Flicks image

Flicks

Bar Gay bar

Games, karaoke & more than 15,000 video clips create a fun & festive atmosphere at this gay bar. People often mention people, great, card, time, staff, music, drinks, night, straight, bartender,


Address

1017 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Website

www.sdflicks.com

Contact

(619) 297-2056

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

3.60 (287 reviews)


Working Hours

  • Thursday: 4 PM to 2 AM
  • Friday: 2 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 12 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM to 2 AM
  • Monday: 4 PM to 2 AM
  • Tuesday: 4 PM to 2 AM
  • Wednesday: 4 PM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: people (15) great (15) card (13) time (11) staff (11) music (10) drinks (9) night (9) straight (8) bartender (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Beatrice Y. 2 years ago on Google
    How can you call yourself a “gay” club when straight people outnumber us 2:1??? Allowing straight females to host bachelorette parties and take over the venue with their brash obnoxious behavior is a slippery slope as by now all the straight jocks from downtown have heard about how Hillcrest is where all the “hot chicks” go now (presumably to get away from them) and they have followed them into our (former) safe spaces. The unease I feel at being surrounded by people who have a history of violence against our community being served alcohol in the same room as me is not something I’d wish on my worst enemy.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Twerk4Jesus 2 years ago on Google
    This is not a gay bar, it is a bar for straight women who like to invade gay spaces and act like the world revolves around them. The gentrification of Hillcrest is leading to the demise of this once vibrant, safe queer space which is being overrun by people who just want to make fools of themselves and then lie face down in the gutter in their own vomit. Outside I witnessed no less than four women on the ground vomiting on the sidewalk/gutter. Please, keep that in downtown! Our community has limited options on where we can go to enjoy ourselves so if you can’t be respectful just don’t come here! Imagine if gay people acted this way in a straight bar. We need a safe place to be and we go here to get away from a certain element that has sadly started to infest our neighborhood in the last few years. Shame!
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Giovanny H. 1 month ago on Google • 266 reviews New
    Great music and the GoGo dancers are so hot 🔥🥵
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laughing L. 1 year ago on Google • 262 reviews
    We went for Karaoke on Tuesday, free cover. I ordered 2 drinks, A Titos with cran and a Well Vodka with Cran. They totalled $20 including tip, thats all I took to spend. The Rotation was so long, I put 4 songs in at 9pm and didnt get called until 1030pm and was told my 2nd song wont be for 2 more hours. For a Tuesday I thought it would be slow enough to sing my heart out. But it was very busy, if you want to be able to sing I recommend Lamplighter. Or tip $$$$$ the Jockey. If you just want to watch others sing then its ok for that.

  • 1/5 Dustin B. 3 years ago on Google
    We came here for drag brunch and it was the first and last time we ever will. While waiting for our brunch seating, we had a round of drinks inside, and I gave my credit card to the bartender to start a tab. We then proceeded outside for the drag brunch seating. After an hour (seriously) of trying to flag down a bartender (they kept bee-lining for other tables, not even glancing in our direction), we finally got to order a second round of drinks. I informed our server that I had a card on file inside already and he confirmed everything was good with the tab I had started. The show itself was a lot of fun, and once we finally had our server's attention, the service was great. The problem came at the end when it was time to close my check. The server brought back a slip for me to sign, but there was no sign of my credit card. I asked him to check with the bartender I had given it to and he told me, "We return the cards after we authorize them." Well, four people at my table (myself included) can confirm that the bartender, nor the server, returned my card. The server insisted I must have gotten my card back and it had to be in my pocket or my wallet. Uh, no, and here is the blank space in my wallet where it would be, if you had returned it to me... I went inside to track down the bartender that I originally gave my card to and asked him where it was. He also insisted that he gave it back to me, another lie which us four patrons quickly repudiated. My husband has the same credit card (Costco Visa) as me and we showed him exactly what it looked like. He checked their three-inch-thick "lost" card stash (Side note: Why do you have a stash of cards if you give them back after you authorize them? ) and didn't find it. The bartender suddenly had an epiphany and realized he gave my card to another patron. He ran around the bar, inside and out, and tried to track them down, but it was too late. They were gone, and I was just standing there, a victim of his incompetence. Thank you Flicks, for what was truly a memorable experience. Never trust a bar that charges for a drag "brunch", and only has four food items on the menu. It looks like whoever the bartender gave my card to is trying to actively use it. I keep getting alerts from Citi about attempts to use my locked card for online purchases, including almost $2,300 at Apple.com. Thanks again, Flicks.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 James M. 5 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Our group had three phones stolen. We saw the guy who was stealing phones and told the bouncers, but they did nothing. The bouncers are probably in on it. Never going again, which is too bad because it's fun
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 john t. 2 years ago on Google
    The doorman would not allow my disabled buddy in because he thought he was drunk. My buddy had only had a glass of wine before we got there. This bar needs to better educate their security staff.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Max A. 2 years ago on Google
    $12.00 (before tip and NOT opening a tab) for a regular sized draft beer - not even an IPA. Ha, paid in cash because they've been running my card twice claiming their card reader isn't working right...sure Jan... It DID happen - how dare you lie! And quit being a bully to reviews people leave this establishment just because you don't agree with them. For all we know your staff is stealing from you and it wasn't even rung up!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Veronica 1 month ago on Google • 104 reviews New
    I love this bar. Im a straight woman who respects this space for the lgbtq community, and I know my place when I come in. The straight women who keep leaving one-star reviews need to get their act together. Not everything is about you. This is a gay bar, meaning it's not meant for you. If you don't like it, then go find a Karen bar, I'm sure they'll be more accommodating.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Happy F. 1 year ago on Google
    Once apon a time we could all agree this was the best bar in hc. That was a long time ago... . There have been far too many issues with the security company Jeff hired that it needs to be addressed. I've had to many of my friends and my self be mistreated and physically assaulted by them to stay quite any more. I will update with law website for anyone else who would like to add once we have it available. Thank you.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Reda G. 2 years ago on Google
    Could be a good fun dance bar, but not with this type of music. Why does it have to be so bad??!? There's so much cool music out there and they play the absolute worst boom-boom with no rhythm. You can dance to it if you're on acid. So hard to find good music these days!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jesse W. 1 year ago on Google
    While I enjoy this bar, the bouncer confused my friend’s struggle with English (not her first language) as being too drunk which we feel is really inappropriate and genuinely racist towards people who don’t speak English as their first language
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Godiva E. 2 years ago on Google
    the place is comfortable, perfect for taking family and friends to watch your favorite movies. quite a selection of films and from various countries. the room is large and comfortable with a large screen. there are also snacks and drinks that can be purchased. maybe the toilet facilities still need to be improved
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Christy S. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    This was a fun place until I was roofied and my phone was stolen. I was there for pride weekend and it was packed. I was having a great time until all the sudden I didn't feel so great. I felt really out of it. Immediately noticed that my phone was gone. I quickly ordered ann Uber and went home and barely made it home before I passed out. Next day we went to the bar to see if they found my phone, I heard from someone standing in front of me at the bar that he read on Instagram that about 30 people got their phones stolen the night before. Then I started reading their reviews. It's very common at this bar to get your phone and wallet stolen. They come in and either distract you or they will drop something in your drink when you're not looking to drug you and they take your stuff. If the owners cared about their patrons at all, they would put cameras in and they would be on the lookout for these kind of predators. I was told that they used to have signs up warning patrons to beware about thefts of phones and personal items but it was bad for business so they took them down. I agree that the staff is probably in on it. This is the very dangerous price. If you go, you've been warned.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sdmatt2000 2 years ago on Google
    This great place has always been my go-to for their extended happy hours, watching sports on their many big screen TVs, Sunday Fundays, Welfare Wednesdays, karaoke, great music and videos! The staff is great and friendly and the clientele is diverse and fun!! Bar is modern, clean, big and in the middle of Hillcrest!! The owner and his partner are great supporters of the community too!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 david k. 3 years ago on Google
    Paul or whatever his name is the worst server in history. He was very scattered brained and we had to ask for water and straws multiple times. Basic customer service was not up to par. All of the other servers were super nice and it seemed like all of the other servers knew that Paul was a horrible server. Never coming back here again!!!! Paul needs to be fired. He was so lazy, never checked on us. We had to wave him down to get any kind of service. If the owner is reading this, please fire him, this is not how you run a business. Especially during COVID times.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jay G. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm clearly over 21 but security insists on scanning my ID in some sort of system and I don't consent. You're welcome to validate my age manually what are you doing with my photo and personal information?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Computer G. 2 years ago on Google
    Black security guard slammed a drunk patrons head into a wall around the corner from the bar. Black security guard escorted him off the premises, knocking the white guy cold out and not moving for more then 3 minutes acting like he was going to kick him in the head. If you get too drunk the security will slam your head into a wall. Glad to see this hate crime was unpunished. I will be speaking with management.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Duncan D. 1 year ago on Google
    Thieves den. Been twice and my friend group has had multiple phones/wallets stolen. Nothing is safe Update: Police believe the security at flicks is in on the thievery. Stay away
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Charlie C. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    Me and other womens were thrown out of this place. This place the staff is racist and disgusting We spoke to 3 other people who were thrown out for no reason. 2 of them haven’t even been drinking. The bar staff added tips before you pay so you have no option to select the percentage yourself.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Amanda C. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the vibes of this place HOWEVER I went through my transactions in the morning and it seems one of the jell-o shot tray guys took it upon himself to choose the tip option for himself (of course the max available). Not knowing there’s even an option for tip until the next tray guy showed me the screen I thought “that’s weird he didn’t have me do that before” and brushed it off… But thankfully I noticed! This is THEFT and Flicks needs to talk to their employees about this type of behavior… Your paying customers all deserve to trust the establishment they enjoy to visit. Also the bathrooms are ridiculous, one stall in each of the 2 bathrooms and super long lines with rude people pushing their way in the entire time making the line that much lengthier. It was annoying.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina T. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this place! The bar, the staff , the DJ! Fun times always!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel T. 2 years ago on Google
    This place has everything to satisfy your every needs. I arrived here at 5:20pm on the 11th of april. I am still currently here. I never want to leave this place. They are extremely hospital and care for your EVERY need. I have been married and have 3 kids. The day they were born was the happiest of my life. WAS. Until I arrived here i have never experienced true euphoria. I will never return to my kids
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kimmy S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place, crowded, tons of people. Great drinks, great vibe, places to sit. Very fun, and free entry is very inviting. The only thing that can be improved is the music lol Get the party started! The music was mediocre at best, but can be improved
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 swtpete s. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place but wish they had food
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Amrita K. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is lit for its bar, music, performers and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing night here. That being said, I’m giving it two stars because they reallyyy need to work on their bathroom situation There’s only one toilet for people that sit but 5 for people that stand which I think is unfair and kinda discriminatory. Also there was a yellow thing in the urinals that made it look like pee from afar - please choose a different color for that as it makes it look gross!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Rony L. 1 week ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Hands down the best straight bar in Hillcrest.

  • 5/5 albert m. 2 weeks ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    Super fun always

  • 1/5 t r. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    If you want to go deaf, this is your place. I love loud music, but this is just ear-bursting THUMPING pounding; don't even think about having a nice conversation.

  • 5/5 James H. 1 year ago on Google
    It's awesome they aren't allowed to serve tap water when busy what a joke its literally water

  • 5/5 Treven M. 1 year ago on Google
    Have to leave a great review because every time I visit this place it has great bartenders, and a great environment! The prices are literally the same or cheaper than what they are here in AZ, a great place for a night out! Already want to come back!

  • 1/5 Jason G. 1 year ago on Google
    The door staff are very rude. I was barked at to keep moving after they checked my ID. There was no one behind me waiting to get in. The bathroom situation is ridiculous as well. 2 tiny bathrooms that don’t accommodate the amount of people they pack in there.

  • 5/5 Mattias G. 11 months ago on Google
    I come here for the DJ's and Go Go's, the drinks are nice and strong.

  • 5/5 Mab P. 11 months ago on Google
    My favorite happy hour in Hillcrest, everyone is so nice.

  • 5/5 Gengis G. 2 years ago on Google
    I always got amazing nights over there while on vacation. Bartenders are nice. Thank you very much for the partnership you got with your healthcare system. You offered me my second monkeypox vaccin shot, even if Im not a US citizen. Ans this 2nd shot wasn’t available yet in my country ✅✌️👌

  • 5/5 Melissa T. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited this bar on several occasions, as a 'stop over' on the way home - the staff were always friendly. The layout & decor is relaxed. Sampled the food on our last night in Newquay & it was the best we had! the nachos & chilli bowl were excellent - wish we hadn't left it until so late in our holiday to experience it.

  • 5/5 Ryan W. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a good time at this bar. Have been going for years and have made many friends. They even sponsor some of the Varsity Gay League Sports teams. Flicks is one of the bars that has helped make Hillcrest an enjoyable place to be.

  • 3/5 Dean K. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun bar and the drinks are strong.But it is san diego. As in it is vanilla and closes at 2 am. It is fun but if u are used to wild nights and hot men at major gay bars like in south florida that close at 5 am, prepare to be disappointed. It isn't the fault of flicks but california night life is backwards in general.

  • 1/5 Marko S. 3 years ago on Google
    been here once and probably my last time, I went for a wednesday evening party and the place was so crowded and hot you couldn't do anything. Can't move, can't dance, can't get a drink, hell you couldn't even leave if you wanted to. People pushing, elbowing and their sweat falling on you 🤢 Poorly managed.

  • 1/5 Brad G. 3 years ago on Google
    i live in the neighborhood behind flicks...it's very loud late into the night..screaming sometimes fighting. people leave garbage everywhere for local residents to pickup. i've never seen flicks offer to help keep the neighborhood clean. they are very self serving and inconsiderate to the neighborhood.

  • 1/5 Chelsea R. 3 years ago on Google
    Waited 45 min to get waited on. Half the bar left, they looked over at us and still never acknowledged or asked if we needed anything. Needless to say we left and we will never be back. It’s one thing if they’re packed, but they weren’t and had plenty of time to at least ask us if we wanted a drink. I guess I wasn’t the right gender to even get ONE DRINK. ✌🏼

  • 1/5 Anna Z. 10 months ago on Google • 1 review
    I was roofied at this bar and got my phone stolen. After consulting with the staff and getting in contact with the owner, I never was able to retrieve my phone and the owner never returned any of my calls or messages (I simply wanted to explain my story and let him know what was happening at his establishment). I was discussing what happened to me with a friend and she said that 10 years ago, her sister was also roofied at Flicks, and was kidnapped and left on the side of the road the night she came to Flicks by strangers she met in the bar. I also talked to the security guard the next day and he mentioned that phones getting stolen in their establishment was happening multiple times a night, every night, and that it was extremely common. He assured me that I would likely not ever get my phone back. Although my phone was left in the bar, not one staff member had seen it and claimed they never found anything. But after discussing with others…it seems that something very shady is happening at this bar. I would not step foot in this bar unless you are looking for trouble. Women getting drugged and phones getting stolen seems to be just a normal everyday occurrence for them. I will not be ever coming back to this establishment as it is not a place where I feel safe.
    23 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jeff A. 1 week ago on Google • 1 review New
    Went for the first time. As a non local it was so cool to have guys be so friendly and approachable here. Bartenders and servers were all great, friendly, smiling, and made great vodka red bulls. I was shocked at how cheap my drinks were and it wasn't even happy hour. I let the bartender know that the same drink in LA would easily be double, then tipped him the difference anyways 😉also, the servers walking around in underwear were incredibly hot , there was one that I told I didn't even want a drink, just wanted to pay for one and told him to keep it. Best part about flicks was the music, for sure. I love when clubs play throwbacks/2000s and they did not disappoint. Banger after banger, almost all from my era with a couple newer songs mixed in. Great experience, hope it's like that every weekend. I have been dying to make the almost two hour drive down asap to hangout here again. Met some great guys, which was awesome because I went alone but didn't feel left out of the fun. Will be coming back! Definitely my go to spot in the San Diego area. Can't wait to go back and hopefully top my experience last weekend 😅
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 John 1 month ago on Google • 1 review New
    Bartender intentionally charged us extra for our drinks because we didn't tip enough. Defeats the whole purpose of a tip...


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✗ Debit cards
    • ✗ Credit cards
    • ✗ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✗ Beer
    • ✗ Wine
    • ✗ Alcohol
    • ✗ Dancing
    • ✗ Cocktails
    • ✗ Hard liquor
    • ✗ Happy hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✗ Seating
    • ✗ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✗ Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned

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