Top Night Clubs in San Diego

Nunu's Cocktails

This eclectic '60s holdover will give you a warm, cozy feeling reminiscent of that era. Large comfortable booths, a diverse jukebox and a fireplace all combine to bring you back to a slower-paced world. The white Christmas lights, intertwined with ivy, illuminate cowboy pictures and other western artifacts. It is easy to imagine John Wayne, Hugh Hefner or even Frank Sinatra coming in the door. Drinks are moderately priced and the dress code is casual.

O'Hungry's

O'Hungry's is a wildly popular restaurant and bar with a few gimmicks up its sleeve, like the yard-long beer served in a glass tube (the tourists go wild). There is a guitarist most nights of the week. The clientele is varied, but tourists, Navy officers and college students have been known to mingle together. In addition to the yard-long beers, there is a full bar. The menu includes lentil soup, sandwiches, burgers and more.

Kensington Club

This club is a true chameleon. By day, it is an unassuming little bar, a perennial hangout for locals. But by night, the atmosphere is as heavily charged as any of the trendy nightclubs of the downtown swanky scene. Guests dance the night away with live bands on weekends (from country to techno to swing) and weekday night DJs presenting the best in hip-hop. No food is served, but a full bar offers wine, beer and mixed drinks.

The Ould Sod

Possibly the most authentic Irish pub in San Diego, this unpretentious neighborhood bar is gaining a reputation for good music and camaraderie. Like real pubs in Ireland, the music is often rock and roll or even blues. The walls are adorned with old road signs from Ireland, some of them brought back by an Irish priest who has a relative in the neighborhood. The full bar serves up imported beers. Guinness is still king here, though local boy Sam Adams offers some competition.

Java Joe's

This local coffee bar serves much more than cappuccino and espresso favorites. The night spot is home to many local musicians looking for their big break. In fact, the ever-popular singing sensation, Jewel, performed regularly at this local night spot, prior to her mega-stardom. With live entertainment every night (and "open mike" on Mondays), visitors will find that this spot consistently provides a worthwhile experience both in coffee and crowd-pleasing music.

The Shout House

As its name suggest, The Shout House is the place where you can scream, yell and just bellow your lungs out. This club offers unique entertainment. It has a dueling piano bar with talented musicians, who keep the night alive by playing all the audiences' requests. Sing along or just enjoy the night with some drinks and food. The restaurant is also available for private parties, events and receptions.

Hong Kong

Got a craving for Chicken Chow Mein in the wee small hours of the morning? Or maybe you just have to taste an order of Pork Fried Rice? Whatever the reason, Hong Kong fits the bill with good, down-to-earth, tasty, unpretentious fare at fair prices. Recently remodeled, regulars think they took out some of the charm, but the food remains delicious.

Spin

If you like to dance and party all night long, then Club Montage is the place for you. The club houses three levels, five rooms, four bars, pool tables and a rooftop smoking patio that overlooks downtown. One of the rooms features the latest hip-hop tunes. The club's big screen video and monitor walls and laser lighting give the effect of being at a rave. The warehouse-esque building adds to the modern atmosphere. Not suitable for quiet conversation, this club is for the lively party crowd.

The Loft

Loft is a popular gay bar that feels like a family gathering every night of the week, as many neighborhood bars often do. There is a sense of camaraderie here that is truly palpable. The friendly atmosphere is conducive to meeting people and is therefore a pretty serious meeting spot for local gays and lesbians. But the main attraction is the great drinks and the welcoming aura that surrounds the entire place.

Club Rox

This club is one of the most popular night spots in town and for good reason—the dancing is great and the club-goers are dressed to impress. If you just want to get crazy on the dance floor, this is the place. The music is loud and energetic, and everything from techno to hip hop is played here. The spot is not ideal for conversation, but is perfect for upbeat weekend nights. If you dine at Dakota Grill and Spirits, you can receive a pass for the club. There is no cover charge between 9p and 10p.