THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
SAN DIEGO Vol. 4
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S See this issue online at ourcommunityusa.com/SanDiego4
04
About San Diego
13
Bar Guide
06
Restaurant Guide
22
LGBTQ Organizations & Attractions
12
Events Schedule
24
Business Directory
2
ABOUT SAN DIEGO 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 in 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.
4
Excerpt from gaycities.com
RESTAURANT GUI DE Baja Betty’s Lively Mexican restaurant creates a party vibe with drag shows & an extensive menu of margaritas. 421 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Bencotto Chic bi-level eatery famed for artisanal Italian eats, including handmade pasta & classic desserts. 750 W Fir St #103, San Diego, CA
Lips - San Diego Supper club run by drag queens has nightly live acts, a cafe menu, gospel brunch & kitschy decor. 3036 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA
Civico 1845 Contemporary Italian cooking with vegan options offered in warm digs with reclaimed wood & a patio. 1845 India St, San Diego, CA
Fiesta Cantina Hopping gay-friendly hangout with a beach vibe, Mexican eats, TVs & happy-hour deals. 142 University Ave, San Diego, CA
The Patio on Lamont Cozy, wood-accented eatery with heated outdoor patio serving New American small plates & drinks. 4445 Lamont St, San Diego, CA
Hash House A Go Go Hip chain serving creative, market-fresh American brunch & dinner fare, plus signature Bloody Marys. 3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
Phil’s BBQ Casual eatery & bar for signature mesquite barbecued baby-back & beef ribs, plus sandwiches & sides. 3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA
Snooze an A.M. Eatery Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails. 3940 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
The Mission North Park Popular eatery: Asian-Latin fusion fare with an international twist in a laid-back setting. 2801 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Uptown Tavern Pub with patio serving locally sourced, shareable American plates & a long list of microbrews. 1236 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Double Standard Kitchenetta Italian kitchen slinging Neapolitan-style pies along with wood-fired dishes in an airy space. 695 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA Kindred Whimsical, eccentric space for contemporary vegan fare & drinks with death-metal tunes. 1503 30th St, San Diego, CA
Martinis Above Fourth Classic American fare & namesake drinks accompany live cabaret acts at this casual supper club. 3940 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA
BO-beau kitchen bar French bistro with a covered patio serving creative fare & mussels in a rustic-chic setting. 4996 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA
Sushi Ota Chef-owned Japanese outfit, crafts premium sushi & omakase tastings. 4529 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
6
2019 EVENT SCH EDULE November
Chow down and vote for your favorite in this winner takes all competition between the most celebrated taco makers in the country! Your ticket to this Sunday throw down includes live music, tequila, beer, and of course…tacos! Learn more at sandiegowineclassic.com.
NOV 16 COLD BREW CITY FEST Come try the most creative and delicious cold brews of our region! Cold Brew City Fest has become San Diego’s largest coffee festival, combing a tasting experience with over 20 vendors, live music, art booths, bakers and food vendors. The event will be held at Parq West in Bankers Hill. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
NOV 23 2:00PM SAN DIEGO MARGARITA MADNESS 5K RUN Margarita Madness 5k™ is a unique night 5K fun run focused less on speed and more on Margarita fun with friends and family. Margarita participants come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; every participant will get Mad Margaritas™ and have the time of their life.
NOV 17 SAN DIEGO WINE & FOOD FEST It’s the Taco’ the Town and our city’s signature flavor of awesome…it’s the SAN DIEGO TACO. Ever wonder who makes the best taco in the city? Find out in the ultimate showdown to be named San Diego’s MOST AWESOME TACO.
Whether you are an avid runner or a walk around the park walker, the 3 miles 12
Continued on page 16
BAR GU ID E Rich’s Featuring a full bar & DJ, this gay nightclub attracts energetic crowds looking to dance. 1051 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
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
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
Pecs Bar Chill Gay Bar: Pool tables, a back patio, Bear Nights, happy hours, Sunday BBQs & more. 2046 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
Brass Rail Open since 1960, buzzing gay nightspot boasts bottle service, bar bites, a patio & theme nights. 3796 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
Hillcrest Brewing Company LGBT hangout offering pints, growlers & kegs of house-brewed beer, plus stone-fired pizzas & wings. 1458 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Cheers Unpretentious neighborhood gay bar hosting seasonal events & serving daily drink specials. 1839 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA
The Merrow Bar & live music venue. 1271 University Avenue, San Diego, CA The Loft Local gay bar with strong drinks. 3610 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
Flicks Games, karaoke & more than 15,000 video clips creating a fun & festive atmosphere. 1017 University Ave, San Diego, CA
SRO Lounge With deep red walls & chandeliers, this gay bar delivers a glam but laid-back vibe. 1807 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
13
2019 EVENT SCH E DULE of the Margarita Madness 5k™ course will have you beaming and waiting for the next one! Learn more online at eventbrite.com.
available for purchase at the first stop. Details at sandiegouniontrobune.com. DEC 6-7 DECEMBER NIGHTS December Nights will kick off the holiday season featuring light displays; inspirational choirs, bands and dancers; amazing food and fun-filled attractions. Stay tuned for more updates! Learn more at sandiego.gov.
NOV 24 9:00AM ENCINTAS HOLIDAY STREET FAIR With 450+ booths, plus dozens of unique downtown retailers, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair is a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping.
DEC 7 2019 JINGLE BELL RUN The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is the original festive race for charity. It’s where you can strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume and FEEL GOOD about DOING GOOD.
Enjoy the music of popular local bands in The Lumberyard Courtyard and dance, music and other entertainment on the Community Stage next to Ace Hardware. Take your young ones to the Kids Zone for a variety of fun activities, and walk your furry friends into Dog Zone for some treats and special attention.
Together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure – and have a fantastic time every step we take! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk. Get your jingle on and spread the Spirit of Yes: Yes to having fun and celebrating what you love. Visit eventbrite.com.
When it’s time for a bite or a drink, the options are abundant, from the unique food vendors in the street fair to the 40+ restaurants and bars in our downtown. BYOBag! Remember to bring your own bag(s) to collect all your street fair shopping. Merchants are no longer allowed to give out single-use plastic bags in Encinitas. Learn more at sandiego.org.
DEC 7 1:00PM SAN DIEGO BBQ & BEER FEST Join us for an amazing Socal day filled with amazing BBQ & Craft beer! Guests will experience unlimited pours of craft beer from regional breweries and cider houses as well as access to dozens of BBQ vendors along with many other food options available.
December DEC 1 1:00PM SD FOOD TOURS Join Wild Foodie Tours to savor the vibrant and diverse cuisines of the region and discover some of the best Chinese, Mexican, and Filipino food in San Diego! You’ll enjoy 6 food tastings from 5 of our favorite neighborhood eateries in the suburb of National City for authentic, tasty ethnic food with dessert included! Beer will also be
While trying out all the beer, wine & BBQ, make sure to stop by our boutique vendors where you can purchase original art and other food options. There will also be music, games, and more! Learn more at eventbrite.com. DEC 8 2:00PM WINTERFEST 2019 The magic of the holidays starts in Vista 16
Continued on page 18
2019-20 EVENT SCHEDULE Village! Our theme this year is a SoCal Christmas - think sunshine, sunglasses, flip-flops, palm trees - that SoCal vibe!! Thank you for your interest in participating in Winter Fest 2019! We are excited to have you at this FREE TO THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND, FAMILY FRIENDLY event! Visit eventbrite.com.
holiday tradition. Make it your holiday tradition as well! Visit sycuan.com. DEC 15 DECK THE BOWS - PARADE OF LIGHTS Catch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from The Fish Market’s spectacular viewing deck! Admission includes seating and a plentiful, small plate progressive dinner. Decorate holiday cookies with and for your loved ones in-between boats. Holiday cocktail specials & full bar available for purchase through table-side service staff. Details at eventbrite.com.
DEC 11 4:00PM HOLIDAY FESTIVAL The evening will feature Skating by the Sea®, professional ice skating demonstrations and spectacular fireworks. Children will delight at Santa’s Village filled with games, prizes and photos with St. Nick. Best of all, families and friends will be front row at a holiday performance by Coronado’s schools. Buy tickets at hoteldel.com.
January
JAN 11 SAN DIEGO BREWFEST The 10th annual San Diego Beer Fest returns to Liberty Station, and promising another fun filled day with beer, food trucks, and music. The event will feature dozens of local and international craft beers, as well as San Diego’s most popular food trucks (food sold separately). Visit eventbrite.com.
DEC 14 1:00PM PACIFIC HOLIDAY PARADE A wonderful holiday parade is happening at Pacific Beach. Come early to find a place along the street so you can see floats, marching bands, color guards, community groups, marching groups of children, clowns, and of course - Santa Claus! Visit sandiego.gov.
DEC 11 MASSIVE DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO ONESIE BAR CRAWL There is no secret that their bar crawls are the best way to drink and have fun in downtown at the lowest price. They will be lead by the LG Pussycats and gifts and prizes will be given away all night. This is also a non guided bar crawl. Onesies are highly encouraged to create that fun environment at each location. We will have open format music at each location. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
DEC 15 6:00PM SD GAY MEN’S CHORUS JINGLE It’s the holly jolliest holiday show of the year! Join the singers, dancers and musicians of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus as they present Jingle at Sycuan Casino. You will love this popular, family friendly spectacular featuring wintry and wonderful holiday music from traditional favorites “White Christmas,” “Happy Holidays” and “O Holy Night” to modern classics like “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Suzy Snowflake” and a hilarious “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” Jingle is San Diego’s favorite
JAN 30 BIG SALSA FESTIVAL SD BIG Salsa Festival San Diego is a four day Latin event featuring some of the 18
Continued on back inside cover
LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
LGBT RESOURCE CENTER LGBTQ organization in San Diego. Web: www.lgbt.ucsd.edu 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 Phone: (858) 822-3493 GREATER SAN DIEGO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Chamber of commerce in San Diego: promotes LGBTQ influence through business ownership, workforce equality and active consumerism, creating prosperity to support equality, diversity and inclusion. 3737 Fifth Ave # 205, San Diego, CA 92103 Web: www.gsdba.org Phone: (619) 296-4543 SAN DIEGO LGBT PRIDE Web: www.sdpride.org 3620 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 Phone: (619) 297-7683 LESBIAN & GAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY History museum that collects, preserves, and teaches the history of LGBTQ people in the San Diego and Northern Baja California region. 4545 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92164 Web: lambdaarchives.org Phone: (619) 260-1522 SAN DIEGO HUMAN DIGNITY FOUNDATION Non-profit organization that funds programs and projects that promote equal treatment, tolerance, wellness, well-being, and above all else, human dignity. 2508 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA Web: www.sdhdf.org Phone: (619) 291-3383 LIVE & LET LIVE ALANO CLUB Gay & lesbian organization in San Diego. 1730 Monroe Ave # B, San Diego, CA 92116 Web: lllac.org | Phone: (619) 298-8008 PROGRESSIVE HEALTH SERVICES Same day HIV/STD testing services. 4732 Point Loma Ave, San Diego, CA 92107 Web: www.progressivehealth.org Phone: (619) 260-0810 22
BUSINESS D IRECTO RY AESTHETICS Evolve.................................................... back outside cover, 9
OVER HEAD DOORS Radford Overhead Doors.................................................... 23
APARTMENTS HG Fenton Company- BLVD Apartments...............................3
PERSONAL INJURY Damiani Law Group.....................................front inside cover
ARCHITECT Architectural Concepts Inc.....................................................1
PHARMACY Medical Center Pharmacy......................................................5
ARTIFICIAL GRASS Back Nine Greens..................................................................8
PLUMBING Jackson & Foster Heating Air Conditioning Plumbing....... 10
ASSISTED LIVING Monte Vista Village............................................................. 19
PRIMARY CARE Evolve.................................................... back outside cover, 9
CRIMINAL DEFENSE Damiani Law Group.....................................front inside cover Law Offices of John D. Kirby............................................... 12
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR The Special Investigations Unit.......................................... 14 REMODELING Elor energy......................................................................... 10
EMPLOYMENT LAW Damiani Law Group.....................................front inside cover
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Paradise Village.................................................................. 10
ENTERTAINMENT Fox 5 San Diego............................................................ 11, 21
SENIOR SERVICES St. Paul’s Manor.................................................................. 15
ESCROW SERVICES Oakwood Escrow................................................................. 17
TITLE INSURANCE First American Title Company............................................. 23
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Jackson & Foster Heating Air Conditioning Plumbing....... 10
UNDERGROUND CABLE & PIPE DETECTION Cable Pipe & Leak Detection Inc......................................... 20
HOME CONSTRUCTION Elor energy......................................................................... 10
VETERINARIAN Ethos Veterinary Health.........................................................7
INTERIOR DESIGN Architectural Concepts Inc.....................................................1 LEAK DETECTION Cable Pipe & Leak Detection Inc......................................... 20 LEGAL SERVICES A Fair Way Mediation Center.............................................. 20 LOCAL NEWS Fox 5 San Diego............................................................ 11, 21 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc....................................... 20 MORTUARY Allen Brothers Mortuary inc................................................ 23
24
2020 EVENT SCH E DULE greatest names in performing arts and music! Each day is packed with dance classes, amazing performances, live band concerts, and Latin dance parties into the early morning hours. Once you experience BIG Salsa Festival, it will surely become one of the premier events your look forward to every year. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
February
FEB 22 HEROES RISE III This 2 day event celebrates AfricanAmerican & African Comic Book Creators. This is the 3rd Annual showcase of this highly successful event in San Diego. This event is an opportunity for anyone who wishes to experience a mix of black culture and the comic book medium which has been popularized by the term, Afrofuturism. ALL are welcome to attend and it promises to be a magical & educational experience for the entire family. Details at eventbrite.com. FEB 27 - MAR 1 CAPI 2020 SAN DIEGO The CAPI conference brings together Prides and LGBTQ-serving organizations from across the western United States of America and Mexico. This annual gathering offers professional development workshops, opportunities to network, and intentional space to share resources and best practices in the hopes of strengthening Pride organizations and the broader LGBTQ movement. Learn more at sdpride.org.
March
MAR 14 MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL Sample your way though delicious Mac & Cheese dishes designed by Local Top
Chefs to satisfy your ridiculously cheesy cravings. Unlimited Sampling of 40+ Mac Options, and Live Music! Tickets at eventbrite.com. MAR 16 ST PARTRICK’S DAY PARADE & IRISH FESTIVAL We have over 120 Parade entries. See Floats, High School Marching Bands, Police and Fire Department Units, Dancing Groups,Marching and Equestrian Units, Clowns, Dignitaries and Honorees, Representatives from Ireland, Antique Cars, Irish Setters and more. Details at stpatsparade.org.
April APR 5 11:00AM SAN DIEGO VEGAN FESTIVAL Our goal with this event will be to showcase the vegan lifestyle through food, drinks, goods, information, and more! Admission will be free and inviting for vegans and vegancurious folks alike. Learn more at veganinsandiego.com. APR 15-19 SPRING FLING FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL More than a dozen of San Diego’s most popular food trucks will line the El Prado walkway from 12 noon to 7PM. Live bands and dancers will perform on the Plaza de Panama stage starting at 4PM, and various park and community organizations will host free hands-on activities for families on select dates. There will also be a rotating selection of games and activities on the Plaza, including giant checkers, hula hoops, bowling, cornhole, and giant tumbling blocks. Details at sandiego.org.