Downtown San Diego
San Diego, California, USA – December 5, 2008- San Diego is changing. Once a city interesting only to military, retirees and RV vacationers it has transformed itself into a bustling city and major convention and tourist destination. As far as singles are concerned, the development of its Downtown, in particular the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District or ‘Gaslamp’ has put it on the international map for party goers, nightlife enthusiasts and, yes, singles. Owing to its compact layout and lively nature, some have even dubbed it the “New Orleans of the West”
A Singles Mecca - without the pilgrimage
As the Travel Dating Network is based out of San Diego, we will begin a series of articles on where the singles crowd (if there is one) goes, what they do, and where youcan go as a traveling single. Keep in mind, San Diego is home to many military inhabitants and other highly-mobile residents (nurses, consultants, flight attendants etc.) and of course, tourists. What’s more, its proximity (10 miles) to the International Border (the world’s busiest) with Tijuana, Mexico and a driving gateway to Latin America, it sees many short-term and commuting visitors as well. Let’s also not forget the juggernaut looming just beyond the horizon: Los Angeles with its 12 million plus, urban captives.
In a nutshell, San Diego is a travel dating mecca. In fact when you venture out into the Gaslamp (the best area for finding a partner) you will see a blend of locals, tourists, recent arrivals and commuters from LA and TJ on any given day or night. And its the nights, especially the weekend nights, that make it a great spot to check out.
The Gaslamp – San Diego’s party central
Ok, so let’s get right into it. What’s the best place to meet someone quick, fast and easy? The Gaslamp on a Friday or Saturday night. There are single (and intoxicated) men and women all over the place (literally). If you don’t want to grab a passerby, try Whiskey Girl, Henry’s Pub (also full on Monday nights) or Johhny Love’s all walking on the west side of 5th avenue just northof the corner with Market. They will appear in this order as you walk north with a few restaurants in-between. This is the heart of the Gaslamp and the only place there actually still are gas lamps, all 4 of them! These are all club/ bars with DJ’s spinning hip-hop,R&B and old school dance music. If you want to talk instead of dance, all three have an outside patio where you can try your lines out on one or many liquored patrons at a shot.
And what if a classier club for dancing is more your speed? Envy at The Ivy Hotel (also Thursdays), Stingaree, On Broadway or the W might be more your speed. Also Woodstock (the club upstairs on the balcony) or Sweetwater (downstairs) at the Hard Rock Hotel are classy and house a large amount of singles. These all will likely lighten your wallet $20, or so, to get in and even more for a round of drinks; so be prepared to spend. However, these also are the trendiest clubs, with the best dressed guests. There are numerous other clubs in the area and just walking around they will easily appear to the naked eye, especially walking up 5th Ave. towards Broadway.
How to save a few bucks and still boogie down
Two clubs worth mentioning as they don’t fit in with the last ones due to the fact that they are very economical. One is the Red C Lounge on Fifth Ave just north of F St. Its hard to see except for the red “C” on the awning. It is literally ‘underground’ and plays Euro house, old school, hip-hop and a very eclectic mix of dance tunes. Nearly everyone in there is there to dance and it is very dark, which lends it self to anonymity and thus easier encounters. We mention it because it is a more casual place but with no cover charge ever and well drinks at only $3 before 11pm, so it’s a local favorite to warm up with drinks and dancing at low cost.
The other is not dance hall but a bar, and a dive bar at that. Put away your passport, this is probably the closest thing you will find to a Tjuana bar this side of the actual border. The Star Bar (Yelp review) bills its self as one of the top 10 dive bars in the country and its very cheap drinks, tacky decor, blaring jukebox and non-chalant clientele seem to cement its claim to fame. While looking dodgy, it’s actually quite safe and its pool table, long bar and friendly Asian barmaids keep pulling ‘em in. This is a good place to take a break from the Gaslamp’s high-brow scene and, in combination with the Red C, facilitate a dirt-cheap, singles night out.
About hooking-up in the Gaslamp
A word to the wise. There are a lot of lookie-loo’s here. In some places, a lot of patrons have significant others or spouses and are only looking for a fun night out. So, if you are serious, its good to ask someone right up front, so you know where you stand. Additionally, more ho0king-up occurs later on in the evening, as everyone gets progressively more hammered. So, just because you don’t meet someone early in a club, don’t rule out meeting someone later after clubs close or even at the taxi stand, bus or trolley stop. Oh, and more one thing, have a designated driver as everything is within walking (stumbling) distance.
There are many other clubs in the Gaslamp to meet singles and other places in San Diego, too. Stay tuned as we will tell you about the best crawl in the Gaslamp in chronological sequence in order to optimize you meeting someone. Good luck!
