The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Nightlife (2024)

By

Mary Beth Abate

Look out for: drinks to send you to outer space.
After successfully launching the wildly popular Forbidden Cove adjacent to Kilowatt Brewing’s Kearny Mesa tasting room, the owners decided to open The Space Pad alongside the brewery’s Oceanside taproom. In an about-face from Forbidden Cove’s beloved tiki theme, The Space Pad features futuristic co*cktails that employ molecular tricks and treats like color changes, pearlized surprises, jelly textures, and smoke bubbles. A state-of-the-art lighting and sound system simulates alien abductions and other paranormal events, and ordering a particular drink could trigger an interactive experience like a visit to a tropical paradise or a mock liftoff. Also on the menu are Kilowatt beers, an absinthe fountain, and a seafood-centric bar menu.

Look out for: Lions and tigers and bears.
The San Diego Wild Animal Park’s popular Roar and Snore sleepover event gets an R-rated makeover once a month with Adults Only Roar and Snore Safari Night. Like its kid-friendly counterpart, you’ll have guided hikes, campfire chats, plenty of animal viewing, snacks, dinner and breakfast the next morning, plus, unlike the kiddie version, there’s a cash bar serving beer and wine, and the behind-the-scenes info takes a decidedly naughty turn. Tent options range from a basic five-sleeper with pads for your sleeping bags to a deluxe four-sleeper glamping experience with a queen-sized bed and two cots, linens and pillows, and electrical outlets.

Look out for: a time warp.
You’ve probably already snapped a rubber glove and thrown toast at a screen, but Crazed Imaginations gives you the ultimate Rocky Horror Picture Show experience befitting their reputation for being raunchy, offensive, crude, silly, loud, and sexy by shadow casting the film - acting out the parts live while the movie plays in the background. Of course, audience participation is encouraged, and “virgins” (first-timers), are welcomed beforehand with games and other rites of passage that are only slightly embarrassing. Prior to the show, head to the merch table for a prop bag, then grab some popcorn, a seat near the stage and get ready to shout “Asshole!” and “slu*t!” at all the appropriate moments. See the show every Friday at La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas. Good karma note: The live performers are unpaid actors, so throw a nice tip into the golden hat as you leave.

Look out for: 5 indoor/outdoor bars for maximum imbibing.
Partying at the beach is a rite of passage in San Diego, and just steps from the waves in Pacific Beach, Mavericks Beach Club is a bar, nightclub, entertainment complex, and outdoor beach party all rolled into one. Their five full bars keep the liquor flowing every day of the week with weekday happy hours, Taco Tuesday, Wednesday Trivia, and Thursday Comedy Nights. In the nightclub, enjoy bottle service and dance the night away, then between songs, roam through their expansive 15,000-square-foot venue with different spaces and vibes for every type of partygoer. With various DJs stationed throughout the venue every weekend night, there’s never a dull moment at PB’s favorite party destination.

Look out for: of-the-moment co*cktails that range from spirit-forward and tropical to spiced and smoky
“Hidden” speakeasies were getting to be a rather tired concept, but Realm of the 52 Remedies has breathed new life into the idea, starting with the door situated in plain sight at the back of Kearny Mesa’s Common Theory Public House. Behind it lies The Apothecary, a futuristic white space with gleaming jars of exotic herbs and tonics and merchandise for purchase. Then, you’ll maneuver through a final passageway, courtesy of master “hidden entrance” designer Michael Soriano, into an opulent Art Deco masterpiece fused seamlessly with Korean and Chinese elements. A long, jade bar gives you a front row view of the mixology magic, while private booths are cast in flattering, flickering light.

Look out for: the next Olympic ice skater (you).
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at UTC Ice Sports Center, located next to the food court inside Westfield UTC. Evening public skating sessions are available in two-or two and a half hour sessions every Friday and Saturday, and include four hours of free parking with validation, so you can glide to your heart’s content, then grab dinner at one of UTC’s cafes, coffee shops, or fine dining restaurants. Rental skates are included, and helmets and lockers are available for a few bucks more.

Look out for: a scratch-made dinner and co*cktail menu.
We could all use a good laugh these days and San Diego’s funniest venues are perfect for finding the humor in life. Mic Drop Comedy took over the space formerly occupied by local favorite Comedy Palace, continuing its emphasis on diversity and supporting local talent, with 90-minute shows performed Thursdays through Sundays. Their event calendar conveniently color codes the type of show and whether it's in the Main Room (200+ seats), Gold Room (an intimate 50 seat room), clean shows, special events, and Comedy School where aspiring comics can polish their skills. There’s even Stand Up for Kids 8–15 years old, a six-week workshop where your little smart aleck can develop a five-minute set of their own.

Look out for: First Fridays.
Stroll through the trendy Liberty Station Arts District on the first Friday of every month and you'll get to meet working artists, enjoy dance, theater, improv and music performances, and visit museums and galleries. For a map and monthly program, look online or stop by the Dick Laub NTC Command Center’s information desk, then wander through the various buildings and open spaces. Cap the evening off with co*cktails from The Bar at Moniker General, followed by dinner at Buona Forchetta, Solare, Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, or several other solid choices within easy walking distance.

Look out for: a moonlit cruise on the harbor.
What could be more romantic than viewing San Diego’s glittering skyline from the water, beneath a luminous moon? Board City Cruises’ signature San Diego Sights & Sips Cruise, Dinner Cruises or Best of the Bay Harbor Tour to enjoy a variety of different options, from co*cktails at sunset to a three-course premier plated dinner.

Look out for: a drag queen crushing a Celine Dion tune.
Join the fun at one of Hillcrest’s most popular gay bars, Urban Mo’s, for Showtunes Spaghetti Tuesdays. Just $7.50 gets you all-you-can-eat spaghetti and a sing-a-long to musical treasures from your favorite TV, movie and stage productions from 6 pm to 10 pm, with pop-up dance videos from 10 pm to close. Wash it all down with $6 Black Lemonades and Skyy Vodka co*cktails from 6 pm to close. Other themed nights at Urban Mo’s include Karaoke Sundays, Gayme Night Mondays, Trivia Nights, drag shows, and a monthly Country Night.

Look out for: San Diego’s crankiest drag queen.
As with many cities around the U.S., lesbian clubs are sadly lacking in San Diego, but the Nicky Award-winning Gossip Grill remains a friendly, all-inclusive meeting spot where the ladies always outnumber the boys. There’s a full patio bar and restaurant for day drinking, brunching, and cozy dinners around the fire pits and after dark they transform into a nightclub where you can dance yourself silly until the wee hours. Something’s going on nearly every night of the week, like Bingo Gone Bonkers hosted by the infamously cranky Mariam T on Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursday featuring $4 drinks, and Finger Me Friday with rotating DJs.

Look out for: shooting stars.
The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park hosts two planetarium shows, one at 7pm and again at 8:15pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Called The Sky Tonight, the program is narrated by one of the Fleet’s astronomers. Each hour-long program focuses on a different topic, such as “Mars Mission Updates” and “Dwarf Planets”. Free telescope viewing with the San Diego Astronomy Association available outside after the shows, weather permitting.

Look out for: spirited pole dancing classes.
Join Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center for Sunday Salsa, and learn salsa, bachata, and kizomba from expert instructors, then show off your moves during social dancing with DJ Mambo. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and you don’t need a partner to join the fun. Or, try out dance classes like Lindy Hop (Tuesdays), Line Dancing (Wednesdays) and Queen Bee’s uber popular Pole Buzz, with daily classes in multiple skill levels. The community-minded venue also hosts concerts, art shows, vintage markets, poetry slams, spoken word programs, open mic nights and more. Check out their calendar for upcoming events, including their 20th annual San Diego Beatles Fair, with 12 hours of nonstop music, tribute bands, Beatles merch and food and beverage vendors.

Look out for: Ariana Grande-themed shows.
Dinner and a show takes on a whole new meaning at San Diego’s favorite drag club, Lips, in North Park, where the servers are also the performers. Each night at Lips has a different theme, from Tantalizing Tuesdays hosted by San Diego drag icon Paris Sukomi Max in the funniest show of the week, to Bitchy Bingo Wednesdays and Friday and Saturday’s over the top Glitz and Glamor shows. All Lips patrons must be at least 16 years or older (second seatings on Friday and Saturday evenings are 18+) and reservations are recommended for all shows.

Look out for: the stress-relieving rage room.
If yoga and meditation aren’t doing it for you, have a go at a different kind of stress relief and visit AxeVentures in North Park, one of several new tomahawk axe throwing venues that have popped up across the county. The idea is pretty straightforward: book a lane online or walk in anytime, learn the ropes from one of the coaches, and spend the next hour or so perfecting your technique. You can also vent your frustration in a Smash City Rage Room, or just play Corn hole, giant Jenga and Connect Four. Thursday nights feature Dark Light Axe Throwing, when the lights go down and the blacklights provide an Instagrammable date night. Safety note: Closed toe shoes are required.

Look out for: a fantastic vinyl collection.
A dual concept listening bar and record shop, Part Time Lover is a visually dazzling room with an open layout for optimal sound, cushy seating, a custom sound system built by Chicago-based Uncanned Music, and music chosen by San Diego’s own Folk Arts Rare Records store. A casual, communal space, Part Time Lover allows guests to enjoy co*cktails while listening to music, shopping for records and talking to fellow patrons. The bar program revolves around drinking simply and affordably, with the primary focus being Japanese American highballs, featuring drinks like the In Kaiju — a cooling, refreshing neon-green melon and mint inspired beverage — made with Japanese Vermouth, a touch of aquavit, and a tiny splash of lemon, married with highly carbonated sparkling water from the bar’s in-house system.

Look out for: some high-quality spirits.
Roma Norte, a new bar concept by the acclaimed team behind Puesto and Marisi, brings a much-needed addition to The Headquarters in Seaport Village and San Diego’s nightlife scene. Drawing inspiration from the electric energy, hospitality and world class co*cktail culture of Mexico City, vice president of bar and spirits, Beau du Bois and director of bar logistics, Derek Cram have developed a vibrant co*cktail program that reflects their decades of experience and mutual obsession with high-quality spirits. For a menu of eight technique-driven co*cktails, as well as four non-alcoholic beverages, du Bois and Cram utilize techniques such as forced carbonation, nitro muddling, clarification via centrifuge and lacto-fermentation, as well as drawing on Latin American spices and botanicals and a variety of spirits. Reflecting the essential spirit of the bar program, chef Erik Aronow has crafted an accompanying food menu of playful small plates and late-night bites.

Look out for: surprisingly delicious food options.
The Rady Shell, San Diego’s stunning outdoor bandshell on Embarcadero Marina Park South, is home to the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, as well as host to productions and performances ranging from John Legend to the Gipsy Kings, to cult classic musical scores performed by the symphony. With 13,000 square feet of performance and backstage area, The Shell can accommodate elaborate productions, while the enhanced levels of seating give nearly every spot a clear view of the stage. Food and beverages are available from local faves like Lola 55, Urban Kitchen, Biga, KItchens for Good, and Chef Richard Blais’ Blais by the Bay, an upscale pre-order dinner menu available in select sections.

Look out for: the elevated concessions stand.
Rooftop Cinema Club provides the ultimate outdoor film experience perched atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s fourth floor rooftop. Offering multiple daily showings of cult favorites against a backdrop of stars and panoramic views of downtown San Diego, it’s more than just movies with a view. State-of-the-art wireless headphones and comfy, adjustable deck chairs with ample leg room let you sit back and enjoy the show in style. Upscale concessions include craft brews, movie-themed co*cktails and elevated theatre fare like poke nachos and Mediterranean chicken wraps.

Look out for: the array of vintage games.
Hang out and play arcade games in a grown up atmosphere at Coin Op Game Room in the East Village. This “barcade” features old school games like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Mortal Kombat with the added allure of craft co*cktails, punch bowls, a dozen or so beer taps, and inventive twists on classic bar bites. There’s also vintage pinball, Skee-Ball machines and Super Shot Basketball games. Show up on the first Sunday of the month for free play all day, or weekdays from 4–6 pm for happy hour deals on drafts, co*cktails and appetizers. 21+ only.

Look out for: the hidden speakeasies.
Neighborhood was way ahead of its time when it opened in San Diego’s East Village in 2007. Offering niche brews and approachable pub food, offering a rotating selection of tasty barroom bites like the Blooming Onion, Sausage Platter, Pierogies, and the OG Hood Burger, over a dozen beers on-tap and a list of classic co*cktails, plus a retail area where diners can purchase rare and specialty brews from San Diego and beyond. Whimsical and fanciful in design, Neighborhood is also home to Noble Experiment and Youngblood, two “hidden” speakeasies within the walls, making it a triple threat among San Diego’s nighttime destinations. Noble Experiment, which helped launch San Diego’s reputation as a co*cktail destination, is accessed by stepping through the secret door and down a mirrored hall, where guests emerge into a swanky co*cktail den. Dimly lit and intimate, the space encourages conversation and lingering over expertly-crafted drinks. No two visits will be the same as the co*cktail team does not follow a typical menu, opting instead to allow patrons to dictate their drink selections based on their likes and wants. Youngblood, named as one of the 50 Best Bars in North America by 50 Best’s list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023, adds to the mystique with a prix-fixe, sanctioned hour and a half long personalized adventure in which patrons share their drink preferences and expert bartenders deliver a series of three hand-crafted, individualized co*cktails in return. Each drink is based on a multi-course experience, beginning with an “appetizer”, which delivers something light and refreshing, followed by something a bit heavier as the “entrée” and finishing with something sweeter as “dessert”, each in co*cktail form, for a distinctive, customized bar experience can’t be compared with anything else. Hours vary for each venue; check the individual website for current day/times.

Look out for: top-notch talent.
The Oxford Social Club, a sophisticated nightclub in Pendry San Diego, features crafted co*cktails, infused drinks and of-the-moment seasonal co*cktails, conceptual lighting and eclectic music with trendsetting national and local deejays. VIP Table service is also available for those wanting a more private experience. Since opening in 2017, the nightclub has elevated the local nightlife scene with headline performances from some of the biggest music stars in the world including Snoop Dogg, Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, Ludacris, DaBaby, Tyga, Trey Songz and more. They also host VIP guests such as Bush, a regular guest of the club and Pendry’s Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine, as well as Sofía Vergara, LeBron James, Jack Harlow, Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jo Koy, Brody Jenner and Chase Crawford to name just a few.

Look out for:live DJ sets.
Enjoy cuisine crafted by Esteban Lluis, a Michelin-starred chef known for his innovative techniques and fresh ingredients at his restaurant Damiana in the Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California Sur. By day, Kaluú is a sleek, sophisticated restaurant serving a menu designed for sharing that includes Tamal Colado, NY Beef Tartare, Tacos de Nada, “Sinaloan Style” Free Range Chicken with Molcajete sauce and Suckling Pig. As the evening progresses, Kaluú transforms into a modern, chic nightclub, featuring live DJs, cutting-edge sound systems, with a vibrant atmosphere perfect for unforgettable nights out with friends. Led by renowned General Manager Tellas Bobo, acclaimed for his work with Flux, Cake, and Oxford Social Club, Kaluú is set to elevate the city's dining and nightlife scene. Kaluú is expected to open the second week of August.

Look out for:karaoke night.
Leave your worries at home and embrace good times and happy vibes at Happy Does Bar, an indoor-outdoor dance club in the Gaslamp that’s named after the song “Happy Does” by Kenny Chesney. Belt out your favorite tunes at karaoke every Thursday, Friday and Saturday or throw down your best at no cover, free game nights Thursday–Sunday. There’s a wide range of places to let loose and enjoy the music, including a dance floor, stage, and expansive outdoor patio. Happy Does also offers a selection of fruit-forward drinks, and a chicken tender-focused menu to satisfy your late night munchies.

Look out for: cozy, retro vibes.
Pile the blankets and pillows into the car and head to South Bay Drive-in Theatre for a double-feature screened every day, all year-round, featuring the brightest, state-of-the-art, full digital quality available on three 100-foot screens. They even have email coupons for food discounts at the snack bar, which has a full complement of treats and goodies from popcorn and candy to carne asada nachos. Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks, but consumption of alcoholic beverages and cannabis aren’t allowed.