Lest any Gaslamp District newbies get the wrong impression, let’s get the disclaimer out of the way: Voyeur is a nightclub. As such, expect the staples of any fine downtown-SD establishment: weak, expensive drinks; rude, aloof bouncers and $20 no-list cover on a normal night ($40 for well-known talent, a la the MstrKrft and LA Riots show).
Despite its predictable club swag, Voyeur is a smart destination for Restaurant Week — an annual event during which over 180 San Diego restaurants offer three-course pre-set menus for $20, $30 or $40. Make a dinner reservation for later in the evening and stay for the club: You’ll get three dishes for 20 bucks, and you won’t have to pay for cover. Choose from most of the options on its tapas-style menu — including the duck-confit tamales, lamb pops and banana fritters — then dance all the calories off.
As a relatively new venue, Voyeur has yet to develop a pigeonholed set of patrons (despite bumping electro and house music on regular rotation, and donning uber-hip goth-inspired decor). The crowd is hit-or-miss depending on who you are and who you’re looking for: On any given evening, you might find yourself getting crept on by Ed Hardy douche bags, stepped on by pompadoured sisters in low-cut minidresses and out-danced by arm-flailing hipsters with dilated pupils.
If you’re going dilated, take some time to trip out on the impressive L.E.D. wall — including go-go dancers gyrating inside of it on prime nights. San Diego Restaurant Week only lasts from Jan. 17 to Jan. 22, but Voyeur’s 3-for-$20 deal will be available through the end of the month.
