THE PREMIER L G B T Q + BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY Vol. 8
SAN DIEGO
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS RESTAURANT GUIDE EVENTS SCHEDULE BAR GUIDE LGBTQ+ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS BUSINESS DIRECTORY ABOUT 02 06 08 16 18 20
LGBTQ+ San Diego
San Diego has a thriving gay community. The crowd is diverse, skews slightly younger, and is warm and friendly (300 days of sunshine can make one that way). To navigate San Diego, you’ll need a car (and a designated driver) as the hot spots aren’t really within walking distance of each other, but there are clusters of the great bars and clubs in Hillcrest, University Heights and North Park.
For a sampling of the popular places, be sure to hit Bourbon Street in University Heights and Rich’s & Flicks in Hillcrest. Swing by North Park for a rougher feel with leather and bear bars scattered about.
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ABOUT
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Born and Raised
Spacious, modern destination for highend steak & cocktails with glitzy decor & a rooftop patio. 1909 India St, San Diego, CA
Buona Forchetta
Wood-fired pies, fresh pasta & a global wine list draw crowds at this pizzeria. 3001 Beech St, San Diego, CA
Callie
Sophisticated kitchen & bar fixing up Mediterranean plates 1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA
CUCINA urbana
Reclaimed wood lines this stylish, contemporary Italian restaurant & wine shop with craft cocktails. 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA
Dobson’s Bar & Restaurant
Long-standing upscale eatery known for Californian fare. 956 Broadway Cir, San Diego, CA
Et Voilà! French Bistro
Traditional French fare served in classic bistro surroundings. Sidewalk seating. 3015 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA
Fort Oak Airy, modern outpost for raw fare, wood-fired seafood & other plates plus a U-shaped cocktail bar. 1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA
Herb & Wood
Upscale locale serving rustic, wood-fired dishes & old-school cocktails. 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
Hodad’s Downtown
Kitschy local favorite for giant burgers with an array of toppings plus shakes, onion rings & more. 945 Broadway, San Diego, CA
Ironside Fish & Oyster
Seafood fare & cocktails offered in a renovated warehouse with quirky, nautical design accents. 1654 India St, San Diego, CA
Juniper & Ivy Spacious, modern restaurant serving imaginative New American fare & drinks in woody, arty surrounds. 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
Kettner Exchange
Handcrafted cocktails & a creative menu of American dishes and global flare. 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
Mister A’s Bay & skyline views draw diners to this elegant eatery, serving French-hued American cooking. 2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA
The Fishery Market-fresh sushi & entrees, plus a seafood market inside a midcentury, brick-&-mortar warehouse. 5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA
The Fish Market Grilled fish & seafood plates served in a bayfront spot featuring outdoor seating & a retail market. 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA
The Lion’s Share Intimate bar pairing handcrafted drinks with New American plates. 629 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
Trust
Inviting, well-appointed space for seasonally driven New American fare, cocktails & wine. 3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
Water Grill San Diego LA-originated seafood eatery. 615 J St, San Diego, CA
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
NOV 18-20
WONDERFRONT MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is held in beautiful waterfront parks and piers, in Seaport Village, and on boats all along the San Diego downtown waterfront. Water taxis, trolleys, yacht party concerts, and sunset cruises are all part of the experience. It integrates one of the most vibrant downtowns right into the Festival, with hotels, bars, restaurants, breweries, the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy all within steps of the gates. All imagined into one of the most unique festival destinations in the world.
For more info visit: wonderfrontfestival.com
DECEMBER
DEC 7
A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS
For the 8th consecutive year, Murray
For more info visit: bit.ly/3zBwNmG
DEC 10-11
JINGLE
It’s San Diego’s Favorite Holiday Tradition! SDGMC opens its 38th season with an exquisite evening of song that is sure to give you the Holiday feels. This year, celebrate the power of home, through the beautiful music of Eric Whitacre, Ana Gasteyer, Prince Royce, James Taylor, the Temptations and more. There will be stars, there will be light, there will be joy, there will be guests and there will be giving. There will even be tap dancing and a disco ball! You may discover things about Santa you never knew before! Join us for a big warm SDGMC Holiday hug, with our unique gay twist. For more info visit: bit.ly/3gZPHgC
DEC 16
JINKX & DELA HOLIDAY SHOW
Another holiday season brings another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
parties into the early morning hours.
For more info visit: bigsalsafestival.com/san-diego
JAN 26
MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL ON TOUR
One of the world’s longest-running musical events, the Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 65th year with a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble. Featuring Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater alongside GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and critically acclaimed rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, this stellar band is directed by visionary pianist Christina sands and anchored by his longtime rhythm section, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn.
For more info visit: bit.ly/3SX3DoX
FEBRUARY
FEB 4-5
For more info visit: bit.ly/3gT24uK
MAR 9-19
SAN DIEGO
LATINO FILM FESTIVAL
Expect a range of experiences, such as virtual screening and movie drive-ins. In addition to film screenings, there will be opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts to network, collaborate, participate in education programs, and more.
For more info visit: sdlatinofilm.com
APRIL
APR 4-5
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
You don’t just see an Alvin Ailey performance, you feel it. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has grown from a small group of African American dancers to a revolutionary company that transcends barriers and celebrates the African American cultural experience.
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Cheers
Unpretentious neighborhood gay bar hosting seasonal events & serving daily drink specials.
1839 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA
Flicks
Games, karaoke & more than 15,000 video clips creating a fun & festive atmosphere. 1017 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Gossip Grill
LGBT-friendly bar serves quirky cocktails & American comfort food amid femaleinspired decor. 1220 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Hillcrest Brewing Company
LGBT hangout offering pints, growlers & kegs of house-brewed beer, plus stonefired pizzas & wings. 1458 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Number One Fifth Avenue
Gay-friendly locals’ hangout with easygoing vibe & a back patio with pool tables. 3845 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
Pecs Bar
Chill Gay Bar: Pool tables, a back patio, Bear Nights, happy hours, Sunday BBQs & more. 2046 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Rich’s
Featuring a full bar & DJ, this gay nightclub attracts energetic crowds looking to dance. 1051 University Ave, San Diego, CA
San Diego Eagle
Intimate gay bar featuring a pool table & night-time events in a low-key atmosphere. 3040 N Park Way, San Diego, CA
SRO Lounge
With deep red walls & chandeliers, this gay bar delivers a glam but laidback vibe. 1807 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
The Hole In The Wall
One of the city’s first openly gay bars continues to draw crowds with large cocktails and a patio. 2820 Lytton St, San Diego, CA
The Loft
Local gay bar with strong drinks. 3610 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
The Merrow Bar & live music venue. 1271 University Ave, San Diego, CA
The Rail
Open since 1960, buzzing gay nightspot boasts bottle service, bar bites, a patio & theme nights. 3796 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
Urban MO’s Bar & Grill
Upbeat gay-friendly spot with a happening dance floor, festive theme nights & an outdoor patio. 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA
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BAR GUIDE
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Equality California
The nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. eqca.org 3701 Wilshire Blvd #725 Los Angeles, CA
Family Health Centers of San Diego
Dedicated to providing caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. fhcsd.org 823 Gateway Center Way San Diego, CA
Human Dignity Foundation
Funding programs and projects that promote equal treatment, tolerance, wellness, well-being, and human dignity. sdhdf.org 325 W Washington St, San Diego, CA
Lambda Archives of San Diego
History museum that collects, preserves, and teaches the history of LGBTQ+ people in the San Diego and Northern Baja California region. lambdaarchives.org 4545 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
PFLAG San Diego County
Providing support for LGBTQ+ people, their parents, families, and allies in San Diego County. Find a Support Meeting. pflag.com
Progressive Health Services
Specializing in OB/GYN, urology, and HIV and STD testing featuring the Rapid HIV test with 15 minute results while you wait. progressivehealth.org 4732 Point Loma Ave, San Diego, CA
San Diego Equality Business Association
Supporting small businesses in San Diego while advocating for mainstream acceptance of diversity. sdeba.org
San Diego Pride
Continuing to bring together the skills, talents, and visions of our diverse community through numerous programs. sdpride.org
Trevor Project
Providing 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor. thetrevorproject.org Trevor Line (866) 488-7386
UC San Diego LGBT Resource Center
A diverse, open and public space for all members of the university community to explore issues relating to sexual and gender identities, practices and politics. lgbt.ucsd.edu 9500 Gilman Dr #0023, La Jolla, CA
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20 BUSINESS DIRECTORY APARTMENT LIVING Avalon Bay Communities .................... 15 AUTO REPAIR SHOP John’s Automotive Care ......... Back Cover BANQUET HALL United Portuguese SES Inc .......... Front Cover, Back Inside Cover CUSTOM SIGNAGE Neon Jungle .......................................... 17 EVENT VENUE United Portuguese SES Inc .......... Front Cover, Back Inside Cover GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICES Junk King San Diego ............................. 5 HOTEL Kona Kai Resort & Spa ........................... 3 JUNK REMOVAL MORTGAGES Liberty National Lending Group .......... 4 MUSIC VENUE La Jolla Music Society ............................ 9 NEWS STATION FOX 5 News So San Diego ............. 7, 13 NON PROFIT Red Cross ........................ Front Inside Cover PERSONAL INJURY Law Office of Barry Pasternack ............ 4 PORTA POTTY RENTALS Diamond Enviornmental Services...... 15 RESORT Kona Kai Resort & Spa ........................... 3 SIGN COMPANY Neon Jungle .......................................... 17
