Ruby Room

They’re closed!!! Hiw sad. I loved this place. :(

I always a good time here. The stage is perfect for hosting small shows! I love that they still have the pool tables in the same place as they did when it was the San Diego Sports Club.
What I love most is the amazing beer on draft selections! They showcase local breweries, which is awesome. When it is available, the Coronado Coffee Stout is a divine and highly recommended choice.

Looking for a cheap dive bar to hang out at in Hillcrest?
From the outside, it doesn’t seem as much. The outside wall of the Ruby Room has a whimsical drawing of the «Wizard of Oz» characters, which drew me in. As I entered, a nice hospitable male bartender waved hi at my friend and I. The place was a bit dark, but it makes sense with the name of the bar, right?
It was about 5 p.m. and my friend and I had apparently walked in for happy hour :)
She decided to order a $ 3 well of whiskey while I ordered a long island iced tea that came out to approximately $ 5. One thing I love about drinking in Hillcrest is that bartenders are very friendly with the amount of alcohol they pour. I swear, the bartender filled my drink with ¾ of alcohol. So after this drink, I was good. My friend was good and we had a good time.
Next time, I am looking for a good happy hour and somewhere chill to have a conversation this will be the spot.

Ruby Room
SD: Hillcrest
10pm Tuesday 13^th March 2013
Four Stars
Hipster to the Extreme. Including a N64 and the band Planet Booty. The music was loud. The people were fun. I danced my face off.

It s 8:30 Friday morning. I jump out of bed to wash the raccoon mascara and eyeliner off my eyes and cheeks, get dressed at dangerous speeds for my throbbing head, quickly fix my hair with my fingers, kiss my sleepy dude goodbye and run out the door.
Fast forward, I am at a local university running up the hill to find the building where I have this thing at. I briefly stop to catch my breath and admire San Diego from the top of the hill in all its gloriousness. Ah.
Keep running, greet, find my name on a set of badges. My eyes beam when I see a table filled with bagels, fresh fruit, pastries and cafecito. I help my hungover self to a generous amount of everything (I have no shame).
I find a seat by a few familiar faces and meet a board member of the place I am eployed at. I extend my right hand and I am mortified when I spot a big «MAZEL TOV» imprinted in my right wrist.
I am reminded of the series of the previous night s events.
FLASHBACK!
Beers, dinner, and birthday cupcakes at Small Bar. Friend s friend says, «Come to Alibi.» We meet him at Alibi and head west and into Ruby Room. Bouncer was a total sweetheart, stamed our wrists MAZEL TOV! and we venture in. I say «I have this conference thing at 9 tomorrow so I should take it easy and not get that whiskey and a Pabst special.» Bartender says, «Hi all what can I get you?» «Shot of whiskey and Pabst» «Me too», oh fucken peer pressure, «Me 3.» The contrast of the whiskey of unkown brand (Was I trippin or was it Wild Turkey?) to the fizzy almost San Pellegrino sparkling water taste of Pabst.
In the fucked up language of my generation: YOLO.
We make our way to the back where the stage is and there is a man rockin it on the mic and another man on the 1s and 2s. My friends play 2 games of pool and everyone is just good vibes and chill. Ruby Room totally made that hangover worth it, because for $ 5 you get a shot and a Pabst, which is a broke Claudzilla s yin and yang hot, rich, and bold chased down with cold, flavorless and fizzy. Good times all around!
The music never disappoints and the art on the walls makes me feel right at home.
MAZEL TOV!

Hello, my name is Brad B and I and a new fan of Ruby Room.
After years of catching shows here because they were close to home they have finally got this place to the point of me liking it and not just tolerating it. Why? It’s simple really. They knocked down that stupid wall which opened up the room and jazzed up the stage a bit. It’s a real legit club now that I would recommend band from out of town to play if they can’t get a gig at the Casbah. The sound is good and whoever is running the board knows what they are doing. Kudos, Ruby Room.
On the bar side of things they had me at $ 5.00 Moscow Mules. They weren’t the best mule that I have ever had but hey, they were $ 5.00. Can’t beat that!
Parking still sucks but that is no reflection on Ruby Room and is common for the neighborhood. Just be prepared to walk a few blocks and you’ll be just fine. Grab a bite before rolling in because I don’t think that food is an option anymore unless you want to grab the dirty snacks in glasses sitting on the bar.
Three years ago I probably would have given this place two stars, last year it may have hit three but with where it stands now they are a solid four.

Been here/​played here a bunch.
Always admired the wood work lining most of the walls.
They have done some recent remodeling that opens up the main room. So much better now!
Cheap drinks and always some interesting characters on both sides of the bar.
Bar tenders are awesome and the sound guys is good and super easy to work with.

Strolled in here one night after a birthday dinner. Dancefloor was empty, music reminded me of my trance days twirling glow sticks and all! haha
Bathroom was the scariest I’ve EVER been in and I’ve been reviewing bathrooms since I was 9! The puke in the sink didn’t help either.
The topper was the bartender (who was very nice) but was self conscious of his own recommended cocktail. He was so insecure about it that he even asked if he could taste it AFTER serving it to us. haha Classic! But he was too nice to knock him for that… besides he offered the next round at ½ off since he didn’t fill one of the glasses fully.

Friends and I checked out the Ruby Room during a mini-​tour of Hillcrest. We were looking for some hot-​spots outside the confines of our Gaslamp located lodging. We definitely found it out this way!
The night we happened up on the Ruby Room, there were a few death metal bands performing. Hmmm, death metal and me? They don’t mix well, seeing that I like my hearing. But we tried it out anyway, especially since we did some finagling on the cover charges. (I can’t pass up a good deal!)
Inside, its dark, divey and dingy… I’ll take it! I love a good dive. Drinks were strong, the bar was crowded. The bar area actually seemed more crowded than the room where the show was actually taking place. They have a decent size dance floor/​mosh pit space — but it seems like it could fill up fast depending on the show. It seemed to fill up with «angry» smelly boys real fast as the show went on.
My only beef with the place… the girls single-​only bathroom is right by the stage — literally, right next to it, by the speakers. It gets really loud by the speakers, especially during a death metal show. It really sucks standing outside of the bathroom by really loud speakers, covering your ears, waiting to take a pee.
Otherwise, I would definitely return if I’m in town again, probably not for a death metal show but that because of my personal preference, and for the sake of my hearing.

Bachelor (ette) Evening of Befuddlement Stop #3
We ended up at Ruby Room after a sumptuous dinner nearby at R Gang, a failed experiment at Rich’s, and many many drinks between the lot of about sixteen people. So it was with an already booze-​soaked brain that I ignored the sketchy man with the thin handlebar moustache, dropped a $ 20 for half our party’s cover*, and walked into this dingy, dirty den of debauchery.
I pretty much knew that we were home upon seeing Halo on the old-​school pre-​plasma/​LCD TV, the two not-​so-​janky coin operated pool tables, a handful of arcade fighting games, and an extremely eclectic crowd watching the live electronica performance on stage. I mean… how often does that confluence of elements exist in one space?
Throw in a guy deeply absorbed on his computer rendering creepy 3D simulated models of bar patrons for an affordable $ 5 ($ 20 if you want a print) and diminutive lesbians making out whilst a low-​key hen/​stag do is going on simultaneously?
Though we came for the cheap drinks, I can’t say that I found the prices on shots and cocktails to be jaw-​dropping. Reasonable, sure. Affordable, not so much. Still, the bartenders were friendly and at least one knew how to pour chocolate cake shots. $ 100 was plenty to ensure that both bride, groom, and man of honour were well-​saturated with ethanol, and that the morning after would be memorable.
—
* The (unconvincing) bouncer offered us a ‘deal’ for ‘just’ $ 5 a head to get in. I informed him that we were fourteen with two joining us later. Total cost: $ 40. At 16 people, I’m a bit unclear on how he worked the maths out. At least I’m glad it went in our favour!

I have been to the Ruby Room a couple of times for various local music events. The beer prices are pretty fair, and there is always a fun vibe and interesting people around. I would classify it closer to a bar-​music venue than anything. Very casual etc.
The bathroom situation is kind of crappy (1 single womens, 1 single co-​ed, and a mens room [unknown stall capacity]), and it was pretty nasty when I used it, but as to be expected and not really the bar’s fault.
I“m sure the crowds vary depending on who is playing, but generally speaking, it seemed like a fairly young, semi-​rowdy crowd.
I would recommend only if you’re going to see someone/​friends etc.

2.25.12: Great place for a band to play. The bartenders were cool, and the pricing was awesome!
Free Pac Man game everything else you have to pay.
Check it out!

It’s a pretty perfect bar. Largish space, tucked away from the street. I like that it is the Ruby Room. It’s gritty, and down to earth. It can be harsh, it can be mean. But such is life — it’s not all sunshine and roses.
I like shooting pool here, but by far my favorite is the punching game. Also — FREE Ms. Pac Man. That’s right! FREE.
I want to lobby the management to make the street fighter and mortal combat free. Then I can sin all I want because heaven is here on earth at the Ruby Room.

I’ve been to Ruby Room a few times now, but my last experience has been the best. Previously they had really loud crappy music and an overly crowded bar area making it hard to wet my whistle. It’ probably because I went during their dollar happy hour, but I have no problem paying a little more for a little less competition to order a drink so I popped in a little later this time around.
The low prices and live music usually draw a bit of a crowd, but the other day it wasn’t slam packed so I was able to get a beer quickly and play the free video games at the end of the bar. They have both N 64 and regular Nintendo so it’s an awesome way to relive some of my childhood favorites while sucking back a few alcoholic bevs. The band wasn’t that bad this go-​around either and was also kept at a decent volume to the point where I could enjoy it, but still hold a conversation.
I definitely think how you rank Ruby Room depends on the night you go, but if you find the right night for your mood I think they’ve got a lot going for them.

I came in on a Monday afternoon and their happy hour at the time was $ 3 PBR or wells. I asked for sweet tea vodka, but that didnt fall into the $ 3 category… actually this drink was $ 6. So I went with the PBR instead.
Wasn’t a fan of the PBR. In fact, I couldnt even finish it. I felt bad, and confessed to the bar lady, that I couldnt finish it. She was cool about it.
But what’s cool about this place was that they had some Nintendo 64 action. Wow… I was actually playing Mario Kart 64. Cool stuff. And that’s the best time too… playing video games while drunk. Hey… at least Im not really driving while drinking.
This place is cool. It’s kinda between and behind two buildings. But you won’t miss it. Very chill, another lounge area in the back, and had a live dj music going on. Plenty of beer selection, besides the PBR. The bathroom is semi-​clean, yet semi-​disturbing. And not disturbing like gross disturbing, but they had some cool, yet gothic murals on the walls. Cool stuff actually. Wasn’t like super scary or anything. You may want to avoid having your kid piss in this place to prevent any unnecessary trauma and nightmares from looking at the murals. I even took a few pics for a visual representation. Check em out.
Besides the N64, they have a photo booth, a self-​serve water cooler, ATM, dartboard, and a juke box. They also have a Pac-​Man video game and couple of other vintage arcade games. Bottom line… yah cool place to hang out and play video games and/​or listen to some cool music.

I had a blast here!
I friend of mine’s band was playing here so I rounded up the troops and made our trek up the hill. And umm you’d have to be a prude or something not to have a blast with $ 3 tallboy PBR’s and an optional $ 1 (huge) shot of whiskey add on. This lush right here said bring it to that combo!
Nice spacious place. Unpretentious people. Great live art.
I would like to come back an try the restaurant in front.

***This review (and rating) is for their Thursday Night Happy Hour***
ENTER: Thursday evening ~7:15.
Not too crowded… screamo music playing rather loud and rather screamo-​ish to the max. :-/​Grungy. Random décor that looks like a hodgepodge of garage sale collectibles. Skeptical Unilocalers discuss presented situation. Drink from a plastic cup? what are we, 20 yr olds at a college frat party? Eh… might just buy regular drinks (I assumed plastic cup choices would be of the bud light variety).
WAIT.
pay $ 1 for ANYTHING on tap from 7−8pm — and all things on tap are not of the bud light variety???
Ok Ruby Room you have reeled me in. I will drink from your plastic cups. I mean, what a great opportunity to have a sampling of a handful of interesting beer choices and, no doubt, spend less than what ONE regular drink + tip usually costs by the time you bounce. I’ve never seen anything like it.
It definitely builds up to being crazy busy during this one hour period. Around 7:45 people frantically mob the bar counter to try to get a few last minute cheapies as though their lives depend on it. But surprisingly, the bartenders keep their cool and are still really chill and friendly (shout out to Mason, that dude rocks).
Might I suggest trying the Prankster (Belgian Golden Ale). I liked it a lot. And a good finisher as a sort of «dessert beer» is the Sea Dog (Blueberry Ale). But really… try ‘em all for a one dalla holla. shoo’.
They have a $ 10 min for credit cards that is pretty impossible to achieve if you are just taking advantage of the $ 1 beer hour… so good to carry a bit of cash for that situation. I think everyone ended up paying cash on their tabs in our group. I mean isn’t that crazy? Having a d i f f i c u l t time getting to a $ 10 minimum at a bar?
I’m a huge fan of such a crazy notion. indeed.

Our hero had the pleasure of plowing through their «hour of power» this Thursday, where all drafts were $ 1. Slick deal? Definitely, even if they’re poured into plastic 10 oz cups, considering they had Deschutes black butte porter, Pranqster, and hemp ale on tap. There’s definitely a decent beer selection here, and not to mention PBR tall boys for the hipsters.
Ruby Room has lot of space, a stage, a cute photo booth, pool tables, and porno photo hunt. All those make for a pretty good venue, which is staffed by an adequate amount of bartenders such that our hero barely had to wait for a drink.
The best part was when the hour of power ended at 8 PM, the manager walked into the bar and announced that the $ 1 drafts hour of power had been extended by another hour to 9 PM. Awww yeahhhhh…
PROS:
— Porno photo hunt.
— Good selection of drafts on tap.
— $ 2 wells during happy hour 6 – 9 PM
CONS:
— The washrooms are pretty filthy.
— A certain hipsteresque air about the place.

The Ruby Room is totally rad!
I hadn’t stepped into this establishment in a looooong time. The last time I was here, it was still the San Diego Sports Club, a somewhat sketchy dive of a place that had zero appeal to me. It was mostly populated by the folks who start drinking at 11am and don’t leave until closing time. These days, the (former) SD Sports Club has been taken over by new owners and management, gotten a not-​too-​extreme makeover, and has taken on an arty/​hipster vibe.
After receiving an oh-​so-​generous invitation from Briar G., the two of us dropped by here on Thursday night for drinks and socializing with a Star Trek theme, in honor of the opening of the new movie. I was afraid that everyone there would be decked out in full Trek garb, and that I would be the odd man out in my t-​shirt and jeans. But you have to realize that I’m not a hardcore Trekkie; I have never been to a Star Trek convention, nor do I own any Trek costumes or memorabilia. Luckily most of the people in the bar missed the memo that it was Trek night, so I didn’t feel too awkward.
In tune with the theme of the evening, I had the special «Phaser» cocktail. It was tasty but super-​sweet, vaguely like a Jolly Rancher. It wasn’t entirely clear to me how this cocktail was meant to evoke «the final frontier», but I wasn’t going to complain about it. I suppose the turquoise blue color kind of reminds me of the Enterprise’s engines.
And speaking of drinks, it’s also worth mentioning that the bartenders here are totally awesome guys — I feel like a doofus for not being able to remember their names!
Just so you know, Star Trek isn’t the only reason to visit Ruby Room — let’s talk about the art!
It just so happens that the Trek event coincided with Ruby Room’s Thursday art event. I really enjoyed seeing all kinds of fun avantgarde painting strewn all over the place. There was also a dude who spent the evening working on a funky portrait; when I arrived, he was just outlining it in pencil, and when I left, he was well on his way toward a finished product. Nice work!
I’d also like to mention the fun and retro décor that they have going on here. The leather (naugahyde?) couch up on the «balcony» overlooking the bar is cozy, despite the rips and and fraying. The photo booth is a nice touch too. There is also a stage and dance floor secluded from the main bar, but it was entirely empty while I was there. I suppose that’s a good thing; does anybody really need to see a Seven-​of-​Nine lookalike trying to boogie down in her unitard?
All in all, it was an entertaining and hilarious (albeit nerdy) evening at the Ruby Room. So what’s the final word about this bar? May it live long and prosper.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer – but Ruby Room isn’t THAT much different than it’s predecessor, San Diego Sports Club. I kept hearing things like:
«You won’t believe how different it is.»
«It’s SO much better than before.»
«This is going to be my new favorite bar!»
Um, OK.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I disliked the place, but you can’t just add a boxing arcade machine, throw in some local taps and call it a revolution. It’s simply under new ownership and they have a different moniker – that’s pretty much it. Perhaps I was expecting more? The inflated hype I was hearing prior to the grand opening had me thinking Ruby Room was the second coming.
They’re doing some great things with programming and entertainment, which will be a welcome addition to Hillcrest. There wasn’t a musician within 50 miles of San Diego that respected that fat guido who ran the place before, so I have a feeling Ruby Room can really bring in some quality acts. On the grand opening night, Grand Olé Party headlined with Edgartronic on the decks. It was a FUN time!
I do believe they need to figure out their game plan behind the bar, though. It was sloooooooooooow trying to get a drink up in that joint. Hell hath no fury like a booze drinker scorned. They gotta pick up the pace, or people are gonna start freaking out.
Overall, they’re doing good things over there at Ruby Room… but don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining. I look forward to seeing how they develop and grow, because it’s definitely not too late to really blow people away with a truly different version of SDSC.