Rocko’s Modern Taphouse: A New Vibe in Hillcrest
Hillcrest has a new place to grab a drink, play a few games, catch some live entertainment… and bring your dog along for the ride. Rocko’s Modern Taphouse has taken over the former Martinis Above Fourth space with a decidedly more casual vibe: think local craft beer, arcade games, pool, darts, ’90s-inspired neon and plenty of room to hang out. Named after owners Patrick and Justin’s four-legged sidekick, Rocko’s is also one of the newest LGBTQ+-owned businesses to join the neighborhood. We caught up with Patrick and Justin to talk about why they opened Rocko’s, what they hope to bring to Hillcrest, and their plans for turning the taphouse into a new kind of neighborhood hangout.
GAYMPLAN: Let’s start with the obvious question: who is Rocko, and how did he end up with a bar named after him?
ROCKO’S: Rocko is the best dog and deserved to have a bar named after him. His owners, Patrick and Justin, were tired of leaving him at home all the time. So they created a space they could all be together.
GAYMPLAN: How did the two of you meet, and when did the idea of opening your own place go from “wouldn’t that be cool?” to something you were actually going to do?
ROCKO’S: We met the traditional way, online dating. Patrick has had the idea of retiring and owning a bar since he moved to San Diego in 1992. Justin has always had a passion for beer and started working at a brewery in 2021. Shortly after that, we both decided we could start our own taphouse. The idea really kicked off in 2024 and came to fruition at the end of 2025.
GAYMPLAN: Hillcrest already has a pretty established bar and restaurant scene. What did you think was missing that Rocko’s could bring to the neighborhood?
ROCKO’S: Hillcrest was missing more dog-friendly bars. We also wanted to create a scene where people go to have fun and play games. We want to bring back live music to this neighborhood as well. Also, a space where everyone could feel welcome and themselves. The west end of Hillcrest was missing a bar that features San Diego’s best breweries on a rotating basis.
GAYMPLAN: You’ve described Rocko’s as being inspired partly by the ’90s. What parts of the ’90s did you want to capture, and what parts were probably better left in the ’90s?
ROCKO’S: The aesthetic and the bright neon colors. We have a “Saved by the Bell” inspired wall, and brightly colored walls. Everything is accented with black and white checkers.
There are arcade games, pool, darts, shuffleboard, and live entertainment.
GAYMPLAN: Was the idea from the beginning to create something people actually do rather than simply somewhere they eat and drink?
ROCKO’S: We always wanted a place for people to come do things while enjoying craft drinks. The food was a bonus and an afterthought. We both love playing games or having an activity to do while we go out, so we wanted to create a space where we didn’t have to go far to find those things.
GAYMPLAN: If someone walks into Rocko’s for the first time, what do you hope they understand about the place within the first five minutes?
ROCKO’S: We want people to know we are dog-friendly. We want them to have a great time. As owners, we are here daily and care about our customers. We will do everything we can to make sure the experience is memorable.
GAYMPLAN: San Diego takes its beer very seriously. How do you decide what earns a spot on your taps?
ROCKO’S: We want to support smaller, localized San Diego Breweries. We want to help get the name out there for companies on the rise. We are also using breweries who have the same or similar values as us. We constantly rotate based on demand from customers and what’s in season.
GAYMPLAN: For the person who says, “I’m not really a beer drinker,” what are you pouring them instead?
ROCKO’S: We have a ton of seltzers, ciders, and wine from local San Diego businesses. Monthly wine spritzer and slushies are also great alternatives.
GAYMPLAN: What’s one thing on the food menu that you think people are going to come back specifically to order again?
ROCKO’S: Our tater skins are what we think people order the most often. They are our play on potato skins, but made with tater tots.
GAYMPLAN: Rocko’s is in a space that has some real Hillcrest history. Martinis Above Fourth operated there for years and was particularly well-known in the LGBTQ+ community. Did that history influence how you approached taking over the space?
ROCKO’S: We always tell people, it’s where Martinis was, so everyone knows that location already. The history of the space, however, did not influence us to take over the space. We were just lucky enough to be given the opportunity to create something new with our vision.
GAYMPLAN: Hillcrest has changed considerably over the years, but it remains the cultural center of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community. What does being part of that community mean to you as business owners?
ROCKO’S: Being LGBTQ+ owners, we have a special place for Hillcrest in our hearts. We have lived here for several years, and this is our community. We are happy to add to the community and look forward to partnering with others in the community moving forward.
GAYMPLAN: There’s sometimes a difference between a business saying, “everyone is welcome,” and actually creating a place where everyone feels comfortable. How do you create that atmosphere at Rocko’s?
ROCKO’S: Many of our friends and family are not part of the community but major allies. So we wanted a space that they could feel welcome in this community and neighborhood. We have a very diverse crowd and try to treat everyone the same… special.
GAYMPLAN: Do you see Rocko’s becoming part of Hillcrest nightlife, or do you envision it more as an all-day neighborhood hangout. Or a little of both?
ROCKO’S: We have noticed Rocko’s is part of both day and night life. During the week, we open at 3PM, catering to the later afternoon crowd. Weekends we open at 1PM so anyone can come then and stay all day.
GAYMPLAN: What kinds of events do you want Rocko’s to become known for? Are there any LGBTQ+ events, collaborations, trivia nights, performances, or other programming you're particularly excited about?
ROCKO’S: We really want to be part of the live music scene in San Diego. We also want to do partnerships and collaborations within the community. We have a great location for partial or full rentals. We have hosted weddings and graduation parties. Anyone looking for a host for a large party, we can cater to their needs and offer all types of games for people to enjoy.
GAYMPLAN: You made Rocko’s both all-ages and dog-friendly, which is a little different from much of Hillcrest nightlife. Was broadening the type of people who could hang out together part of the concept from the beginning?
ROCKO’S: Yes, we always wanted to have a taphouse that included everyone. Most of our friends and family are allies to the community, so we wanted them to have a space they felt comfortable in that was still part of the community. We wanted a place where no one would feel limited or excluded.
GAYMPLAN: What has surprised you most about the reaction from Hillcrest since opening?
ROCKO’S: We are surprised at how much of a community the bar scene really is here. We have noticed other bars and bartenders coming in on their days off. Also, they tell their customers to come check us out, as we are the new gay bar in the neighborhood.
GAYMPLAN: If we came back and interviewed you again two years from now, what would have to happen for you to say Rocko’s had become exactly what you hoped it would be?
ROCKO’S: Regularly scheduled live music, events, and the place people are choosing to come to. We hope to have fun every night of the week with customers who have become family.
GAYMPLAN: Finish this sentence: “You should come to Rocko’s when… “
ROCKO’S: …you’re in the mood to have fun, play games, or just relax and be yourself.
GAYMPLAN: And because this is GaymPlan: you suddenly have a completely free Saturday night in Hillcrest. What’s your GaymPlan?
ROCKO’S: Whatever GaymPlan says is the best thing to do!
