- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Casbah
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Music Venues, Dive Bars [Edit]
2501 Kettner Blvd(between Laurel St & Maple St)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighbourhood: Middletown
(619) 232-4355
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8:30 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
380 reviews for The Casbah
Review Highlights
-
"They get great bands both big and small, local and not." In 17 reviews -
"By far the best place to see live music." In 4 reviews -
"Lucy's Fur Coat happens to be my favorite San Diego rock n..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
380 reviews in English
-
Review from Jen V.
La Mesa, CA
4/23/2012
Classic place for music in San Diego. Not pretentious in the least, it doesn't look like much and it doesn't smell great but the sound system and affordable drinks make up for it. Tons of great shows here several nights a week. Limited seating, floor space and the added bonus of the atari lounge with a second bar and more good acts. Prices are reasonable for what you can see here. Local bands get started here and don't forget where they came from... it rocks!
A tall boy of PBR is $4.50- can't beat that, even if I look like a hipster.Listed in: Vivacious Music Venues
-
Review from Stephanie H.
San Diego, CA
5/7/2012
This place is about music. I wouldn't go there for any other reason.
Mostly, because it usually smells. P U.
BUT.. you can check out cool local and too hot to be too big bands!
I saw !!! here and it was the best show ever!
Usually, the sound quality here is just slightly off. Sometimes worse than others. I used to think it was something about the venue.. but then I saw !!! and it was the best sound ever and that's when I realized.. its probably a band thing.
So if you are a band about to play here.. don't be afraid to speak up in between songs and adjust your sound. !!! did it and it only made them better. It doesn't have to be perfect straight out of sound check.. but if you notice you need a tweak say something in between songs! Your listeners will thank you. -
Review from Matt K.
San Diego, CA
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Anything and everything rock and roll at the Casbah. It really is a thing of beauty. From folk to punk and beyond this place keeps it real, yo.
I've been her tons of times and I'm here tonight to see guttermouth (punk). A band I've seen close to ten times I think, but never in such a small and intimate venue as this. I can hardly contain my anticipation for mayhem and wisecracks. The show was amazing and it was obvious Mark was under the influence of over and under the counter medications... but I digress.
The CASBAH is the best damn venue in San Diego. If you see a band you're interested in or if it's one of your favorites don't hesitate to come down to the Casbah and check it out. -
Review from Kristen E.
La Jolla, CA
3/26/2012
The Casbah is a cool place, where you feel cool for knowing about it and cool for knowing the small bands that play there. Don't fool yourself though, you're not cool, you're just a pretentious hipster who's not better than anybody else just because you bring your own cloth bags to carry your vegan groceries home in and buy your clothes at the thrift store. Sorry....that's the vibe I get from most patrons of the Casbah, although it's easy to ignore them because they're usually very polite people that are very into the music so they never ruin the experience of seeing your favorite band live.
The Casbah is dark and dingy and old school and small. There's almost no seating when bands are playing, which is usually fine, and there's not a bad spot in the house because it's tiny. I give the Casbah 4 stars because I've never had a bad time there when seeing a band. Parking is free around the corner although you'll probably have to walk through some creepy alleyways, but it adds to the "cool" underground feel. Because the place is so small, it always feels like an intimate show with you and a few others rocking out to your favorite band. It's GREAT for seeing bands with a more quiet soft feeling too because there are so few people that most are well behaved and stay quiet for the quiet songs. -
Review from Adam T.
3/12/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Awesome venue! Great size, good staff/security, not a ton of a-holes, decent drink and show prices, and good sound.
The biggest downside to this venue is that not enough good punk/hardcore type bands play here. Soma is pure crap, HOB is too big and expensive, and everywhere else is too small for decent bands. If you are good, PLAY HERE MORE! -
Review from Paul C.
3/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here
The one solid spot of reality in a city fraught with sunny, tourist soaked facade.
This place is genuine, loud, put in it's dues and still rings with 90's charm and grunge aesthetic. I've watched, heard and even felt so many bands here; all with wonderful, vivid (and fuzzy) memories to keep inside this well partied head. I look forward to frequenting and supporting this venue for years to come. Word is bonded.
TIP: Sapporos are only a $1 more than nasty ass PBR, so consider this a Death Star blast across your scenester bow. Sapporo is the new black. Time to get with it, all you asymmetrical haircutted, color-discoordinated, tight-panted, thick rimmed lensed children. Myeh. -
Review from Vanessa M.
San Diego, CA
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went on a Sunday night for the cursive concert and didn't know what to expect... I was pleasantly surprised! Really fun and cool concert venue. Its a crazy mix of people all together for some good music.
The venue is really intimate so there's not a bad place to stand in the house. Also, even though the place was packed, there was always a spot at the bar to order a drink. -
Review from Chris S.
San Diego, CA
5/1/2012
Being from the east coast originally there are quite a few casbah style places for live music but it is a gem out here in san diego. Great variety of bands the coolest people from san diego ie non-PBers. Best one so far was Yuck.
-
Review from Kristina M.
Oceanside, CA
2/9/2012
A few weekends ago I went to a Saturday show at The Casbah in Little Italy to see The Silent Comedy (an absolutely amazing local band!) and it was such a good time that the next morning I booked another night in my hotel and another 2 tickets to see The Silent Comedy's second show at the Casbah for Sunday night.
The second night was even better than the first! The drinks were stiff, the beer was good, the sound system was energizing and the entertainment was top notch. I'd like to see this place before dark sometime. -
Review from Kimiko S.
Vista, CA
2/4/2012
It looks like a dive, smells like a dive...it IS a dive! Hell yes!
Been here numerous times in college (many a moon ago). Went here a few weeks ago for the Fumanchoo concert and we had a blast!
Looks are deceiving.
Your chances of getting into a bar-room brawl are way higher at a fancy night-club in the Gaslamp Quarter, than a hole-in-the-wall dive, like the Casbah. No hoytie-toytie barfly's in hiked up mini-skirts, dog collar chokers and stilettos, here. Just a great crowd- with great music, great sound, great bands and a nice size bar.
-thats just as it should be.
-Oh yes, I must pay homage to the AWESOME 'Men-of-the-Hour' (-you know who you are! -you kept my jack/coke, coming, all night long! -God Bless Us, Everyone!)
*So, I DID take pics of us at the concert but the liquid courage was pulsating through our veins, the pics were hella blurry- especially the ones he took!
My bad, note to self...
"...Self, next time, take the pics BEFORE the drinks shall commence...Noted."* -
Review from Yvonne C.
2/13/2012
AMAZING. DIVEY. INTIMATE. AWESOME.
Apparently, I need to work on expanding my vocabulary. Don't judge - I just tried to describe this place the best I knew how.
WOW.
There's another one. Enjoy. -
Review from Leslie G.
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
$4.50 PBR tallboys are pretty much a must-have here. The last time we went, they only had one bartender for a sold out show where every single person was having at least one drink. Man, he was hustlin'!
A cool venue, but the smoking "outside" even though it is basically inside but with no ceiling is annoying because I hate smelling cigarette smoke under any circumstances, and of course it all goes right inside so there is no escaping it.
Love the cheap ticket prices and the super low service charges for purchasing online. -
Review from Shehryar C.
San Diego, CA
2/10/2012
Plaid shirts, divey, loud, hole-in-the-wall, hipsters, and cheap PBR. Overall, still a great place to check out a show in San Diego. The Casbah mostly hosts smaller indie rock bands. I've been here a few times to see indie rock bands that I liked. Tickets are usually pretty cheap and even with sold out shows, you still have room to roam around the venue. I definitely like the outdoor patio area where you can enjoy your drink and have a conversation. It is super loud inside but I don't think anyone really complains about that, especially if a band is rockin the show.
Drinks are cheap and street parking is available around the venue. -
Review from Omar W.
San Diego, CA
2/15/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great place to see live music. Do not dress up as they seem to keep the heat on full blast. You will sweat! But the bands are always good and the sound is good. Great place to see your favorite band up and close.
. -
Review from Shannon L.
Escondido, CA
4/8/2012
FUN! Great place to see a gig! Up close, personal and loud. PERFECT!
-
Review from Sulo K.
La Mesa, CA
1/3/2012
BY FAR THE MOST LEGENDARY CLUB IN TOWN (despite the pigeon hipsters that give me funny looks every time I walk in there). The staff is friendly, fast, funny and very assertive. The bands that play there could be a little nicer to us punks.....hint.....hint.... All in all it is a whole in the wall and if they had a cigarette machine on stage I would gladly move it over so I could play there again. Thanks TIM MAYS & HARLAN for the wise words, good times and great shows. I'll be seeing you very, very soon.
sincerely,
Sulo -
Review from Clayton B.
Escondido, CA
3/10/2012
I actually really like this venue. It can get a little warm in here so just be warned. I always drove past this place so many times and went with one of my friends a few months here. The people that go here are pretty awesome, surprisingly the drinks aren't too bad. This place can get absolutely PACKED though so be ready for some fun!
-
Review from Alexis K.
San Diego, CA
12/1/2011
WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE CASBAH?!
Great music venue! Interesting people, attentive bartenders, awesome smoking patio...
For some of the shows, tickets sell out quick, so be sure to get tickets online.
Keep rockin'! -
Review from Terence D.
San Diego, CA
12/6/2011
God damn I love San Diego! Where I was born! Where I was raised! Where I learned how to skate and surf and about punk rock and independent music! First as a teen it was garage shows, then the Che Cafe and shitty ass Soma, and then when I finally turned 21 The Casbah became a playground of liquid and aural delights!
The Casbah is an integral part of San Diego's music scene. Small, intimate and loud as sh*t! I saw Superdrag here once and I had seen them a few times already at Brick by Brick, in Seattle and NYC...gotta say the Casbah show was by far the best because not only was the band just "ON" that night, but the Casbah's atmosphere and room acoustics (small venue=loud as a mofo) were muy perfecto.
Also just hangin' there is a treat. I have bumped into old friends I had not seen in decades (literally) and even met some random dudes that were cool as shit. Case in point, one time I was waiting in line trying to get into a sold out Rocket From the Crypt show. I made small talk with the guy in line ahead of me....the lucky bastard was the last person they let into the show. Of course I was bummed, but it was nice out so I ended up hanging outside just so I could at least listen to RFTC play live. Not ten minutes later that guy that was ahead of me came back out with a couple of tasty tacos for me to chow on! How rad is that? I missed RFTC but at least I didn't leave hungry!
So to sum up, if you are into experiencing good, loud, live, real music, running into old friends, making new friends, eating amazing tacos, drinking cold cervezas, and enjoying your life...well then, just stop into The Casbah and get busy livin'! -
Review from Sara Y.
9/22/2011
Probably the best place to see live shows in San Diego. Tiny, intimate, dark, and loud. Tim Mays' formula for hosting some of the best shows is perfection.
$6 for a pint of fancy, draft beer; $4.50 for a can of PBR. Great booze prices. The bathrooms are clean and decorated in punk rock scrawl.Listed in: Get Cultured!
-
Review from Paola R.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've passed by the place for years, and finally went here when the Blue Scholars performed here some months ago. The venue was PACKED, and it was perfect for this underground hip hop show. The drinks were also well priced. The venue is pretty small, but like I said, perfect for an underground hip hop show...
-
Review from Emily S.
San Diego, CA
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Two things you'll need... Earplugs and Cash.
Done. Fcuking love this place, makes me feel like I'm still alive, Or a close facsimile thereof.
I almost always go by myself and it's the kind of place where you can do that and feel great. For some reason believe there is a little family and children that live in the apartment upstairs maybe I am dreaming that.
If they aren't already deaf, they are now.
Lots of local bands, Transfer, Silent Comedy and Matt Curreri & the Exfriends who I've seen because they've opened up for other amazing acts like Joan as Police Woman, Jeremy Enigk, The White Buffalo Nomo, too many to count.
It's loud and small and I like it.
BTW, it's not hard to find... seriously.
Ever been to the airport? Ever been up that big ass hill (Laurel) that leads up to the 5 after someone picks you up? BINGO baby! That's your cross street!! Have a nice show.Listed in: Got Visitors?
-
Review from Rita A.
10/24/2011
Best Place for a Show......EVER!!!!! The Casbah has always been my favorite place in downtown!!! The Casbah's been bringing rising talents to the San Diego scene foreverrr. Ever heard a little band called Smashing Pumpkins? How about Nirvana? They all played here before they rose to the top of the charts. One of the biggest reasons to see a show here is because you can see the band up close and personal before they blow up big time. Usually, bands that play here are on their way up, and you will never get a chance to see them so close, so personal and so raw as you will here. The Casbah is simply the best live indie rock music venue in San Diego for some amazing acts. The music line-up is generally the most interesting and diverse in town. The sound is excellent (and loud). It is small enough that you are never more than 20 Feet from the bands. I love the crowd it's so diverse and usually pretty cool.
Some of my favorite moments of late nights in the 'Bah'....
The Kills.....(woooooooooo!) They killed it with just them hot sweaty selves and total EARGASM :)
Nouvelle Vague...my favorite french musicians chilled my soul while the female singers melted my heart with their sultry, seductive and nasty raw sensuality. Highlight was when the chicks hopped on top of the bar while singing Dead Kennedy's "Too Drunk to Fuck"... priceless moments.
YELLE.......Ahhhhhhhh!!!! MAGNIFIQUE!!!!!!!! I wonder if anybody in the crowd parle francais??
Mickey Avalon with Andre Legacy and Dirt Nasty aka Dyslexic Speedreaders.....they're so hilarious and awesomenesss. They KILLED IT as always! ESP Mickey, he is a fabulous entertainer & his dancers are amazing too. I walked in and the people was so hyphy and live. We walked into the crowd and was able to dance and feed off everyone's energy. It was so crowded, I loved every bit of it. It was so much fun when Mickey pulled us on to the stage to dance, he always gets involved with his audience. AMAZING CONCERT! Unforgettable. It was actually even more amazing and fun when he performed here than at the Roxy in L.A. Never a dull moment with my Dyslexic Speedreaders ;)
Overall I love this little dungeon of cooolness!!!! Everyone should go to the 'Bah' for some musical orgasms!!! Sooo looking forward to getting lost in music next week for Gringo Star, Male Bonding, and the Black Heart Procession in Dec!!!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (hands in the air) CANT WAIT! ! ! !
GET LOST IN ME.....I LOVE music
MUSIC has no face!!!
ALL & ANYTHING that creates it........IS BEAUTIFUL!! :) -
Review from Emily R.
3/25/2011
I love this venue! It smells like old wood and booze which is comforting to me. A mixed bag of people go here. As I stood out on the patio having a smoke I noticed a gaggle of lipstick lesbians, randoms that were bar hopping and a guy wearing tighter pants than I wear myself.
The bar seemed pretty thick with patrons all wanting an adult beverage. Everyone looking the bartenders straight in the face hoping they are next. "Look at me, look at me."
The venue itself is small and intimate, loud and properly so. You can catch some wallflowers propped up wasting away and bopping their heads and 40 somethings right in the front of the stage dancing harder than anybody else.
You can't help but feel like your photo should be taken out front of this joint. Its dingy, off putting and no place for squares. Just a good time, good people and good music. -
Review from Erin B.
3/28/2011
If you've never been before it could be tricky to spot and then once you have spotted the whole in the wall, it could be even trickier to find free parking. psst...park up above on the side street.
Super cute and cozy music talent viewing with an even cozier patio, and theres a pool table for you cool kids.
Drinks are cheapish and the music is loudish. -
Review from Valentina C.
Schertz, TX
6/16/2011
Peter Murphy at the Casbah!
Nothing like being dangerously close to a goth icon's pelvic region. It's a intimate venue, to say the least! Where else could you see a show like that but at the Casbah?
I was also close enough there to touch The Dresden Dolls' drumset at their show many years ago. I love being at the front at shows here. I really haven't seen Amanda Palmer or the Dolls anywhere else because my experience at the Casbah was so remarkable, I knew there would be no other venue I would get the same experience at. I enjoy smaller venues. I can't stand large stadium shows...where's the fun in that? Lucky for me, my taste is more gothic, classical, industrial, noise, indie weirdness...and that is who usually shows up at the Casbah!
I hope the Casbah doesn't vitiate me on Peter Murphy or maybe the star and crescent moon with go out to him like a Turkish Batman signal and he will return here and save me the problem of not being two feet away from his face. I never knew before this show that he would jump into the crowd, do some stand up, get people in headlocks, throw water on us, give some extreme eye contact and basically act completely opposite of the 4th and B show I watched last time. Peter Murphy has gone feral and I rather like it.
Let's see, what else have I enjoyed there: Nikki Sudden (RIP), the Breeders, Sol Invictus, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Mudhoney, Quintron, Blonde Redhead, Legendary Pink Dots, Bobby Conn, US Maple, The Ruins, Vandermark 5, The Fall, Melt Banana, Kill Me Tomorrow, ZZYZX, Polysics. Many, many more.
Parking isn't too bad. We always seem to be able to park close. But do bring your earplugs and cash. Drinks won't break the bank. Their shows, even the Peter Murphy one which was more than average (the guy has a long way to travel) are very affordable too. I am so appreciative when European and Asian acts come here. I always try to go to show my happiness in them playing the Casbah, because they could, like many acts, blow past us and into LA without stopping. Or not even bother with America.
I love you Casbah. With all my cold dark heart. -
Review from Jaimie B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/29/2011
Great venue to see the Chris Robinson Brotherhood! The staff are super cool, beer is cold & cheap, and the outdoor patio is a chill place to hang between sets for some fresh air.
It's right off the road from LA so I could probably find it without GPS haha! The parking is VERY expensive unless you can find street parking but being a girl (usually kickin' it alone) it's safer to park in a well lit parking lot.
If you're waiting in line for the show to start there's a Subway right across the street to grab a quick bite, but it's a crazy loud corner with planes, trains, & automobiles passing by...
The downside? It's hotter than Hell in here!! The upside to that? The band can watch hot sweaty girls shed most layers of their clothing ;)
And the crowd in San Diego always rocks out - amazing! See y'all at the next CRB show! -
Review from Christiane D.
San Diego, CA
6/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love going to the Casbah to see a show. There is nothing better than being able to be upfront and personal with a band that you want to see, especially in a super small venue. What's more awesome than that? Seeing the band that you love walk around the venue before and after the show, giving you the chance to have a one on one encounter with them. You want to say "that show melted my face," you can to any of them.
This small venue is on the left hand side of Kettner shortly getting off the 5 South. If you are looking for parking, look on the side streets above and alongside the venue, you are far better off. There are two different bars at this venue, the one inside by the stage and the one in the back game room. The back game room only takes cash, so that is a key element if you want to get your beverage on.
MAIN THING TO REMEMBER: Earplugs. These are a key element in maintaining optimal fun. Cash is another thing to keep on hand because there is a merch stand outside that offers signature pieces sometimes and it makes the bar wait far shorter. -
Review from Danneth C.
San Marcos, CA
12/17/2011
One of the San Diego's gems, absolutely the COOLEST venue to watch your favorite artist. In love with the grimy and underground vibe inside and how you're surprised how sketch it looks on the outside. Its small and intimate, and you can see the musician's sweat. The live music RULES here. I saw Yelle and Future Islands, and the sound was amazing. And the opening bands for the main acts don't suck! Good place to discover new sound.
-
Review from L A.
Carlsbad, CA
6/27/2011
I lost my Casbah cherry last night and it was fabulous!
I've driven by this music venue for years and always wondered what kind of people go in there . . . well, i found out last night and it is people just like you and me . . . and sometimes people like that guy over there . . . and sometimes people like the lady up the street. Basically, the Casbah is for everyone.
I went to meet two friends for last night's show and i was a bit early. I struck up a conversation with Graham outside and i REALLY enjoyed talking to him. Graham has worked here for years and we talked about everything Casbah and i got quite the education.
He introduced me to Jeff, the "Dalton" of the Casbah, and he was a class act. Kept us in great spirits and he made sure we were taken care of. Other than the bands, the team is enough of a reason to show up.
The place is nothing like i had imagined (if i had really imagined anything). There were basically two many rooms with two band setups. The larger venue was for the main act. When the band is playing, it is seems dark & seedy, but it is really loads of fun with a great crowd.
The back stage is considerably smaller but talk about getting up close with the band!!! People were dancing the band was blasting out fabulous tunes.
Inbetween the two was more of an alley where people gathered, talked, drank and smoked . . . It was more like a European club than anything i've seen in the states.
Last night it was Holly Golightly, Kid Congo, and the Pink Monkey Birds. They all rocked with their own style and flair.
If you get the chance, go!!! You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Brittany B.
San Diego, CA
8/8/2011
Having only lived in San Diego for two months, last week was my very first Casbah night. I picked up the reader and thumbed through it to find that one of my favorite Portland bands, The Builder's and The Butchers were going to be playing there.
As soon as we walked in, we felt right at home. The lighting is perfect (reminds me of the Derby) for a smaller venue. We were also stoked to see that there's an outside patio for smokers, which was a pleasant surprise
We walked up to the bar to find that there was only one bartender. Now, since I've spent the last, oh I don't know, 12 years in the service industry I get that less staff means more staff money. I am always pretty compassionate to that because I've been there and that guy was busting his ass, so it's all good.
Overall, great lighting, giant PBR's, and wonderful sound.
I'll be back -
Review from Kristen S.
San Diego, CA
I love love love love this venue. It is small enough that you can see the stage really well regardless of where you are. They always have really good bands come through and often host shows at HOB also. The drinks are solid and they have a nice outdoor area and pool tables. I would recommend getting on their email list so you always know about upcoming shows in time to get tickets.
-
Review from Sayanan S.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2011
I saw the Voodoo Glow Skulls there. It's a good venue, spacious but intimate. The stage is elevated, but still close to the action. The bartenders are good, and the bouncers work their butts off. I remember punk rock being a little cheaper than the Casbah, but I'll let it slide.
Parking can be a little dicey, as the location is in a weird pocket by the airport and the I-5.
Go here to reminisce about what it meant to be punk way back when, and cringe a bit to see drunken 35-year olds still partying and moshing like they're 16 at a show. -
Review from Brandon Z.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2011
Only my favorite venue in San Diego! Everyone that works there is pretty nice.. the atmosphere is friggin amazing.. the sound is friggin amazing... the outdoor patio is THE BEST!!!!
the drinks are decent price wise.. actually theyre pretty cheap.
Love this venue, its my favorite one to go to! -
Review from Terry M.
San Diego, CA
1/31/2011
As a local musician, I have been to or played at most music venues in San Diego. The Casbah is my favorite venue to play at and see shows.
At some venues, when I have to sit through a shitty ass annoying band, I will wonder to myself- "Do they let anyone play here? Why don't they just book bands that have their shit together and are doing something interesting?" Well, that's what Tim Mays does.
He actually listens to the music submitted to him. He matches up bands well. Meaning, if you go to a show to see some band that you already like, you are likely to become a fan of some other band that is playing the same night. TIm builds and nutures a music scene rather than just responding to it.
The sound system is great. The sound guys are also great and care about their craft. As an independent musician, you are treated with respect. The independent spirit lives and thrives at the Casbah.
Aside from that, the drinks are reasonably priced. The venue itself has a cool atmosphere. The lighting is dim, so everyone looks good. The Atari lounge has Ms Pac Man, Donkey Kong Jr and Robotron. If I ever have my childhood dream of having my own arcade like in Silver Spoons, i'd probably start with those.
They also host one of my favorite dance parties- JiveWire. They'll only do it twice a year or so, but it's rad- a mix of New Wave, Funk, Electro Clash, Old School Hip Hop... -
Review from Melissa N.
San Diego, CA
10/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am a HUGE concert-goer, and am definitely a fan of the Casbah.
The day after I turned 21, I was way excited to go to a 21 and up venue. At first, I was a bit skeptical for many reasons:
- I had no idea where to park, and my boyfriend decided that I should look for street parking, and without that much trouble, there was plenty of street parking. I didn't feel too safe because I parked on one of the busy streets (about two blocks from the venue) and was afraid someone was going to crash into my silver civic.
- We got there about 15 mins early and waited awkwardly in sort of a line outside of the venue and the whole time, it reeked of pee. I don't blame the Casbah, just downtown in general. It's expected.
- There were no windows, and to be honest, it looked like a shack from the outside.
However, after we went inside, I was completely surprised. They have an open roof for the smokers in the hallway outside of the pool room and the main concert room. Not only that, the mood and lighting is perfect, and the bar is great! The stage is pretty small, but I prefer it that way because it makes the show a lot more intimate and complements the atmosphere of the venue. Oh yeah, they need a lot more bar stools, I think when I was there, there were only like ten.
I loooove the crowd! I'm so over the moshing-annoying-teeny bopper crowd at an all ages concert.
The reason why I gave it four starts instead of five is because the sound isn't too great. It's probably because of the small venue and thin walls, but I didn't mind too much since my ears are dying anyways. Will definitely come back for more shows!Listed in: Best Venues
-
Review from Charissa D.
San Diego, CA
10/11/2011
This is my favorite music venue and bar in the vicinity of S.D. That says a lot since I have been to countless live performances and festivals in San Diego and beyond. The stage may be small, but it allows people to see performances at an intimate, eye level. Aside from the stage, the venue in it's entirety is spacious--there's a patio where you can get fresh air and an area where you can play pool or arcades. I never came home disappointed after watching a live show here. Additionally, depending on what type of band is playing, you probably won't run into anyone looking for trouble or attention. There really isn't much division between the band and the audience as everyone is almost always respectful (except this one instance when this big girl pushed this annoying douche bag towards the stage. I swear, I saw steam coming out of her ears).
-
Review from Cristina B.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came to this venue last night for Say Hi, and I was happy with my experience. Drinks with heavy pours, friendly bartenders and bouncers, and 2 drinks cost what 1 costs in other venues. A very eclectic hodge-podge of attendees, but I liked the outdoor patio still in listening range of the bands, the bar in the back room never had a line, and the pool tables tucked away looked inviting. Good acoustics and a good soundboard tech really rounded out my night,and I liked the mirrors on the sides which gave me a clear view of the artists since there were too many people in front of us to see.
Since this venue is also walking distance from my home, I imagine I'll be back and frequently. -
Review from Paula D.
9/7/2010
When you think of a dive bar, you come to expect certain things that make the dive bar truly legit. Over the years in my extensive research and with my collective data analysis complete I have come to this list that screams dive bar:
A. Sticky. Yes, sticky. Your shoes will stick to the dance floor and if you perch upon a table and lean upon it with your arms they will stick.
B. Smellz: Old Furpy bar smell with a soupçon of urinal and the occasion whiff of vintage unbathed patron and spliff
C. Architectural abstraction. In order to be a true dive bar it should have several corridors to nowhere, doors that are built behind walls and a series of rooms that lead to other rooms with no logical utility.
D. The lighting should be dark enough to hide the source of the stickiness but well lit enough to see the bizarre electrical assemblies used to power the sound and lighting on stage. (Like a thrill ride at a theme park, you view these electrical anomalies with interest and secretly peek around for a handy escape route whilst trying to look all macho al la , "I don't need to survive this crusty dive bar, man".
F. Finally, this venue should be willing to host a variety of acts that are fun, musically talented and innovative.
Tonight was my first visit to the Casbah and they checked all of the boxes above..and I got to hear Mojo Nixon sing " Debbie Gibson is pregnant, with my two headed love child". They also had Joey F***king Harris and the Mentals and the Farmers.
Life is good. -
Review from Lo F.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2011
I don't know how I managed to live 25 years of life, many of them in San Diego, without ever having been to a show at the Casbah, but now that I've been, I'm sold!
I caught one of my favorite small-bands-that-are-about-to-be-huge, Italian Japanese, here recently and I was beyond stoked that I got to see them perform from literally five feet away. The intimacy at this joint is unparalleled. Also, the sound was pretty fantastic, but I was a little disappointed that it was hard to hear the lead singer's voice. Did I mention tickets were $8? Awesome.
I have to give additional props to the Casbah for having a pretty rockin' bar. I ordered a hef, but saw they had a half-dozen or so other taps on top of all the makings for mixed drinks. Very cool.
Minus one star for dirty, nasty bathrooms, but I guess that's part of the fun of live music!
Good stuff.
