Rock out to hip, up-and-coming bands in the intimate, storied downtown venue.

by Maren Dougherty

In Short
Since 1989 the Casbah's been bringing rising talents to the San Diego scene. Ever heard a little band called Smashing Pumpkins? How 'bout Nirvana? They all played here before they rose to the top of the charts, along with bands like Lemonheads, Bush, The Jesus Lizard, and Rocket From The Crypt. On a lonely corner just east of the airport and just north of Little Italy, the small venue schedules live music almost every night of the week--usually for $10 or less. You'll find a full bar, pool tables, a smoking patio, and indie rock fans who are not there for the drinks nor the scene but the music.

09/14/06

Great Original Venue

by carmelle

This is a good venue for catching soon-to-be or has-been bands and musicians. Their back bar has pool tables, video games and a tv that shows a live feed of the stage if your ears are too sensitive to go up front by the band. Good drink prices, too.

• Pros: great value, good venue, good location
• Cons: hard to park sometimes