Croce's Jazz Bar in San Diego's Gaslamp District

Croce's Jazz Bar in the Gaslamp District

Article written by Michelle Valenti
San Diego is ages behind cities such as Chicago, when it comes to the Jazz scene; that’s why Croce’s Jazz Bar is such a big deal for this quaint city. Established in 1985 by Ingrid Croce, and in honor of her husband Jim, Croce’s Jazz bar stands as a testament to Jim’s lasting memory and a forerunner for the San Diego Jazz scene. Jim Croce was a prominent musician in the 60’s and early 70’s with hits like “Time in a Bottle” and “Bad Bad Leroy Brown”. He and his wife had joked about opening a bar and restaurant as a medium of good music and food in San Diego. Jim died before the dream was realized, but Ingrid set out to open Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, which quickly became one of San Diego’s finest experiences for dining and jazz.

A baby grand piano, soft lighting and Croce family photos and memorabilia covering the walls, combine to reflect the look and feel of a cozy Jazz club. Handwritten notes and lyrics from Jim’s songwriting days are displayed alongside gold records and guitars, as intimate pieces of the man depicted in a bigger then life sepia portrait on the back wall. Croce’s has live Jazz music every night of the week starting at 8:30 pm. Getting there on time to enjoy the first set is suggested on the weekends; the bar is small and tends to get overcrowded by the start of the second set.

Croce’s restaurant opens up to the bar and has seating available in the bar. Entry to the bar is covered with the purchase of a dinner entrée; call ahead for priority seating. If you are only interested in the Jazz show, the cover charge can range from $5-$10, depending on the entertainment. For a calendar of shows go to www.croces.com

Croce’s is located downtown on the corner of 5th and F in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. For Priority Seating call: (619) 233-4355.