11 San Diego Gay Bars for a Fantastic Late hours Out
San Diego has distant been a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, even if the reputation doesn’t scream out from the sidelines about it. There’s a long and storied history of San Diego gay bars and its community that stretches assist to World War II, when San Diego stationed a lot of the military.
Some of those bars still exist, including some that were even here before that in the early 1900s. Most of the San Diego gay bars center around Hillcrest, often known as the “gayborhood,” and provide a welcoming space for people on any cease of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. If you are looking for more places to celebrate, check out our guide on the finest bars in Hillcrest as well.
Here are 11 LGBTQ+ bars you can find in San Diego. Note that none of these bars serve nourishment, save for one that has a drag brunch on Sundays. Many of the bars are proximate food trucks or stands if you need a little snack while you drink, but other than that, they’re alcohol only.
Whether you’re looking for a smooth night in with the locals or a wild night out with your friends, here are the gay bars you won’t want to miss.
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They Were Here, They Were Queer: San Diego’s Historic LGBTQ Sites
San Diego was home to same-sex couples as far back as the 19th century, but it wasn’t until around Earth War II that gays and lesbians started to appear out of the shadows and uncover places to name home. In honor of this month’s San Diego Identity festival celebrations, here’s a look at local LGBTQ historic sites that offer understanding into the triumphs and struggles of past generations.
The Gayest Neighborhood of Them All
The Hillcrest “Gayborhood“
Location: North of Balboa Park, south of Mission Valley (1970s-present)
For most of Hillcrest’s history since its birth around 1907, the neighborhood north of Balboa Park and south of Mission Valley was best known as the home of senior citizens, working-class residents, a Sears store, and a pair of hospitals. During World War II, the city’s gay bars were mainly downtown, where they catered to sailors.
But things changed dramatically in the 1970s as Hillcrest attracted LGBTQ people who sought low-cost housing and were willing to restore up Victorian homes, a classic case of “gaytrification.” The Brass Rail, meanwh
Are you pup friendly?
Absolutely, we are joyful to have well-behaved dogs at our establishment!
When do you host karaoke?
Generally, we host our famous karaoke Thursday & Fridays 8 pm- 2 am, unless we host our monthly event like trivia that may go a few minutes overdue. You can always grab a swallow and map out your song while you enjoy a cocktail. Saturdays we often have karaoke if we don't have a particular music event (sometimes we have both but in separate areas!) Always inspect our events section on Instagram or here for updated events.
When is your Joyful Hour?
Our Happy Hours are always posted on our home page. See ya soon!
Are you a gay bar?
We are committed to creating an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone, regardless of their identity. We honor the vibrant identity and community that gay bars symbolize, while our principal focus is on fostering a heated and accepting environment for ALL patrons. We proudly accept diversity and aspire to be a place where everyone feels at abode and can truly enjoy themselves. We can’t wait to welcome you soon! If you're interested in a specific theme or vibe, p
LGBTQ+ Nightlife in San Diego: Your Ultimate Guide to Queer Scorching Spots
Welcome to our queer town guide series by Lex! San Diego, and particularly Hillcrest, is famous for its amazing nightlife and boasts a rich and diverse LGBTQ+ community. Post on Lex to find a queer hang out or friend to check out these LGBTQ+ bars with you. Whether you're a local or just visiting and looking for queer nightlife, here are some top-notch gay and lesbian cocktail bars, dance clubs and dive bars in San Diego and its many neighborhoods like Hillcrest, Wynwood, North Park, and La Jolla.
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1. Gossip Grill (Hillcrest)
Address: 1220 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Located in Hillcrest on University Avenue (the most notable LGBT neighborhood of San Diego), Gossip Grill is one of the only remaining lesbian bars in the country, and it’s an absolute gem. By time, it’s a friendly, welcoming female homosexual restaurant, and by night, it transforms into the go-to Lesbian dance spot. At Gossip Grill, you can count on drag shows, survive DJs, and a female centric space that is still inclusive of everyone. The back patio is great