Rock It: Top 10 Live Music Bars

While a good jukebox is something to be admired in any venue, it can be painful to some when the entire bar is forced to listen to DJ Lotsa’ Quarters play through his entire Backstreet Boys playlist. Nothing beats a genuine musician playing in a bar, as alcohol and live music have always proven to be the best pairing since peanut butter and chocolate.

With live music comes energy; local bands may come through and rock on for a night, while permanent house bands can set the tone for the entire bar and set the mood. Live DJ’s can keep you dancing until the early hours of the morning, guaranteed to play the hottest songs and save you some jukebox money. Check out the calendars of the San Diego live music bars below to find out where you can best boogie down for a night or find your favorite musician during a small local tour.

Discover ten of our favorite San Diego bars with live music

Eleven in Normal Heights

A full bar which includes an impressive and ever-changing beer selection is only half of what makes Eleven one of the coolest bars in the Normal Heights area. The other half? Local music playing live nearly every night of the week. Check out more about this venue and underrated list of signature cocktails at Eleven. 

Soda Bar in Normal Heights 

A bar with live music almost every day of the week should be on every local’s radar. If you ever find yourself bored at home, always remember there is live entertainment out there for you somewhere, particularly at Soda Bar. Great bands and strong drinks for affordable prices should never be ignored. Prepare yourself at Soda Bar. 

Martinis Above Fourth in Hillcrest

One of the more upscale spots in the Hillcrest neighborhood, Martinis Above Fourth seeks to give patrons a classy experience out on the town. Serving its award-winning martinis to accompany the gourmet fare, Martinis Above Fourth isn’t for the nightlife lover of grit and grundge. Not sold? How about some live jazz or classical acts to really set the bar and the mood. Read more at Martinis Above Fourth. 

Casbah in Middletown

Joining the list of absolutely legendary San Diego venues, patrons have counted on the Casbah for stiff drinks and mind-blowing live entertainment. One of the few venues where you can see your favorite band for under $20 and have enough room to put your drink down. Read about upcoming events and check out the merch at Casbah. 

Bar Pink in North Park

Surrounded by plenty of different bars, Bark Pink blows it’s competition out of the water with its  signature drinks, $2 Tecates and always exciting live performances. Pool tables and arcade machines also round out this location, just in case you want to march to the beat of your own drum. See what is coming up at Bar Pink. 

Whistle Stop Bar in South Park

The Whistle Stop also offers several different events each month, which can range anywhere between trivia and the always popular “booty bassment.” Cheap drinks and plenty of interesting live groups make this one of the most visited stops in the South Park area. Check to see what to prepare for at Whistle Stop Bar.  

Winston’s in Ocean Beach

Providing customers with live music for more than 20 years, Winston’s is definitely one of the most popular venues in Ocean Beach. Offering many shows without a cover, it is easy to get comfortable here with a drink and spend the night enjoying the live and local music acts. It sure beats television. Get the lowdown at winstonsob.com. 

Ruby Room in Hillcrest

With live entertainment going on every weekend from Thursday to Sunday, the Ruby Room has earned its spot among the best San Diego live music venues. This bar also houses a wide variety of local art, giving customers plenty to look at while they are there. Check out its happy hours deals and buy tickets for upcoming events at Ruby Room.  

Pete’s Place in La Mesa

Pete’s Place is considered an oasis of entertainment out in the La Mesa area of San Diego. While Pete’s may just look like another dive bar from the outset, cheap drinks and interesting musical acts have kept people coming back for more. Read up on the scene at petesplacelamesa.com. 

Til-Two Club in City Heights

Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day, you can always expect to show up at the Til-Two Club and find a way to spend your time until the wee hours of the morning. The stage plays host to all different types of acts, from local roots bands to underground punk groups known the world over. Find out what’s coming up at tiltwoclub.com.

Are we still missing one? Leave a comment below to share your favorite San Diego live music bars with us.

Discover more of the best San Diego bars and follow our San Diego lifestyle blog for tips and trends.