Finding the right bar to please your whole crew and keep them partying can be tricky. Whether you're looking for lowkey happy hour or electric dancefloor, we’ve rounded up the 16 best LGBTQ bars in San Diego that you must try.
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Website/ 1220 University Ave. 92103
As one of the few lesbian bars in San Diego, Gossip Grill regularly draws a crowd of ladies and hosts a bevy of drink specials and seriously tasty comfort food. There’s an outdoor patio ideal for summer boozing. The interior is Insta-worthy with ornate chandeliers, feminine artwork, and well-placed greenery.
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Website/ 1458 University Ave. 92103
Hailed as the first gay brewery in the world, Hillcrest Brewing Company surely will entertain your friends, regardless of their involvement in the LGBTQ community. The bar has over 24 taps and regularly features local beers and a few created by the brewery itself. In the kitchen, delicious dishes are regularly added to the menu. Be sure to try their oven-baked wings or house-made pretzels.
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Website/ 2046 University Ave. 92104
Head to PECS for great drink specials and plenty of “bears”. On the first Saturday of each month comes THIRST night, where $10 covers three hours of cocktails and draft beers. It’s a fabulous booze-fueled, men-focused weekend event. Stop in during the week on Wednesday for $5 well drinks.
Website/ 3040 N Park Way 92104
Known as San Diego’s only leather bar, give the San Diego Eagle a try. There are many themed events held at the Eagle throughout the month, like Underwear Night and Gear Night. The bar holds a highly competitive annual Mr. San Diego pageant competition.
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Website/ 2820 Lytton St. 92110
In operation for almost 100 years (they opened in 1924), The Hole In The Wall has an ordinary entrance but a warm, welcoming atmosphere once inside. The Hole is home to a large smoking patio with fire pits, and an interior that is always lit with live entertainment. Throughout the week the bar hosts karaoke, curated trivia, and many DJs. On Sundays, head to The Hole for food trucks and more than a dozen beers on tap.
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Website/ 308 University Ave. 92103
This iconic LGBTQ bar is the self-professed “best gay bar in the world” and is located in the Hillcrest neighborhood. The bar makes fantastic burgers and hosts an even better happy hour. Head to Urban MO’s on the weekends for $10 Long Island iced tea pitchers. Embrace the atmosphere and let loose!
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Website/ 929 Broadway 92101
Cold drinks and a side of history is what you’ll find at Chee-Chee Club. Established in 1941, the dive bar has been around longer than McDonald’s and is still a cash-only operation. But don’t worry, there’s an ATM on site, in addition to the pool tables, handful of arcade games and laidback environment.
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Website/ 1236 University Ave 92103
Uptown Tavern commits to being your home away from home. And as a multi-functioning establishment, how could it not be? On top of the welcoming atmosphere, Uptown Tavern can be the place to unwind over savory bites and a cool beer or it can be the spot where you dance until last call. It’s got a patio for sundrenched visits and a private bar, the Arrow Lounge, for more intimate gatherings.
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Website/ 1421 University Ave 92103
Promising an experience that is equal parts safe and fabulous, Baja Betty’s has been serving up excellent margaritas, flavorful tacos and a whole lot of fun for almost 20 years. The Mexican restaurant always has something going on from happy hour and Taco Tuesday to weekend brunch and drag shows.
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Website/ 3036 El Cajon Blvd 92104
When the night’s (or day’s!) main event is a drag show, Lips should be your first thought. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or looking to add some excitement to any day, Lips puts on the grandest drag shows in town. And between all the dancing and sparkles, you’ll be able to sip on specialty cocktails and eat dinner or brunch. There are 10 shows a week, but be sure to make a reservation.
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Website/ 4012 30th St 92104
Watching performances is fun, but sometimes you need to be part of it. When karaoke is the main objective, head to Redwing Bar & Grill. The no-frills dive bar will load you up with all the drinks you need to be ready for the mic, and even better is that the staff has just as much fun as you. In addition, Redwing serves up hearty bar fare and has a relaxed patio.
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Website/ 3610 Fifth Ave 92103
Established in 1978, you know that The Loft is the go-to neighborhood bar. More than a watering hole, you feel like family as a regular or newcomer and you’ll never want to stop coming back with its lineup of weekly events, including happy hour (Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.); Industry Mondays (drink deals!); Tequila Tuesdays; Buddy Wednesdays; Sunday Funday and Monday’s Family Dinner with Papa Kip.
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Website/ 3845 Fifth Ave 92103
Channeling its true California spirit, Number One Fifth Avenue is easygoing. The dive bar is a true locals hangout fit for post-work drinks, weekend dancing and patio gatherings. A safe haven since 1981, you’ll feel both comfort and an electric energy during karaoke, Sunday Funday and more.
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Website/ 1839 Adams Ave 92116
Also a neighborhood joint, Cheers caters to the needs of the people. You’ll always find drink specials and events going on, making it the ultimate community hub. Stop in for the likes of BBQ Sundays, trivia nights and other holiday events.
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1807 Fifthe Ave 92101
For four decades and counting, SRO Lounge has been among the many dive bars in San Diego, but it offers something special you can’t find anywhere else. Maybe it's the plain fact that its history stretches back 40 years or maybe it's the allure of the chandeliers, draped lights and red walls that nod to classic Italian American restaurants. No matter what draws you in, you’re set for a great time, great drinks and even better service.
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Website/ 1642 University Ave 92103
Tucked into the Eitol Towers, InsideOut is the place to be for an elevated night out. The restaurant and lounge serves Californian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that pairs well with its lineup of vibrant cocktails, like the Deep Eddy-based Ruby’s Nectar or the smoky Hye Rye. Similar to the seasonal nature of the menu, InsideOut regularly puts on experiential pop-ups that immerse guests into the space’s oasis nature. It was littered with twinkle lights and Christmas decor for the holidays and an abundance of cascading pink florals for spring.
See also: 7 Celebrity Whiskeys For A Star-Studded Bar Cart
Photography by: JULIAN MACKLER/ BFA.COM
