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A Night Out in San Diego: A queer couple’s moonlit travel guide
Explore the beach city’s vibrant nightlife with OutTravelers Barry Hoy and Teraj Allen, from Mission Beach to Hillcrest’s LGBTQ+ hotspots!
In this latest episode of Out in San Diego, proud OutTravelers Barry Hoy and Teraj Allen, who have spent nearly a decade together and traveled to 47 countries in just the past two years, are inviting fellow queer travelers on an exploration of San Diego’s vibrant nightlife.
“Let me tell you something about the nightlife in San Diego,” Allen said with a laugh. “It does not matter what night of the week it is — it is always popping!”
The couple guides viewers through the ever-evolving nightlife in the beach city. From the charm of Mission Beach to the sizzling, welcoming queer crowds at Flick’s and Rich’s, Hoy and Allen make sure there’s something for everyone in their San Diego journey.
Watch the full series at Out.com/Out-In-San-Diego!
Mission Beach
As the sun set over the Pacific, Hoy and Allen found themselves immersed in the magic of Mission Beach.
“You have to go to Mission Beach during sunset,” said Hoy, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “It’s so stunning, looking at the sunset with waves crashing towards us.”
With nearly two miles of oceanfront boardwalk, Mission Beach combines classic boardwalk charm with a lively, sun-soaked atmosphere. Here, you can visit Belmont Park for beachside arcades and mini-golf, or hop on a thrilling ride on the iconic 1925 gem, Giant Dipper roller coaster. At night, Mission Beach turns into a hotspot for the 20-something crowd, though the adjacent Mission Bay offers calm waters and cozy bonfires.
Le Coq
Hoy and Allen could not stop raving about Le Coq’s culinary excellency in the heart of La Jolla. Le Coq emerges as a sultry homage to French cuisine, reimagined through a Californian lens. Set within a 1930s-era building, the space exudes a retro supper club ambiance, complete with velvet booths and soft lighting.
“Posh! Oozing posh! At the same time, extremely accessible, and not pretentious,” Allen described the restaurant. “It was just an incredible ambiance there. The staff’s hospitality was some of the best that I think I’ve experienced here in San Diego.”
Chef Tara Monsod blends classic French cuisine with Asian influences, and the results are unforgettable. Must-try dishes include spinach gnocchi with black trumpet mushrooms and swordfish almondine with romano beans.
“The short ribs with the Dijon mustard were delicious too,” said Hoy, making it clear that Le Coq is a place where exceptional food meets effortless style.
Books & Records
For a more intimate setting with an inventive cocktail list and soul-soothing live jazz, the tasteful couple brought us to Books & Records. Opened in late 2023, this mid-century-inspired bar mixes art deco elegance with a lively jazz soundtrack, offering an experience that’s both nostalgic and modern.
“I love that they experiment with unique ingredients and their cocktails? Super delicious,” shared Allen, hinting at the establishment’s blend of globally inspired American cuisine.
The menu, crafted by culinary director Sam Deckman, features dishes like wagyu tartare with Szechuan chili crunch and seafood linguine with saffron sauce. This cozy, candlelit venue serves up an atmosphere where every note of music and sip of drink tells a unique story of San Diego.
Flick’s & Rich’s at Hilcrest
According to the couple, no nightlife tour of San Diego is complete without a stop in Hillcrest, the city’s LGBTQ+ hub. Known for its inviting vibe and pedestrian-friendly streets, Hillcrest is home to an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
“People really turned up and it was very welcoming,” said Hoy. “Allies were there. There were a lot of people in our community and people who support the community! A lot of young people turned out! It was just a great diverse mix of people!”
The couple first pregamed at Flick’s, a cornerstone of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife since 1983. As one of the original music video bars in the country, Flick’s offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy karaoke nights, dance to curated music videos, and partake in themed events like the popular underwear contests.
“The cocktails there?” Allen asked rhetorically. “Super delicious!”
From there, it was off to Rich’s, one of San Diego’s most iconic LGBTQ+ clubs. With two expansive dance floors, drag performances, and world-class DJs, Rich’s has been hosting electrifying parties for more than 30 years.
“It was so amazing to see the DJ with the lights and the visuals,” Allen said. “Exceptional for sure!”
Revisit the previous episode HERE, for a day of cultural exploration in sundrenched San Diego: strolls through Balboa Park with a stop at the Old Globe Theatre, bites and browsing at Liberty Public Market, quiet reflection at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, a golden-hour hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and the culinary innovation at Callie.
Start planning your San Diego adventure today HERE!
This story is brought to you by our partners at San Diego Tourism.
Keighton is a New York-based, queer, Asian transmedia artist and visual jockey specializing in multimedia production and experience design. As the Content & Design Manager at equalpride, he leverages his skills in creative writing, emerging technologies, and experiential marketing to translate design ideas into customized, systematic, and impactful content and experiences. He holds an MFA in Design & Technology from Parsons School of Design, as well as a BS in Journalism from New York University. Keighton is also an expert-level nerd on perfumery, accessibility, pop music, LGBT+ entertainment, and Madonna.
Keighton is a New York-based, queer, Asian transmedia artist and visual jockey specializing in multimedia production and experience design. As the Content & Design Manager at equalpride, he leverages his skills in creative writing, emerging technologies, and experiential marketing to translate design ideas into customized, systematic, and impactful content and experiences. He holds an MFA in Design & Technology from Parsons School of Design, as well as a BS in Journalism from New York University. Keighton is also an expert-level nerd on perfumery, accessibility, pop music, LGBT+ entertainment, and Madonna.
