Pouring it On
No line, no cover-no problem.
The secret to a snazzier nightlife: it’s not what you know...actually, it is. But it’s also who you know.
The Who, in this case, are San Diego’s VIP elite, the hospitalians at the top of the nightclub food chain. Knowing these guys (you’re about to, if you don’t already) means skipping lines and not paying to get in. It also means attentive service, bottles of top-shelf alcohol delivered to your private table by hot women (men, at Eden in Hillcrest) carrying sparklers and, with certain high-roller packages offered by Stingaree, use of a stretch yellow Hummer limo.
For most San Diego clubs, the highest demand for bottle service is on Saturdays, and pricing for the limited real estate-i.e., private tables-can be much higher on those nights. But most venues offer lower prices and reduced minimum purchases on other nights, which aren’t less fun (to the contrary, they’re often more fun and with fewer tourists), just less spendy.
So, there’s the Who and the What. Regarding the Where, here are seven VIP teams-from FLUXX, Side Bar, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, Eden, Ivy Nightclub at Andaz and Bar West-who’d love to give you the royal treatment you deserve.
As for Why? Hey, why not? It’s only money, and if you don’t have a vacation planned, might as well let the sky be the limit for at least one big night out.
600 F St., Gaslamp
ivyentertainmentsandiego.com
Rising above the rest of downtown (literally) is Ivy Rooftop at Andaz, offering sweeping views of downtown and a personalized VIP service team that has catered to Prince Harry, among other celebrity guests.
Now you know: VIP manager Tim Brand (pictured)
For a good time, call: 619.814.2055
Most affordable nights: Thursdays (industry night)
Minimum purchase on those nights: $275 for bottle of Grey Goose vodka
Most expensive nights: Saturdays
Minimum purchase on those nights: two bottles at $325 each
SIDE BAR
536 Market St., Gaslamp
sidebarsd.com
Billed as a “swanky ultra-lounge,” Side Bar is home to the famous Industry Night Wednesdays, where bartenders get served and go-go girls swing from the ceiling and the giant birdcage that doubles as a DJ booth.
VIP manager: Matt Ridley
For a good time, call: 619.696.8040
Most affordable nights: Thursdays
Minimum purchase on those nights: $421 (during Fortune 421 events)
Most expensive nights: Wednesdays (industry night)
Minimum purchase on those nights: $750-1000
454 6th Ave., Downtown
stingsandiego.com
Downtown’s veteran VIP hot spot, Stingaree (and the “club-within-a-club,” Guest House) provides nightlife opulence in the form of a private room overlooking the dance ?oor, shout-outs from the DJ and end-of-the-night home delivery in the back of a stretch yellow Hummer limo.
Now you know: bottle service manager Kara Knooihuizen and VIP host Zack Stephens (right)
For a good time, call: 619.544.1VIP (1847)
Most affordable nights: Mondays (industry night at Guest House)
Minimum purchase on those nights: $175 for bottle of Ultimat Vodka
Most expensive nights: Saturdays
Minimum purchase on those nights: one bottle per ?ve people
High roller package: private penthouse overlooking the club, private bar, personal bartender and cocktail waitress, use of the Stingaree Stretch Hummer limo, DJ shout-outs to boost celebrity status. (Ten-bottle purchase minimum.)
500 4th Ave., Gaslamp
?uxxsd.com
This enormous, one-room Gaslamp venue is best known for its monster sound system, the ?ery FLUXX Girls go-go performers and being named the nation’s 2011 Nightclub of the Year by Nightclub & Bar Magazine.
Now you know: VIP host Ariadna Jacob (left), cocktail server Sara Clift, VIP manager Jason MitchellFor a good time, call:
619.255.1004Most affordable nights: Thursdays and Fridays
Minimum purchase on those nights: $400-700
Most expensive nights: Saturdays and special events
Minimum purchase on those nights: $1,000-2,000
1202 University Ave., Hillcrest
edensandiego.com
Hillcrest’s VIP boom-boom room is Eden-where to go for an alternative to downtown...and a more alternative crowd. Go-go guys take center stage at this high-energy club (and restaurant and adjoining Ciro’s Pizza), which brings together talented DJs and a warm and welcoming crowd.
Now you know: VIP host Mike Gerstel (right) and VIP bottleserver Jonathan Partida (left)
For a good time, call: 619.780.3933
Most affordable nights: varies by event demand
Minimum purchase on those nights: $250
Most expensive nights: varies by event demand
Minimum purchase on those nights: $250
207 5th Ave., Gaslamp
hardrockhotelsd.com
Bottle service takes on new dimension at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, which offers VIP tables in its ground-?oor venue, 207 (as in 207 5th Avenue), and on the pool deck at Float (home to San-Diegans-gone-wild, 2,500-person Intervention Sundays).
VIP services: VIP manager Evan Lopez and senior VIP host Paul Dilongo (pictured), who sometimes serves clients while wearing a Lamb Chop head
For a good time, call: 619.764.6926
Most affordable nights: Thursdays and Sundays
Minimum purchase on those nights: $250
Most expensive nights: Saturdays
Minimum purchase on those nights: $325
BAR WEST
959 Hornblend St., Paci?c Beach
barwestsd.com
For bottle service just steps to the sand, check out Bar West, where it’s “sun down, music up” on BPM Thursdays, no-cover Fridays and $200 bottle Saturdays. Bar West’s Sunday night industry party has been a favorite spot for San Diego Chargers players for years.
Now you know: VIP manager Gary Kindle
For a good time, call: 619.467.6005
Most affordable nights: varies by event demand
Minimum purchase on those nights: bottles start at $150
Most expensive nights: varies by event demand
Minimum purchase on those nights: bottles start at $200