This place is super gritty and divey. You walk in and it's super low lighting with funky music playing, the sounds of multiple group chattering and laughing and very odd movies playing that you won't be able to look away. There's a few booths as soon as you enter and a handful of high top tables. Theres more than enough room to dance if you choose to and there is a pool table in the middle of the bar. There is a back area and the door to exit to it looks like you'll set off the alarm. But you'll be fine. There's about seating / standing room in the back which can fit about 20-30 people comfortably I think. There was about 10 people there when I went on a Thursday night around midnight. Lots of locals and some of them introduced themselves when they saw our group and knew this was our first time. Didn't eat here. Don't know if they serve food. Maybe during the day they do. I'd come back again. It wasn't the strongest of drinks and the well drinks tasted terrible but... vibes were on point and friendly people and that's half the reason why I go out. read more

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I actually really like this place I went here on a Monday night to see comedy and there was very clean booth and tables and friendly bartenders. The staff were very welcoming to the comedians that I saw that night which were actually really fun. I am not sure if they're doing it every Monday, but it sure is a fun night, it's kinda nice to see a place like this one have a local entertainment thing like comedy. I thought it might be a bit divey which I quite like, but It smells OK even though it's old it doesn't have the "dive stink", but it is slightly updated pretty recently. I don't remember the name of this bar before it became the space bar but I do like the place it has a very welcoming feel and I would go back . read more

New owners have really transformed this bar, now called The Banshee. They are starting to have bands play and their sound system is great and the variety of music they are featuring gives everyone a reason to visit! A new stage was built shortly after the new owner took possession. Sparkling clean bathroom, and nice patio area to hang out in. read more

Food was fresh, staff friendly and costs were reasonable. Our first time visiting. Added bonus it is black owned! read more

I came here for a punk show. The place is pretty small and might be hard to spot if you don't know what to look for. There's one small "Space" sign out front, and a small parking area in the back. If you're here to see a show, it will get hot but I hardly noticed since I was into the bands I came to see. The stage area isn't raised much, so if you're short like me, you have to get there early to see anything. Drinks were good and strong for me. I ordered a Long Island ice tea and it wasn't just a cup of ice with a dollop of alcohol in it like at the last music venue I was at, so I was very pleased. I would definitely come back again for another sweaty punk show. :-D read more

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Went there the other day and the bartender ,Bob ,was awesome. Good drinks and good times. I will be back soon. Awesome Bloody marys . read more

Fun place to have an event but they really excel at catering both food and service. Great people to work with and very creative at coming up with new creations based on your needs (specifically a delicious vegan sandwich was created just for our event). read more

My friends and I stumbled upon this gem on a weekend trip we just took for one of their birthdays. What caught our eye is the fact that the word space is involved. I am a huge Star Wars fan and who isn't a good alien movie lover? So the word space immediately is catchy. We stayed at an air bnb that was walking distance from Space. We went to dinner earlier in he night and wanted a more chill night compared to the one prior in which we were out at gaslamp, so we decided to explore the local bars we could walk to. Anyway, we walk there and discover there's a $12 cover because there's a band playing. Honestly, not a big deal because my friends and I are all into music anyway. We get in and the band playing is Armors which ended up being an awesome show. They did a cover of Just Like Heaven by the Cure and immediately I am down because the Cure is one of my faves. We had a few more drinks when the band stopped playing, and even chatted with a few members of the band. It was all in all a really cool experience. The bartender even gave my friend who's birthday it was a free drink. The decor is cute but not over done. There's a disco ball. Tight. The bathrooms are nice with weird "space powder soap" as my friends called it. Next time I come to San Diego I'll give this place another visit for sure :) read more

Space Bar - Out front - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

What you see is what you get and that's okay! The venue is in an odd spot, tucked in between a Churches Chicken and a few liquor stores. I would definitely consider this place a dive bar. It's actually pretty easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. I went here last weekend to see MACK and Michl and had a good time. It's a very intimate venue, which was perfect for this show. They sounded wonderful, which was good because sometimes in intimate venues this can be hard to achieve. Additionally, the drinks are cheap.. like really cheap. And everyone working there was nice as can be. From the door man to the bar tenders everyone was pleasant which set the mood for everyone else attending the show. read more

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Came here for a quick drink with a friend to catch up while on my trip out here to San Diego. Located right at a bus stop it is a convenient spot for people grabbing a drink before hopping on the bus. The bar has a nice selection of local drafts. We had IPAs. The back area seems to be a dance area for when it gets busy but for the night that we were there, it was a projected TV screen showing the local changes. Didn't mind watching Aliens. There is also a jukebox for music for those that want to jam out. I wonder what the place looks like when it gets busy or on a hot day. A place to check out the next time I'm out in San Diego. read more

I've come here twice now and loved both times. It's a dive bar. That should tell you enough about it. They have a pool table, a small stage for gigs (when I went I didn't need to buy tickets), and a "retro" arcade-esque machine that takes quarters and has games like donkey kong, space invaders, etc. There is no food here so bring something with you or get something delivered there (they don't mind). There is a Church's Chicken one block away and it looks like a 7/11 is opening soon. If you go early there's a deal on well drinks for 4$ or maybe 5$ I don't exactly remember. There is also a deal on a beer and shot. What I do remember is that they let dogs in this bar! The second time I went there were three and the owners were lovely about letting me drunkenly pet them. They also have games you can play which is awesome if you're with a group of people and not In the mood to stand. They also play Netflix at the bar. There's bar seating and a few tables but not too many. The drinks I had were exactly what I would expect from a dive, not magical but they certainly hit the spot. It's street parking only but there is a bus stop right out front. Everyone I've ever seen in this bar has been kind and wonderful. I've only been twice but there were no altercations and everyone seemed in good spirit. The bathrooms are COVERED in stickers and writing, absolutely coated. A true dive bar experience. I had tons of fun and am absolutely going back. read more

Went last night to see #andrewbelle in concert. I had paid for the VIP component so that I could get in early, listen to soundcheck, meet him in person and have pictures taken with him. This location is small. Yes when all the bodies are in there it gets hot. At the bar there were only 5 bar stools that I could count the bench all other seating areas were being used to sell merchandise. I think they need to re-think that configuration. The ATM looked to have a receiving blanket covering it. The 2 Restrooms are gender neutral. I was up front and close in fact I was directly in front of the speakers... I landed here because there was a shelf that I could place my purse on not realizing my ears were going to be ravaged. Nahh j/k it was ok. It was Andrew Belle for Heavens sake I was on Cloud 9... there literally is not 1 song of his that I don't enjoy. Location is on El Cajon between Wilson and 25th Street (across from the Parking Lot) street parking was free and I think they may have had a lot in the rear that was also no charge. Drink prices were (in my opinion) inexpensive. If the question is would I return for a concert here. YES! I found the staff to be very nice and cordial. Respectfully Reviewed read more

Food was pretty good; however, there was nobody in here and it took over an hour for 3 sandwiches and a fruit bowl.

On my last week living in San Diego, I finally saw a show at Space Bar. Buckfast Superbee rocked the stage and I enjoyed it. Didn't stay longer than their set but the setup looked like a smaller Soda Bar. With those two being blocks apart, it's crazy I never made it here before. read more

I've only been here during the day to escape the sun and enjoy their AC with a cold drink. Good friendly service with good drinks. It's cash only but there's an ATM inside. Happy hour thought the day and not so busy. When it's empty the bartender will even ask us what we want to watch on the TVs lol. If you want a place to hang out with a chill atmosphere and cheap drinks this is the place! read more

This is my very first review. I never thought I was the type that felt the need to write one until now. This business is not a restaurant but is open and violating Covid19 protocols. I thought maybe they had opened a kitchen to comply but they are just a regular bar. When I went there were some hot dogs on a plate behind the bar that they weren't even making an effort too sell so it must have been in case vice came by or something. There's a makeshift patio outside that is basically the parking lot and it's pretty nasty. The service was Ok for the one pint of beer I purchased but the lack of any policing of protocols made me really uncomfortable. There were at least 30 people roaming around inside and out freely and unmasked. I won't be coming back to this place before or after covid ends. I really hope this place gets shut down by the city because businesses like these are the reason why this pandemic has lasted so long. read more

Great service, prices and best jukebox in San Diego full of punk , metal, soul, post -punk, hip hop etc Happy hour every day from 5-7pm. I think free pool before 9pm? Definitely recommend if you're around north park or city heights read more

Chill atmosphere with good music. The area is small but cool. They have decent price beer. read more

Space Bar - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

It's our first time coming in today. We didn't get to stay for the open mic or if there's a live performance, but we enjoyed our food so much. The helper was really nice and helpful. We ordered Buffalo Chicken fries, Parmesan fries, açaí blended juice, and Cheeseburger. The prices are reasonable and my boyfriend said "I paid a fast food price but got served like I'm in an expensive restaurant." I love how they serve açaí bowls, probiotic teas, and mite actually. read more

Space Bar - Cheeseburger, Parmesan fries, and buffalo chicken fries - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

I live across the street from the spot. And so Glad I do. They have live music, some stand up comedy, poetry etc....I always get the Vanilla iced latte. Its always cold and taste good. I see different people working there, and one thing they have in common is theyre all nice. Now, if you're not a coffee person, don't worry, they have wine and beer!!!! 24oz cups too!! Lol. Really love this place and happy that I can just walk there. read more

It really sucks when you get burned and ripped off because the door guy doesn't tell you that there's only 5 minutes left of the show charges you almost 15 bucks to get in anyways. Then tries to play stupid when you call him out on it. What a reckless mistake to hire someone who is not an asset to the company. I won't forget. Lame! read more

Customer service was excellent,stopped by last weekend with a couple of running friends for some fuel. The smoothies are fire!!! Thank You -trailiens read more

Great service and friendly staff. Best bar in in the area and possibly all of San Diego.

I use to love coming to this bar back when it was the hideout. Now as space bar it has lost its touch. It's cool that it has themed nights. Now the crowd is different and they charge a cover to enter! It's not a club... just a dive bar and yet they charge an entrance fee. The drinks are good, nothing special. Most recently they changed again from accepting cards to CASH ONLY! Highly doubt I'll be coming back. Bummer. read more

I like this place it was my first time visiting for a hip hop show. Love the vibes. The bartender and other staff were nice. It's cash only but they have an atm inside. I'll definitely be back here. read more

Good place to hang out me and wife like there 80's night staff is great always treat us good

Stinky dive bar, but great people watching. Drinks seemed to be average prices for your typical wells. Parking absolutely sucks.

I once went here something like six years ago to watch an Open Mic. There was a band playing Modest Mouse covers and some other things. I think Built to Spill maybe. Anyway: the guitarist was a creep (by the looks of it) but the singer was excellent. I've not been back many times since. But legend speaks of a ghost that haunts this café: the ghost of my old prejudices against cyber cafés. Definitely look into seeing a decent band here every once in a while. I recommend the tea. And the regulars seemed insightful about music et cetera. Dougal MacDonald. read more

Tried out a new spot for happy hour and this place is the business! Katie, our bartender was amazing from the get go. The Owner was present and went above and beyond. My new favorite place! Come check it out!! read more

Came here for a monthly, had a blast! Fast bar tenders, friendly staff... It's not a large venue by any means, but it had a nice vibe.

Came here not that long ago to see Kikagaku Moyo (幾何学模様) and was pleasantly surprised to see that this place could handle a pretty large crowd. Last year when the same band came they played at Til Two Club to a crowd made up mostly of the other bands and their entourages in a really tightly packed space. This time around the place was packed. Hong Kong Fuzz and Sugar Candy Mountain opened. They have a big area in front of the stage now. I don't remember if they had that much space available back when it was The Void. I might have been here just to drink when it was called The Hideout. Anyway it was a packed house but I was still able to get drinks and the bartender was very nice. Awesome experience! Would come here again for a show. Parking sucks - you might have to drive down El Cajon a bit before something opens up. Side streets are usually already packed with residents and their guests so good luck. read more

Space Bar - Kikagaku Moyo brings their brand of psychedelia from Japan to San Diego at the Space Bar. - Music Venues Near Me - San Diego, California

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Don't understand the negativity for this venue. One of the mellow bars with great prices on drinks, as well as a great lineup of artists 24/7. If I lived closer, I would definitely partake in the Loteria and other fun events that seem to happen on a weekly basis. I've seen shows that I have really enjoyed and sound has always been pretty well balanced (Merchandise back in May/June). I like the idea of having a TV for the people who cannot see from the back, though. read more

Great dive bar. Really good Happy Hour prices. I can always seem to find something fun going on like trivia or tiki bingo on the weekdays and the shows/DJs on weekends are great! Jukebox has a nice eclectic selection. It really is a "Dive Bar" just good old fashioned drinks and music. read more

Great atmosphere with cheap drinks and good music. The art is very cool as well.

This is probably the worst bar music venue in San Diego. You wait in a long line to get inside to a room that they over sell a room that can maybe hold 100 people max that is packed beyond belief. Good luck using the bath room when you get inside there is only one. Now let's talk about the bar basically the drink selection is something you might find on a airplane they have about 10-15 liquor options and maybe 10 beer options. And good luck even getting to the bar to get a drink. Now let's talk about the music. Well we go out to see live music at clubs like this so that's the most important part. The band plays on a 8" riser in the back of the main room so unless your standing within 5 feet of the band your not seeing anything. This bar has been about 8 different bars in the last 8/10 years. You would think they would have done something different with the space by now. This is the worst this room has been. I could go on and on about this silly place but I'm not gonna it's just not worth your time. They should put seats in this place and stop having shows. read more

This is not a good venue to watch bands play at. I just saw a show here this past Friday, and unless you're up at the front of the stage area, you cannot see the band at all. I think I caught a glimpse of blonde tresses here and there from the lead singer, and that was about it. They should provide a significantly raised platform stage area so at least you can see something. And, unlike Soda Bar, they don't show the band playing on their TV screens-- which would be a plus since you can't see the band from the stage. The venue is really too tiny to showcase notable acts. Plus it's super hot in the stage area. People were heading out drenched in sweat from the stage. Space Bar has been booking great acts, but I don't think I'm going to pay to see a band here again. I'd rather go to Soda Bar or Casbah. The bar itself was great though. They had a great selection of drinks and the bartenders were all really nice. read more

Update. My friend posted a negative review about the heat problem on Facebook as she was with me. Rather than the management being professional and addressing the problem, promising to do better, they had their friends immaturely attack her her personally and told Facebook it was a fake account. As we all know, it is hard to recover your account when a bunch of people claim it is fake, even if it is not. So this management is unfortunately malicious, as well as being unprofessional. many people complained and they respond like this. Stay clear of this poorly managed bar. read more

Best version of this bar ever. It's been so many different kinds of bars but this is the best. Bar staff is super friendly. They have trivia and karaoke weekly. Really good vibes. Great atmosphere. read more

I am 33 years old and as far as I can remember I have gone out of my way to write a bad review a total of maybe only 3 times. I say that just to inform anyone who may be reading this that I generally don't feel compelled to complain. Only when something really upsets me and I honestly hope that this review negatively impacts this place in some way. I just got done telling my future wife that I've never been to a venue that seemed to have absolutely no consideration for the paying guest like this place. A few months ago I purchased tickets through Songkick to see one of my favorite bands here. My girlfriend had to work the next day so her ticket ended up going to a friend of mine who I was later embarrassed to have invited because of the time we wasted going to this place. He and I also had to work early the next day but he was down to trade sleep to see a band that I had been telling him was really good. Tickets said doors open at 8:30, band goes on at 9:30. Got to this hole in the wall bar at 8:30 to find the door locked and people waiting outside. We stood on the sidewalk until 9:20 when the door was finally opened. Got inside to find the bathrooms locked. They had portapotties out back through a door that said emergency exit only so I went out the front door and around to the back where I met a bouncer guarding the crappers. I showed him the stamp on my hand and he told me I needed to go through the bar even though doing so brought me through the "emergency exit only" door and back to the very same spot where the bouncer had turned me away. Anyways... I go to buy a drink and the drinks are ridiculously over priced. Mind you this is not some classy bar/club...like I said it was some hole in the wall bar with nothing special about it. So now my friend and I are waiting for the band I paid to see. Some shi**y opener band goes on playing god awful music that didn't end until about 1045 when my friend and I said f*#k this and we left without seeing the band that I so wanted to see. I understand that 1045 is not that late for a majority of people who are out to enjoy the nightlife on a Saturday. But, for those of us who have to work the next day and are just trying to seize the opportunity to see one of their favorite bands maybe you should not misinform paying guests by telling them doors open at 830 band goes on at 930 and then make those paying guests stand on the sidewalk for almost an hour. Maybe you should let people know the band they're paying to see won't be going on until 11pm or whatever time they finally went on after we left. Maybe you shouldn't have bouncers who are a-holes towards a guest who had clearly paid. Maybe you shouldn't charge ridiculous prices for drinks when your bar sucks. Thanks for nothing except to know that I will never again waste money on tickets to see a band at your bar... read more