Intimate Live Music Venue with Bands, Booze, and Fun in Normal Heights
Soda Bar on El Cajon Blvd hosts live bands most nights with themed dance parties often filling out the rest of the week. Their top notch bartenders, always on-it sound engineers, and friendly-but-firm security help create one of the best local environments for artists and patrons alike.
The Venue
Soda Bar first opened its doors in November 2008 and established itself as a pillar in the San Diego music scene for local & touring bands. In 2018, Big Soda LLC took ownership of the bar and an all-star cast of operators including Casbah owner Tim Mays, bar manager Angie Ollman, and musicians Cory Stier (booking agent) and Andrew Montoya brought their considerable expertise to bear, further improving an already great venue. Soda Bar can pack in about 230 fans, guaranteeing all shows are intimate and the talent buyers regularly present shows at other San Diego venues including Casbah, Soma, Quartyard, House of Blues, The Observatory and others.
What To Expect
Soda Bar has hosted an unbelievable amount of soon-to-be famous acts on their unassuming stage. Intimate shows with artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Cults, Foster The People have taken place there, along with incredibly raucous events featuring Kikagaku Moyo, Amyl & The Sniffers, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (twice!). The Electricalifornia-installed sound system keeps the small space sounding great and LOUD: bring your ear plugs (or buy a pair at the bar) and you’ll still hear great music at the show and save yourself the ringing in your ears the next day.
Tips and Tricks
Don’t miss a minute of music! Soda Bar runs a tight ship, so check your show’s door time (usually 7:00 or 7:30PM) on their website or Instagram: live music usually starts no more than an hour later.
The venue’s neighborhood is fairly quiet and street parking is plentiful. Once you spot the wall of smiley faces, you’re in the right place, but do be aware of handicap and bus zones.
Bring your ID as attendance is limited to 21 and up and take it as a compliment when security asks to check it. Tickets are available at the door unless the show is sold out (pay cash and avoid credit card fees).
Soda Bar San Diego is a venue you can’t miss out on visiting. They’ve got some of the best lineups in one of the best locations in San Diego! Grab your friends and kick it at Soda Bar later this week! We’ll see ya there.
