Croce's
Jazz Bar
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 |
|
|
|
