Get Jaded: San Diego’s Latest Lounge Shakes Things Up

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Think you've experienced everything San Diego clubs can offer? Think again. While downtown San Diego's Gaslamp District may be home to most of the city's lavishly swank nightlife, there's a new brand of class in town - and it's just a few blocks away.

Breaking New Ground
Jade Theater and its three-story edifice of social revelry and undeniable energy is in a category all its own. Conveniently located and designed for the sophistication of downtown's suits - but fresh and ready for any who seek the thrill of a good night on the town - San Diego has never seen anything quite like it.

Literally. Pioneering the expansion of downtown into territory north of Broadway, Jade Theater is here to change the way San Diego thinks about doing business. In providing a single establishment that contains multiple options for ambiance, entertainment and vibe, all while making it easily accessible from nearby high-rises, the opening of Jade Theater will offer new and classy options for businesspeople throughout the day, as well as when they clock out.

Just Another Gaslamp Club?
Not so. Different not only in concept and design, but in location and atmosphere, Jade Theater is a progressive Asian restaurant, lounge, and "ultralounge," stationed at 7th & C in what can only be referred to as San Diego's Financial District. With over 14,000 square feet of space (and its own parking lot), this three-story establishment brings a new sophistication to downtown with a sharp, authentic Asian edge. Conceived by Japanese-born architect, Takumi Zing, in collaboration with OCIO Design Group, it's obvious Director of Operations, Keoni Barcarse, and his team have refused to settle for anything less than the best.

Style and Sophistication x 3
Enter from the street level into Jade's main floor and find yourself in a sleek, mellow lounge. Perfect for a mid-afternoon meeting with a client or the after-work chat, the sexy minimalism of the main floor of Jade Theater is conducive to your every need. Available for special events of up to 650 people, each floor has the option of independent access so as to isolate or connect the floors as needed. The building even has its own parking lot, available for outdoor events and other occasions.

The building's second level showcases Jade Kitchen, a progressive Asian restaurant featuring executive chef, James Montejano and consulting chef Jason Seibert. Together, this culinary dream team cooks up some seriously sensational treats for your taste buds, including some particularly decadent seafood dishes. Labeled as the establishment's mezzanine level, from here you can take in stunning views of the city while enjoying timeless Asian cuisine.

"It's not east meets west," says Barcarse of the elaborate menu. "It's east meets east, it's Asian with a twist."

And so it is with the building's third and underground level, the Buddha Ultralounge. Complete with a high-tech sound system, large dance floor, and a number of VIP booths, the Underground Buddha Ultralounge transports you to a 1920s or '30s Shanghai club, boasting genuine Chinese partitions fashioned in China and shipped to San Diego for a hip but authentic feel. The warmly low-lit underground ultralounge is built for more energetic nightlife and features DJs throughout the week and on weekends.

Doors Open Now
While you can indulge in the Jade Theater experience as early as Friday, December 7, you'll want to keep an eye on early 2008; Jade's official Grand Opening Spread is in January, a weeklong string of events celebrating the completion of this phenomenal new establishment.

Jade Theater has a prime location, incredible décor, and a specific floor for whatever you desire; at the end of the day, however, it all comes down to service. "You can be as sexy and as high-tech as you want, but it's the service capabilities that will get people coming back," says Barcarse.

With a revolutionary VIP tracking system in place, the Jade staff hopes to be able to better anticipate the needs of their clients based on their previous visits and the food, drinks, and entertainment they enjoyed most. "We're offering a sophisticated atmosphere with the neighborhood feel you don't often find downtown. We want to make people regulars." With a menu, location, and attitude like theirs, we don't think that should be much of a problem.

Jade Theater, including Jade Kitchen and the Underground Buddha Ultralounge, is located at 701 C Street in downtown San Diego.