Tim Mays, Bob Bennett and Peter English opened the Casbah in 1989 at 2812 Kettner Boulevard, a room holding 75 people, and moved in 1994 to the present site a short way south, which takes a little over 200. Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins played the original venue, as did the San Diego bands Rocket from the Crypt and Three Mile Pilot. It remains independently owned and books indie, punk, alternative and touring acts most nights of the week, with an adjoining lounge and an outdoor patio. Most shows are restricted to over-21s. The building sits beneath the approach to San Diego International Airport, so aircraft noise is part of the experience. Little Italy lies a few minutes south along Kettner Boulevard.
Plan your visit to San Diego