Okay This is way overdue HOB bartenders rock! After a dozen years of spending a ton of money to stand around, thirsty endlessly at other venues like BELLYUP. After three great shows this month, I finally realized HOB Bartenders are there to SERVE You and get your drink in your hand and your money into the till. These Guys are eager, alert and happy to help you enjoy the show. It is always worth whatever it takes to get to HOB . The venue is just the right size, HOB have great acoustics and good flow and a staff that is there to help you enjoy the show. THANKSHOBSTAFF
M B.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Chula Vista, CA
Just to be clear — this review is for the restaurant Crossroads, and not the House of Blues itself. That being said: mook decided that what the meatloaf needed was LESS bacon? Are you serious? I finally had the dish for the first time since eyeing it for months, and loved it. I came back twice for it — only the second time I came back, apparently they had changed it to a bland, traditional version of the dish with inadequate spices and(most importantly) no bacon. Who’s idea was this, and was it intended to help your meatloaf sales? It’s really quite confusing. If I wanted a bland, uninspired dish, I’d go to Brian’s 24 — which is likely what I’ll do when I have a taste for this dish again.
Lance P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Oceanside, CA
You know those venues just the right size and intimate enough to permit magic? When the all of a sudden the lights go out and something beautiful happens and the entire crowd begins to ignite? The House of Blues is that mid-size venue just large enough to permit the magic of a crowd of strangers knit together in a moment of excitement and energy. I was at the House of Blues for a MUTEMATH concert filled with moments of brilliant joy and transcendence of time. At times the crowds’ hearts beat faster, lungs tightened, and the audience fully embraced the music. People came alive, singing and caught somewhere in between a waking dream of consciousness. It’s impossible to return to those precise moments but they stay with us a feeling we won’t forget. If you’re on the fence contemplating seeing a concert at the House of Blues, make the choice to go for it and embrace whatever takes place. Expect great.
Amanda S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Fort Worth, TX
I went to Crossroads a few weeks ago with my friends for a late dinner while visiting San Diego for a «girls weekend»! I started off with their delicious Voodoo Shrimp as my appetizer, the shrimp was perfectly cooked on top of cornbread with an incredible sauce. For an entrée I had the Smoked BBQ Bacon Burger that was absolutely delicious with the perfect balance of bacon, cheese, onions, jalapeños and of course BBQ sauce, I’d highly recommend it! The burger also came with fantastic french fries that totally completed my meal! Meanwhile there was a FREE live band playing, which created such an upbeat atmosphere that we decided to get the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake just as an excuse to stay a bit longer! In addition to the mouthwatering food, the Crossroads staff was extremely lively and accommodating, from food recommendations to directions, they never hesitated to help us. It’s also located inside of the legendary House of Blues which makes it impossible to miss! You definitely need to make this a go-to stop on your trip to Downtown!
Chad C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Carlsbad, CA
What an awesome place to see live music, my son had the pleasure of performing here on June 5th2016 with his band and a number of other young bands in a ticketed show. Security was present to make sure everything flowed smoothly. The bar was right next door with a number of quality local craft beers to choose from. This was such an incredible experience I highly recommend this venue to anyone who wants to see a great live performance !!! Five Stars !!!
Arianne A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
My husband and I were in the area and we came across Crossroads(HOB). A live band was playing at the time and a very friendly host greeted us at the gate, so we were sold! As vegetarians, we usually have a hard time when eating out because the vegetarian options aren’t so great. We ordered the portobello burger and the vegetable dip with pita bread, and it was amazing!!! We were amazed at how good the food was, especially the portobello burger(usually portobello burgers are quite soggy from the mushroom ‘juice’). This place is definitely a gem as the food, atmosphere, staff and the live band were all amazing! We will definitely come back!
Nguyen T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
Good tunes, acoustics, friendly service, and good creole style food… Even though it wasn’t busy on a Tuesday, my friend and I had a great time. Its a pretty large venue with 2 different stages, for a more cozy performance, like the blues music I caught tonight to bigger performers who take the back stage. I’ll be following their list of performers to catch another live show! They have high table tops and stools, plenty of seats at the bar and booths. The lighting is low, and sets a groovy ambience with interesting décor. It’s clean for a place that has a slightly grungy feel. Why the diversity of ratings? I’m guessing it depends on the night, the performers, and your expectations. Selection of Draft/craft beers not bad. Food is actually decent, some dishes overpriced compared to others. I had the voodoo shrimp, priced half off for May and my friend had gumbo. We both enjoyed it and the live music. It’s pretty casual, but cool vibe.
Kalvin P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Diego, CA
House Of Blues San Diego is actually a really cool venue. It’s big enough to host popular artists, which they regularly do, and is all GA so no seating unless you’re upstairs on in the lounge. They allow pitting here which is good for the rock shows. Drinks are overpriced, of course. I think a tall bud light is about $ 7 and it goes up from there. They have 3 bars throughout the concert side of the venue; One upstairs and two downstairs so it’s easy enough to get a drink. Staff is nice for the most part. Parking near the venue is very difficult. If you can, I’d suggest riding the trolley, since there’s a stop RIGHT outside the venue. If you’re driving, you’ll either have to pay a lot for the parking area, or drive around the block a few times and see if anything opens up. I’ve always had a great time coming to shows here. People are usually friendly and security won’t mess with you unless you’re being stupid. I can’t comment on the food here, as I’ve never ordered anything. Overall, it’s a great venue for a good concert and a fun night. Make sure you follow them on instagram and facebook, they give away free tickets to shows sometimes(I won free tickets to see Parkway Drive back in October 2015 I think).
Brandon I.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Jose, CA
Came here for a dinner a few weeks ago and it was great! I ordered the voodoo shrimp as an appetizer and the shrimp was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was amazing. For my entrée, I had the New York strip and I am very picky about my steak, and this restaurant, Crossroads, nailed my medium-rare perfectly. Also worth mentioning, the staff was extremely kind and helpful. Everybody was very accommodating and never hesitated to answer any questions about the menu. They also provided great food recommendations! I highly recommend Crossroads, which is located inside House of Blues(you can’t miss it!). The restaurant also boasts some of the best folk-art I have ever seen. They occasionally also have free live music which ranges from jazz to folk, which adds a great feel to the whole theme of the restaurant. Overall, this restaurant has great vibes, and music. Check it out!
Sahvanna E.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
I went to Crossroads about a month ago. I had some white wine and voodoo shrimp. There menu was like«home cookin’» but with their own flare. The«voodoo shrimp» is shrimp on top of corn bread. it’s awesome! I ordered the lobster mac n cheese and it was very good. Had tons of bread crumbs to top it off. But my favorite part was dessert. I had the adult root beer float and it was the best drink ever! I don’t like alcohol very much, but this was just like a real float! I highly recommend it. I am planning on taking my family here this coming weekend to celebrate my graduation and am looking forward to hearing more live music, shopping at the gear shop and chatting with their friendly staff.
Melissa S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Escondido, CA
The few times I’ve been here have been for a metal concert and I feel like each time I get closer and closer to the pit. The last time I was here was to see Amon Amarth, there was one person standing in front of me between me and the pit. My left arm was sore from holding it up so I wouldn’t get trampled. It was awesome. My bf and his friend had VIP tickets and got to go in before me, little did I know that the line was wrapped around ALL the way to the front of the HoB… once it started to rain a little they moved the line in a little faster. I’ve learned to keep my belongings to a minimum, do not bring a purse to a concert.(At least a metal one) I survived the pit, the one time my boyfriend dragged me into it. :P Pros of a metal concert: There is a never a line for the women’s restroom.
Janet P.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Rancho Santa Fe, CA
It’s changed over the years, casual, feet sticks to floor, shouldn’t have went too an all ages show, my lesson learned. $ 9.00 grilled cheesy. All in all, kinda low budget now, I think THEBLUES, has been lost in translation. PEACE
Kathy W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Diego, CA
This venue hosts several concerts, ranging from G eazy to Parachute. The acoustics, lighting, and stage ambience complement the performances well. Surprisingly, this place’s walls are lined with art pieces that have a classic Renaissance look which give it class. There’s a bar as well for concert attendees but I didn’t partake in their beverage options. There isn’t much parking but it’s downtown so there’s parking garages everywhere :)
Madelaine A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
I attended a concert. Where do I start? Entering the staff was very friendly. I enjoyed the vibe of this place. It’s so southern. I was hungry so I ordered their small plates which you can order at the bar. The bar staff was so friendly. I ordered garlic fries and the double cheeseburger. The food was amazing. It makes me want to try the restaurant next time. We also ordered a drink which was expensive… but I realized I am in downtown. I do wish they had areas where you can eat and watch. Like tall small tables. I like how there were TVs around so you couldn’t really miss anything. After done eating we went closer to the stage. It was loud but a good sound. Later on their was a drunk person starting a fight and surprised the staffed handle it well. I usually see security making the situations worst. Overall, I enjoyed my time here and can’t wait to come back! I’m so glad there is a place in SD that can appreciate live music!
Pandora H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Silverdale, WA
House of Blues is a must when you’re downtown San Diego! The food is good & the service phenomenal!!! My BF ordered the shrimp po boy and it was busting at the seams with pump juicy shrimp… delicious! I ordered the Fish of the Day which was Mahi Mahi grilled just the way I like it with some veggies and mashed taters… I’m wishing right now that I had leftovers so I could eat it for a morning snack. Let’s talk service… our waitress Bethany was amazing. She was really nice, gave us great menu suggestions, and made sure our glasses were always full. I’d say of all the service thus far on our trip, she’d be the best server… I’d ask to be sat in her table section!!! Our next visit to SD, we’ll definitely be back to see her. Entertainment was karaōke! I totally expect for my ears to start bleeding but was pleasantly surprised by the fabulous singers they had on stage. Fun atmosphere, great food, and fabulous service!!!
Maridel A.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Hillcrest, San Diego, CA
perfect for concerts and shows but daaammmnnn… daniel… can they renovate this place? nothing has changed since the Block party days in my early twenties(2years ago) LOL jk like 10+years ago. Anyway came here to watch Tinashe and she was an amazing performer but definitely deserved a better updated venue. My friend and i watched from the 2nd floor and ½ the time i was hoping the 2nd floor doesnt collapse — ok I’m exaggerating but a little fixer upper would be nice.
Josie S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Escondido, San Diego, CA
My husband and I came here to see his favorite band Amon Amarth! The staff was super helpful especially a gal that was security! My husband bought a beer at the restaurant bar when we realized my band that I wanted to see was on! So we rushed over and she let him in with his beer in a plastic cup of course! The bartenders were fast, the drinks were expensive. It got super hot after awhile but that’s a usual for a venue. Overall it was a good concert venue experience!
Ramona G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
I love this concert venue! I came here last night for the Tinashe concert with fellow elite Maridel A. I have never seen a concert at House of Blues before but I’ve eaten at the HOB in Downtown Disney. I remember first hearing about House of Blues in that teeny bopper movie«Freaky Friday» with Lindsay Lohan! HAHAWHOREMEMBERSTHATMOVIE?! The tickets said that doors open at 7pm I called in and they said that an opening act usually comes on an hour after doors open and the main act comes on 2 hours after doors. So don’t worry if you think you’re running late for a concert! I arrived around 7:40pm and there was no line outside at all. Their security line went by fast! Their security guards were super nice too! I’m shocked! LOL Since there was no line I was waiting for my friend to come outside and the security guard suggested he check me in already so I can just go in when she comes! So nice! Also, I love how the place isn’t crowded! There’s room to move and dance so it won’t get too hot. They have a bar on the top floor and it wasn’t crowded either! The prices weren’t bad from their menu most drinks were around $ 7 – 8 which is reasonable! House of Blues isn’t that big but I like that about it! It’s for more intimate crowds! Parking: There are several garages around but I was lucky enough to snag a spot on the street a block away! TIP: To get a good view stay on the top floor and there’s a ledge near the bar where you have a PERFECT view of the stage and ladies you can also put your drinks and purses on the ledge! It was great because I was wearing super high heels so I was leaning on the ledge for support and my feet didn’t bother me the whole night! Downstairs near the main stage is crowded and the stage is high up so if you plan on watching from down in the main pit I highly suggest wear platform shoes because everyone is tall plus the stage is elevated and you won’t be able to see anything! I’d love to come back for another concert and to try their gospel brunch!
Jacob D.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Temecula, CA
The Crossroads restaurant was dimly lit, a bit dirty, a little run down, but sported a fun blues bar and venue. The food was good but wasn’t quite worth the price for just bar food. Chloe our server was very kind and good about getting our food out to us early. The restaurant was empty at 6:00pm on a Thursday, but really doesn’t pick up till after 8pm. Ben, the manager was present and working alongside his staff. He came and thanked us for stoping by. The bathrooms were clean and even«smelled good», according to my brother. If your looking for weekend drinks, a good date & good music then this is the place for you. Not the best night bar in downtown but worth a visit if your a live music fan.
Paulo R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Camp Pendleton North, CA
The place is good. If you are going there to see a concert of a favorite band that happens to play there, Go! it feels good to see some bands in smaller venues like this one. It makes the experience more personal and satisfying. Expect high prices but if you are a seasoned veteran of going to concerts, or other public attractions then you know how it is. The place is pretty spacious and nicely decorated the sound of the music travels well, so you will get a quality experience. Parking is hard to find. But that is just San Diego. I have been there numerous times and I am still happy and will go again. If you read many of the lower ratings it’s really first world issues of over privileged middle class whiners. People just expect to have everything handed to them on a silver platter and if they do not get what they want or it is not perfect then they berate the establishment. Anyways that’s why I read the low rating reviews and 90% of the time they amuse me specially from the so called«elite». But anyway just go and try it! ENJOY and don’t judge it by what others say.
Rob P.
Rating des Ortes: 2 San Diego, CA
This House of Blues kinda sucks. I’m from San Diego, so I hate to say that. But I was here two nights in a row and didn’t have the best experiences. The first night I had a few beers in the main restaurant space, and my bartender Eric pretty much sucked. He gave me pretty poor customer service, wasn’t paying attention, and got my order wrong. I almost gave him $ 0 tip, but I just couldn’t do it. Came back the next time to see a concert, and my friends in the band says this is the worst sounding House of Blues in the nation. I believe ‘em. The vibe wasn’t there, either. Not sure if this is a usual thing at HoB-SD, but the crowd was just lame. Overall, I’d rather see a show at an indie hall in another town.
Lesley M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 La Mesa, CA
I can’t recall how many shows I’ve seen here, but this venue is solidly average. The sound quality is not too bad for a small venue, but overall this place could use an update. I actually tried the food for the first time ever. We ordered an appetizer, that was all that was available upstairs. Either we were just really hungry, or it was pretty good. We got the sliders with fries. The service at the bar was friendly. We ordered a few drinks there and they were made well. Pricing on some of the craft beer was a little odd and I didn’t like the menus for the beer. My issue with HOB is security. Mainly where is the security? Last week was the first time I’ve paid to see a show there. Ok, so in the past I’ve had passes. Maybe that was why they never searched me or my purse? I was with the band and they figured I was ok. Last week they still weren’t doing any searches. They said they said they were doing bag searches inside though. Hmm. I walked in and a female security guard just waved me and my bag right though. This was an all ages show. I saw a child younger than my son there. I don’t think HOB’s security is too great. I’ve seen way tighter security in county buildings. But it’s comforting to know that HOB’s security is top notch when it comes to congregating at the door and socializing. Two thumbs up.