House of Blues San Diego
With success in other nearby cities such as Las Vegas and Hollywood, the House of Blues opened it’s new venue in San Diego last May 2005. Since then, the club has housed such acts from independent bands like the Bouncing Souls and Social Distortion to more mainstream acts like Rob Zombie and the upcoming Disturbed.
Located downtown at 1055 Fifth Avenue between Broadway and C Street, the House is mere blocks away from another very similar venue, 4th and B. A convenient parking lot for both venues is located at 3rd and A St. The lot costs 10-12 dollars on different nights.
The venue has two levels: the downstairs is a large, open area with the stage in front and a bar in the back, and the upstairs balcony has seating for about 100 people and a bar in the back as well. The seating area is often at least partly reserved, and I would say that the House of Blues is more recommended for those who wish to be more interactive with their other concert goers than those who like to sit and enjoy a show.
On 21 and up nights, both bars are open and those who wish to drink have free reign of both levels. For security at all ages shows, the downstairs bar offers water and snacks, and alcohol is not allowed outside of the upstairs balcony area where you may only gain access with ID. Therefore, parents who may be reluctant to send their teenagers can rest easy that they can’t abuse any alcohol.
The architecture of the building in the House of Blues allows that no matter where you are standing, you have a pretty good view of the majority of the stage. The main draw about this venue is it’s small size. You can’t be standing that far away from the band because the venue is not too big, which allows for a much more intimate eperience with the performers.
The House of Blues restaurant is connected to the venue with an entrance around the block. The menu offers a variety of different lunch and dinner specialties, and when you are done eating, you can walk through the building to your concert.
Overall, the House of Blues makes for an excellent concert-going experience, far exceeding several other local alternatives. Los Lobos, Reel Big Fish, Disturbed, and the Dead Kennedys are some of the perfomers visiting the House soon. To check out the House of Blues, or for any ticket information, visit www.hob.com, or call 619.299.BLUE.
