House of Blues San Diego, 1055 5th Avenue, (619) 299-2583.
Opened in May 2005, downtown's House of Blues San Diego serves up the hottest national acts in a state-of-the-art performance venue as well as nightly musical entertainment in an upstairs restaurant.
Croce's Restaurants and Bars, 802 5th Avenue, (619) 233-4355
In the Gaslamp Quarter, Croce's Restaurants and Bars pairs fine dining with live jazz performed nightly in three adjoining bars. Established as a tribute to singer/songwriter Jim Croce, the restaurant is decorated with photos and memorabilia of the late music legend.
Confidential, 901 4th Avenue, (619) 696-8888.
At Confidential, a Gaslamp Quarter hideaway opened in May 2005, romance is in the air. After all, former reality TV star "The Bachelor" Andrew Firestone is a major investor in this hush-hush spot where well-heeled 20-somethings mingle at sleek, white cocktail tables or on supple, leather couches in the loft.
The Side Bar, 536 Market Street, (619) 696-0946.
Hip-hop beats and house music swirling out the door signal The Side Bar, another Gaslamp Quarter favorite, where hipsters gather for hot music, cool cocktails and a laid-back, retro, sophisticated lounge atmosphere.