World Famous I Bar

A Taste of Naval Aviation History

Step into an old-fashioned military officers' club filled with Naval Aviation memorabilia, celebrating the rich heritage of NAS North Island... And grab a drink while you're there!

The World Famous I Bar boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century.

Completed in 1933, Building “I” originally housed various facilities, notably bachelor officers' quarters. The Bar in Building “I” became a special spot reserved for officers but gained its "World Famous" title in 1956, when The Tailhook Association held its founding meeting here.

Over the following decades, the I Bar grew in popularity as the preferred after-work hangout for aviation officers. In 2019, the bar was extensively renovated. The space was modernized and expanded for additional seating. However, meticulous detail went into preserving the bar's spirit and its historical artifacts, including a collection of over 300 prop model airplanes hanging from the ceiling.

Recently, the I Bar gained a different kind of fame—of the Hollywood variety. The legendary bar was recreated for the 2022 film TOP GUN: MAVERICK as 'The Hard Deck.' Scenes featuring the fictional bar were actually filmed on a replica of the I Bar that filmmakers constructed on nearby Breakers Beach. Much of the real ba was recreated or borrowed for the film, including historical squadron memorabilia, real framed photos of Naval personnel, and the bar's 'secret rules.'

Today, The World Famous I Bar is open to military personnel and their approved guests. The bar and neighboring spaces can be reserved for special events through the MWR Catering office.

The World Famous I Bar and all other MWR facilities are cashless. 

Read the Coronado Times article about the I Bar's history and renovation. (External page link; no Navy endorsement is implied)