The nightlife in the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter continues to evolve.
So much so that this is PubClub.com’s third update already this year. That’s a lot of new entertainment openings in an area already rich with nightlife.
This update includes two new very cool places, a magic dinner theater and a bar/restaurant from MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” personality Nick Canon.
The Prestige Magic Lounge & Showroom
If you’re like me, then you love close-up magic. Previously you could get it at Illusions Theatre and Bar across from Balboa Theater on Fourth Ave. (between E & F streets), but that place has been closed since the pandemic.
Now in its place is something of an intimate palace, The Prestige Magic Lounge & Showroom. I popped in with the Queen of the Gaslamp on its opening night and chatted with the owner, who gave us a tour before the arrival of the first dinner crowd.
And boy, were we impressed!
The lobby is a cool lounge with a magician performing close-up magic at the bar. He also walked to our table and did a few amazing card and coin tricks. Right in front of our unbelieving eyes.
The dinner theater is in the back and you enter by going through the lobby’s fireplace! The back room is also small – it holds less than 50 people – with a good-sized stage for the performers. The shows last approximately 2 1/2 hours. The cost is $60-150, depending on how close you are to the stage. The dinners are three-course gourmet meals served by maids and butlers.
It’s unclear to me at this time whether or not you can just go in and sit at the bar, have a few drinks and see some magic. I’ll find out, tho!
Address: 827 4th Ave., San Diego Gaslamp
Website: Mystique Dining
Nick Canon’s Wild & Out Restaurant
This indoor-outdoor space, opening in February, is an “eatertainment” destination features a classic American menu, including chicken sandwiches, burgers and more. The restaurant will also serve signature, oversized boozy drinks (gotta love that, right!?) and a variety of sports-themed arcade games.
A concept developed by the actor, entertainer, producer and television personality, Nick Cannon, it features a variety of arcade games, virtual reality experiences, video games and dozens of televisions filling the venue for guests to catch all of the big games. Pop artist Rob Prior was tapped to hand paint murals throughout space, paying homage to several hip hop legends. Wild ‘N Out will regularly feature performances by comedians and DJs, and guests can even experience surprise appearances from Cannon and the Wild ‘N Out crew.
Wild ‘N Out’s main level offers indoor and outdoor seating. From the upper-deck seating area, guests can view the main bar and arcade area
Wild ‘N Out has several weekly themed nights and specials. On Industry Mondays, workers in the hospitality industry can play all arcade games for free and receive 50% off drinks. Hip Hop History Wednesdays have a DJ playing hip hop tracks, as well as 50% off small bucket appetizers, including Wild ‘N Out’s chicken wings and $8 shots of Branson Cognac by 50 Cent.
After dinner, the venue transforms to the ultimate nightlife destination.
Brunch is served on weekends from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
It is on top and part of the Sugar Shack restaurant and theater.
Address: 701 6th Ave., San Diego Gaslamp
Website: wildnoutsportsbarandarcade.com
Sultan Restaurant Closed
Back on Fourth Ave., across the street and down a block from Prestige, Sultan Restaurant has closed. Not sure what’s going in its place but with a hookah bar going in across the street and a new bar going in a couple of doors down at the corner of Fourth & G, it is sure to be something along the lines of a nice bar/restaurant.
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