Enlarge Photo

From karaoke to old school board games and new age flip cup, bars in San Diego are reinventing nightlife with the latest bar trend: game night. Study up your pop culture trivia and shine your bowling shoes, it's time to prep your skills for the top ten game nights at San Diego bars.

The Lamplighter in University Heights
The ultimate karaoke (dive) bar, and rightly so. Sing your heart out any night of the week, but beware of the ancient host/gate keeper of the Lamplighter and the regulars in the peanut gallery; a "rough" crowd does not even begin to describe the half of it.

The Whistle Stop in South Park
Our creative little Whistle Stop is continuing their Tuesday nights, where "Friends Chill." Groove to local DJs and get in on all the old skool games, board and electric, from Nintendo to Atari, Candy Land and Operation. Or stop in on Monday for an incredibly competitive Trivia night hosted by Kipper, god of Trivia.

Offshore Tavern and Grill in Bay Park
Brought to you by the owners of the beloved Tavern in Pacific Beach, The Offshore Tavern offers a Wii Tournament every Tuesday at 10pm for those practiced at the art of virtual bowling, tennis, and boxing.

San Diego Sports Club in Hillcrest
"Too Kool for Karaoke" will be taking over the Guitar Hero III championship on Wednesday nights. And if you're not into karaoke, the "Game Room" has Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, pin ball, Mega Touch, and Boxer for the rest of you nerds.

Gallagher's Pub in Ocean Beach
Test your Guitar Hero skills, or join in on the Shuffleboard Tournament, Tuesday nights at 8pm while enjoying an ice cold can of Pabst Blue Ribbon for a mere 2 dollars.

The Triple Crown in Normal Heights
Foosball, Shuffleboard, and Ping Pong are among the notable games offered at The Triple Crown. Though there is no "official" tournament, patrons will find the locals to be very competitive any night of the week. Test your skills if you dare.

East Village Tavern and Bowl in East Village
Discover your inner Big Lebowski and break away from the usual "bar games" with bowling at the East Village Tavern and Bowl. (pictured)

The Local, Downtown
Each month the Local hosts a good ole fashioned flip cup tournament. Competitors who apply should note that this is a team-related event and all who join will need team "uniforms," as well as a theme. The prize is $100.00, and of course, all the beer you can drink. Next flip cup tournie is October 4th. Sign up on the website.

RT's Longboard Grill in Pacific Beach
Every Monday beginning at 9pm Longboard's offers Rock Band, Pac-Man, and an array of other NEMCO games, inviting any and all to get in touch with their inner geek.

Shakespeare Pub and Grill in Mission Hills
Sundays at 7pm, Shakespeare Pub and Grill continues its heated "General Knowledge" quiz. Gift cards will be given as prizes to the most generally knowledgeable winners.

Find more San Diego entertainment ideas here, and check out more San Diego nightlife top ten lists here.