Universal Lounge reviews, photos - GayCities - Gay Bars

Gay Club Run By Straight People

GayNotOmni 25/M

Universal by far the classiest venue in Hillcrest. However, don't let the downtown style club fool you. It does not feel much like a gay club. Its almost like the place for gay people to go and act straight. And is a breeding ground for new fag hags. The come in droves looking to find their Will. Everyone should experience it, and then walk over to Rich's which actually acts like a gay club.

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Plenty of cons, but fun anyway

willbldrco 41/M

I agree with the comments about the poor bar service and expensive drinks, and I'd add that the main dance floor makes a cruise ship disco seem roomy (I could touch the ceiling!!). The Sat. night $10 cover didn't help either. Still, I found the crowd to be energetic and friendly with people throughout the bar spontaneously starting up little dance parties where they stood. Very fun to mingle between the main bar area and the patio areas.

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hip bar for gays and straights

missionhillsguy 37/M

Actually, as a gay man, I think this is the classiest gay bar in town. If you are one of the queens who cant mix, it probably isnt your place and my favorite bartender is a female who takes great care of us. or you can spend your time at the other tired gay bars.

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OBSESSED WITH UNIVERSAL!!

New2theNeigborhood 25/F

This is by far my favorite place to go out for a drama-free night filled with fun, dancing and friends!! Every time I go to Universal I have an amazing time. The staff is wonderful and friendly. The vibe and energy is great. I always leave with a few new numbers in my phone after a long night of dancing to great music. Oh yeah, and there's nothing better than the yummy yummy brunch the next morning on the patio.

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Fun time for all!

tlmd92103 34/M

Universal is a much needed addition to Hillcrest. Finally we have a place where we can hang out with ALL our friends and have a good time regardless of sexual preference or gender. It's still more gay than straight but comfortable for all. They have good DJ and the dance floor is fun! Have fun and bring everyone!

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I For One...

SanDiegoRiqueno 28/M

Never base my opinions on what others spoon feed me. With that said, I encourage you to go to Universal and see for yourself. It's a great place with a unique crowd (freightening to those queens who abhor change).

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Horrible...Simply Horrible

Truthful1 26/M

Universal has to be BY FAR THE WORST "GAY" BAR I HAVE EVER BEEN TO! It's not worth your time. The staff is not friendly, courteous nor helpful. The drinks are overpriced and the bartenders give you a SHORT POUR EVERYTIME; especially the female bartenders. As for the martinis, they leave an inch or more of space between the rim of the glass and the alcohol. I could understand this if the glasses were larger than average, but this is not the case. There are much better places to drink in San Diego for a much better price! As for the crowd...the best way to describe it is like oil and water. There is a level of awkwardness that continues to float in the air and seems to only elevate as people get more inebriated. That being said, the decor is nice and the air-condition is always on. But again, if you want an ACTUAL gay bar that serves strong drinks, at good prices, from a nice and friendly staff, with a crowd that gets along and has fun...GO ELSEWHERE! Don't waste your time at this blight on Hillcrest. As for their restaurant "Dish" the best word to describe it is..."common."

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Fantastic Hip Urban Lounge

MrBear 0/

I love Universal. San Diego needed a place to blend Gay and Straight...and they did a great job. Love the staff...Danny on the patio bar is so great! Also some HOT bartenders inside. Go-go Boys and Girls. Amazing patio with firepits. The restaurant dISH is very good too. Beautiful crowd. Think A-List Gay.

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Pretentious

dano 30/M

They Make you Wait in line even if the place is not full. Charge to get in early. In side OK not great,Out side building ugle, could have done a better job, looks like they had a budget. not frendly almost rude.

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I was hoodwinked. Rich's: I take everything back.

Stravinsky 0/

I can't stand when str8 girls get a few drinks in them and turn into all sharp elbows and fat asses. And the musclehead guys with their str8 on str8 crime is just juvenile and buzzkilling. I forgot how exploitive it feels to mix crowds. Give me a good old fashioned gay bar anytime. Even Rich's! And, while I'm at it, how can the city allow them to build a place like this and not add one single parking space to the neighborhood? I live in the neighborhood and I hear a difference at 2AM on Friday and Saturday nights. It's a crime.

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