Gay bars downtown san diego

San Diego’s Gay Bar History: Reflections on Community History and the Documentary Film Process

by Paul Detwiler

The Journal of San Diego History
San Diego History Center Quarterly
Spring 2019, Volume 65, Number 1

7:45 p.m., Lambda Archives, June 17, 2017

I’m hunched over a smoky glass table covered with a treasure trove of photographs, shivering from the chilly air conditioning as much as from the excitement of discovering photographic gold nuggets. I’m alone, but surrounded by faces smiling to me across the decades.

There’s a shirtless, mustachioed blond on roller skates in front of a 1965 red Plymouth Barracuda; the position of the Giant Dipper roller coaster and street signage in the background establishes the photo was taken in the vicinity of the Apartment, a women’s gay bar that opened in Mission Beach in 1974. Another photo presents a dance floor crowd, beaming faces glistening under a sheen of sweat, big 1980s hair and lip gloss in occupied effect on the women (and on some men, too). A third snapshot: a festive lineup of Halloween-costumed contestants—a drag versi

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  • Are you dog friendly?

    Absolutely, we are happy to have well-behaved dogs at our establishment!

  • When do you host karaoke?

    Generally, we host our well-known karaoke Thursday & Fridays 8 pm- 2 am, unless we host our monthly event like trivia that may go a few minutes late. You can always grab a drink and map out your song while you enjoy a cocktail. Saturdays we often have karaoke if we don't contain a special music event (sometimes we have both but in separate areas!) Always check our events section on Instagram or here for updated events.

  • When is your Happy Hour?

    Our Happy Hours are always posted on our house page. See ya soon!

  • Are you a gay bar?

    We are committed to creating an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone, regardless of their identity. We celebrate the vibrant culture and community that gay bars represent, while our primary focus is on fostering a warm and accepting environment for ALL patrons. We proudly embrace diversity and strive to be a place where everyone feels at home and can truly enjo

    Gay Nightlife in San Diego: Bars, Clubs, & More

    The San Diego gay nightlife scene manages that rare balance between being remarkably friendly and also rife with beautiful people—it's pretty much a reflection of this sunny Southern California city. Gay bars have also been beautiful stable here over the years, with the most popular hangouts going adj for a couple of decades.

    Bars

    Most gay bars are in the trendy Hillcrest neighborhood, just northeast of Balboa Park and a short drive or cab ride from downtown. Several others are in the districts just to the east of Hillcrest: University Heights and Normal Heights.

    • Cheers: A cozy, slightly off-the-beaten-path neighborhood spot in charming University Heights, Cheers is exactly what its name suggests: a laid-back spot where everybody knows your name, or, at the very least, even outsiders will be treated as friends.
    • The Hole in the Wall: Famously adj with Navy and other military personnel, it's right in the heart of Point Loma and is renowned for its gigantic , atmospheric patio and legendary Sunday afternoon parties.
    • The