Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of The Point.
Entering your 20s between 2020 and 2025 is a unique experience of the divide between the culture that once was and the one that is quickly evolving in our modern world. It’s common to absorb photos and sounds of the pop hits of this year, as well as odes and appreciation for past eras and songs from the decades, all within a few scrolls on social media.
Bathroom door inside Goodnight John Boy, adding to the theme of “oldies music” within the entire bar. Photo by Isa Darisay. 
Isa Darisay and a friend enjoying cards in the lounge area and listening to a Grateful Dead vinyl in the Telephone booth of Tender Hooligan. Photo by Isabella Jones. 
Ethan Paz spinning vinyls on The Strokes night at Whistlestop Bar. Photo by Isa Darisay.
While there has always been and will be room for both, the “culture of now” is obviously seeping into every aspect of our society, including the going-out scene. The idea of going out can often be associated with sounds of deep, pulsing beats from synths and DJ booths. Pop artists like Addison Rae and Sabrina Carpenter mixed in with rap the likes of Metro Boomin, Travis Scott, Jack Harlow and Pitbull are the majority of the night’s music rotation. This is a common setting for those looking to get loose on the dance floor and away from their responsibilities of academics, occupation, stress or life.
San Diego, being one of the largest cities in the United States, offers a multitude of places for the music, bar, club and dancing scenes in Gaslamp, North Park, downtown, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach. While not as easily found, there is another side to music on a Friday night that caters to those looking for more than a pop or rap beat and a portal into decades from the past.
If you’re at least 21 years old and looking for a beat beyond current hits, here are a few hidden gems that made an impression on me:
- Goodnight John Boy — Gas Lamp
While the majority of people on the dance floor are at least 40 years old, the energy at this venue brings everyone back to their prime in the ‘80s. The average night at Goodnight John Boy feels like the closest thing to being John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever” as a young adult in 2025 can get.
The disco dance floor helps you groove to the beat of Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Whitney Houston, Bee Gees, Diana Ross and Earth, Wind & Fire. This bar is made for those looking for the best ‘70s and ‘80s soul and top hits to get down to. The crowd is easy, loose and carefree, allowing you to dance however the music takes you and guarantees hours to pass by effortlessly. It really is always a “Goodnight” at “John Boy.”
- Whistlestop Bar — South Park
Whistlestop Bar in South Park describes itself as a “local bar with a laid-back house party vibe,” which is exactly what it is. You walk into a bar with a mixed bag of youth and chill yet exciting vibes. The majority of Whistlestop attendees are young adults, also (probably) looking for a place to belong and appreciate various branches of music.
This bar offers concerts for rock, alternative, punk and indie bands to play at, as well as vinyl DJs that spin on the weekends. They hold themed nights depending on what you’re looking for — from ‘60s rock and roll, ‘70s disco, ‘80s pop, ‘90s grunge and Y2K. There are often nights of spinning vinyls exclusively for one artist, such as Oasis, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, The Cure and other artists from the past and present.
- Tender Hooligan — Chula Vista
Tucked a little bit deeper south, Tender Hooligan is a cafe by day and bar by night that hosts a variety of vinyl DJs that spin throughout the night. The place has an entire wall of vinyls from throughout the years, available to purchase or play in their telephone booth connected to headphones and a turntable. This spot offers a mellower vibe while also allowing for music appreciation from the ‘50s and on, as well as a dance floor and a lounge area for those wanting to chill and socialize along to the music.
- Future is Color — Barrio Logan
Future is Color is a cafe in Barrio Logan that is for the creatives and music lovers of the San Diego community. They often hold listening parties and live jazz and R&B nights for those looking to relax, socialize and enjoy live music and soulful tunes. Their venue has a lounge area, cafe and a turntable along with high-quality speakers made for listening. In the day, it becomes a great spot for people to work on their academic or creative endeavors, playing Marvin Gaye, Daniel Caesar, Stevie Wonder and Jorja Smith records. At night, it becomes a place to grab a beverage, meet someone new and enjoy real, good, live music.
Payton Bruce 
Adee Tulcan