Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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Anthology
“It’s a beautiful, state-of-the-art place, and they’ve already drawn major people like Chick Corea and Arturo Sandoval.”—George Varga, pop music critic, San Diego Union-Tribune. Opened in 2007, this $3.5 million, three-level jazz cum supper club wins raves for its architecture, acoustics, and dining. Tickets from $5. 1337 India Street, Little Italy; tel. +1 619 595 0300. www.anthologysd.com
Airport Lounge
“Very cool neighborhood bar made to look like inside of a 747.”—David Coddon, associate editor, Night&Day, San Diego Union-Tribune. The location—smack in the airport flight path—should be a problem. Instead, the staff is outfitted like stewardesses and an outdoor patio offers a view of the underside of landing jets. Cover charge. 2400 India Street, Little Italy; tel. +1 619 685 3881. www.airportsd.com
belo
“San Diego’s only true dance club, with house music, good DJs.”—Erin Chambers, San Diego editor, Citysearch.com. The food is forgettable, overpriced (even if it offers a break on the cover), but the whomping sound system compensates, powering two sprawling dance floors with hip-hop, house, and trance vibes. Cover charge. 919 Fourth Avenue, downtown; tel. +1 619 231 9200. www.belosandiego.com
The Casbah
“Everybody from Ice-T to Eddie Vedder has hung out there, so it has real cachet.”—George Varga. It’s a dive bar with a capacity of just 200, but a history of showcasing acts like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins on the cusp of fame. Tickets from $6. 2501 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy; tel. +1 619 232 4355. www.casbahmusic.com
Confidential
“An exercise in restraint when a lot of downtown places are going for over-the-top.”—Erin Chambers. The club is intimate but not overly exclusive, with trendy small plate food and a good-looking staff. Cover charge. 901 Fourth Avenue, downtown; tel. +1 619 696 8888. www.confidentialsd.com
Croce’s
Intimate, reliable spot for local jazz artists in the Gaslamp, with regular appearances by namesake Jim Croce’s son (and musician) A. J. Croce. Cover charge waived if you dine at the pricey restaurant. 802 Fifth Avenue, downtown; tel. +1 619 233 4355. www.croces.com
Humphrey’s
A 1,300-seat outdoor venue next to the San Diego Bay that draws a high-profile annual lineup covering rock, folk, jazz, blues, and standup comedy. The season runs mid-May through October; some audience members enjoy concerts floating in a kayak. The rest of the year smaller acts perform in the adjacent restaurant. Tickets from $40. 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Point Loma; tel. +1 619 224 3577. www.humphreysbythebay.com
