It's really known as a local gay dive bar, and that's exactly what makes it so special - it's authentic, unpretentious, and just overflows with good energy. What I truly appreciate is how inclusive it is; when they say "all are welcome," they genuinely mean it. You feel like part of the community the moment you step through the door, no matter who you are. The folks working behind the bar are absolute superstars. They're not just great at mixing up a delicious drink, but they're also super friendly and always up for a bit of banter. It's the kind of place where striking up a conversation with someone new at the bar is effortless. There's a constant buzz of friendly chatter and laughter, making it such a wonderful place to just relax and be yourself. And let's talk about value - they truly know how to pour a proper drink, and their prices are incredibly fair. You definitely get a fantastic drink without feeling like you've splurged. It's just an all-around great spot to unwind, meet some cool people, and enjoy a top-notch beverage in a relaxed, friendly setting. Highly recommend giving The Loft a visit! read more

When I visit San Diego, The Loft is at the top of my "must visit" list and is normally one of the first places I go after getting settled in. Situated on 5th Avenue in beautiful Hillcrest, The Loft is a small, but mighty place that is near and dear to my heart for a variety of reasons. From the bartenders, to the patrons, and of course the drinks...this spot is an absolute vibe! Everyone is beyond welcoming and fun here. The space is a great combination of indoor/outdoor. The drinks are strong and well priced, which is not a combination you can find many places these days! They don't serve food, but they are fine if you want to bring your own, which many folks do. We have enjoyed a cocktail and UberEats'd something so we didn't have to leave. Overall, while I am not a San Diego local (yet), I consider The Loft my local spot. Love this place! read more

The Loft - $8 Bloody Mary - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I love coming to the loft. my very first time here i actually made a friend. I've become a regular because the atmosphere is so intimate. You will be able to strike up a conversation with about anyone. I like the prices too for someone who gets tipsy off one drink its a good bargain. The bar tenders also will keep an eye on peoples behaviors when possible. one bar tender in particular noticed a man who was harassing my friend and i he kept him in check. the guy left us alone after that. I may have developed a crush on Travis. I'm sure I'm not the only one. He's a handsome bartender read more

Found an American flag in the trashcan. Love this place, but that's a no no. Great staff, great vibe - anti American? Really? read more

This small, yet busy, fun, casual, no-nonsense bar has been a go-to hangout for most of my friends and I. I would say this bar has something to offer for anyone, whether gay or straight. There's also more tables and chairs in the back patio. Recommend read more

The Loft - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

We stopped in here with a bunch of friends last night for a late drink. Super fun. Bar was busy but not packed and they had great music playing. The outside front patio as well as back patio are great places to hang out, enjoy cocktails and hang out with friends. read more

The Loft - View in from the front patio - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a very fun gay bar, and I hit it off with some people there and sat with them. I did like a mini bar hop my last night and this was stop 2. They have everything you could want to drink in a bar. I liked that they had plenty of outdoor shaded seating as well as the huge bar and indoor seating read more

The Loft - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Sorry but I didn't like how one of the bartenders was behaving . He completely ignored me to do shots with some group . It was very unprofessional the way he was behaving. I got some shots of hin being flirty with a girl on the bar . read more

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Friendly welcoming staff and crowd for all types. A place we always hit when in San Diego. read more

Doing it all right at the bar but incredibly homophobic at the front door if I'm being honest.

Great local crowd, friendly bartenders, nice atmosphere. The loft is an excellent place to spend the afternoon and chat with the locals.

I'm not too sure what to say about this bar. Some of my friends seem to prefer going here. But the back area is mulch and just looks and feels gross underfoot, like, what has that wood chip absorbed after all this time? How much mold is in the wood chip floor? The bathroom situation is odd and honestly disgusting. And the wall behind the sinks. What the hell is going on? read more

I absolutely love their Bloody Mary ‍ Come for the drinks and the vibes. Service can be a bit slow depending on when you come in. But definitely worth a try read more

This is the perfect spot in hillcrest for happy hour/day drinking. The bartenders are some of the most genuinely kind in the neighborhood. Travis, the weekday daytime bartender is a sweetheart and very attendant to every customer. Cozy dive bar with regulars always gathered around the bar. This bar will hopefully remain for many years to come. read more

Monday night out in San Diego and few of my friends wanted to go check out The Loft once we got in. Google said the bar closes at 2 am. Got here a little past 10pm and seen how many people were out on a Monday night. Seems like it was a little happening! There was a group of us 5 and we all got seated at the bar. There was also a pool table tournament group of about a hand full of people shooting pool. While talking with some of the regulars, they said that the bar normally stays open late, but of course on the weekends it's much busier. Our bartender Jacob was awesome, friendly, and very engaging. For some reason, a bunch of us thought we were going to a restaurant for food, but the only thing we could munch on were chips sold at the bar. Jacob allowed us to Uber Eats some from an outside restaurant and we could enjoy our to go food at the bar, really nice of him! There's also this cool jukebox machine where you can play all types of songs and music. Restrooms were towards the back and there is an outdoor lanai which was closed off, I'm sure it gets packed on Friday's and Saturday's. read more

The Loft - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Zero Stars for a shitty Christmas night! Went to the Loft with my cousin and mom, bartender have mom FOUR glasses of wine offering no water. When I made a comment about the 3rd glass, the bartender heckled me and said, "oh are you her mom," and shortly after paying, they said we needed to leave because we were, "making the bar look bad." Screw you guys! It was Christmas for crying out loud & if you ACTUALLY CARED ABOUT BAR PATRONS you wouldn't drown them in liquor and then try to send them on their way. If my cousin and friend weren't there to help my mom out, would they just have kicked her out on the sidewalk??? I will NEVER go back to this place! read more

Having a good time with coworkers here at this dive bar that's a stone's throw from work. Drinks are strong, but atmosphere is fun. I was momentarily confused about where the bathrooms in the back were, plus I'm not a fan of curtains functioning as doors. So I had a rum and Coke last week at after work drinks, a drink I've never had before. I was stuck at the bar and had no idea what drinks were the place's specialty so somehow, rum and Coke was the first thing that came to mind. Honestly, it was kinda nasty. I never drink Coke so I didn't immediately like the taste. The rum didn't exactly make that better. And I didn't even finish it. I was buzzed and sleepy after having half of it. Maybe I should've ordered a mimosa. read more

The Loft - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Yay! Fun bar, would return any day of the week! Friendly service and staff!! Love Parker and Justin and George and Gerald!!

Dive bar with cheap drinks! I came here and spent hours yesterday catching up with my friend. It was great. We sipping on reasonably priced cocktails and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Literally my 2 mixed drinks we're only $10. I would definitely wing by again. Conveniently located in hillcrest and within walking distance of all that you need! Right next door? An average Chinese place to order some food for your happy hour drunken stupor. I got some food from next door and ate it on the patio. Also conveniently located within walking distance of "out of the closet." I had to go to this shop to buy a jacket because I only showed up in a tshirt and it was freezing in the cold winter day with no sun!! Definitely stop here. Plan on getting eats elsewhere as they don't serve food but you have plenty of places within walking distance and they're fine if you bring it in! read more

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I've always called The Loft my Home bar. Even though I've only been here about 12 years. Friendly service awesome experience you won't deny it. My love out to all of the employees you guys rock.!!! read more

This is a place not worth going to. They hire terrible bouncers, the outdoor section is really small, and half the time people are bumping into each other just to order a drink. read more

When I was here I did not get any food but it all looked good as I saw it went by. The bartender welcomed us with great recommendations. The atmosphere is amazing and great views! read more

Amazing bartender Joey! So much fun and delicious martinis . We will be back soon! Great back patio-

Layed back vibe. Neighborhood clientelle. Pool table. Front n back patio Always a plus. Only did happy hour there on Friday. Was ok. Not sure where 'the hsppy hour place' is? Im hunting. Gay. Friendly. read more

While stumbling through the neighborhood on a Saturday afternoon we finally landed on this spot and we will definitely be back! We loved it! It was a beautiful day and we were out walking a friends dog so it was great to see that they had a front and back patio to enjoy the sunshine and a beverage. Also the drinks here are a great price! I was shocked by how little we spent that day after bar hoping in Hillcrest. Great vibes and great drinks we will for sure be walking back over here sometime soon. read more

Stopped by for a drink after crossing the Tijuana border, best bloody and mimosa in Hillcrest. Bartender was very pleasant, and the outdoor seating has a very tranquil vibe. read more

The Loft - Bloody mary and mimosa - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Saturday night the place was a freaking joke. The staff is drunk. 20 minutes to get a drink with no one waiting in line. Pompous attitude.

For Go To Bar. It's the Best in San Diego. Always alive and no pretension.. You are one of the Family at The Loft read more

Enjoyed this place but was told by a bartender it's now cash only. I never have cash so now I just cant go.

While we were waiting for our food and the restaurant next door the bartender from inside was yelling at us to come in. LOL they have a nice small plate menu and definitely good prices on alcohol that I like, but my friend does not drink and I don't drink in front of her.. So, anyone in the area that wants to get some small plates and have a few drinks let me know. There's a nice area to eat outside and inside which is a real plus these days if you know what I mean and I know you do. read more

The Loft - Lots of outside table space and inside. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I feel slighted that our photo isn't present amongst the many followers that "G" has. Truly Gerald, is one of a kind. He has allowed me to care and love one of his closest friends. Thank you now for the LOFT! Fantastic, it's always our first stop before dinner in the area. Gerald has been named Bartender of the year, Congratulations G, thank you, and love ya Lou! read more

The Loft - Randi and Neal selfie on the beach, we love the Loft - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

A gem of a dive. A diamond in the ruff. A place to chill out play your music ( AIM APP) and take in the sites. The conversations and as The Loft saying goes ..."Be So Loved and I would add...Accepted. read more

My group and I were waiting for Hash House and ran into this dive bar next door. The Loft is great - friendly bartenders who serve you up a nice drink before brunch. The prices were great as well - $3 for a beer! Check this place out if you find yourself waiting for brunch next door! read more

Absolutely love the new bartender...Armando! He's super nice, kind, humble, and fun! Such an Amazing!, Loving, & energetic personality! Thank You for being YOU & being the BEST! Hillcrest Loves YOU! read more

Nice bar located in the heart of Hillcrest. They're strict on the covid checking, which was nice. Drinks are super affordable, the staff is friendly and professional, and they have a nice patio/seating area outside that I love. They close a bit early due to close by residential homes, but that's okay! If you're lookin for a late night drink that's affordable, cruise over to the Loft. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!! read more

Friendliest bar in San Diego? Not so much! Last night a young man was celebrating his birthday. After speaking with him for a minute he said, "You're old" ( which I am...62), to which I replied "you're ageist" (a term that defines a prejudice against older people) he complained to the bartender, and I was asked to leave the bar immediately. So if you are a successful older person you might want to choose another bar! Thank God my husband of 25 years doesn't think I'm old! read more

I was rejected service to dine on the patio because I had my pet with me yet they have dog bowls with water all over their entire patio? Also, the older gentlemen host was very rude. If you are a pet owner or love pets (which is pretty much 90% of San Diego) avoid this place at all cost. NOT PET FRIENDLY. read more

This is a great dive bar in San Diego. The staff is very friendly and serve ice cold beer. The atmosphere is great for just relaxing and having a drink. Definitely stop in for a beer! read more

The Loft - Inside - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I went to the Loft today on the 4th of July holiday, and had a great time with friends. However later, I ran across some straight young people, and just being friendly. I sat at a table, and I did chat with them, and then purposely, they about ,six of them moved away from me. Which I thought was really rude. As a gay 61 yo person, they showed no respect or any feelings only amongst themselves. I was laughed at by them and it just ruined my evening. It's just so sad that some people have no heart or class at all. I will not go back to the Loft whatsoever. read more

Cannot say enough things about this local spot!!! The Loft was established in 1978 and has continued to provide the most outstanding service to all patrons. As a Hillcrest local, I frequently visit this venue and they never disappoint! Friendly and fast service from the most personable staff makes this location stand out. Hector and George in particular go above and beyond to ensure such a pleasurable experience. Highly recommend! 10/10 read more