Cheers
Karaoke · Dive Bars · San Diego, CA
About
University Heights is home to Cheers, a dive bar that's been a local fixture since 1982. Free pool, a jukebox, and a loyal crowd of 30- and 40-somethings give it a lived-in feel. The mural on the side of the building was painted by a former longtime manager, and the bar still serves free hamburgers and hot dogs every Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
It's the kind of place you go to escape the weekend crowds at busier spots. The patio and multiple smoking areas offer room to spread out. Owner-listed as a friendly neighborhood bar with drink specials and occasional karaoke or trivia nights, Cheers keeps things low-key and easy on the wallet.
Cheers sits in University Heights, a neighborhood just north of Balboa Park known for its mix of dive bars and local restaurants.
Features
- ✓Free hamburgers and hot dogs on Sundays, 1-5pm
- ✓Free pool table and jukebox available daily
- ✓Multiple smoking areas and seasonal decor
- ✓Karaoke and trivia nights held periodically
- ✓Happy hour specials and full bar
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Wed, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 142 reviews. 33 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“amazing”
The friendly atmosphere is amazing, there's nothing negative to say, everything is great. After my first visit I started coming regularly, about twice a week. I just like the people there, especially the bartenders, and for that I drive about 20 minutes from La Mesa to Cheers to have a good time and go home happy.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“University Heights afterthought”
It was never really an official lesbian bar (too inconsistent), nor a typical neighborhood joint like the TV show (too small), nor a University Heights hot spot like Bourbon Street or Lei Lounge (too plain), nor a dive/lounge like the alternative Lancer's next door (too bright, clean, and quiet). Cheers is a good place to have a conversation with a friend, and at times sports teams or other groups gather here to give it that local feel, but it's mostly uneventful, with a largely unused jukebox, pool table, and patio. Cheers is best used as an escape from the hectic Friday/Saturday mobs at the more popular University Heights options.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Best Dive in San Diego”
Where to begin? It's a dive bar and others will knock it down in rating for that, so I give it 5 stars. It truly is the best little dive bar I have personally ever encountered and am glad to know all the bartenders and locals that go there. So many little nooks and crannies to hang out in. People are friendly, the jukebox amazing, the drinks poured like they should be at a dive bar. Multiple smoking areas and theme decorated according to season. LGBT friendly and easy on the wallet. Every time I wake with the smell of Cheers attached to my clothing the next day, all that rings through my head is that damn Toby Keith song 'I love this bar'. So I proudly recommend this dive bar to all I know and to those who I do not. Your friendly neighborhood bar indeed. May Cheers live forever in University Heights.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Lonely place”
I started to go in on a Saturday night, but after seeing only one straight couple at the bar, it was just too straight for me.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“The coolest chill spot!!”
If you're trying to go out and not really worry about what everyone thinks, this is it. Bartenders are off the hook. Music on the jukebox, quick game of pool and drinks. Can't ask for more. Love it.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cheers have a cover charge? +
No cover charge. Cheers is a straightforward dive bar with no cover.
Is food served at Cheers? +
Yes, free hamburgers and hot dogs are served every Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Otherwise, it's bar food.
Is there a dress code? +
No dress code. Cheers is a casual dive bar.
Does Cheers have regular events? +
Yes, the bar hosts karaoke and trivia nights periodically. Check their website or social media for current schedules.
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