San Diego is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in California — and the entire country. Its journey toward becoming a queer-friendly city began during World War II, when downtown gay bars primarily served sailors. Since the 1970s, Hillcrest has taken center stage as the city’s main gay neighborhood and the heart of its queer community — a safe space where people can freely express themselves and celebrate Pride.
Today, Hillcrest hosts a wide variety of weekly, monthly, and annual events: the Monthly Art Walk, Sunday Funday, Taste of Hillcrest in April, the Pride Block Party and She Fest in July, CityFest and the Spirit of Stonewall Rally in August, and Nightmare on Normal Street during Halloween — and the list goes on. It’s also home to many of the city’s top-rated bars, breweries, and clubs where the best gays and lesbians in San Diego spend their nights.
Here’s a quick city guide to help you discover the best LGBTQ+ hotspots in San Diego that offer all kinds of fun — from queer night shows and themed parties to karaoke, pool tables, craft beer, and fine cocktails.
Whether you live in San Diego or are planning a visit during Pride Month (or any time of year), these bars and nightclubs are must-visits. You’ll find great places to hang out with friends, meet like-minded people, and soak up a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Gay Bars and Nightclubs in Hillcrest, San Diego, California
Flicks
Address: 1017 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Flicks is a top-rated gay bar in San Diego, located on University Avenue in Hillcrest. For over 36 years, it has attracted both locals and tourists alike. Flicks is a video bar — enjoy music videos while sipping strong drinks and chatting with new friends. You can also play pool, participate in karaoke nights, or just sit there with a cocktail and admire the moves of go-go dancers.
Rich’s San Diego
Address: 1051 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Rich’s is the most popular gay nightclub in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. Resident and guest DJs keep the crowd dancing nonstop, while expertly crafted cocktails keep the energy high all night long.
The club features two spacious dance floors and private party rooms that overlook the lively scene below — perfect for celebrating birthdays or other special occasions with your friends. Weekly theme nights add an extra layer of fun and are always worth checking out.
Redwing Bar & Grill
Address: 4012 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Redwing Bar & Grill attracts San Diego foodies at both lunch and dinner time. As one of the best spots to eat in North Park, it’s often a bit crowded. It’s also a favorite spot among karaoke lovers — karaoke nights run from Tuesday to Sunday.
With its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, Redwing is the perfect spot to meet up with friends after a long workday and shake off the stress. Guests can use the outdoor patio as a smoking area.
Lips – San Diego
Address: 3036 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
Lips is a truly special place in San Diego — it’s a supper club run by drag queens who put on the most fabulous LaCage Drag Show experiences for their guests. Events like Bitchy Bingo and the Dragalicious Gospel Brunch on Sundays are spectacular and definitely worth attending.
Beyond the entertainment, Lips also offers delicious food and serves excellent drinks. It welcomes guests from San Diego and all over the country.
The Loft San Diego
Address: 3610 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, California 92103
The Loft San Diego is a nice and cozy gay bar on Fifth Ave not far from North Park. It has super friendly staff and treats guests with some specialty drinks — from tequila and mezcal to champagne and draft beer — on different days of the week during San Diego Pride. It’s a nice place to come with your friends or come alone and meet new gay guys who are open for chatting and flirting.
Hillcrest Brewing Company
Address: 1458 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Hillcrest Brewing Company is another great spot on University Avenue to hang out with fellow lesbian women and unwind. There’s nothing fancy about this place — its charm lies in its simplicity. Here you can enjoy house-brewed beers, delicious stone-fired pizzas, and wings. Good food and great company are all you need for a perfect night out at this San Diego craft brewery.
Urban MO’s
Address: 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Urban MO’s is a hetero-friendly gay bar in Hillcrest where you can dance, eat, chill, and celebrate Pride or any special occasion. The bar is vibrant, and the restaurant serves a wide selection of high-quality dishes — from ribs and chicken strips to burgers and pesto turkey melts. It’s always crowded, which means you can always find company to spend your time with.
Number One Fifth Avenue
Address: 3845 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Number One Fifth Avenue is one of the best gay bars in Hillcrest, not far from North Park. Its laid-back vibe, great bar selection (it has two bars actually), cozy outdoor dance area, and fit and good-looking go-go dancers make it an ideal place to spend a night. If you want to party, check their site for event information — Havana and Brazilian are spectacular according to guests’ reviews.
Lamplighter
Address: 817 W Washington St. San Diego, CA 92103
Lamplighter is another one of San Diego’s dive and karaoke bars. Karaoke starts at 9 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 8 PM Friday–Saturday. Once a month, they host EMO Karaoke Night, which invites visitors to sing sadder songs. Guests can also play pool and darts. Lamplighter accepts cash only — know it before you go.
Lesbian Bars in San Diego That Are Safe Spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community
Gossip Grill in San Diego
Address: 1220 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
After The Flame on Park Boulevard closed, Gossip Grill became the last remaining lesbian bar in San Diego — and one of the few left in the country. It features an evergreen outdoor patio and restaurant adorned with feminine-inspired art, and most importantly, a fabulous dance club that welcomes all women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Guests flock to lesbian bar Gossip Grill for craft cocktails, dishes from a seasonal menu, daily happy hour from 2 PM to 4 PM, and some of Hillcrest’s most spectacular drag and comedy shows.
SRO Lounge
Address: 1807 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
SRO Lounge is a top choice for lesbian women and queer folks who prefer a more upscale, glamorous vibe on Fifth Ave. It’s a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. At SRO Lounge, you can enjoy sophisticated cocktails while watching spectacular drag performances in a stylish setting.
The Brass Rail
Address: 3796 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
The Brass Rail is a historic LGBTQ+ venue in Hillcrest that has served as a safe space for queer guests for many years. Now gay-owned, it offers even more inclusive entertainment options. While it’s popular among gay men, it also hosts dedicated events for lesbian women and their allies.
Don’t miss the Women’s Dance Party at the Brass Rail — held every third Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM — to enjoy happy hour drinks and great company, and start dancing once the DJ starts spinning.
Nunu’s Tavern
Address: 3537 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Nunu’s Tavern won its reputation as a lesbian-friendly bar by serving the LGBTQ+ community since 1962. Here you can find cheap drinks and the friendliest servers who will remember your name. This hotspot offers a full menu and provides an extensive selection of spirits. Come here to dine with your friends and gossip about your exes.
Spin San Diego
Address: 2028 Hancock Street, San Diego CA 92110
Spin is a nightclub that hosts lots of events for people who love drum and bass, house, and industrial music. It has two dancing floors and gives enough space for every visitor.
Unlike Gossip Grill, Spin San Diego is not labeled as a “lesbian bar” and it’s located outside the Hillcrest neighborhood. Yet it’s a safe place for queer ladies to party. Friendly bartenders and great music make this place a worth-a-visit spot.
Alibi on University Ave (Hillcrest)
Address: 1403 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Alibi is a long-established dive bar that’s also seen as a popular lesbian bar. It has pool tables, which you can use for free on Sundays, and a laid-back vibe with loyal, budget-friendly pricing. Note that this bar accepts cash only. It’s a great place to unwind with friends over drinks without the frills.
Mujeres Brew House
Address: 1983 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Mujeres Brew House is a female-owned brewery that celebrates Latin American culture and welcomes queer folks, members of the transgender community, families, pets, and literally everyone who wants to spend a great time and feel a positive vibe.
Here you can eat delicious tacos and drink beer and micheladas, and also participate in events that range from protest poster-making and piñata-making workshops to speed-friending, offsite CDC golf tournaments, and live music perfomances.
San Diego Bars and Clubs Welcome Locals and City Visitors All Year Round
While many people come to the city in June to celebrate San Diego Pride, it’s worth visiting in July, August and all year round. Whether you want to hang out at a queer party, dine at a great restaurant, play pool, or just have fun conversations with like-minded people, come to Hillcrest to enjoy it all. Use this San Diego city guide to explore the best hotspots on Fifth Ave and near North Park.
Take note that beyond the bar scene, visitors can make the most of their time in San Diego by exploring the iconic Balboa Park, heading to the Thursday Farmers’ Market to try local berries, visiting San Diego’s largest art walk in the Ray Street Arts District, and ending their day admiring stunning views from University Heights Point Park.
Looking for someone special to share these San Diego experiences with? Try a dating app like PinkCupid, HER, Grindr, Scruff, or Tinder. The first two apps are designed for lesbians, while others cater to a wide audience, including queer people.
Or download Taimi — the most effective, fully inclusive LGBTQ+ dating app in San Diego. It helps you connect with locals and visitors who share your interests and are just as excited to explore the Hillcrest neighborhood, Fifth Ave, and Balboa Park. Taimi might just help you find your perfect match so you can enjoy your stay in San Diego to the fullest and make your trip more fulfilling and memorable.
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