Nightlife

It’s not just about where you go, but also when.

Illustration of woman dancing
Drag performance at Rich's San Diego
Rich's San Diego - club

When do people usually head out...

Bars
7 - 10 PM
19:00 - 22:00
Clubs
11 PM - 2 AM
23:00 - 02:00

Closing - 2 AM

Last-call laws require all establishments to close by 2 AM
Make sure to bring a valid ID
LGBTQ+ partiers at a day party at Rich's San Diego
Rich's San Diego - event
LGBTQ+ party-goers at Gossip Grill
Gossip Grill - bar/club

Our
picks

LGBTQ+ people at Uptown Tavern
Uptown Tavern - bar

Bars

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insideOUT

insideOUT is a fabulous spot that is a popular bar spot situated in the Eitol Towers. insideOUT is a restaurant/bar that has the main dining room leading to an outdoor open-air atrium with walkways and seating nooks. You can enjoy their seasonal California-Mediterranean inspired menu with a view of their striking water feature or a margarita and a couple shots! And, insideOUT is LGBTQ-owned and operated, so can contribute to your community while delighting your taste buds.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

18+
Asexual
Bears
BIPOC
Bisexual
Brunch
Lesbian
Queer
Transgender
Trendy
Monday
Closed
Tuesday - Wednesday
4 PM - 10 PM
Thursday
4 PM - 11 PM
Friday
4 PM - 12 AM
Saturday
10 AM - 12 AM
Sunday
10 AM - 5 PM
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Serpentine Cider

If you’re looking for some chill vibes and even chiller cider, Serpentine Cider will check your bubbles, whoops, we mean check your boxes ;) With an airy and wooded atmosphere, it invites you to sit down, have a cider (have another cider) and chat, chat, chat. They also have a cozy patio decked out with greenery and flowers where you can breathe in the balmy San Diego air and bask in your buzz. And, before you leave, make sure that you try their tasting flights which are laid on handmade wood planks!

Neighborhood

University Heights

Crowd

Asexual
Bisexual
Gay
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Monday
Closed
Tuesday - Thursday
4 PM - 9 PM
Friday
3 PM - 10 PM
Saturday
12 PM - 10 PM
Sunday
12 PM - 8 PM
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Urban Mo's Bar & Grill

This is an absolute must-visit if you want to see how the locals party down. Whether you’re someone who parties sunup or sundown to when-the-hell-ever, the crowd at MO’s will be right there with you! The drinks are dangerously delicious and strong as hell, and you’ll need them to line-dance your way onto the dance floor. That’s right, from line dancing to drag shows to karaoke to straight-up twerking on the dance floor, you’ve got options on option here! And, if you need some fuel after all that dancing and chatting, MO’s has a menu to satisfy those early, late or in-between cravings. Trust us, one visit and you'll be hashtagging #FeelingFOMOwithoutMO's.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Monday - Friday
10 AM - 11 PM
Saturday - Sunday
9 AM - 11 PM
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PECS

In the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, just a stone's throw away from Hillcrest, lies PECS, a magnetic oasis that beckons with its laid-back charm and welcoming atmosphere. This beloved gay bar has earned a reputation as a favorite haunt of the burly and the cuddly, as bears and cubs congregate here in joyous camaraderie. Embracing its divey allure, PECS invites all who have an affinity for the delightfully hairy, ensuring that laughter, friendship, and good times flow as freely as the drinks.

Neighborhood

North Park

Crowd

21+
Bears
Bisexual
Cruising
Drag
Fetish
Gay
Leather
Muscle
Pool table
Transgender
Monday - Sunday
12 PM - 12 AM
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Gossip Grill

LGBTQ+ patrons at Gossip Grill in San Diego, California

Gossip Grill is a popular lesbian bar, but let’s be honest, anyone who is anyone, goes there! It is located in the heart of Hillcrest and is known for its shimmering chandeliers and evergreen patio with fire pits. Whether you come here for their delicious brunch or stop by for a boozy cocktail - you will be guaranteed a fabulous time! If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, check out their late-HER happy hours, a nightclub with DJs, and queer experiences.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
BIPOC
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Karaoke
Lesbian
Queer
Transgender
Monday - Tuesday
2 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday - Thursday
2 PM - 12 AM
Friday
2 PM - 2 AM
Saturday
10 AM - 2 AM
Sunday
10 AM - 12 AM
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Uptown Tavern

A local hotspot, Uptown Tavern, is a neighborhood gem where the bartenders serve up some sass and twirls with your drinks! They have everything from microbrews to specialty drinks like the Blueberry-Basil Gimlet. With an outside patio in the front and an enclosed patio in the back, this baby got some back on both ends! Grab your friends, grab some drinks and get ready to spill some serious tea - whoop!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Asexual
BIPOC
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Intersex
Lesbian
Queer
Transgender
Trendy
Monday
Closed
Tuesday - Wednesday
4 PM - 12 AM
Thursday - Friday
4 PM - 12 AM
Saturday
12 PM - 12 AM
Sunday
11 AM - 11 PM
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Number One Fifth Avenue

Welcome to Number One Fifth Avenue – the dive bar that's a little rough around the edges but oozes with more charm than Beyoncé on stage! Where the locals drop in to start a night of bar hopping, and bartenders serve up drinks that are just strong enough to keep you ready to party the night away. There’s no style more unique than the eclectic decor of this bar, and there’s always a dance party in the back. So grab a drink, and embrace the delightful chaos that Number One Fifth Avenue offers!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Karaoke
Lesbian
Pool table
Queer
Monday - Thursday
12 PM - 1:30 AM
Friday - Saturday
12 PM - 2 AM
Sunday
12 PM - 1:30 AM
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Flicks

Flicks has been a Hillcrest staple for over 30 years and will always have a crowd, no matter the time of day or year. This popular gay bar has it all – music videos, sports, and a prime location to be a well-needed pit stop on any day or night spent in Hillcrest. The drinks are strong and the bartenders are hot, honey! They’re ready to serve you in any way needed and may ask you to join their Saturday night underwear contests if you’re feeling frisky. This is one classic bar you’ll find yourself returning to for the friendly faces and crazy fun!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Karaoke
Lesbian
Pool table
Queer
Transgender
Monday - Thursday
4 PM - 2 AM
Friday
2 PM - 2 AM
Saturday
12 PM - 2 AM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 2 AM
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SRO Lounge

With its plush interior and glam chandeliers, SRO lounge is as charismatic and unique as the drag performers that perform there. If you’re looking for an old-school and somewhat divey start to your night, line up here Folks! While this is one of the only Trans bars in San Diego, the entire LQBTQ+ community comes here for the cheap drinks and classy bartenders. And, if you’re into decking all those halls, SRO abso-freakin-lutely delivers during the holidays. SRO sparkles and shimmers with Christmas lights, tinsel and ornaments galore. You can Ho Ho Ho here anytime of the year!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Mixed
Pool table
Queer
Transgender
Monday - Sunday
10 AM - 2 AM
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Redwing Bar & Grill

Redwing Bar & Grill is a delightful fusion of divey charm and an undeniable energy of a lively neighborhood haunt, this gay-friendly bar is popular Thursday through Saturday with some of the local gays and lesbians. The bar is mostly straight/somewhat mixed on other days of the week, but they do pop in. As you step into its welcoming embrace, you'll find yourself irresistibly drawn to the tantalizing cocktails flowing from the bar and the sweet melodies echoing from the popular karaoke stage (usually anyways!).

Neighborhood

North Park

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Gay
Karaoke
Lesbian
LGBTQ+ friendly
Mixed
Pool table
Monday
Closed
Tuesday - Wednesday
11 AM - 1 AM
Thursday - Saturday
11 AM - 2 AM
Sunday
11 AM - 1 AM
Party-goers at Gossip Grill LGBTQ+ bar
Gossip Grill - bar/club

Clubs

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Rich's San Diego

If you want to work it on the dance floor and feel the thumping beats into the early hours – Rich’s is the stop for you! Want a VIP experience? They have multiple VIP booths and a separate party room for the elite. Are cocktails your thing? There are two full bars and the hot bartenders can make you the strongest of shots or the most unique concoctions if you want to spice things up! Love a little entertainment with your drink? There are themed shows almost every night, with everything from electro-pop to the best local DJs and drag performers. Ready to let go with some dancing? Well duh, that’s what everyone comes to do! You can’t miss the biggest club in Hillcrest, so check it out for yourself.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Trendy
Monday - Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday - Thursday
10 PM - 2 AM
Friday - Sunday
9 PM - 2 AM
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Gossip Grill

Gossip Grill is a popular lesbian bar, but let’s be honest, anyone who is anyone, goes there! It is located in the heart of Hillcrest and is known for its shimmering chandeliers and evergreen patio with fire pits. Whether you come here for their delicious brunch or stop by for a boozy cocktail - you will be guaranteed a fabulous time! If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, check out their late-HER happy hours, a nightclub with DJs, and queer experiences.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
BIPOC
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Karaoke
Lesbian
Queer
Transgender
Monday - Tuesday
2 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday - Thursday
2 PM - 12 AM
Friday
2 PM - 2 AM
Saturday
10 AM - 2 AM
Sunday
10 AM - 12 AM
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Spin Nightclub

Welcome to Spin Nightclub, where the party scene is so hot it could make the San Diego sun jealous! Step into a world where the beats drop harder than a clumsy DJ's mixtape and the energy is so contagious it should come with a warning label. This is the kind of place where you can lose yourself in a sea of dancing bodies, and let your inhibitions fly out the window like glitter. From legendary theme nights that will have you raiding your costume closet to mind-bending laser shows that'll make you question reality, Spin Nightclub is a sensory overload that you won't soon forget. So strap on your party shoes, grab a cocktail that's as strong as your dance moves, and prepare to “spin” the night away!

Neighborhood

Mission Hills

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Gay
Mixed
Monday - Thursday
Closed
Friday - Saturday
9 PM - 4 AM
Sunday
Closed
The drag stage at LIPS LGBTQ+ bar
LIPS - event

Shows

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LIPS

Who wouldn’t approve of the drag performers serving up realness at LIPS? This place is the ultimate in drag shows – catering to every crowd. From bachelorettes and birthday celebrations to Wednesday night BINGO and their weekly Gospel Brunch. The drinks are flowing, but the show is the main attraction. From your best friend to your grandma, everyone will have a fabulous time and leave feeling as confident and strong as the performers of LIPS. Don’t miss this party during your time in San Diego!

Neighborhood

University Heights

Crowd

Asexual
BIPOC
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Monday
Closed
Tuesday - Thursday
7 PM - 10 PM
Friday
6:30 PM - 2 AM
Saturday
5:30 PM - 2 AM
Sunday
11 AM - 3 PM
7 PM - 10 PM
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Urban Mo's Bar & Grill

This is an absolute must-visit if you want to see how the locals party down. Whether you’re someone who parties sunup or sundown to when-the-hell-ever, the crowd at MO’s will be right there with you! The drinks are dangerously delicious and strong as hell, and you’ll need them to line-dance your way onto the dance floor. That’s right, from line dancing to drag shows to karaoke to straight-up twerking on the dance floor, you’ve got options on option here! And, if you need some fuel after all that dancing and chatting, MO’s has a menu to satisfy those early, late or in-between cravings. Urban MO’s Bar & Grill features amazing drag shows and brunches, with special appearances by world renowned drag performers to amp up the brunch vibes!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Monday - Friday
10 AM - 11 PM
Saturday - Sunday
9 AM - 11 PM
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The Rail

Street view of The Rail LGBTQ+ bar in San Diego, California

Hold onto your seats, San Diego, because The Rail is about to unleash a whirlwind of events that'll leave you begging for more! This place isn't just a bar—it's a non-stop party factory that knows how to throw down with style. From wild karaoke nights where your inner rockstar takes center stage to themed dance parties that transport you to another dimension. Their event calendar is a masterclass in debauchery and good times. Get ready for outrageous costume contests, mind-blowing DJ sets that'll make your hips sway like nobody's business, and live performances that will leave you breathless. So grab your dancing shoes, unleash your inner party animal, and join the extravaganza at The Rail. Trust us, the only FOMO you'll have is if you miss out on these legendary events!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Queer
Transgender
Monday
4 PM - 10 PM
Tuesday - Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
11 AM - 12 AM
Friday - Saturday
11 AM - 2 AM
Sunday
10 AM - 2 AM
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Rich's San Diego

If you want to work it on the dance floor and feel the thumping beats into the early hours – Rich’s is the stop for you! Want a VIP experience? They have multiple VIP booths and a separate party room for the elite. Are cocktails your thing? There are two full bars and the hot bartenders can make you the strongest of shots or the most unique concoctions if you want to spice things up! Love a little entertainment with your drink? There are themed shows almost every night, with everything from electro-pop to the best local DJs and drag performers. Ready to let go with some dancing? Well duh, that’s what everyone comes to do! You can’t miss the biggest club in Hillcrest, so check it out for yourself.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Trendy
Monday - Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday - Thursday
10 PM - 2 AM
Friday - Sunday
9 PM - 2 AM
LGBTQ+ people at Uptown Tavern
Uptown Tavern - bar

Lounges

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Martinis

Martinis is where old school class meets an iconic happy hour - and a sickening dry martini. Whether you like it extra dirty or prefer the sweetest lemon drop, you’ll be satisfied. The real fun starts with their specialty options, from spicy jalapenos to peach puree in the mix. There’s so much to try! Indulge and be entertained by dynamic impersonators, singers, and drag performers well into the evening. If you join on Sunday fun day, live your best life with the bottomless mimosas. Right in the heart of Hillcrest, it’s a must-see stop.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Drag
Gay
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Currently under renovation
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SRO Lounge

With its plush interior and glam chandeliers, SRO lounge is as charismatic and unique as the drag performers that perform there. If you’re looking for an old-school and somewhat divey start to your night, line up here Folks! While this is one of the only Trans bars in San Diego, the entire LQBTQ+ community comes here for the cheap drinks and classy bartenders. And, if you’re into decking all those halls, SRO abso-freakin-lutely delivers during the holidays. SRO sparkles and shimmers with Christmas lights, tinsel and ornaments galore. You can Ho Ho Ho here anytime of the year!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Mixed
Pool table
Queer
Transgender
Monday - Sunday
10 AM - 2 AM
Street view of The Rail LGBTQ+ bar in San Diego, California
The Rail - bar

Events + parties

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Truck Stop @ Rich's

Ready to let your inner bear out, or just enjoy the view? Once a month at Rich’s, the Truck Stop night is on. Those big wheels are rolling and ready for whichever truck stop daddy is brave enough to join. With sexy gogo dancers, shot guys, and the manliest bartenders you have ever seen. Sweetie, this is the place to be!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bears
Bisexual
Gay
Intersex
Mixed
Queer
Trendy
Every third Sunday
5 PM - 9 PM
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Swap Meat @ Merrow

This ain't your grandma's thrift store, darlings; it's a leather-loving, kink-tastic, and fetish-filled fiesta! You will enjoy a parade of daring divas and dashing daddies decked out in leather, latex, and all things fabulous, turning heads and dropping jaws. So, slip into your sexiest leather harness, dust off that latex bodysuit, and step into a world where boundaries are pushed, inhibitions are left at the door, and Swap Meat becomes a glamorous carnival of desire and delight!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bears
Bisexual
Drag
Fetish
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Karaoke
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Every second Friday
7 PM - 10 PM
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Stunt @ Rich's

Strut and spin your way through the dance floor at STUNT at Rich’s, every Sunday from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. No matter the weekend, the hosts will bring the attitude and heat to delve into the hip-hop/Latin music pulsing through the front room and the queer pop and vogue music in the main room. These amazing performers will bring the spirit, so you best be prepared to match it. With $3 vodkas from 9-10, don’t be late.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Trendy
Every Sunday
9 PM - 2 AM
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Sunday Funday @ The Hole

Welcome to Sunday Funday at The Hole (aka The Hole in the Wall), the beloved joint nestled in Point Loma, San Diego! Affectionately known as "The Hole" by the locals, this divey haven promises an unforgettable experience for your Sunday Funday! Sundays are popping here with flowing beers, happy bears and music to kick your boots or heels to. Busy hours are usually banging from 1 - 6 p.m.

Neighborhood

Point Loma

Crowd

21+
Bears
Bisexual
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Karaoke
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Every Sunday
12 PM - 8 PM
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Souleil

Get ready to soak up the sun and groove to the beats that make your soul smile, because Souleil House Music Party at Gossip Grill is about to turn up the heat on your dance moves! It's like a beach party with a bassline, where the sand meets the beats and the ocean waves sway to the rhythm. Leave your worries at home and embrace the good vibes – Souleil House Music Party where you'll find bliss, beats, and a whole lot of booty shaking!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest
Days and locations vary
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Club Sabbat @ Merrow

Gather 'round, darklings and creatures of the night, for Club Sabbot in San Diego is where the gothic industrial party of your eerie dreams comes to life! The DJ spins tunes that make the undead tap their bony toes, and the drinks flow like a witch's cauldron, leaving you spellbound and thirsty for more. It's a premier haven for goth royalty, with corsets cinched tighter than your ex's purse strings and makeup as dark as your sense of humor. Slip into your leather, lace, and chains, and join the gothic dance revolution – because at Club Sabbot, the night is young, and the darkness is our playground!

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bears
Bisexual
Drag
Fetish
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Karaoke
Lesbian
Mixed
Queer
Transgender
Every second Saturday
9 PM - 2 AM
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Hip Hop Fridayz @ The Rail

Street view of The Rail LGBTQ+ bar in San Diego, California

Are you ready to unleash your inner groove and bust a move, because it's time to turn up the heat at The Rail in Hillcrest, San Diego, for Hip Hop Fridayz! Every Friday night, this electric hotspot transforms into a hip-hop haven, where the beats are bumpin' and the vibes are off the charts! Step into a world of rhythm and rhymes as the DJ drops the hottest tracks from old-school classics to the freshest bangers. Whether you're a seasoned hip-hop head or just looking to let loose, Hip Hop Fridayz guarantees a night of non-stop fun and banging energy. Featuring $5 drinks specials and cover.

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

21+
Bisexual
Brunch
Drag
Gay
Hetero-friendly
Intersex
Lesbian
Queer
Transgender
Every Friday
9 PM - 2 AM
LGBTQ+ people at Uptown Tavern
Uptown Tavern - bar

Sauna

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Club San Diego

Ready to connect with someone or several someones, clothing optional? Then, Club San Diego is the spot for you. It’s a safe space where you can ditch your duds and dive head-first into whatever fantasy or fetish that tickles your fancy! They also host weekly, monthly and special events like Boy Toy Wednesday and Temptations Tuesday. Drop your inhibitions (and your pants) at the door and as Club San Diego says, “make a friend for an hour or a lifetime.”

Neighborhood

Hillcrest

Crowd

18+
Bisexual
Cruising
Gay
Muscle
Naked
Monday - Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
8 AM - 12 AM
Thursday - Sunday
24 Hours
Dining table and bar at insideOUT LGBTQ+ bar
insideOUT - restaurant
Beer & cider tasting at Serpentine Cider LGBTQ+ bar
Serpentine Cider - bar

A crawl for all

We’ve done the work to scope out the best places and times to go all in an easy format so you can spend your time getting your groove on.

Sunday Funday Trail
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