I never come here for long. Just usually for a hour to end the night if we are in the area and its always a decent time here. I waver between a 3 star and 4 star. I always come in a group and they love it here. It's the perfect combo according to them between funky, fun, and divey. I love how nice the bartenders always are and they never turn their nose to me for being straight. Very friendly group of folxs. But let's get to the serious stuff... drinks are strong and I appreciate it. Music is a hit or miss for my taste but always keeps the energy up and going for sure! Entry is free. Restrooms are in the back. Street parking is the only available option and usually requires a small 5ish minute walk. The place isn't the cleanest and it does get pretty hot in there. read more

The SRO Lounge - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

SRO Lounge is a lounge and bar that sits in south Bankers Hill. The vibe is local, a tad grungy, but always good! When I come in to town and stay with friends who live nearby, we make it point to stop into SRO. The bar is a safe space for all, whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. Patrons of all varieties, but the most common thing is they are there to have a good time! Drinks are strong, like 80% booze/20% mixer strong...so be prepared! Prices of said drinks are standard, and honestly worth it. We usually belly up to he bar or a nearby table, always order at the bar and then chill and people watch. Bartenders have always been friendly and helpful, as have the barbacks and other staff we encounter. As mentioned above, the place is a bit grungy. Definitely an old school local spot that has not been touched in many years. This combined with the immediate area not being super well-lit can leave you a bit antsy when leaving. Overall, SRO is a cool spot for all who want a good time and strong cocktail! read more

Super fun during the day and at night on the weekends. Im straight and have always had a blast!

Stayed at the nearby Four Points by Sheraton and was searching for the closest LGBTQ+ friendly watering hole & came across this lil gem the day after Thanksgiving! A few blocks from our hotel, we knew we were in "the hood" as we encountered numerous homeless people, run down (& closed) office buildings and saw just a small rainbow mural along with a chalkboard sign next to a convenience store indicating that this was the divey watering hole that we were looking for. Inside the bar tells a different story: very warm, inviting, welcoming, freshly decorated with Christmas lights and a handful of locals having their after Thanksgiving cocktails early afternoon, with the most delightful and friendliest of bartenders manning the bar! I did not get his name; however, since we made it so close to happy hour (approximately 10 minutes) he charged us happy hour prices (5.25 for a double). Plenty of seating available (mostly at the bar) with more tables towards the back. Friendly patrons, good stiff drinks, and the jukebox jammin', we really enjoyed this watering hole and had a fun afternoon! The only downside is the (unisex) restroom (didn't see another one) does not have a lock (not sure why); however, there is a sign indicating so as I walked in on a female sitting down on the toilet whom quickly shut the swinging door LOL! read more

The Bartender Pedro roofied us. We are a man and a woman couple. We had two mixed drinks. Pretty sure we were both raped based on bruising on our back sides and our necks. Can't really report it to the cops since the guy I was with purchased coke off of him. Apparently they don't have cameras in there either because we wanted to try and get the security footage of being roofied especially after we saw the all the other Yelp reviews read more

Rude bartenders. One bartender named Pedro followed me out the front door at closing time and punched me in the face. It was battery and elder abuse. It's a dive bar anyway. The owner doesn't care. I reported it to the San Diego City Attorney's office. I am retired-disabled and use a walking cane. I am in touch with counsel about the incident. The punch gave me a black eye and a concussion. The African American bartender said and I quote, "You're too old to be here". I'm 67 years old. read more

Let me begin by saying that I used to come here all the time. Been a long time though. It was on my way back home after having dinner at a steakhouse in the Gaslamp so I decided to stop in. BIG MISTAKE. Just left there (7:00pm 3/11/26). I walked in and sat down on a barstool half way in. The bartender got me a drink. I paid for it and asked if there was a jukebox. He said yes and pointed it out for me. I went over and put a 5 in and proceded to play my songs. I sat back down. And waited and waited and waited. Finally two of my songs played. Waited again and waited and waited. Finished my drink while I waited for my songs. Waited and waited. Meanwhile, my parking meter is running out (i originally put an hour and a half in). Ordered another drink because my songs hadn't played yet. Bartender took two dollars off the bar assuming it was his tip and thanked me and put it in his tip cup. It wasn't in the well, it was next to my drink and in no area on the bar for him to assume it was his tip. I told him that I wasn't ready to tip him yet. He said "oh, im sorry" and took it out of his tip cup and put it back on the bar. Still waiting for my songs to play. Finally, one of my songs came on and then got cut off half way through. Of course this really pissed me off since I've been waiting well over an hour for it to play. I didn't even finish my drink. I left right after tipping him $5.00. And he saw me leaving and never acknowledged me. Not even a "goodbye, thank you" or "have a good night". I shouldn't have left him anything because I know he can control the jukebox from his phone and I feel he deleted my song half way through. So I put $5.00 in the jukebox for nothing. I don't know his name because he never introduced himself. But I did over hear him say to another customer that he was from Cincinatti and moved here like a year ago. I haven't been here in a very long time. However, I was here one night in early last December when I had a couple guest visting from New York City and wanted to show them a little bit of gay history in San Diego. But I know now that if I come back here again and see him behind the bar I will turn around and walk back out. Sorry Brian, but he is not a good or welcoming bartender. I personally know that the SRO can do and has done MUCH better. read more

The bar tender was rude! I don't like this tiny little place. I will never come back here again.

Very good place drinks a little pricey but hey I wanted to go there so it is what it is. Not a lot of people and I was new there so not to many people talked to me. read more

Bartender was nice. The vibe of the bar was status quo dive bar. Older crowd of people. read more

The SRO Lounge - SRO Entrance - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Well no I'm not gay. In fact I'm not lgbtq plus plus plus or minus. I just love the vibe here. Robert is outstanding. My partner is a she and she is my better half. The drinks here are very, very strong. The music is fun. The atmosphere is fun and parking on the street after 6:00 p.m. Is free. What else do you want from a bar that's been around for just about 50 years come here you won't regret it. Oh and the service Robert is serving us not only serving us but he's singing and his voice is supreme. Last time I was here which was the first time I was here. Service was A+ read more

The SRO Lounge - I will bartender Robert and two patrons playing pool in the middle of the day. Only in San Diego. Looks like two liars oops I mean lawyers - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I used to go to SRO every now and then but it just keeps getting worse and worse. The bartenders are assholes, the drinks are awful, the place is filthy, there's no ventilation, and one of the restrooms doesn't even have a working faucet. I never went enough to become a well known regular so I get ignored at the bar. The bartenders will simply ignore faces they don't know and serve their "regulars", inexplicable behavior to me. I no longer go there and can't quite figure out why anyone else does. read more

Great local spot for drinks and a good time! Great drinks to close out the night, great staff, and good fun with the locals that know the area. read more

What a cool find. A throwback bar that I wish I had in Chicago. Cool, chill laidback with friendly staff and friendly clientele. Great vibe and great place read more

A sanctuary for beautiful cross dressers and trans women and the straight men that love them. Friendly bartenders , strong drinks . Lots of fun dive vibe read more

The SRO Lounge - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

SRO lounge is one of my favorite inclusive places to go if I'm looking for a dive bar vibe. The bartenders are always super fun and are fast to get your drinks for you. Never had food here other than some bar popcorn (which hit the spot) read more

A cave. A local watering hole all that and a place you can be yourself. SRO is a place you would drive by and never give a second thought. It's not fancy but it is a place where people can be who they ok the outside as well as on the inside. Some of the nicest people you can meet hang here. Staff is always friendly and the prices are fair. read more

Amazing bar! The vibe was awesome and the staff were fantastic! It was inviting, fun, and friendly:)

I've been wanting to stop into the SRO Lounge for a long time but didn't want to go in alone. So eventually my wife and I decided to go in one night on a Friday. The moment we walked in and ordered a couple of drinks we felt very comfortable and had some nice encounters talking other patrons sitting at the bar. Everyone we encountered including the bartenders were very friendly. This is just a fun place to have a few drinks and mingle with others. I don't want to forget the music either They played a good selection of different music, even some Metallica was played. We will definitely be going back for more. Awesome place! read more

This place is a great little dive bar with a mostly gay crowd. I was looking for something beside the usual cliquish Hilcrest crowds and over priced drinks. This place was great. The bartender, Pedro, who happened to be one of the owners was friendly & social-able. Drinks were very reasonably priced. Extremely so. Jukebox with what seemed a good selection of music although I didn't personally take a look. What was played was Gen Z era music and a lot of repetitive Taylor Swift. Perfect place for a local vibe and a chilled night. read more

Comfortable. Haven't been in five years or so and used to be very cool place where you could be you.

Great happy hour scene at the SRO. Stiff inexpensive drinks, friendly owner (Brian) and bartenders, pool table, jukebox, friendly crowd of regulars. Authentic (not fake, ironic or contrived) Old School ambience is comfortable and inviting. read more

I have a special place in my heart for this bar. Spent many a good time here. The most recent was when I brought my brother and his gf here when they were visiting from the Bay Area. We had a blast. They had a really good AYCE deal which included fried chicken, a salad bar and bread bar. Drinks are cheap. They pour 'em heavy here so exercise discretion. One patron was sh*t-faced and the bartenders dealt with her cordially. Love this place. I'll keep coming back as long as they're here. read more

The SRO Lounge - AYCE fried chicken w/ salad and bread. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Amazing bar!! Great decor, wonderful drinks, incredible music, cute bartender. 10/10 would recommend to anyone (unless you're lame then don't go here and get your lameness all over a super cool bar). read more

See all

Great bartender brant - nice fun place inside Great drinks can't wait to go back Great east location in bankers hill read more

Marty is fucking greattt!! He provided w everything we needed we're definitely coming back I loveeeeeeee itttt

Dive bar heaven with kind staff and not too expensive drinks. If you like pool there are some serious players here. One pool table and lots of people watching. The neighborhood and bar are a bit rough around the edges, but frankly, I'm here for it. I always have a good time and meet great people here. read more

Meh. It's ok and not that bad. Place smells like urine and tobacco, otherwise it's a place to have a beer before you go to another bar.

Came here for a drink before checking into our hotel. Everyone ordered martinis and they were awesome. Presentation was really nice. Had the cosmo and it was right at the level needed to start the day drinking day. Bartender was really friendly and made great drinks. Vibe was definitely cool inside the bar. Patrons we're friendly definitely recommend checking out and would go back. read more

Friend and I were here on a weekend and we both got roofied while sitting at the bar with one drink in. We both blacked out and according to a witness, the bartenders couldn't care less about us. I am warning you to NOT come to this bar. Stay away from this establishment. read more

Service and ambiance are ideal for a dive bar- friendly, politely unpushy, helpful. Cannot argue with the prices or the pours - Hillcrest-level bartending generosity right there in Bankers Hill. The crowd is an amicable mix: straight, queer, trans folx - it's always welcoming and chill. Food every now and then (pizza, wings, tacos- one of these any given night, not everything all at once). The food has been worth the modest price, imho. Take a walk on the mild side this Pride month- SRO is a San Diego institution for a reason. read more

Great dive bar. Great bartenders. Clean. Fair prices. Check it out. Clientele very interesting. read more

This bar is great, it's a vibe. Felt welcomed here Brant & Johnathan are awesome and a big part of that... Brant killed it with the green tea shot. No clue what it was but tasty AF. Thank you for a fun night. Definitely coming back. Shout out to Miss Rhonda! read more

Drinks were good, company was great at first one guy in particular had a big problem with the way I said something and flew off the handle getting in my face and even following me outside, luckily his friend came out and got him to leave me alone, overall a good time but definitely not a good end to my first ever time there, might go again but definitely won't be opening up to any more strangers that's for sure read more

The vibe has completely changed and the service is oddly slow. It was busy but not that crowded when I went but three bartenders managed to create a line of 8-10 people bc they were taking one order at a time. The music was that angry grunting/coughing crap. I really liked this place. It's kinda sad. read more

Visited this bar after a concert over the weekend, and honestly I can see why it'll be closing soon. Upon first arriving, it had a unique classic bar feel, maybe with a hint of a vegas atnomosphere with the red booths, red carpet, statues, and something about the shape of the bar itself. Then, submersing myself into the experience, I regreted it instantly. There was a pungent smell that harrassed my nose once I walked passed the less than happy bouncer at the door that was a cross between piss and a hair salon. The familiar scent of burnt hair, hair spray, and hair dye felt like it was being pumped out of the vents as if it was supposed to be a part of the experience of the bar. Didn't even bother going to the bathroom, since the whole bar already smelled like one. Not sure if this is a normal experience, or perhaps because they're closing that someone just gave up, but I do hope they put something similar in its place or nearby that has elevated standards. Something with better ventillation, maybe not carpeted floors that absorbes whatever and everything that falls upon it, a dance area, not harsh but decent lighting, but maybe still have the classic vegas bar atmosphere. read more

The SRO Lounge - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The wife and I love this place. Love, love, love. Fun crowd, strong drinks, and a super-fun crowd. Yes, fun is worth a double mention, especially after about 12am. Plus, great decor in a Victorian brothel kinda way, which *totally* works, and a large bar with friendly staff who can actually make drinks. Always such a great time. PLEASE NOTE: if you are homophobic or otherwise uncomfortable around folks that do not conform to "traditional" male-female stereotypes as characterized by the Pilgrims, please do everyone a favor and don't go here. You will just be a sourpuss while everyone else is having a great time, and no one likes a buzz-kill. read more

The SRO Lounge - We love this place! New friends every time! And an awesome Manhattan. Score! - Gay Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Would not recommend this place to anyone, definitely will never return to this place again. My drink got roofied after having only had two mixed drinks. My brother was with me had the same thing done to him. Ended up breaking my face and woke up in the ER. Anyone reading this please be careful if you go, otherwise I would advise not to go. The vibe was honestly just off to begin with, it feels really janky and the locals were just weird. We had just stuck around to finish our game of pool before my brother & I had completely lost consciousness. The people at this place don't give a fuck, I lost my phone which I am sure probably got stolen at this place. Our family members found us completely out of it and described us to be incoherent and not making any sense & noted it didn't look like we were drunk but blacked out from some other substance. My brother was walking miles away where I had passed out on my own pile of blood. Just the fact that these people are careless and let us leave like that is pretty disgusting. The vibe is dark and it smells bad in there. read more

Love this hole in the wall! Lots of trans ladies to flirt with and some great bartenders. This might be the friendliest bar ever! I make new friends every time I go and have never had a bad time. Highly recommended, especially if you love trans women! read more

My husband and I both just love this sacred heaven dive bar that welcomes all gender and spirits. The drinks are strong and cheap, you can pick songs at the juke box (yes, the machine where you pay money to play your favorite tunes). Dress up down wear your crown! Rumor has it SRO will have to close due to new developments in 2020 so check it out now to join our crying party once it does. I won't give up hope, maybe SRO will survive or move. My kind of bar which feels like home. Love love love it and we always leave there having met wonderful people resulting in firming new friendships. read more