Wood paneling. Wallpaper. Wicker furniture. It’s not your grandmother’s basement. It’s Good Night John Boy, downtown San Diego’s new disco bar, open Thursday through Saturday.
It’s a playful respite for those looking to decompress after a stressful political election cycle. Patrons can get lost in the immersive, 1970s themed world of Good Night John Boy (yes, the name is a reference to ’70s TV drama The Waltons).
San Diego is now home to the fifth GNJB. The far flung chain spread out to Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus (OH), and St. Petersburg (FL).
Playful escapism is the mission.
“Good Night John Boy is Studio 54 meets your grandma’s basement!” owner PJ Mastracchio says.
It’s modelled as a ’70s disco nightclub, he says. Classic disco-era music is spun by DJs until late night. The decor is sourced from Etsy, flea markets and anywhere half-century-old knick knacks can be found.
The ’70s wallpaper was purchased in its original packaging. Of course there’s a floor-to-ceiling Farrah Fawcett poster. Custom tables feature vintage coasters. The space is filled with specially made couches that look like they’re from a time capsule but can withstand being danced upon.
“Our main feature is a giant light-up dance floor, adorned with two massive disco balls,” Mastracchio says. “We cater to patrons from 21 to 100 years old. Our bar is inclusive and serves the entire community. The dance floor is inviting, our music is easy to listen to and songs are known by all of our customers. It’s a vibe!”
On a recent weekend night, I watched a woman in her 70s get her groove on while dancing next to a female who had to be 50 years younger. Not a nightclubber, I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere: judgement-free and spirited. Everyone seemed to have no other place they’d rather be.
Including bathroom attendant Sandra Jaurequi. “Everybody’s friendly and has good energy,” she says.
Jaurequi is one of several employees who worked here at 401 G Street during Christmas 2023 when current GNJB ownership was running the location as Xmas Bar. Before that, the bar was called Tin Roof.
I shook Jaurequi’s hand as I left the bathroom. She felt my stubborn hand eczema.
“Oh, I have lotion if you need it,” she insisted with motherly concern.
Attention-to-detail abounds here. Every nook and cranny exudes ’70s-era kitsch.
Tucked in a corner of the first floor is a cozy bar designed to make you feel like you’re sneaking booze from your grandmother’s fridge, only with a much better cocktail selection. There’s Disco Punch (which comes with a collectible disco ball cup), Mood Ring, and Chevy to the Levy. Seasonal offerings are planned.
Upstairs, across a linoleum floor, is a more intimate bar overlooking the main dance floor. Bartender Eunice Mendoza says when it gets crowded, the dance party moves upstairs, too.
“I’ve seen people make space for dance battles,” Mendoza says. “Every night there’s something interesting.”
Her advice: Arrive early. “When there are less people the spot really transports you,” she says.
Ownership is proud of its elevated bar food menu.
“We partnered with the award-winning Sextons Pizza and Burger bar out of Ohio,” Mastracchio says. “The Sextons team spent 10 days in San Diego training our kitchen staff on the nuances of their pizza, smash burgers and tenders.”
This December, an Xmas Bar popup will return. Also coming soon: karaoke.
Who knew one of the best places to move it, move it, was a bar where time stands still? SDSun
