The Tickled Trout

We only ate here because we got some complimentary breakfasts from the hotel due to a mixup. It took us a while to be seated even though the restaurant was almost empty. You could hear the staff chit chatting in the back. Because our meals were free and the waitress assumed we weren’t going to tip her she ignored us the entire time we were eating. She stopped by the table next to us a few times to give them refills, ask if they needed anything etc. She not once ever stopped by our table aside to take our order and drop off the food. I was thirsty :(Those little juice glasses just don’t cut it for an entire meal. Because of her poor attitude we indeed did not leave her a tip.

There is no more karaōke on Saturday nights.
I don’t think the location is actually Tickled Trout anymore either (although they have the sign up).
Skip it.

It’s not your typical hotel bar, it’s not your typical hole in the wall either. What it reminded me of was one of those bars at a budgeted hotel in the Midwest. The ones that provide a one stop for both lodging and meetings. And even though the Tickled Trout is in a Ramada Inn, this time I wasn’t anywhere near MI nor in Perrysburg, OH during winter for a sales conference. Or trapped in the middle of nowhere Broken Arrow, Tulsa OK during tornado season for 10 days. In which after a 10 hour workshop the only place to escape to is the hotel’s bar on the 3^rd floor. However, I was in need of a reality time out and this little hidden gem gave me just that.
It’s got the 70’s décor, box TVs, and wine glasses hanging above the bar like dated chandeliers. The place is small and if you didn’t come for karaōke on a karaōke night, then this wouldn’t be the place to go. There’s no escaping it. In addition to some of the more modern music, lots of the chosen songs could of easily come from my dad’s play list on his very own 20 year old karaōke machine. The singers were as entertaining to watch as it was to listen to them. One was a long haired hippie looking chic who had on a pair of black gloves. I forgot what song she sang, but I remember her swaying back and forth like Axl Rose. haha! You just gotta love that stuff if you intend to stay and sit, and that I do. The crowd itself was as diverse as most dive goers minus the bitter drunk sitting in the corner. In it’s place was a happy harmonica playing middle aged man (I kid you not), the regulars who smiled and chit chatted away, your usual creeper that lingers around like that annoying fly you keep swatting away, a few small groups of those everyday people and since this is a hotel, there were those gray haired retirees who probably spent the day at Sea World and has a Shamu stuff animal sitting on top of their dresser in their room.
This place was just what I needed for the night. Got served two moderately stiff drinks on the cheap by our friendly bartender. Sang and danced to obnoxious songs, loudly and carefree. The KJ was super cool and extended our time on the mic since we butchered up «whoop there it is» (we just got the shaka laka shaka laka shaka laka shaka oomph part) to «baby got back» (much easier lyrics to sing to). And to top it off, we each got two comp cards for a free drink or appetizer (thanks creeper and friendly bartender).
Knowing how close this place is to my home, I can easily get sucked into becoming a frequent customer. Especially when it has the upsides and charm of a little neighborhood bar but none of downsides that can come from some other local dives. No frills, no worries, just pure and simple enjoyment.

I bookmarked Tickled Trout a while back and am SOOOO glad my karaōke sister and I finally got to check it out.
The venue itself looks like you’ve stepped into a scene from Three’s Company– or that my mom decorated it (freakin old school 70’s-80’s), but I’m not hating.
As to the karaōke– FANTASTIC. Great acoustics, a really organized book of songs (by both artist or title), awesome karaōke DJ, friendly patrons. What more can you ask for?
Here’s some things I noted while there:
–Little asian man sang «On the Bayou” — and he had the country twang and everything! He was super sweet and even went to get us cards to fill out so we could sing
–I only paid $ 8 for 2 drinks (an Absolut vodka soda and vodka cran)
–Restaurant (for the bar food) closes at 10pm
-«Personal Jesus» is not a gospel song
–A chick sang «Run to You» wearing black ski gloves… a la Michael Jackson style with a little American Idol thrown in
–I’ve never seen anyone sing «Let’s Get it On» with a cowboy hat– until now
–This guy named Scott gave my friend and I free drink cards and was trying to buy us drinks… nah man, we’re good. He came close enough to my face for me to smell the Bubbleyum on his breath
–Joe (the bartender) sang too and he even gave us more drink cards *YAYE*
–I didn’t realize the PYT song was so scandalous! «I want to come in you!!!»: O
–The karaōke DJ sang, «Shout» and got the whole room to sing along
–No grief about changing your song choice last minute
–Noël sang «I Started a Joke» and nailed it
–We butchered our second song (I don’t remember what it was*) then the DJ had us sing «Baby Got Back.» We had backup singers/​dancers join us– pure awesomeness
Two thumbs up :)
*I remember now…“Whoomp there it is” — more like where it wasn’t :P

The hotel I stayed at was down the street from the Tickled Trout. Finally, on my last night in town I stopped in to check it out and have a drink. The place was dank and a little gloomy. Once I got a drink and settled in I fell in love with the place. The bartender was very affable and witty. A conversation between the three of us at the bar quickly developed making the whole experience relaxed and memorable. I did not try the food but the bar was excellent.

Are you freaking kidding me? 4.5 stars??? What a joke. We went here because it was on the Entertainment Book card. It’s in the same building as some crappy hotel. The second you set foot in here, you can tell that it’s all just tourists staying at the hotel who are too lazy to venture out and try something else. I ordered a ribeye steak, but before that monstrosity came out, somebody who looked like the actual chef came to our table with a baking sheet, oven mitts, some tongs and gave us what looked like toasted hamburger buns with melted cheddar on top. Then I got the ribeye… now this thing was FATTY! I know ribeyes are supposed to have some marble, but sheesh, this meat was like 90% marble.
The atmosphere is also really creepy. It feels like you’re in a restaurant that got frozen in time about 30 years ago, but not in a good way. Very dated décor. Bottom line, bad food, bad atmosphere, weird service, bad location.

Went here with a large group of friends on chance and we ended up karaōke-​ing our little hearts out while a small asian man played an inflatable guitar. Drinks were drunk, songs were sung and fun was definitely had.
The place is pretty small (we filled up the whole back room) but it makes for more a personal and cozy bar atmosphere especially when everyone starts singing along to some David Bowie. It feels like the whole place is singing with you! Thinking about this place only brings up the best of memories.

went to the bar here last night for the 1^st time after hearing about it from a friend. she said the karaōke was killer and it was totally infested with funny hipster types.
well, i don’t know about the hipster part. it seemed packed with local regulars ranging from their 30s to late 50s. every time somebody sang it flashed their picture on a screen. i took it as these were the regulars.
i sang 2 songs, got up pretty quick. the crowd was into it. all in all a fun karaoking experience, but it would have been allot more fun with a big group of friends.
my only gripe with this place was the overall layout. the bar is right in the middle of the room and it’s HUGE. it takes up most of the room, with a few tiny tables placed against the walls around it. we were in a corner next to a blasting speaker. i was looking forward to campy décor– but it was pretty boring.
i guess i’m still missing the good ol’ scolari’s days. oh well, i would totally go back here but with a few friends to get rowdy with, not just my boyfriend.

you want to go to a place dedicated to karaōke? this is the place. it’s dark, its cramped, its wallpaper crazy… but it’s all about the karaōke. and as good a karaōke bar should be, my experience was like a box of chocolates: you never knew what you were gonna get. my goodness. it truly is like sitting in front of the american idol auditions. the range went from ‘congrats, you are going to LA! to don’t quit your day job.
but ya know, i say this not really based on singing ability. karaōke is all about the SONG YOU PICK. Because in a lot of ways, its an interactive experience and the crowd should like your song. some of these people… where do they find these songs? they are the most obscure awful things in the world.
My Little China Girl? What the hell is that? First of all, the song sucked, second, it’s uncomfortable lyrics and third… it’s just not fun karaōke!!! ahhh!!!
but what can I say, the fact that you never know what to expect is half the fun. You either give props and sing along to their choice, or make fun of them the entire time while they think they are great.
Either way it’s a good time and a great place to grab a few drinks with friends. I recommend their house pale ale. it rocks!
general info:
located on the hotel circle strip (right side if heading east on the 8 from the 5)
Plenty of parking on upper lot
wide range of ages of patrons
very casual

Imagine being in line for the Matterhorn at Disneyland. Its a hot day and the line is ridiculously long. Now, imagine that there is a bar there in line that you had never noticed before as a kid, that is what the Tickled Trout reminds me of. Except with a lot more Karaōke.
This place looks like a passage to a different time. I think it is supposed to have an English feel, but to me it feels like Switzerland (I have never actually been). The décor is something else.
Having been coming here for a little while now, naturally we had to throw a Birthday party here for my Wife and our good friend Brad.
They were supper accommodating, letting our good friend Andi decorate the whole place which included pictures of our guests or honor.
The guy that runs the Karaōke there is super cool and makes sure everyone that signs up gets a turn singing, unlike other establishments that require at least a $ 20 tip.
The main Bartender is super cool and somehow memorized all our names. The beer is good, but the shots are great. They have good bar food to help sober you up.
There is a restaurant here that we haven’t tried yet, but plan to one day.
A cool hidden gem of Mission Valley. Come here on a Friday or Saturday night with some friends and have a blast.

Ah, The Tickled Trout, how I love thee…
To sum it up in one word, AWESOME! I am not talking about the food (to be honest, I am sure it is just fine, just haven’t gotten the chance to try it out yet) I am talking about the K-​A-​R-​A-​O-​K-​E!
If you like to karaōke, even if you were like me and were afraid to karaōke, you will be a fan after visiting The Trout (which you will start calling it that too after your 5^th visit). The clientele is priceless. It is a group consisting of those who bring their own Cd’s, Unilocalers, hipsters, tweekers, some who can sing great, some that are terrible but are so damn amusing you love it, those like me who if you get enough liquor in me, I will sing anything with anyone or become your backup dancer. Beautiful.
The nice guy that runs the Karaōke is nothing like the Karaōke Nazi at the Lamplighter (you know you all call him that). You put in your piece of paper, no matter what time in the night (well, if you are too close to closing you may be SOL) and you will more than likely get to sing. Two, or three times, if you like.
Those who frequently sing there have their own pic that goes up on the monitor after they are finished with their song, it is classic.
The bartender is the sweetest girl and a Chargers fan so that makes her even better.
You wanna sing? Go to the Tickled Trout. You wanna watch and be utterly amused? Go to the Tickled Trout. You wanna be a Go-​Go back up dancer? Go to the Tickled Trout. Wanna make some pretty awesome new friends, well, you get it. This place rules!

I have to say I was surprised at how great the food was. I was in town for work and ate here many times. The atmosphere was cheesy and I have to admit that at one place in the bar there was a wierd odor. Putting all that aside, the food was excellent. There was only one item on the menu that I wouldn’t order again. The prices were more than fair given the quality. If you went to an upscale restraunt in the Gaslamp district you would pay up to twice as much and and you would be lucky to have a meal half as good. Put your ego aside and stop by for a truly good meal.

The Tickled Trout is friggin’ classic!
If you’re a fan of karaōke in San Diego, this might be one of the best places to satiate your inner American Idol. While other spots in town like Ould Sod and Lamplighter get a lot of love, Tickled Trout is a hidden gem. It’s tucked away in glorious Hotel Circle off of the 8 freeway, and unless someone hipped you to the locale, chances are, you probably wouldn’t find it.
The bar itself is pretty small and unassuming. Kind-​of in the same vein as Albie’s Beef Inn just down the road, it’s SUPER old school. It’s got gross, berber carpets, ancient artifacts adorning the walls, cheap beers, sketchy characters hiding out… and karaōke!
If you’ve had your terrible run-​ins with that asshole at Lamplighter, the wizard behind the emerald city of karaōke at Tickled Trout will spell relief. The dude is super nice, he gets you on the mic without extorting money from you, and he’s got quite the selection of hits. After 10:00, it goes from family-​friendly songs… to straight grime! Anything goes at 22 hundred hours. I sang some weird boner-​jam by the name of «I’m Horney,» and people dug it.
The wonderful, enchanted world of Hotel Circle never ceases to amaze me with it’s awesomeness. Next time you’re cruising the 8 freeway and looking to have some unorthodox fun, dial up the ‘Trout for a good time.

If Karaōke tickles your fancy the Tickled Trout won’t disappoint on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Located in the Ramada at Hotel Circle this tiny bar is a great place to fill up with your nearest and dearest, take a turn on the mic and let loose. Stiff drinks priced just right will help put an end to any stage fright!
One of the best karaōke DJs in town; this guy can make everyone in the bar get down. Chiming in with a tambourine and back up vocals, even the worst of singers will feel like a rockstar… and it’s a perfect place for locals.
Parking is pretty tight so probably a good idea to take a cab for the night… or maybe a Smart Car will do you right.