Side Bar is the culmination of a vision by two lifetime friends. Driven by decades of experience in the bar and restaurant business -- and the desire to couple big-city sophistication with intimate surroundings -- Side Bar’s founders achieved their vision in January 2003.

Housed in a classic Gaslamp brick’n’mortar built in 1882, Side Bar combines post-Victorian cachet with contemporary décor, retro Noguchi furniture with video artwork. Spacious booths and the sidewalk patio provide room for groups, while comfy lounges offer more intimate seating.

At Side Bar, music is just part of the overall ambiance. Our DJs mix up retro, underground hip-hop, deep house, 80s hits something different every night. You'll hear the music you don't hear everywhere else. At a volume where you can still hear yourself think.

We specialize in eclectic premium cocktails created just for Side Bar - as well as all the classics, from Manhattans to Margaritas.

And our menu features salads, seafood, tapas and a little something extra: authentic New York pizza inspired by the best of the Bronx.

Named for its side entrance on Sixth Avenue, Side Bar features plasma TVs and video art, vintage films and futuristic furniture, innovative music and a smart, stylish crowd.

EME Rewards

Earn EME Points for 1% Cash-Back* for all groups, events, and orders EME books for you with our Preferred Businesses.  

See the  Rewards page for more details.

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Visions Restaurant and Lounge came about from an idea or "Vision" from owners Jim and Kathy DiMatteo. They have owned Jimmy Love's Restaurant and Bar, one of the Gaslamp Quarter's most famous and long-standing popular nightspots, for over a decade. Like with any business, Jim and Kathy have learned a lot over the years and wanted to put those lessons and ideas together in a new and exciting venue. They have seen the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego as a whole, truly develop over the past decade and wanted to take the restaurant experience to the next level. Coming from San Francisco, they have seen what big cities offer and wanted to incorporate the developments of other metropolitan cities while still keeping the charm of San Diego. Their Vision was to create a quality restaurant while incorporating a fun and classy bar and lounge. Most places in San Diego are either a restaurant or a bar. At Visions, you can indulge in the finest cuisine and then stick around after dinner for one of San Diego's most happening bar scenes. To push the envelope on their cuisine, Jim and Kathy incorporated both a classy restaurant with New-World Cuisine and mini Steak House with a contemporary high-quality Sushi Bar and Restaurant. Essentially, two restaurants in one venue. Now, the Sushi lovers can have award-winning fresh Sushi while their partner can enjoy a quality Prime cut of Beef.

*20% Service Charge and Tax will be added to bill for Partial and Full Main Dining Room

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