Number One Fifth Avenue

I’ve been to San Diego 3 times from 2013 to 2025. It is always a blast in San Diego. I don’t remember if this bar was here in 2013, but if it was I am sad I missed out at that time. I’ve lived in Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Irving, Phoenix, Tucson, & Baton Rouge. It was awesome to see a popping gay bar in 2025. Patrons were laughing, dancing, being goofy, and having a wonderful time. I’m happy I didn’t see any down low sexual activities going on. Just a relaxed atmosphere. The atmosphere and service was fast, especially being Halloween. There is a dance room in the back and a more social environment in the front. There is also what appears to be an upstairs area for VIP. I went on Halloween and it was fantastic vibe to see everyone dancing and having a great time drama free. I went solo like I normally do to places, and felt I could be myself. I was in the back dancing by myself having a great time being present and in the moment without any Interruptions. My only suggestion and I know everyone will disagree and it is my own fault. I wish the glass drinks were just like a 1/4 inch less filled because I tend to spill on myself while trying to walk through the bar after grabbing my first drink. But, that’s my problem I know we all want the max alcohol for our dollar ha. Every bar does it though not just Number One. So can’t fault them for that. The place was lite up well, you could actually see people and the decorations they put up. The environment was nice and cool and not humid or musty. There was no fog or anything strange. I miss these types of bars, but I think I found a new home bar when I move in San Diego in 2026 Lastly, I think the DJ killed it personally Halloween 2025, great music, great vibe, keep it up! Also, some of these comments complain about the prices.. if you can’t afford a drink maybe you shouldn’t be going out on the weekends.. $10 - $20 a drink is the average cost at any club gay or straight and I am comparing that to the many hundreds of bars across the 25 states I’ve traveled and visited. Also, I doubt anyone at the bartender is stealing $100 from you when they make more than that in probably less than 30 minutes. It’s most likely a preauthorizariom on your card.. just close out the tab each time if you think any bartender would steal from you.. Finally, yes your identification card can be scanned. I live in Arizona currently anytime you buy cigarettes at the gas station they scan your ID, and I’m 35 years old. They need to ID you so if they get audited they don’t lose their license on an audit and pay fines. Some people need to get out more.. I’ll be back!

This was my first visit, but it won’t be my last! We enjoyed playing Pictionary on the back patio and we also heard some very untalented people singing karaoke inside. The bartender was very friendly and easygoing. I particularly loved the “please don’t do cocaine in our restroom” sign!

Went here for the back patio specifically as I was told that might be a drag show and it was outstanding!!! Wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked in to a very divey chill spot with a mostly older crowd, but as I opened the door to the back patio us was like a whole different venue! Performers were very talented and made the most of a small crowd on a weeknight. Highly recommend, support local artists!

Always a chill place to grab a drink, relax, and hang with friends. It definitely gets crowded and a busy on the weekends, but otherwise it's pretty chill.

This Bar is a neighborhood institution! Good amount of space, welcoming to all!!! They do have a patio space in back and offer live entertainment. On this visit had the best quality fun listening to Ria and Aaron sing tunes from an ENORMOUS request list!! Fun, fun, fun!

Stopped in on NYE for drinks. Of course the place was hopping and the holiday decorations were over the top. #1 is always a fun place to go for a cocktail.

The new owners are very nice and you can tell they want to improve the quality of the place. Great DJ and a fun drag show on Fridays. Affordable drinks too. The backyard is the best part. I would suggest they get rid of the carpet inside though.

Always a fun place to pre game a little before going out to the other clubs in Hillcrest. Number One pours generously and makes the best Moscow Mules too :)

$12.50 for a Tito's and soda. I live in San Francisco and we don't even pay that. Come on San Diego.... Yikes But always a fun bar

Super fun time and you don't need to be a part of pride or the LGBTQIA+ community to be so Everyone is super nice. I'm an ally and when I told people that. They were super respectful. The bartenders are fun and pour strong drinks. Super happy with how it turned out. I've been here drunk pride. During regular events. And during Sunday specials. I always love feeling like people care about my well being and my time out.

It dawned on me, at an event in the Pride Room, that I have been visiting #1 on fifth for drinks and time with friends for over a decade. And have never left a nice review online. I have seen this bar change so much over the years. Some things were less exciting than others. I've always been a preservation geek. And the wood paneling in this bar and the vents in it, they give the bar a feeling you cant get in a modern bar. It's a special place. And the reality of how this bar can mix events with it's pride room, it has brought a lot of different people together, people who may not have gone to one event or the other, getting to meet and talk outside, and mix it up, It's cool. The bathrooms are totally bizarre and there is usually a line when busy. But the best thing about the bathroom is theres not much room for fooling around and keeps things flowing and less awkward.

Out of all the gay bars, this one is my favorite as they have gender separated bathrooms and totally don't allow hookups in bathrooms which is a plus and privacy. Their prices are reasonable and with two bars, an outside dance area, good looking and tasteful go-go dancers. This place is my #1 choice of all gay bars in San Diego. I never feel out of place.

It was my first time here, but I had a blast with my friends! You have to find parking, but you can park at the meters after 6pm. There is a smoking area in the front outside across of the entrance. When you enter, there is a bar. It leads out towards the dance floor in back. You can see the neighbors back there lol The restrooms are gender-neutral and limited so you may have to wait! Drinks are decently priced... a Red Bull and a Ketel vodka cost around $11. The bartenders and workers were cool! It's a good place to visit with your friends to dance and drink if you don't want to hang out at Rich's or Gossip Grill in Hillcrest! we were also able to walk to the Rail afterwards!

Yesterday, we visited Number One Bar on 5th and were initially having a great time--until an unfortunate and completely unacceptable incident ruined the night. My brother, who was visiting from out of town, lit a joint inside the bar, unaware that it wasn't allowed here (where he's from, it's legal and common to smoke in bars). While I fully acknowledge that lighting up indoors was against the rules, the response from the female security guard was entirely out of line. Rather than addressing the situation with words or a warning, she immediately smacked my brother in the face while trying to grab the joint. This not only burned his lip and beard, but she also extinguished the cherry on his sweater--completely uncalled for and excessive. There was absolutely no need for physical contact. A simple, "Hey, you can't smoke in here," would have been enough. No one is saying my brother was right to light up--but there's a big difference between enforcing rules and crossing the line into physical aggression. This kind of behavior by staff is dangerous and unprofessional, and it reflects very poorly on the establishment. I hope management seriously addresses this incident and considers better training for conflict de-escalation. A great night quickly turned into a very troubling experience.

If you're looking for a spot to be around other gay men and enjoy a great vibe, this place does not disappoint! The bar area is where it's and great energy, hip-hop and pop playing, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. The back area plays techno, which isn't my thing, but if that's your vibe, go for it! Drinks are reasonably priced, and the bartenders are super friendly. I'll definitely be back, especially for the Sunday Hip-Hop party from 3-8 with DJ Will, last week I went and it was a whole vibe!

I LOVE Number One! It's such a divey-homey bar in the best of ways. I love how the interior feels like old Vegas, with carpeted floors, a large wooden bar and mirrors. The bartenders are all so friendly and attentive and the hosted nightly events here are some of the best. We had finished dinner next door and decided to grab a drink and were pleasantly surprised to find out they have Pictionary here on the back porch on Tuesdays, how fun! We were greeted and welcomed SO warmly by Sister Ida Know and the friendly crowd, we felt right at home and comfortable to play. We ended up staying for three rounds, it was so much fun. We will definitely make our way down here more often on Tuesdays!

I was treated so badly I was asked to wait so I did respectfully then when I asked if I can order I was reprimanded about being on the phone which my friend was asking so she can join so he ignored me took a customer infront of me then decided to rudely reprimanded me and told me to put my phone away next time I wanna order and was just super unprofessional and I've been going there for years but this wasn't his first time being rude

This little bar is a whole vibe especially when the queens of hillcrest host events here. On Monday nights, Tink la Belle hosts a game night and it is so much fun to play with friends and a few drinks! Tink likes to give out free shots to those who participate, so make sure to bring the competition! Ps. Only drinks are served but outside food is permitted

Security at this location is very rude !! Security here need to learn how to communicate! Never in. My life have I ever been smacked for smoking. A simple "sir you can't smoke in here" can go along way! I'm a simple guy. There was no need for the aggressive action taken from security!

Fun vibe! Dingy carpets, limited seating/drink space, but overall a fun place with lots of eye candy.

Number One Fifth Avenue was part of the tour that my local buddy gave me on my latest visit to San Diego and am I so glad he added this spot to our list! We made our way to Number One towards the end of our Friday evening and we could not have picked a better place to have a night cap...or four. We wandered around the place when we first got there, but a few seats up front opened up so we bellied up to the bar and did not do much moving around after that. In addition to the large bar up front, they have a great outdoor space in the front and rear (that joke just wrote itself!), both of which are dog friendly! The bartenders were friendly, helpful and heavy handed...those pours! We got basic cocktails and had no complaints at the taste, pours or pricing! The vibe of Number One is fun, inclusive and full of energy! Again, we made a great choice to close our night down and I can't wait until my next visit to SD and Number One Fifth Avenue!

We stopped by for a few casual drinks and were happy to see so many vodka options. The beer selections was pretty good as well. It was a weekday so the crowd was sparse and it was a cool place to hang out.

Favorite bar in Hillcrest. Drinks are great, service is even better! The music and shows are also a great time. I've had so many good nights/sunday fundays here.

Today at approximately 4:15 pm I went to bring my business to #1 with several friends...Neil told me he would not serve me...I was personally told by the owners that I was always welcome...But Neil said I will not serve you I don't like you...

As an almost middle aged overweight man, I felt invisible to the bartender and discriminated against. I think the older tired out grandpa bartender way past his prime was fat-phobic and obviously because I wasn't younger more petit, he ignored me. Finally, when I got his attention, I had questions about the menu of drinks which he clearly was annoyed by. Eventually, I settled for a beer. Then, a younger guy next to me orders a drink and all of a sudden grandpa starts providing exceptional customer service and going out of his way to answer any questions about the drink menu. Not a friendly place. I felt bad I even tipped him. He didn't deserve it. I will not be back and will tell all my LGBTQ+ friends how this place discriminates against you unless you are fit and white.

Great drinks, and the Pictionary fundraiser is terrific!!! The bartenders are kind and friendly.

If I could get a negative star, I would've. Go somewhere else. They threw our drinks away, just because.

My first experience here in San Diego and the bartender was the worse ever! She was being such a rude and not serving us with her most 100% we asked her for recommendation and she did not help us at all and when we said we were engaged she didn't even care! I will never ever go to this bar ever again in my life! The environment was so depressing, everyone in that bar judging who you are and not exciting. I would come again if I get the best service ever! It's so bad that I would go back to Hawaii and tell all of my friends to never come to his bar ever! Management needs to really check on the bartenders at this bar! And make the bar feel more welcoming!

We were in on Halloween and we had the best time even tho it was a holiday. Max was super friendly and helpful. The bartender Lyndsay was so friendly and helpful too, we had the best Halloween going to Number One!

Wagner is the best !!!! The service was amazing! Kyle was so helpful and nice... I love it

Cheap drinks & strong pours.. had the best unexpected Sunday Funday here! Did not realize they have a back patio but it was giving me very San Francisco vibes. They had a DJ and back patio bar so got to enjoy some afternoon sun and enjoy the go-go and Jell-O shot men in all their glory! -1 star for lack of consistency of drinks between bartenders. I really enjoyed the drinks from one bartender but when I went for refills he disappeared or went on break and the drinks didn't taste as good anymore.

Today was a different vibe and by different I mean unsafe. There was a guy who very CLEARLY needed to be kicked out, fell on the heater and MY PARTNER who almost fell, but security could give a fck. He was very forgiving of the drunk dude who literally had little to no awareness of his surroundings. I am shocked to see this because they're usually quick to act and to ensure the safety of everyone. The same security guard knocked LOUDLY almost breaking the bathroom door to tell us "ONE at A TIME" and wouldn't stop until we came out. There were three people before us who were in there way longer. We were in there for TWO MINUTES MAX. Anyway, if y'all are going to hire a straight dude as a security guard make sure they're an ally.

Very Gay! But common you are in Hillcrest, what could you expect. I was a bit out of my comfort zone, but the bar itself has great music and great drinks. I was in the waiting list for Hiro Nori Ramen, so I had a few drinks while I waited for my table.

DJ Dida played an amazing set. Cheap drinks. Cute place and even have a back patio.

One of best bars in Hillcrest! Great music, great crowd, and STRONG drinks. It gets pretty busy, but that's typical for that area. I always have a great time when I go here.

Dear Number One Fifth Avenue, I owe you an apology for my previous one-star review. At the time I was probably a bitter single (straight) man looking for love in all of the wrong places - so I thought. Fast forward several years and I'm still a straight man but no longer single, thanks to... you! You heard that correctly, I met a beautiful (straight) woman at Number One Fifth Avenue a few years ago and though it took some time develop we tied the knot last December. There is love for everyone at some of San Diego's finest gay bars. - The staff is always friendly and the drinks are always stiff. - The patio is a party on Sunday afternoon and the party is the people. - No food is served but if you're getting a little hangry there's a Snickers bar waiting for you in the vending machine. - Don't take the bartender's time asking for a cup of water. It's serve yourself, sweetie. He's busy making us shots! So ask yourself this question: Are you single, ready to mingle, and have you worn out your welcome at you're usual watering holes? If that's the case it may be time to grab another drink with a fresh, new atmosphere. Worked for me!

A few of us walked over to this gay bar after having some healthy food a block away. I've never been here before, but this place isn't a bad place to hang out in. They even have a few stools that have cowboy hat shaped seats that are actually very comfy to sit in! There are also plenty of TV's behind the bar where they were playing the Olympics, a patio in the back, and I heard they have a pool table and karaoke as well?? I didn't hear anyone singing though LOL. My friends got a Vodka with a splash of ginger ale and the drinks were very strong!! I liked that there is someone that comes by often to take our empty glasses and asks if we are doing okay, even though it was a busy night. Prices were very reasonable, so if you want strong drinks at cheapish prices, come here!

What an incredible place. Visiting for the day alone. A manager, Melanie could sense I was alone. Introduced herself gave me a tour of the club, and bought me my first drink. Great drink, nice staff, great music, awesome space. I love this bar. Thank you Melanie!!

Wow. The security at this bar was absolutely terrible last night. Never ever have I experienced anything like this before at any establishment. My friends and I have been coming to this bar for 20 years and now we are never going back. It's OK if you wanna confront somebody or have a problem with something. What's not okay is being rude and obnoxious to people who have been spending money at your establishment for 20 years. Very unhappy.

Honestly the most unfriendly team of employees. Excuse me goes a long way! Security guards push through crowd, spilt our cocktail and then we were told to pay for a new one. Lack of customer service is apparent

There is a self-serve water station at the bar with cold water. The plastic cups are small, but the water does the trick.

I'm very confused by the updates. Are you a hole in the wall or are you a classy cocktail lounge that charges to much for drinks? I can say one thing; I miss the service and the pours. I'm willing to pay more for a drink to increase the atmosphere and service. $17 for a double basic vodka soda in a plastic cup is insane. Figure it out. 2¢

The security are SO SWEET! They even had a huge line, and didn't show an ounce of stress. Very important in the gayborhood! They made my visit amazing before even entering the bar! They made sure I had an awesome night, thanks boys~

Jesus. The WORST bartenders in the city. Really do not waste your time here when there are so many other options.

This is probably the best gay dive bar in Hillcrest. Everyone's welcome here, the management is amazing, the people who come here are great, and the weekly entertainment is top notch. I absolutely can't say anything bad about this place. You'll get drunk (like all of the bars in Hillcrest, it's a heavy pour), you'll enjoy yourself, you'll tell all your friends it's a great place to meet up. I'm telling you now, Number 1 on 5th is Number 1 for a reason, and I'm such a fan of this place.

I walked in and there was a dance lip sync thing going on. Did not expect that. Drinks are strong. Been here for over a year now off and on. Not a fan of the loud DJ music but that's just personal preference. Never actually meet anyone here but I had a few cool experience.

I'm suffering from a cyst in knee which impacts my ability to walk but the doorman refuses me entrance because I'm not "walking straight" I

most of the security here super chill but tonight one guy thought that one of our friends was smoking weed. which she wasn't because i would have had some, but he still accused us and we just agreed to get home out of the way. then my little friend said "don't sass me or ill remove you." ok bro. THATS the reason you want to remove me? girl, bye. you can't handle sass then don't be at a gay bar. idiot.

Staff were nice and friendly and attentive. Service was fast and efficient. The crowd is mixed and chill. The back patio is small but absolutely fun. Had a great time. Biggest fat ever so I felt like I was in heaven. Bathrooms are disgusting, but most dives don't have fabulous bathrooms so that's no big deal.

The doorman are the worst part about this establishment. Rude & not welcoming at all.

I have been visiting San Diego for years and have typically added this as a must stop with friends. Most recently I was I town for a work trip and made a special trip to go here but sadly the new doorman was less than accepting on a weekday around 9pm. Over the years staffing has been inconsistent and drinks are hit or miss.

I was very disappointed they started shutting the windows then the patio forcing people to be inside ... there were no masks no questions about vaccination status. They are asking to be the next Covid outbreak hot spot Those of us who have been vaccinated and double boosted want to feel safe and this place does not care we are never going to get back to normal unless people take this seriously I want to go out and spend to help the economy but I'm not going to risk my life when businesses aren't going to take this seriously

Have been coming here for years... And through all the many different changes. Overall everything has been great and their staff is very kind and friendly. Added bonus was that I met my boyfriend here. Thanks #1 for that :) Went here during Covid times also and they did a great job being clean, organized, and herding the cats (customers). Also happy to see they snagged Gunther for their crew ! Side note: If you leave a bad review during Covid for a place that's obviously trying .. you're just a terrible person. Y'all can stay home.

I love the vibe in this bar. Andrew and Jess are the sweetest bartenders in the world and the prices are great. I've never not had a great time going there. Highly recommend!

Amazing service and drinks. The bartenders are very sweet and the ambiance is to die for.

Happened to stumble (not literally) across this watering hole while in Hillcrest. Nice atmosphere and the wait staff is very friendly. Drinks are pricey for what you get but to socialize with a couple drinks it's ok.

The vibe here is fun. I like how it has a club in the back and a chill bar in the front. I'm more into just chilling and having relaxing with my friends at the bar.