LGBTQ+ Nightlife in San Diego: Your Ultimate Guide to Queer Hot Spots

Welcome to our queer city guide series by Lex! San Diego, and particularly Hillcrest,  is known for its amazing nightlife and boasts a rich and diverse LGBTQ+ community. Post on Lex to find a queer date 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 famous 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 day, it’s a friendly, welcoming lesbian restaurant, and by night, it transforms into the go-to Lesbian dance spot. At Gossip Grill, you can count on drag shows, live DJs, and a female centric space that is still inclusive of everyone. The back patio is great for a more relaxed vibe, while inside, it feels like the party never stops. It’s an incredible place to spend a queer night out at a lesbian bar in Hillcrest with friends. 

2. Rich's San Diego (Hillcrest)

Address: 1051 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Another University Avenue staple, Rich's San Diego has it all. With two giant dance floors, laser lighting, and a rotating lineup of amazing DJs, Rich's is the gay bar where the party goes late into the night. Touting themselves as San Diego's #1 gay bar, it's easy to see why. When you walk in the door, be ready for an LGBT dance party. Come celebrate LGBTQ community in Hillcrest at a University Ave staple.

3. Flicks (Hillcrest)

Address: 1017 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Keeping with the theme, Flicks is another Hillcrest gayborhood go-to. Flicks has been a staple in San Diego’s gay nightlife since 1983. It’s a video bar that keeps the party going with karaoke nights, a variety of themed events (found on their website), and music videos playing on every screen. The outdoor patio is ideal for a casual hangout, but if you’re feeling competitive, try your hand at their fun bar games.

4. Urban MO's

Address: 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Urban MO’s is all about drag brunches, burger nights, and a flamboyant atmosphere. Located in Hillcrest (appropriately dubbed the gayborhood), it's a place where you can sip a “Big Girl” cocktail out of a fishbowl while immersing yourself in LGBTQ San Diego culture. Country Western Night is a surprisingly fun twist, and the dance floor keeps things moving with crowds of Hillcrest LGBT tourists and locals.

5. Number 1 Fifth Avenue (Hillcrest)

Address: 3845 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Sometimes you just want a chill, no-pressure bar in the gayborhood, and that’s where Number 1 Fifth Avenue shines. It has pool tables, a big patio with a projector screen, and a gay crowd that’s always up for a drink and a chat. If you’re not in the mood for a full-on club night but still want to hang out with LGBTQ community, this is your spot.

6. The Loft San Diego (Hillcrest)

Address: 3610 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

The Loft is a no-frills LGBTQ+ dive bar with strong drinks, a great happy hour, and a nice pool table setup. It’s the kind of bar where you get to know the bartender, and before you know it, you’re singing along to old-school pop hits with new gay friends. Whether you're looking for a lesbian bar, gar bar, or anything else, The Loft in the heart of San Diego's gayborhood is sure to deliver.

7. Redwing Bar & Grill (North Park)

Address: 4012 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

We needed to mix in someplace that wasn't in Hillcrest! Redwing Bar & Grill isn’t just a gay bar or lesbian bar - it’s a karaoke destination where the drinks are strong, the crowd is fun, and the food is surprisingly good. If you want a break from Hillcrest but still want a great LGBTQ-friendly gay bar, head over to North Park and belt out a classic tune at Redwing.

Find your perfect San Diego plans on Lex

There’s always something queer happening on Lex. Download Lex and filter your feed by Events to see everything happening in your area. Nothing speaking to you? Take charge and make your own! Create an Event and get friends (read some tips on finding new queer friends here) together to check out a lesbian bar in your city. Queer cuties in your neighborhood are right at your fingertips - go meet them!

Looking for something a little less nightlife-related? We’ve got tips for sober activities, too for those times where teh gay bar and lesbian bar won't cut it. And check out our other city guides here.

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