On a night spent bouncing all over San Diego (maybe not literally, unless you travel by pogo), somewhere between the happiest of happy hours and the greasiest of late-night eats, you need to hit up a club. So we sought out San Diego's best.
Jimmy Love's
Gaslamp
With a DJ spinning downstairs and live band commanding the stage upstairs, JL is a happy compromise when you're dealing with a group that has diverse tastes (or just one guy with multiple personalities). If you’re stressed out by trying to coax stubborn friends from one floor to another, moderate lines at the bar are there for the assist.
Stingaree
Gaslamp
On a warm summer night -- well, most any night, this IS San Diego after all -- few places are better for people watching than Stingaree’s rooftop lounge. The cover can be a bit steep and the dance floor won’t necessarily blow you away, but that glorious rooftop is always there to give your eardrums and sweat glands a break.
Johnny V
Pacific Beach
A touch of the Gaslamp in the middle of Pacific Beach, Johnny V classes-up San Diego’s rowdy coed scene. You won't find yourself caught in agonizingly long lines or pressed shoulder to shoulder on an overcrowded dance floor. You will find some good looking patrons.
Basic
East Village
Pizza joint by day, chic bohemian warehouse by night, Basic transforms on some evenings to feature local artists showcasing their wares and DJ’s unlocking the latest hooks. Even if you don't meet a lady to take home, you can at least make do with a painting of one. Or really of whatever, it's your apartment, man.
Croce's
Gaslamp
Named in honor of the late Jim Croce (owned and operated by his wife), this jazzy spot in the Gaslamp hosts live music every night of the week (plus brunch sets on weekends if you want to get after it in the daylight). They also do dinner & live music packages if you wanna show your date you're the baddest man in the whole damn town.
Double Deuce
Gaslamp
Dancing for the ladies and a mechanical bull for the… well, also for the ladies, but there’s still something for everyone here. With top 40 music playing on one floor, and country on the other, you don’t have to be rocking a belt buckle with your initials on it to get through the door.
Getting stung has never been so fun. Stingaree offers a luxurious and exciting experience in an atmosphere on par with the most prominent clubs in San Diego. There are three levels -- each of which offers a different atmosphere and ambiance -- and the cherry on top is literally the top. The rooftop area offers an incredible view, sleek decor, and comfortable quarters.
This trendy East Village pizzeria and brewpub is serving pizza that's anything but basic: pies are super fresh and anything-but-simple. The quirky "Mashed" pie with mashed potatoes, bacon, and mozzarella, is a favorite. Converted from an old warehouse, this space boasts a 5,000 square foot lounge and restaurant, will a full bar and an open-air setup.
Jimmy Love's covers all the bases, rocking a live band upstairs, a DJ downstairs, and serving great drinks and food from the bar.
Johnny V's has a great happy hour, with different specials rotating each day of the week and even the occasional beer pong tourney.
Named in honor of American musician Jim Croce (owned and operated by his wife), this jazzy spot in the Gaslamp Quarter hosts live music every night of the week, with additional brunch sets on Saturday and Sunday. Settle in for one of their dinner and live music packages or just grab a specialty cocktail and enjoy the show!
If you're a country boy, or girl, get down to the DD to ride the bull and take some shots. After you've completed those two tasks, repeat.