Temecula Nightlife That Locals Love: Best Bars, Clubs, Party Spots & More!
The scenery is spectacular; known for its rolling hills, panoramic views and Mediterranean climate, you cannot help but fall in love with this historic town located in Riverside County, California. Temecula means “place in the sun,” and that’s exactly what it is – you will battle to find anyone who doesn’t have a sunny disposition in this small town.
But don’t let the small-town atmosphere fool you; surrounded by vineyards, you can look forward to endless tastings of some of the best local wines around, and besides, with a motto like “Live Glass Full,” you know you’re in for a treat.
But wine isn’t all it’s known for; Temecula now has what can only be described as a fast-growing craft beer movement that will impress even the most discerning beer connoisseur.
If you’re looking for nightclubs pumping out music until the crack of dawn, you’re probably in the wrong place. Although you can always head off to the Pechanga Resort and Casino for a late night out.
However the Temecula nightlife scene still comes alive over the weekend, especially the old town with multiple venues offering live music, dancing till closing, food, beer, and wine …. Need we say more?
CONTENTS:
- Our Seven Top Bars & Party Spots In Temecula
- Our Three Favorite Places To Eat In Temecula
- For Something a Little Different…
- Our Favorite Picks For Each Night Of The Week
Our Seven Top Bars & Party Spots in Temecula
As we mentioned, Temecula is not renowned for its nightclub scene, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great night out.
Instead, what the nightlife in Temecula lacks in hip-hop and clubs, it makes up for in quality wines, craft beers, and live music – that suits us just fine!
The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn was one of the favorite places to hang out in the city, especially as it was one of the few bars in Temecula wine country to stay open late. Unfortunately, it is temporarily closed but keep an eye on their website because as soon as it reopens, you’ll want to head there!
Here are seven more fantastic Temecula nightlife spots you also have to visit:
1. Apparition Room
Transport yourself back to the prohibition era in this unique venue reminiscent of speakeasies from New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. This intimate bar is where you can sit back and relax while sipping on handcrafted cocktails or choose the perfect drink from their huge selection of craft spirits.
We love that you enter through a “hidden” passage in Devilicious Eatery and find yourself in another world of cocktails paired with creative bites. We highly recommend making a booking otherwise, you are likely to be disappointed as the Apparition Room is a must on everyone’s list.
Hours: The Apparition Room is open six days a week from Tuesdays to Sundays from 5pm until closing. The Apparition Room closes at 9pm except for Fridays and Saturdays where they close at 11pm.
Location: 28693 Old Town Front St, Temecula
2. Bailys
If you are looking for that club atmosphere, then Bailys will suit you perfectly. They claim to be Termecula’s hottest nightclub and are open every Friday and Saturday night with some of the best DJs around, kicking off at 10pm.
With two dance floors, three bars, and a massive outdoor patio and courtyard area, get ready for a night to remember at one of the funnest Temecula nightlife spots!
They do offer VIP Booths and bottle service and have a strict dress code – baseball caps, shorts, and flip-flops are definite no-no’s, and men are expected to wear collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. For the ladies, well, all they do is ask you to dress to impress. So grab your LBD and heels, and you’re ready to go!
As a side note, you must be 21 and over, so you may need to take some ID with you!
Hours: They do have a restaurant where you can grab a bit to eat before dancing the night away. The club opens at 9pm and closes at 2am.
Location: 28699 Old Town Front Street, Temecula
3. The Boiler Room
Just in case you are in any doubt, we love The Boiler Room!
There is always something happening at the Boiler Room. Burger Mondays are always a great start to the week but then there is Taco Tuesdays – all-you-can-eat for $5, and then there are the drink specials – it’s the $4 margaritas that catch many every time.
Whiskey Wednesdays, who doesn’t love those as well – $5 for a glass of Jack. And then there is weekend happy hour – you have to admire a place where happy hour starts at 9am and ends at 6pm!
In case you haven’t picked it up, many love this bar thanks to its its energetic atmosphere, and they are renowned for their impressive selection of beers on tap, handcrafted cocktails, and an equally impressive whisky selection.
They boast that they are the Temecula nightlife scene’s best live music venue, and with over 5000 square feet of party room, we happen to agree. Here you will find live bands and DJs throughout the week and so much more!
We couldn’t say it any better than they do, “This is where live music, delicious food and tasty drinks come together in the heart of Temecula wine country and just up the street from Old Town Temecula”
Hours: They are open seven days a week and close at midnight bar for Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights, where they stay open until 2h00 am.
Location: 27911 Jefferson Ave, Temecula
4. Killarney’s Restaurant & Irish Pub
As we have said before: “Is a place really a place if it doesn’t have an Irish Pub?” Killarneys is the quintessential Irish Pub, and we can say this with confidence. It’s not one of those “themed” Irish Pubs that you find in casinos or large malls; this is the real thing!!
When they say it was the first authentic Irish Pub to open in Temecula, they really mean it. We think we’ll let them explain it, “The philosophy behind Killarney’s was to recreate a genuine Irish pub from abroad. Therefore Killarney’s was designed, built and shipped straight from Ireland, by the Sonas Design Company. We have taken a small piece of Ireland and brought it to the people of Temecula.”
Here you will find a perfectly pulled pint of Guinness or our other Irish favorite Smithwicks Irish Ale. You always know it’s a proper Irish Pub when they differentiate between drinks and beer on separate menus too.
Asides from the Guinness, there are, on average, 28 beers on tap, a full-service bar, and the best selection of Irish Whiskey and Single Malt Scotch around! And the odd Irish band completes the evening!
It’s always worth checking their website for the latest specials, as there is just about one every night of the week! When it comes to pub grub, you have to order the bangers and mash or shepherds pie, and don’t forget the Irish Cream Bread Pudding.
Hours: Killarney’s is open seven days a week from 12pm to 1am – you have got to love the Irish.
Location: 32475 Temecula Pkwy G101, Temecula
5. Old Town Blues Club
This is the perfect after-dinner Temecula nightlife spot, and honestly, who doesn’t like a great blues or jazz session? It is a fabulous spot to have a few drinks (another night of draft beer and great wine), listen to live blues music in the heart of Old Town Temecula, or, as they say, “So if you love live music, hangin’ with cool people, and drinking cold adult beverages….then this is your spot.”
They definitely take their blues seriously, with six live music acts in 4 days every week of the year – well, that equates to 300 live shows. It’s a blues club, and OTBC is all about the “vibe,” which they define as live music, cool peeps, cold beer and wine, and adults only.
Hours: The Old Town Blues Club is open from Thursday to Sunday, closing at 11pm on Thursday nights and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays are more of a relaxed daytime event, and they are only open from 1pm to 6pm.
Location: 28636 Old Town Front Street Unit #102, Temecula
6. Temecula Stampede
Yes, you did read that correctly. The Temecula Stampede is a night of dinner, dancing – line dancing, to be precise – and the odd try on the mechanical bull. Not your average evening, but we all need to try something new at least once. And after that first time, you may just find yourself coming back week after week.
This really is a night of fun, and with 4000 square feet of dance floor, it’s time to put on your dancing boots, grab a drink if necessary, and dance the night away. It’s not known for its legendary parties for nothing.
Another massive advantage when you go to the Temecula Stampede is that they understand the concept of late-night munchies, and as long as the music is playing, the Cowboy Kitchen is open, so go ahead and order their small bites or large bites or even a pizza to eat on the way home.
Hours: This iconic Temecula nightlife establishment is open on Thursday nights from 8pm to 2am and on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm to 2am.
Location: 28721 Old Town Front St, Temecula
7. Temecula Wine & Beer Garden
Renowned for having one of the best outside areas on the Temecula nightlife scene, the Temecula Wine & Beer Garden offers the perfect mix of drinks, dancing, and live music and is the best place to hang out with old friends or make some new ones.
With its wooden exterior, this rustic bar looks like one of those places you would find in an old Western movie, and many love the atmosphere. Once the sun goes down and those fairy lights get turned on, you know the party has started!
Recommended: The Best Dog-Friendly Wineries In Temecula
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for all the latest entertainment. There is always something going on, from karaoke and salsa dancing to open mic sessions. And if you want to be the first to catch a glimpse of Temecula’s up-and-coming talent, then best you head off there on Thursday nights for the band auditions.
Hours: Temecula Wine & Beer Garden stays open until 10pm except for Friday and Saturday nights, where they close at 1am – it is the weekend, after all!! Well, that’s the official version; unofficially, they are open until closing!
Location: 28464 Old Town Front St, Temecula
Our Three Favorite Places To Eat In Temecula
It may be a small town, but its growing foodie reputation is well worth investigating. Here in Temecula, you will find some of the best farm-to-table experiences around and chefs who have been described as “talented mavericks.”
And considering Temecula is wine country, an obligatory glass of wine or two is the perfect complement to any meal, especially when there is a multitude to choose from.
1. Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant
At the Bluewater Grill, they are all about sustainability and change their menu according to what’s in season. But before we get onto the food, let’s look at their beers! You have to try one of their beers – High Spot Blonde, Pale Ale, or the Amber Ale. These beers on tap are exclusively brewed for Bluewater.
Their drinks menu is impressive, and there is definitely something for everyone; many love their Coconut Margaritas and Island Oyster (Tequila, orange juice, black currant, lime and ginger beer) – who could resist that?
As we mentioned, sustainability is key to every Bluewater Grill, and as they say, “Being fishermen at heart, we want to ensure the future availability of seafood and make responsible purchasing a core value of our operation. Our fish are purchased directly from fisherman, in season, at the peak of quality and freshness.”
Although the menu changes, you will always be guaranteed a quality meal; we recommend taking advantage of the Seasonal Special, which never disappoints. A popular favorite is the Seafood Paella Valenciana made from Spanish chorizo, clams, mussels, shrimp, and chicken atop arborio rice with saffron, petite peas, and red piquillo peppers.
And if you’re looking for something a little simpler, you can’t go wrong with their beer-battered fish and chips.
Did we mention Happy Hour? At the Bluewater Grill, happy hour kicks off at 3pm Sundays to Thursdays, ending at 6pm. The perfect time to have those all-important pre-dinner drinks.
Hours: The Bluewater Grill is open daily until 9h00 pm.
Location: 26700 Ynez Court, Temecula
2. Crush & Brew
This is the perfect spot for those of you who want to eat a bit later. Crush & Brew has around 30 rotating beers on tap, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive local wine list. Try one of their beer flights or have your own wine-tasting session, as you can order by the glass.
This artisan-style restaurant and bar has that Old Town Temecula atmosphere, and away from the wine, beer, and spectacular cocktails, Crush & Brew also serves beautiful food.
Attention to detail is everything, and they successfully manage to add an innovative flair to traditional food. We highly recommend the Salmon Paloma – pan-seared salmon, orzo, grapefruit glaze, herb crema, asparagus, grapefruit twist brulee, micro cilantro, and for dessert, you can’t go wrong with their crème brulee.
Hours: Crush & Brew closes at 10pm Sunday to Thursday and at 12m on Fridays and Saturdays – definitely don’t forget about their Happy Hour, Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 6pm.
Location: 28544 Front Street, Temecula
3. The Goat and Vine
The Goat and Vine happens to be one of the most popular restaurants in town, and who wouldn’t love a restaurant that says they exist to “fulfill our love of food and our love of people. We believe the enjoyment of food is enhanced by people, and the enjoyment of people is enhanced by food.”
Everything here is made from scratch from the freshest ingredients around. Their culinary team can be found in the early hours of the morning making their breads, pizza dough, sauces, and dressings, plus a whole lot more.
Many go there for the pizzas and we highly recommend ordering “The Goat” – the perfect combination of goat cheese, shallots, grape tomatoes, lemon zest, chiffonade basil, and a whole head of roasted garlic! And if you’re going to have dessert, there is nothing better than their Jacked Cappuccino Ice Cream Cake!
Their food is rustic, the local wines and craft beers are superb, and the atmosphere is relaxed. So, sit back and enjoy one of the best meals around. The décor is like their food, fabulous and unexpected, with its copper-topped bar, marble tables, and tin-stamped ceiling. The Natural Modern magazine describes it perfectly, “effortlessly marries industrial flair with natural-modern elements.”
They don’t take reservations and use a waitlist system that works on a first-come-first, served basis.
Hours: The Goat and Vine closes at 9pm Sunday to Thursday and at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a great place to begin your Temecula nightlife adventure.
Location: 41923 2nd St Suite 103, Temecula
For Something a Little Different…
1. The MindTrap Escape Room
If you’re contemplating a night at the MindTrap Escape Room, you best make a booking to avoid being disappointed.
This place is where you will need to tap into your inner detective, be it Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, as you will find yourself in a themed room in search of codes, clues, and a whole lot more – you need to be on top of your game to figure out how to escape in time.
Location: 41955 5th Street Suite 102, Temecula – this venue is open seven days a week until 9pm on Mondays to Thursdays, until 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:30 pm on Sunday nights.
Location: 26780 Ynez Road, Suite C Temecula – this venue is open seven days a week until 9:30 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and until 11:30 pm from Friday to Sunday nights.
Our Favorite Picks For Each Night Of The Week
Monday
A slight recovery night may be needed, and we can’t think of a better way to transition from the weekend to the week than with a great meal at the Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant. And don’t forget to aim for around 5ish so you can take advantage of their happy hour – as we said, it’s a transitionary night.
Tuesday
It has to be The Boiler Room; after all, it’s Taco Tuesday and all-out DJ night until 2am! Only in Temecula are Tuesdays party nights!
Wednesday
Temecula Wine & Beer Garden is always a great night out, and as we’ve said, there is always something happening, so we will grab our obligatory glass of wine or craft beer and head to the patio for a midweek party.
Or, if you are in the mood for something more intimate, make a booking and enter the prohibition era at the Apparition Room.
Thursday
It’s stampede time – Thursdays just lend themselves to 2am sessions, and we can’t think of a better place to pre-start the weekend mood! Temecula Stampede it is… after a few drinks and our line dancing will be spectacular!
And if you are the competitive type, you can always wait for Friday and try their line dancing lessons kicking off at 6:30 pm.
Friday
We’re heading off to Crush & Brew in time for that last bit of happy hour, followed by a great meal, and then we’re breaking the weekend in gently at the OTBC!
Saturday
After the perfect meal at The Goat and Vine, we are heading to Bailys to dance the night away – after all we didn’t dress up for nothing!
Sunday
The ideal way to end the perfect week has got to be a night at Killarney’s Restaurant & Irish Pub – grab a pint of Guinness, order some bangers and mash, sit back and relax in good old Ireland.
The Nightlife In Temecula: Our Final Thoughts
Temecula is one of those places you will want to come back to time and time again. It simply is wine country at its best. We can’t think of a better place to create those all-important memories than over the perfect glass of wine, handcrafted beer, cocktail, and some of the best food.
There is something for everyone and let’s be honest, it may not be full of pumping nightclubs, but nightlife in Temecula will always be memorable.
So cheers to making new memories with old friends while you pick up some new ones along the way. It is the “place in the sun” with a motto of “Live glass full” so what else can you expect but a good time?
