Casbah

Very quaint, intimate setting with tremendous talent & unexpectedly solid lineups. 21+ (IDs are checked). Cute theming, decor and full bar with decent draft beer options. First time here but will certainly return! May 2024. Feb 2025: venue continues to impress, came to see The Microblades (an awesome rock band) and, dear reader, you should too.

The Casbah rocks! We were visiting SD and I decided to be spontaneous and went to see Laid Back Country Picker. He and his sidekick blew the roof of the place. Its a great venue with a long history in rock n roll.

The casbah is a really cool venue to see a concert the staff was nice and the venue is very intimate you are up close to the bands witch is awsome the sound is good there is a nice outdoor space to hang out with it's own little bar its down town so parking kinda sucks we did get lucky and got a spot right down the street if a band you like comes thru the casbah definitely go

One of my favorite venues in San Diego. Intimate when shows are sold out, which is great if you enjoy high energy. Standing room only. There is a bar. Pool table. Great space outside to smoke. Seen a lot of big and local bands here. Highly recommend!

Awesome place, great views everywhere, and the prices are pretty reasonable.

Thank you to everyone that comes together to make a show incredible for geeked out fans like us!! Iron Chic was fantastic!!

I’ve been coming here for 28 years and it’s hands down my favorite place to see live bands. It’s big enough to handle a decent amount of people but small enough you get an up close personal experience when you see a band play. Nothing like the larger Observatory or Music Box or Soma places. No matter where you end up you are still quite close to the stage. Some of the awesome bands I’ve seen here: Cold War Kids, Crystal Castles, Mike Snow, Ebba Forsberg, Cibo Matto, Limousines, YACHT and so many more I just can’t think of right now. SD is lucky to have this venue. ♥️

I have been to many shows and many venues, and the Casbah consistently delivers... On my first visit 20 years ago and my most recent one last night. Props on keeping the spirit of music alive all these years, here's to many more.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great small divey venue for live music. Came here for the first time with friends back in August to see Giuda and had a great time. We came back a few months later to see Steel Pole Bathtub and we've determined that this is one of our favorite small venues in SD. We're trying to become better acquainted with cool small venues in SD, and they don't get much better than this. Our favorite venue close to us in Long Beach is Alex's Bar, and this place has the same kind of vibe--a little dark and dingy, but a great place to get up close and personal with bands at reasonable prices. It IS a haul from Long Beach, but luckily we have friends who live nearby that'll let us crash at their pad, so if a band we can't see in LA happen to be playing here, we are happy to make the drive.

I had an amazing experience here going to see Riki a few weeks back. Besides it being right next to an airport and rowdy area, we were able to get in with no issues, grab drinks at a decent price, and enjoy our artist up close and personal despite arriving fashionably late. I'd definitely go check out another favorite artist here if the chance comes up. Street Parking was tricky, but not an issue since we were only there for under 2 hours. I'd just watch where you park and lock good as there are homeless that live around the area. Bathrooms here were well kept, too. Always important.

This dive bar is a gem and has been around for ages!! I had the pleasure of ringing in the new year at this venue with Starcrawler. There's an outdoor patio where you can hang and enjoy drinks and enjoy the band inside with more drinks. Drinks weren't too bad. It was super chill and casual.

Casbah is a San Diego institution. It's not flashy, trendy or somewhere you'd want to take a number two. It's dark, the floor is probably wet from any number of spilled drinks and you're likely to see a couple drunks making out next to a guy Mohawk kid in a studded jacket. It's awesome. Arguably the best sound for any San Diego venue, yours truly had never seen or heard a bad show here. It's small and simple but that's part of the charm. Full bar, quick service, great shows and the place has been virtually unchanged for a few decades. Fun fact: someone lives on top of the venue (it's a two-story building). How on earth do they ever sleep?

Sell outs Bartenders were okay but the security absolutely were a holes. Sorry but total sell out facility

Best f'n dive bar in San Diego. I've been coming here for years. I get excited that they host big names and local independent acts! Always a great crowd and energy. Bar tenders are friendly and drink prices are moderate. Security rocks!! If it gets too hot inside, there's plenty of other spots to hang around outside on the patio area. Plenty of parking across the street in one of the airport parking garages, as I wouldn't trust the sketchy street parking nearby.

Very beautiful venue, it's small but very nice! They have seating and good cocktails. They have an outdoor area as well with seats too. Staff there are very friendly as well.

One of the best local bars for music! Great beer selection, amazing staff, downtown location. This venue is setup perfectly. If the volume is too much, you can go to the back bar and watch the show on their TV behind the bar. If you haven't, you should book a show and check it out!

The worsst people in San Diego I ordered multiple beers from them and support of their bands, but the bartender and the owner refused to let me enjoy

Bar with mostly standing room. The sound is good! The bartenders are terrific. Seating is at a premium and it's pretty wobbly. They have some great musicians performing there! We went for Southern Culture on the Skids. Low Volts opened and was really good too.

Finally saw a show at this legendary venue and it was such a cool intimate atmosphere. I was worried about it being too crowded and stuffy similar to the SOMA venue but it was much more spaced out along with the covered patio space outside. They also have a huge selection of beverages - draft beers, canned beers / kombucha, and well drinks. My only recco is to bring ear plugs if you have sensitive ears because it can get super loud! We took Ubers to the venue because it was a Friday and didn't want to deal with parking but if you wanted to there's a lot nearby.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! The Casbah is the quintessential dive-bar, live music spot that represents all the roots of San Diego's best and beyond! Nostalgia set in when thinking about certain places I've missed these past few years and The Casbah was a part of that past-time!! Small place for bands to explode their creative juices and be part of the moment. You really can't find a bad place to sit or stand, other than the bathrooms - there is no escape..... and will leave that for the faint at heart! During the early 2000s through 2011 - we witnessed some of the best acts ever - Creepy Creeps, Dead Bolt! Peter Murphy, El Vez! Rocket from the Crypt, and all the best side bands Swami (John Reis) has to offer- The Night Marchers, Drive like Jehu, Hot Snakes, Sultans, Beehive and the Barracudas. We were looking forward to the December 23rd show this year with another spectacular Christmas event with El Vez but was unfortunately canceled. :( Look forward to 2022 with good health and great adventures!

So I finally made it back to Little Italy to visit the architectural salvage. It was rather disappointing because the sales guy in there was very uninterested unhelpful giving me stilted distracted answers as he scrolled on phone...But I still poked around. Took a bunch of pictures. Showed my art college daughter, who enjoyed them and my boyfriend who went to architectural school in New York City but then I really had to use the bathroom. Since architectural salvage didn't have one. I decided I'd trek the block back down to Casbah since I had such a great experience there on Monday night seeing Bailen the band. The front door was closed but it's quite windy and cold out tonight so I thought perhaps they were just keeping the wind out. I tried it opened easily and I walked in and I heard a very shrill voice asked me if I wanted some thing or needed something and I said oh are you guys closed and she said yes and gestured to the band warming up -- I'm very put off as she's extremely rude. Look like a motorcycle wanna be Harley girl wire Heavy make up, had dark hair, blue eyes. I said oh OK and I began to walk towards the back because that's where the exit is that way I didn't have to walk across her precious dance floor again in front of the band. She got really rude then, and just said there's the door and pointed back the way that I had come at which point I said, I understand that you're closed ... you're the only rude person I've met in San Diego so far! I had a really nice experience here the other night and was just coming back to check it out. And she broken record says "I'm just telling you that were closed!" to which I answered, " Yes you are, in a really rude and bitchy way, and I turned around and said hey, don't ever come to Hawaii because you'd definitely not fit in there! Then she got loud, said leave, but I could see that her boyfriend/fat ass henchman just totally agreed with me as he was smirking at her and half smiling at me...What a cray moment that left a very bad impression of what is a nice establishment. It all comes down to people though and this gal is a real piece of unkind unfriendly work.

There was a time in my life where I went to pretty much every live music venue I could find. Oddly, I had missed the legendary Casbah in San Diego and wow, what a miss on my part! This is a really interesting venue. The sound stage of course is the main part of the venue and this space was incredible acoustics. Whomever engineered this space deserves a prize. Every part of the service aspect here was on point. The actual space is unique and interesting. Wall art is fantastic throughout the venue. There is a pool table for people who are taking a break from the music. The outdoor space is also sizable. A number of great acts established their foothold by playing here and it continues to be a place where new artists can grow and thrive. Wish I hadn't been feeling like utter trash the night I went as I had to leave early but I could not have been more impressed with the venue.

This was a really great venue down in San Diego. They had a pool table and all. Nice stage. Great sound system.

They've recently reopened, and are only open certain nights of the week. Haven't seen a show here and never came here before COVID. It's small and quant and is reminds of dive bars/music venues in Seattle (where I am from), I love that aspect of it. There was a live DJ, the music was good, I've really missed music in public spaces. Plenty of seating, some areas louder than some. Full bar and there is a food min. of $6, they have salud! tacos slanging food, and their tacos were ok, the queso birriria (sp?) was the one I preferred the most as well as the street corn cup. Staff was friendly and attentive.

In my 20's I went on tour with a small alt-rock band and saw dozens of venues across the country like The Casbah- this is one of the best I've been to. Intimate, but a place to step out and breathe if you need to. Mostly standing room with a barely inclined floor and a small stage might be a nightmare if you're short like me, but I found the crowd to be so respectful at the show I attended and didn't have any issues. Security was great, there are two bars so service was quick. Way pricy though- what else do you expect at any music venue though? You're there if you want to drink you'll pay whatever- that's the game. There is also a pool table and some great little seating areas. I'm sure I'll return for another show soon!

I know I'm going against the grain, but the Casbah is just there. Not something to get excited about, kinda meh. And it hasn't changed at all, still the same strange cavern of a venue. Don't get me wrong, I've seen a bunch of shows here over the years. But there's always that moment of hesitation, when I hear a band is coming to town. Where are they playing? The Casbah? I'm gonna have to think about it. Definitely buy your tickets online. Many times, I have come to a show here, and witnessed people disappointed because it had sold out. Brad's band's reunion show sold out weeks in advance. I have been lucky to be on the guest list frequently, so getting in free improves the experience (especially when you leave before the end of the show). There is very little seating, so anyone with a limitation should beware. There is a strange bench at the back, but it has no view of the stage because of the wall behind the sound booth. If you sit there, you feel like you're outside Prom, waiting to get into the gym. The sound is usually fine. It's a small place, so you get to see the bands up close. I've never seen the extreme treatment that some people have reported involving security. But I also am the person that has never been thrown out of anywhere. Even with the crazy mosh pit at the Sprung Monkey reunion, I didn't notice too many problems. And that was sponsored by Jack Daniels, so the free alcohol was a big factor in people's behavior. The best thing I've seen here is probably John Waters doing his Christmas extravaganza. It was great seeing him in such an intimate venue. But if any of the bands that usually play the Casbah suddenly announce that they're playing the Belly Up indstea? I'm so all-over that.

I am so bummed out how mean spirited and intolerant The Casbah security is. The door crew and bartenders are not that cool or welcoming either. They're too cool for school. They don't really care to greet and smile at all. I flew in from NYC to see Plague Vendor. Was so happy to go to The Legendary Casbah. Brought 4 people with me. We are professionals & middle aged & all music lovers and have been to a lifetime of rock, punk, ska, reggae, speedmetal, you name it shows. Experienced many venues in most major cities. At The Casbah, in my excitement, I banged a half-full plastic cup of water down on bar for dramatic effect to a song and splashed my friend extra lightly. This was song #5 out of 21 on set list. I'm 25 minutes into this brilliant amazing surf punk loud wonderful show. I was not wasted. Totally lucid and Ok. 1 security man came up and said I got him wet and I had to leave. I apologized over & over. Begged for him to reconsider. My friends pleaded. But No No No we got tossed out the stage left side door. This kind of intolerance and irrational authority just lowers all regard for San Diego nightlife. The Casbah is infected with a no-sense attitude. So to The Casbah security man who overexerted his power: Kharma is a boomerang and if your head gets lopped off in this life, you won't miss it cuz you didn't use it anyway.

This place is absolutely a legendary music venue. Various rooms to hang out in an awesome stage and awesome sound system. A fantastic variety of bands from all over the world playing pretty much every weekend. If you're in San Diego and you like live music you owe it to yourself to check this place out. Highly Recommended!!!!!!!!!!

After all of these years (and an epic time this weekend), it's safe to say that The Casbah is still my favorite place to watch a band in San Diego. From the location to the staff, this is my kind of place. Sure, The Casbah is small, but not tiny. It's loud, it's a little rough around the edges, and that's just the way I like it. Bands love playing here and sometimes you'll even find a band that's capable of playing much larger venues dropping in to play the Casbah for a more intimate performance, which happens more than you'd think! Seeing that The Casbah hosts live music seven nights a week you are sure to find great variety and it's always fun to check out something before it becomes the next big thing... am I right, or am I right?

I have seen a few shows here and was able to come here to the "Covid Opening" with patio dinner seating and seating in the back bar. Staff was super friendly and attentive. The special drinks were tasty as well. This day they collaborated with !Salud! And the food was very yummy. DJ's play music while you eat and great. A great time and experience. Really would like to have something like this to continue once they are doing concerts again. Great Time!

What a lovely venue. They have a had some really awesome bands play here. Their history adorns the walls. This venue is great for intimate concerts! The sound was calibrated perfectly and every seat was a good one . Actually, there are only a handful of seats with tables and the majority of the room is for standing viewing. Watch out for the mosh pit if that's not your thing ! The bartender was awesome and helpful, the drinks were very reasonable. I got a tall can for $7! I saw the Melvins here and it was a great show. I will definitely come back here !

Great space for smaller artists to feel closer to their fans. Had a great time watching Bandalos Chinos.

How have I not reviewed Casbah!! I've been soooo many times and every single time is a gr8 time!! This is most def the best rocker bar in town. The venue is big yet small enough to get up close and personal with yo fav band. Every act that is billed at Casbah is filled with unique talent. I've been here on the rare times they had 5 bands playing. They turned the other bar room into a small stage area and will play back n forth between the mainstage. Customer service all over is cool af. Bartenders are speedy quick and are actually cool down to earth peoples. Check out Casbah if u love live music!!

I wish I got to get out to The Casbah more often. Unfortunately, my last time there was the first time in 20 years. It was exactly as I remembered it, and completely rad! It is exactly what a local venue should be. We got to see the Adolescents and it was such a treat to see a legendary band at such an intimate venue. The bartenders were attentive and friendly. The sound system is perfect!

Staff was rude, and "signage" they claimed to help navigate tickets was ridiculous. So we ended up waiting in line for 30 min only to be told we didn't have to actually wait because we had tickets. I don't understand why any venue in 2023 can justify poor line management. It's not that hard.

Dylan Leblanc & Erin Rae 7/17/19 Awesome venue Friendly staff Most excellent bartender!!! Diverse crowd The music acts were absolutely on... If you enjoy live music, this is it...

Best spot for intimate concerts! Even better staff! Highly recommend the Battle Bot nights!

One of the greatest places to see some of my favorite bands along with new discoveries in San Diego. Don't remember my very first time here but it was in the 90s. I remember discovering Snake River Conspiracy here when my friends band opened for them. Sonic Jihad is still one of my favorite albums EVER. Check it out. I've seen too many bands to count but I remember seeing another of my favorite 80s bands here the Penetrators and they rocked the house. My most recent visit was last month to see the Classified (blew the roof off) and the Casbah remains the same old legendary no frill place it always was. I love me some Belly Up but definitely prefer the vibe and prices that makes the Casbah. Rock on Casbah!!!!!

Tiny little dive bar in San Diego and probably the coolest place to see a concert. They consistently have some of the best rock/alternative bands here and the setting is intimate and cozy and it just feels really real. There's no barrier and if you're right in front of the speakers you're gonna feel the hair on your arms vibrate so... probably bring the earplugs. Street parking is available for free if you don't mind walking a bit and there's always the pricey airport parking if you do. Definitely give yourself enough time to get in. There are a few tables and barstools but mostly it's standing-room. Staff were all really cool. Decent bar. Adequate restrooms. Definitely check it out!

I recently came here for an Electric Guest concert and really enjoyed this venue. This place is a total hole-in-the-wall and after seeing it, I realized I've probably driven by it dozens of times without even knowing it was there. Upon entrance, you go through a small outdoor patio area where people chill before and after the show. There's usually a merchandise stand here where you can buy the band's clothing, posters, or CDs/vinyls. PRO-TIP 1: If you're planning to buy merchandise, don't do it right after the show because that's when everyone flocks to the merchandise stand. A better idea is to come early, buy your merchandise and bring it back to the car, then re-enter the venue. You will get a stamp that lets you re-enter. The vibe inside here is chill. It is a small and intimate venue, so it may get a little cramped if the concert's sold out. The good thing is you'll be very close to the band regardless of where you stand. It is a very homely and cozy atmosphere. PRO-TIP 2: If you're a shorter person, try coming earlier to reserve your spot. The stage is not very elevated from the crowd which can be good in the sense that you're up-close and personal with the band, but not good if you're standing in the back because your view will be obstructed by taller heads around you. The sound is on point here and you will enjoy the music. There is a bar on the side right next to where everyone stands so you can easily grab a drink without feeling like you're missing part of the show. The staff, from bouncers to bartenders, at this venue are nice too which is a refreshing sight for a music venue. Another great part about this venue, and small venues in general, is that you have a high likelihood of meeting the band before or after the show. The band we saw were just standing outside in the front of the venue chilling before the show, and they stayed after to take photos and sign autographs for the fans. My friend was able to get a guitar pick from the drummer and I was able to get my CD signed by them. Good times at The Casbah!

I went here recently for an Oh Wonder concert and I seriously loved it. This venue is awesome and small and intimate, but not overly small. You still have space to breathe and really move around and enjoy the music. The vibe here is awesome too and I can see why it's considered one of the most popular music venues in San Diego. We were able to see Oh Wonder pretty close up and I can tell that even if I were in the back of the room rather than closer to the stage, I'd still get a great view of them. Their backdrop and the sound system was definitely on point. The security here is really nice and understanding too. My friends are the type that really like to stay after and wait for the artists to come out, but the security guard was really nice rather than impatient about it. The only thing about this place is that at the bar, there was only one bartender during the concert. This caused people to have to wait pretty long for a drink and although he did a great job keeping his composure, I would only imagine it to be rather overwhelming as the only one with people crowding around. This location is also located near Little Italy, so parking can be tough. Overall though, probably one of my favorite music venues and during the concert, Josephine even smiled and waved directly at me, so a part of my soul will forever be part of the Casbah now! I would love to see more of my favorite artists here in the future.

I had heard of The Casbah in San Diego and I thought I would visit. I got some cheap tickets off the internet and decided to visit. It's a small music venue that I thought would be more like Bottom of the Hill or maybe Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, but it's not as good. I looked at the schedule and the bands seemed amateur or did not stand out very much. Maybe they are local bands or from other places and dying to get some exposure. The bands that played tonight were really guy bands that were boring and did not reach me. It was blase rock music and I made no connection to it. I just wanted to check out the space and it has 2 different parts to it. The bands will alternate in the different spaces. There was a limited amount of people at the venue. There's a bar. It's a small music venue for a younger crowd. I stayed for an hour from 9-10pm. I got home by Lyft in 10 minutes back near Balboa Park from Little Italy.

Want to give a huge shout-out to the security team that did a great job tonight when we were at Polica. The concert was fabulous. We had a very intoxicated man who was making out with a woman in front of us. He dropped a beer and kept falling against my friend. He was quite obnoxious. Nick and Travis from security was great. They quietly came to stand next to the obnoxious drunk. When he went to the bar they motioned that he was not to be served any more alcohol. They handled the situation so quietly, we were all impressed.

Been seeing live shows here for a decade. This is one of my favorite venues. Feels like you are hanging out with the performers, so intimate and laid back. Love this place.

Casbah is a legend and one of my favorite places to see a band. Definitely old school garage band feeling mixed with dirty dive and that my friends is my favorite kind of place. If you have a chance to see a band here DO IT!!!

Loved this place. Saw a few bands and it was LOUD! But you are also up front and personal with the music and it was great. Bartenders were nice and quick. I will definitely go back and see more shows.

Great place to take in some great live music! The place is a lot bigger than it looks on the inside, with some open air sections, and two full bars along with a third drink station when the crowd gets big. The front stage area gives a superb acoustic and viewing area and there is also a rear stage area when the main stage is taking a break. Great drink prices, fantastic dive bar setting and friendly staff! We took in Big Sandy and his fly rite band this past Saturday, outstanding show and a must see if you get a chance! Keep this place in your search option as you never know who may be playing in this little gem by the airport!

Rock the Casbah Yo. I've driven by this place hundreds of times coming back from the airport but really didn't have an reason to go until Honne came to town. Finally, I had an excuse to check it out and here's what I found. You really get a great little venue to catch a show in. It's a dive bar -- if there ever was one, but charming in its diveyness. With apartments directly above the venue itself, you know those tenants like to get their groove on. This location is small and intimate but the sound system isn't anything remarkable. If you like dark and dingy, this location this is really a wonderful little venue to catch a show in. Get upfront to the action by getting there when the doors open. You'll be right up front. If you bought your tickets and need to pick them up at "Will Call" just know your name is on the list and they'll check your ID when you enter. In other words, there is no real "Will Call" window that you need to get to beforehand. Park across the street at the Airport Parking for $13 and it's an easy in and out. There's some free street parking too if you don't mind the walk. The real charm of this location is that you can catch bands in an up close setting for an affordable price. If you have an act coming to town that is performing at the Casbah, make sure you end up there too. You go get you some Casbah. You'll be glad you did. --- If you found this review useful, funny, or cool do me a favor and leave that feedback. I try to make my reviews interesting. Follow me on Yelp and I'll make it worth your while.

The Diviest of Dives and thats a compliment! This San Diego landmark is a treasure and if you want a proper introduction to a rock show in the San Diego area the echoes the glorious days of punk rock past the do not pass this up. Its just pure rock and roll gloriousness! New word. You read it here first! The bar has most everything you need. Try the charcuterie board - I'm kidding. This is not that kind of place. If you want these items in no particular order: - loud music - dance offs - MC battles - getting up close and personal - the occasional masher - mosh pits - beer and spirits - cheap prices for music This is the place

This is a review about an older time, obviously, but I really hope they get to start having shows again! I've unfortunately only been here once, but if you want a real, raw, (literally) in your face experience, this is the place. I went with a bunch of friends & luckily made our way front & center & had the best views in the whole house. It's loud, it's hot, it's crowded, it's grungy, it's absolutely everything you want in a smaller venue. I'm excited for when shows start again because I would definitely be back!

I like this venue. Very intimate. Small but not too crowded. Nice sound system (bass could be better but it's mostly live shows so whatever...) -1 for men's bathroom (smells bad)

Such a great, casual place to be at on a Friday night. The intimacy of it is awesome, especially during shows. Love the space.

Dark. Divey. Sweaty. Seedy. Punk. Check! This venue is amazing and I'm damn happy I got to see a show here. The place is small and it's perfect for intimate shows, wether it be indie acts or bigger bands looking to connect. The drinks were strong, the crowd was wild, and Juliette Lewis and her band came ready to rile everyone up. The stage is super small, like crazy small so if you're not an acoustic act it could make it hard to get wild and keep a crowd on their toes but Juliette's energy was wild, crazy and it matched the tone of this bar/venue. This place looks like it's seen some things and I like that! I wish there were more venues out there like the Casbah, this place seriously rocks.

I don't need to tell YOU that this is probably the best place to watch a band in town. You already know that, or should, or should have caught the gist from the dozens of reviews on here. I don't need to tell you that the Casbah is a San Diego institution and that Tim Mays is the Godfather of San Diego's indie scene. I don't need to tell you that over the course of one month, you can find some kind of show to scratch your live music itch: indie, punk, folk, afrobeat, local, dj's, hip hop... unclassifiable... whatever's your style, it's all represented. And I most certainly do not need to tell you that one of the biggest reasons to see a show here is because you can see the band up close and personal *before* they blow up big time. Usually, bands that play here are on their way up, and you will never get a chance to see them so close, so personal and so raw as you will here. No, I don't need to tell you any of that, because chances are we have already rubbed sweaty elbows packed inside this little dungeon of radness. What I will tell you is some of my favorite moments of late nights in the 'Bah (as I affectionately call it): Antibalas... this NYC afrobeat band blew me away by fitting at least A DOZEN players & their horns and drums onto the tiny stage, while pumping out some of the most energized, political, and saucy shit since Fela Kuti died. The Kills... VV and Hotel *killed* it with just them hot sweaty selves and a dat. Juana Molina... wow, what a tripper. I have never seen a one-woman-show this intricate and hauntingly beautiful while hypnotically groovy in all my days. Adem (opened for Juana Molina)... it was a warm October night, so this Brit decided to invite us all out on the patio to perform his set acapella standing on top of a planter underneath the big tree, and the netting, and the Christmas lights, and the planes flying overhead. Too cool. Tim Fite... no way I can describe this cat's music, as the best I could do would be to call it a cross between hip hop, performance art and folk, but that doesn't do it. This was one of the more interesting performances I have seen and included a video screen and some kind of flashing light bulb boom-box sculpture. Nouvelle Vague... presenting new wave classics with their trademark bossa nova twist, these French musicians chilled my soul while the female singers melted my heart with their sultry, seductive and nasty raw sensuality. Highlight was when the chicks hopped on top of the bar while singing Dead Kennedy's "Too Drunk to Fuck"... priceless moments. Brian Jonestown Massacre... oh, Anton and his antics. Half the show was Anton incoherently ranting about politics and cussing out the unfortunate, hapless fools who were standing close enough to the stage to catch his wrath ("Why don't I just drop your Pabst Blue Ribbon drinking ass in Afganistan?"... uh, yeah, Anton... whatever *that* means), while the other half of the show was one kick-ass 16-minute psychedelic jam after another. Doug Martsch... this front man from Built To Spill was all on his lonesome, but delivered a great set. He had this funny little round screen in front of the mic, and when he would sing into it, his nose would move the screen around with him. He was having trouble hearing the sound for some reason, so in between each song, he would test the mic and do this funny little adorable thing and would give a quiet "rawr" to see how he sounded. "Rawr!" So, since I don't have to tell you *why* Casbah is so rad, I'll just buy you a beer the next time I see you there.

They play the devil's music here. you should avoid it. also smoking area, so probably carcinogens as well. very loud. if you'e the kind of person who wears ear plugs to shows I wish they would bar you from entry but they probably won't, based on Matthew 5:39. #Sad!

My first time in a venue is always full of surprises and of course can be also disappointing. One of my favorite singers played here and was very reasonably priced in a small venue with adults only (can be disputed). I am sure if someone mentions to you they are going to the Casbah, images of Morocco and harems come to mind but that is as close as you can get when you get to this Casbah. I am not aware of the origins of the name but as a club, it certainly was an interesting place. The location itself is very out of the way since its just south of Little Italy and could even be considered part of it. In other words, its on the flight plan of the Lindbergh airport and you can hear the planes while the band or singer is playing. I would say this is a typical small bar/club in San Diego, small space, odd items, 2 pool tables in the back, a middle patio that is the only place to smoke and get air out of the small spaces. It was hot in the room if the fans are not turned on and for some reason the opening act of the night JBM had the fans off (maybe his choice) which made it warm through his set. When the headliner, Sondre Lerche was up on the stage the fans had been mysteriously turned on (to drown out planes? dunno) I say if you are out and about and want to visit the Casbah when no one is playing or an unknown with a lower entrance fee then this is what you will find. A small bar by the two pool tables in the back with a cash bar only (small means about 5 seats by the bar), and various old video games, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Ms. Pacman and another one I don't know the name. The decor is eclectic behind the bar and they do sell tshirts and hoodies with the bar name. The front bar where the bands or players area is slightly bigger but good to know is also directly the exit to street besides the entrance. The bathrooms are typical of smaller venues, single service only, although the men's room has a urinal and toilet bowl so if you and your buddies are comfortable peeing together, then do so instead of waiting in line for one another. All in all, another venue visited in San Diego and next time an act I like plays there, I know what to expect. The other advantage of the Casbah for me living in Mission Hills is the distance to my home is less than 10 min drive and parking is easily found if you don't mind walking down from Reynaud way on Laurel under the expressway (relatively safe but do still be vigilant) Overall. I recommend it to anyone who sees their favorite small band playing there for the intimacy. But don't expect heaven or high end amenities, after all the ticket for the show I went to was only 15 bucks. Oh the drinks, they have various for different tastes, Sapporo, PBR (22 oz) and others on tap like Trumer etc.

The Casbah is a great intimate venue. It's small enough where you can see the band play close-up and the prices are reasonable too. I used to live walking distance from here and people would park by my street and walk down to the Casbah, lol. Since it's located near Little Italy/downtown, it's mostly street parking, unless you want to pay $10+ and park by the airport parking across the street.