Hillcrest Brewing Company Bars & Clubs in San Diego – GayOut Guide
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Hillcrest Brewing Company

Google (377) 4.6
Tripadvisor (45) 4.6
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GayOut Score
G4.6 🦉4.6
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Address
1458 University Ave, Hillcrest, San Diego, CA 92103

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About this place Hillcrest Brewing Company

Billed as the world's first out-and-proud LGBTQ+ brewery when it opened on University Avenue in 2012, Hillcrest Brewing Company sits right in the heart of San Diego's gayborhood. It no longer brews on site, but the kitchen still turns out pizzas and pub food and the bar keeps pouring its house recipes alongside guest taps. The vibe is casual and neighborly — a good daytime or early-evening stop on a Hillcrest bar crawl, with sidewalk seating for people-watching along University Ave.

Features

Gay Food served Mixed LGBTQ+ Chill / Relaxed Local favorite Pub Outdoor terrace No dress code Day venue Evening venue

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.6
★★★★★
377 reviews

Based on 377 Google reviews.

Jamesthatgymguy
Jamesthatgymguy Jul 2026
★★★★★

Alright maybe they do beer. Maybe. I don't know. I was skeptical. But if you enjoy carbs, man oh man... You gotta go! I had the meatball sub and some bread with a dip. The bread/sub is made fresh, in house and it is incredible. Clearly made with love. Did a Monday after pride and it slapped. Cured the hangover in a few minutes. The staff were awesome, friendly and knowledgeable. If you liked baked goods ... (And beer I guess).... Try it. You won't be dissatisfied.

Christopher Caylor
Christopher Caylor Jul 2026
★★★★★
Weise K
Weise K Jul 2026
★★★★★

Very solid little brewery pub in Hillcrest. I came after a work function with a coworker and it was a cool lil hangout spot. My biggest issue with this was the lack of “house beers”. They did have an IMPRESSIVE guest list… but I specifically came to try what they brew themselves. I ordered the house blonde. They had an ipa, Irish red, and some fourth beer. I didn’t get the food so I can’t rate it on that side.

Elisa McMillan
Elisa McMillan Jul 2026
★★★★★
Liz N
Liz N Jun 2026
★★★★★

Perfect spot to watch the World Cup! The atmosphere was festive, the music was great, and the TVs were loud enough to actually enjoy the game. The wings were to die for, the gluten-free pizza was delicious, and the drinks were on point. Huge shoutout to Jose and Eli- they were absolutely crushing it on a busy night and worked so well together. Parking fills up fast. We’ll definitely be back!

William Norwood
William Norwood Jun 2026
★★★★★

Love HBC. Even going for years. If they ever start boozy milkshakes or slushies for the summer I’ll never leave

goran s
goran s Jun 2026
★★★★★

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Last updated on 5 October 2026

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