In a city like San Diego where bars and restaurants open up every month, easily swayed locals tend to forever focus their party-energy on what’s new. But, there are a few select venues that have lasted the test of time and continue to top our list of local favorites. No matter what flashy new spots temporarily steal the limelight, you can still find us in-the-know locals at our preferred tried and true spots.
On the list of our favorites is Bar West in Pacific Beach. When this swanky club hit the beach scene in 2007, San Diego had a slight identity crisis. It looks like downtown, it feels like downtown – but it’s on Hornblend Street in PB; what’s going on!?
Bar West’s original creators—who also fashioned iconic downtown super-clubs Stingaree and Side Bar—introduced Gaslamp-style atmosphere and amenities to the beach. With a Davis Krummins design, a VIP party scene with plush bottle service booths, and partnerships with local promotion companies and popular local DJs, Bar West was the first of its kind to grace the sea-side streets of Pacific Beach. It’s arguable that Bar West began the upscale transformation of local nightlife at the beach. And for that, we thank you!
As can be expected, with a genre-changing venue comes initial criticism. Some locals were hesitant to accept this new nightlife vibe in their neighborhood, and others had varying complaints.
Two years later, a brand new management team took over Bar West and further transformed it into the club we knew it could be. Heading the new team is owner Michael Reidy and local industry pro Chris Martin, who recognized the potential of Bar West and stepped in to breathe new life into the venue. On their top list of priorities were customer service standards and a reinstalled casual, laid-back beach vibe. Michael and Chris partnered with a variety of local nightlife figures, including the leading local promotion companies DJhere Productions and Encore Entertainment, as well as the beautiful and talented Operations Manager Cara Moore.
The new Bar West is celebrating its 3 Year Anniversary with a weekend-long event, April 22 – 25, 2010. If you’ve yet to experience the revamped Bar West scene, this is your time to shine. Join us as we rage with one of our tried and true venues and celebrate three years of Sun Down, Music Up!
Thursday, April 22: Bar West kicks off the anniversary weekend with a Recycled Fashion Show in honor of Earth Day, featuring retro-chic looks from Buffalo Exchange with models styled by A Robert Cromean’s Salon. If you bring an article of clothing in good condition and donate at the door before 10pm, you will get in cover-free and be gifted with a free drink ticket. During the party, Bar West will also treat guests to Kiehl’s Beauty Products giveaways. Kiehl’s is a green and cruelty free company. The Recycled Fashion Show begins right at 10pm, and the party will continue all night with your favorite DJs, including Chris Clouse and G*Roy. RSVP now to get on the list!
Continue the party spirit on Friday, April 23 with a live performance from Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy, and beats by Mac Luv. On Saturday, April 24, Bar West is rolling out the red carpet and welcoming a hot celebrity host – Playmate Heather Rae Young, with sounds from Travis Howe. When spring fever hits hard, you know Industry Sundays at Bar West are all the rage, and this special weekend is slated to surpass all expectations. On Sunday, April 25 get ready to party with a live performance by Tone-Loc and beats by DJ Crooked (Vegas Tao + Wet Republic Resident DJ), with opening sets by Mac Love and Travis Howe. RSVP now to get on the list!
It’s Party Time: Join us as we celebrate Bar West’s 3 Year Anniversary Weekend 4/22 – 4/25. Sun Down, Music Up!
As new restaurants and clubs come and go, some venues stand the test of time and remain our favorites in the local spotlight. For Pacific Beach nightlife, Bar West was the first of its kind and continues to be the industry leader.
Get to Know the New Bar West
Bar West is everyone’s favorite swanky bar by the beach. Although the décor and entertainment reflect that of a downtown club, Bar West keeps it real with a laid-back attitude and very affordable prices. Under new ownership, Bar West now offers a chill and casual beach-side vibe in an upscale setting with some of the best DJs in San Diego, from Thursday through Sunday night. Head to Bar West on Thursdays with DJhere and $5 drink specials, or cash in your party ticket on Industry Sundays with $200 Ketel One bottle specials; Bar West keeps it fresh with new DJs and drink specials every night of operation. Can’t make it ‘til late? Not a problem at this beach bar. L8 is GR8 at Bar West, and their late night happy hour menu proves it. From 8-10pm Thursday through Sunday, enjoy late night happy hour with $2 sliders, half-off wings, small bites and pizzas, $2 drafts, wells and calls, and $5 specialty cocktails. For more details, please visit Bar West in Pacific Beach.
Not the Bar West you first met? We didn't think so. Dress in your beach chic finest and discover the new fresh face of Bar West. Remember… Sun Down, Music Up!
Direct Contact: Bar West is streaming live at Twitter.com/BarWest! Hey, follow @DiscoverSD, too!