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Carriage House Lounge
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Karaoke
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Carriage House Lounge
Review Highlights
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"But the coolest game was a shuffle board table." In 6 reviews -
"...system is awesome, and so is the song selection (still." In 3 reviews -
"...bar has shuffleboard and two pool tables, which makes it..." In 4 reviews
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48 reviews in English
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Review from John G.
San Diego, CA
12/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Best bar In Clairemont!
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Review from steffanie s.
San Diego, CA
9/4/2011
I find myself here a lot recently. Mostly because I live only two minutes away but there are other bars closer that I pass on my way here. The reason I keep coming back is not only are their drinks cheap but the have karaoke every night, which means live entertainment. Ive actually heard some really good singers and some not so good singers, but either which way it gives you something to amuse yourself with.
The bartenders have always been friendly, Dez is usually working when we come in and she is always pleasant. The crowd varies all over the board, young and old, black and white and everything in between. This is a dive bar so often you see people that make you wonder but everyone has always been polite to me so far. I am beginning to recognize a lot of the same faces that go in there.
They have 2 pool tables and shuffle board, which I love! They've got a patio for smoking, an a few high-top tables and a long bar. The place is small but never gets too packed. Its definitely somewhere to get cheap drinks and sing your heart out without anyone judging you. -
Review from Jenn C.
6/24/2011
I didn't stay long enough to enjoy too much karaoke, but the first few people that went could have been professionals. Maybe as the night gets going and people are drunker, you can hear more people making asses of themselves...but I was seriously intimidated by the first few people who went for a go at the karaoke!
Nice little divey atmosphere. I like it. -
Review from Carrie L.
San Diego, CA
Back in 2005 or so I used to work at the Carriage House. And back then it was a SUPER dive complete with ninja cockroaches. But for about 2 or more years now there is a new owner, and it's given the Carriage House a little more shine and cleanliness, but it's still a good ole dive bar. Sure the walls are white now (may hurt some people's eyes), but the Karaoke is still a lot of great fun. I walked in after not being there for almost a year and was really surprised.
Lot's of great people still come to the bar, though the dance floor is gone, there is a shuffle board and two pool tables. So if you NEED to get your dance on and you find yourself at the Carriage House...your gonna have to shake it where you stand.
Also if you are new at karaoke or a diva, it doesn't matter they take any and all. Fair prices and great bartenders and karaoke hosts. I try to drag all my friends to this place. :-) Cause it still feels like home....something like that. HAHA! -
Review from nino k.
Lemon Grove, CA
3/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
old bar, old customers- meh
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Review from Malia P.
9/3/2010
Maybe my new fav karaoke place in SD.
The lines for karaoke-ing were relatively short. Longest wait was about 2-3 songs. I felt bad for the girl operating the karaoke machine at times throughout the night. Can you imagine 7 nights of people singing their off key hearts out?
People here look too happy, I sang Yellow by Coldplay to mellow them out.
They also have two pool tables and shuffleboard, and bewbees. -
Review from Timothy T.
San Diego, CA
5/6/2011
My days of "getting my drink on" are behind me, but when my wife wants to go out for a drink and socialize, this is one of the places we go.
The owners are always nice, and the crowd is usually quite fun - down to earth people, looking to have a good time and not trying to impress anyone.
I am not a fan of Karaoke. So, if I am there when it starts (which is rare since I get up early) and if it the Karaoke singer begins sounding good to me, I know I have had enough to drink and it's time to go home. -
Review from Laura M.
2/8/2011
I'm gonna come right out and say it: The Carriage House is my favorite bar in San Diego.
Tucked away behind a breakfast joint in the heart of beautiful, scenic Kearny Mesa, Carriage House is that hole-in-the-wall cantina wheere eeeeev'ryboooody knooows yooour naaaaaaaaaaaame...
Karaoke is every night starting (I believe) at 9:00. The KJs are polite and will help you pick a song that isn't Bon Jovi. The vibe is just happy. Bartenders are super nice, drinks are cheap (and STRONG), and you feel like you could pull up a chair next to anyone in the place and have a conversation.
Whether you're Judy Garland or Ian Bellardo, everyone in the bar is sure to get into the spirit of the song with you. Sure, the KJ has probably hear "Don't Stop Believin'" about a zillion times this week, but she's happy to let you wail like a dying pig to your heart's content.
Also? Plus One for shuffleboard. I completely suck at it, but it's a big draw for me nonetheless. -
Review from Christopher V.
San Diego, CA
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fucking awesome. Only good Karaoke place I have found in San Diego, got to warn people though, karaoke amateurs will be emberassed (but not heckled), some serious talent comes in this place.
I found out I am not a very talented singer.
Only downside is location... it is in an industrial area down in Kearny Mesa. If they were downtown, hillcrest, little italy or P.B, they would absolutely kill it.
Very nice bartenders/staff too. -
Review from Aimee S.
Whittier, CA
7/12/2007
San Diego, just so you know, you are DAMN lucky that I didn't know about this place when I lived in San Diego. You're especially lucky that I didn't discover this place that was down the street from where I worked for over A YEAR! You would have wept enough tears to rid Southern California of it's drought. Had I known this place existed and that it was so FABULOUS, I never would have left. Never.
First of all, upon arriving, I asked the bartender if by any crazy chance they had Vanilla Rum. I was totally aroused when she said "Yes". So I said "One Vanilla Rum and Coke PLEASE!". Just the thought of FINALLY having Vanilla Rum was enough for me to be set for the night. She didn't think so.
She asked, "Single, Double or Triple?"
Holy. Hell. I've died and gone to heaven.
"How much for a Double?"
"$6"
"Dream Weaver" began playing in my head and suddenly I felt like Wayne when he first sees Cassandra in Wayne's World. *SHA-WING!*
I immediately recognized what a catch this place was and asked it if it was single.
"No, I just told you, Double!" (insert Aimee catchphrase here. No, not "yo daddy", "wa, wa!")
Anyway, $6 for a double (which really was a pint glass-sized shot with a splash of Coke) and I was in love. So with my glass of heaven in hand, I wander over to the song selection where I drunkenly told one of 2 friends that since they were leaving San Diego, I'd allow them to pick my songs, provided I knew the songs.
Friend #1, Josh, and I have a long running joke between the two of us. He loves to ask me about being Mexican. Like we're a rare commodity here in Southern California. Anyway, he picked "Livin' La Vida Loca" and excitedly said to me, "'Cause you're Mexican!". Genius, Ricky Martin is Puerto Rican. Whatever, I DO live la vida loca!
Friend #2, Shannon, didn't even have to tell me what song she wanted. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is her all-time fave. And I DO just wanna have fun!
Fantastic, FANTASTIC list of songs here! Everything from Britney to Zeppelin, to Carrie Underwood (wtf?), Dre & Snoop and of course, your standard karaoke songs.
The crowd was a mix of....of...aw hell, I was drunk! It was a crowd of blurred faces and lights! Nice people though. At least tolerant of my group's drunken antics.
I love, love, LOVE the Carriage House.
"Marry it then"
Pfft. Marriage is punishment for shoplifting in some countries.Listed in: And for my last dying wish..., Sing it, Girl
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Review from Cindy W.
2/3/2010
What the heck am I doing here?!
I feel like ever since I have met one of my fellow yelpers, they have taken me to all these places that I did not know existed. After trying to decide on which bar to go to, I wanted to experience some asian thug bars. However, for some reason we ended up at Carriage House
Nestled in the random Asian territory or Clairmont Mesa and off of Balboa Avenue is Carriage House.
As we walked in I dared to ask my fellow yelper if this was a strip club. Because if it was...I was going to turn around and walk the 10 miles back home (or call a friend haha). We walked inside to the voice of someone singing a random country song.
What! NO ASIANS in the bar! I was fooled. How could all these white people be around Clairemont? They must have gotten lost looking for a good chinese place and ended up here.
The night was much fun as we listened to people sing on the karaoke machine. My friend and I even dared to take our shot at screaming at the top of our lungs to sing Tubthumping. YUP! We brought it back to the 90s.
So if you are in the mood to sing out your little lungs and don't wanna go to a korean karaoke place, mix it up by going to Carriage House Lounge. -
Review from Desiree L.
San Diego, CA
8/20/2008
I guess I must have missed the "must-bring-1970-chevy-chew-dip-wear-your-bandana- on-your-head-with-cutoff-sleeves" memo. And if you ever wondered how a black person felt walking in on a KKK meeting...it kinda felt like that walking in..
Apparently this bar seems to attract the older, 'back woods' kinda crowd...thus, i undeniably admit that this is just not my scene.
The drinks were dirt cheap...which helped drown my regret for ever deciding to go to such a place. And the karaoke bar was a joke.
You want karaoke? Go to Min Sok Chon. -
Review from Sarah S.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2008
I came here with my dad on his lunch hour.
He got me drunk.
I love you dad. -
Review from Eddie P.
San Diego, CA
9/22/2007
No. 200
It's a fun bar, but I was there last night after reading all the glowing reviews and I have to say it's not as awesome as the reviewers make it out to be!
NO they DON'T accept credit cards. They send you over to an ATM machine next to the bathroom that charges an outrageous $2.25 fee, but what are you gonna do, leave to find an ATM machine?
Drinks are cheap which is AWESOME.
KARAOKE, however, poor. I tipped the girl 5 bucks. She was nice and remembered my name. I put in a song at 10 PM, didn't sing till about Midnight. I had quite a few friends there too, and all of us got one song. I don't know how many songs this guy with the fedora got to sing, but it was way more than us. He seemed to be with a bachelor party. Maybe we were there the wrong night?
We got shafted as far as karaoke goes, which is unacceptable seeing as how we all tipped very well and brought a large group to hang out. I feel that there are just way better karaoke places, and this isn't against them personally, we could have just been there the wrong night. The bartenders and karaoke hostess were very nice... just maybe not as nice to the non-regulars as they should be.
Just a warning.Listed in: Eddie P's Milestones
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Review from Jules D.
New York, NY
3/9/2007 ROTD 3/16/2007
The carriage house is my new favorite karaoke place in San Diego!!This place is in a pretty random location, so unless you know its there, you wont see it. It is right near Balboa and Convoy in the back of a restaurant. So look closely.
Inside, its pretty small, but there is room to move around if it gets really crowded. They have 1 pool table for the people who dont want to sing, but why wouldnt they!!!
The best thing about the place is that you can actually sing your song in a decent amount of time. The lamplighter gets to crowded and you can barely get up there to sing your heart out but the carriage house definitely gives you a chance. Really nice dj's and a really encouraging crowd.
I recommend this place all the way!!!! -
Review from Robin L.
San Diego, CA
4/11/2009
You get exactly what you expect for the location. Housed near the 805 freeway (and not much else), a little bar for all types.
It's good for myself, a petite blonde girl with an affinity for brightly colored stilettos. Her friends, a group of 20-somethings looking for a cheap drink and some shuffleboard. The tall man in heather grey sweats who lightly grabbed my wrist while walking to the bathroom and airily uttering "Hey short stuff", and the woman I chatted with at the bar with the ill-fitting leopard print shirt barely covered her ample (double) bosom.
I can't say that I didn't have my fair share amount of creepy old guy looks that night. But they were all harmless, mostly engrossed in the non-stop karaoke going on at the far end of the bar. Though I'm not sure why, as the karaoke crowd couldn't seem to dwell far from popular country, 80s music and stereotypical classic rock. Though I should really give them a break, since listening to me sing is comparable to scraping your nails, and the sharp parts of whatever is left of your sanity, over a chalkboard at the same time.
But the shuffleboard was nice. And the pool was completely available. And we were loud, and no one complained. But then again, with what was being belted out into the microphone, I think any complaints toward us would have been a bit hypocritical.
So though I can very well see myself going back to this bar, it's by no means a favorite. The drinks are average prices (Most are $5-$6) and rarely crowded, and on a Friday night the only thing taken was the microphone.
So go! But wear dirty jeans a sweatshirt, and preferably a pair of slippers. You'll feel a little more at home if you leave your stilettos at home. -
Review from Norman R.
Chula Vista, CA
8/20/2008
Imagine the scene in Talledega Nights where Jean GIrard and Ricky Bobby are about to throw it down in the bar. Now make it real and add karaoke.
Cheap drinks, huge beers, super seedy. This place is so awesome that it literally took me by surprise because made me feel a little uncomfortable at first. But like meeting new friends, you get accustomed to the place, drink a couple beers, then belt out "Journey - Don't Stop Believing" on the the mic and hope no one kicks your ass.
Haha. The bartender was wearing jorts (jean-shorts), How can you go wrong with a bartender wearing jorts? -
Review from Meredith W.
San Diego, CA
9/15/2008
The first time I came here was probably about a year and a half ago with 2 friends of mine - before it's remodelling. I remember being overwhelmed by how small it was, and how there was NO ONE there. I also remember being overwhelmed by their awesome song selection. RARELY do karaoke places have ONE song by Taking Back Sunday, let alone SEVERAL. I got to sing my emo little heart out that night. I also learned that night that "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce' goes up into a bit too high of a key for me. Life lessons, people.
Fast forward - this is a WHOLE new Carriage House. The walls are white, it looks less cluttered, it seems like they expanded a bit and there were actual PEOPLE there! Who came to SING! And a lot of really good singers as well. I was extremely impressed by the amount of talent up in this place.
I also love Kramer (the KJ, at least the night I was there. I have no idea how many nights a week he works). He is funny, polite, sweet, and really easy to talk to. His sound system is awesome, and so is the song selection (still). From what I heard, the bar had a falling out with an old KJ and she left and took the bulk of the songs with her - so they are still trying to build up what they had. Seems like they are doing a pretty good job so far, if that's the case.
I have no idea how much drinks are, since I was flat broke and Eric bought me the 2 beers I had. The smoking patio is nicer than I remember it - they must have revamped that too. TVs on and everything. I lost Eric for a while because a good show was on the one TV and a good movie was on the TV next to it.
It's kind of a hidden spot - don't blink, you might pass it. It's near the Enterprise Rent-A-Car billboard sign after you get off of the 163. It's also a little bit further than I like to drive - granted it was about all of about 15 or 20 minutes, but my usual spot is a bar that's 7 minutes away. Plenty of parking in the lot, though. A wonderful thing to see here in San Diego - ample parking.
The people I met were very friendly and down to earth. A random sampling of all types of 20 and 30 somethings. It was definitely a place I can see myself coming back to. It won't replace my beloved Gilly's, but for some karaoke fun on a random night with some cool peeps...count me in.Listed in: Drinkin' and Singin'
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Review from Tracy S.
Baltimore, MD
9/29/2007
When your friend's car window gets smashed in during a brawl in the parking lot AND he's willing to go back the very next weekend, you know there's something cool about this place.
They don't have Guinness on tap here, though.
The songbook is ENORMOUS, although the duet section was a bit random. My friend (with his new car window) and I looked through it and couldn't find anything reasonable to attempt together.
But there were tons of songs, and the nice thing is that there weren't cheesy videos playing in the background. There's your song lyrics on the screen...now sing!
I didn't sing...my friends can thank me now. Although, I suspect that if I go back, I'm going to have to. I'll be sure to warn y'all first so you can go somewhere else that evening. -
Review from Seung L.
San Diego, CA
8/3/2010
I've been here twice and I love it's super dive karaoke bar ambiance. I think they have karaoke every night. They had it on Monday and Wednesday which were the days I've been by. The crowd is very much a mix of younger people looking for cheap drinks and a place to sing, and much older barflies who look like they live there.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the night was that on the TV was a cable reality show called Girls Gone Wild: Hottest Girls in America. Needless to say, it was rated R. Although I personally didn't approve of this show being on TV, I forced myself to watch it for educational value. ;)
There are also 2 working pool tables and a smoking patio outside for all you smokers. The draft beer selection is good and the prices are very good. The karaoke song book is also very big and has pretty much anything you can think of. And unlike some of the other places, it's pretty easy to get a turn on the stage. It's my go-to karaoke bar choice if I'm in the area. -
Review from Sarah A.
San Diego, CA
8/12/2011
This is the first time I've visited since I moved to the area, and it's still just as quirky. Two drunks almost got in a fight, which was awkward, but one of them left behind $20 so the bartender gave us tokens for free beer! It was the karaoke girl's (Nicole) birthday and we all got cake (that girl can SING)! The bar has shuffleboard and two pool tables, which makes it more than just a dive bar, karaoke EVERY night now and the staff is really nice. This will probably be my go-to spot in the area.
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Review from Larissa Y.
San Diego, CA
1/26/2009
"We usually go to Carriage House on Sunday nights for karaoke", is what she said. I'd been friends with her (and trusted her judgment) long enough to know that it could either be the dive-iest of dive bars or someplace awesome. Perhaps both.
In trying to explain where it was, she said it was in Kearny Mesa "by the F Street". There's an F Street over there? Yes, apparently there is. This place is just East of the 805, before the 163, so drive slow past Convoy Street and look for the "Honey's Cafe" sign on your right. Park in the back.
Can I just say that the restroom was clean? Not just CLEAN, but with good lighting, a little sitting area, and a decent attempt at decor. Women's is a one-toilet kind of thing but I was honestly impressed.
This place is a little Nascar, a little late-night-karaoke ("It's Japanese for tone-deaf!"), but also a little bit cooler than you'd think. It's your typical random bar, two pool tables and a smoking patio out back, but somewhat spacious and not awful. Bottled Newcastle was $4.25 I believe, but I normally go to bars to hang with whoever invited me and don't drink much. This means I have no idea if that's pricey or not.
The bartender was nice, the patrons were good people-watching fodder, and overall I had a good time. There were maybe 30 people when I arrived around 10, but more than that would have made the place seem way too crowded. It wasn't super seedy and they had a pretty nice selection of songs, with a guy who was either friends with the patrons already or really good at his job (probably a combination of both).
Four stars for my first visit - and I'll be returning. If only it was closer to my house! -
Review from Christy H.
San Diego, CA
4/2/2011
Karaoke 7 days a week but the only person who can sing is the girl who sets it up. She will sing several songs in a row. WHACK!!!
She told my friend he couldn't sing cuz it was all booked for the night, then seriously sang like 5 songs. What a biotch. -
Review from Erica F.
7/16/2007
Ohhh the 2nd night of drunken karaoke for my visit this past weekend. I never knew about it when I lived in SD for 7 years before moving back to LA!
Divey place, but very friendly... super strong and CHEAP drinks... nice people. The only thing is the K-Jay only took one of my friends' requests to sing - we had a group of like 7 and only one of us got to sing. BOOOOOO. She was dressed in lace & a black floppy hat like Stevie Nicks circa 1988 so that was good for a laugh.
I would have given five stars if not for that Anne Wilson lookalike cock-blocking us on the singing tip. -
Review from Jenna G.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2008
This place is seedy, divey, gritty and delightfully tacky! It's an unsuspecting place off of Balboa and you could pass right by without noticing. It is securely kept with a padlock on the crappy door that says you must be 21 to enter.
We almost got plowed down by an older model Dodge truck squealing into the parking lot! Once we entered, we got some beers and made some fine selections on the jukebox. The carpet smelled of stale beer and the regulars were chillin at the bar with their signature cocktails. Rock n' roll filled the emptiness until about 9:30pm. Once the karaoke started, people eagerly signed up to do their favorite Martina McBride, David Allen Coe and Guns n' Roses songs.
The karaoke MC was a "cougar" at it's best! She was in her 40's, wore a denim mini, fishnet stockings, a mole skin halter with a draped neckline and had on high heeled suede boots. She was a great singer! She gave a "whoo" and a fist pump during each song she liked.
They do karaoke, you can play the WII there and you could probably get laid by a 5'4" man of 50 years in no time flat! As dumpy as this place was it was fun! We had a large group for a birthday and we just filled the place up. Surprisingly, the bathroom was super clean too!
You have to check this place out sometime! When the Lamplighter get s too crowded, the karaoke guy starts charging too much to play your song or the Ould Sod is too full to get a seat...go for the Carriage House! -
Review from Slater ..
San Diego, CA
8/5/2007
Why have you not gone here already?
Come for the Karaoke, stay for the STIFF drinks. Pint glass sized doubles that should be called quad pours, with a splash of coke.
Kind of place to you could fly solo, but grab some friends. They will thank you. Hole-in-the wall status that will soon be one of the next top dive bars in SD. -
Review from Pamela S.
San Diego, CA
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I enjoy coming to this bar. Rachel is great. Everyone that comes here always seems to welcome us back; even though we do not make it up here very often. We have gone on a few of the bus trips to the race track and it is always very memorable. They have a nice patio you can sit out and smoke (if you smoke). Friendly place to come and have a cool one.
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Review from Morgan G.
New York, NY
5/10/2008
Props to a seedy bar that can get me good n drunk on three gin n tonics. For pretty cheap too.
I honestly say I've never been hit on in such a strange way though. This ragin drunk woman was so far gone she could hardly remember my name. Or sign....
I felt a tug on my purse, turned around, and she stood there teetering with eyes half shut. She asked me my name and my sign (pisces). CLASSIC.
And then asked if I was Irish, and if I was a descendant (WTF?), and if I was a Gemini (nah bitch I just told you I was a pisces).
What a deal breaker. I left that hussy before she had a chance to rub up on me.
She saved that for my boyfriend, who was right next to me. And our friend to the right, and the one next to him, and the one next to her.....
If you get my drift, the regulars aren't selective with who they put the beer goggles on for. Women or men...doesn't matter.
If you haven't gotten any in a while....you're sure to find someone here willing to touch you in all the right places.
But I'll be damned if I wasn't completely creeped out, and checkin over my shoulder the whole time to make sure she didnt come back and grab my ass. -
Review from Caroll G.
Cincinnati, OH
5/15/2007
Based on the opinions of my mid-western friends, this place reminded them of home. Only going to the mid-west once, I had to agree with them because of the atmosphere it gave off.
Located in Asian food town "EVERYWHERE" this was the perfect place for an Asian like myself, who loves Kareoke! It wasn't extravagant. There was nothing trendy or posh about it. In fact, I liked that it was more of your local bar with a good selection of songs you can sing. I was surprised that I was in fact the only Asian who attended the bar and sang, and I loved that the wait wasn't too long to belt out some tunes. It's kind of a dive bar, but at the same time, it wasn't so bad for what it was worth. I went to The Lamplighter in Hillcrest and was lucky that I could get in the door; this one...wide open, but perfect amount of people inside.
Give it a try and don't forget to tip your DJ! -
Review from Chupacabra S.
San Diego, CA
9/23/2008
The place was dirty. Beer was expensive - 5 bucks - thats what you pay in a gaslamp club on a friday night. Though it was in a big glass. It just seemed too much for such a dump. The porky female KJ was psycho. The blonde bartender was cute and friendly.
I don't like the stage area, its way off in a TINY corner and nobody can see you unless they are _right there_. very poor planning as I read this place was remodeled? The sound system seemed ok though when I sang.
The outdoor area seemed really cool. More places need outdoor patios. It's san diego! Take advantage of the outdoors. -
Review from Michelle L.
San Diego, CA
1/20/2011
You want a hole-in-the-wall karaoke bar that will meet and exceed all of your expectations? This is the place to go. I've gone 3 times now. The people are awesome, and you will soon see a lot of regulars that go to sing and have a good time. Drink prices are very reasonable. Super fun atmosphere...everyone is very supportive, even when it sounds like you could break glass with your awful singing!
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Review from GMoney D.
San Diego, CA
3/7/2011
So I discovered this place once when I was eating at Honeys Cafe. I was coming out of the cafe and noticed what appeared to be a bar. So I go in and check it out. The regulars in there were all really friendly. Just a cool little dive bar with all the usual amenities, pool tables, bar stools. But the coolest game was a shuffle board table. A lot of fun, cool, low key spot to get your drink on.
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Review from A M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/7/2009
Went here for the first time hoping to enjoy others singing Karaoke. Had such a great time. It's a little small, but everyone is so friendly here, including the bartender Andy and he's quick with the drinks too. Friday night business picked up around 11:00-11:30 so get there early if you want a seat!
The only con: One woman's toilet. :( -
Review from Thao H.
San Diego, CA
5/14/2011
This establishment is pretty little but full of cool men and women and fantastic music including karaoke 4 nights a week. Many people that frequent here are regulars but everyone is treated like family members here. Truly a gem among san diego's large pub scene.
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Review from Brian D.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2011
Always a happening place when I stop in at the CH. It really is tucked away behind the breakfast/lunch ham shop. Never an empty car lot though! Someone every nite wants to sing and the Carriage House is the place they come to make their vocal dreams come true.
Whether it's the blond bomb shell Dezzie, or Big Smiles Daniel or the owner himself, Andy tending your booze, you'll be in good hands. Small place that packs in two pools tables, a regular size shuffle board, (in my semi-sober state maybe darts?), multiple flat screen TVs and plenty of karaoke run by the ever so fashionable Nicole or Kramer, the only person I know who can sing like Kermit the Frog.
The crowd is the real winner. Even ratio of girls to guys with a wide range of ages and class wealth that never ever dominates. Everyone finds themselves sometime in the nite singing to one of their favorite songs even if they aren't on stage. And at the same time putting away drinks. I've seen it all at CH from the lesbian rugby team to a group of sales reps; they ALL come to drink, sing and have a wild time. On a conservative side note, I've had great stories to tell about the place the next day. Awesome atmosphere with friendly people! My personal local favorite! -
Review from Wayne W.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2007
Oh, I liked this place so much. Great songbook, good drinks, low prices. The KJ Cleo was a saint and a half. The vibe was overall greatly, even if the crowd of chumpy jeans t-shirt guys across the way were having an over-loud conversation about pornography. The bartender did have an atypical tendency to cut people off (given the shouts of "woo! double penetration!" coming through the room I can't quite hold it against her.) Good honest karaoke, down to earth. You should probably come here over and over again. It will mask the greater emptiness in your life.
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Review from brad j.
San Diego, CA
3/3/2011
this is a hard to find gem...this is a great dive bar!!! With some real (pros) on the microphone. The only downside is its location if you live or are staying in downtown, hold back a 50 for the cab ride home. Outside of that it is Awesome!
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Review from Kristen S.
San Diego, CA
cheap drinks, very friendly bartenders and karaoke DJ, pool tables, shuffle board, outside patio for smoking. This place has a bunch of regulars, which I suppose kind of includes me nowadays. Karaoke is fun here because you can always get in at least several times. Most karaoke places in SD (Gillys, Lamplighter, Henrys) have too long of a line. Carriage House is a pretty non-threatening environment for the maybe not-so-amazing singers. Everyone has fun and if you suck no one cares (probably because most everyone is drunk). The karaoke DJ is very nice and makes sure everyone gets a chance to go up (not the case in most karaoke bars).
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Review from Mindy c.
Los Angeles, CA
7/2/2009
I like it for the cheap drinks. And of course, the shuffle board. Did I mention the pool tables are usually open too? The crowd there is usually pretty nice but a bit older than the crowd I roll with (see Robin L.'s review). I think another Yelper mentioned how the bathroom was incredibly clean.. and it really always is. It's a women's bathroom in a bar.. you don't expect it to be as clean as it is!! A definite plus :) The karaoke is what you expect. They've got a big book of songs and a lot of the people who are brave enough to sing.. well.. it's entertaining to watch. Great place to hang out with friends when you're not looking to get all gussied up to go out and have a drink!
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Review from Q. B.
San Diego, CA
2/18/2009 3 Check-ins Here
oddly enough in order for me to come here, all three of the following things need to be going on at the same time.
1. I'm working
2.its raining
3. Jesse drops by to visit
its a nice little bar, never been here later than 2pm. drinks are cheap and strong, plus they have lotto for some odd reason. makes sense though, if you drink at 10am while you should be working chances are, you probably like to gamble.
