Gay bars in Hillcrest, San Diego
Updated October 9, 2026
Hillcrest is the heart of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community, with a giant rainbow flag at University Avenue and Normal Street and most of the bars on or near Fifth Avenue and University. You can start with drinks, have dinner and go dancing without leaving the neighborhood.
Where to go out in Hillcrest
Rich's San Diego
The neighborhood's big gay nightclub, with two large, separate rooms. The place to dance on a Friday or Saturday night.
Flicks
One of the original gay video bars, right in the middle of Hillcrest. Known for its weekly Welfare Wednesdays.
Urban Mo's Bar & Grill
Bar, restaurant and dance spot in one. A local favorite for food, drinks and a busy night later on.
Number One Fifth Avenue
A gay dive bar at 3845 Fifth Ave with deep neighborhood roots and a weekday happy hour. Easygoing and good for a first drink.
Gossip Grill
Restaurant, bar and dance spot that puts women first. A go-to for lesbian, sapphic and queer women in San Diego.
The Brass Rail, Uptown Tavern and The Loft
The Brass Rail has its own dance scene, Uptown Tavern is a trendy spot for pre-dinner drinks, and The Loft is a relaxed neighborhood bar.
More in Hillcrest
- The Hillcrest Pride Flag and the LGBT Historical Monument at University Ave and Normal St.
- Mural Alley between Fourth and Fifth Avenue, south of University.
- The weekly Hillcrest Farmers Market on University Ave, and the San Diego LGBT Community Center nearby.
- Brunch: The Crest Cafe and Great Maple are neighborhood favorites. Expect a wait on weekends.
San Diego Pride dates
The 2026 San Diego Pride Parade ran through Hillcrest on Saturday, July 18. Still coming this year: Latine Pride on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Liberty Station's Central Promenade (all ages). See our California Pride calendar.
Plan it in the app
In Let's Have Fun Together, search "92103" or "Hillcrest" to see what's open tonight, filter for LGBTQ+ friendly spots, save places, join a group going out, and send a "meet up tonight" invite with a time and place.
Venue details were checked on October 9, 2026 from each venue's own site, official tourism and city pages, and well-known city guides (Eater LA, Time Out, Visit Palm Springs, Visit Oakland, Visit Sacramento, Fabulous Hillcrest). Hours, cover and theme nights change often, so check the venue's own page or social account before you go. Bars and clubs are usually 21+ with ID. We are not affiliated with any venue listed.
Questions
Is Hillcrest the gay neighborhood of San Diego?
Yes. Hillcrest is San Diego's LGBTQ+ cultural district, with the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave and Normal St and most gay bars on Fifth Avenue and University.
What is the biggest gay club in San Diego?
Rich's in Hillcrest is the best-known gay nightclub, with two large dance rooms. Flicks and Urban Mo's are also busy on weekends.
Is there a lesbian bar in San Diego?
Gossip Grill in Hillcrest is a women-first restaurant, bar and dance spot and the main sapphic hangout in the city.