There is a new bar in North Park that has officially proved San Diego nightlife is evolving.
U-31 sounds more like a submarine than a hot nightlife spot, but it is a very spacious, non-claustrophobic causal watering hole that communicates every component to the environment has been carefully thought out.
The lighting is relaxing, the booths welcome you and make you feel oddly important, and the drinks are sexy enough that when you drink them, they make you feel like you are an American spy back in late 60s eastern Europe unwinding after a hard day of fighting the cold war.
You might be thinking that the last thing North Park needs is another bar. We all know that if you're looking to find a cheap drink, a game of pool and a jukebox that satisfies the music snob that lives in all of us, North Park has what you need, but U-31 achieves what every great bar should always shrive for: It makes you feel comfortable enough to allow yourself to have a memorable night.
Like every new joint, U-31 has a few kinks to work out. The bartenders are still organizing their system, and there is room for growth in the beer selection. But other than a few "just opened" jitters, they definitely have learned from other bars in the area, taken the positives, and done their best to create an atmosphere that works.
Inside tip: If you like drum and bass music, Thursday Deep at U-31 in North Park is apparently the place to be.
