The Loft

Dive Bars · San Diego, CA

About

Bar: Full barBest nights: Wed, Fri, Sat

The jukebox jumps from Billie Holiday to Lady Gaga while regulars nurse strong drinks. This Hillcrest dive bar pulls a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd that includes silver daddies and late-night regulars, all drawn by the unpretentious vibe and reliably potent cocktails.

By day it's a quiet local hangout; by night the space fills up. The Hash House A Go Go restaurant is steps away if you need food after a few rounds. If you're exploring gay nightlife in San Diego, you'll find this spot a no-frills anchor for the neighborhood.

Features

  • Strong drinks that regulars swear by
  • Jukebox spanning Lady Day to Lady Gaga
  • Pool table and happy hour specials
  • Mixed crowd of silver daddies and locals

Good for

Pool TableHappy HourDive Bars

Practical

Mixed LGBTQOutdoor SeatingBike ParkingCredit Cards AcceptedStreet ParkingHas TVFree WiFiFull BarCasualDiveyGood for Groups

Best nights: Wed, Fri, Sat

4.3

What people say

Rated from 198 reviews. 68 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp

From the community

“very clicky”

I have been a regular at this bar for over 15 years. Recently it has changed a lot, and the staff, especially the doorman, can be very rude and unwelcoming.

A visitor · Over a year ago

It has been more than a year since my last visit. I really enjoy the bartender Jeff's service.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Shit Hole”

I visited on July 4, 2012, and will never go back. A rough-looking guy who bragged about being in prison twice started an argument that led to a physical fight. There is no security, so you are unprotected when trouble occurs. The bartender did nothing to stop the fight, as if he is used to it. The bartenders are unattractive men who seem HIV positive and they mess up drink orders; I asked for no lime in my cocktail and got one anyway. All this made for a terrible time. Also, the owner is about 90 and constantly gropes the staff, which made me feel sick.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

Over a year ago. A dive bar full of silver daddies. It gets packed since it's a small hole-in-the-wall with limited space. Pick a spot, sit, drink, and cruise.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Professional drinkers”

During the day the crowd is mainly regulars, but at night many others show up for potent drinks and drunk people singing along to the jukebox, which plays everything from Billie Holiday to Lady Gaga. The very popular Hash House A Go Go restaurant is nearby, serving huge portions of amazing food for anyone who needs to soak up all that alcohol from The Loft.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Loft serve food? +

The Loft is a dive bar focused on drinks. Hash House A Go Go is steps away for food.

What are the best nights to go? +

According to Yelp, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday are the busiest nights.

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