Don’t challenge Lee K (short for Krysinski) when it comes to San Diego. She’s paid her dues, knows the city, and is loved from Pacific Beach to Bankers Hill. When many of her contemporaries raced to Los Angeles for big DJing opportunities, Lee decided to return to the city that raised her and elevate the scene there, instead. In 2013 she scored a residency at Bang Bang and her career quickly took off.
These days, Lee K is on the road with techno legend Richie Hawtin — stopping in at Ibiza and other world-renowned party destinations. As her clout increases, she remains loyal to her city. In fact, she’s headed home this weekend for CRSSD.
We caught up with Lee this week as she preps for one of SD’s most epic party weekends and asked her about where to turn up when we’re in her city. She was only too happy to oblige.
10 Barrel
10 Barrel is great for a beer on the rooftop. Good menu, interesting industrial space, and an inside look at the brewing process. My go-to is the Double Stuff Nitro on tap. You can also get a six-pack to go — which makes for an awfully convenient segue into the rest of the night.
Bang Bang
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Bang Bang is the perfect spot to grab a bite and check out some interesting cocktails before you head out for the night. Make a reservation on OpenTable for the sushi room & order the tuna tartare tacos, some bang fried rice, and sashimi.
Underbelly
Underbelly doesn’t take reservations, so go outside of peak hours to avoid a line. Grab a menu and order at the counter. Ramen is their jam. Wash it down with a Japanese whisky — a Nikka Coffey Grain neat, to be specific.
Spin
If you’re looking for an after-hours spot and don’t mind escaping the bougie, overpriced and overcrowded clubs in the Gaslamp, grab an Uber and head to Spin, five minutes outside of downtown. It’s not your average club and has been around the block, and I love it for that. I’ve lost hats, USBs, and god knows what else during the wee hours of the morning here. If walls could talk…
Rich’s San Diego
Rich’s San Diego. Not for the closed minded nor the timid — but a guaranteed good time in the heart of Hillcrest. Don’t expect music beyond urban and top 40’s, but instead go for the bright and fun atmosphere, go go dancers, drag queens, and various other magic.
CRSSD Fest
If you get lucky and find yourself in The Plymouth of the West in early March or late September, it’s a sign from the heavens that you’ll be attending CRSSD Festival. My favorite bi-annual hangout, with a ridiculously good-looking view of the bay via Waterfront Park and a nice selection of electronic and live music.
