Bar Ella owner-operator Krista Barrella has brought something new to Pacific Beach: an uplifting dining and craft cocktail experience.

Located at 1030 Garnet Ave. in the space formerly inhabited by Bub’s at the Beach, Bar Ella advertises itself as “a sophisticated cocktail bar poised to redefine the social scene of Pacific Beach.” The new hybrid establishment officially opened during 2023’s PB Christmas parade.

Transitioning from the traditional sports bar scene, Bar Ella prides itself on being the spot on the beach scene where East meets West, as its cuisine is “a fusion of East Coast nostalgia and the vibrant essence of the West Coast, symbolizing a tale of culinary harmony,” according to the eatery’s promotional materials.

Asked if the establishment, named for Barrella who has been a bartender and worked in the local bar scene for many years, has been a dream come true, she replied: “Yes definitely, ownership-partnership, this one of the pinnacles of my 20-year career in this (restaurant) industry.”

In converting a space that was previously a standard beach bar, Barrella noted it “took a while to fine-tune the building itself,” while pointing out Bub’s had expanded its business twice over the past 25 years. “It wasn’t just superficial changes that we had to make, though they (Bub’s) had kept the building very well maintained,” Barella said adding, “We spent a good amount of time, money, and effort remodeling the place to make it different than when it was Bub’s.”

Barrella’s East meets West concept stems in part from her growing up in New Jersey, where she started working in her teens and became immersed in, and influenced by, the seafood culture there. “My first job was at the seafood-forward Lobster Shanty, and I worked as well at another very popular seafood restaurant that was a summertime attraction in Jersey Shore,” she said.

After coming to PB, Barrella noted her very first job locally was at Fillipis Pizza Grotto on Garnet Avenue. Additionally, she has worked at Moondoggies (now Backyard Kitchen and Tap). She has also worked at Tavern at the Beach where she is now general manager.

Bar Ella’s menu is being promoted as a “celebration of social dining, inviting guests to savor tapas-style American appetizers and a delectable selection of seafood-inspired dishes. Cuisine choices include freshly made pasta and beer-steamed mussels reflecting “diverse flavors and coastal influences curated for an unforgettable dining journey.”

“We’re not designed as a seafood restaurant, but we do have a lot of seafood dishes on our menu. It’s a very strong influence,” Barrella said.

Cocktails at Bar Ella showcase its owner’s 15-year tenure in bartending. The eclectic cocktail menu mirrors her dedication to refining Pacific Beach’s cocktail culture, featuring a blend of classic libations infused with modern twists and innovative creations. For example, the vibrant Garibaldi cocktail exemplifies the establishment’s commitment to crafting distinct and memorable drinks.

Discussing what goes into making a quality crafted cocktail, Barrella noted: “This is a movement that’s started making some headway in PB. We have a great cocktail community and most of the bars in PB, and a lot in San Diego, have had an elevation in their cocktail programs. We’re all focusing more now on making our cocktails handcrafted, using fresh ingredients, and pressing our juices, which is completely removed from the ‘ghosts of cocktails past.’”

Of Bar Ella’s ambiance, Barrella noted: “Our goal is to be the neighborhood eatery in PB that we’ve all been craving, where you can go and have a snack, a drink, or a full meal. It’s more a hybrid of a place where you can get a great meal in a somewhat relaxed environment. We have a restaurant focus with a full bar and full liquor license, where the emphasis is on quality food. We wanted to add a cultural experience in PB.”

BAR ELLA

Where: 1030 Garnet Ave.

Hours: Mondays to Thursdays 4 p.m.-midnight, Fridays 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-midnight.

Info: barellapb.com.