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Categories: Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: MiddletownMy first time checkin out Casbah was when this group called 'One-Self' (blu rum, yarah bravo, dj vadim) performed there. The sound system is really good when I was there. I was so used to watching performances with wack sound system before so this was very refreshing to my ears. Dope spot to catch a show. Their website is on point with up and coming events. I think they have more live bands than rap acts though. But that's okay. Big up to Casbah for holding it down.
San Diego's best club venue, hands down.
Whether it's a nationally known act or any San Diego local band or their dance party freakout Jivewire, the Casbah is a mainstay on the club scene for one reason: they do everything right.
Start with:
- Small, intimate venue with great sound
Add:
- Stiff drinks
- Plenty of places to watch the stage from, people watch or hang out and have a beer
- Friendly barstaff
...and you have the recipe for one of the area's most respected venues...one that will always be there to serve up good times.
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I love this place so, so much. I'd spend every minute in here if I lived closer and/or had more of a disposable income. I'm going to break from my usual reviewing style and just get all listy with it!
Bands I've seen here: Heavy Vegetable, Cibo Matto, Bob Mould, RJD2, Prefuse 73, TV on the Radio, Celebration, Psalm One, Time Machine, People Under the Stairs, White Denim, Tapes n' Tapes
Ridiculously long, shouted conversations with my old friend Tall Jerry about hip-hop: two
Ridiculously long, shouted conversations with my friend Lil' Jerry about rock and roll: three
Times I walked in on a pissed-off Thes One pissing: one
Games played in The Atari Lounge: two (Super Off-Road and I forget the other one)
Beers I've drank here: countless
Amount of anger I feel watching hepsters drink PBR: immeasurable
Amount of delight I feel when a Corona is cheaper than a PBR: also immeasurable
Amount of happiness I feel whenever I go to the Casbah: off-the-charts
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I have been to the Casbah many times for various shows and DJs. I have had a great time every single time I've gone.
I really like that no matter where you stand in the venue, you have a pretty decent view of the band. Well, unless a giant stands in front of you, but still. I've managed to always find a good viewing/head bobbing/dancing spot for the shows I've been to.
Add to that the fact that they have old school video games in the back and really nice bartenders? Yes!
I'll always love the Casbah.
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My favorite place to see a band play in San Diego, hands down. I remember being 16 years old and having all of my favorite bands (Lucy's Fur Coat, Heavy Vegetable, No Knife, etc.) play the Casbah, with me unable to get in. When I turned 21, I did the obvious and held my birthday party there. I've been going ever since, and even after moving to Las Vegas, I return often to see my friend's bands play there. Man, how come I don't own a Casbah t-shirt, yet?
Very cool venue. I saw RJD2 and Kid Koala there and both were some of my favorite shows I have ever been too. They are known for bands but check the reader for some trip-hop/electronica acts.
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This place was pretty cool. Finally I'm 21 and I got to see what all the hype was about. MGMT played here back in JAN! I loved those guys but i missed it :( oh well.The French Kicks will be playing next month so everyone should check them out. I really like the layout and the cool Galaga arcade in the back room. My friend also got the highest score the night we went! The only reason I didn't give this place five stars was cuz the bartender was acting like a dick the whole time we went to get drinks. No tip for you pal!
So overall this place is chill to relax, drink, shoot some pool, or just listen to the bands.
This is must for all those music lovers!
Rock me some Casbah :)
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This place is amazing. SD is the best place in all of California.
there is such a nice little group of people that come here to hang out and the drinks here a nice.
the music that they got playing here is amazing and awesome!! It's an awesome place. Prices are nice and the people here are so amazing and lovely and nice!!!!!!! AWESOME SAUCE!!!
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I've found my new home away from home.
Being new to San Diego (one month new to be exact, I still have that new San Diegan smell), I made it my mission to find the SD versions of my hometown staples of Iota and Galaxy Hut in Arlington, VA.
I asked, and magically, California provided. The Casbah turns out to be a happy marriage between Iota and Galaxy Hut---like Iota because of its nightly lineup of live music, and like Galaxy Hut because of the gritty coziness of its backbar with pool tables, old school arcade games (hello, Ms. Pacman, where have you been all my life?), and a patchy booth watched over by an oddly appropriate tapestry of the Last Supper. Where would Jesus rock? The Casbah, naturally.
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The Casbah is and should forever be a landmark of San Diego. If you want to catch an indie band any night of the week, this is the place for you. By far my favorite place to see a show.
They have two bars, a mini arcade including a table top Ms. Pacman machine where it is not uncommon to find band members playing before their set. The courtyard area is small and mostly for smokers and people hanging out in between sets. All around a cool atmosphere with a lot of character.
The employees there have been there forever and are somewhat staples of the place. Remember to bring ear plugs if you can't take the rock because it can get loud sometimes.
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What else needs to be said about this great place with almost 100 reviews? Well... Jive Wire is so much fun - it gets hot so wear something skimpy. First date with my husband was at the Casbah - on Christmas Eve! Members of the Dragons play Rolling Stones cover songs all night on x-mas eve. So much fun!! Pool tables, patio, two bars with different music, arcade games, STIFF DRINKS and old hipsters. I usually need some assistance walking out of here - and not because I'm wearing stilettos.
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I have been to the Casbah twice now for concerts. Well, more like been to the bar to drink before watching a band I wanted to see play.
Band: Transfer
Drink of choice: PBR, even though its now getting expensive as the indie cool drink of the season, which it has held successfully for a while now.
Transfer did a fantastic job both times I've seen them, I love the lyrics and sing-ability of their songs. The PBR did a great job as well, I got drunk.
The bar didn't get in the way of my enjoyment of either of these favorites, so why did I not give it a perfect score? Parking is not ideal, PBR was expensive, and it got a bit more crowded than I thought a concert-oriented night should have been.
This is, of course, personal taste, so if you like a lot of grinding along with other random fans of your flavor-of-the-month band while sipping suds from the silver, blue and red can, check out the Casbah.
Serendipity is upon us. I needed to do my 100th review, so why not make it the Casbah's 100th review as well?! I love the place that's affectionately called The Cas. San Diego is lucky to have some good music venues like Belly Up and the Casbah.
Over the years, I have frequented this place. Not once, have I ever had a bad time. When I am old and more senile, there is one memory I know that will always last. It happened about three years ago. Lucas O. (credit where credit's do) suggested we go check out this one show. The Casbah was dead; there were maybe 8 people at this show. We got there before the opener, grabbed a few rounds, ogled at a couple girls, and waited for the bands to come on. I instantly fell in love with one of the girls sitting at the next table over. Several minutes later, she was up on stage playing bass for the opener. After the band played, Lucas and I headed over to the band who just got offstage. After buying sounds rounds, shooting the sh!t and getting to know this little band from LA, we had ourselves some new cool band friends. Years later, this band would was broke to San Diego on 94.9FM by none other than our very own Lucas O. The band has since gone on to have a very successful first album and currently working on their second. You may know them as Silversun Pickups.
Second part of the story is the headliner. The headliner is a talented solo guy from Detroit named Brendan Benson. You may know him as the other guy that sings in The Raconteurs with Jack White. We got to meet him as well. This show is one of my all time favorites, just because that day, we knew we had just seen two bands that would later be huge...and they now are.
There have been many shows and days at the Cas since that fortuitous night. Each one has been pretty good. If the bands are disappointing, there is always the back room, bar and pool tables. Sometimes it is nice to just go back there and chill. Worse case, they have 24oz PBR and you can get yourself ripped on $45 worth of PBR.
Lock the cashbox!
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When I first moved to San Diego I went by my lonesome to the see the National at the Casbah. Everything about it was f'n awesome except the sound (which was okay). I even left with friends.
Ahh Casbah. You make even the okayish bands sound good. Just saw Langhorn Slim at sxsw and it was sooo disappointing compared to the Casbah show. The intimacy cant be beat. Some of the best shows that I have ever seen have taken place here. William Elliot Whitmore, and The Two Gallants were favorites. Whatever your music taste is there is something to see here that you will enjoy.
If you have not rocked the Casbah...then you haven't rocked at all...
The best venue for music in San Diego...They bring some of the best local, national, and international indie around (meaning no label or indie label, not the glue your hair down and cut your wrist thing)...
I would say, being from back east myself and having experienced the loveliness that it was, this is San Diego's CBGB...and if you know what that stands for I will be your best friend...
not only that but they have PBR...i rest my case
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I have no problem paying cover here. Lots of good bands come to the Casbah. It's a full-on scene, but I dig it. I use to go to the old Casbah back when San Diego was the "next Seattle". It was the size of a shoebox, located less than a mile north on the same street. I remember seeing RFTC, Creedle, LFC, fluf, Deadbolt, Supersuckers, and even the Gin Blossoms playing on a 8x6 stage. It's a great place to check out bands and hang out.
As far as parking? I usually park on India and walk a few blocks. The street is well lit and somewhat safer than parking on Kettner.
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The Casbah is an institution in San Diego for a reason. There's always something worth seeing, and they even book other clubs, for larger bands, which is pretty sweet.
The atmosphere, even when crowded, is always comfortable (except when I saw ChkChkChk and the mirrors were steaming it was so hot, but that's awesome in a different way). The drinks are cheap. And no club in town, or anywhere else, has as much character.
I love this place.
I love this place.
My Dear Dear Casbah:
Oh how I love thee. Although parking is iffy at times, the amazing music coming from your speakers is what makes me keep coming back.
Well, it could also be the smoking patio in between the two bars or the hordes of beautiful people walking in and out of your doors.
My suggestion (as it is for most bars) get there before the crowd does. This not only ensures that you find a spot to plot your butt down and/or take over a corner for you and your buds, but it also provides you with the opportunity to make friendly with the bartenders so that when you go to order your drink when theres a bazillion people in line they already know what you want.
Long Live the Casbah...one of my bestest friends
xoxoxox
jurassicphonoplane
It seems almost redundant to review such an iconic place, but I've got to pay my respects. I've gone to the Casbah off and on for a loooong time. It's comforting to walk in and see the wall of noise-proofing that looks like a monstrous 70's black leather couch.
It's small, has almost no seating (expect to stand), and can get swampy inside, but the crowd is chill, the sound is great and it's easy to duck out to the patio in back to cool off.
The perks of going to the Casbah.
Two bars, Super off road arcade machine, outdoor patio for the smokeys, good sound system, pool tables, shows most nights of the week, then that damn red chair on top of the stairs. Curse that chair.
There are also some interesting artifacts scattered around. My favorite is an old carpet that has "loading and lifting" safety instructions on it.
Probably the best times there are when Minus the Bear played.
Go there for the Whiskey Sours. Stay there for the music. or the other way around. Your call.
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My night at the Casbah is now a blur. An awesome blur with arcade games and a great soundtrack, but a blur nonetheless.
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Damn. Where do I start? I'm not sure there's even a point to reviewing the Casbah. I might as well just post a review of my apartment -- I spend just as much time there.
It was the Casbah that helped restore my faith in the healing powers of live music. When I first moved here from L.A., I hadn't been to a show in several years. I had had my fill of the whole L.A. scene: the long freeway drives, the ridiculous cover charges, the weak and expensive drinks -- and above all, the bands, club owners and scenesters who thought they farted rose petals and wouldn't even smile at you unless you were in The Industry and could do something for them. Adios to all that, I said to myself.
But then, one night, I found myself at the Casbah for a show by this locally grown band I had just gotten into named Rocket From The Crypt. It was a revelation -- not just the band, who I'd already seen a few times, but the whole vibe. Going to see my favorite band perform live didn't have to be a joyless grind of 60-minute commutes and image-obsessed suckitude! Here, people were friendly, the beer was reasonably priced, the staff kept a handle on things without being assholes about it, and the band members actually hung out at the bar between sets and -- holy crap -- sometimes would even buy YOU a drink!
That was over 10 years and I-have-no-clue-how-many shows ago. Recently, after I'd been away for a month or two, Tim Mays jokingly asked me, "Where the hell have you been? I start to get worried when I haven't seen you here in a while."
The Casbah may be the only first-class live music venue in America's Uncoolest City, but it's still light-years above anything in L.A. San Diego is truly blessed to have it.
(Wheelchair access: Basically good but with a few issues. Like with most small clubs, there aren't many good sightlines for wc users if it's crowded; the best spots are in the raised area next to the soundboard or on the side near the exit. The men's room is hardly big enough for one guy standing, but if I really have to go I'll crash the women's room, which is huge. Don't be a douche about it and you won't be hassled -- I never have.)
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The Casbah is one of the best places in San Diego to catch a live show. I love coming here because there's usually a cool mix of people, the drinks are strong/cheap, tickets to check out a show are typically under $15 and the place reeks of music history.
Think about some of the biggest rock bands on the planet...chances are, they played the Casbah before breaking out.
Nirvana, The White Stripes, The Arcade Fire, The Smashing Pumpkins, Lemonheads, Alanis Morissette, Ben Harper, Social Distortion and local bands like Pinback, Rocket from the Crypt, The Rugburns and Three Mile Pilot have all come through San Diego, via The Casbah. They're constantly on the cutting edge and you can bet that if a band is playing the Casbah, there's a good chance they'll be back through town...but playing a venue like Open Air Theater or Cox Arena.
In addition to the great bands you can catch almost nightly, they've got an awesome arcade in the back called the "Atari Lounge." If you're like me, you DIG old-school video games. Galaga and Super Off Road are just a few of the gems you'll find in one of the dark, secluded corners of The Casbah.
In a day where huge corporations like Live Nation or Clear Channel control 99.9% of the concert world, you should feel lucky that a place like this is able to bring such amazing talent to San Diego at a fraction of the cost of seeing a show produced by the above-mentioned juggernauts.
Run, don't walk to the next live show at The Casbah. It very well could be one of the greatest live-music venues in the entire country, and it's right in your backyard.
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well fcuk me for not coming here sooner!!! this place is awesome!! last time me and a friend decided to go see mgmt and yeahsayer, but we ended up staying at home, like the old farts that we are, b.c we've already started the drinking process and neither of us wanted to drive (which i guess is the smart thing to do).
you can bet i'll be coming back to feed my ears some delish music!!!
only downfall: i didn't get to play galaga b.c i didn't have quarters. do they have a quarter machine there?!?! but that's cool, i got my fill with a couple fat tires.
update:
went back again this past friday, and loved it. this time i got to play some galaga!!! i guess i should've expected to suck ass considering that i haven't played that game in years. but i thought i was pretty good nonetheless. the fat tires were a flowing, and i was a happy girl.
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And now for my 100th review............
The Casbah.
For everyone I've ever known who's worked here. For the fact that a ton of my favorite bands play here for cheap when they come through. For being the place at which I saw The Blackheart Procession and Jeremy Enigk for the first time. For the lead singer of Scene Creamers trying to get me to make out in their tour van. For the bathroom never having soap, hot water, or paper towels. For the fact that I can't seem to get anything but Screwdrivers here because their oj is so cheap and delicious. For the Atari Lounge. For Ms.Pacman. And finally, for the awesome wooden cut-outs of jungle animals out on the patio.
I love you, Casbah. Now make an honest woman out of me.
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San Diego's answer to CBGB's...one of the best venues in the entire world.
I have never been to a better venue in all the world. The only thing I can say that hasn't been said before is just a little tip to Casbah-goers.
Parking is a bitch. But if you head up Laurel a little further and turn left at the first street (Columbia) after the freeway overpass, there are ALWAYS parking spots. BUT I can never remember which way to cramp my wheel when I park on a hill!
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Good Times~
Sit back and listen to a new "undiscovered band." I went here on a date and it was a lot of fun. You have time between sets to talk and grab a beer. Then, you have plenty of music to block out those awkward lulls! I would definitely go again. But, with someone else! haha
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My love of the Casbah always makes me sound really pretentious, but there's not really any way around it when you have such FABulous musical taste.
At first blush, I haunt the Casbah so much because the bands I want to see don't generally play other places in San Diego (this is gradually changing). But there's a certain magic to staring blankly at the surge protectors duct taped to the ceiling while sipping a tall boy PBR and letting a surprisingly good opening act temporarily change your world.
I've never found the right confluence of apparently random conditions that result in the same spiritual connection to live music that the Casbah has cobbled together. It's intimate without being either cramped or breaking the 4th wall. It lends itself to new friends and hanging with the bands before/after, you can hear the music while you smoke, you can sit down and play some atari before or after the show. I mean c'mon.
And the sixth star that I'm not allowed to give here is awarded because everytime I walk through the back hallway I sing to myself "You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow. Don't you know it's gonna be alright." And that's way good.
I like whiskey with my rock and I like my rock at the Casbah. Every time I head to the Casbah I think how bad it would suck to be one of the families living in the apartment above. Once the music stars my guilt slides away.
I have seen some great shows here, from local to national acts. Drinks are reasonable, bar tenders are quick, and there's a back room with pool tables for people who want to hear past their 60s. I have sent very little time there.
Overall, a great concert venue. It reminds me a bit of The Crocodile Cafe in Seattle, but not as large. It does one-up the Croc by maintaining the stage area in the same room as the main bar.
Catch a show here, even if you don't know who's playing. Like anywhere with fans of music who fetishize whatever culture the band fits into, the key to fitting in is confidence. Get on the floor and get into the music, drink a beer and forget everyone else.
One of the best venues/bars in town. seen some great bands here (pedro the lion, sufjan stevens, etc.). Cover usually isn't too pricey and drinks and vibe are excellent.
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No venue beats this place. Ever. If a band you love is gonna play a show here, do yourself a favor and get thee to the Casbah. The band will be a couple feet in front of your face, the sound is great, the booze flows strong and fair-priced, and you can enjoy the show without having to brave a total scene-fest or parade of snobs. And then there's the fricking Atari Lounge! Mickey Thompson's Off Road, Galaga and Ms. Pacman! Schweet.
I come from Inglewood to watch shows here, and I will continue to do so. Keep on keepin' on, Casbah.
Dear Casbah,
I love you. You are my favorite stage to play on. You are the only venue that actually makes my voice sound right. Your sound system is the best in town.
The only reason we play Ken Club more is because we get three times as much money.
Money for food vs. sound quality, it really is a hard choice!
Anyway, back to you, Casbah. You have a lovely smoking patio, for all the people who don't care about music or watching the bands to hang out on.
This would be sarcastic, but upon further thought, it's not. It's nice to have all the chatty people out of the room so we can actually hear ourselves play, which means the people who paid to hear us [and not to chat] can listen as well.... I have seen the chatty people miss many a good band. Shame on you chatty people! But at least you stay outside where you belong...
In Phoenix we played an odd show where everyone chatted through each song like they didn't care, but then would suddenly cheer at the end of each song as though our band had just scored a touchdown. I think we even won the game! I wonder what team we were on?!
Not only do I not know what team we were on, I still have no idea if that was a good show or not because the people were so loud that I couldn't hear the vocal monitors.
Casbah, you are not like this. When we play, we could hear a pin drop in the audience. It's perfect.
So thank you for having a smoking patio after all. Although I still don't understand why people would pay $8 - $15 just to smoke.
Love,
May
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This is the first place, and only place ... I have ever gone blind.
It was 1992 (and at the old location) ... and it was Rocket From The Crypt, and it was July 4th, and some MORON threw a firecracker inside and it blew up in my face. Burned my retina and I was bling for about 1 week.
Fun times.
The location now is better. It is HUGE in comparison, and it has GREAT shows.
Some of my favorites from the past:
Rocket From the Crypt (the blind show)
The Muffs
Scrawl (twice)
Ed's Redeeming Qualities
Jonathan Richman
Ben Lee
See shows here.
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I've always liked coming to the Casbah. It's just the perfect size and the drinks are made so well that I end up pretty wasted by the time I leave. I've seen many bands there, both local and national and it never disappoints.
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The best live venue ever here in San Diego. It's a great place to see local acts like Louis XIV, any post-RFTC band that John Reis is in, Beehive and the Barracudas, and more. I also saw the Meat Puppets there.
The best time to go is when admission is free (either the Local 94/9 show or Jivewire).
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A Home Town Favorite!
Have you been lately? You haven't? You need to go! It's were you see the bands of tomorrow today! Over the years I have seen huge acts play here:
Digital Underground
Jewel
Polysics ( Ok not that big.....YET!)
Sugar Ray
Blink 182
She Wants Revenge
Kenna
Cafe Tacuba
Just to name a few of the biggest acts to come and go from this great location! Tired of paying the high prices of HOB? Casbah is the right choice. And when you are not listening to the band, or waiting for the band to set up, mix it up with the crowd! You can shoot some pool, play Galaga, Donkey Kong, and of course our all time favorite: MRS. PACMAN!
Check there band listing, find what you might like head on down!
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Aside from House Of Blues or Coors amphitheater, the most professional venue in San Diego. The sound is full and the stage sound/monitors make it a pleasurable experience for any band. The close and personal atmosphere of The Casbah can make for a hell of an experience. We thoroughly enjoy The Casbah and you will too.
Dear Casbah,
I don't want to seem ungrateful, but we need to talk.
An intimate space in which to see quality bands is always welcome, as are strong affordable drinks and a spacious smoking area with abundant seating. You have two fatal flaws, though, Casbah, both having to do with fans.
There's the fans that come to your shows; many of whom are freakishly tall, loud, and "hygienically challenged", none of which contribute positively to a concert-going experience. And then there's the other kind of fans; the appliance type, which you sorely lack.
In a small space packed with big, smelly fans of the first type, all generating 98+ degrees in very close proximity, a few big working fans of the second type are very much in order.
I know you can't force your patrons to bathe regularly, stop them from babbling loudly over quiet songs, or put a height limit in place so people under 6'2" can see the stage, but I don't think it's too much to ask to get a little ventilation going. I'm sure the bands would appreciate it too, as the National looked about ready to collapse from heat stroke during last night's show.
Sincerely,
Eric.
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