Trendy Bites at San Diego Clubs

Before a wild night of dancing or indulging in bottle service with friends, we locals love going out to dinner.

Whether you take a hot date or a big group of friends, dining out is an essential precursor to a fun night about town. From quaint Italian bistros to grill-your-own steak lounges, San Diego is full of unique dining options. But, did you ever stop to wonder if it’s necessary to eat before you get to the club?

Many of your favorite nightclubs serve much more than bottles of Grey Goose. Dining at San Diego clubs not only satisfies the palate, it gets you a complimentary dessert spread of VIP party perks.

Share sushi at On Broadway’s Zen Café and walk right into the club, cover-free. Treat yourself to an entrée and martini at the Restaurant at Stingaree, and not only do you get into the club for free, you can watch the jealous party-goers waiting in line while you dine. From Anthology to Voyeur and the W Hotel, all your favorite clubs in San Diego offer trendy alternatives for pre-party dining.

Discover our favorite trendy bites at San Diego clubs.

The Restaurant at Stingaree
Super-club Stingaree offers Executive Chef Antonio Friscia’s fresh, local fine dining in a swanky setting. Chef Friscia combines ingredients from around the world with produce from local vendors, such as California's Chino Farms, to create a hybrid of cuisines. We recommend starting with the Serious Mac-n-Cheese Fonduta to share, and ordering the American Kobe Rib Filet Steak with Weiser farm potato hash, sautéed market greens, Korean black garlic steak sauce, for yourself. The restaurant is located on street level and is the focal point as guests enter the vibrant club. Sit in a window-side booth or bring your bigger party to an extended table in the dining room near the bar. The trained wait staff is well informed and always pleasant. And you’re sure to love your server the most when he or she provides free club entry to every person who purchases a dinner entrée. (pictured)

The Restaurant at Voyeur
A perfect match for this goth-glam club’s vanguard music scene is the in-house restaurant’s menu of international flavored tapas. The Restaurant at Voyeur serves savory small bites and plates for sharing. Executive Chef Keri Rich’s creations include Beer-Battered Calamari, Curry Chicken Skewers, Banger and Mash and much more. We recommend getting comfortable in a crimson red VIP booth and starting with the Spanikopita – warm goat cheese and spinach in a crispy phyllo crust served with chickpea salad. Follow that with Flat-iron & Frites or Seared Thai Tuna, served with chimchurri sauce, spicy pickled cucumber, and toast. Having a hard time seeing what you’re tasting? Just wait until the party gets going and you’re greeted with 12,500 LED lights on the stage’s stunning backdrop wall. (pictured)

Zen Café at On Broadway Event Center
The featured restaurant within club On Broadway, Zen Café offers a variety of Asian fusion appetizers and entrees, including sushi, noodles, wok, pork chops, chicken, steak and more. We recommend starting with the Lemongrass Shrimp Wok to share, and ordering the Blackened Rib-Eye served with red curry spinach for yourself. Don’t expect to be dining next to the DJ booth at this club, as the restaurant is located in a separate, intimate room with bright walls, booth and table seating as well as a stylish sushi bar. Executive Chefs George Lepre and Cesar Avila are sure to satiate your cravings at Zen Café, but the real party gets started as your group is escorted into club On Broadway, for free.

Confidential
This timeless lounge is simultaneously a restaurant and nightclub at all times of the evening. Locals head to Confidential to taste global tapas while sitting on white sofas or perched on tall bar tables adorned with candles and fresh flowers, before, during or after an evening of dancing underneath the faux crystal balls dangling above. Small cold plates include the Ahi Tartare and Beef Carpaccio. Next, heat up with Coca Cola Glazed Baby Pork Ribs and Indian Spiced Lamb Sliders. Don’t miss out on the completely unique Deconstructed Pizza, with warm goat cheese, tomato concasse, roasted garlic, and basil. Want to spread the word? Invite your closest 40 friends to join you upstairs at the exclusive Confidential Loft where no bottle service is required, yet a personal bar is provided. (pictured)

The Restaurant at Side Bar
The velvety-chic and sultry aesthetic makes Side Bar a go-to club for appetizers or dinner before a night on the dance floor. While the addictive décor is over-the-top, Side Bar’s dinner menu goes back to the basics with burgers, pizza, Panini sandwiches, and salads. We recommend starting with the Side Bar Sampler (wings, beef skewers, toasted ravioli) to share, and ordering the 100% all natural black angus beef Bacon Burger, stuffed with apple smoked bacon and cheddar cheese, topped with barbeque sauce and onion rings, for yourself. There are no hidden rooms in this petite club – your dinner is served on mid-action tall tables in the lounge or in the more reserved VIP booths. At Side Bar, once you’re in, you’re in – come early to dine, stay late to party.

RICE at W Hotel
The W San Diego is a tricky and intricate venue; the lobby is the club, the restaurant is the lounge, and during special events, the entire space between the lobby and restaurant is the high-speed nightclub. Executive Chef Rocío Varela (of Bravo’s series “Welcome to the Parker”) combines traditional Latin flavors with Asian cuisine in his celebrated menu at the trendy restaurant RICE. Begin with the Steamed PEI Mussels in coconut milk with an order of Sexy Fries, to share. Continue on with Seared Sea Scallops, Rack of Lamb, or the Fragrant Spiced Roasted Chicken with sweet corn arepa, baby spinach salad and honey garlic vinaigrette. On those special occasions when the W San Diego embraces the nightlife scene, your cover charge will be waived after you dine at RICE.

Anthology Supper Club
This Little Italy hot spot believes that great food is the fitting accompaniment to great music. Executive Chef Eric Bauer uses the best in farm fresh, locally grown ingredients for his California Cuisine menu. Savory dining options throughout this stunning club include the bar / lounge, mezzanine booths, private dining room, and 3rd level rail. No matter where you sit, subtle notes and robust flavors are the nightly culinary opus at this Supper Club. New to Anthology is the Lounge Menu with all items available for under $10. These small bites include the Spiced Chili Glaze and Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese Dip and Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with crispy menlo wrapper, jalapeno, California citrus, yuzu avocado emulsion. Tickets for Anthology shows are sold separately; however, dinner and show packages are available.

Discover more of the best San Diego restaurants and clubs.