SRO Lounge

“Fun Times, Strong Drinks, ask for bartender RAY!”

During my four months in San Diego, I kept coming back to SRO to start or finish my nights. You'll see trans women doing cartwheels, toothless men talking to themselves, a twink or two, and people playing pool. The neighborhood has some panhandlers that might make you hesitant to enter, but it's actually safe and friendly. Look for the bartender's contagious smile and Long Island iced tea — most of all, it's entertaining. A truly fabulous dive bar.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Mainly recognized as a transgender bar, it opens early in the morning and feels like stepping into a classy 1950s-era bar. It has a strong Mad Men vibe without the cigars; drinks can be pricey and there are no beers on tap.

A guest · Over a year ago

“terrible managment”

I would never recommend this bar to anyone because management kicked me out and used profanity toward me for shaking the pool table. I assume it's a pool bar, but it's tiny with a single-person restroom and gets overcrowded. The restroom has no lock, and I don't like being sexually assaulted when I need to pee.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“David Lynch-esque”

SRO Lounge is slightly off-kilter, eccentric, sometimes downright bizarre, but mostly just a quirky dive bar that is truly unique. Drag queens spice things up many nights, and the crowd is never dull when it's busy. If the cantina from Star Wars were mixed with a John Waters setting and decorated like a downtown slot palace, that would be SRO on Friday and Saturday nights. At other times it's less avant-garde but still more entertainingly odd and occasionally creepy than any gay bar in San Diego or maybe the entire Southwest.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“A Fun Place to stand”

This is a fun bar where you can be yourself. Hugs and candy kisses.

A visitor · Over a year ago