It would be easy to miss this unassuming North Park lounge—if it weren’t for the crowds that gather in manic lines at the door each week. With no bars on either side and a small, glowing sign above the entrance printed with only the words “Air Conditioned,” this crowd pleaser is not the kind of place you end up unless you’ve heard of it. Though by now, you probably have.

 
As its name suggests, Air Conditioned is almost too cool. Because of its small size, Air Conditioned has a cozy feel that’s balanced out by high ceilings and a sophisticated décor of maroons and blacks, leather barstools, plush couches, and vintage posters. DJ’s are featured nightly here, and the smallish dance floor, adjacent to the DJ booth, is constantly filled with gyrating hipsters.

You won’t find beach bums or a huge college crowd at the AC Lounge, but who needs ‘em? Although off the beaten path, this self-proclaimed “premiere dive dance lounge in San Diego” is appealing precisely because it’s unlike any other bar in the city of San Diego. A plus: Air Conditioned constantly features special events, and has killer specials on drinks every week (make sure to stop by on a Tuesday night after 11:30 p.m., when all cocktails are half price). AC Lounge also features a VIP room, available for private parties, and a lowered lounge area, for anyone who needs a break from the dance floor.

Although Air Conditioned is now open in several other U.S. cities, San Diego’s is the original and, according to many, still the best.