San Diego's Best Off-The-Wall Date Spot 2008

Rock out to headline bands and performers at this intimate, legendary live music and dance venue.

Reviews:

• “RIPP OFF”
• “Haven’t had Jambalaya like this since my last visit to New Orleans”
• “Fool me once, shame on you…..”
• “Awesome choir”

House of Blues San Diego

From cowboys to frat boys, everyone gets in line (dancing) here, the heart of San Diego’s country scene.

Reviews:

• “Great if the drive to temecuala stampede is too long”
• “If you’re an overseas visitor you must come here!”
• “One of the last Country Dance Bars in San Diego… and certainly the best.”

Tips: Wednesday nights are KSON nights, with live radio broadcasts and drink specials starting at 5pm.

In Cahoots

Twin pianos fill the stage, drinks fill the tables, and sing-alongs of familiar choruses fill the bar.

Reviews:

• “Don’t waste your time with these guys – San Diego has plenty of better alternatives”
• “Rude Service”
• “Great during the week….”
• “The Shout! House – Rock n’ Roll, Sing a Long, Dueling Piano Bar – THEY ROCK!”

Tips: Admission is free for the first hour each night. The cover is $5 during the week and $8 on weekends.

The Shout! House or email The Shout! House

Traditional Spanish tapas upstairs with live salsa dancing downstairs; also offers catering and dinner shows.

Reviews:

• “Awesome tapas, intoxicating sangria”
• “Excellent service, curteous professional staff, exciting dinner show, good time was had by all.”

Tips: Happy hours happen Monday to Friday 5pm to 6:30pm, Sunday to Thursday 9:30pm to 11pm and 11pm to 1am Friday and Saturday.

Cafe Sevilla/Sevilla Nightclub

From the sports lounge downstairs to the outdoor beach bar upstairs, there’s something for everyone at this two story downtown hangout.

Reviews:

• “Decent food for a sports bar”

Tips: This is a family friendly establishment except for Friday and Saturday nights after 8pm when the beach bar is reserved for 21 and ups only.

Jolt N Joe’s

Grill your own steaks with fellow in-the-know locals at this venerable, retro dive that separates South Park and Golden Hill.

Reviews:

• “I approve”
• “Best local joint”

Tips: Old-school piano crooners Kevin Cavanaugh and Richard Johnson tickle the ivories to a packed house on alternate Sunday evenings.

Turf Supper Club

Mission Hills dive maintains a clientele of regulars, despite attempted invasions from young local hipsters looking for karaoke.

Reviews:

• “Rude Staff and Karaoke Host”
• “DIVE!”
• “A Great Dive!”

Lamplighter

Martinis, manicures, funky tunes and 1960s beauty parlor kitsch make this retro-inspired hangout a modern day must.

Tips: It’s a popular hangout among some of San Diego’s hippest scenesters, so dress up to stand out in the crowd.

Beauty Bar

Teams of comedians compete in a 90-minute improv show in Little Italy.

Reviews:

• “Brilliantly Funny and Original!”
• “Great fun! Perfect Date-Night!”

Tips: If clean comedy isn’t your thing, call and ask about the occasional midnight shows. No one under 16 is admitted to these adult-oriented nights.

National Comedy Theatre

British pub pleases locals with Continental fare, wide ale selection and good company during soccer season.

Tips: The parking lot is free, but hard ot find. Turn the corner in front of El Indio and enter the lot in back of the restuarant.

Shakespeare Pub & Grille

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