When the sun goes down, the natives get restless. Many head for their nearest watering hole, while the more sophisticated leave their beachwear behind, freshen up and slip into something slinky, stylish and fashionable. They head to the best nightclubs and start moving to the rhythm of the music. In addition to these recommendations, our many casinos offer the best in top name entertainment, as does Humphrey’s by the Bay and Coors Amphitheatre.

Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego’s historical Gaslamp Quarter is a 16-block area between Fourth and Sixth avenues and Broadway and the waterfront. It’s filled with popular nightclubs, galleries, shops and restaurants. During the day it’s a great place to dine and shop and when the sun goes down it’s the place for bar hopping and dancing.

Bars

The Bitter End, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and F Street, Gaslamp Quarter (619-338-9300). Age: 21+. Cover charge: ($10) beginning at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy 25 different martinis at this very popular cocktail lounge. It has a high-energy dance club called The Underground, a stage for live entertainment and the Onyx bar.

Dick’s Last Resort, 345 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter (619-231-9100). Age: 21+. No cover charge. Open daily 11 a.m.–1:30 a.m., nightclub open till 2 a.m. nightly. Dick’s Last Resort is an unpretentious and unsophisticated yet highly popular bar and restaurant. Live entertainment nightly. Patio dining. Also see Restaurants – American.

The Field, 544 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter (619-232-9840). Age: 25+. This is a 100 percent Irish pub in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Even the bartenders and waiters are authentic Irish! Fun, lively pub atmosphere.

Gaslamp Tavern, 868 Fifth Ave., at the corner of Fifth Avenue and E Street, Gaslamp Quarter (619-239-3339). Age: 21+. This is a great place to meet to enjoy a cocktail, cold beer and tasty tavern-style food. It has a casual atmosphere and eleven high definition plasma TVs featuring sporting events. Sidewalk patio seating. Also see the Gaslamp page.

Dancing

Sevilla Restaurant, Tapas Bar & Club, 555 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter (619-233-5979). Age: 21+. Enjoy dinner and dancing at this Spanish-themed bar and club. They have a popular Gypsy dinner show Sat. ($47.50) and Sun. ($39.50), 7 p.m.–9:30 p.m. in the downstairs nightclub. Also see Restaurants – Spanish.Live Entertainment

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown (619-299-2583). Age: 25+. Open 11 a.m.–midnight. This renowned company’s ninth club features a multi-level music hall. Live national and local performers. Dance floor, bar, café and restaurant.Nightclubs<

Ole Madrid, 751 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter (619-557-0146). Age: 21+. Cover charge ($10). Dance the night away to the latest hip-hop beats at this Spanish-themed resturant and nightclub. It’s in the heart of the Gaslamp and has three levels of dancing.

Onyx/Thin, 852 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter (619-235-6699). Age: 21+. Thin is the modern and sleek upstairs bar/ lounge with downtempo. Onyx is its sister club located underground. It has a cocktail lounge and dance hall, live music and DJs on weekends.

Live Theatre
Arts Tix, 28 Horton Plaza, downtown (619-497-5000). Open Tues.– Thurs. 11 a.m. –6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Closed Sun. and holidays. Buy tickets for live theater and dance performances at 1/2 price for performances the same night as the event.
The San Diego Performing Arts League  sponsors 120 performing arts groups countywide and assists with advance and same-day ticket sales at half-price. Arts Tix North is open Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.5 p.m. It is located in the offices of the San Diego North Convention and Visitors Bureau at 360 North Escondido Blvd. in Downtown Escondido next to the California Center. 

Coronado

Il Fornaio, 1333 First Street, Coronado (619-437-4911). Winner of the San Diego Restaurant Association’s 2006 Gold Medallion Award for “Best Italian Casual Dining.” Talented Chef Mark D’orci and his staff have created one of San Diego’s most romantic bay-front restaurants.

Downtown

Bars

Top of the Hyatt at the Hyatt Hotel, 1 Market Pl., Downtown (619-232-1234). Age: 25+. This bar on the 40th floor of the Hyatt Hotel offers the best view of San Diego, the Bay and Coronado.

Yard House Restaurant & Bar, 1023 Fourth Ave., Downtown (619-233-9273). Age: 21+. No cover charge. The Yard House is famous for its distinctive oval-shaped bar featuring over 100 beers on tap. It’s noisy, trendy and fun and perfect for groups. Dance club downstairs featuring hiphop and top 40.

Live Classical Music

San Diego Symphony at the Copley Hall, 750 B St., Downtown (619-235-0804). The winter performances are held in the historic Copley Symphony Hall. More than 100 concerts are performed each season. The popular San Diego Symphony Summer Pops, which is held at Embarcadero Marina Park South, will feature performances by Marvin Hamlisch, Dionne Warwick, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., Burt Bacharach and Melissa Manchester. The Friday and Saturday pop performances will run June 27 through September 6 beginning at 7:30 p.m. There will also be special Thursday and Sunday night concerts. For the complete schedule visit their web site. (www.sandiegosymphony.org).

Dinner Theatre

Mystery Cafe, at the Imperial House Restaurant at 505 Kalmia St., Uptown (619-544-1600). Admission is Fri. ($56.50) and Sat. ($59.50). Performances begin at 8 p.m. sharp so get there on time. Tickets are held at the door. Winner of "Best Dinner Theater" by San Diego Magazine and "Best Murder & a Meal" by the San Diego Reader. This fast-paced murder mystery theater features a four-course dinner along with improvisational comedy. (www.mysterycafe.net)

Dinner Cruises
Hornblower Nightly Sunset Dinner Cruises, 1066 N. Harbor Dr., at the Embarcadero, Downtown (619-686-8715). Age: 30+. Dinner cruises nightly 7 p.m.–10 p.m. starting at ($58.95). Reservations recommended. Boarding begins a half hour before cruises. For $5 off Dinner Cruises, use their discount coupon in the SAN DIEGAN for up to 6 people! Private Events. Full bar. Also see Restaurants – Dinner Cruises.

San Diego Harbor Excursion Dinner Cruise, 1050 N. Harbor Dr., at the foot of Broadway, Downtown (619-234-4111). Age: 30+. Boarding time is 7 p.m. Nightly dinner cruise 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m. ($55–$74 latter price includes unlimited bar). Prices are ($5) more on Fri. and Sat. You can save 25 percent off your dinner cruise with their discount coupon in this book. Offer good up to 6 persons. Full bar. Also see Restaurants – Dinner Cruises.Karaoke

The Lamplighter, 817 W. Washington St., Hillcrest (619-298-3624). Age: 21+ Open 6 a.m.–2 a.m. daily. Karaoke 9 p.m.–2 a.m. daily. Everybody has fun at this award-winning karaoke bar. Some of their awards include “Best Karaoke/Song Selection” in 2001 by Karaoke Star magazine; “Best Karaoke” by AOL City Guide, City’s Best 2005; and “Best Karaoke Bar” 2003 by San Diego Reader.

On Broadway, 615 Broadway, downtown San Diego (619-231-0011). Age: 21+. Cover charge ($15–$25). This is the largest nightclub in San Diego with five different themed-rooms. Each has its own ambience and music, which ranges from rock, house and hip hop to top 40 and oldies. A hip, young crowd fills this club every weekend.

Stingaree, 454 Sixth Ave., at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Island Street, Downtown (619-544-9500). Age: 21+. Cover charge ($20). Stingaree is one of San Diego’s newest nightclubs. It’s a three-level, 22,000 sq. ft. Las Vegas-style club. Spacious rooftop patio bar with a glass crystal fire pit.Pubs

Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant in the Holiday Inn, 1355 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown (619-234-9977). This restaurant has a definite British feel. Have a cold ale while you dine on your favorite British dishes.

Shakespeare Pub & Grille, 3701 India St., Middletown (619-299-0230). This authentic British pub and restaurant is a local favorite. It’s a great place for a filling meal with friends.

Pacific Beach & Mission Bay

Bars
RT’s Longboard Grill, 1466 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach (858-270-4030). Age: 21+. Open daily 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., bar open till 2 a.m. Happy Hour 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Casual beach bar with 12 brews on tap. It’s a natural magnet for good food and fun, or for watching your favorite game. Live music five nights a week. Outdoor patio.

Fred’s Mexican Cafe, 1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach (858-483-8226). Age 21+. Open 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. daily. Enjoy cold margaritas and a large tequila selection at this popular restaurant and bar. Sidewalk patio. They also have locations in the Gaslamp Quarter at 527 Fifth Ave. (619-232-8226) and Old Town at 2470 San Diego Ave. (619-858-8226).

Miller’s Field, 4465 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach (858-483-4143). Open Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-2 a.m. ($5.95-$16.95). This is the best place to watch your favorite sporting event in Pacific Beach. With two huge bars, a rooftop deck with amazing ocean views and more than 25 high definition TVs, this place is absolutely packed on game days. The friendly atmosphere, excellent food and great sports coverage make Miller’s Field the place to go for game day. Upstairs patio and bar available for special events.

Bars
Tap Room Beer and Pizza Point, 1269 Garnet Ave. across from Henry’s Marketplae supermarket, Pacific Beach (858-274-7014). This restaurant bar features only local award-winning microbrews, plus wine and Vodka martinis. These excellent microbreweries include Karl Strauss, Stone Brewing Co., Ballast Point, Pizza Port, Green Flash and AleSmith. Complementing this host of delicious beverages are more than a dozen flat-screen TVs where you can watch your favorite sporting event.

The Pennant, Sports Bar, 2893 Mission Blvd., So. Mission Beach (858-488-1671). Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. with ($2.50) domestic draft bees and ($3) single wells. This South Mission legend has been a favorite with locals and visitors alike for 58 years. Enjoy a frosty beer on the sunny rooftop patio or watch the big game on one of their many big screen TVs. This is the epitome of the San Diego Beach bar!

Mission Valley/Kearny Mesa

Dancing
In Cahoots, 5373 Mission Center Rd., Mission Valley (619-291-8635). Age: 21+. Line dance at San Diego’s number one home of country music. Free country dance lessons five nights a week. Large outdoor patio.

94th Aero Squadron, 8885 Balboa Ave., San Diego (858-560-6771). Age: 21+. Call for event info.

Piano Lounge
Albie’s Beef Inn, 1201 Hotel Circle So., Mission Valley (619-291-1103). 45 year legend draws diners for their great food and popular piano bar. Live entertainment in the piano bar Tues.-Sat. starting at 6:30 p.m. They also have a great happy hour Mon.-Fri., 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m. with double well drinks and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Kelly’s Steakhouse & Irish Pub at the Town & Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle N., Mission Valley. (619-291-2232). This lively piano bar hosts nightly sing-alongs and serves some of the best slow-roasted prime rib you’ve ever tasted.

Hillcrest

Bar
Cafe Eleven, 1440 University Ave. (619-260-8023). A Legend for wonderful Happy Hours is Cafe Eleven Restaurant & Bar, from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. each weekday they feature $3 drinks, dollar margaritas, shrimp cocktails and lots of happy hour munchies. Often their Happy Hours are so popular that they flow over onto their inviting outdoor patio. They are also a great dining destination. So come for drinks and stay for dinner.

North County

Bar
Coyote Bar & Grill, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. in the Village Faire Shopping Center (760-729-4695). Age: 30+. Open daily from 11 a.m., bar is open until 12:30 a.m. Sun.–Thurs. and till 2 a.m. Fri. and Sat. Listen to live music while you dance under the stars. Fire pits on the patio and entertainment nightly. Extensive tequila list.
Dini’s Bistro By the Sea, 3290 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad (760-434-6000). In addition to being a great place to dine, Dini’s is definitely one of the liveliest and most popular cocktail lounges in all of North County. And if you’re a sports fan that enjoys camaraderie, pretty girls and lots laughter, this is the place.

Lounge
Monterey Bay Canners, 1325 N. Harbor Dr., Oceanside (760-722-3474). Great Happy Hour daily specials 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Lounge open Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight, Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m., Sun. 9:30 a.m.-midnight. Call for entertainment schedule.

Dancing
The Alley, 421 Grand Ave., Carlsbad (760-434-1173). This small dance joint only serves beer, wine and liquor. Karaoke Tue.–Wed. Live top 40 and pop music Thurs.–Sat. from 9 p.m.

Ocean House at Carlsbad Village, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad (760-729–4131). Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-6 p.m. DJ and live music on varied nights.

Pub Tom Giblin’s, 640-A Grand Ave., Carlsbad (760-729-7234). You’ll get into the spirit of the Old Sod at this an authentic Irish pub. They have 12 premium draft beers and a range of Scottish and Irish whiskeys.
Il Fornaio, 1555 Camino Del Mar Suite 301,
Del Mar
(858-755-8876). Winner of the San Diego Restaurant Association’s 2006 Gold Medallion Award for “Best Italian Casual Dining.” Talented Chef Mark D’orci and his staff have created one of San Diego’s most romantic ocean view restaurants.

East County

Late Night Dining
Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo (866-794-6244). For great food in between games, dine at The Golden Grill at the Golden Acorn Casino. See Restaurants. While at the casino, be sure to use their discount coupon in this book! Also see the San Diego’s Casinos page.