Join the Club

By David Perloff

When Hard Rock Hotel San Diego opened in the Gaslamp in 2007, it seemed as if America’s Finest nightlife scene had finally hit the big time. Since then, the venue has rocked hard, hosting some of the biggest names in music (including Prince and other pop/rock royalty) and introducing the city to Vegas-style pool parties by bringing some of the world’s top DJs to its famous Intervention Sundays.

In 2010, when Nightclub & Bar magazine named FLUXX the nation’s Best New Nightclub, it seemed like the whole world was watching downtown explode. In the ensuing years, with its ever-changing themes and -décor, the club has mastered a strategy for staying fresh in the face of a rapidly expanding hospitality marketplace.

As Harrah’s Resort Southern California pumped up the volume in 2013, enhancing the county’s day-party offerings with crushing pool parties featuring a swim-up bar and a lazy river attached to a full-service casino, Vegas began to seem even closer to home... and less worth the trip.

Now, Vegas actually is coming to the best coast. Mark your calendar for the early-spring opening of Omnia Nightclub (on the former site of the long-running Stingaree), a game-changer from Hakkasan Group, which owns and operates the famed Hakkasan Nightclub in Vegas, among scores of other world-class restaurants, hotels and nightclubs across the globe. In terms of scale, these guys have the likes of Tiësto, Hardwell and Calvin Harris - and several of the planet’s other biggest EDM acts - playing for them weekly in venues that hold up to 7,500 party people.

With more exciting nightlife venues per square foot than just about anywhere in the known universe, and some incredible additions coming down the pike, San Diego no longer has to brag about its Vegas-style offerings. Now, people in Las Vegas who’ve caught wind of what’s happening out west must be wondering what San Diego-style clubs they can find in the middle of the desert.

Plus, we have the ocean, so we win. The proof ‘s on the other side of the velvet rope, which San Diego’s nightlife insiders are opening for you here...
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AD NIGHTCLUB

Insider: Bayless Cobb, owner and principal partner

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at AD Nightclub in 2014?
BAYLESS COBB: The most amazing thing that happened in 2014 was watching the evolution of live performances at our “AD On Wednesday” events. Seeing the biggest-selling recording artists in the country performing in front of sold-out crowds in such a small and intimate venue literally changed everything. Narrowing it down to a couple of the coolest things that happened would be almost impossible. DJ Mustard started it all, but I will never forget the energy of the Jeremih event. Hosting Rae Sremmurd just before they completely blew was legendary. [Watching] as our entire staff fell in love with Mya all over again, seeing 12th Planet perfectly read and then level the room, Tinashe completely packing the venue to capacity, Camron playing an entire concert, French Montana breaking all records, Bobby Shmurda playing his hit song twice and Fabolous literally making a movie at AD - makes it impossible to pick just two of the best moments.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
We are constantly upgrading and improving our venue. Some immediate changes you will notice are the expansion of our nightclub bar, along with upgrades to our theatrical lighting and sound-system. We are also planning upgrades to our lounge/restaurant to make sure we are ready in time for the New Horton Plaza Park scheduled to open September 2015.

What AD Nightclub entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
San Diegans can look forward to AD continuing to push the limits by hosting the biggest-selling recording artists, DJs, live performers and celebrity hosts in the country on our Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Nights.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
For nightlife, DBA in Hollywood, for sure. I love Kettner Exchange for dinner, Coronado Beach with my friends and spending as much time at home with my fiancée and our beautiful daughter, Italia.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
With Parq, Cake, Omnia, Avalon and the New Horton Plaza Park all coming to the Gaslamp, San Diego is officially on the map and will become a destination city for our nightlife, not just our beaches. And with AD located right in the center of everything, I couldn’t be more excited.

AD Nightclub
905 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp
619.255.7366, adnightclub.com
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AVALON SAN DIEGO

Insider: Dave Dean, partner

PacificSD: What makes San Diego the perfect location to launch the next Avalon?
DAVE DEAN: Actually, we’ve been producing events in San Diego since 2006, under our traveling brand Giant, the first of which were actually at the location that will become Avalon San Diego, Fourth & B. We’ve made some great friends over the years in San Diego and we’re looking forward to unveiling a thoroughly reimagined and completely reworked venue in 2015.

Why should San Diegans be excited about the arrival of Avalon?
Consistently ranked among the top clubs in the country, Avalon Hollywood has been at the forefront of nightlife in Los Angeles for 12 years running. Avalon San Diego will debut at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and B Street in Downtown San Diego, with a scalable capacity of up to 1,500 guests, and will feature thunderous “Avalon by EAW” sound, and up-to-the-minute lighting and visual innovations for a true multi-level mega-club experience.

How will Avalon impact the San Diego nightlife/entertainment scene?
In addition to our legendary club nights, Avalon will also be the city’s premier concert destination and a multipurpose special events venue. With the largest footprint of any nightclub in Downtown San Diego, and the same production team that produced XS and Light in Las Vegas behind this project, Avalon San Diego will certainly compliment the city’s nightlife and entertainment scene.

How many Avalon locations do you plan to open?
Expansion is not our driving force, as we’re not looking beyond San Diego at this time. Delivering a quality establishment with an indigenous “local” feel is most important, and Avalon San Diego is specifically designed to appeal to San Diego’s wide variety of nightlife interests and musical tastes.

Avalon San Diego
345 B St., Downtown
avalonsandiego.com
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BANG BANG

Insider: Ben Bianchini, General Manager

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Bang Bang in 2014?
BEN BIANCHINI: In December, we had a live Sumo wrestling match in the middle of our dining room floor for Nixon’s holiday party. Two professional, 600-pound champion Japanese Sumo wrestlers went at it for a few rounds and stuck around to take photos after the match.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
We plan on offering customized dinner menus throughout 2015 in order to stay creative as the seasons change, something similar to what we’ve done with our highly anticipated holiday dinner menu.

What Bang Bang entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
With LED and FNGRS CRSSD as partners, Bang Bang will continue to bring undiscovered, up-and-coming and relevant DJs on a weekly basis. A few DJs coming to Bang Bang in 2015 include Gorgon City, Bakermat, Eats Everything and Robin Schulz.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
When I’m not at Bang Bang, I like to hang out in friendly, local places like the Lion’s Share in the Marina District or El Camino in Little Italy. Both places have friendly staff, tasty beverages and plates perfect for sharing with friends.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
Unlike most nightclubs in San Diego, Bang Bang is unique in the sense that it is not only known for its entertainment and design, but also for its award-winning dishes and sushi. There aren’t many nightclubs in San Diego that will be a packed house for dinner and, on the same night, can be a venue offering some of the best entertainment the city has to offer.

Bang Bang
526 Market St., Gaslamp
619.677.2264, bangbangsd.com
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BASSMNT

Insider: John Y. Choi, Marketing and Events Manager

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Bassmnt in 2014?
JOHN CHOI: So many to list, but our five nights of Bassmnt Year One anniversary celebration with Rusko, ATB, Michael Woods, Stafford Brothers and Bloody Beetroots over Memorial Day weekend was definitely one for the books - along with our “Daybreak” brand New Year’s Day party, which was on the first day of the year, with doors opening at 6 a.m. We will be bringing both brands back this year, so stay tuned and get ready for round two.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
Always looking to improve the guest experience at Bassmnt, we try our best to keep price-points reasonable for tickets and drinks while still providing the world-class musical talent we’re known for. We have some of the lowest drink and bottle prices in the S.D. market compared to other venues. Music is also a huge part of our core philosophy, picking the right format and artists that our fans desire, which we do by staying in touch and interacting with our fans on social media. Lastly, we’re always improving our production: lighting, sound, lasers, cryo, et cetera, to ensure every night is more than a night out and truly a memorable experience.

What Bassmnt entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
Our huge, 200th-show weekend celebration in January [1/22-1/24], with Bloody Beetroots, Carnage and a soon-to-be announced third artist, along with our highly anticipated Bassmnt Year Two anniversary celebration weekend coming in May. It’s going to be a really special weekend, and we’re looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
We love visiting our Orange County sister venue, Sutra, which is the home of EDM in O.C., along with our restaurant, La Vida. Otherwise, you might catch us out in Vegas with our affiliates, friends and favorite artists at Marquee nightclub.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
We are first and foremost fans of EDM music and EDM culture, and we’re truly humbled by all the love and support we’ve gotten from the SD nightclub scene, along with all the support we’ve gotten from the artists we’ve had at Bassmnt. We’ve tried our best by giving back with incredible free events, featuring international EDM icons Dash Berlin, Fedde Le Grand and Morgan Page, which was unprecedented and unheard of in this market before we did it. We hope to continue this amazing and positive reciprocity between us, our fans and artists in 2015.

Bassmnt
919 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp
619.231.9200, bassmntsd.com
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CAKE NIGHTCLUB

Insider: Tanjee Mahdavi, Director of Operations for EDL Management Group

PacificSD: What makes San Diego the perfect launch point for you new Cake brand?
TANJEE MAHDAVI: Cake was conceptualized for our launch location in Scottsdale, Arizona, with San Diego being the next logical destination for the expansion of our brand. San Diego is a nightlife and entertainment hub for the west coast.

Why should San Diegans be excited about the arrival of Cake?
Our focus on the level of design and attention to detail far surpasses the experience thus far in San Diego. Unlike other nightclubs that focus on the DJ or one performance for the evening, we focus on every client and the guest experience above all. You can expect to find a level of service that will be unparalleled.

How will Cake impact San Diego’s nightlife/entertainment scene?
We are bringing a nightlife experience that caters to women and what they desire.

Who are some key performers/entertainers San Diegans should be excited to see at Cake?
The Cake Dolls - take a peek on Instagram @cakedolls.

How many Cake locations do you plan to open nationwide? Worldwide?
We currently have one other location in Scottsdale, Arizona. We plan on opening Dallas, Miami and Chicago within 24 months.

Anything else you’d like to express about the venue, the marketplace or anything else?
We are excited to bring this amazing brand to S.D. and hope everyone loves it as much as we do.

Cake Nightclub
755 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
cakenightclub.com

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F6IX

Insider: Chris Martin, General Manager

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at F6ix in 2014?
CHRIS MARTIN: OG Maco, Andre Nickaina, Bill Bellamy, Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart are just a few of the names that stopped by to party with us in 2014. Kirk Hammett from Metallica rented out the venue during Comic-Con for a private party featuring his toy company. Guests included appearances from Metallica band members and a performance by heavy metal band Exodus. Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel was a frequent guest while in town during the spring getting ready for the NFL draft. Rapper B.o.B put on a private show for fans during his album-release party. This was an unplugged-like experience where he stood on stage and did every one of his songs from the album.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
We have included water-vapor hookahs that give the customer a different experience without the heavy smoke and smell. We are also entertaining the idea of various light modifications. We can’t give away all our secrets, but we have a few things up our sleeve. You will just have to come in and see for yourself.

What F6ix entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
Aside from being San Diego’s premier hip-hop venue, we will have some amazing performers in 2015 and only the best hip-hop DJs around.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
Pop’s Liquor Cabinet, Sidebar, Crab Hut and Fam Bam.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
From the mainstream to the underground, we have all your hip-hop needs covered. Don’t be fooled by imitations.

F6ix
526 F St., Gaslamp
619.238.0138, f6ixsd.com
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FLUXX NIGHTCLUB

Insider: James Thorp, General Manager

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at FLUXX in 2014?
JAMES THORP: Installed new lighting and visuals - custom 60-panel LED wall and retractable DJ booth design. Won fifth consecutive Lamplighter award for Best Nightclub in San Diego. Continued to lead San Diego in entertainment bookings. In 2014, FLUXX hosted EDM DJs Hardwell - DJ Mag’s Number One-ranked DJ in the world - Disclosure, Chromeo, Moby, Baauer, Deorro, Nervo, DJ Snake, Laidback Luke, TJR, et cetera. For hip-hop, we had 2 Chainz, Snoop Dogg, NAS, Common, Kid Ink, Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, T-Pain, Too Short and more. Celeb sightings in 2014 included Chase Crawford, Brody Jenner, Tyrese Gibson, Tony Romo, Adrian Grenier, Carmen Electra, Reggie Bush and many others.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venues see in 2015?
New LED chandelier and additional LED panels installed throughout nightclub.

What FLUXX entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
We’ll continue to stay on top of entertainment and nightlife trends by constantly reinventing ourselves and bringing the top DJs and performers to FLUXX.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venues?
Anywhere that has some tasty craft beers. Ciro’s Pizzeria and Beerhouse is probably my top hangout.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
Being downtown for the past 15 years, I’ve seen a lot of change. However, I will say that, with other national major hospitality companies coming to San Diego, 2015 is probably going to be one of the most drastic transformations we have seen for some time.

FLUXX Nightclub
500 Fourth Ave., Downtown
619.232.8100, fluxxsd.com
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HARD ROCK HOTEL SAN DIEGO

Insider: Andy Hersch, owner of Gramercy Management Group and managing partner of Float and 207

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at 207 and Float in 2014?
ANDY HERSCH: In 2014, we welcomed some incredible live performers to 207 that have crossed all genres of music. We have seen the trends in the music world and have been able to provide quality music in the Rock, EDM, Pop and hip-hop arenas. After all, we are inside the Hard Rock. We introduced an unrivaled Thanksgiving Eve party, featuring live performances by Far East Movement and Waka Flocka Flame inside Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s famous Legends Ballroom; and during the summer, produced what might be our most celebrated event to date: Intervention with two-time Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer David Guetta.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venues see in 2015?
We are always striving to improve the nightlife experience here at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Last year marked the beginning of a renewed focus on our rooftop lounge, Float, and over the past few months we have added several enhancements to the atmosphere, including new lighting. We’ll see more improvements well into 2015, with new furniture and other accents. Float will also launch the much-anticipated Veuve Clicquot happy hour as well as a new music format.

What 207/Float entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
January marks the official launch of our new music programming in Float. Our goal is to appeal to a more sophisticated audience, as our DJs play an extensive open-format variety of tracks. Expect to hear everything from throwback rock-and-roll to crowd-favorite ‘90s hip-hop. We began teasing the new format in December and have seen an overwhelmingly positive response. We also plan to continue to grow and expand upon our monthly live music series, Third Thursdays; and Intervention partygoers can anticipate an unparalleled 2015 season as we bring only the biggest names in electronic music to San Diego.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venues?
Although I spend a lot of time in other cities, there is nothing better than coming home to dinner in San Diego at Nobu, and drinks with friends at any outdoor location.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
As new venues open up, and the San Diego nightclub scene continues to expand while the number of people in the market remains the same, the great service and friendly atmosphere is what will continue to set Hard Rock apart from the rest.

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
619.702.3000, hardrockhotelsd.com
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HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Insider: Darrell Pilant, Vice President and Assistant General Manager at Caesars Entertainment Corporation

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Harrah’s in 2014?
DARRELL PILANT: The completion of our $160 million, multi-phase renovation and expansion was amazing. Our new 403-room hotel tower is super luxe, and guests always comment on the brand-new look and accommodations in Resort Tower North.

Harrah’s has always been about providing a fun and friendly atmosphere. With the recent updates, we have expanded on what a fun vacation can be, something we call a “play-cation.” We’re all about the Palm Vegas experience - why drive to Vegas or Palm Springs when you can have that same experience closer to home, yet feel like you are in a destination resort?

Our expansion has made us one of the largest hotels in the county, with 1,065 rooms. We can host large groups, major concerts, shows and festivals with our new 23,000-seat event center. And we proudly boast a unique pool experience, offering Southern California’s only swim-up bar, a 400-foot lazy river, the main pool, 21 cabanas, nine hot tubs and three fire pits. Dive Day Club Season 2 at Harrah’s was a huge success this year as well, with world renowned DJs that played every week during the summer.

What Harrah’s entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
Dive Day Club Season 3. Dive features a trifecta of pools: Harrah’s newly renovated main pool, a brand new lazy river and Southern California’s only swim-up bar. In addition to three pools, Dive boasts nine cooling tubs and 30 VIP areas, including 21 cabanas and nine daybeds for guests to enjoy. There will also be varied concert and entertainment offerings in The Event Center, lounge entertainment in Spiked and Corked and various festival offerings throughout the year.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
I enjoy going to craft cocktail bars, great restaurants, various bars and clubs downtown, local coastal bars in North County and the Oceanside Museum of Art.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
It continues to grow and evolve, and we’re thankful to be a part of it.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California
777 Harrah’s Resort Southern California Way, Valley Center
760.751.3100, harrahsresortsocal.com
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JOHNNY V

Insider: Ed Camarillo, General Manager

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Johnny V in 2014?
ED CAMARILLO: The coolest thing to happen to Johnny V was getting some amazing new staff members to bring some new life and energy into the business. We also began to host the Dallas Cowboy fan club and the Michigan Alumni of San Diego groups.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
Some new enhancements coming to Johnny V in 2015 will be a new LED, a VIP area for the nightclub and a movie theater set-up for sporting events and movie nights.

What Johnny V entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
San Diegans can look forward to coming out to the nightclub Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and can expect two dance floors and two DJs giving you the most variety in Pacific Beach. We’re also home to the largest beer pong tournament on the West Coast, with our $10,000 West Coast Challenge in March.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
When I’m not at my own venue, I like to hang out at Tavern at the Beach, which is a great place and down the street; or Uptown Tavern, with my favorite bartenders, Mulan, Nick and Josh.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
I’m excited to see so many huge projects taking place in the Gaslamp, making San Diego a destination for people living outside our city. I’m going to do my part to make sure that I give people another option to downtown by reminding them all that we have going on at the beach.

Johnny V
945 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858.274.4833, johnnyvsd.com
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OMNIA NIGHTCLUB

Insider: Neil Moffitt, CEO of Hakkasan Group

PacificSD: What makes San Diego the perfect launch point for your new Omnia brand?
NEIL MOFFITT: During the process of developing Omnia, we knew we wanted to create a brand that we could take to various markets in the U.S. San Diego was our first choice, following the opening of our flagship in Las Vegas, as it is a perfect feeder market that could support what we want to achieve. It is a city that is already home to a successful and bustling nightlife scene, making it an easy transition into the marketplace.

Why should San Diegans be excited about the arrival of Omnia?
The former Stingaree venue is undergoing a complete remodel and will receive a number of upgrades that we are very excited about and look forward to sharing with our guests. With Omnia Nightclub, San Diegans will have a Vegas-style nightlife venue featuring an A-list roster of talent and entertainment in their own backyard.

How will Omnia impact the San Diego nightlife/entertainment scene?
We are confident that Omnia will enhance the appeal of the Gaslamp Quarter and complement the existing nightlife offerings in the area, attracting locals, tourists and even opening the doors to more international guests to the city. Omnia will feature many unique new elements coupled with the level of service and hospitality that Hakkasan Group is known for and will bring a new dimension to nightlife in the city.

Who are some key performers/entertainers San Diegans should be excited to see at Omnia?
We are lucky to work with an incredible roster of top-tier talent that are residents for us in Las Vegas, and it only makes sense for us to bring some of those artists to Omnia San Diego. That being said, the venue is extremely versatile and will showcase a variety of entertainment formats.

How many Omnia locations do you plan to open nationwide? Worldwide?
Omnia has been designed to withstand trends and translate to many different markets, so expansion is something we look forward to when the timing is right. However, right now, we are focused on our San Diego and Las Vegas locations.

Rumor has it Hakkasan is going to open more properties in San Diego. What can you say about that?
In January 2014, Hakkasan Group acquired a controlling stake in Enlightened Hospitality Group, which already operates Searsucker and Herringbone restaurants in San Diego, Del Mar and La Jolla, so we will continue to work with these brands in the area. With celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, we look forward to opening a new restaurant concept in Little Italy later this year [2015].

Omnia Nightclub
454 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp
omnianightclub.com
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ONYX ROOM

Insider: Jose Amezcua, General Manager

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Onyx in 2014?
JOSE AMEZCUA: Halloween at Onyx is huge. It’s our second biggest day of the year besides New Year’s Eve, and I would almost say it’s more fun because of all the creative costumes and matching personas that come out. Onyx also celebrated four years of the weekly Rumba Friday this year, San Diego’s biggest Latin night. And it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t mention Mardi Gras, one of the wildest parties in the Gaslamp. Onyx definitely gets in the spirit and provides a frontrow seat to the parade and general shenanigans. We take Mardi Gras seriously and make sure to let the good times roll.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
Partygoers will soon be enjoying a 50-foot LED wall, a larger dance floor to shake it on and an enhanced sound system. Plus, our VIP area has undergone a total facelift. Just as important is what hasn’t changed, and that’s our commitment to our guests and their good time. We pride ourselves on being one of the Gaslamp’s nightlife pillars and have 15 years of a loyal following to prove it.

What ONYX entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
One thing we are really excited about is our newest party, Onyx Saturdays. Our inspiration for Onyx Saturdays was all about the streets of downtown, the Gaslamp and the energy that surrounds us. We rock out to a solid mix of top hits, hip-hop, party rock, EDM and everything else you can imagine.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
If I’m staying local I want to check out what’s new, especially in the Little Italy area. It’s close enough to downtown but far enough away that it has a different feel and makes me feel like I’m on a mini-vacation. What I really love, though, is heading south to Baja.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
We are really blessed as a city to have so much diversity and such a dynamic nightlife scene. You can party in a Vegas-style club one night and enjoy a low-key neighborhood bar just a few short blocks away another night. I’ve really seen the S.D. scene grow tremendously these past few years, and there’s no sign of it slowing down.

Onyx Room
852 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
619.235.6699, onyxroom.com
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PARQ RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB

Insider: Carlos Becerra, owner

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Parq in 2014?
CARLOS BECERRA: First and foremost is that Parq Restaurant & Nightclub opened in 2014. It’s been two years in the making. Also, to have DJ Steve Aoki perform during our opening weekend.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
For Parq Nightclub, I don’t see us changing or modifying much, as we have painstakingly considered every detail of the consumer experience during construction. We may add a few enhancements, though. In Parq Restaurant, chef Errol D. LeBlanc will be changing our menu seasonally, as we are committed to serving the freshest locally sourced food. We will also be starting Sunday brunch and a weekly happy hour.

What Parq entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
We have an amazing team that has been working to book the best talent and world-class performances in 2015. Right now, we are keeping it under wraps.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
Parq Restaurant & Nightclub was built to incorporate the best of hospitality available in markets like New York City, Ibiza, Miami, et cetera. When I’m not at Parq or at home relaxing with my wife and children, I like traveling to experience venues in cities like New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, et cetera. I like seeing what is being done elsewhere, then bringing back the extraordinary elements to keep Parq’s offerings new, fresh and exciting for San Diegans.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
I’m truly excited to have our customers experience an entire year of programming in Parq Restaurant & Nightclub. We look forward to continuing to raise the bar with amazing food in the restaurant, international acts in the nightclub and exceptional service to boot.

Parq Restaurant & Nightclub
615 Broadway, Downtown
619.727.6789, parqsd.com
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RICH’S SAN DIEGO

Insider: Ryan Bedrosian, General Manager

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Rich’s Nightclub in 2014?
RYAN BEDROSIAN: We celebrated our 23-year anniversary party, with Dev as our special guest performer. Dev is known for her hit songs “Bass Down Low” and “In The Dark.” We also sponsored the dance stage for CityFest and Nightmare on Normal Street to bring the Rich’s experience to the streets.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
We are getting a new, high-def LED video wall that will be one of the largest in San Diego; should be installed by the end of January. We are also going to be making some upgrades to the bars and facility.

What Rich’s Nightclub entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
We are going to continue to bring in exciting DJs and booking some great national acts for special events. We can’t name names, because contracts haven’t been finalized yet. Also, a commitment to have the best lighting show in San Diego. We are also going to be throwing more afterhours events in 2015.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
At home - Rich’s wears me out. There are so many great bars and clubs in Hillcrest. Numbers is a fun place to hang out; they just started some new events that have really been fun. Flick’s and Urban Mo’s are always a great time for good drinks and hanging out with friends.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
We are excited to be a part of such a great and diverse nightlife in San Diego. With all of the great offerings, we can put San Diego on the map as a new nightlife destination.

Rich’s San Diego
1051 University Ave., Hillcrest
619.295.2195, richssandiego.com
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ROFFTOP600 AT ANDAZ

Insider: Chris Wingerberg, Director of Sales and Marketing

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at RoofTop600 at Andaz in 2014?
CHRIS WINGERBERG: The RoofTop600 launch party in June to celebrate the new look of the Andaz Rooftop, our amazing summer pool parties and an incredible New Year’s Eve celebration.

What exciting venue changes/ modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
We will continue to enhance the rooftop space, including adding new daybeds and updating our cabanas. We’ll also have rotating local craft beer on draft and delicious new food and cocktail menus throughout the year.

What RoofTop600 at Andaz entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
Friday and Saturday nights have the most energy, with live DJs and a bottomless mimosa brunch on Saturday; and Sunday is always popular. We’ll have more great summer pool parties lined up as well.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
Barleymash - great bar that does everything well.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
There are so many new clubs opening up in San Diego. We’ve taken a more laidback ultra-lounge angle to the nightlife scene, with fantastic music and great energy to pair with our incredible views of downtown.

RoofTop600 at Andaz
600 F St., Downtown
619.814.2055, rooftop600.com
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SEVILLA NIGHTCLUB

Insider: Joe Santos, Director of Operations

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Sevilla in 2014?
JOE SANTOS: The consistency of being able to be the only nightclub open six or seven nights a week and the artist events we were able to bring through - The Game, Mase, Chief Keef, Too Short, Bun B, La Ley, 3BallMTY and Warren G.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
New and better sound and some ambience upgrades.

What Sevilla entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
Top artist bookings and an unveiling of Hollywood DJs residencies.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
La Puerta and Bassmnt.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
San Diego is going next-level in 2015. With the moving in of Las Vegas-operated venues and every venue being so artist/talentdriven, 2015 looks to be very, very interesting.

Sevilla Nightclub
353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
619.245.1138, sevillanightclub.com
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SIDE BAR

Insider: Pablo Aguilar, Director of Nightlife for RMD Group

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Side Bar in 2014?
PABLO AGUILAR: Side Bar has celebrated 10-plus years of being in the Gaslamp and continues to provide unique events, industry nights and promotions. One of our favorite promotions of the year was a record-breaking FIVE/TEN party season, which opens every Sunday, April through October, from 5 to 10 p.m. The party was decked out with a new, custom-made hot tub inside the venue. Another great moment was during our five years-running Industry night on Wednesdays. We hosted a Kings of Industry event in which we sold over 40 bottles of high-end champagne in one night.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
Side Bar will go through a noticeable lighting, sound and vibe enhancement in 2015. But the exceptional Side Bar staff, customer service and family-feel will always continue to be the true draw at Side Bar.

What Side Bar entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
Side Bar will continue to book local, open format DJs on most nights, with occasional celebrity talent on special nights. San Diegans can also expect to hear a live music element every Friday night that will offer a live trumpet, saxophone or violinist to play alongside a DJ. VIP clients can also arrange to have their birthday made special with a personal performance at their VIP table.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
I’m a big foodie, so trying San Diego’s new restaurants is where I typically can be found. When I’m looking for a night out, my RMD sister venues are great because they are different from Side Bar, so it’s a great change of pace. I go to FLUXX when I’m looking for that Vegas feel or to see the best new talent, and F6ix on Sundays when I want to hear hip-hop alongside my fellow industry friends. Where you will probably find me the most in 2015 will be at Rustic Root, our new restaurant and rooftop lounge overlooking Fifth Ave, taking over the old Marble Room space.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
The restaurant, nightlife, hotel and overall hospitality scene in San Diego is growing at a crazy pace, and it’s great to be a part of it. I love having all these new options as a local, and it’s great to know that people traveling in 2015 have more reason to choose San Diego.

Side Bar Nightclub
536 Market St., Gaslamp
619.696.0946, sidebarsd.com
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SPIN NIGHTCLUB

Insider: Tomas Serrano, Music and Marketing Director

PacificSD: What are a couple of the coolest things that happened at Spin Nightclub in 2014?
TOMAS SERANO: All of our events are amazing, but, as highlights - our Halloween kick-off party with Infected Mushroom, the 12-hour parties with the guys at Desert Hearts and a variety of other cool events with Lovelife, Revive619, Wolfpack Entertainment, Shaun Flak Productions and more.

What exciting venue changes/modifications/enhancements might your venue see in 2015?
This past year’s alignments with stellar promotion companies have opened us up to more creative production décor, additional sound installments and other TBA secrets we can’t disclose yet.

What Spin Nightclub entertainment offerings should San Diegans look forward to in 2015?
Plenty of daytime and nighttime events, whether it’s on our newly redone rooftop; The Lodge, which is our side room recently upgraded with local beers on tap; or our main room, with three floors and a booming sound system hosting weekly events that don’t end at your typical downtown closing time of 1:30 a.m., as we continue to push the afterhours scene for San Diego.

Where do you like to hang out when not at your own venue?
As the music and marketing director, I like to be tapped in to as much music as possible, in town or LA. But on my off time, I am also a producer/DJ [DJ IDeaL], and you’ll find me either in the studio with my partner JBreak, or with my mate Tristan D - with whom I’ll be back on the radio on CBS’ Energy 103.7 FM as of New Year’s Eve 2015 every Saturday night - or working on one of my other projects I’m involved in.

Anything else you’d like to say about the nightclub scene or San Diego nightlife in general?
It’s growing, evolving and developing at an amazing rate, just like Spin Nightclub once again, and I’m very excited to be a part of it all.

Spin Nightclub
2028 Hancock St., Middletown
619.294.9590, spinnightclub.com