RESTAURANT & BAR GUIDE
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Daily Aztec
19
Downtown
Sixth Avenue’s bar and lounge JESSICA GOODWIN
S TA F F W R I T E R
Courtesy of Chris Recan
923 Bar / Lounge is not only known for its deals, but also its good music and relaxing interior.
Downtown
Analog stands alone in downtown
Julie Romig / Staff Photographer
SARAH GRIECO
M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
One of the first things students notice when they venture to downtown San Diego is the area is dripping with pretentiousness. Typical patrons are often older, full of attitude and willing to throw down $100 at a bar, which is $94 more than a college student can afford. Yes, there are hubs for the under-30 crowd, such as Stingaree or Whiskey Girl, but you will mostly find long lines, expensive covers and big bouncers blocking the entrance. Fortunately, a new bar has recently opened that is going against the norm of typical downtown snobbery. Analog, which debuted this summer, offers an atmosphere more welcoming than the majority of bars in San Diego. The crowd is younger, thanks to inexpensive drinks and helpful staff members. It’s nice to see a place where cocktails are relatively lowpriced, considering the location. Also, Analog bartenders are always smiling and quick to take orders. This is a nice change compared to clubs such as the unusually popular Voyeur, where drinks are ridicu-
lously overpriced and served by scowling bartenders who constantly look as though they smell something foul. Warning to those who enjoy bumping and grinding in a dark and sweaty basement: This place is not for you. This is a joint for those looking to enjoy a strong drink with good company in a relaxing environment. For entertainment, Analog has old-school video games to play on an oversized suspended screen from the ceiling. To top it all off, it has what some may argue is the sweetest karaoke setup in the city. After the drinks have been downed, Analog keeps its kitchen open late to accommodate those with late-night munchies. Bar food is typically greasy and overcooked — but not here. Menu items include exceptional lobster corn dogs, tasty sliders and scrumptious shrimp cocktails. This is the type of bar you can bring your foodie friends to, because you would be hard-pressed to find another place downtown serving snacks as unique as Analog. When faced with a choice to go to the usual places downtown, suggest going to Analog instead. Not only will drinks be cheaper and food tastier, but the night will also be unforgettable.
Analog Bar 801 Fifth Ave., downtown analogbar.com Miles from SDSU: 10.1 How to get there:
923 Bar / Lounge is the perfect spot to go with a group of friends, out for a night of dancing and drinking. Five dollars for a beer and a shot … you can’t beat that. This bar / lounge combination is a great spot for those who are looking for a place to shake their bones in a fun, downtown environment. General managers Gregory Gould and Chris Racan wanted to create a beachstyle bar environment in the Gaslamp Quarter where people could party without the two-hour lines and $25 covers. Regular guests will get to know the managers because they are there every night serving drinks and mingling with the locals. Attracting many San Diego natives who want to go out but don’t want to wear a collared shirt or shiny shoes, it’s smaller than most nightclubs but gives a night on the town a more intimate feel. Bar 923 usually starts filling up around 11:15 p.m. but before 10 p.m. happy hour offers inexpensive drinks ($2 wells and drafts). An eclectic variety of music is played throughout the week including hip-hop,
electronic, dub, dance hall reggae and rock. There is no cover before 10 p.m. or if you make an online reservation on the aforementioned VIP guest list. “Modern Wednesdays” at 923 feature art, fashion shows and live music. “Thirsty Thursday” is industry night and includes two-forone drink specials for those in the industry and half-off bottle service. “Fresh Friday” features DJ Hectik and DJ 61 Guns along with other rotating performers, and “Scene Saturdays” play a partyrock, hip-hop and electro mash-up played by special guest disc jockeys. 923 is a local spot where party people will feel at home and welcomed by the upbeat atmosphere and service. Additionally, as a special offer for San Diego State students only, you can reserve a table online and receive 50 percent off bottle service and a VIP with no-cover entry. Just mention the “Aztec Special” when making reservations.
923 Bar / Lounge 923 Sixth Ave., downtown the923.com Miles from SDSU: 9.8 How to get there:
North Park
Beer drinkers find their haven Toronado offers quality beer in a casual, no-frills atmosphere ERIKA CUEVA
S TA F F W R I T E R
North Park’s Toronado may be the antithesis to what this neighborhood’s nightlife usually entails: cover charges, slow-moving lines and hipsters drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon. Situated in an unassuming building on 30th Street, Toronado doesn’t have much to offer in terms of entertainment. In its original San Franciscan style, patrons come to Toronado to drink excellent beer — and beer only. No frills necessary. The only thing boastful about Toronado is that customers who are unsure of what to order are in luck; the bar menu lists more than 30 beers on tap. For the friend who doesn’t like beer, yet is accompanying their brew-loving buddy, ciders are offered as well. Upon entering through the bar’s Dutch door, visitors will immediately notice the simple décor. Logo upon logo of various brew companies plaster the wall from waist to ceiling, in contrast to the bland, wooden furniture and flooring. Toronado isn’t the place to go for people looking to party. Last call is at 11:30 p.m. and guests are shooed out at midnight. With only one TV and relatively quiet music, it begs the question, are you here to enjoy the art of beer and
beer consumption, or to watch sports reruns drowned out by loud music? To avoid the nighttime rush, the best time to come is during happy hour to grab a bite to eat. In a casual but not sloppy atmosphere, visitors may be seen in their fresh-out-of-work attire or readyto-start-the-night garb. Toronado visitors must prepare for the nightmare of the parking situation that is typical for the area. Besides inconvenient parking, Toronado is the ideal bar for beer enthusiasts looking to enjoy the sampling of craft beers in a relaxed environment.
Katie Fisher / Staff Photographer
Toronado 4026 30th St., North Park toronadosd.com Miles from SDSU: 5.9 How to get there: