Soda Bar

Soda Bar, located at 3615 El Cajon Blvd in San Diego, CA, is a cherished music venue that has been a steady fixture in the San Diego music scene for over a decade. It was originally opened in 2008 by Adam Cook and Cuong Nguyen. After a three-year dispute between the building's landlords and Soda Bar's then-owners, the club was purchased by Big Soda LLC in 2018, which is operated by Casbah owner Tim Mays, bar manager Angie Ollman, and musicians Cory Stier and Andrew Montoya.

The venue is known for its eclectic programming and has been recognized for its contribution to American culture and the local economy. It has a capacity of 230 and hosts live music 6-7 nights a week. The venue is also unique in that it only opens when there's a show, a practice shared by only one other local bar, the Casbah.

Over the years, Soda Bar has hosted a variety of artists and bands. For instance, in 2018, Foster The People played a free show at the venue after their concert with Paramore at the Mattress Firm Amphitheatre. The venue has also been a platform for local bands like Almost Monday and Ignant Benches.

In 2022, Soda Bar was one of only two venues in California to receive a Small Venue Grant, highlighting its importance in the music industry. The venue celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023 with a concert featuring a range of San Diego bands.