LGBTQ+ Friendly Bars, Clubs and Nightlife

Hillcrest and its sister neighborhood North Park know how to show visitors a good time. The wealth of inclusive bars, clubs, and places to get your all-night dance on make San Diego a fun and appealing LGBTQ+ city. If Sunday Funday is more to your liking, there are plenty of options for that too. When it comes to getting loose and letting your pride shine, there’s no shortage of options in this fun-loving city.

Hillcrest's nightlife activity runs along University Avenue, between Second Avenue and Park Boulevard, but don’t skip the cross streets, which bring their own flavors to the party.

University Avenue

The revelry runs along University Avenue, where dance clubs and video bars kick the party up a notch.

insideOUT

Where: 1642 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Sexy, chic and casually elegant, insideOUT's inside bar and main dining room open to an outdoor atrium with sitting nooks, water features, and spacious seating. Craft cocktails and a seasonal menu of California and Mediterranean-inspired fare are served.

Gossip Grill

Where: 1220 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
A short jot away is the lesbian-operated Gossip Grill, which greets with ample patio space and a rousing dance floor for the ladies. But don't worry, it also plays nice with men and everything in between. American comfort food is served in the restaurant.

Urban MO's Bar & Grill

Where: 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
At the western end is Urban MO's Bar & Grill, a "hetero-friendly gay bar" and local favorite. It's the hot meeting place, featuring a festive outdoor patio, kicky cocktails, and enormous, juicy burgers.

Flicks

Where: 1017 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Almost nightly, Flicks is packed to the gills. Go-go dancers, stiff and cheap drinks, and music videos above a small, spirited dance floor are the reasons why.

Rich's San Diego

Where: 1051 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
At the high-octane dance club Rich's, you'll find two separate full bars and dance floors along with a popular outdoor lounge. Theme nights, killer music, and a pumped up crowd mean you can expect lines out the door after 10:30 PM on weekends. But it's worth the wait. 

Uptown Tavern

Where: 1236 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
At nearby Uptown Tavern, crafty cocktails, microbrews, and farm-to-table fare dominate this stylish yet down-to-earth space. Fronted by an alluring sidewalk patio, it checks all the right boxes for excellent day drinking and happy hour.

Alibi

Where: 1403 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
With a rock 'n roll feel, the Alibi, a cash-only, casual dive bar, boasts a small outdoor patio, pool tables, and a kickin’ juke box with loud music.

Baja Betty's

Where: 1421 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
For those looking to wash down big plates of Mexican food with prized tequila and other libations, Baja Betty's obliges.

Hillcrest Brewing Company

Where: 1458 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
A trip along University Avenue isn't complete without a visit to Hillcrest Brewing Company. Considered the world's first and only gay-owned brewery, it's a great spot to grab a pizza or two and make friends at a communal table, while enjoying the many beers on tap. 

Fifth Avenue

This stretch hosts a handful of popular joints, many with rainbow-filled histories.

Number One Fifth Avenue

Where: 3845 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Number One Fifth Avenue greets with a pleasant neighborhood dive-bar feel. The slender indoor bar leads to an inviting back patio, which is equally worthy in daylight or after dark.

The Loft

Where: 3610 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
The Loft—a San Diego institution—is known for its strong drinks and unpretentious atmosphere. It was once voted one of the best gay bars in America by Yelp.

Nunu's Cocktails

Where: 3537 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
A Hillcrest landmark since the 1960s, LGBTQ+ friendly Nunu's offers an inviting and laidback vibe, with an undeniable divey charm.

SRO Lounge

Where: 1807 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
With deep red walls and chandeliers, SRO Lounge is a legendary gay bar that delivers a glam but laid-back vibe.