San Diego is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by visiting bars with live music.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, these bars offer a unique experience that is not to be missed. From blues and jazz to rock and pop, there's something for everyone.
What makes these bars special is the live music experience. You get to see and hear talented musicians perform right in front of you, which is a rare treat.
The energy and atmosphere in these bars are unbeatable, and the crowds are always lively and enthusiastic. You can dance, sing along, or just sit back and enjoy the music with a drink in hand.
Another great thing about these bars is that they often feature local musicians who are trying to make a name for themselves.
So, not only are you supporting the local music scene, but you also get to discover new and exciting talent.
Overall, if you're looking for a fun night out in San Diego, you can't go wrong with a bar that has live music.
So, grab some friends, head out to one of these bars, and get ready to have a great time!
1. The Shout! House
The Shout! House is a lively bar with live music that offers a unique experience.
Dueling pianos provide endless entertainment, as talented musicians take requests and engage with the crowd.
The food and drinks are great, and the staff is attentive. It can get busy, so making a reservation is recommended.
If you're looking for a fun night out with great music, The Shout! House is definitely worth checking out.
2. The Field Irish Pub
The Field Irish Pub is a lively spot with classic Irish beers, whiskeys, and authentic pub food. The ambiance is stunning, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
The bar is a great alternative to the flashy downtown scene, and the live music adds to the fun atmosphere.
The outdoor seating is available, and the upstairs window is a perfect spot for people-watching.
The Field Irish Pub is a must-visit for those looking for an authentic Irish pub experience.
3. House of Blues San Diego
House of Blues San Diego is a lively venue that offers a great atmosphere for live music. Visitors can enjoy a variety of genres and the sound quality is top-notch.
The restaurant serves delicious food and the staff are friendly and efficient. The decor and artwork add to the vibe of the place.
The venue can get crowded but it is well-organized and the staff are quick to manage the flow of people.
The bar is conveniently located and offers a good selection of drinks. House of Blues San Diego is definitely worth checking out for a fun night out.
4. Brick By Brick
Brick By Brick is a San Diego venue that mainly features live hard rock and metal bands.
The atmosphere is intimate and supportive of both local and international superstars. The sound is always great, and the staff/security are some of the nicest people ever.
The bar is conveniently located near the floor area. The drinks are a bit expensive, and the parking can be limited.
However, if you are a fan of hard rock and metal, Brick By Brick is definitely worth checking out.
5. The Holding Company
The Holding Company is a must-visit for live music enthusiasts. With a rooftop bar that offers stunning ocean views, this industrial venue is a unique and edgy bar and grill.
The Asian-inspired bites are delicious, and the drinks are reasonably priced. The sound system is top-notch, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
They host big-name acts and also support local and smaller artists, making it a fantastic spot to discover new music.
The only downside is the limited seating, so be prepared to stand for the entire show. All in all, The Holding Company is an excellent place to catch a live show and enjoy a fun night out.
6. Prohibition Lounge
Prohibition Lounge is a stylish, red-hued haunt with a 1930s vibe. The speakeasy features live music and seasonally inspired cocktails.
The small, intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere for patrons to sit back and enjoy the live music. The bartenders know their craft and are happy to suggest a drink.
The strict policy on anti-pickup behavior preserves the intimate feeling of a speakeasy.
The staff, performers, and clientele create a unique vibe that is unlike anything else you will find in the city. If you love speakeasy-style bars, Prohibition Lounge is as authentic as it gets.
7. Winstons Beach Club
Winstons Beach Club is a lively spot for live music enthusiasts. The intimate venue offers an up-close experience with talented local and national artists.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
The dance floor is spacious and well-maintained, allowing patrons to groove to the music without feeling cramped.
The bar also allows outside food, which is a bonus for those looking to enjoy a meal while listening to some tunes. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, Winstons Beach Club is a must-visit spot for a fun night out.
8. The Tower Bar
The Tower Bar is a landmark dive bar that has been around since 1932.
It offers a full bar and live shows, making it a great spot for music lovers.
The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is cozy and intimate.
While it may be a dive bar, it's definitely worth checking out for the unique experience it offers.
9. Aquarius Bar & Grille
Aquarius Bar & Grille is a lively waterfront bar with great live music. The cozy local bar offers a cool island vibe and dog-friendly seating.
The outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying the coastal breeze while watching the sunset over Mission Bay. The Mahi Mahi dishes and burgers are highly recommended, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
The atmosphere, service, and prices are all top-notch. The music ranges from the 60s to 90s, and two different bands play three-hour sets each night.
The bar is a bit small, but there are plenty of comfortable seating options available. Aquarius Bar & Grille is definitely worth checking out for a fun night out with friends or a casual date.
10. El Dorado Cocktail Lounge
El Dorado Cocktail Lounge is a must-visit for those seeking a cool and unique spot for live music and cocktails.
The lounge offers a spacious dance floor and lounge area, perfect for those who want to enjoy the music and vibe. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, and the drinks are top-notch.
The music selection is diverse and changes nightly, so there's always something new to experience.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for a night out with friends or a date. If you're looking for a fun and memorable night, El Dorado Cocktail Lounge is the place to be.
11. Blarney Stone Pub
Blarney Stone Pub is a lively Irish bar that offers live music performances. The cozy vintage interior and friendly staff create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The bar has a decent selection of craft beers and simple drinks, and customers are welcome to bring in food from nearby restaurants.
The regular jazz band on Tuesdays and participatory Irish music add to the already enjoyable ambiance.
The small venue is perfect for live music and the crowd is generally nice. It's a great spot to hang out with friends, grab a drink, and enjoy some live entertainment.
12. Humphreys Backstage Live
Humphreys Backstage Live is a must-visit bar for live music enthusiasts.
With an intimate atmosphere and great food, this venue is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic date. The drinks are made to perfection, and the service is outstanding.
The dance floor is cozy, and the bands are always top-notch, playing a variety of genres from the 70s to the 2000s.
The view of the water is breathtaking, and the outside balcony is a great spot to enjoy the scenery. Whether you're into rock, blues, or funk, Humphreys Backstage Live has something for everyone.
13. Black Cat Bar
Black Cat Bar is a dive bar that offers live music on weekends.
The bar has a great selection of beers on tap and cocktails. The bartenders are friendly and the atmosphere is casual.
The decor is dark and attractive. The bar has pool tables and a jukebox. The cover charge on weekends is reasonable.
The bar is a great place to hang out with friends and listen to local bands.
14. Navajo Live
Navajo Live is a lively bar that boasts of its exceptional live music performances. The relaxed and chill atmosphere is perfect for those who want to unwind and enjoy good music.
The bar features different bands every night, so it's best to check the schedule beforehand. The sound system is impressive, and the drinks are cheap.
Navajo Live is a great place to go on Wednesday nights for the Jazz/Blues jam where local musicians come together to play.
The bar also has a clean men's room and fresh flowers in the restrooms that add a touch of class. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making it a great hangout spot for music lovers.
15. Til-Two Club
Til-Two Club is a cozy dive bar that offers live music, comedy, karaoke, and cocktails. The bar has a long bar and a few booths, providing an intimate atmosphere to watch concerts.
The staff is friendly and the drinks are budget-friendly. The bar also serves vegan food.
The calendar of events is varied, featuring different bands, DJs, and events. The decor is eclectic, with a 50's diner meets nightclub vibe.
Although the bar is located in a sketchy neighborhood, the bathrooms are surprisingly clean. If you're looking for a fun night out with great music and drinks, Til-Two Club is definitely worth checking out.
16. Rosie O'Grady's
Rosie O'Grady's is a lively bar with a local feel and fun sports atmosphere. The bar offers a great selection of drinks at reasonable prices.
The music played by Israel Maldonado and his group is top-notch and makes for an enjoyable evening.
The bar has a small but hip crowd, and the live music adds to the fantastic vibe.
Rosie O'Grady's is a great place to grab a drink, snack and listen to live music.
17. Sycamore Den
Sycamore Den is a funky retro bar with live music and a cozy atmosphere. The sunken seating area and vintage decor give off a distinct 70's vibe, making it a unique spot for a night out.
The bar offers a great selection of drinks, including creative cocktails and craft beer.
On busy nights, the energy is high and the live music adds to the excitement.
While the prices can be a little steep, the experience is worth it for anyone looking for a fun and lively night out.
18. Whistle Stop Bar
Whistle Stop Bar is a local dive bar that offers live music, interpretive dancing, and other events. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse crowd.
They have a decent selection of beer and spirits, but only accept cash. The bar has no stage, so performers are at floor level, which can be awkward for some.
Despite this, the sound quality is great and the staff is friendly. The bar is known for its Booty Basement nights and other themed events.
If you're looking for a fun night out with good music and a chill vibe, Whistle Stop Bar is definitely worth checking out.
19. Patricks Gaslamp Pub
Patricks Gaslamp Pub is a historic haunt that offers live music every night of the week.
The small bar has a lot of character and a welcoming atmosphere. The bartenders are friendly and attentive to customers' needs.
The live music can be loud, but there is an outside patio where patrons can enjoy the music and a relaxing atmosphere.
The drinks are reasonably priced, and the bar serves Patty's Irish whiskey, among other drinks and beers. This is a great place to stop for a drink and to find live music in the Gaslamp.
