Loading ...Live music, cheap drinks-find it all at the Stage Bar and Grill
The Rhythm and The Method rocking the Stage Bar and Grill
Walking or driving down 5th Avenue in downtown you might miss this hole in the wall hangout, with all the flashy clubs and restaurants around. But the Stage Bar and Grill is the place to be if you’re looking for live music, inexpensive appetizers and drinks, plenty of room to dance, and no cover charge. Let me repeat that, there is no cover charge every night of the week. The Stage is owned by musicians so music is the centerpiece of this bar.
As soon as you walk in to the bar you’re greeted by the stage at the other end of the room. You’ll see the large bar on the right and a few tables and chairs along the walls. The decor makes you feel as if you walked into an old fashion country saloon decked out with laser lights and some modern touches here and there. Read more
Slightly off the beaten path: Spotlight on Seduction at Red Circle
Last weekend I was slightly disoriented: Upon stepping into the sultry Red Circle Lounge (aptly named for its all red interior), I ran into a blackjack dealer distributing cards to eager highrollers; flashy, sequin-clad VIP hostesses; and a DJ spinning top hip-hop and house mash-ups dressed as Elvis. Just when I had begun to think I had miraculously teleported to Vegas, I realized that I had actually stumbled upon something just as good: a Seduction event courtesy of Entourage Productions – a San Diego party-throwing force in its own right.
Four years ago, San Diego native and entrepreneur Fil Esquibel along with a few of his buddies decided tongue-in-cheek to try their luck by entering a contest. At the time, the HBO series Entourage had just made its initial impact on television, and in honor of the hit show, MySpace hosted a contest in which four friends needed to form their own unique entourage. During the course of the two month challenge, Esquibel and his friends set out networking and forming relationships with promoters, liquor representatives, and thousands of fans-not realizing they were creating a solid homegrown base of local pull. Read more
Slightly off the beaten path, part I: Lesser known bars in San Diego
How does a small bar in San Diego go about making its mark when it’s up against the likes of club behemoths such as Stingaree and Voyeur?
Attempting to stand out amongst such a celebrity crowd is akin to being able to spot the lone misfit in a sea of supermodels – in other words, no one’s even paying attention. The reality is harsh yet the fact remains that San Diego’s nightlife scene is a fickle one – one that is forever coaxing a hefty percentage of club-revelers to only its trendiest of venues, promising that they are the places to see and be seen, with just a tiny print disclaimer that one may need to sacrifice fun for fashion.
However, should there come a night when you simply do not find it in you to deal with long lines, steep covers, or power-tripping bouncers, the good news is that you don’t have to. And you can still have fun… possibly even more fun.
Our fine city is actually teeming with lesser-known treasures that most people walk briskly past – most likely on their way to Sting – without so much as a second glance; however, doing so is definitely to their detriment as these places are not just hosts to the average pre-party, but rather worthy destinations of their own.
We dared to venture off the beaten paths of Hard Rock and Ivy and were ecstatic (and relieved!) to discover an overabundance of smaller bars and lounges that are just as fun and cutting-edge as any of the ‘now’ locales. In fact, we stumbled upon so many- many of which merit their own reviews- that we have had to break this story up into parts in order to effectively spotlight each one.
Here we feature a few:
LoungeSix: This unpretentious yet luxurious tropical get away is located on the roof of Hotel Solamar a
nd can only be accessed via a private elevator from 6th Avenue. It’s a rainforest escape comprised of lush greenery, plush couches, tucked-away cabanas, a shallow water pool, and cozy fire pits- all set against the spectacular backdrop of the city skyline. The bar features only top-shelf spirits as well as fresh, organic bites such as rosemary fries or grilled portabello sliders. The down-tempo electronic soundtrack featuring mostly underground artists and a projector-based movie screen playing vintage film kung-fu fighting scenes give this island retreat the perfect contemporary twist to make it one-of-a-kind. And with no cover, it just may be paradise.
Basic: Don’t let the name fool you. Who knew partying in a former warehouse could be so much fun? Built in the early 1900s, this hip East Village restaurant/bar has kept the original brick walls and high ceilings, lending it a raw, industrial vibe that attracts a hip, fun urban crowd. It features a massive dance floor with an even more massive wooden ceiling fan and DJs spinning hits that will keep you grooving all night long. Did we mention their kitchen serves some of the best and largest thin-crust pizza in town until 2 a.m.? All things considered, we can assure you the hike out to 10th Avenue is more than worth the effort, as basic this bar is anything but.
Candelas: This 3rd Avenue latin-fusion restaurant/bar offers a scene that is as fun as it is elegant. The intimate setting, lively international crowd, and bumping afro-cuban house music unlike anywhere else in town almost make it feel as though you’re at a super nice house party with your closest friends rather than at an upscale downtown establishment with a group of mostly strangers. With breathtakingly beautiful and classic decor reminiscent of an old-style Mexican rat pack haunt, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate world. And once you start shaking your booty to tecnho merengue with a mojito in hand, you won’t be able to help but feel that all’s well with this alternate world.
To be continued!
Best Happy Hours in Town
Folks enjoying happy hour at Firehouse
Ah…the afternoon. The coffee mug can finally be put away and the caffeine high you’ve worked to maintain through the morning can now be neglected. The workday is winding down along with your tolerance for sobriety, and only one thought has your mind’s attention: happy hour.
Yet after a long workday, the last thing anyone wants to do is blow their hard-earned moolah on a couple of drinks and appetizers – especially if happy hour is your tried and true bi- tri- or quad-weekly treat.
Don’t let the big, flashing signs fool you. Not every happy hour is created to bring a smile to your face. Yet there are some places that still honor this American afternoon tradition, welcoming in the herds of decaffeinated zombies who …just…want…a cheap …drink for heaven’s sake!!
I know and I understand. But most importantly, so do these happy hour hot spots sprinkled throughout San Diego.
Downtown’s La Puerta Mexperience
Can you hear it –the raucous crunch of fresh tortilla chips loaded with zesty guac and salsa? Can you taste the mouth-watering spice of a strawberry margarita? La Puerta on 4th Avenue makes sure each guest can have a mexperience (a Latin term for orgasm of the mouth) of their own 3p.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. We’re talking half-off all drinks and appetizers, including carne asada quesadillas chalked full of cheese, tacos, nachos, margaritas and more for four hours. Warning: a happy hour spent at La Puerta cause delusional thoughts of your ability to speak Spanish.
Downtown’s Taste and Thirst
Sorta new to the whole downtown scene, Taste and Thirst is like the new kid in class who hasn’t figured out the politics of the popular kids. Unlike so many of its neighbors, Taste and Thirst doesn’t bloat its prices with bull, nor pretend a pretentious air in efforts to appease what many downtown bars consider the status quo. Taste and Thirst is just plain cool. Every night from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. all drinks are two-for-one, Mondays have .50 cent wings during games and Tuesday you’ll find T-bone steaks, mash potatoes, veggies and beer to be 9.99. Taste and Thirst is as cool as they come. Read more
Downtown pub and blues club: Patrick’s II
Patrick's II (Photo from 'bengt nyman' via Flickr)
Don’t be fooled. By the name, one would expect this to be a typical Irish pub. It is an Irish pub, but they there’s nothing typical here. Patrick’s II showcases some of the finest blues and soul bands around.
The original Patrick’s pub opened its doors in 1933 in the red-light district of downtown San Diego in 1933. Almost right away it became a hot spot for entertainment for locals as well as Navy men and Marines stationed nearby. By the 1970s, downtown San Diego hit an economic downturn which affected many local businesses. Despite the bleak outlook for the area, the Matranga family decided to purchase the pub in 1976.
Four years later, the pub was tragically destroyed by a fire. The owners vowed to rebuild, which is how Patrick’s II was born. They moved next door to the historic Keating Building, where the pub resides today. Needless to say, the pub has survived the times and today is a mainstay in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
After the City of San Diego decided to revamp the run down red-light district, Patrick’s II became the area’s entertainment mecca. The pub was the only place in the new Gaslamp Quarter with live music. As the area grew, the pub’s entertainment offerings expanded, eventually reaching their current format which includes live music every day of the year.
Patrick’s II is known by many as the premier blues club in San Diego. They feature both local and national acts in a comfortable, fun atmosphere. As you walk through the door of Patrick’s, the Irish print above the door, hardwood floors, glimmering bar lights, strangely mingled clientele and grooving blues music would tell you that you’ve just walked into an uncouth collision of two cultures, an ocean apart, yet remarkably comfortable and ridiculously fun.
If you’re looking for an escape from the bumping and grinding of the typical club scene in downtown San Diego, head over to Patrick’s II for some live, charismatic soul music that will be sure to rock your socks off. The musicians are impeccable, the drinks fairly priced, and the music so irresistible I dare you to stay in your seat.
Location:
428 F Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Map
Phone:
(619)233-3077
