4 Restaurants in San Diego with Live Music

Here’s a list of venues that deliver high-end culinary masterpieces paired with live entertainment to enhance the night and help you avoid the inevitable letdown of driving or walking along busy streets. After all, nothing is more comforting than sharing a luscious dessert or nightcap without debating about where to go next. Just sit back and relax.

1. The Coyote Bar & Grill

The Coyote Bar & Grill is a popular little nightclub/restaurant located in the Carlsbad Village. They have live music and entertainment offered indoors and out every night. The menu features Southern California-inspired cuisine, an outdoor fire pit, and dancing for everyone to enjoy. The early evening age group is about 40's to 50's. The later the night gets the younger the crowd gets 25 to '30s. It appears that when the DJ gets there the crowd goes inside to dance. It is great for all ages. 

2. Humphreys Restaurant

With a strategic location in the center of Shelter Island, Humphreys features floor-to-ceiling windows neighboring several yacht clubs and marinas. Day or night, the view is mesmerizing and ever-changing, as boaters quietly float past the dining room and gentle waves beg you to unwind. The menu features modern global cuisine, highlighting flavors and textures from around the world, paired with classic favorites that are sure to please every palate. Immediately adjacent to the dining room and hotel is the locally famous outdoor concert venue, a 1,400-seat theater hosting world-class entertainment from May to October. Dinner show packages are available that offer the best seats in the house, making the transition between dinner and show even more convenient and enjoyable. For year-round live entertainment, the Backstage Lounge is also a great choice.

3. Croce’s Restaurant

A mainstay in the downtown Gaslamp District for nearly 30 years, Croce’s has been one of the most popular venues for excellent dining and live jazz. Although the location will move to Banker’s Hill at the beginning of 2014, expect the same quality and consistency that has followed this San Diego icon over the years. Croce’s has hosted some of the finest local and international jazz, blues and rock artists to visit the city. Diners typically arrive early and stay late, as the lounge area is cozy and intimate.

4. Grant Grill Restaurant

Located within the highly touted US Grant Hotel, the Grant Grill is a prime example of upscale urban dining, offering comfortable seating in a dining room that includes an intimate bar and lounge. The menu highlights fresh produce, meat and seafood utilizing French techniques and modern philosophy to define true California cuisine. Every dish is masterfully created to enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient. Be sure to join the crowds on Thursday through Saturday, as the live entertainment spans genres of jazz, rock, blues, samba and pop. No need to leave your table, as the entire dining room is filled with music throughout the night due to its acoustic architecture. 

For a laid-back experience, stroll to the Lounge, featuring a mix of music for restaurants, like jazz, guitar, piano, or vocals, in an atmosphere that begs you to take the edge off.