When day turns to night and you’ve just finished posting the perfect photo of the day’s San Diego sunset, there is still more waiting for you under the moonlight. No matter your area of town, San Diego is constantly raising the game when it comes to bites, bars and all-around good spots to boogie. There’s a vibe for every night owl on any given day of the week, and we rounded up our top nine late-night spots to sip and savor! Take a dive into the diverse nightlife scene of San Diego, taking you everywhere from casual to classy.
Experience full southern comfort at Louisiana Purchase, North Park’s intimate French Quarter-inspired restaurant. Coming all the way from New Orleans, head chef Quinnton Austin brings his Cajun-style expertise to San Diego to create a flavorful “Big Easy” dining experience. Get the party started with a Pop Rock-garnished hurricane drink to go with all the comfort feels that accompany a plate of garlic cheddar biscuits. If you’re a Friday-night fiend, you’ll be happy to know Louisiana Purchase hosts an exclusive Friday night Supper Club from 9 p.m. to midnight. This weekly event features a limited food menu, cocktail menu and bottle service packages. VIP tables are accepted as well while supplies last!
One thing’s for shore: it’s impossible to have a bad time at PB Shore Club. Here, you can enjoy an ocean breeze from open to close as you try your best to avoid the brain freeze from one of their famous Red Bull vodka slushies. Dig into classic bar bites like tater tots and taco plates to keep your fuel levels high all night long.
Find a taste of Spain in your own backyard at Cafe Sevilla, a hidden gem in downtown San Diego. Specializing in Spanish cuisine with an ambience reminiscent of the bustling streets of Seville, this upbeat restaurant offers everything from tasty tapas to yummy paella and fresh sangria. If you’re looking to stay a while, you’re in luck: Cafe Sevilla has live music almost every night of the week!
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
As the sun goes down, head to Werewolf American Pub in the Gaslamp Quarter to unleash your wild side. Don’t let the casual, divey atmosphere fool you; the food is everything your late-night cravings desire. Head up to the bar from 3 p.m.-close, Tuesday through Saturday, to get a taste of their classic nighttime menu of burgers and share-plates as you sip your cocktail of choice.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
An open-air concept meets the craft cocktails of your dreams at Kettner Exchange, Little Italy’s staple eatery with architecture paying homage to San Diego founder William Kettner himself. Grab a few shareable plates with a proper beverage, and then take in the upscale yet laid-back atmosphere, complete with secluded cabanas and eclectic vintage lounge pieces.
Crafted for cocktails and comrades, Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce has become a popular neighborhood locale. Prepare for a night full of New American fare and delectable craft cocktails to help you kick back and stay a while. In a space filled with books, quotes and ferocious taxidermy scenes (no, really), we’re sure you’ll feel right at home. Shhh, there's a speakeasy, too -- Craft & Commerce has a hidden tiki bar attached to it called False Idol!
Disco and dine all night long at Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge, a Pacific Beach hotspot with an upstairs patio overlooking the pier. Enjoy elevated American cuisine paired with the cocktail of your dreams in a casual lounge-like setting. Once you’ve indulged, head right upstairs to find your groove with Firehouse’s live DJ house music on Thursday through Sunday nights.
Quickly feel as if you’re attending an exclusively royal dinner at The Lion’s Share, a moody bar specializing in New American plates and exotic meats. As the name suggests, the menu is carnivore-focused, serving everything from oysters to frog legs. It’s the perfect spot to stay and sip a while as you go out on a limb and order something you’ve never tried.
