Humphreys Backstage Live

Great music, incredible view and the best bar tender in SD, Kevin Livingstone keeps it lively behind the bar.

Awesome club with live music. I attended a pre-​Halloween event with my sweetie. The dance floor is pretty small as the floor gets very crowded on Friday and Saturday evenings. It’s an older crowd, moderate drink prices and very friendly staff.
I accidently spilled a drink that I just purchased at the bar. I immediately returned to the bar to order one more informing the bartander what just happened. He informed that if I returned the empty glass, he will get me a replacement drink at no charge. He also sent the waitress right over to clean up my spill. Very friendly and I will most definitely return!

First time there last night. I’m a bit torn between 4 and 5 stars because I had so much fun, so my emotional side wants to be generous. But let’s be technical here.
Went there for a 80’s cover band and got there around 8 so I had no problems finding street parking. Place was still empty-​ish so I got to choose a nice table next to the windows. Very cramped space, people were literally walking over me. I don’t understand why paying $ 12 to get in. I mean, it’s not a club, it’s a restaurant/​bar with music! But since I’m a live music fan I don’t mind it.
Service was good, the girl was taking over an entire side of the venue by herself but she managed well. Wine and beer ok priced ($ 7 for a glass of wine) but the wines were horrendous. I had to switch between varieties in hopes of finding one that didn’t taste like it’s been sitting there for three years. For food I ordered the tuna tataki and for $ 12 I think I deserved a bit more. There were literally 4 pieces of fish on the plate. The «arugula salad» means two leaves and the «crispy wontons» means one small cracker. No wonder why they write «bistro style». It’s just a bite, so be aware of that. I was disappointed. Lesson learned. Eat somewhere else and come for the music.
So for food and drinks I wasn’t blown away at all.
Restrooms are clean, staff overall decent. Good view. Sound quality was ok. The band played from 9pm to 1:00am which absolutely made my night. I mean, I like music and I love to dance so there you go, I had it! The crowd for that night was more like «50’s babies» rather than «80’s babies (like me and like I was expecting considering other 80’s nights I’ve been to) but guess the venue can’t control that. It didn’t bother me. Some older people got more moves and have more fun than some stuck up 30 year olds so I actually enjoyed the mixed crowd.
I am just happy I «found» this place because live music is my thing. Will definitely go back to check out other bands.

Be careful which night you go.
During concert season, the bands start late and the parking is hard to come by, and if you’re not very careful where you park, the ticket is $ 50. Also, the best items on the menu, such as their calamari and chicken lettuce wraps, are not available on concert nights.
Most importantly, check the band. If the band says «R&B», it’s not, it’s probably dated 70’s funk, badly played, and the audience will be rude. Go on blues nights. Michelle Lundeen, Missy Anderson, Mercedes Moore, fantastic local talent.
Sit close to the docks in the corner nearest the stage for Laura, the sweetest and most attentive of the waitresses. It’s also a good vantage point to watch DJ tossing his dance partners up in the air.
Dance floor took a big step down in the last remodel — no more wood floor, no railings, tables covering nearly a third of the space, and they aren’t keeping up with polishing the cement. But it’s still one of the best places to dance in town.
They’ve also started charging a cover 7 nights a week, normally $ 5 but on some nights as high as $ 12, and the night before a holiday they gouge their customers for $ 25. At their drink prices, they may want to consider how much the locals are really willing to spend.

Very cool LOCAL spot. Several bands I know play here from time to time. Full bar & a few local brews on tap. Expect excellent appetizers at this place. Happy hr is popular with many of the locals. Know that the noise level with bands can make it hard to talk to anyone at your table when certain bands play. A tip you might want to know is they have a balcony that looks over the docks. Step out with your drink if you want a break or different vibe.

I will no longer spend any more of my dollars at this venue. Your management and staff tonight was rude and liars. I have been very supportive of this venue, purchasing food even after you screwed up my dishes, bought drinks and supported your musicians. I won’t get into details of tonight’s event because there is way to much to explain but note that I will no longer market you as I have done in the past, I will continue to support the musicians that I love in other locations. I’m sure you won’t miss me and I won’t miss you either but at the same time I will never market you as a place someone should visit. Total a NO STAR!

I’ve only been to one ticketed performance in the Backstage Lounge & thought it was a great venue. A friend & I saw the Harry Connick Jr. Quartet perform in 2002 back when a ticket was only $ 30. We sat a table’s length away from HCJ’s grand piano & our table seats had full wait-​service for food & drinks.
The show was an intimate, private performance with about 100-​people seated in the lounge. After his performance, HCJ also signed autographs for a number of fans who sat along the stage — my friend & I, included.
I’m docking a star bc it looks like Harry Connick Jr. was a one-​time billing & there hasn’t been a similar performance in over a decade. Obviously, HCJ can sell out a concert hall, so I’m thankful for the experience. But it would be nice to see Humphrey’s offer quality lounge acts that didn’t break the bank. All the other Humphrey’s concerts I’ve been to were at Humphrey’s by the Bay — which is also an intimate venue. But unfortunately, ticket prices have soared for the first four rows of seating with a mandatory dinner/​hotel «VIP package» to cushion the cost ($ 300+/seat).

I used to like the place a lot more before some of the changes. If you pick the bands carefully and you go with a fun crowd you will probably be okay. There have been some nights when I have been there when there has been almost nobody and for a dancing place that is not good. On Firday afternoons during happy hour the place does get very crowded though.

Steffan is my fav. We have come in here for lots of occasions but today was the best ever. Stelitta was singing and Steffan made is extra awesime. He works on Mon and Tues too, so I’ll be back soon so I can laugh a whole lot more!!!

Went with some friends a couple weeks ago.
Remember that dude from Gangnam Style? I think he’s singing in this place in Friday nights. At least it looked like a slimmed down version of him. I wouldn’t really call what he was doing ‘singing’ though, since there were so many FXs on his voice he could have been Ethel Merman and no one would know.
Two other girls sang with him. They were hot to look at but couldn’t hear them. Three guys in a «band» to back him up. The guy on the drums was the only one actually playing anything. The other two guys seemed to just be punching in sequenced tracks. Trumpets, Saxophones, guitars all sat in racks on the stage but no one ever played them.
And of course the music was THIS F***ING LOUD!
All of this for a $ 12 cover charge?
However, if you’re looking to hook up with the over-​60 crowd, then this might be the place for you to go.

GREAT MUSIC, GREAT FOOD, GREAT PLACE!
I have been to Humphrey’s a few times and each time I love it more. I went a few weeks ago and sat in with Gail Jhonson and her band. They were FANTASTIC! Had the crowd dancing all night and the place was almost full even on a cold rainy night.
The food was very reasonable and the Quesadillas were amazing. The staff was top notch as well and the host, DJ John Phillips, was great as well. Very friendly crowd and the love their music. Parking was decent too and it’s right on the water too. Sunday’s are awesome.
Give Humphrey’s a try next time you are in San Diego and tell them I sent you. :)

On the 17^th of January we went to Humphreys backstage lounge the advertisement stated 25.00 cover at 4pm we got there early at 3pm to get a seat and a bite to eat and that we did until management informed us that at 4pm they are going make everyone leave and pay 25.00 to come back in because it’s a special event. Granted we got there early and we were already patronizing as well as we had already bought 50.00 plus in food as well as drinks, we spoke with one manager agreed that we should not have to pay the cover but when the head manager came he said we have to pay or his bouncers will kick us out. We have been patronizing this lounge over 20 years so we did not allow Humphreys management manipulate us with this unlawful practice so we left now we are posting this to every social media because this not legal shame on this establishment as well as their tacky management!!!

I frequent Humphrey’s Backstage on Monday nights for the wonderful blues music. I have always found Brooke and the waitresses to be friendly and attentive even when there are a lot of people.
The bartender, Kevin, provides the best bar service that I have ever encountered. The service is instant and he goes out of his way to remember people’s name and their preferred drink. He will also be attentive to special food requests.
The employees make this venue one of the best in San Diego.
Trish C.

Happy Hour is 5 – 7. Four beers, four appetizers for a bit over $ 40. Even took a tiny bit home for later! Great deal. The marina and peninsula view… ahhhhh! Chicken lettuce wraps, shrimp with grits… totally YUM. Chicken quesadilla and Caesar salad good. Been before and liked it equally as well. Band was just setting up as we left. GO!!!

Humphrey’s has a great opportunity here that is missed.
You get visitors from near and from coming for a bite before the concert.
What do you offer them? A very ordinary burger, a salad, and small bites.
Nothing stands out like you want to try it again. You just want to eat before the only option is popcorn at Humphrey’s. Gosh I’d love some guy with a food truck to hang out across the street before concerts at Humphreys! Can we make that Happen Port of San Diego? Contract me I have GREAT ideas that would make for win-​win-​win.
Back to Humphrey’s — I get it — do what is safe. Unfortunately — you leave people with a less than wowed experience. Also — it would be great if every time I order a draft beer it wasn’t so full that it spills on my shoes and bag when making it’s way to the table.
Thanks.

The view is great. The live music is wonderful and the food is pretty good. I came here with my boyfriend during our stay at Shelter Island and we decided to come here to grab a drink. As soon as we walked in, there was a live band getting ready to perform. We also noticed that most of the people in the restaurant were at least 40 years and above. The ambiance was great and we enjoyed watching the couples dance. Overall, it was good but the service was slow because it seemed like there was only one waitress working. I wouldn’t recommend young adults to come here but for the experience then why not right???

Four stars under very specific circumstances. A good rock and dance cover band started at 7pm. Arrived at 6:30…no cover and able to enjoy several happy hour beverages. Dance floor full of older (50plus) fun loving folks… fun to watch.
Normally the place hits u with a $ 12 cover and stiff drink prices… but on Wednesday 4÷2÷14 @6:30 its pretty fun.

I came for a friends cd release party. Trying to figure out why they charge to get in. Had the Ginger– Soy chicken lemon wrap. Glad I did not pay for it. Happy hour price or regular price, not worth the cost.

My friend and I came here for happy hour and really enjoyed the quaint and cozy place with a wonderful bay front view! We didn’t stay for the live music but we caught the front end of it and it was quite enjoyable. The service is friendly. We had two different servers come by to check on us. The food was okay but for the price it was pretty good! On another note, it was really cute seeing these old couples dance happily to the live music.
Notes:
1. Happy hour gets cancelled based on performances. Check the website calendar before you plan on going.
2. If you plan on staying for only happy hour, you can park in the parking lot for free as long as you agree to leave after happy hour.
3. Parking can be a pain. I’m not sure where you would park other than paying the parking lot fee there.
Burger: A medium burger that was pretty good with melted Havarti, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, pickle slice, and crisp red onion served with crisp fries. The burger and fries was well worth the price.
Hummus plate: Tasty hummus served with chopped olives, chipped cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and a red sauce. A fun finger food plate with fresh tasting options!
Grilled shrimp with coleslaw: Tasty well-​cooked grill shrimp with a tasty green sauce with a side of coleslaw with shredded cabbage, green onion, onion, tomatoes, and minced cilantro. A tasty dish!
Overall, the music is wonderful, the service is friendly, the food is well worth the price, and the view is really nice! I’ll definitely be back here again for happy hour and live music!

Happy Hour everyday from 5pm — 7pm.
50% off selected food and drinks.
Check out the events page for upcoming entertainment —
Some great bands entertain here but not the largest dance floor. Nonetheless always a fun time.
Come early so you can have a seat — $ 12 cover after 7pm.