Swank spot with shag carpet, circular booths, and waitresses wearing vintage stewardess uniforms; cover charge after 11pm.
2400 India St.; San Diego, CA; 619-685-3881; www.airportsd.com
Tags:dancing | lounge | dj
The Beachcomber
Once a dive, it’s transformed into the best beach bar and dance club for college students. Don shorts, flip-flops, and T-shirts because this is casual San Diego all the way.
2901 S. Mission Blvd.; San Diego, CA; 858-488-2644
Tags:dancing | casual | college bar
Bourbon Street
For the gay crowd, Rich’s San Diego and Montage may offer great dance floors, but everyone starts their night at Bourbon Street; two outdoor patios and a second room with live DJs.
4612 Park Blvd.; San Diego, CA; 619-291-4043; www.bourbonstreetsd.com
Tags:bar | gay | patio
Sycuan Casino
More than just a gambling destination, Sycuan (30 minutes from downtown) presents major concerts and performers.
5469 Casino Way; San Diego, CA; 619-445-2613; www.sycuan.com
Tags:gambling | live music
Croces
A Gaslamp mainstay, this tribute to singer-songwriter Jim Croce (by his wife, Ingrid) offers the best jazz in town. Make dinner reservation for the best seats.
802 Fifth Ave.; San Diego, CA; 619-233-4355; www.croces.com
Tags:jazz | live entertainment | bar | editor pick
J6 Bar and Lounge
The sexiest lounge in town is poolside at the Hotel Solamar, where partiers mingle, nosh, and drink around fire pits overlooking downtown.
616 J St.; 4th Fl.; San Diego, CA; 619-531-8744; www.jsixsandiego.com
Tags:lounge | patio | swimming pool
Stingaree
This tri-level restaurant/nightclub is the hottest ticket in town, with a strict dress code, rooftop cabanas, dance floor, and VIP areas.
454 Sixth Ave.; San Diego, CA; 619-544-9500; www.stingsandiego.com
Smart Splurge
Great Value
