experience in restaurant and bar management, Oliver will now open his own establishment, signing a lease for The Mesa Bar & Grill earlier this year, aiming to create a community-focused “modern social bar and restaurant.”
