Not too long ago, Little Italy was a sleepy little neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego where you could find authentic Italian cuisine and fresh ingredients for your own home cooked Italian meals. But the area has grown in recent years, with construction of several new residential buildings and the development of a burgeoning nightlife scene to attract those who want a nearby alternative to busy downtown bars and clubs.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot to impress a first date, late night restaurants, or a rockin’ venue to watch your favorite bands play, here are some options for the best nightlife Little Italy, San Diego has to offer: 

Themed bar - False Idol

Bars are a dime a dozen in San Diego, so it takes a unique theme to make one stand out. False Idol might not be the only tiki bar in the city, but there’s a reason so many reviews describe it as “magical.” From the intricate décor to the strong but sweet tropical cocktails, False Idol has become so popular that reservations are strongly recommended—usually several weeks out.

Music venue - Music Box

If giant stadium concerts aren’t your thing, the Music Box offers a much more intimate musical experience. With three different seating and viewing levels, there are no “bad seats” in the place. And with bars on the first and third level, you won’t miss a note when you go for another drink.

Brewery - Mikkeller

San Diego is bursting with breweries these days, so of course there are several within walking range of Little Italy. But one of the best is right smack-dab in the neighborhood. Mikkeller Little Italy is a Scandinavian-influenced brewery offering minimalist design and a wide variety of beers, including strong stouts, hazy IPAs, fruity sours and more, plus food options to help soak up the brews.

Rooftop bar - Kettner Exchange

San Diego is famous for its year-round mild weather, and where better to enjoy a temperate night out than on a roof-top bar? Kettner Exchange features a standard restaurant space, but the real attraction is the roof-top bar complete with reservable cabanas for an even more intimate night out.

Dinner and live entertainment in one - Puerto La Boca

For the ultimate nightlife experience, try an intimate, delicious dinner with live entertainment built right in. Puerto La Boca boasts authentic Argentinian cuisine, which pairs wonderfully with wine and live music every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Incredibly talented musicians play live piano and guitar, providing the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner. Music selections include both authentic Argentinian tunes plus unique twists on modern favorites.

The perfect night out at Puerto La Boca in Little Italy, San Diego

If you’re looking for a nightlife scene that impresses your friends as well as your taste buds, Puerto La Boca offers an intimate ambiance and delicious, authentic Argentinian cuisine that is unmatched anywhere else in San Diego. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend nights. We can also accommodate large parties of six or more with advance notice. So organize your closest friends and plan a fun-filled night in Little Italy, San Diego.