Casbah
Categories: Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: Middletown2501 Kettner Blvd
(between Laurel St & Maple St)
San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-4355
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Fri, Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
150 Reviews for Casbah
Even though I lived a block from the Casbah for about two years I only went there once when I could walk. It was a local band I that doesn't stand out in my memory. I did more recently go to see Steve Poltz there and it rocked! Small, intimate venue, stiff drinks. I am kind of preppy (so I am told) so I felt a little bit out of place with all the "hipsters" but it was still a great show at a great venue.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Best venue in SD, period.
Ya got booze, ya got dark decor, ya got insanely good independent bands, ya got free shows once a month, ya got free food time to time, ya got more hotties than notties, ya got vintage video games, ya got smoking patio, ya got central location.
The capacity is small, sure. But what the fuck, Beach Boys aint playin Casbah... What? You wanna see the Beach Boys play with John fucking Stamos? That's lame, dude.
I've been to this place a few dozen times, including last night. And I'll be coming here for years on end. Too many of my favorite bands hit this place up for it not to be my number 1.
Get your PFR on with a PBR tall at $4.50
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Every band knows this: You want to play in San Diego? You start at the Casbah.
It's hard to have a bad time at the Casbah.
I couldn't imagine a better place to listen to your favorite local / just starting to blow up band. The venue feels like home, more explicitly like your favorite band's garage listening while they jam away. Christmas lights strung about, an old wood bar, cement floors and a small tight patio gives this place character. How could you not feel cozy?
Contrary to what others say, the crowd isn't too much hipster. You want hipster? Come to Orange County. It really depends on who's playing, but generally it is an eclectic mix of people from all ends of the spectrum.
4 stars and warm memories.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I happen to like the Casbah. Sure it's a small intimate place, but there are some really nice nooks and crannies of the place. The bathrooms on a clean level are average nothing special and can't vouch for the guys' bathroom, just the ladies. As a venue it's a great place to see a show. I like the outdoor areas as well as the backroom with all the activities. I've always had good stiff drinks here, so never really anything to complain. Parking is just touch and go if you are trying to save money. But if you can afford the garage, go for it. I like how you can get up close with any of the bands playing there. My only suggestion is to get tix early if you can or go when it may not be so crowded (hard to tell) and in between sets hang out outside as it does get a bit stuffy when they don't have the side doors open while bands load and unload their stuff. The Casbah is certainly very San Diegan, which I do like. It's got that cozy hometown get to know your neighbor kind of feel to it yet doesn't go overboard on ambiance like the big city does.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I have never had a bad time at the Casbah (even when my wasted friends have spilled their drinks on me). The staff is friendly and quick with the drinks, the music seems to always be amazing (I think the owner must be quite selective), and the venue is both intimate and spacious. I particularly appreciate that they carry cigarettes behind the bar, though it encourages me to smoke too much. My only issue is with the apartments upstairs. I have seen children looking down on the clientele, and watching, which is unsettling at 12:30 in the morning. Poor kids, can't you sleep with the hip conversations and rollicking sounds of the next big thing?
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Definitely the best venue for independent music. The place only holds like 225, so it's pretty intimate. I saw the first ever live show by The Postal Service there, Joanna Newsome opening for Sufjan Stevens, The National, Stars, The Clientele, The Walkmen, and on and on. I actually saw your mom play there one time. Just kidding.
It's also nice to go to a place where people are there to hear the music. I hate going to see a band at a place where people are being all loud and idiotic like the band is just background noise or going to place like Soma where you're trying to watch the band Copeland while 16 year olds are making out in front of you.
Casbah is the best venue. Casbah is the best venue.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Casbah surprised me. I was told going into it that it was a tiny little intimate venue, but it's actually quite spacious! A long hallway guides you to a semi-outdoor space where friends get together to mingle (and smoke, which I don't, but there's so much ventilation it didn't bother me a bit). They have X-Mas type light strands hanging all around giving it that "I'm at a party in someone's backyard" kind of effect. I say semi-outdoor because instead of having a proper ceiling, it has some type of a screen overhead. You can actually see & hear the airplanes flying in for their landing. Anyway, behind that is a pool room that I didn't go into but seems like fun. Really when is it not?
But getting to the best part...the band. "Thao & the Get Down Stay Down" who hails from DC (like Lucas O, I trust East Coast rock!)...they totally delivered!! The lead singer/guitar player had a soft sultry voice one minute, then rocked it out hard the next. The drummer was dope (even though he did kinda look like Bill Gates)...he was just chillin. There was a nice wide space for all of us to jam alike. There was a nice sized bar with friendly & speedy service and what I believe were decently priced drinks. And last but certainly not least in my book, the ladies room had like 3 or 4 stalls!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
I can't front on the Casbah, it's just a really good place to rock out. 140 reviews can't be wrong, this place has a really unique San Diego feel. The first few times I came it was stupid crowded, impossible to get a drink and impossible to stand anywhere without getting run into by drunk people. Bathroom is really disgusting. The setup is sick and very old school dive. I've had both good and bad times but it's all been very memorable. I like the arcade room with the pool tables, you can show up before and just hang out here. Security is pretty good in getting rid of people who shouldn't be there. I've been to better venues for sure, but I've come to appreciate the tradition and character of this place and I'll be back.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
Best small venue ive ever been to. Two bars, old video games, smoking patio, pool. The stage is tiny but thats what makes it fun. Not really any bad seats. They have amazing bands come play for 15 bucks.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Cheap and often free.
Great place to go with friends! I went for my 21st birthday a long long time ago. It's awesome. It's not your average bar and club scene. The live music is awesome--though sound quality is sometimes lacking.
There, I've told you my opinion. Check it out.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
My review is better than anyone else's because I say so. What's up with the not-so-stiff drinks? Huh? huh? A long island should taste like you are licking muck from the streets of -- you guessed it -- Long Island. Too much sodie water. every time.
It's pretty neat-o that smokers can hang out in an area disguised as being on the inside of the bar and one can still hear the music. You know how sometimes bars will have a patio for smokers but you have to keep the door closed so while you're smoking or just plain mingling outside the music cannot be heard. Although, there are times when not being able to hear the music is a good thing. What if I don't want to hear the shit that's pumping through the walls?
Well, anyway, the Casbah is conveniently located next to a Shell gas station and a parking structure for the airport. The doormen are good at keeping riff raff out and they pick cute stamps to brand us as Casbah patrons. One night I am going to hit up like 20 bars and get 20 stamps and be cool-looking.
The game room is pretty rad. One issue: all the pool cues are 18 oz. Booo...! Screw regulation, get some 20 in there.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (9)
Cool (6)
5 stars to the place that brought me the pseudo reunions of the MC5 and Testors and also a show where Henry Rollins did all Black Flag covers (where I also touched him, yes I did.) They always have an awesome selection of bands and do a great job of supporting up and coming bands thanks to Tim Pyles! I can't believe I haven't been there in like 6 months... what's wrong with me?
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Hands down the best place to see a concert in SD!! They have two bars, resonably priced drinks for a bar, let alone a music venue and very friendly staff. The music experience is what it should be. Cheap ticket prices and a stage that is right on top of a small space makes for an intense show. The sound quality is pretty good and there is not a bad place in the house. A must go for any fan of live music.
Been going to Casbah for many years, but not as often these days. Not at the fault of the Casbah, just RL in the way.
Seen some fantastic shows there and have always had a good time. If it is a long line up the lack of a place to sit for a minute can kind of drag as there are only a couple of tables.
Overall it is a great place to catch some rock and roll.
Nothing screams classy like a shoe-box venue with a family of four (or perhaps five, by my last drunken count) living in the upstairs quarters. Seriously, do these people, like, sleep?
This quirky quality, among others, makes the Casbah an infinitely intimate, completely captivating underground oasis, featuring big- and small-name musicians from all genres from Cool Keith (or whatever he's calling himself these days) to The Muslims. My only complaint is that the crowd can be a bit demure at times (not necessarily the venue's fault), which is detrimental to my buzz. Unless you suffer from acute deafness, how is it possible to NOT dance during an RJD2 set? I suppose a little beer would cure what's ailing you, eh hipsters? Rock out or go home.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Everything that has been said is true. I have seen all sorts of bands here, and LOVE to get out to see the Rockabilly scene. A large amount of the bands that come here make it big, and those big also show up on occasion.
Excellent dive feel, nice people, and great local place to get close to the band.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
this place is awesome. probably one of the most unique layout to a bar. perfect place to see your favorite local band, or even some larger acts. great bar, and price...and icing on the cake...24oz PBR's.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Been coming here since they first opened way back ..shit, I've been here when it was a leather bar! The good thing is, as far as a live band venue in a sea of tattoos, and piercings and severe haircuts, they are always friendly to new faces. Best introduction is to come out for Jive Wire.-the free dance night once a month. And you might wanna bring ear plugs for the live shows too. My only beef is you can't dance like nut or you get a polite scolding. If you are showing me some butt thrashing band, pounding bass, fire throwing shit and expect me to stand still and nod....That is like asking me to not take a picture of my wank when I find a camera at a party. People need to be shaken and stirred as the bands they come to see offer. Damn liability insurance crap.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
July 2008 "Atari Lounge" update in the back of the Casbah: It appears that the Ivan "Ironman" Stewart's Super Off Road 'three-wheels' arcade game is finally gone. In it's place is a skateboard arcade game (720°). The three games against the wall (Donkey Kong, Galaga, Centipede) are all there as is the Ms. Pac-Man sit-down table. They have now added a $5 photo booth though that is sure to get a ton of business... I can't believe they didn't do that sooner.
The casbah. bring earplugs, it will be loud and good.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/24/2007
5 Stars. For sure. The Casbah. So many fun aspects to it. I've seen way too many shows there over… Read more »
I've been supporting TM for years since even before the Pink Panther (but that's another story)...so...I'm not even going to go into some long thing about this place. I'm just glad it's here!
The Casbah rocks! I've seen more bands here, danced myself silly at more Jivewire events and drank myself silly more times than I can remember.
A true piece of the San Diego Underground music scene - past, present and future!
Rock-on with ya bad self!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I don't need to tell YOU that this is probably the best place to watch a band in town.
You already know that, or should, or should have caught the gist from the dozens of reviews on here.
I don't need to tell you that the Casbah is a San Diego institution and that Tim Mays is the Godfather of San Diego's indie scene.
I don't need to tell you that over the course of one month, you can find some kind of show to scratch your live music itch: indie, punk, folk, afrobeat, local, dj's, hip hop... unclassifiable... whatever's your style, it's all represented.
And I most certainly do not need to tell you that one of the biggest reasons to see a show here is because you can see the band up close and personal *before* they blow up big time. Usually, bands that play here are on their way up, and you will never get a chance to see them so close, so personal and so raw as you will here.
No, I don't need to tell you any of that, because chances are we have already rubbed sweaty elbows packed inside this little dungeon of radness.
What I will tell you is some of my favorite moments of late nights in the 'Bah (as I affectionately call it):
Antibalas... this NYC afrobeat band blew me away by fitting at least A DOZEN players & their horns and drums onto the tiny stage, while pumping out some of the most energized, political, and saucy shit since Fela Kuti died.
The Kills... VV and Hotel *killed* it with just them hot sweaty selves and a dat.
Juana Molina... wow, what a tripper. I have never seen a one-woman-show this intricate and hauntingly beautiful while hypnotically groovy in all my days.
Adem (opened for Juana Molina)... it was a warm October night, so this Brit decided to invite us all out on the patio to perform his set acapella standing on top of a planter underneath the big tree, and the netting, and the Christmas lights, and the planes flying overhead. Too cool.
Tim Fite... no way I can describe this cat's music, as the best I could do would be to call it a cross between hip hop, performance art and folk, but that doesn't do it. This was one of the more interesting performances I have seen and included a video screen and some kind of flashing light bulb boom-box sculpture.
Nouvelle Vague... presenting new wave classics with their trademark bossa nova twist, these French musicians chilled my soul while the female singers melted my heart with their sultry, seductive and nasty raw sensuality. Highlight was when the chicks hopped on top of the bar while singing Dead Kennedy's "Too Drunk to Fuck"... priceless moments.
Brian Jonestown Massacre... oh, Anton and his antics. Half the show was Anton incoherently ranting about politics and cussing out the unfortunate, hapless fools who were standing close enough to the stage to catch his wrath ("Why don't I just drop your Pabst Blue Ribbon drinking ass in Afganistan?"... uh, yeah, Anton... whatever *that* means), while the other half of the show was one kick-ass 16-minute psychedelic jam after another.
Doug Martsch... this front man from Built To Spill was all on his lonesome, but delivered a great set. He had this funny little round screen in front of the mic, and when he would sing into it, his nose would move the screen around with him. He was having trouble hearing the sound for some reason, so in between each song, he would test the mic and do this funny little adorable thing and would give a quiet "rawr" to see how he sounded. "Rawr!"
So, since I don't have to tell you *why* Casbah is so rad, I'll just buy you a beer the next time I see you there.
People thought this was:
Useful (12)
Funny (11)
Cool (17)
great times had here through the years!!!
I saw Beulah here once. I got to chat to the singer after the show.
Me: I woke up this morning and realized I missed your show last night. But I realized you were playing here, so I came here.
Miles Kurosky: Cool. Where did you come from.
Me: Fountain Valley.
Miles: I used to go to school there!
Me: Really. Cool.
Miles: That's a long way to drive back alone.
Me: Yeah.
Me: ....
Me: ....
Miles: We're staying at the Holiday Inn. You can come sleep on our couch if you want.
Me: ....
Me: ... nah.
Miles: It's OK, we'll good guys, we're not going to try anything funny. Me: ... I'm going home now. Bye.
My husband loves this story because he thinks I was being hit on. But I think Miles just pitied my poor conversational skills.
Oh yeah, the Casbah was good. Cheap drinks, nice people. But sound was poor and it was hard to see behind tall people.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
What's there to say about this place that really hasn't been said. Despite it's size it's a good place to see local bands as well as better known yet small acts. It's places like this where people discover bands before they get big. It's cool cause the bands are still small enough they can grab a beer after the show. Watch who you rub elbows with. We met the lead singer of a local band "Dead on Seven". That dude was faded. There's something goin on most of the week. No lack of local talent.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
My first time checkin out Casbah was when this group called 'One-Self' (blu rum, yarah bravo, dj vadim) performed there. The sound system is really good when I was there. I was so used to watching performances with wack sound system before so this was very refreshing to my ears. Dope spot to catch a show. Their website is on point with up and coming events. I think they have more live bands than rap acts though. But that's okay. Big up to Casbah for holding it down.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
This place is just a great place to see a great band before they move up the theatres. Saw Vampire Weekend and MGMT not too long ago which is cool because you can literally chill with the guys before or after the show before they go off to Europe to play at these 60,000 people festivals. The Casbah only holds about 200 people and drafts here are pretty cheap, it doesnt hurt that I live 2 blocks away. The place has Lower East Side CBGB vibe to with tagged up bathrooms and dark lit rooms with old christmas lights up. The stage is a little thrashed( my band has played here). There is this great patio area outside where the band's merch is place. There is als this separate bar and pool table in the back. A must see for anyone visiting San Diego.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I love when I go out of town to visit friends and other friends happen to be in town too. In this case my friend was playing at the Casbah and invited us out to see him. So I got to check out this cool bar/club. It's pretty hot in San Diego this weekend but the drinks at the Casbah are reasonable priced and the beer was nice and cold. Friends, cold beer, great live music and a cool bar - now that's a fucking Friday night baby!
The Casbah also has a large space for smokers and a back room with pool tables. Nice.
Noticed less than 5 stars overall . . . so had to toss in 5 twinklers to boost the average.
Been coming here for about 13 years . . . continue to see kick ass shows. They do an amazing job of booking quality talent locally and from around the world . . . such as The Delays, Shonen Knife, and The Futureheads . . .
On a side note: how the residences get any rest sandwiched between the Casbah and flight approach is confounding.
The drinks are generous and the btenders are laid back. The back bar is where you'll find me. Wear your skull and cross-guitar T-shirt proudly.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Casbah is San Diego old school. It's probably SD's equivalent to the Whisky in LA which adds more to its rich history and continued non-conformity to modern event venues. It's basically keeping it real. It even feels old school too: dingy, dark and intimate. The drinks are cheap which is definite plus. The stage is small and there are several adjoining rooms and patio that seem awkward at first, but you get used to it after the first visit.
I've seen bands and obscure European Dj's here and its a lot of fun to be close to the action and you have the opportunity to feel the vibrations of the bass or drums that hit your insides. Most of the people are really engaged in the artist and his/her work. It's rare to get random walk-ins from the street, so the patrons are either regulars or big fans.
So if you want to experience a piece of history and dance your ass off or even rock out with your devil finger salute, stop by the Casbah.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
It's the 6th F'n star.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
I have been to the Casbah many times for various shows and DJs. I have had a great time every single time I've gone.
I really like that no matter where you stand in the venue, you have a pretty decent view of the band. Well, unless a giant stands in front of you, but still. I've managed to always find a good viewing/head bobbing/dancing spot for the shows I've been to.
Add to that the fact that they have old school video games in the back and really nice bartenders? Yes!
I'll always love the Casbah.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (4)
Cool (6)
San Diego's best club venue, hands down.
Whether it's a nationally known act or any San Diego local band or their dance party freakout Jivewire, the Casbah is a mainstay on the club scene for one reason: they do everything right.
Start with:
- Small, intimate venue with great sound
Add:
- Stiff drinks
- Plenty of places to watch the stage from, people watch or hang out and have a beer
- Friendly barstaff
...and you have the recipe for one of the area's most respected venues...one that will always be there to serve up good times.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
Great place to see a show with a bar - how can you beat that? I love that there are little ledges along the wall to lean on or set your drinks while watching the show. The DJ spinning between the bands was great (then again, I love me some Daft Punk, so he was great in my book!). The Casbah is also not just a venue, it also has smaller rooms for playing pool, or video games, or just hanging out. I would definitely come back.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Probably my favorite place to see a show in SD. Mostly because of some of the random, obscure acts that get booked and the fact that it's small and intimate...VERY conducive to stalking your favorite band members :)
Just went to see Radar Bros. this week and it was great. Looking forward to going to Jivewire this weekend!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This place is amazing. SD is the best place in all of California.
there is such a nice little group of people that come here to hang out and the drinks here a nice.
the music that they got playing here is amazing and awesome!! It's an awesome place. Prices are nice and the people here are so amazing and lovely and nice!!!!!!! AWESOME SAUCE!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
I've been coming to the Casbah for 10 years and by far is the best place to be & from what I'm told is the CBGB (but way cleaner) of the West Coast.
Seen many local & distant bands/DJ sets at this place.
Saw the Killers as a support band & there must have been maybe 45 people? Even got to talk & hang out with the band.. Few years later they're headlining sold out gigs. So, you just never know.
Downside:
Most shows start or continue late - Especially on a weekday. Late for us people who have jobs the next day, sometimes starting at 9/ 10 PM. But hey, sometimes it's well worth losing that extra hour or two of sleep.
Parking can be a little difficult. We made the mistake parking on India Street, close to some trendy nightclub two years ago. Our car was parked legally, there was no signs, yet we were towed so that they can have valet. We later found out what they did was a no-no.
The bar area can get super busy. Just like any other bar- be a man (or woman) and two-fist it. It's not a big deal with my husband & I. But some people have that "Do you know who I am?" sort of attitude. And hey, that stinks.
Some of my favorite shows I have seen there:
Peter Hook (DJ)
Calla
Gossip
Electric Soft Parade
Kill Me Tomorrow
Robbers on High Street
the Clientele
Radar Brothers
TV on the Radio
the Editors
The Grates
Blackheart Procession
We Are Scientists
BRMC
The Pipettes
Stereo Total
Ash
Keane
The Killers (before they broke big)
& others...
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I've found my new home away from home.
Being new to San Diego (one month new to be exact, I still have that new San Diegan smell), I made it my mission to find the SD versions of my hometown staples of Iota and Galaxy Hut in Arlington, VA.
I asked, and magically, California provided. The Casbah turns out to be a happy marriage between Iota and Galaxy Hut---like Iota because of its nightly lineup of live music, and like Galaxy Hut because of the gritty coziness of its backbar with pool tables, old school arcade games (hello, Ms. Pacman, where have you been all my life?), and a patchy booth watched over by an oddly appropriate tapestry of the Last Supper. Where would Jesus rock? The Casbah, naturally.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
This place rarely (if ever) lets me down. I've seen shows every night of the week and have always had a great, if not, interesting time. It's intimate enough with a cozy dance floor & low platform stage. The place can get pretty packed, but there is the outside "fresh air but with poison" smoking patio, a back room with a couple of pool tables and an extra back bar to boot.
Monday Night leagues are always booked with surprisingly good acts- all for the low, low price of about 5 buckaroonies.
Most recently caught performances (that rocked my world):
Shonen Knife
Dengue Fever
Jive Wire (not a band, but a fantastically ecelectic dance party they throw around the holidays)
Hostile Combover
The Bloody Hollies
Geez, I could keep going...
One of the BEST places to see a show. I am always checking their website to see if any of my favorite bands are playing here.
The venue is intimate, and seems small -- but has a few different rooms, so there is space for everyone. One of the rooms has arcade games. And two bars here, which is also great -- not one of those places that you will wait 15 minutes to get an overpriced drink.
There are tables, but get there early if you want one. If you do, you are lucky -- they are near the bar, you can see the stage perfectly, and can relax. But really, no matter where you are here, you will see the stage. And if you want to stand in the front, you can -- not like other venues, where you have to squeeze and fight your way up.
The atmosphere here -- perfect, just exactly what you want when seeing a show.
