San Diego gets Stung

Photo from 'Steve Howe' via Wikimedia

Driving on San Diego freeways, as you inch closer and closer to the beautiful skyline and bay-front views, the pulsating rhythm of 808’s seem to engorge your body with the desire to throw your hands in the air and dance all night long.

Downtown San Diego is known for having some amazing club hot spots, including Envy at the Ivy Hotel, On Broadway, Belo, and many more. A new powerhouse of nightlife has recently emerged onto the scene making young locals flock in crowds to the door and celebrities appear nightly. Stingaree San Diego has stung San Diego with club fever, and it looks as if they will be here to stay for some time to come.

Located on 6th and Island, the name Stingaree comes from a time in the early 1900’s when the surrounding area, then also called Stingaree, was home to the “undesirables” of San Diego. Prostitution, drug dealing, gambling and illegal selling of alcohol were what made this red-light district infamous.

Years later city reform cleaned up the area. Almost a century later the club Stingaree opened to pay tribute to the excitement of the once sinister night owl haven.

Stingaree has three levels; a downstairs party space includes a moderately sized dance floor with sexy go-go dancers and well-known DJs spinning your favorite club records til the lights come on. The huge wrap around bar encompasses a floor to ceiling waterfall that illuminates the area.

The second floor is a promenade with a floating catwalk that leads to the VIP section. If you are a lady, getting to the VIP area isn’t too difficult. Dress to impress and schmooze your way in. You can also buy bottle service and have a nice comfy lounge area of your own for the night.

The third level, a local favorite, is the rooftop. Once up the stairs, you’ll find a different DJ and multiple bars. There is a fire pit with surrounding couches to keep you warm and  cabanas with bottle service are also available for purchase.

Almost every night they plan an event worth partying for.

Sometimes it is for a celebrity’s birthday bash, and other times famous DJs or performers make appearances. Celebrity guests have ranged from former Girls Next Door star, and local San Diegan, Kendra Wilkinson to “Drama” from the show Entourage. I recently got to take a picture with Kevin from the office! Keep your eyes and ears peeled, you never know who you will run into.

The dress at Sting ranges from high-class, to just club casual, with people wearing everything from dark jeans and club tops  (no tennis shoes of course) to Vegas style mini dresses and suits. Whatever you are in the mood for, top shelf martinis, or bottled beer, Sting has it.

Photo from 'Saquan Stimpson' Via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Even better news… Tuesday through Friday happy hour is from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays go until 10 p.m. If your hungry, stop by for dinner at their world renowned downstairs restaurant, where the “lounge” menu features gourmet appetizers for half price during happy hour. Draft and bottled beers start at $3 and well drinks at $5.  With Stingaree’s Signature cocktails at half price, you can party like a celebrity without having a Hollywood budget.

Seems too good to be true? You haven’t even heard the half of it. Party buses for you and 20- 50 friends can be arranged from almost anywhere in San Diego for $25 a head. The price includes a ride to and from Stingaree, cover charge, and almost no waiting in line. This service is offered by  numerous promotions companies serving San Diego.