Where to find the best gay bars in San Diego
In contrast to Los Angeles's entertainment-based ambition, SD embraces a more laid-back, chill vibe that extends to its gay culture.
Mark
San Diego has been described as the little skater brother of the California coastal cities. In contrast to San Francisco’s social activism and Los Angeles’s entertainment-based ambition, SD embraces a more laid-back, chill vibe that extends to its gay culture.
Queer visitors can spend their days tanning on the beach, then head over to the Hillcrest gayborhood to do a little shopping before hitting the bars. While San Diego is a great place to visit all year round, the city hosts back-to-back weekends of Pride and Comic Con in July. So if you plan to stay in town during the week in between, this handy-dandy guide is full of suggestions to fill your time.
Urban MO’s Bar & Grill
Fun in the heart of SD 308 University Ave · San Diego, CA 92103(619) 491-0400
Website
Urban MO’s
This long-time Hillcrest staple is an ideal spot to grab a nosh and a pitcher of beer with the boys. It’s also the home of many weekly drag shows featuring the talents of local kweenz, such as the geek-chic Kickxy Vixen.
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Rich’s
This is Hillcrest’s premier gay dance club, offering parties all through the week, including the queer interactive party Stunt and Pop Rocks karaoke night. For gay geeks in town for Comic Con, this is also home to the annual Hard Heroes queer cosplay party.
Flicks
For over 40 years, this local watering hole has been a clubhouse for San Diego’s queer community. So dip in for a drink on their patio and feast your eyes on the cavalcade of SoCal boys walking down University Ave.
Pecs Bar
The unassuming concrete facade belies this North Park gay bar’s fabulous rainbow flag-festooned interior. Catering to a slightly older clientele, the space is usually packed with a cruisey crowd.
The Rail
If you are in the mood to bust a move, head to 5th Ave in Hillcrest for the Rail. Proudly diverse, this queer establishment offers bottle service, brunch, lunch, and a variety of theme nights.
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