Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

I have this twice only because this place is active during the day for the museums, shops, and day time activities, but at night it is a different story.......wow!

This is San Diego's Historic Gas Lamp Quarter district. Hmmm, does that hint around what it use to be around here? Gosh, if the walls could talk in these buildings...or maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea to hear.......LOL!!! Ok, onto the history lesson, this area use to be a notorious area for gamblers and prostitutes, such as Wyatt Earp and Ida Bailey, who founded numerous gambling halls, saloons and brothels. Wow a sight that must of have been. As colorful as our history is, it is still history and they were still people. Now it has become one of trendiest area for so many to frequent and hang out. Loads of restaurants, theaters, clubs and shopping. It is a place where you can see charming Victorian-style buildings constructed between 1880 and 1910 and at night.....Wow....the old-fashioned gas lamps begin to glow along the wide brick walkways illuminating many charming sidewalk cafes. Over 70 restaurants to enjoy or have a late-night coffee and tea at one of the many coffee houses. Here is another tip, park in the underground parking garage where the downtown mall is, buy something at any of the stores and they will validate your parking for free.....Yay!

Dress Code: I would say dress up a little, its seemed like everyone was wearing some of their best!

I would highly recommend the steakhouse named Greystone on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter.
This was definitely the best steak I have consumed in California. They are very proud of their wine prices though, so you may want to skip that bottle of vino.

Dress Code: I was accepted in a polo shirt and slacks, but this is a really nice restaurant, so Miss Manners would recommend at least business casual.

If you are going down to the Gaslamp don't drive. Take the Trolley, Bike Taxi's, taxi's or walk if you are close.
Driving is just not the way to go. We sat outside of a bar on their patio and watched the people drive by. It would take on a average 8 minutes to go a block.
If you are down there and you don't feel like walking to your bar, club, or resturant, take the bike taxi. It is worth it to not have to deal with walking if you have to go far.
It cost us 10 dollars with tip to go from the start of the Quater, near the water, to the Hard Rock.
You should walk around if you don't know what bar or club you want to go into because most of the bars have a 10 to 20 dollar cover.
Also dress nice if you want to get into most of the clubs.

Dress Code: Nice pants and shirts for guys and dresses for the girls ARE required to get into most nightclubs and some bars.
If you don't want to dress up and want to wear your Dickies shorts,like me, find Patricks or Freddys, they don't really have a dress code.

2 more images

Backstage At Aubergine offered dinner and the popular play, "Forever Plaid" for many years and now the play has moved on. At the moment the theater is dark.

However, Aubergine offers more than theater and you might find the charming dining room, the hip bar or the very casual café worth a visit.

At Abergine the focus has always been on the food and with a 1940's, Boggy & Bacall feeling created by the talented piano player during the week or the hot sounds of jazz on the weekends, you will surely have a wonderful evening.

Update:

Backstage at Aubergine and Augergine, the restaurant and club is now CLOSED!

In it's place you'll find not only a new establishment, but a really different type of restaurant, entertainment venue and a Hot nightclub, which has been awarded Best Nightclub in the Nation!

Of course an old lady like me hasn't actually been here, but my ears work and I've heard many interesting and exciting things about this place. In fact, I'd expect this to be in New York or L.A. but it's in San Diego!

If nothing else it's Hot, Trendy, Different, Exciting, and Successful! So if that sounds good to you, check it out. Seems that FLUXX is shaking up the Gaslamp Quarter and people are taking notice. As with most Clubs like this one it is expensive, but lots of people really like it.

FYI:

There is no Cover Charge if you come for dinner, but it will be added to your bill if you want to stay after.

I'll get a new photo soon.

I went to get the photo and was a bit surprised that I almost missed it! Very understated. In fact I'd wondered if it had closed it's doors already. A simple and not large sign on the awning identifies it as FLUXX, nothing else to indicate that this is an ever changing elegant and playful place to party. The backstage door had the only colorful pop, to compliment the venue inside, on it's sign asking that those around the door to please be quiet.

Dress Code: Dress your trendy best and feel comfortable. This is one of those places that the door man has the final word on letting you in or not. On their website they list unacceptable attire.

Don't be surprised if you bump into to someone really famous here so be sure to look really good if you want to get in.

Heads Up:

I've heard that celebrities come here, but I sort of thought it was mostly those, who's stars have dimmed in recent years.

However, last night on TMZ, they mentioned that Ashton Kutcher spent his anniversity at FLUXX in San Diego, while Demi was in NYC. So, I guess even the hottest stars come down from LA to party here too. Also they come to perform as well.

For those who like to go to cafes, bars or do ecletic shopping visit the GasLamp District near downtown San Diego. Every summer, there is a big street festival here called Street Scene, full of fun catering especially to young adults who love to drink, eat and party!

Dress Code: Bring a jacket with chic outift. It gets freakin' cold at night in SD!

Gaslamp Quarter is about 8 blocks long by 2 blocks wide in downtown San Diego crammed with restaurants, shops and nightclubs. It's walking distance (about a block away) from Horton Plaza so most people just park at Horton Plaza then walk over to Gaslamp. Take your ticket and get it validated at most of the Horton Plaza vendors so you get credit for some free parking (about 1-2 hours, I think). There's a movie theater there also. Most clubs offer either DJ music or live music.

Dress Code: To get into the clubs, no jeans, no sandals/sneakers. Nice dress please.

It was my second stay to the pleasent town of San Diego, and this time I was told to go to the gaslamp quarter for a walk in the night. I must say the tip was very useful, because this area is very nice in the night, with a lot of bars, restaurants, clubs and discos. A lot of people are around and the atmosphere is very exciting. I suggest you to go if you want to have fun!

The Gaslamp district (in downtown) is where to go for some great nightlife! It's a hopping area, with the bright and the beautiful thronging the club scene. Just head to the area and walk around the streets - it's like a big party on weekends!

Dress Code: Not too formal, but not too casual either. Look sharp, and you'll do fine.

When you are in Gaslamp District at nighttime don't miss Horton Plaza - it looks really pretty, more beautiful than at daytime, I suppose.

And it's less expensive to visit it at this time because all stores are closed so you can do only window shopping. The area (like the whole downtown) is patrolled by numerous policemen so don't be afraid of walking around - I felt safe there.

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Grill.
A fairly large pub that was very crowded for a Thursday. Good food, Guinness fairly fresh (for the west coast) and a great Irish band playing. Spent most of an evening here having a grand time and returned the next night for more.
The band, Leperkhanz, played an interesting mix of rock with a celtic twist that I really enjoyed.

Dress Code: None