If you’re looking for a gay dive bar, this is one of my favorites (see also #1 on Fifth).

Following University Ave. just up the street from Hillcrest in the neighboring borough of North Park, the crowd at Redwing is eccentric—mostly men, all colors, all kinds—but there are always a few women in house, holding it down, too. 

To be blunt, the place can be a little sketchy, but in an endearing way. Sometimes, a little hard-won character is exactly what you’re looking for.  The dim bar offers a few TVs, a pool table, an outdoor smoking patio, and some of the cheapest drinks in San Diego—definitely worth the price of people watching.  What you see is what you get at Redwing.  Come as you are. Whatever you are.  It’s a salt of the earth establishment (which can be tough to find in Southern California).  If you have an open mind about EV-RY-ONE in our community, you’ll enjoy yourself.  Refreshingly, not even the bartenders take themselves too seriously. 

KARAOKE—I happened in upon Redwing’s marquee karaoke night and was thoroughly entertained. There were some hardcore regulars in the house. Karaoke is certainly this bar’s bread and butter.