I've been coming to this bar for over 16 year now and I must say I love this bar. The bartenders are wonderful, friendly and super funny. The regulars are amazing and always welcoming. Always a heavy pour and lots of laughs! read more

Bar, pool table, jukebox and cheap drinks. Little big treasure in University Heights. Great crowd, great cheap drinks.

I've never been a fan of dive bars, until I was dragged into cheers. Numerous fun times, great people, great jute box and the bartenders are very good at their jobs! If you want to play some pool, make some friends and jam out to some good music, then this is your place! PS: $1 wells on Wednesdays from 9pm-12! You're welcome ;-) read more

Called to ask a question, was told by Roger, "Don't call again." before I could even ask. Hung up on. Great service! I have lived next to Cheers for years, I have been in and out a handful of times. Bartenders aside from maybe 2 of them are complete jokes. Roger, for instance, makes you not want to be there. At all. What kind of neighborhood bar has such a shitty disposition in their workers? Definitely not appreciative of how lucky he is to a bartender in San Diego. Aside from the HUGE alcoholism problem the workers all share, the place is disgusting and sticky. Want to have the worst bar experience of your entire life? Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you... CHEERS! (to their closing). read more

Great dive bar. Very casual but upbeat too. More like a neighborhood pub than a flashy bar. much smaller than small bar. Great ppl good vibe cheap drinks, clean, Fast service and good music from their jukebox. no kitchen but they sell potato chips. They have 5 beers on tap. For the bud light on tap they use a rainbow handle. No drink specials cuz the drinks are already cheap. They sell cigarettes too. For a place where I just want a cold drink with no frills, this is where id go to. read more

I have been going to various gay establishments around San Diego for the last nine years, and seem to always come back to this place. The drinks are great & affordable; the bartenders are always nice and very accommodating and the patrons are fun, friendly and always willing to chat. They recently upgraded a few things, like paint and especially the jukebox - which is very high tech. Somehow you can send a text and it will appear on the screen...pretty cool. Very mixed crowd, gay, straight, singles, couples, men, women..you name it, you will find it at Cheers. I would highly recommend this establishment to anyone wanting to enjoy a good cocktail and conversation. read more

I have lived in San Diego and have been to Cheers many times in the years that I've lived here. Each time has been a decent experience up until this last visit. On Saturday night, 12/27/14, my partner, myself and two of my friends decided to go get some drinks. When we got to Cheers at around 8pm, there were probably about 5-10 other people in the bar and there was no music playing. As we got ready to play pool, I went to the juke box and put $10 in. The jukebox is newer and is the type where you can either choose to play your song when its order in line comes up, or for a few extra credits, you can play your song right away. Since no music had been playing all of my songs began playing right away. Being part Mexican and knowing that my friends also enjoy Latin music, we picked songs by Latin artists. During the third song, I heard Jennifer, the bartender on staff that night, say, "I'm so f*cking tired of these Mexican Hat Dance songs" and then she grabbed her phone (which obviously had a control to the juke box and she began to play her own music. My partner and I immediately confronted her and at first she was argumentative about what happened-- and appeared to be pretty drunk at that point. But after enough persistence, which included us letting her know how disrespectful, racist and what poor customer service she was displaying, as well as telling her that we'd be writing a yelp review-- she apologized and then offered us free shots, which we turned down. While we were outside (on the bar patio) smoking cigarettes, we could see her talking to other customers inside, obviously, about what had happened. I'm really disappointed that this would happen at a place that we have frequented many times in the past and have always felt safe and welcomed at. After this last visit, however, I doubt we will be going back. I know that people make mistakes but this is one that no employee of a business that serves the public should make-- let alone a gay dive bar that aims to make people feel comfortable and included. Cheers should really consider who they are employing, especially when they are unprofessional and make loyal customers not want to come back. read more

Great dive bar. Diverse crowd, friendly bartenders, inexpensive cocktails. What more can you ask for? Oh yeah, they have a pool table!

Welfare Wednesdays. Being an unemployed lush I am always looking for a cheap way to get my buzz on. Cheers! They have dollar well drinks on Wednesday nights. Oh and they have erotic photo-hunt. Oh and they have pool and darts. And a bevy peeps there to get their drink on. This will become a new tradition for me no doubt. This place was no bullshit, not pretensions. Just good old fashioned gay bar goodness. read more

Same fun place for years and years. Its small but feeling comfortable is large. Sorta ok service from the barkeep.

Super cool lady called Mickey! Great service! Bud draft I tap and wifi too! Parking wasn't bad even on a Saturday evening early! Worth a a second visit! read more

This review is in response to Tommy D's post! My companion and I, were playing on the one and only pool table when Tommy & his accompanying person arrived. They put their names on the chalkboard, which is customary for challengers. However, after I won the following game and asked Tommy, or his friend who was going to play me, they insisted that they wanted to play each other instead. I let them know that this wasn't the way it works in ANY bar, let alone Cheers. However, I conceded by letting them play one game against each other as they wished. I thought that this would defuse the tension with these two newcomers to Cheers. To the contrary, once it came to playing a winner, they continued to insist to playing each other, rather than letting other people in the bar who were waiting to play. Since these 2 men were unyielding and uncompromising, I approached manager Lucas as to the situation that existed and to be prepared, in case these 2 men were to bring it to his attention, which they did plead their case eventually, when we couldn't come to a peaceful resolution. Lucas, explained very professionally to these 2 men, that you can't control the table in this manner. Unbelievably, they still weren't convinced that this was a traditional bar rule, rather, claiming that this was a "Cheers thing!". This review by Tommy is misleading and inexcusable, as Lucas has been nothing less than a 5 star bartender in the many years that I've patronized Cheers as a local customer. read more

This dive bar was a recent discovery for me and I've previously had great experiences here concerning the service and prices, but tonight was a different story. This review is regarding my visit to Cheers on 5/11/2013 at approximately 12:10AM. Upon entering the bar one of my friends went to find a table for our group and was quickly shouted down by one of the female bartenders who was working that night. The bartender asked my friend for her ID, and then accused my friend of being drunk after she handed over her ID. After being taken aback by this display of hostility, my girlfriend explained to the bartender that our friend didn't see anyone outside asking for IDs so she didn't think it was imperative to search for a bartender to card her. The bartender then accused my girlfriend of being drunk. I don't know if she was having a bad day, or was just to quick to judge people. Whatever the case, it was the worst display of customer service I have ever experienced at a bar. This person managed to turn away seven (sober) people who were excited to spend some money and have a good time at this business in less than 5 minutes. I definitely will not be returning to this business, and would rather visit any place down the street in University Heights with higher prices and mediocre service than to be harassed at Cheers. read more

Friday night wasnt a gay in the house but us & the lesbian bar tender... Packed with hipsters but drinks were strong, probably why the strays are packing in?!? read more

I had a fun time. Came here with with dudes who like dudes. Everyone was friendly. Affordable drinks. It's dark, has a culture of its own, and it definitely seems like a local regular bar. I'm usually next door but I'll be back with the dudes who like dudes. read more

This place is definitely a dive bar, they have a huge bar and a few pool tables. The place is fairly small but homey.

Best drinks in town. New to the area and have checked out a few places. Nice people, great bartender. Will be back here again and again

Cheers is a classic dive bar. I'm reluctant to post for the same reasons as molly p. I don't really want tons of folks in there. It is my local and I dig it. The drinks are cheap. The bartenders are funny and have always been friendly to me. Sometimes there are people who are WAY too drunk, but...it IS a bar! My favorite thing is that anytime there is any event (Christmas, Halloween, Superbowl, etc) they pass out cool freebies to whoever is there...chili, pumpkin pie, Fritos. It's homey. Oh and it's pretty mixed (straight-gay)...for the neighborhood. read more

Great neighborhood dive bar. Yes it's gay but whats wrong with that? :) It's fun, they have Karoke on Monday and Tuesday. This is right across the street from my new place and I've been welcomed nicely even without being gay :P They have one pool table, an active jukebox and a smoking patio. I think they should start hosting theme nights :P read more

I really enjoy myself every time I go to Cheers. Which lately has been a lot! It is a great neighborhood dive bar. Nice staff and good, cheap drinks! They have a cute little patio to go out and smoke as well. The beers they have on tap are a small but nice selection. The glasses that they serve their beer in are huge as well:) always a plus. They have a state of the art jukebox where if the song you want to hear isn't there you can download it onto the jukebox. SO neat! They also have my all time favorite Fireball whiskey! If you live in the area and just want a place to chill and get your drink on with friends or even alone be sure to check out Cheers:) CHEERS to THAT! read more

Third time is a charm... NOT! Walked in here tonight to catch the Packer game with my boyfriend. I went up to the bar to order and before I had my ID out of my pocket the bartender smiles and tells me that I shouldn't have skipped out on the cab last night. Having only been in this bar twice before in the last year and never seeing this bartender I thought she was pulling my chain. I soon realized she was serious, and had me confused with someone else. I tried to tell her I'd only been in the bar twice before, and show her my ID with my address on it. I live a block away. No need for me to ever get a cab. She was convinced I was the woman and refused to serve me and my boyfriend who was only drinking diet coke. Asked for a way to contact the owner. She wasn't even sure what his name was. Crazy crazy crrrrazy. This could be a really fun local dive bar. Instead its just a dump with schizophrenic employees. read more

Lucas at the bar is the kindest bartender I've seen, really great staff. They don't care if your gay or straight. Stiff affordable drinks. Regulars are friendly and made me feel welcome my first time there. Love the custom carpet and the whole place! read more

One of the best places in San Diego to meet people and have a great drink. The bartenders are all freindly and always helpful. No attitudes here, this is a friendly place to go, where you never feel out of place. You're never a stranger at Cheers! read more

Okay. This is the best gay dive bar in SD. Close to other more hip locations, but a fun place to start, end, or forget about the night. I don't know how many times I've started here, with the intentions of going out to other bars, but have stayed all night here. Very nice staff, and strongest pours in town! read more

Probably one of the friendliest mixed crowd (gay & straight) neighborhood bars in San Diego. The staff is always friendly, the prices are on par, and the new jukebox is awesome! read more

If you're looking for a dance floor, upscale drinks and craft beer, sadly you've arrived at the wrong place. If looking for a friendly environment, cheap drinks and good music from the jukebox, you'll be welcomed warmly. It' a pretty cozy environment with a handful of tall tables and a nice bar and pool table. There's a small alley for smokers. Wells Wednesdays is a great deal when your wallet is running low! read more

Cheers is a divey neighborhood bar. Cheap drinks, friendly staff, casual atmosphere. Don't expect anything fancy here. It's a no frills bar if you just want a cold one, or a chill place to hangout in. No kitchen but I saw that they sell chips. They have a pool table and jukebox. read more

I love this place!!!! It is so laid back and the customers are so nice. It tends to be an older crowd but they are nice people and not in the creepy way. The bartenders are way cool! their drinks are really strong and a very reasonable price! i always have a great time there just hanging out relaxing with a drink, or playing darts or pool. awe good times. read more

Fun place to drink. Cheap prices, good jukebox too. Credit cards accepted. Drink specials most nights. They also have a pool table. For some odd reason, you can't take drinks out onto their patio (which is bad for my smoker friends). It's also close to Lancers and El Zarapee (great Mexican food). Mixed crowd (all ages, genders, sexual orientations). Don't be shocked if you run into someone you'd rather not (i.e. stalkers, an ex, or worse). read more

The best gay bar in San Diego! Friendly crowd and staff, always a good time, and a great juke box. And let's not forget the great drinks!

So I came here for a drink after work and the drunk bartender (her name was Jen) thought I was drunk because I was limping due to an injury. Long story short, man she was one hell of a bitter c*nt. I remembered why I stopped coming. read more

Best bar ever! I recently moved in the area and had heard of this bar and figured what the hell, I'll give it a try. I walked in, ordered a drink and introduced myself to Loreen, telling her I'm new. After that, she introduced me to everyone at this joint. Everybody was super friendly. Lucas the bartender was cool as hell too and gave me a welcoming shot called the pickle back. By the end of the night I was SHMAMMERED! And I am happy to say it didn't put a dent in my pocket. The staff, the patrons, everybody was awesome! read more

Whatever, I love this place. Walking distance, friendly drinkers AND staff, cheap drinks and never too crowded. I don't know why people have had such a bad time there, maybe it's attitude? It's CHEERS for christs sake. Salut! read more

Cheers is a great place. Again, also walkable for me, but the bartenders are really nice. Someone with us (to be named later) ordered a Miller Chill, and when the first sip was instantly almost spit up, the bartender slid over a new beer to replace the awfulness that is.... Miller Chill. Also, that same evening, pumpkin pie was delivered and offered to all the patrons. Strange? Yes, but I certainly enjoyed my piece, and Cheers. Also, fabulous Juke Box, Ghostbusters was definetly the highlight. read more

Friendly, heavy pours, close to home ... what more could a gal ask for?! Love this place! Oh, and you can bring food in too!

The clientele was really creepy on the night that I was here. Solid jukebox, but not enough to get me to return.

Pretty much a mixed bar of gays and straights. Mostly regulars who frequent this bar often. The bartenders remember your name, the juke box rocks, and for the most part, never too many people there. read more

Kevin is an amazing bartender! I brought two friends from out of town who he made feel at home :-). Keep him around!

Kevin was AWESOME! We've never had a better experience at this bar. It's small and there was a good crowd of people there, but Kevin was quick to greet us and get us our drinks. I got vodka as usual, and Kevin's pours NEVER disappoint. All in all, had a great time with my friends... great bartender, great place, great vodka! read more

I wish you could rate to take off stars out of this place. I just was denied service after walking in. There were a couple of people hammered at the bar looking at us, who we just happen to get in. They where'nt only staring at us, but shaking their heads in dissaproval. We approached the bar and the server there REFUSED service, without us having to say anything first. She stated that my friend was on something and it looked like he had too much of it already. SERIOUSLY?! ..we literaly came off work and wanted to unwind; found the place and decided to go in because it was on our way. This lack of judgement is UNACCEPTABLE!!.. People shouldnt come here and be treated like that. She didnt even gave us a chance, walk in and thrown out after a couple of steps. Not good for business. This needs to be brought up to management; seems like we werent the only ones that have been treated like that, coming from other friends and people that have been there in the past. Horrible Experience and I definitely DONT recommend this place at all!.. read more