Characters Bar and Grill

See tip. By the way, the new name for the La Jolla Marriott nightclub/​bar is supposed to «La Jolla Social» — but I don;t think anyone knows, cares, or uses this name (even though it is written above the entry doors).

Originally wrote this on ⁴⁄₈ it is now ⁴⁄₂₁ and STILL no one has responded to my inquiry. Epic failure
Terrible Customer Service

Since the re-​opening, the Marriott has improved in a few things…
1. The DJ’s, THANK GOD !
2. They sometimes also put a decent extra speaker besides the only 2 big ones near the DJ
3. They are charging $ 10 again ! GOOD THINKING !
What still needs to be done:
Turn on the A/​C !!!
(someone mentioned that they probably don’t turn it on because they want more money and the 0rganizers do not want to pay)… I hope it’s not the case.
Anyhow…
BAD BUSINESS !
They increased the entry by 50% and hoped to continue having the same amount of people… Well, I believe they lost MORE than 50% of the attendees and now are in the red.
Great solution would be simple «RESOLVE» THE A/​C situation to show respect and customer service and you might get more people than before and you won’t even have to increase the entry price, because due to a more massive crowd, the profit will be more… even if you have to pay for A/​C… And yes, the big fans help (temporarily, but they just circulate the old recycled air and humidity around over and over again !

This bar is in the Marriott but was not open the 1^st night I arrived. There is a bar in the lobby that was open so there is always a place to get a beer there… Be sure to check the hours before you show up.
The beer selection was average, but there was a good band playing the night I was there and lots of room to dance.

Wednesday night free salsa & bachata lessons at 8:30. There were more girls than guys that showed up which was a first I’ve never seen before going to a club. I thought that was a nice change. 3 pool tables but one table was missing the rack of balls. There’s a circular bar which I thought was convenient for people to have access to ordering a drink and not topple over each other trying to get a bartenders attention. The lesson was intricate but well taught. I counted 18 guys I danced with that night. It sounds intimidating to show up to a salsa lesson not knowing anyone and but push through those minor insecurities. It’s a well mixed group, friendly atmosphere and good way to blow off some steam. I didn’t catch the lady’s name who taught the lesson but I loved her accent and humor. Always a plus. I’m adding this bar to my speed dating salsa list

I came here Saturday for a salsa lesson. The lesson was good. Parking was validated, they however charge 10 $ after 8 pm which is OK I guess. I think if you are a decently good dancer you could probably skip the lesson and pay those 10 $. There are a lot of good dancers who come in after the lessons. The salsa scene in good in SD in general. I like this place over Café Sevilla in spite the floor is a little smaller because of proximity to La Jolla and comfortable parking that is also free! I would say this is a good place to practice your steps!

Came here for the salsa/​bachata lesson
The music was good, mostly salsa, with occasional bachata songs (couldve used a bit more bachata). The floor wasn’t too packed, and it was possible to find a seat.
Tap water was provided.
Only purchase beers. The mixed drinks were the weakest I have ever had, and they were expensive. My lightweight girl had two for the first time which tells you they are watered down to half strength.

It was a Wednesday night, I just wanted to learn Salsa…
I was about to leave and was going to say bye to friends, but then a bachata song came on. I like bachata. I looked around two girls were standing in front of me. A random guy grabbed one of the girls, so I asked the remaining one if she wanted to dance. She said she didn’t know how, so I showed her the basics that I knew. An abuelo asked if I wanted to dance. He wanted to dance in close position… no can do… I said open is better. He started turning without any signaling, I stepped on him. He looked me up and down and said «I’m going to use the restroom». I found my friends and told them bye. The abuelo was standing near the dance floor. I said the bathroom is outside and to the right. He said «oh okay, thanks!» and takes two steps towards the bathroom. I was on my way out he followed me to the door and as I was walking to the bathroom I caught him peeking out to make sure I was gone. Sheesh.

This restaurant is actually located inside of the Marriott hotel right off of La Jolla Village Drive. Your parking options are to valet, find parking on the side streets or there is also a parking structure but it’s going to be a little bit of a walk. Especially girls if you are wearing heels.
Happy hours are great. Drink specials and select appetizers are half off. I like the nachos and it’s enough to serve four people. If you are going to stay past eight o’clock free salsa lessons are offered on Fridays. There is no cover before 8PM, and then it’s $ 10.00. It’s a really fun, laid back environment and group of people. There are plenty of singles so if you don’t have a partner for dancing you will be able to find someone. The lessons or at beginner levels but there are lots of regulars and if you don’t understand they will be willing to help you out.
After the dance lessons they open up the floor for dancing. I swear it’s like a scene from dirty dancing.
After checking this place out again (like the 15^th time) I would be inclined to check out the baseball and football games here. There are lots of TV’s all around the bar and they have pool tables. Also it’s within walking distance home. It’s a good thing because the good looking bartenders are great with making nice stiff drinks.