I feel like Brick by Brick is the equivalent to your creepy, 'rocker' uncle who used to be in a band on the Sunstrip Strip in the early days of hair metal. He still has the passion, but his buttcheeks are sagging, he's got a beer gut, and his flowing locks resemble a lone tumbleweed heading east through the sands of Salton Sea. I think it goes without saying that Brick by Brick has seen it's glory days... but they still chug along and provide some pretty fun nights. It seems like 'Canes and the Brick are pretty hell bent on this whole cover band craze, as easily 4 nights out of the week are dedicated to bands trying their damnedest to sound just like Ted Nugent or Foreigner. Last night was no exception. Saw Deeper Purple (Deep Purple cover band) and this new buzzworthy group of ladies called Chelsea Girls. The latter consisted of members of Hole, Nashville Pussy, The Donnas and Eagles of Death Metal... while Deeper Purple was essentially the creepy uncle I described earlier in this review. Good times, but like doing lines of Pixie Sticks, there's only so much I can handle. Chelsea Girls were pretty rad, though. They're from Hollywood and each one of those women could kick my ass. Rock 'n Roll! Keep doin' what you're doin', Brick. You seemed to have carved a niche in the tribute band arena... and about once a year, I'm down for a wild night of cover songs. Just wish it didn't cost $20 to hear recycled arena rock from aging weekend warriors. read more

Its a great venue. Its all standing room, no frills. If you are short, you'll have to listen more than watch, so if that bothers you be warned. But i am short & i found viewing angles & had a great time. I like being on my feet! If you prefer standing, then this place is for you! read more

See all

A nice hole in the wall type place, Nice enough staff and would 100% will come back!!!

Came here to see a co-workers band play. Great venue to see your favorites perform. Parking sucks and beer prices blow...$7 for a draft Corona?! Geez. Didn't stick around after friend finished their set cuz there's cheaper drinks at the couple bars up the street. read more

The layout is pretty bad actually. No idea why so many bigger (strung out, good riddance etc) bands are playin here. (Booze). Sound is ok. They need to move the bar to the back corner and open up the space to accommodate more people as well as a better spectating experience. This place "could" be a prime venue if they'd allocate some funds to a new layout and acoustics. I won't even go see my favorite bands when they play here. San Diego blows for smaller bands (non arena type bands) Bring back the old soma with a bar. But, at least they're trying, I'm assuming, by the bands that are playin here. I will say though that it's pretty rare and bad ass that you can get right up to the stage if you want for a super personal experience (if your band comes through here. And if moshing is your thing, they let it ride here. So I suppose you can't always have tour cake and eat it to. Do your thing brick, just consider a layout change and you'll be well in your way to becoming what old soma might have looked like. (On a smaller scale). read more

Brick By Brick - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

This place will beat you to submission. They will wreck your face to a pulp, it's all fun and games till the bouncer gets balls, he will choke slam you for brunch, yeah sounds cute but in reality it isn't, fuck this venue, fuck their shows and fuck the proprietor. I hope he goes broke oh and also they will steal your passport card. a federal id, I left it with a woman receptionist and the bouncers would not allow me to retrive my federal id. .... fuck them fuck their shows and fuck the proprietor. I hope he goes brok read more

as others have said, this bar has gone through some renovations and looks much more presentable than I remember (I had been a while since I had been there). I've always enjoyed my time here and like how open it is. The back half has a big comfy L couch, some bar tables, pool tables, and in the very back, some arcade games. It's a good place to chill before or in between performances. I've only come to see local artists and bands. I really dig the fact that they support the local scene on a regular basis. They have also hosted the annual Toys for Tots benefit shows in Dec. for many years. Overall, they have a good setup with a large stage and standing/dancing area, and the sound is clear with decent bass. I attended the Deep anniversary celebration (D&B with DJ's and MC's) last friday which was my first electronic show there. I had a really good time! Quite a different experience from the usual rock shows I've seen and again...appreciated the openness of the area. Cover is usually cheap if not free if you show up early. Drinks are decent, ave. bar prices. Parking is never a huge issue in the area. read more

I LOVE this place. This is where I go to get away from the grind of adulting. They have some really good bands play that never seize to amaze me from Dope to Ignite, to D.R.I., to Systematic Abuse, to Exploited, and Soulfly.....We are due for some CLUTCH!!! I've been going there for year's. I don't drink, so I don't hurl, and I can remember the show's which is a bonus. the staff are cool, unless you're a douchebag they won't mess with you. When I can't afford to go to the big and showy tours I can ALWAYS count on the Brick to deliver some killer concert line ups. I would definitely be screwed and San Diego would definitely be a sad music scene without the Brick because it definitely is one of the veins keeping the music scene Alive!!! Thank you Brick for all your Awesome Music Contributions, Keep them coming..... -Sheila E. Hell Cajon read more

My Sister got a gig here with her band and I was able to come to town. Hip hip hooray her first performance. I was so glad I could be there for her! The band Terrible sideshow! I had such a good time and was so proud of my sis! My sister lives in El Cajon and is in a band with her hubby. They both are from Michigan and I love them both to death! As for Brick by Brick I got nothing but love for them. There was a great crowd and they were gracious and showed my sister and her band love! The drinks were poured hard and heavy and a good time was had by all. I Only had the one experience here but shall never forget. Long live the Terrible sideshow as well as Brick by Brick.. Bravo ; ) read more

Brick By Brick - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

Brick by Brick security staff the door girl/bartender were excellent and very nice,the Venue is fantastic and very comforting to those who love Metal/Hard Rock Speed Metal Music. Domination was amazing playing Pantera's material the Damage INC was incredible a fantastic Netallica Tribute Band,the sound people were good and the Bands themselves especially DOMINATION were super friendly and sweet to all audience members. Brick by Brick is an excellent Rock Venue putting to shame some establishments in Los Angeles where you can not park anywhere. San Diego is Lucky Brick by Brick operates here so KUDOS to all the staff at BRICK BY BRICK. Great place to have a drink and listen to great bands. read more

Borderline shithole with an a-okay rotation of artists for metalheads, hip-hop heads and every variant betwixt and between. Heavily inked dudes sporting pot bellies and skull-adorned Vans slip ons. Equally inked chicks sporting tragic rockabilly hair and ten pounds of costume paint. Resident Rockin' Rudy whose music and style game is stuck in '53. Cheap, generously alcoholic drinks. Could be worse. read more

I would give Brick by Brick 4.5 stars if I could. There are two sides to Brick by Brick. Upon entering, to the left is a very intimate stage where you can sit on a bench and listen to a band play just feet in front of you. There are also a couple of pool tables there for you to lose money to your friends. If you go to the right of the entrance you will find a full bar with fast and friendly service and the stage. The stage has speakers on either side of it and a good PA system to make adjustments to the sound. The lighting on the stage is a little dull but sufficient nonetheless. There are tables surrounding the stage for you to sit and enjoy the tunes or play quarters if you are drunk enough. I came here last night for Listenlocalsd.com's Acoustic Alliance. There were 12 performers for the night and they took turns singing a song, all acoustically. I could hear every word they sang and every string that was plucked. The sound quality was excellent. I was really pleasantly surprised to thoroughly enjoy this place. I guess the only downside to Brick by Brick is its shady ass location. Literally it is in the middle of nowhere, I was a bit surprised a bum did not comendere my car while I was inside. Check out who is playing and go down for a show! read more

Circa 1987. The Spirit club was a San Diego institution. This was the place to go to see original San Diego music and enjoy bands that wrote their own songs. Several years later it's now called Brick by Brick and after a long era of catering to the metalistas, it appears to have returned to it's roots and is offering some more diverse and homegrown styles of music. We went there last weekend for the first time in years and had a nice time. Saw some people perform from the 87 era and got to see that the place hadn't changed too much, same blackish walls and dark dive interior. Liked the handy vending machine with a package for 1 dollar that included, Advil, a condom and breath mints. Did not like: Not enough seating and the sound was really mushy, you couldn't hear the words to the songs :(. read more

I'm never a fan of going to shows in SD. Don't ask me why because I likely have no valid reason; I just prefer my usual LA haunts, I suppose. I'd been here one before in 2009 to see Corey Haim perform a few songs with G Tom Mac (the guy who wrote "Cry Little Sister" for The Lost Boys). I remembered it as a bit like Detroit bar, which is essentially a glorified bar with a stage inside. I'm not a big fan of venues that aren't dedicated solely to concerts, but they have their benefits. For one, drinks are usually cheaper. I can get Newcastle on tap here for $5/pint, and they have enough bartenders working that you won't waste much time waiting. I felt like a tard, but the entrance is a little hard to find. It looks like the backdoor to the place. You have to walk past the buses, equipment, roadies and smokers outside to find it. I walked around the damn building twice before realizing where it was. You'd think it would be a little more obvious where to enter, so keep that in mind if you get confused. It's spacious inside. Once you get in, there are some pool tables to the left and a lounge area. That section looked a little seedy, though. Lots of creepy bar hags mingling with guys who are still trying to pull off the aging rock star look in their 40s, maybe 50s. I saw one of them passed out in the corner looking like he was dead. The stage has lots of open space, but it's small enough to provide great views and an intimate setting. You aren't likely to see bands so close as you will here. I saw Butthole Surfers perform last night and they tore it up. Oh yea, and there's plenty of free parking on the street. The area isn't half bad, so I wouldn't worry about someone smashing a window or jacking your ride. It's also right off the freeway. read more

Some of my best memories are at the Brick by Brick. I love this venue. From all the rock shows I've been to here; to the electronic music shows that have happened here. It used to be home to Dragon Lounge, the best drum and bass night around. I've also seen Sneaker Pimps, Trail of Dead, Face to Face, DieselBoy, I could go on forever... The dance floor is big enough, the seating though has changed through the years, always has comfy spacious seating. The bartenders on top of it and friendly, the people that go there eclectic and cool, the decor (always changing), all top notch. Even the bouncers were always pretty cool. I may be biased from the bazillion good times I've had here, but I have never had a bad brick by brick experience. read more

This is a solid venue for watching a cool band about to make it big. Good sound, good crowd, beer flows, good time. Unfortunately, the neighborhood attracts the bare minimum of passersby (read: none). This makes the place not so good for less-known bands. It's not too hard to book a show here, in case anyone is wondering, but make sure you have a lot of fans or you're playing with someone who's a good draw. Translation: want to test just how awesome, unusual, and underground your music taste is? If you have a chance, see your favorite band here. If it's just you and the other bands, congratulations! You are way cooler than the rest of us. Try not to gloat too much around your band though--they may not share your hope that they remain undiscovered. Other than that--parking can be a bitch, but there's a pool table, reclining area, patio, tables... not bad. I'd say I've had more good times there than bad. Check it out next time The Sword comes through. read more

I have been to BxB several times now for extreme metal shows and this place has grown on me. The staff is pleasant and I like the fact that they have a bar with reasonably priced drinks. It's a small venue - which is the best about it - so you can get up and close and enjoy your favorite bands. I'm not a concert expert - but I really wish they gave in-and-out privileges - I would love nothing more than to get there early, grab a drink, watch the opening act, and if I wanted to, step outside to eat a burrito at the place across the street, and then come back to watch the remaining acts. Since I can't do that I have to bring a snack bar. All in all though, great venue! read more

The Cashbah beats Brick by Brick as a preferred venue for me. But hey, second place in a city filled with music is a pretty darn good spot! This place is roomier, and just as difficult to find if you're not familiar with the area and still far enough away from other good stuff that you'll do the "well I guess I coulllddd drive..." but then end up doubling your ticket price by paying for a taxi and drinking PBRs. oh well we do it for music. Usually no in & out privileges which is pretty standard and the bathrooms like about right for a music venue where mosh-pits happen. BONUS: Brick by Brick also hosts burlesque shows so keep your eye out for those listings! read more

This place used to be a shit hole. I used to have it on my "If this place burnt down would anybody miss it?" list. They have really cleaned it up. There is now a smoking patio in case you need a break from the music. The sound onstage sounded pretty good, the sound guy was cool and easy to work with. There is now a restaurant attached to it, but It was closed by the time I got there. The only downfall is that its in a shady part of town, also they are kind of known as a "metal club", so some of their patrons are douche bags. I found it odd that they had a Belligerent Clothing make shift store inside. But overall they have made this place a lot nicer. read more

Brick by Brick was the place to watch the Hell on Heels Burlesque Show last Saturday. The line to get in was long and finally after standing for about 30 minutes we were let in. The show starts at 1030, so I wandered around and saw a nekkid chick covered with sweets on the table, she was very friendly and greeted the curious crowd offering them sweet treats; her top was painted Kiss on the right and Me on the left with delicious chocolates surrounding them, her belly was filled with assorted chocolates, just below the navel was a heart-shaped box with chocolates mmm delicious and down to her heels was a plate of mini cupcakes. The table was filled with sweets as well for the crowd to enjoy and welcome to use your mouth to pick what you desire from head to toe. That was fun! The show started at last, the Hell on Heels women were great and very talented; singing and some acrobatic moves. I enjoyed the performance of Raven F Moore she was the best of them all. Miss Jolie was good, Miss Mia Diablo was a shocker she is pregnant; omygoodness please don't give birth on stage. Overall, it was a great show to watch for Valentines Day. read more

Brick By Brick - Hell on Heels Burlesque Show 14Feb09 - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

This is one of those places that Ive never gotten around to Yelp about and its been here for the longest time. Full bar, cheap drinks, good size stage area and plent of room to sit or stand, depending on the crowd or band I guess. They dont serve food but you can order food next door , which is owned by the same people I guess. Theres also a smokers patio with heat lamps. I saw 4 local bands the last time I came and there was only a $5 cover. Cool. read more

Pretty decent venue. Stopped in to see a friend's band play during a fundraiser for Clairemont High School. I'd put them at 5 stars but the gent at the front door was a bit of a pill. He asked us what band we were there to see. I honestly couldn't recall the name of my friend's band so I asked him what bands were playing. He promptly replied "if you were here for a specific band you'd know it". Well thank you very much attitude, but he realized I was there for the fundraiser and became a bit friendlier. I was surprised that the bar prices were so decent. I think I paid $15 for two beers and a wine. Anyway my friend's band was cranking along and I found the acoustics to be pretty decent. It got a little toasty in there, but it's pretty much on par for this type of establishment. They have a decent size outdoor patio so you have a bit of an escape if you're a smoker or just need some fresh air. All in all I say it's a decent spot to see a concert and have a drink. read more

Came here on a Thursday night to watch my friend's co-worker's band perform. Tickets weren't badly priced, considering the performances started around 6:30 pm and I got there a little before 8. Prior to coming here, I was a little hesitant of what the place would be like, based on reviews. I was preparing for a total dive bar. As I entered into the bar, I braced myself for sticky floors, spilled drinks, and drunk old men stumbling around. When I arrived, I was met with a pretty chill crowd having a good time, sipping on cheap beer and drinks ($4 PBR's were the special that night). I immediately thought, "Hey....this is not that bad!!". As the night progressed, I found that I continued to fall for the charm of the place, from the pool table to the art on the wall, to the eclectic range of performers ranging from performers doing covers of Colbie Caillat songs about tingles in toes and noses crinkling, to indie rock bands jumping around singing about society's oversimplification of life boiling down to getting married and making bank. It was funny that that these performances were more or less back to back. If you're expecting a fancy lounge with fancy schmancy decor and lighting with fancy schmancy drinks for fancy schamancy prices, I suggest you go elsewhere. However, if you're looking for a nice, chill, down-to-earth place to listen to some local performers, while having some cheap drinks, this just might be the place for you. read more

Went last night. First time there. Not too crowded. There was a punk band playing and I watched them do their thing. I can see how the way they move around bumping into each other and pushing each other could lead to a fight easily but didn't read more

Brick By Brick - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I am surprised to see any reviews above two stars here, seriously. Okay, I will start with the pluses. Tickets were prices quite reasonably, and they don't drag out the evening forever, as some clubs do, with band changes that take all evening. They did get through the two opening acts quickly, and on to the main event in a reasonable time. However, there is bad news, and it completely overshadows all else. First, they pack to club to sardine capacity, I am certain violating all fire codes. Do not see Great White here. Worse, the sound is beyond dismal. The first two opening acts came through as a rumble, with occasional "tings" of cymbals cutting through. Guitar was utterly lost. Some bass lines could be heard intermittently. Impossible to recognise songs being played. For the main act, Holdsworth Levin Bozzio Mastelotto, the guitar came through a bit better, but far from satisfactorily. Levin's bass and Stick were completely unheard. Drums came through as mostly rumbles. I am familiar with the band and its members; I can assure you, the fault lies with the club, its sound system, and layout. We were seated roughly a third of the way back from the main stage. I suppose if I risked the crush of the crowd to be literally at the stage I may have heard better. As one who attends many clubs a year, this is not the norm. Belly Up, Coach House, Brixton, Roxy, Galaxy, etc. may have minor issues, but none that would deter me from attending a show. I can not say the same for Brick by Brick. A shame, as this could have, and should have, been a great show. read more

We had a great time and perfect venue. Security was respectful and helpful. Clean and good bartenders.

Brick by Brick is my "go to" bar to see a good local show, i feel very welcome and almost at home here (no my home is not a dark, dingy nightclub)...let me explain..i have been coming to this club since i turned 21...back when it was the spirit club and they always had free popcorn ..or was it chips and salsa...that was a LONG time ago...i think my first show here was GG Allin. Back then...this was a true hole in the wall nightclub. it always had a wide range of musical acts...ranging from awful garage bands to major national acts coming through. Since then it has changed owners and the new owners have done 3 or more remodels...they keep working towards a cleaner, cooler look and they have succeeded. If you are walking in right now for the first time, you may not think that it is a wonderfully cool club...but if you have seen it through the years...the "decor" (and i use that word loosely) has come a LONG way! Staff is always friendly here...they have a dedicated enclosed patio area for those who indulge in cancer sticks...only problem is you are exposed to their pollution as you enter the front door ...just hold your breath as you enter and it will be over quickly. the sound system is really good here...any national act would be happy with the sound.....and if you are fan of the 80's bands...you can spot a star here...remember Asphalt Ballet?...well the original drummer is the house engineer here. now that i am married with children...my trips out to Brick by Brick are quite rare (opposed to every weekend)...so when a friends band is playing here i will walk down memory lane and rock out like i'm 21 years old again. Enter into this club and it's like a time machine so i can feel young again...except now i am sitting at the bar watching the band, with earplugs in rather than rocking out in the pit. =) drinks here...hmmm...they have a good selection of booze...bartenders are very friendly...but i rarely drink when i come here...back when i was young, who could afford to pay for drinks..we always drank in the parking lot then came in...i guess the habit has formed. i really don't drink when i come here. plus...be careful..CHP station is just around the corner... read more

The Hold Steady. Loud. Close. Eff yeah. It was a while ago, so I don't remember drink prices. One of the best shows I've ever been to. read more

I really love this venue! This is a smaller bar/club in San Diego. Very intimate. I recently drove down for the Guttermouth show a few Sunday's ago. There was plenty of free street parking, the ticket for the concert was only $15, and beers were only $5!! A note on tickets, the price went up on "Day Of", so if you can get it in advance, you'll save a few bucks. There are a few tables with seats scattered throughout. If you get in early, you can get one. Otherwise, there is plenty of standing room. Throughout the night, I was helped by two different bartenders, and they were both really nice and helped me fast. Maybe it was because I'd always leave a nice tip, but maybe it's because they were just nice people. In the back of the bar is two pinball machines and a Street Fighter game. I got quarters from one of the bartenders, but some girls were hogging it the whole time, so I couldn't play. Again, I loved it here, and I look forward to catching another show here soon. read more

Known for years as a 'rocker' club, Brick by Brick seems to be making baby steps to broaden it's horizons. They recently added a restaurant next door, Lot 81, and the interior of the Brick got an upgrade as well. They injected some style in the form of paint, brushed steel accents, a wall of elevated tables, and an enclosed patio. I saw Black Rebel Motorcycle Club there last year (a band much less 'rocker' than the name implies), and the Brick was packed to the gills with the hipster glitterati of San Diego. There have been some acoustic shows there lately as well. I find the sound to be ok, but my musician friends hate playing there, they say the sound is terrible. Drinks and cover aren't too expensive, and there is pretty easy street parking in the area. Bonus: a Nico's taco shop right across the street, and a Santana's drive thru nearby for the after show munchies. read more

This place was good, once upon a time. Now it is a shadow of it's former self. The place has no vibe or energy. The interior is beat down and out dated by 20 years. I can say that the staff and sound crew are top notch but they are fighting an uphill battle getting good sound in this place. The room is deep and the sound just bounces around. I have some good memories of this place but going back now only creates new bad memories. read more

Saw Busdriver here and loved every single second of it. A large area for dancing/nodding {it was hip hop, get with it}, AC vents, hella tables and chairs, smoking run, clean bathrooms, pool I didn't play and nice staff who basically let me use all the office supplies I needed that night.. Also there was a lot of parking just up the street, I mean tons. We got a little scared to park in one of the empty business lots so we just parked on that stretch of street directlyyy across from the restaurant or whatever it is right in front of BbB. And I don't know why everyone is complaining that the drinks are expensive/weak. While I agree they were on the higher side for a week night I disagree that they were anything but watery. PS it's entirely possible I had rose colored glasses on because I got to kinda play Atari w/ my favorite MC before the show.. read more

I've really got to like a band to go here for a show. It's out of the way and it used to have really bad sound. It's improved a lot over the years with upgrades to the sound and the addition of the restaurant next door. That being said I have seen a lot of really good shows here. BRMC, Cat Power, The Rapture, Melissa Auf Der Maur, and Galactic (way back in the day) will always make me have a soft spot for this place. read more

The first and only time I ever visited Brick by Brick in Linda Vista was also the first and only time I'd been to a concert. It was for Gogol Bordello awhile back and my friend dragged me along because we had just rented "Everything is Illuminated" on DVD, which combines her two greatest loves: Elijah Wood and Gypsy punk musicians from the Ukraine. Her affections, I should point out, are very specific. Unwilling to disappoint her at this moment of confluence, I endured the lack of parking and a couple of heavy-handed (but cheap!) Cape Cods, a few okay to boring warm up acts, then found to my surprise that I was converted. We got a table near the stage, met a few cool people, and watched everyone freak the hell out when Eugene Hutz (and his very impressive 'stache) finally took the stage. The best part of the night was realizing Elijah Wood, Frodo Baggins himself, was in the house. Apparently, he is or was dating one of the girls in the band who play either the accordion or the gigantic drum. But more importantly, I believe someone in the band was also wearing lederhosen and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Anyway, Brick by Brick is a fine place, from what I can recall. Room enough for a legion of tatted-up scenesters and Gypsy punk music aficionados. As an aside, Elijah Wood is a nice guy. My friend got a pic with him, then promptly shat herself. He's incredibly dainty, though, and super, super pale. The guy is like an Olsen Twin, but probably without the virulent strain of herpes and pitch black void where a soul should be. read more

This place sucks don't wast your time and money. I feel for the bands that play here and dont use joe to open up for you.

Best venue on the planet. Staff is epic af, venue is fantastic and small and intimate, sound is stellar, pretty much all of my favorite shows happen right here. Check their website for upcoming shows you won't be sorry!! read more

See all

This place doesn't get all the greatest shows, but every once in a while they will smack San Diego in the face with a surprise concert. BbB has a great sound system, loud enough to blow you away, but still hear everything nicely. Ear plugs work well here. The door and bar staff are all very nice, there isn't much attitude here except from concert goers. The best part about the people that come are not your typical tough guys, mohawks, or greasers. There are dudes here who wear khakis and polos while they mosh with everyone. And they do get tossed around! But they stay in there and throwdown with the rest of the sweaties. This is not my favorite venue in town, but it is very spacious, well priced, great sound, and the stage is just the right height for watching and stage diving. Go there sometime to watch local metal and or just chill. They have an arcade! read more

Takes a while to get a drink even though it's a very long bar. Very spacious in the back so good place to come with a large group. Too pricey a cover during when local acts are performing. Good place maybe for an older, biker classic rock crowd. read more

A great spot-I had an event here back in November 2016 and they were so great and easy to work with. Everything went smoothly and the staff was super helpful and they even designed a really cool flyer for us. I will always return here to have events because of my excellent experience. As a patron I always enjoy shows there. I cannot recommend enough as both an event planner and as a patron. Plus they always have great bands playing. I always look forward to coming here. read more

I've seen a lot of shows at the Brick and love it here. Great music (thanks for helping keep metal alive!), good beer, and good friends. Looking forward to seeing many more shows there in the future! read more