After Dark Nightlife Guide A-Z

Amaya La Jolla
Proven favorite local musicians and several new-to-Amaya La Jolla entertainers “grace the stage” at the restaurant’s Lounge nightly from 7-11pm. Spend the evening sipping Caramel Apple or Autumn Leaves seasonal cocktails. The month’s lineup includes Jon Sandoval, Rick Ross, The Mark Fulton Band, Acoustic Blue, Mark Leesman Band, and many more. (www.amayalajolla.com)

The Air Conditioned Lounge 
As providers of nightly entertainment, dancing, and DJs, The Air Conditioned Lounge boasts retro décor with bright colors and ’70s flair. Reserve one of the bottle service rooms with VIP service for a special occasion. (www.airconditionedlounge.com)

Bang Bang
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Bang Bang is the brainchild of El Camino Little Italy owner and designer Mauricio Couturier and Voyeur co-founder and partner Johnny Shockey. Evoking an Asian street market feel, Bang Bang’s menu created by Executive Chef Jose Ruigomez showcases the greatest hits of Asian cuisine with approachable and playful dishes. A separate sushi bar offers unique specialty roll creations paired with a wide sake selection. (www.bangbangsd.com)

Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant 
This casual concept restaurant is the mastermind of three-time James Beard Award nominee Carl Schroeder (Market Restaurant) and restaurateur Terryl Gavre (Cafe 222, ACME Kitchen, Market Restaurant). Bankers just recently rolled out its new Late Night Happy Hour Program from 9:30-11pm Monday through Friday with the appointment of bar manager Christian Siglin, previously of Craft & Commerce and The Neighborhood. Take advantage of $3 and $5 food specials with smaller portions of customer favorites, including the BH Cheese Burger Slider, BBQ Braised Pork Taco, Deviled Farmers Market Eggs, and the arguably the best Truffle French Fries in town. (www.bankershillsd.com)

 
Belly Up Tavern
Since 1974, the internationally acclaimed Belly Up in Solana Beach has been a go-to local hangout and a major rock venue. Continually voted “Best Live Music” venue by Ranch & Coast readers and heralded as one of the hottest clubs on the West Coast by Rolling Stone Magazine, the 600-capacity nightclub sets the stage for both aspiring musicians and music legends alike. (www.bellyup.com)  

Casbah
With live shows six to seven nights a week, the Casbah is an intimate music venue that offers an enclosed patio, a back room featuring pool tables, pinball, and a full bar, and a state-of-the-art sound system. (www.casbahmusic.com) 

Club M
By day, The Grand Del Mar’s exciting nightclub and restaurant is a great place to meet friends, savor casual Southern California fare, and drink in the beautiful scenery from a sunny patio with specialty cocktail or handcrafted brew in hand. By night, Club M transforms into a sultry hangout where you can mix, mingle and dance the night away with live music and guest DJs every weekend. (www.thegranddelmar.com/club-m)

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge
A craft cocktail lounge and an entertainment venue, El Dorado Cocktail blends high-quality drinks, pool tables, and live performances together under one roof. (www.eldoradobar.com)

Firehouse Swing Dance
Show off your dancing skills and swing into motion. With classes for all levels followed by three hours of social dancing, you’re bound to meet new friends and have a great time. Learn the basics of East Coast, Lindy Hop, and Charleston Swing. (www.swinginsandiego.com) 

Hamilton’s Tavern 
Hamilton’s Tavern is a traditional neighborhood alehouse located in the heart of the historic South Park. (www.hamiltonstavern.com) 

Jake’s On 6^th
Located in Hillcrest, the family-owned Jake’s on 6^th Wine Bar offers adventurous wines, amazing food, and an alluring atmosphere. (www.jakeson6thwinebar.com)

 
Kensington Vine
The Kensington Vine is a retail bottle shop and wine lounge that also offers more than 50 wines by-the-glass, and a a diverse list of appetizers including housemade bruschetta and tapenade. (www.kensingtonvine.com)

The Lion’s Share
Rye whiskey mixed with lemon and dry red wine? The Lion’s Share on Kettner serve up cocktails made with only the freshest ingredients, meticulously crafted. Try the Potato Puffs or Antelope Sliders. (www.lionssharesd.com)

Mad House Comedy Club
Spend the night laughing on the top floor of Horton Plaza. (www.madhousecomedyclub.com)

National Comedy Theater
Try something new and hone your improv skills at the National Comedy Theater in Mission Hills. (www.nationalcomedy.com)

Neighborhood
About to celebrate its sixth anniversary, Neighborhood was inspired by Japanese izakayas and London gastropubs. Pair any of its 27 craft microbrews on tap with menu items such as the Cheddar Corn Dog and the Butter Poached Black Mussels. (www.neighborhoodsd.com)

The Ould Sod
The Ould Sod is a small pub that has been dedicated to providing a true Irish experience since 1989. Have a Guinness, and enjoy traditional Irish music on a Tuesday night. Or go on a Thursday or Saturday and show off your own vocal skills with karaoke. (www.theouldsod.com) 

Patio on Lamont Street
The Patio on Lamont Street is Pacific Beach’s premier dining destination, offering an imaginative farm-to-table menu, creative craft cocktails, locally crafted beer, and an extensive wine list, in a pet-friendly environment. Join in The Patio’s “Oktoberfest” happening; “Halloween” amazing; and its first birthday celebration in November. (www.thepatioonlamont.com)  
 

Quality Social
Savor premium craft beers, artisanal cocktails, and a fine selection of organic and bio-dynamic wines at this downtown hot spot. Try the house-made condiments with a burger or Housemade Pretzel Bites, and wash down your meal with a Pickleback shot. (www.qualitysocial.com)

Rock Out Karaoke
Ever wonder what it would be like to be the lead singer of a live band? Rock Out Karaoke gives you the chance to get your Mick Jagger on and let your inner rockstar out. Visit them on a Thursday night in Pacific Beach, or check their show schedule to see them around San Diego. (www.rockoutkaraoke.com)

Splash Wine Lounge
Located in the heart of North Park, Splash Wine Lounge offers self-dispensing machines that make it easy to try new wines, which can be paired with Charcuterie, a Cheese Plate, or a Baked Brie Wedge. (www.asplashofwine.com)

Starlite
Starlite boasts an extensive bar selection, providing hard-to-find liquors and delicious specialty drinks. Try the Blueberry Swizzle or the Kentucky Colonel. Open for dinner seven days a week, as well as for Sunday brunch. (www.starlitesandiego.com)

The Tipsy Crow
In one of downtown’s most historic buildings, the Spencer-Ogden building, dating back to 1874, The Tipsy Crow offers an array of classic games, entertainment, dancing, and spots to unwind. (www.thetipsycrow.com)

Vin de Syrah
Alice in Wonderland meets Parisian brasseries at Vin de Syrah. Before you even step in (or find the door, for that matter!) you’ll know you’re in for a treat. The botanical décor and eclectic interior design make you wonder if you did, in fact, fall down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland. With a simple food selection of small bites, boards, and treats, Vin de Syrah focuses mainly on offering a variety of drinks. (www.syrahwineparlor.com)

The Waterfront Bar and Grill
The Waterfront Bar and Grill is San Diego’s oldest tavern, having been established soon after the prohibition was repealed in 1933. It began as a small bar and has grown to include a kitchen and live music performances. (www.waterfrontbarandgrill.com)

Zanzibar Cafe at The Loft at UCSD
Zanzibar at The Loft offers lunch and evening bites and beverages at The Loft at UC San Diego, a performance lounge and social crossroads where emerging art and pop culture collide. Enjoy rock, global pop, indie-folk, underground films, late night DJs, comedy acts, performing arts, and more. (theloft.ucsd.edu)