Ratings and reviews
The SRO Lounge Photos
Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) |
The SRO Lounge Reviews
What a cool find. A throwback bar that I wish I had in Chicago. Cool, chill laidback with friendly staff and friendly clientele. Great vibe and great place
A sanctuary for beautiful cross dressers and trans women and the straight men that love them. Friendly bartenders , strong drinks . Lots of fun dive vibe
SRO lounge is one of my favorite inclusive places to go if I'm looking for a dive bar vibe. The bartenders are always super fun and are fast to get your drinks for you. Never had food here other than some bar popcorn (which hit the spot)
Amazing bar! The vibe was awesome and the staff were fantastic! It was inviting, fun, and friendly:)
Stayed at the nearby Four Points by Sheraton and was searching for the closest LGBTQ+ friendly watering hole & came across this lil gem the day after Thanksgiving! A few blocks from our hotel, we knew we were in "the hood" as we encountered numerous homeless people, run down (& closed) office buildings and saw just a small rainbow mural along with a chalkboard sign next to a convenience store indicating that this was the divey watering hole that we were looking for. Inside the bar tells a different story: very warm, inviting, welcoming, freshly decorated with Christmas lights and a handful of locals having their after Thanksgiving cocktails early afternoon, with the most delightful and friendliest of bartenders manning the bar! I did not get his name; however, since we made it so close to happy hour (approximately 10 minutes) he charged us happy hour prices (5.25 for a double). Plenty of seating available (mostly at the bar) with more tables towards the back. Friendly patrons, good stiff drinks, and the jukebox jammin', we really enjoyed this watering hole and had a fun afternoon! The only downside is the (unisex) restroom (didn't see another one) does not have a lock (not sure why); however, there is a sign indicating so as I walked in on a female sitting down on the toilet whom quickly shut the swinging door LOL!
I've been wanting to stop into the SRO Lounge for a long time but didn't want to go in alone. So eventually my wife and I decided to go in one night on a Friday. The moment we walked in and ordered a couple of drinks we felt very comfortable and had some nice encounters talking other patrons sitting at the bar. Everyone we encountered including the bartenders were very friendly. This is just a fun place to have a few drinks and mingle with others. I don't want to forget the music either They played a good selection of different music, even some Metallica was played. We will definitely be going back for more. Awesome place!
Great happy hour scene at the SRO. Stiff inexpensive drinks, friendly owner (Brian) and bartenders, pool table, jukebox, friendly crowd of regulars. Authentic (not fake, ironic or contrived) Old School ambience is comfortable and inviting.
A cave. A local watering hole all that and a place you can be yourself. SRO is a place you would drive by and never give a second thought. It's not fancy but it is a place where people can be who they ok the outside as well as on the inside. Some of the nicest people you can meet hang here. Staff is always friendly and the prices are fair.
The SRO Lounge
Tucked into the vibrant fabric of San Diego's 5th Avenue, The SRO Lounge is the kind of place you stumble upon once—and keep coming back to. Located at 1807 5th Ave, this low-key bar delivers exactly what it promises: a relaxed, no-pressure space to grab a drink, meet up with friends, or unwind after work. It’s a slice of throwback charm with just the right touch of urban cool, making it a quiet favorite among locals and savvy travelers.
The SRO Lounge creates the perfect casual escape with every pour
At the heart of The SRO Lounge experience is its unfussy bar menu—simple, satisfying, and focused on doing the basics right. Expect well-poured classics, a mix of domestic and imported beers, and bartenders who know your drink before you order it the second time. There’s a comforting sense of consistency here. No pretense, no inflated prices—just great drinks, generous pours, and chill music to round out the vibe.
Though there’s no full food menu, that’s part of the charm. The SRO Lounge isn’t trying to be a gastropub or cocktail lab—it’s here to be your go-to neighborhood bar. And in a city full of trends, that authenticity stands out.
The SRO Lounge supports real connections through real atmosphere
It’s more than the drinks. It’s the atmosphere. Walk in and you're greeted by dim lighting, vintage furnishings, and a bar that feels like it’s seen stories unfold for decades. Whether you're sitting alone with a beer or catching up in a cozy booth, The SRO Lounge makes space for everyone. It’s the kind of place where conversations come easily and your phone stays in your pocket.
For San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, the lounge also holds a special place as a welcoming space with zero judgment. That inclusive energy is part of what gives The SRO Lounge its soul.
The SRO Lounge stands out for its simplicity and loyalty to locals
Sometimes less is more, and The SRO Lounge proves it night after night. There’s no elaborate marketing, just word-of-mouth and loyalty built over time. The staff remembers you, the service is straightforward, and the pricing is fair. This bar isn’t about impressing you with frills—it’s about becoming part of your routine.
It’s also wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can join in on the vibe. From the moment you walk in, there’s a laid-back confidence to the space that tells you you’re welcome.
The SRO Lounge is where San Diego goes to drink, chill, and belong
In a city teeming with flashy venues, The SRO Lounge is a refreshing reminder of what matters most in a bar: comfort, community, and character. It's the kind of spot that grows on you. You come for the cold drink and the atmosphere, but you stay because it feels like yours.
If you’re in downtown San Diego and want to kick back somewhere real—away from the crowds and pretension—make your way to The SRO Lounge. It might just become your new go-to.
Well no I'm not gay. In fact I'm not lgbtq plus plus plus or minus. I just love the vibe here. Robert is outstanding. My partner is a she and she is my better half. The drinks here are very, very strong. The music is fun. The atmosphere is fun and parking on the street after 6:00 p.m. Is free. What else do you want from a bar that's been around for just about 50 years come here you won't regret it. Oh and the service Robert is serving us not only serving us but he's singing and his voice is supreme. Last time I was here which was the first time I was here. Service was A+