Ska Bar’s success resides on an Astroturf rooftop

I know indoor dining is supposed to be back, but some outdoor dining options are just too good to give up. Like one I recently checked out in Normal Heights.

I’d driven by Ska Bar a few times, and thought the Adams Avenue hangout looked like a decent enough place to drink. It’s got tall ceilings, large windows, and a long bar backed by shelves loaded with bottles.

What I hadn’t realized is there’s an elevator in the back corner that takes you to a different level of Ska Bar: the rooftop lounge. I’m not sure how many stories the silent elevator passed on the way to R, but it turns out the building is tall enough to overlook everything for many blocks in any direction.

On a clear day, the result is a pretty fantastic view of the entire uptown area to the southwest, and of foothills and mountains to the northeast. The sidewalk didn’t seem that far below, but the air felt all the fresher for the wide open spaces spread out before me. Even the astroturf covering the rooftop came off more charming than cheesy.

Another aspect of Ska Bar I hadn’t anticipated was the menu. Expecting a standard San Diego bar menu (mostly sliders, fish tacos, and wings), I was surprised to find Asian fusion bent. It included wings, of course, but also chicken lettuce wraps, crab Rangoon-style egg rolls, and Korean asada fries (see what they did there?).

Perhaps because I’d expected fish tacos, I first gravitated toward the tempura Mahi Mahi bao bun ($10). Of course, sweet steamed buns are far different from corn tortillas, and mahi’s not a fish that lends itself well to frying — I would have done better to order the tempura portobello or fried chicken bao.

I wouldn’t dwell on it, though, because I had an order of Hoisin and sesame BBQ ribs ($11) to tear into. They were well cooked for bar ribs, with admirable tenderness. But the sauce was too sweet, I thought, to pair with beer, or many of the bar’s fruity cocktails.

I would be more satisfied by a winning skirt steak play on beef and broccoli. Also well cooked, the beef and broccolini ($11) had some chili pepper heat, and garlic savor. It hit the spot after the appetizers, though I suspect it would have been too sweet for my palate had it not followed those first two sugary courses.

Most of the dishes on the menu likewise look like they veer sweet. While that’s not my thing, I recognize it’s a matter of personal preference, and everything tasted spot on otherwise. I’m sure younger souls can get down with sweet and sharable plates — the group at a nearby table accompanied their meals with jello shots, after all.

Thing is, I’d go back anyway and do it all again. It’s pretty good for bar food, and the view warrants many afternoons of day drinking. Even if the main bar downstairs is re-opened for business.