Where to Party in San Diego

I’ve explored a lot of San Diego but not much of the nightlife yet. For nightlife, there is a most obvious neighborhood of Gaslamp Quarter. That is where you need to be. Special shout out to J. Liu who has lived in San Diego for almost a decade and provided most of these recs!

Items are listed with the neighborhood in parentheses. Anything in italics is on my to-do list.

ROOFTOP

  • Altitude Sky Lounge ($$$, Gaslamp, Nightclub): Go for beautiful views of San Diego from the atop the Marriott hotel.
  • RoofTop600 at Andaz ($$$, Gaslamp, Nightclub): On the rooftop of the Andaz Hotel, this nightclub is for those looking for DJs and dancing.
  • Fairweather ($$, East Village, Cocktail bar): Tropical island-themed rooftop cocktail bar with a view of the Petco ball park is located inside the restaurant Rare Form.

SPEAK-EASY

  • Prohibition Lounge  ($$, Gaslamp, Lounge): Hidden behind a door for Law Office, this lounge serves artisanal cocktails. Keep in mind, no open-toed shoes allowed for men.
  • Noble Experiment  ($$, East Village, Speak-easy): Don’t forget to use Yelp to figure out how to find and access it (perhaps via a neighborhood stroll?). You’ll need reservations ahead of time or go on a weekday.

BAR/LOUNGE 

  • Vin de Syrah Spirit & Wine Parlor ($$$, Gaslamp, Wine Bar): Alice in Wonderland-themed lounge with DJs & live music that serves wine, cocktails, and small bites.
  • Zymology 21 ($$, Gaslamp, Cocktail bar): Restaurant and bar opened for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night cocktails. This science lab-themed joint uses fresh, farm-to-table ingredients with all drinks served in glass lab beakers or test tubes.
  • El Dorado Cocktail Lounge ($$, East Village, Lounge, Music Venue): DJs, dancing, moscow mules, and a stuffed white buffalo head. Hrs are 7pm-2am daily except on Fridays, they open at 5pm.
  • Basic ($$, Gaslamp, Pizza, Bar): Very spacious and open but crowded for Padres games. Has pool tables and chill environment.
  • Saltbox ($$, Gaslamp, New American, Lounge): Located inside the Palomar Hotel, this restaurant has a nice lounge area that serves craft cocktails.
  • Polite Provisions ($$, University Heights, Lounge): Classy craft cocktails

HOOKAH

  • Fumari Hookah Bar ($$, Gaslamp, Hookah Bar): Extensive hookah flavors with beer and food.

WESTERN & WHISKEY

  • In Cahoots Dance Hall & Saloon ($, Mission Valley, Bar, Dance club): For the country music lovers and those who can line dance, In Cahoots is the place for you.
  • Seven Grand ($$, North Park, Lounge): Whiskey Bar with live jazz, a large backroom, and old timey decor.

NIGHT CLUB

  • OMNIA Nightclub ($$$, Gaslamp, Music venue): Huge bar and open area for dancing, DJs, and VIP tables.
  • FLUXX Nightclub ($$$, Dance club, Music venue): Attracting a lot of top performers, this crowded nightclub is one of the closest you’ll get to a Vegas-like club with tough bouncer, free cover for girls, and expensive bottle service.
  • Parq Restaurant and Nightclub ($$$, Gaslamp, East Village, Dance Club): It’s an expensive nightclub with a restaurant that gets crowded but has beautiful decorations.

MAP

All listings available on the JoYo San Diego Google Map.

JoYo San Diego Guide

Must Do

Eat Sweet

Eat Savory

Must Party

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