Mr. D’s Pizza & Sports Bar sits in a historic brick building near downtown that was once the engine room of one of the largest tanneries on the West Coast.

Harnesses and shoe soles were manufactured there and shipped throughout the world.

Today, it’s a place frequented by many who grew in Stockton during the 1960s, ‘70s and early ‘80s. The choice of music is Old School – Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, or anything Motown – where DJ Pete Armenta, on this weekend of the Asparagus Festival, is scheduled to play for the dance crowd during the evening.

Located at 122 E. Oak St., Mr. D’s is one of many places in town that’s a restaurant by day, dance club by night.



Other such places in Stockton include:

Finnigan’s Pub and Grill

Finnigan’s is a true to the ideal of a true Irish pub.

At night, the place which relocated not too long ago to the corner of Pacific Avenue and West Swain Road, rocks out with live music and/or DJ to pump up the dance floor.

The fun kicks off at 9 p.m. and goes through 11:59 p.m.

Location: 6252 Pacific Ave.

Information: 209-476-9167 or click on to www.finnpub.com.



Chitiva’s Salsa and Sports

Located at the Waterfront Warehouse, Chitiva’s offers Latin mixed music and dancing on Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

For those who can’t dance Salsa, no problem – Chitiva’s gives free lessons on Sundays, beginning at 9 p.m.

Location: 445 W. Weber Ave. No. 122.

Information: 209-271-9105 or click on to www.chitiva.net.



Shadow Oaks Lounge

This long-time fixture continues to attract people of all ages.

From the old-timers to the over 30, the Shadows, as it’s known by the locals, brings in live music, including II Funk ky Shus Wit Nu Soles (formerly the 11th Commandment Band) playing the best in R&B, Old School and Latin on May 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Location: 7555 Pacific Ave.

Information: 209-463-1280.



Tropicana Night Club

Open Thursdays through Saturday, the Tropicana comes in strong with the live music and a DJ spinning the latest sounds for the young, hip dance crowd, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tropicana is adjacent to the Stockton Police Department.

Location: 30 S. El Dorado St.

Information: 209-639-2708.



Ciao Bella

Like the Shadows, Ciao Bella also attracts folks of all ages.

Music range from Old School, Latin, and hip hop, and the two small dance floors can be found in separate, adjacent rooms.

Location: 5644 N. Pershing Ave.

Information: 209-474-2100 or click on to www.ciaobellastockton.com.



Fat’s Grill and Bar

Last week, the Mike Torres Band played Old School and Oldies at Fat’s.

On most weekends, DJ Jaime spins out the tunes on Fridays and DJ Big Mike keeps the young, vibrant crowd on the dance floor on Saturdays.

Location: 4555 Pershing Ave.

Information: 209-473-3281 or click on to www.fatsgrill.com.



 ­— VINCE REMBULAT

209 staff reporter