Cancel

Open app

Search

Gaslamplighter

4.3 (125 reviews)
Closed • 7:30 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

Order Gaslamplighter Takeout or Delivery

Gaslamplighter Photos

GASLAMPLIGHTER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
DJ
Karaoke
Upscale
Happy hour specials

Recommended Reviews - Gaslamplighter

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Julie B.

Such a cute spot for date night or girls night out. My bestie and I came to try the adult happy meal which consist of a wagyu burger, your choice of martini, and fries w/ caviar for $22! It was such a good meal for the price! Service was great and if you come at 9pm, they have karoke!

Inside, near the DJ.
Rose M.

I meant to review this place months ago, but I was in San Diego for and got sidetracked! I came here for an event that was hosted by an associate of an associate. Because she was hosting an event here I did not pay a cover charge. This is a smaller to midsized establishment that serves various types of drinks, has food, plays music, and allows randoms to do karaoke! There isn't much room to dance, so don't expect to be able to do anything crazy, but I was able to get into the vibe and do a lil' side to side. They have a VIP area, and they play stuff on this projector type screen that matches the music when people aren't singing. Which btw, you can go up to the DJ area and put in a request to sing. People sang popular songs from all different decades. There is a slight dress code that I didn't have a problem with (I had a dress and some heels on), but I did hear from some other associates that they were turned away. So try not to come dressed too casual, or at least check with the establishment. (Price Range): $30+ (Crowd): Most of the people were chill and I danced with a couple of strangers. The majority age range seemed to be late 20s to late 30s. (Music): They played a lot of classic hits in the R&B, Hip-Hop, and other genres. I cannot remember exactly songs, but I do remember knowing a lot of them and liking them very much. (Location): It's in a very high traffic area of Gaslamp. There were hundreds of people and traffic was constantly being held up due to the congestion. Parking is pretty much non existent, but that's how Gaslamp functions. I took an Uber there, so I suggest doing the same. There is also a light rail not too far from the area, but it stops around 12:30 am, so it wasn't a good option when the clubs close a bit later. Seemed fairly safe in comparison to the other areas of San Diego. (Drinks): I tried two different drinks; a heavier mixed drink (maybe the South of Naples) and a sweeter, more fruity mixed drink that I liked a lot. I believe it was the Amore 75. The drinks didn't taste watered down and they were served in actual glasses. I couldn't handle anymore drinks because we decided to go to another place, but I definitely would have. I paid something around $17 for each drink. (Service): The entire reason I am even leaving a review is because of the excellent service that I received from the gorgeous woman (she had long braids or twists and reminded me of Zoe Kravitz) who took my drink orders. I wasn't able to get a drink at the bar, but she saw me and asked what I wanted. She was very friendly and even suggested a drink after my drink choice turned out to not be something I really liked. I did not expect to receive such great service due to experiences that I've had in the past, but she really made my time there enjoyable.

I went with my cohort last night! I had never been, and wasn't totally sure what to expect- we were all so pleased with the service and atmosphere. the vibes were really positive all night and I love a chance to dress up :) we'll definitely be back! (Try the matchatini!)

Caitlin M.

Incredible service here! I wish I remembered the bartender's name but he did a great job chatting with guests, making sure they were alright, and mixing great drinks. The DJ did a great job keeping the crowd dancing and singing to mostly nostalgic y2k hits. I had no clue that this was THE SPOT for karaoke. I loved how much fun the crowd was having no matter who was singing. This isn't a spot where serious singer go for karaoke, but more for the casually courageous and tipsy. A lot of the guests appeared to be a fun and friendly group of people in their early 30s. I would love to come back here for another fun night out!

Great time here! Great drinks and music
Michael R.

Great time here at gaslamplighter . Great service and music!! It's a vibe ! Come here if your looking for some good karaoke

W
Lilliana C.

If I can give a half star I would . Just for the young men trying to get people in , btw very nice . We got invited into this place by a promoter and said he'd give us a free glass of champagne, my friend and I finished it and asked if we can get another glass of what we just had and before I can finish he said NO it's for promotion only , so we looked for another type of champagne I wanted to taste it before my friend and I bought the 120$ bottle of one of their champagnes . It was pretty loud I their so I pointed to the champagne I wanted to get and he said to me "YOU CANT PRONOUNCE IT ? " I said sorry I didn't think you could hear me so I pointed it , I told one of the security how I thought he was being rude for no apparent reason he apologized and they gave me another free glass , so we attempted to order again a glass of champagne to BUY not get for freee and again he said NO ! so my friend and I walked out , and we met our other friends outside and he told our friends that "we just wanted free drinks ! Hahahah we have money to buy our own drinks just letting this establishment know ! If they're going to have this kind of treatment I DONT RECOMMEND THEM.

The total amount charged without a print out receipt
Kahlie M.

Update: I contacted management via their email address, they replied to my email, I sent the receipt and details so they could refund the order..it's been FOUR months and they completely ghosted me. Absolute absurdity.

Take on p*rnstar martini!
bella

Amazing experience at KARAOKE!! First of all- the KJ is unmatched!! Every song was a hit and he made it sooooo fun!! The sound system is incredible- I've done a lot of karaoke and usually it's hard to hear yourself... not here! 2nd of all- drinks are delicious and fun!! The Hollywood hotel was delishhh service was attentive and friendly!!

Marcie L.

This place is a go-to spot downtown, and it's pretty much always full. You can reserve a table for the night if you're with a group or grab one of the high tops or bar seats if you're just stopping in. They do live karaoke, which is actually a lot of fun and entertaining. The drinks are great, and the staff are awesome - very friendly and attentive. Definitely worth checking out. And if you're in the mood for more of a club scene after, you can walk right next door to Sidebar and keep the night going.

Right before I karaoked
MaDonna W.

We absolutely adored our experience at cocktails and karaoke, gas lamp, lighter! We danced a little, we karaoked a little . Super fun. No charge , you just have to have the guts to grab the microphone and go up when your name is called from the sign-up sheet and sing your heart out... everybody was doing. It was so much fun. What a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Janai W.

Finally made it to Gaslamplighter, and honestly, no complaints! (*note we got there at opening on a Thursday) As someone who loves checking out new spots, I'd been meaning to get here for a while. The space is a bit smaller than I expected, but that's on me, especially knowing their OG location was a true dive in both size and style. This one has definitely leveled up. Stopped in for drinks with my girl friend before dinner and had just enough time to enjoy a couple of well-made cocktails and their beautifully presented Aperitivo app--both solid choices. Excited to come back with a group and take on some karaoke. Also, worth noting: they have an "Aperitivo Hour" with $13 martinis and snacks, which is a nice touch. Looking forward to round two

See all

Photo of Robert O.
36
26
81

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Kylie S.
231
58
34

19 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 1

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

6 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 days ago

Had such a wonderful night! The staff were super nice, drinks were great, and the vibe was so fun!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

26 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

8 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Francesco S.

Francesco S.

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of bella
0
25
46

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Marcie L.
437
820
1924

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Daneen W.
25
32
57

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 1

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Andrew S.
558
12
14

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

26 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 5
Love this 6
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Bryan C.
35
17
15

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dung N.
2960
3326
15718

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Blaine! Always making good drinks. Remembers my go to drink! Gl is my go to karaoke spot

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Francesco S.

Francesco S.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Francesco S.

Francesco S.

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 5
Oh no 0
Photo of Jana N.
132
437
1239

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Francesco S.

Francesco S.

Helpful 6
Thanks 2
Love this 5
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Francesco S.

Francesco S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Francesco S.

Francesco S.

Helpful 48
Thanks 9
Love this 39
Oh no 0
Photo of Brandy C.
182
124
137

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 4

Ask the Community - Gaslamplighter

Review Highlights - Gaslamplighter

“Maya was the absolute best server and so attentive to our whole group and made our night so special!!!”

Mentioned in 11 reviews

Read more highlights

Raised By Wolves - Lots o' Scotch

Raised By Wolves

4.3(2.3k reviews)
11.5 mi•University City
•$$$

RAISED BY WOLVES @ UTC LA JOLLA…read more Raised by Wolves is located inside UTC La Jolla, tucked away in the very back of the mall near the Din Tai Fung area. I would definitely recommend parking around Corner Bakery or near 24 Hour Fitness for the closest way in. This was my very first time going to Raised by Wolves. I made a reservation on OpenTable, and if you are reading this right now, I highly recommend booking one. When we got there, the wait was two hours for people without a reservation. I booked for 9 PM on a Saturday night with my friends after dinner. We actually arrived at UTC earlier than expected, so we let the host know and they let us in about 20 minutes early. As for parking, they do not validate here. Parking is free for the first hour and then two dollars per hour after that, so just be aware that you may end up paying for parking when you visit this bar. It is set up like a speakeasy, which is really cool. You get to see where the actual bar is hidden. We ended up ordering a bunch of cocktails and the drinks were super great. I really loved the vibe overall. It was lively and chatty, and the staff was super friendly. The ambiance is very dark and classy. Keep in mind they do not serve food here. It is purely drinks only. Overall, I would definitely recommend stopping by.

Finally came to visit this bar, after reading other reviews both good and bad, I figured wth. We…read morewaited about 10 minutes for reservation, sat on the revolving fireplace and sat at the bar. You can essentially sit wherever, but the bar is the best seat in the house IMO. The scenery was cool and had the prohibition era feel to it, however the music was current and WAY TOO loud. There is nothing more annoying to have to shout to the person sitting over the next barstool for a conversation. So there's that. We ordered the Island Old Fashioned, which sounded interesting, but...alittle disappointed. I wanted to order another cocktail, but we had dinner reservations. The bartender(s) barely spoke and if they did, we wouldn't have been able to hear them, you know, because of the loud music. Maybe we'll come again for other cocktails when we visit San Diego again. Until then, RBW is a "check off the list" kind of thing.

Photos
Raised By Wolves - Tiramitini and Mojito.

Tiramitini and Mojito.

Raised By Wolves - The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.

The secret panel that rotates like a carousel into the wolf den.

Raised By Wolves - Smells of leather bound books and rich mahogany

See all

Smells of leather bound books and rich mahogany

False Idol - Reserve Mai Tai

False Idol

4.4(1.4k reviews)
0.8 mi•Little Italy
•$$

They don't serve food but they are connected to craft and Craft & Commerce which has good food…read more The staff is awesome I've never had a bad experience and when visiting for a special occasion they've always gone above and beyond to ensure we have a good time! The decor is incredible it's absolutely a must see for all tiki fans and anyone who loves a heavily themed bar!

This is a very small but beautifully decorated tiki bar inside the Craft & Commerce restaurant. I…read morerecommend making a reservation but you can also try walking in (you may be allowed access but may not get a table, so be prepared to stand). The place is not exactly hidden; there is a host stand near the entrance. For what it is worth, the parking lot next door to False Idol and Craft & Commerce should be renamed Butch Cassidy, not because of the entertaining movie, but because it charges highway robbery rates. We paid $40 on a Friday night. That is...outrageous. The menu at False Idol is long and delightful and the drinks are delicious. As far as I can tell, none of the drinks are blended, so sorry for you Pina Colada fans, which includes me. They also offer three mocktails. We tried a Mac Nut Chi Chi (macadamia based) and a Chi Breeze mocktail (also macadamia based). They were both very nice. I appreciated the detail in the menu. If you want stronger and boozier drinks, they are available. If you want something lighter, they have that, too. Most of the drinks seemed reasonably priced. The lighting and music were excellent. When someone ordered a shareable "bowl" drink, loud volcano rumbling noises played and the lighting flickered. That was fun. As a tiki fan, I would return, but I would never, ever park in that evil thieving parking lot next door again.

Photos
False Idol - Rum Old Fashioned

Rum Old Fashioned

False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

Isn't it gorgeous?!

False Idol - Tiki themed decor

See all

Tiki themed decor

Mothership - Amazing decor

Mothership

4.3(995 reviews)
2.1 mi•South Park, Golden Hill, North Park
•$$

This was such a cool bar with very nice staff…read more It's easy to find, street parking was a nonissue, and they have a huge selection of cocktails with a decent selection of mocktails as well. I love their menu design. It gives a lot of attention to each drink with a clear description breakdown along with the level of alcohol meter. A lot of the drinks are STRONG and their presentations are magnificent.

We had such a great experience at this space themed bar! One thing that I would make a note of is…read morethat we did make a reservation for 10 pm on a Saturday night, but still had to wait in a very long line out the door for a good 15 minutes. We were confused, along with many other folks in line. I think they were just preparing their tables way longer than expected. Other than that inconvenience, the bar itself was beautifully decorated and very on-theme. The drinks were very much giving "tiki bar but in space" and were veryyyy strong. They have an alcohol strength spectrum on their menu so you can guide yourself through the drinks. We got drinks that weren't even on the strong side of the scale and they were still pretty strong. This would be a great place for a pregame for sure! They even have some food and seasonal soft serve other than their normal drinks. Overall, great service, strong drinks, and fun vibes. Perfect place for a pregame!

Photos
Mothership - Deceiving Exterior

Deceiving Exterior

Mothership - Mindkiller

Mindkiller

Mothership - Away Mission

See all

Away Mission

Noble Experiment - Spiced banana flip! Delicious!

Noble Experiment

4.5(1.9k reviews)
0.1 mi•East Village, Core
•$$

My husband and I recently spent some days in San Diego. He found this speak easy and we decided we…read moreneeded to try it out. This was definitely the highlight of our trip. From the spooky, dark, skulls old school ambiance and decor, to the experience of not ordering from a menu, everything about it made it feel unique and curated making it feel like a true individualized experience. As mentioned, there are no menus. We sat at the bar, the bartender makes casual conversation with you regarding the types of drinks you enjoy. He curated something for both my husband and I based on what we shared we enjoyed. The drinks were delicious. The entry was very cool! It felt as if you were entering a hidden spot - which you do. When you enter the restaurant, you let the hostess know you're there for the Noble Experience. She let us know to head to the wall with the kegs (which is actually a door). You enter and there's a small waiting area where you're greeted by another hostess. This place is a 20/10. We can't wait to return on our next visit to SD.

Drinks are hit and miss. No menu bar is more gimmicky than anything…read more I'm sure there's some set menu that the bartenders just play off of and quality of the drinks really really just depends on who's your bartender. First round was great, not exactly what we ordered but still quality cocoktail. Second round was not good at all. And especially not what we ordered lol The wait on off days can be 5-10 minutes. Busy days it can be 1-2 hours. Drinks: 5/10 Service: 6/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Value: 4/10

Photos
Noble Experiment - Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

Strawberry cucumber Gin cocktail

Noble Experiment - Ceiling and chandelier

Ceiling and chandelier

Noble Experiment - Skull wall

See all

Skull wall

Part Time Lover - The record room

Part Time Lover

4.2(537 reviews)
3.0 mi•North Park
•$$

Great vibe and speedy service!…read more We loved the Vinyl room and security was very attentive to their surroundings.

I came to Part Time Lover last year after eating at a restaurant nearby. I don't drink alcohol in…read moregeneral so I had asked if they could make a drink virgin... They told me no. The only options then were "a fruity drink, a chocolate drink, or a bubbly drink" and so I asked for a fruity. It tasted like juice in sparkling soda. I honestly was underwhelmed and turned off by the fact they hadn't put any effort in thinking about customers who come for the vibes but don't actually drink alcohol. It was also a jam packed Saturday night and it was incredibly loud so when trying to talk to my friends sitting next to me I had to shout. Ended up straining my voice by the end of the night. This experience last year was probably 2-3 stars, not good. But fast forward a year and some months later, they have a "Free Spirited" section on their menu now!!! This time I also went with a fruity drink and it was actually really good!! I'm glad Part Time Lover has turned a new leaf and actually put conscious effort into their mocktails. We also came here earlier on a Thursday night so it wasn't packed, was very easy to get a seat and just hangout. This better experience bumped up my impression of the place, so 4 stars!

Photos
Part Time Lover - The bar at PTL San Diego

The bar at PTL San Diego

Part Time Lover - Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

Bikini Kill (Serrano tequila blanco, mango, guava, tamarind, xila, lemon)

Part Time Lover - Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

See all

Record store to the left. Bathroom straight ahead

Prohibition - Our famous Prohibition Old Fashioned

Prohibition

4.0(1k reviews)
0.1 mi•Gaslamp
•$$

So came down to San Diego to celebrate my brother birthday and we decided to take a whiskey class…read morewith our ladies. So we found that Prohibition offers a whiskey class where you can make drinks yourself. Met the owner Ryan who is the owner of Prohibition Whiskey and he told us the story about how he started the business and we connected because he was from Oakland. From that moment it was on and poppin. The vibes of the class was great and conversations along with the drinks were flowing. We ended the night by making an espresso martini made with whiskey and it was amazing. Plus it was dope that I got to make the drink myself. Can't wait to come back to San Diego to patron this establishment

I went to Prohibition when I was attending a conference at the Convention Center, so I think my…read moreexperience is a little different. A sponsor had rented out the whole place and all drinks were comped with food being passed around. We had cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which I think were all from the Havana restaurant upstairs. Food was great! Drinks were good, but the menu was so confusing to me. I didn't really like how they categorized them. Sometimes I feel like just being straightforward is better. Too cute with trying to do the prohibition/speakeasy menu. It did take a while to get drinks when it was packed. Understandable. But I had a few that were good, the boats and hoes, and keffir lime tequila drink were great. I would say that the bathroom had a bit of a stink to it...not sure what it was but smelled just like coming up from the pipes. May just be a basement issue. Overall, good experience. It didn't feel super special but just like any other speakeasy. I like False Idol better in terms of overall vibe.

Photos
Prohibition
Prohibition - El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

El Fruterio featuring Azunia GBOD single barrel reposado tequila

Prohibition - Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

See all

Live Jazz/Blues/Roaring 20's kinda vibe! My kind of bar/lounge! (5/5)

Starlite - Starlite Burger

Starlite

4.1(2.7k reviews)
1.9 mi•Middletown, Mission Hills
•$$$

Starlite delivers that quintessential sleek, mid-century modern lounge atmosphere right along India…read moreStreet. The iconic geometric wood ceiling, dramatic chandelier, and moody lighting make the space feel effortlessly cool. The craft cocktail program is legendary, and the elevated gastropub menu is just as impressive, the grilled octopus was tender with a wonderful smoky char, the Jidori chicken was remarkably juicy with perfectly crispy skin, and the sea bass was delicate and flaky. Taking off one star because street parking along India Street can require quite a bit of circling during peak evening hours, and the dining room gets rather loud and dim once the crowd settles in. Still, an absolute San Diego staple and a top choice for a stylish date night, late-night craft drinks, or dinner with friends.

Every thing from the food to the service was amazing!! My fiancé and I went for our anniversary,…read morethey sat us next to the waterfall and it was absolutely beautiful! Our favorite meals from our trip were actually from here! The sides are best in my opinion but we did not have a single dish that we thought could be improved! Our servers were so sweet and on top of it!! We also really enjoyed all of the cocktails we were able to try. If you're thinking about going here I'd say book the reservation!

Photos
Starlite - Bar area after entering

Bar area after entering

Starlite - Pistachio ice cream sandwich

Pistachio ice cream sandwich

Starlite - Cocktails are fun!

See all

Cocktails are fun!

Polite Provisions - Uncle Jalapeño

Polite Provisions

4.3(2k reviews)
3.9 mi•University Heights, North Park
•$$

Always a 5 Star experience when gathering for drinks here…read more Over the years, the names have changed for the provider of Polite Provision's delicious orderable food to go along with their polite provisions. Items such as scrupulously prepared meatballs, fried polenta, spaghetti with mushroom sauce, etc., from the prior next-door, connected purveyor "Soda and Swine"...but those days are done ...I digress. And where is Soda and Swine's Yelp page? I know I did a review, but now the page appears gone completely in search? Nah, it's just hidden, presumably to accommodate Fortunate Sons, which opened about a year ago after re-construction of both establishments. I'm too lazy to see if still owned by Consortium Group. I did search my reviews and found my updated Soda & Swine review dated 8 & 10 years ago. O_o !! Now, food is still served, however, there's a new name in town called "Fortunate Son" (next door, connected). Apparently, food now served is Asian-inspired. I've not visited recently to taste. The North Park area is a great neighborhood with many different types of food close by. While you're there, don't forget to stop by "An's Dry Cleaners", where the most inventive gelato's, ice creams and sorbets come from.

You can order from the bar or your table. Lots of different seating options indoors and outdoors…read more Very extensive drink menu almost too many options. The drinks we ordered were good and service didn't take too long. Right next to Fortunate Son so you can order food from them and enjoy in their bar.

Photos
Polite Provisions - Want. Make. Disco.

Want. Make. Disco.

Polite Provisions - Real oil lamps!

Real oil lamps!

Polite Provisions - Art deco

See all

Art deco

Kiku Room - DJ in the front room. Back room behind him that can be accessed from the side.

Kiku Room

3.4(46 reviews)
1.7 mi•Middletown

Maybe it's because we went right at opening time 6pm on a Saturday- our group enjoyed this spot…read more The bartender was great and we got a few rounds before heading to our next destination. Being here for about an hour and a half, people started to arrive. It is on the smaller end but it was a vibe! Would come again even with the mixed reviews on yelp.

I've visited here a couple of times, and my experiences have been completely different depending on…read morewhen I went. The first time was fantastic. The atmosphere immediately reminded me of Berlin with its moody red room aesthetic and unique vibe. There's a DJ right when you walk in next to the bar, and as you make your way toward the back, you'll find additional seating. It's a fun, energetic space that's unlike many other spots in San Diego. However, my visit this past Friday was a completely different story. We had to wait outside for people to leave before we could get in, although thankfully that only took a few minutes. Once inside, it was packed shoulder to shoulder. There are only two bathroom stalls so it took about 20 minutes just to use the restroom. The biggest issue, though, was the temperature. It honestly felt like it was 100 degrees inside. It was unbearably hot, and after a while we had to leave because we were so uncomfortable. During a crowded San Diego summer night, having air conditioning or at least improved ventilation would make a huge difference. That said, I still recommend checking this place out. My advice is to visit on a weekday instead of a weekend, and avoid especially hot or overly crowded nights. When it's not packed, the atmosphere is unique, stylish, and definitely worth experiencing.

Photos
Kiku Room - Pay to get in bar.

Pay to get in bar.

Kiku Room - Entrance to the back room

Entrance to the back room

Kiku Room

See all

Gaslamplighter - bars - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...