With a large and diverse LGBT population, Hillcrest is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to the LGBT population. Three of these locations – Baja Betty’s, Gossip Grill, and Urban Mo’s - make up what is known as the “Mo’s Universe.” All located within a couple blocks of each other on University Avenue, there is a free shuttle that runs between these hot spots to help ensure safe and responsible partying.
Baja Betty’s (619) 269-5810
Baja Betty’s, located at 1421 University Avenue, is a fantastic place to go for dinner or to grab a drink with friends. They have a full menu (mostly Mexican food) with nightly specials. When it comes to drinks, they offer over 100 different types of tequila, so the margaritas are right on the money. On the downside, they have a fairly limited selection of beer on tap; however, they make up for it with a generous selection of imported bottled beers.
In addition to prompt service and a friendly wait staff, some of the specialties that make this restaurant memorable are their Saturday/Sunday brunch as well as their unique way of celebrating birthdays by “crowning” the birthday person with an inflatable hat and sash. And, since birthdays only come once a year, they offer a more regular special on the fifth day of the month when a number of dishes are just $5 each.
Gossip Grill (619) 260-8023
Unlike Baja Betty's where men and women tend to flock in more equal numbers, Gossip Grill caters mostly to the lesbian population. They offer a full menu with a variety of foods, including burgers, paninis, and salads. Take heed, though. When it comes to the drink menu, there is no room to be shy. The drinks generally have suggestive names, so be prepared to blush if you embarrass easily.
Gossip Grill is located at 1440 University Avenue, across the street from Betty’s. Being one of the newer gay bars in San Diego, it is extremely popular, despite the fact that it has some noticeable downsides. The venue is generally too small to accommodate all of the women who show up, so the overall feeling is often one of claustrophobia. It can also be hard to secure a table that will meet the needs of a large party without dividing into smaller groups, which can be frustrating. The happy hour specials are impressive, though, and make it worth a trip during afternoons when it is slightly less crowded.
Urban Mo’s (619) 491-0400
With a dance floor and weekly country line dancing lessons as well as a full bar and an outside patio, Urban Mo’s offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing night out on the patio with a cold beer or you’re in the mood to move on the dance floor, Mo’s is the place to go. Located just up the street from Betty's and Gossip at 308 University Avenue, it's convenient too!
The line dancing lessons take place on Thursday and Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m., with country dancing until midnight. The music then reverts back to more standard club music after midnight. And, with an atmosphere that appeals to both guys and girls, this is a great place to mix and mingle as well.
So, whether you’re new in town, just visiting, or just curious, hop on the free shuttle and check out the Mo’s Universe!
Kristin Krogh - As a native of Southern California, Kristin has spent the majority of her life basking in seventy degree weather. When wanderlust finally ...
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