Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » SPACE – San Diego
SPACE - San Diego
Photo from SPACE
SPACE at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 6 of the guests
#446 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#15 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
92
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Live Music
- Friendly Staff
- Drink Variety
Frequently criticized
- Drink Quality
- Cash Only
- Cleanliness
The bar & pub SPACE in San Diego’s vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood offers an unforgettable experience where live music sets the perfect backdrop for your evening. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
With live performances regularly gracing the stage, you’re always in for a treat. Beyond the entertainment, you can enjoy a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and expertly crafted cocktails, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Overview: Introducting SPACE
SPACE offers a vibrant atmosphere, often praised for its diverse live music and welcoming vibe. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and the variety of themed drinks available.
It’s a spot where you can find a good time, especially if you enjoy a lively setting. However, some aspects could use attention.
There are mentions of issues with certain mix drinks and a cash-only policy for events, which can be inconvenient. A few patrons also noted concerns about the general upkeep, like sticky floors.
Good
7
out of 10
92
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
71
positive
Overall, SPACE earns a solid 7 out of 10, indicating a good experience for many patrons. This is supported by a strong 77.2% customer satisfaction rate, reflecting that most visitors leave content.
With 71 positive remarks against 20 negative ones out of 92 total opinions, the sentiment leans clearly towards the positive, suggesting a generally well-received establishment. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.4) and Service (7.2) stand out as particular strengths, contributing significantly to the positive vibe.
While Food (6) and Value (6) are considered average, they don’t detract too much from the overall experience. It seems the lively atmosphere and attentive staff are key draws here.
What people like
- Live music events
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Diverse drink selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Cash-only policy
- Cleanliness concerns
If you’re seeking a lively spot with good live music and a welcoming atmosphere, SPACE is worth considering. The 7 recommendation score suggests it delivers a generally positive experience, especially if you appreciate a diverse drink menu and friendly service.
However, be mindful of the cash-only policy for events and potential inconsistencies with certain mixed drinks. It’s a place that shines for its entertainment and social vibe, but a few practical aspects might require a bit of patience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on SPACE
Food (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink scene, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 6 with customer satisfaction hovering around 58.3%. Based on 12 opinions, theres definitely some good stuff brewing. Guests often rave about the excellent drinks selection, especially the great themed drinks, and some even highlight the homemade tamales as a pleasant surprise.
It seems their non-watered-down and up-to-date selections are hitting the mark for many. However, not everything is a hit. Out of the 12 pieces of feedback, 5 point to some significant downsides.
Be warned about the non-canned beer, which some describe as quite poor, and the mix drinks have been called terrible concoctions. Its also worth noting that it's not considered a full bar by some patrons, which might be a dealbreaker for those looking for a wider range of spirits.
Food
12
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent drinks selection
- Great themed drinks
- Homemade tamales
What people don't like
- Bad non-canned beer
- Terrible mix drinks
- Not a full bar
Often praised
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a chill spot with drinks that are not watered down and up-to-date selections. I believe it's a great spot for people in their 30s, and you'd be surprised by who has performed here.
- beerIt's a nice hang out place, but please stay away from non-canned beer; everything else will make you sick, not because you had a lot to drink, but because it is cheap and bad. Stick with beer.
- drinks selectionthe drinks selection is excellent
- homemade tamaleshomemade tamales walking distance
- selectionsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a chill spot with drinks that are not watered down and up-to-date selections. I believe it's a great spot for people in their 30s, and you'd be surprised by who has performed here.
- themed drinksGreat themed drinks
Frequently criticized
- beerThe beer tastes like piss.
- full barit's definitely not a full bar
- mix drinkstheir mix drinks are terrible concoctions
- non-canned beerstay away from non-canned beer everything else will make you sick
- opener bandSome shi**y opener band goes on playing god awful music
If you're heading out, know that the drinks selection, especially the themed ones, and homemade tamales are often praised. However, be cautious with the non-canned beer and mix drinks, as they tend to disappoint. Stick to their strengths for a better experience.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at a good 75%, its clear many guests have positive experiences. Out of 12 comments, 9 praised the friendly staff and professional bartenders, often highlighting their chill and kind demeanor, with special shoutouts to individuals for great service.
However, not everyone leaves impressed. A few guests, 3 out of 12, felt there was a lack of consideration for paying guests, citing issues with bouncers being a-holes' and a bartender who was a little distracted initially. These instances suggest some inconsistency, particularly regarding guest treatment and attentiveness.
Service
12
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Professional bartenders
- Great service
What people don't like
- Rude bouncers
- Lack of consideration
Often praised
- serviceI was impressed by the great variety of live music and other events. The great service, with a special shoutout to Rachel & Lex, made the visit even better. I only wish I had found this place sooner!
- stafffriendly staff
- Jumped InThey played along with Tuning and Jumped In.
- TuningThey played along with Tuning and Jumped In.
- bartenderIt's a reliable watering hole with a wide variety of shows/events to check out. I also want to give props to Derek for being one hell of a bartender!
- bartendersThe bartenders were chill, professional, and kind
- peoplepeople are nice
Frequently criticized
- bartenderbartender was a little distracted at first
- bouncersMaybe you should let people know the band they’re paying to see won’t be going on until 11 PM or whatever time they finally went on after we left. Maybe you shouldn’t have bouncers who are a-holes towards a guest who had clearly paid. Maybe you shouldn’t charge ridiculous prices for drinks when your bar sucks.
- paying guestsI honestly hope that this review negatively impacts this place in some way. I just got done telling my future wife that I’ve never been to a venue that seemed to have absolutely no consideration for the paying guest like this place. A few months ago, I purchased tickets through Songkick to see one of my favorite bands here.
Overall, the service here leans heavily positive, with many praising the friendly staff and attentive bartenders. While there are a few reports of less-than-stellar interactions, particularly with bouncers, the majority of experiences are good. If youre looking for a place with generally solid service, its worth a try, but be aware of potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.4 and boasting a strong customer satisfaction of 85.7%. Many folks love its vibe as a chill place, often highlighting the great live music, intimate venue feel, and overall charm. With 48 positive sentiments out of 56 total, it's clear the atmosphere is a big draw for many.
However, not everyone is completely smitten, with 7 negative remarks pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the venue too small for certain events, and there were mentions of an unpleasant smell, sticky floors, and even locked bathrooms. These aspects suggest that while the general atmosphere is good, there are some specific comfort issues to be aware of.
Ambience
56
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great live music
- Intimate venue charm
- Chill hang-out place
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smell
- Sticky floors
- Locked bathrooms
Often praised
- musicplays some great nu-wave, post-punk, and rock en Español
- live musicIt's one of the best dive bars in San Diego, offering great prices and a great happy hour. I was impressed by the great variety of live music and other events. The great service, with a special shoutout to Rachel & Lex, made the visit even better.
- placeI believe it's a great spot for people in their 30s, and you'd be surprised by who has performed here. It's a very accepting place regardless of lifestyle. If I'm in the area, I would definitely go again.
- spaceI went there because the DJ is someone I know and plays some great nu-wave, post-punk, and rock en Español. There's a great price on drinks and plenty of space, including an outdoor patio area.
- venueIt's a small venue, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm!
- Juke BoxThe Juke Box has great options
- Pocari Sweat eventwent for the Pocari Sweat event and had a great time!
- atmospherenice atmosphere
- barBar was super chill!
- booth seatscozy, a few nice booth seats
Frequently criticized
- bathrooms lockedGot inside to find the bathrooms locked
- floorsThe floor is always sticky
- hole in the wall bargot to this hole in the wall bar
- neighborhood hangoutMy experience at this restaurant was that they usually pull a decent crowd for shows, but it's pretty lacking for a neighborhood hangout. The atmosphere is geared more towards events than casual dining.
- seatsso are the seats
- smellThis place smells like piss.
- venuetoo small of a venue to have an event
If youre looking for a vibrant spot with live music and an intimate, chill vibe, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for a no-frills experience, as some comfort details like cleanliness and bathroom access might be a bit rough around the edges.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers find good deals here, especially with the fantastic happy hour and overall prices. Folks love finding cheap beers and appreciate the cheap cover on event nights, making it a go-to spot for some. With 7 positive remarks out of 12, it's clear these aspects hit the mark, contributing to an overall value score of 6.
However, not everything is a bargain, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 58.3%. Some customers were frustrated by the cash only policy, especially on event nights, which means no credit card reward points. There are also complaints that some drinks are overpriced, and a surprising charge for tap water left a few feeling nickel-and-dimed, as noted in 5 observations.
Value
12
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Cheap drinks
- Low cover charge
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Overpriced drinks
- Pay for water
Often praised
- happy hourMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the best dive bars in San Diego, offering great prices and a great happy hour. I was impressed by the great variety of live music and other events.
- pricesGreat prices
- cheap beersAlthough it wasn't overly crowded at 7: 30 on a Wednesday, the vibes were great and very chill. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and look forward to making this a regular spot to grab cheap beers!
- cover chargecheap cover on event nights
- drinksGreat price on drinks
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyThey are cash only if they have an event
- cash only policytheir cash only policy, which felt outdated
- credit card reward pointsno credit card reward points for you
- drinks are overpricedthe drinks are over priced
- tap waterMy experience at this restaurant had some upsides, particularly the decent music and ample dance space. However, there was a significant downside: if you drink or dance too much, they will charge you $ for lukewarm tap water if you need to hydrate. This aspect of the service was quite unexpected and frustrating.
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely good happy hour deals and cheap beers, this place could be a winner. Just be prepared for their cash-only policy and potentially overpriced regular drinks, especially if youre hoping to use a card or avoid paying for tap water.
How are the prices at SPACE?
On average, you’ll spend around 25 per person – from 6 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, prices aren’t all clustered around this average. We see a few guests spending in the $1–$10 range, and one even went over 101 $! This suggests a good mix of options, from budget-friendly bites to more premium experiences.
Since we only have 6 reviews, this data is limited but gives us a good indication.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 6 reviews. This data is limited but gives a good indication.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we feel the pricing here is quite fair for a Bar & Pub. While the average sits in the mid-range, the variety in spending suggests you can tailor your experience. There are options whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a bit more indulgent.
Customer Reviews: what people think about SPACE
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Chill Jazz Night with Cheap Beers
We visited this small local bar for jazz night. Although it wasn't overly crowded at 7: 30 on a Wednesday, the vibes were great and very chill. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and look forward to making this a regular spot to grab cheap beers!
- vibes9
- cheap beers10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Dive Bar with Live Music
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the best dive bars in San Diego, offering great prices and a great happy hour. I was impressed by the great variety of live music and other events.
The great service, with a special shoutout to Rachel & Lex, made the visit even better. I only wish I had found this place sooner!
- dive bars9
- prices9
- happy hour9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Cozy Spot with Great Music and Drinks
This is a cozy little spot that most people would just pass by. I went there because the DJ is someone I know and plays some great nu-wave, post-punk, and rock en Español. There's a great price on drinks and plenty of space, including an outdoor patio area.
- drinks8
- space7
- outdoor patio area7
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Chill hole-in-the-wall with great vibes
My experience at this place was great! It's a chill place and lively enough. I loved that they have free pool table games.
The bartenders were chill, professional, and kind. While it's definitely not a full bar, I loved it either way. It's a hole in the wall place with an outside area and about 7 parking spaces in the back.
The Juke Box has great options, costing $1 for 3 songs.
- chill place9
- free pool table games10
- bartenders9
- full bar4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Chill Spot with Up-to-Date Selections
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a chill spot with drinks that are not watered down and up-to-date selections. I believe it's a great spot for people in their 30s, and you'd be surprised by who has performed here.
It's a very accepting place regardless of lifestyle. If I'm in the area, I would definitely go again.
- drinks9
- selections9
- place9
What SPACE offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Dancing
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and drinks can you expect at SPACE?
At SPACE, you can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere featuring live music and captivating live performances. Beyond the entertainment, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of beverages, including a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, and cocktails. You can also enjoy food and even dancing, making it a complete night out.
Is SPACE accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, SPACE is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom for your convenience. When it comes to parking, you’ll be pleased to know that free street parking is available, making your visit hassle-free. This ensures a comfortable and easy experience for all guests.
What is the overall rating for SPACE and what are its main strengths?
SPACE holds a good overall score of 7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 77.2%. Its strongest aspects are Ambience (7.4) and Service (7.2), while Food (6) and Value (6) are considered average.
Does SPACE offer live entertainment or a good atmosphere?
Yes, SPACE is frequently praised for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse live music events. Many patrons enjoy the welcoming vibe and the variety of music played, making it a popular spot for entertainment.
Are there any specific payment methods or other practical considerations at SPACE?
Be aware that SPACE has a cash-only policy for events, which some customers found inconvenient. Additionally, while the drink selection is generally good, some patrons have noted inconsistencies with specific mixed drinks or non-canned beer.