Urbanist Guide


Nightlife & Music Venue

COUNTERPOINT 830 25th St.
Mod, stylish, beer and wine bar that has made Golden Hill locals even more proud of their neighborhood.
EL DORADO 1030 Broadway
"The Golden One" = new gold standard for downtown. Quality live/jukebox music, velvet-rope DJ nights, fine craft cocktails.
HAMILTON'S 1521 30th St
If SD is turning into the Craft Beer Capital, this could be our Pentagon. Loud rock, shuffleboard, solid pub grub.
IMPERIAL HOUSE 505 Kalmia St
Grab a booth and a bourbon and prepare to be dazzled by the musical stylings of lounge act legend Rick Lyon.
KEN CLUB 4079 Adams Ave
If you like Gaslamp nightlife, you'll probably hate the Ken Club. That's fine with them. They'll keep on rocking without you.
LIVEWIRE 2103 El Cajon Blvd
Legendary, loud, local. Best punkish jukebox in town, plus draft beers, pint-glass cocktails, and famous 'Frito boats.'
NUNU'S 3537 5th Ave
Young and old flock to this crusty but sometimes awesome Bankers Hill haunt. Stiff drinks, ornery staff, diner snacks.
RED VELVET 750 W. Fir St. #101
Discreet, ultra-classy new hangout for those with advanced tastes.
SMALL BAR 4628 Park Blvd.
There could be more craft beers on tap than seats for patrons at this rocking, new hangout. Era-inspired cocktails too.
SPEAKEASIES 2 spots, our lips are sealed.
SD wasn’t the first city to (re)introduce the ‘secret location with craft cocktails’ concept, but we may have perfected it.
SPLASH 3043 University Ave.
New concept: 72 wines by the ounce, accessed by a plastic card. Just don’t try them all in one night.
SYRAH 901 5th Ave
Designer Micheal Soriano crafts a masterpiece with this sophisticated yet youthful underground wine + cocktail bar in the heart of the Gaslamp.
THE FIELD 544 5th Ave.
Every town needs an Irish Bar and The Field is SD’s most authentic. When ya need a Pint or a Whiskey look no further.
THE OFFICE 3936 30th St
Forget business casual. This smart North Park bar is all about suave style and fun on the dance floor.
THE TIN CAN 1863 5th Ave.
Can you have fun here? Yes you can. New small venue focused on quality beers in cans and live, local indie bands.
TORONADO 4026 30th St
They know craft beer better than anyone. Maybe the best selections in SoCal. Sunny back patio and good food, too!
VIN DE SYRAH 901 5th Ave.
Chic Alice in Wonderland themed interior is among the best in SD. DJ nights + specialty cocktails = much more than a wine bar.
VOYEUR 755 5th Ave
Go-Go dancers and a giant LED wall get this place bumpin. The best place to catch DJ talent and shake your bum in SD.
WINE STEALS 1243 University Ave
Rapidly expanding wine bar concept for winos who'd rather drink than pontificate. Good pricing as the name implies.
WINE VAULT 3731 India St #A
Tough to find but easy to love wine bar and eatery that couldn't be more romantic. Check the calendar for special events.
WIT'S END 420 Robinson Ave.
Tiny watering hole known for craft beer, cool bartenders, DJ nights, karaoke and good eats.