insideOUT Gay-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego – GayOut Guide
restaurants Verified by GayOut

insideOUT

Google (1743) 4.5
Tripadvisor (35) 4.2
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GayOut Score
G4.5 🦉4.2
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Address
1642 University Ave Ste 100, Hillcrest, San Diego, CA 92103

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About this place insideOUT

insideOUT is an upscale-casual restaurant and lounge built around a large open-air courtyard in the middle of Hillcrest. Since opening in 2018 it has become a popular spot for cocktails, weekend brunch, and pre-night-out dinners, with a look and crowd that lean firmly into the neighborhood's LGBTQ+ identity. The courtyard seating and central University Avenue location make it an easy first or last stop on a Hillcrest evening.

Features

Gay LGBTQ+ Happy Hour Live music Food served Outdoor Patio Upscale Cocktail bar Day venue Evening venue Gay-friendly (straight venue)

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Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.5
★★★★★
1,743 reviews

Based on 1,743 Google reviews.

Ishee Rah
Ishee Rah Aug 2026
★★★★★

I came to insideOUT for brunch this past Sunday, and I felt a little catfished to be honest. I didn’t think the interior lived up to the pictures I’d seen. It was also SO hot and uncomfortable, and the table fans did nothing to help. I also felt like the food (shakshuka and a croissant sandwich) was pretty basic for how booked out the restaurant is. Service was great.

Bithi Akther
Bithi Akther Aug 2026
★★★★★

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ insideOUT is a fantastic spot! The atmosphere is stylish and welcoming, the service is friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious and beautifully presented. Everything came together for a wonderful dining experience. I’d definitely recommend insideOUT and look forward to coming back!

guolai khoo
guolai khoo Aug 2026
★★★★★
Raul Cortes
Raul Cortes Aug 2026
★★★★★

Atmosphere is cool, staff is great, welcoming, friendly, and attentive, Food is ok but reasonably priced, parking is horrible.

Henry
Henry Aug 2026
★★★★★

Top notch atmosphere, food was tasty and service was amazing. Ask for Mark or Mike. 😉😋

Maya Jackson
Maya Jackson Aug 2026
★★★★★

The service fantastic! We got our food quickly and the food and drinks were amazing. The presentation of the food, drinks, and environment were all perfect. Will be returning!

Rylie Rizzo
Rylie Rizzo Aug 2026
★★★★★

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Marshall was AMAZING!! He truly made our entire experience at insideOUT. From the second we sat down, he was incredibly friendly, attentive, fun, and made us feel so welcome. He had the best energy and personality and somehow knew exactly when to check in without ever making us feel rushed. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were already incredible, but Marshall’s service took the experience to another level. He was knowledgeable, gave great recommendations, kept everything flowing perfectly, and genuinely seemed to care that we were having a great time. It’s rare to have a server who stands out this much, but Marshall absolutely did. He’s the kind of person who turns a great meal into a memorable experience. If you’re visiting insideOUT, do yourself a favor and ask for Marshall — we will 100% be back and hope to have him again! Give this man a raise!! 👏🏼🥂✨

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Last updated on 8 October 2026

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