While San Diego might be best-known for its miles of beaches and crispy fish tacos, the region’s vibrant nightlife scene runs the gamut from chic nightclubs to laid-back dive bars. Downtown takes center stage when it comes to nightlife, but don’t be fooled: Good times after dark can be found in almost every pocket of San Diego.
Downtown San Diego
San Diego’s Downtown after-dark scene reverberates from the Gaslamp through the East Village, with bars, restaurants, clubs and even adult arcades. Coin-Op Game Room lets you be a kid again, with retro arcade games, adult slushies and such classic bar fare as corn dog bites to round out the experience. The Smoking Gun also offers vintage vibes, and their famous disco-ball punch bowls make happy hour even happier. Barleymash has been a mainstay in the Gaslamp since opening in 2012, and their sprawling location on the corner of Fifth and Market puts them right in the heart of the action, whether you’re looking for a spot to catch the game or a place to chill with friends. For kitschy kicks, check out Trailer Park After Dark, which offers guests the chance to chow down on such classics as the nightly TV dinner specials in private trailers. Vin de Syrah wine bar takes patrons down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland-inspired touches. And The Gaslamplighter takes karaoke to a whole new level on their intimate stage with nightclub vibes.
North Park
Artsy North Park has some of the best dive bars in the city, with Gilly’s House of Cocktails, Redwing and Bluefoot serving up cold beers and maybe some karaoke or pool. North Park is also home to the hip Part Time Lover listening lounge and bar, which doubles as a record store. Head to The Observatory for live music from big-name acts, or spend a whole evening at the newly remodeled Lafayette Hotel and Club. Recently named as Esquire’s Hotel of the Year, the whimsical Lafayette has something for everyone, from upscale Oaxacan cuisine at Quixote to 24-hour elevated diner food at the Beginners Diner. Knock some pins down at The Gutter or catch a show at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, all located at The Lafayette. And of course, you can’t visit North Park without hitting up a craft brewery such as Fall Brewing Co., Modern Times, Belching Beaver or North Park Beer Co.
Pacific Beach
College kids have made Pacific Beach their stomping grounds since before you were old enough to drink. There are the classics, including Firehouse, PB Shore Club, The Local, Tavern at the Beach, and too many more to list. But the newer kids on the PB block, such as Mavericks Beach Club, Waterbar and Flamingo Deck, have breathed new life into the seaside community. If dive bars are more your thing, PB overflows with such spots as 710 Beach Club, The Silver Fox and Open Bar. For country music fans, Moonshine Beach brings up-and-coming country stars to the stage, and tiki lovers flock to The Grass Skirt and its hidden speakeasy, The Captain’s Quarters, en masse.
Little Italy
Speaking of tiki, tucked inside one of Little Italy’s most popular restaurants, Craft & Commerce, is a hidden tiki bar called False Idol offering up elevated, tiki-inspired cocktails with names like Doctor Funk, Singapore Sling and the Luau Scorpion served in kitschy glassware. Nolita Hall offers patrons a large, open-air space with Insta-worthy touches and huge TV screens for your sports viewing pleasure. Coco Maya gets down with palm-inspired décor and one of the best espresso martinis in town. Camino Riviera brings in guest DJs for late-night adventures, but don’t sleep on their Yucatán-inspired menu. And Cloak & Petal serves up inspiring sushi rolls with cheeky art as the backdrop.
North County
North County might be better known as the ‘burbs in San Diego County, but the region also bustles with hotspots dotting the coast. In Encinitas, find SAGO, a sophisticated, jungle-inspired supper club offering tropical cocktails and hot DJ beats. A few doors down is SHELTER, a trendy club complete with a retractable roof for dancing under the stars. And for a more low-key night, The Saloon has been serving up good times since 1934. In Carlsbad, check out Same Same for eclectic late-night eats and drinks, although locals know the Coyote Bar & Grill is the best for people-watching. And further up the coast, in a newly revitalized Oceanside, find local bands tearing it up at Pour House or The Jazzy Wishbone (which hosts a popular comedy series on Thursday nights), or sip on delightful craft cocktails at Frankie’s.