A Review: Humphreys Backstage Lounge on Shelter Island

Humphreys Backstage Lounge
2241 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
619·224·3577

A friend, Jim, and I decided we would go out on Valentine’s Day for appetizers and a drink or two.  (Yes, I do drink and yes, I did meet him on-line.)  We wanted to celebrate Obama’s win and this was our first opportunity together.

I called my daughter for – one who knows nice places to go out for celebrations, and she suggested “Humphreys Backstage Lounge.” I have been to Humphreys many times. My youngest daughter was married at Humphreys, but I had never been to the Backstage Lounge nor had Jim, so that was where we went.

We arrived at 3:45pm, only to find out that it didn’t open until 4:00pm. We went across the street and watched a boat being hauled out of the water; a 3 year old little boy try to climb up the steep cement slope – which he did with alacrity.

And then we got cold so went back to the lounge. It was open and we took an inside table facing the boats and water. The atmosphere was delightful, and had Jim and I been in a romantic relationship it would have added to that ambiance that gets the juices flowing. Alas.

We were quickly greeted by the waitress – we were the second group in the lounge – and after looking over the drink menu I ordered a glass of White Zinfandel for $5 and Jim ordered a draft beer for $5. My zin was wonderful, but Jim said that the beer tasted “skanky” and returned it. The new glass of a different beer was fine, and to prove it he had several glasses of it. I must admit that I had a second glass of wine.

We decided to order something to eat and we both elected to try their shrimp on a skewer – 4 pieces each – in an interesting marinade. It tasted wonderful, and we both enjoyed our nibble. As we continued to eat and drink, we thought it might be a good idea to order another appetizer, which we did. I ordered the “Rock Shrimp and Cilantro Quesadilla” ($5.50) which was marvelous. The seasonings – cilantro, garlic, jalapeno jack cheese and roasted peppers – complimented each other beautifully. I thought that Jim and I might share the plate, which had 8 slices of the quesadilla on it, but Jim elected only to have 2 slices, because he had ordered the “Jumbo Buffalo Wings” – 6 of them ($4.75) that were tossed in “Frank’s Buffalo sauce, served with celery and carrot sticks and bleu cheese dressing.” They, too, were very tasty, and although spicy, not overly so.  (Check out the menu.)

At no time did we feel rushed; at no time did we feel pressured to order more. By the time we left – just before 7:00pm the lounge was filled up with customers. Jim noted that the average age of the patrons seemed to be in their 50’s. The entertainment was just getting set up as we were leaving, and we found out that there was a $5 cover charge. Not bad for live entertainment! (In fact Humphreys Back Stage Lounge is well-known for its nightly inexpensive quality entertainment.)

Here is the kicker – and I have to think that an error was made, or it was our lucky day. We had 4 appetizers; 5 drinks, and the total for the night was $28! (not including the tip.) Since we ordered off the “Happy Hour Specials” – 7 Days a Week, 5:00pm -7:00pm – the only reason I can see for the bill was that we started ordering at 4:00pm – and there was a lesser price until 5:00. Or maybe it was Valentine’s Day and there was a special, or….

At any rate, it was a nice beginning to a nice evening. There is no question that I will be back.