This place is awesome and one of my go-to spots downtown. It's always crowded, which says a lot. There's a front area with the main bar and tables where you can hang out, then a back area with a DJ and tables you can reserve for the night. The music is always great. Shoutout to Jason behind the bar. He's consistently friendly and makes the night even better. Honestly, the whole staff does a great job. If you're going with a group, I'd recommend getting a table since it can get really busy. On weekends they have a cover, and it's cash only. There's an ATM inside. Also, pay attention to the dress code. No baseball hats, and they do enforce it. Overall, it's a solid spot for a night out. read more

Side Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Overall a nice nightclub and bar to hang out in downtown San Diego. It's right across the street from the ACE parking lot called "Park It On Market" so easy parking. Parking is $10 after 6pm until 3am. The ambiance is modern and sexy. The front part of the venue is a bar with several tables and love seats spread throughout. There's also a small outdoor area with a few tables and bar stools if you need some fresh air. Behind the bar is the actual night club area with the DJ booth, several VIP tables, and a smaller bar. There isn't a dedicated dance floor so people are just dancing wherever there's space. You can get on the guest list through their website for free bar/club entry before 10pm. After 10pm, there is a cover fee of $20 per person. It was quiet around 930pm when we arrived but it got pretty busy by 1030pm and crowded by 1130pm. Note: the back night club area opens at 11pm. If you come before then, only the front bar area is open. They apparently serve food as well but we didn't try it this time. I felt service was great from the bartenders to security to the servers. The DJ was playing awesome hip hop music which was perfect for the vibe. They even have a professional photographer who takes your photo. If you like it, it's $20 for your picture in a frame. Two things that can make it even better: - wish there was a bigger dance floor for those without tables to enjoy the music and dance - wish there was more than 2 bathroom stalls in the women's restroom. With hundreds of people inside, the line can get pretty long. read more

If you're going to Sidebar ask for Keagan!!!I've been out plenty in San Diego and he's hands down one of the best VIP hosts I've dealt with. From booking the table to getting us settled, everything was smooth, stress free, and exactly as promised. No overhyping, no confusion. Just solid communication and great energy. He genuinely looks out for his guests and makes sure your night actually feels VIP, not rushed or transactional. You can tell he knows the club, the flow, and how to take care of people. The table, service, and overall vibe were on point. If you want a good night to turn into a great one, Keagan's your guy read more

SIDE BAR @ DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO Parking is available on the street, but I would highly recommend taking an Uber instead. The downtown area is extremely difficult for parking, and it's definitely not free. Most spots will charge you, or you'll end up parking in an Ace lot. Shoutout to the amazing DJ, JORDEE! My friends and I came here last night on a Thursday and arrived around 9 PM because our friend was DJing at that time. It was honestly so nice walking in early, there was barely anyone there yet, so we got to explore the place and really take in the vibe. I loved how the front felt like a chill bar while the back had more of a club atmosphere. We ended up getting bottle service and went with tequila. Their menu is insane, in a good way. It's all on an iPad that lights up every time you open it, which was super cool. Overall, we had a great experience. The staff was really friendly and the bottle service was solid. It is definitely on the pricier side since it's downtown, but I'd still recommend stopping by if you're in the area and want to have some fun. read more

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Came in with my husband right when they opened and sat at the bar. Bartender was friendly, welcoming and had good energy. We walked by last night and it was full/line waiting to come in. If we weren't heading back home, we'd come back when the party started. Also, try the "Naked Truth". It's delicious! read more

Side Bar - Naked Truth - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Another incredible night at Sidebar. Jay the manager greeted me and my girlfriend and escorted us into the club promptly. He offered us a complimentary glass of champagne and we had the best time. Thanks again! read more

Came for MDW. Nice vibe! Variety of music played, mainly the old time bangers, but the DJ was pretty good. Came before 10pm for free entry (guestlist), which it quickly became more packed when it was around like 10:30pm-11pm. They open up the dance floor at 11pm, which looked bigger in pictures, but it's also the same size as the bar area. One thing I did dislike about this place is that the floors are SOOOOO sticky. Even before it became crowded, the moment we walked in, the floor was already soooo sticky. You really have to lift up your feet for your shoes to unstick to the floor lol. read more

Had an incredible night at Sidebar SD! My friends and I booked bottle service and the whole experience felt like a mini-Vegas getaway right in San Diego. The music was on point all night, the lighting and production were insane, and the overall vibe made it one of the most fun nights we've had out in a while. A huge shoutout to Zaya, our server, who truly made the night. She was fun, attentive, and kept the energy high without ever being overbearing. Drinks came out fast, she checked on us at all the right times, and you could tell she genuinely enjoys what she does. If you're thinking about hitting Sidebar, definitely go for bottle service and ask for Zaya--she'll make sure you're taken care of. We'll absolutely be back! read more

Ree is phenomenal. He had so much patience with me as I allowed my big group of girls to vote on which bar/club to go to. He talked prices and bottles with me and just never gave up in a good way. Wasn't pushy. Just complete patience and positivity. I loved his energy "through" text. Our bottle server girl was Zaya I believe, and small world, we worked in the same club family in Sacramento. The 15 girls and I loved our experience here. It was the highlight of my weekend for night events. Thank you so much Side Bar. I hope to return in the future if you will have us again read more

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If you're ok paying $66 for 2 drinks then this is your spot. They rip off people with their drinks prices. Highway robbery. It's not Vegas. My drink wasn't even that good. Never going back. It's not ok to charge $30 something per drink. And it wasn't good! Francesco I will reach out to BBB! read more

#LittleNightmares event was amazing and incredibly immersive! The bar was completely transformed! read more

Side Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I stopped into Sidebar for just a couple of drinks, but thanks to Keagan we ended up staying the whole night. He made everything feel easy and fun, checking in just enough without ever being overbearing and making sure we had a great time even without a table. The drinks were spot on, the vibe was upbeat without being too much, and Keagan's energy really elevated the whole experience. What was supposed to be a quick stop turned into one of the best nights out we've had in a while. If you are planning a night at Sidebar, definitely look for Keagan. He knows how to make it a memorable one. read more

I had a ladies night with 8 of my girlfriends in gaslamp this past Friday and we were making our way to sidebar. One of the promoters, Dave, offer us a bottle of champagne upon arrival and sat us at a really nice cozy set of couches. He was very nice and friendly and definitely enhanced our experience. We were there fairly early, around 9p so before the major crowds and I really loved the vibe. It has an elegant and chic layout and decor with dim lighting. The music was fun but low tone enough where you could actually have conversations with your friends. A great spot for post dinner drinks or for a first stop in bar/club hopping. read more

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Ree is truly that guy. From the moment we walked in, he made us feel like VIPs and not in that fake "we treat everyone like VIPs" way. I mean real, personal, above-and-beyond care. Ree didn't just manage the night--he curated an experience. It was our anniversary, and he pulled out all the stops. From bottle service to the perfect table and the warmest welcome, it felt like we were celebrating with a friend, not just a host. Ree has been incredible since our first visit, and it's no surprise he's become someone we now consider a friend. He's professional, personable, and truly passionate about making sure you have the best night possible. If you're heading to Sidebar, do yourself a favor and ask for REE. Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just a random Friday night--you'll walk out feeling like it was a celebration. Highly, highly recommend! Thanks Ree! You're the best. read more

Had an awesome time here during memorial weekend. Very pretty spot with a really good DJ. Had a few really good mocktails here as well. Will say by 11PM that dance floor was very tight, everyone trying to dance but so many people trying to squeeze by you. The sticky floors didn't really help too much either but with everyone having a drink in their hand, it made sense of course. A good spot for mingling and good hip hop / house music. read more

Great cocktail menu! My lavender haze was delicious, well flavored with a generous alcohol content. The rose old fashioned was a wonderful shift from the usual. The boy quite liked it! The ambience was quite fun and poppin' for a Saturday night after 11 pm. Before that, it was comfortable seating all around. Fun place! read more

Side Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a great spot for nightlife. We went on Halloween and it was packed. The staff are cool people. Especially the security guys outside. We had so much fun here we can back to back nights! It was a mixed crowd. They played hip hop and getting drinks was quick. Yes, even on Halloween when it was packed. read more

One of my favorite places to go out in SD! Laura was our bottle girl and she is AMAZING!! Service and vibes were absolutely impeccable. Thank you to Laura and the team for the best experience. Can't wait to come back. read more

5 stars Side Bar is always a whole vibe from start to finish! If you're looking for a spot where the energy never drops and the music keeps you moving all night -- this is it. The DJs are consistently on point, mixing everything from hip-hop to house, keeping the crowd lit until close. The ambiance is sleek, sexy, and high-energy -- think luxe lounge meets full-on nightclub. Whether you're posted up with bottle service or dancing near the bar, the space just feels electric. Service here is top-tier too. The staff is super attentive, friendly, and makes sure you're taken care of whether you're grabbing a drink at the bar or popping bottles with friends. From the music to the vibes to the crowd -- Side Bar knows how to throw a party. Definitely one of my go-to spots when I want a guaranteed good time in the Gaslamp! read more

Went last weekend and had such an amazing time!!! The DJ is amazing and our servers were so attentive and made our night so much more fun. The entire staff was awesome and greeted us to show us to our table and bottle service. The atmosphere makes it one of the best clubs in SD, I felt like I was in a Vegas nightclub in the best way. The crowd was very energetic which I enjoyed. Definitely will be coming back here! read more

Still the best club in town! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a true VIP experience, whether you're attending general admission grabbing drinks at the bar or doing bottle service it's the spot to be. Shout out to Blake he's the coolest VIP host around and always takes care of me read more

Side Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Sing dance crawl. I've come every year. For some reason this year they're trying to say that I am irate and aggressive. Which it doesn't really matter what I write here because it's my word against theirs. But I was never irate, never aggressive and they denied me entry for absolutely no reason. They said I was drunk. They wanted me to call the cops. I'm not going to get the cops involved because that's insanity. I'm just upset it doesn't make sense that I paid money and they're trying to say that I can't go in I've never been a drunk irate person in my life. Bigger one on the right has a power trip. Since I'm never gonna be allowed in again gonna prove him right that I shouldn't have been let in. Glad this was SDC last year. Never gonna bring more people. read more

Side Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I went out tonight met some new people. Kegan and CJ worked our VIP table. They were awesome . Very personable and attentive. I appreciate both their help and service. Great meeting you both read more

Side Bar delivers an energetic downtown experience with its stylish layout, quality drinks, and staff who clearly love what they do. Manager Zander's passion for the bar's history adds a cool personal touch. Creative Cocktails - Always well-made On-Point Playlists - Sets the perfect mood Engaging Staff - Especially knowledgeable managers * Double-check bottle service bills for accuracy * Payment processes could be smoother While the ambiance and service shine, the billing issues hold it back from perfection. Still recommended for: * Group nights out * Trying craft cocktails * Enjoying downtown energy read more

Ree is the absolute best and most accommodating. He gave us a vip experience for our anniversary and went so far above the call of duty. He has become a good friend since our first visit. Thank you so much my man! Def recommend. Ask for Ree for the best time. Bring your party there and celebrate any occasion. Highly recommended read more

Sidebar went above and beyond for my bday. Shoutout Keagan for making it the best birthday ever. I felt like VIP the whole night. The bottle girls also slayed and were v attentive and friendly. Love you sidebar !! read more

Sidebar is Gaslamp great service and fun! We went on a Thursday and the vibe was amazing from the moment we walked in the door. It's beautiful, great drinks and fun dancing/music. From security to bar staff, to the DJ to servers, they take pride in their great customer service. You will have a great time here in beautiful San Diego! read more

Huge shoutout to Keagan. He got me on the guest list and provided exceptional service from start to finish. Super kind, attentive, and made the whole experience feel effortless. Honestly, the main reason I'll most likely be back is because of him. Such a great experience--thanks, Keagan! read more

Incredible Night Thanks to Keagan! Keagan at Sidebar is hands down the best VIP host in San Diego! From start to finish, he made the whole experience effortless and fun. He handled everything -- from setting up our table to making sure we had everything we needed all night -- and kept checking in to make sure we were having a great time. His energy is amazing, he's super attentive, and you can tell he really cares about making sure his guests are taken care of. The vibe at Sidebar is already incredible, but having Keagan as our host made the night even better. If you're planning a night out in downtown San Diego, I highly recommend booking with Keagan. He'll make sure you and your group have an unforgettable experience! P.S. They have the best burger's I've ever had here! If you come here do not leave without getting a Sidebar Burger!! So yummy read more

Side bar has been one of the best nightclubs downtown. The ambiance and music never disappoints. Their staff is always working their best, especially Keagan. His accommodation and hospitality toward customers extends beyond basic service. I know many women who come back because of his service oriented skills. It's easy to say, he definitely has a desire to satisfy and make others happy. I highly recommend sidebar for the experience you will gain out of it. :) read more

I was visiting from out of town for a wedding. It is a good DJ and more of a night club vibe but $30 PER GIRL and $40 PER MALE was actually ridiculous to me. Did I pay? Yes, I was just trying to have a good time my one night out during my trip but idk, the price kind of threw me off while they let (personally, my opinion) others in for free for a guest list. As a promoter you'd want more people that brought money to the bar and had a good time (personally opinion). Maybe that's just my opinion but getting in is what killed it for me, especially the PRICE. Sinclair @sinclaridagoat the security at Sideways took tf care of us. THE MALE BARTENDER, LIGHT SKINNED MAN, was so attentive too even if I wasn't buying a drink and asking for water! Both those men deserve a raise for how well they do their job and just genuinely care for the people inside their venue. Security, aka Sinclair, was just on point all night. Not just with me but anyone who needed air or to use the restroom, even at VIP tables. That man is just absolutely going above and beyond his job and, personally, I appreciate the f*** out of him for the job he did while it was my first time in there, seeing him take care of others as well. Definitely if you're buying a table or need more security in your area ask for SINCLAIR! The staff inside and the music is the only way I will talk good about this place. read more

Side Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Recently went to Side Bar for my friends bachelor party and I worked with Andra to plan the night. She went above and beyond to give the group one of the best VIP bottle experience I've ever seen. The attention to detail was insane. She had the bachelors picture all over the building (external & internal) and the entire production was top notch. We even got welcome shots as we walked in...So special shout outs to her for being such a great host! This was my second time at Side Bar and music (mainly hip-hop) is always on point and the staff from the front to the back are all nice people and they genuinely care about making sure everyone has a good night. This is the only club you need to go to when you're out in SD! read more

Dope place. Good drinks and Good vibes. 10$cover after 9:30pm We had a few shots of Jameson and 4 Jameson mules. It was a good night! read more

Side Bar - Jameson Mule. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Keagan and Mike are always so helpful. They always make everyone so comfortable. Took a group of my friends there and now they always want to go there. Just want to thank them! read more

The music is like a high with non-stop adrenaline flowing to bliss. Talk about a dopamine injection of ratchet music, gangsta ol' skool transitions, while integrating current club hits. Seriously, slammin' D.J.  Hip Hop Friday night. All night. Krunkin' nonstop with all expletives in the lyrics. Love it! What's really cool in the DJ is that they let the song play more than 20 seconds. Sidebar  is like a bottle service preferred atmosphere and then other stranglers are allowed to party alongside.  Come on, there's bottle service seating in the middle of the dance floor. Typical age range 24-32. Diverse ethnicities and gender. Casual dress but I would recommend guys wear a collar and no sneakers.  IMO, Ladies should be sexy and feminine but some were drab. And I don't like women, I'm just trying to represent. Let's get this clear. Everyone can't get pass the sentry at the door even with the gift of gab or even a $$ spot.  On the other hand, good lookin' and good vibes can be an asset. The lines are long if you arrive 1030 or later. If you are used to VIP, this ain't it. But if you are used to bottle service, Sidebar got yo' back.  It's tight with folks. Fo' real. If you're the type that like to walk around the club like a looky it ain't gon happen too much here. But if you like strong drinks, good music and call lol while standing in place, Boom! Sidebar got you.  I don't know if there's a cover, cause my vibe is elevated and I'm easy on the eyes. I also don't know the price of drinks, because if you party downtown be prepared to pay an upcharge. What I do know is that Megan responds quickly to correspondence and is generous with her kindness. I also know that the lead sentry guy (he is from Tanzania or visited Tanzania or perhaps kissed a princess there)-damn tequila -- is also generous and maintains safety while having fun. I love that even when two dudes tried to cause a problem, the sentry was there in 10 seconds, dissolved the situation and we kept dancing to Too Short. BTW, I turnt up all night in 5 in. heels and closed down da club.  From my understanding, there is no guest list. Oh, and Ciro's pizza next door is da bom after clubbin' to prevent hangover blues. Tip the servers and bathroom service-good karma. read more

Side Bar - a group of people at a bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I have to give major credit to the Keagan! Not only was he professional, but he also made everyone feel safe and welcomed the entire night. He gave great hospitality and you could tell he was paying attention to make sure the vibe inside stayed fun and drama-free! read more

"Mike is an exceptional manager at Sidebar! He ensures everything runs smoothly, creating an amazing atmosphere and top-notch experience for every guest. His professionalism and attention to detail truly set the club apart!" read more

Sidebar went above and beyond yo make my 30th a special celebration. My friends and I had the best time and they even went the extra mile and surprised me with a billboard of myself.The service was speedy and the cocktails are always delicious. It was truly unreal and so thoughtful! I highly recommend coming here if you're looking for a fun night out. read more

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Zander gave excellent customer service and helped make my birthday a great night! Ricki at the front was very polite!

This place sucks so hard. The music is terrible, there is no place to dance, the drinks are expensive, the vibe is awful. The music is played at excruciating volume. The DJ was awful. He would play 30 seconds of a song and then just as the crowd was getting into it, he would switch to a different song. Most songs were not danceable at all either. There is no open space for dancing so if you don't buy a table then you are stuck in the aisle ways and entrances and the wait staff walks through with huge, neon signs every 20 seconds so you are inevitably in their way. There was really nothing good about this place. read more