Today, it seems as if most of San Diego is filled with over-populated trendy bars everyone knows of. Most of the bars are either in the Gaslamp Quarter or near the beach; for the most part, they attract a select group of people.
Deep in the heart of Normal Heights, however, lies an unassuming hot spot guaranteed to please just about anyone. This secret treasure is known as Air Conditioned, which can be identified by its sole marking: a laser blue sign that reads "air conditioned." On the outside it appears to be a vacant office building housing nothing but dusty windows and cobwebs. On the inside, however, it's soaked in retro and decorated in a taste reminiscent of Argentina circa the swingin' 1920s.
It's quite intoxicating just to enter the bar, as the decorative art is stylish, classy and colorful. On one wall, a series of James Bond films can be found framed and it's almost as if Sean Connery and Roger Moore are inviting you to drink up and savor life. The bar top is underlit with an invigorating glow that seems to make the cocktails a bit more exotic. On one end of the bar, there's an exclusive room for patrons with wild spending habits, who are required to spend a minimum purchase of two bottles at $100 a pop just to enter.
Another cozy spot can be found in the back of the lounge. It features comfy fur couches, upholstered in midnight black and pearl white, which make one feel like he's in a 1920s film set. If you find yourself getting tired and need a quick power nap, mini-beds can be found next to the DJ booth. On some nights, classic films such as Barbarella or Scarface are playing on the ceiling, accompanying the sounds of the DJ and entertain those tired and intoxicated customers on the beds and couches.
"The AC lounge is by far the coolest spot in San Diego. Nobody I mention it to has ever heard of it and yet it's always packed - even on a Tuesday night," local patron Daniel Rich said, while nursing a dirty martini with olives to spare. "I'm not usually a martini guy, but something about the vibe of this place makes everyone want to drink martinis."
Upon conducting a quick experiment, I soon discovered that more than 50 percent of the clientele was sipping martinis of all flavors - dry and apple, with and without olives.
"They just seem to be appropriate here," Rich said in a cool tone.
Air Conditioned seems to appeal to people of all ages and styles. Some patrons wear glittery cocktail dresses and lavish jewelry while doing the tango with men in expensive tuxedos. Others wear jeans and T-shirts while lounging on the couches below. One thing is certain: If you are looking for a good evening and don't mind circling the block a few times for parking, Air Conditioned should definitely be the spot for your next martini.
-Air Conditioned is located on 4673 30th St. For more information, call (619) 501-9831.
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