Is there parking at Rich's in Hillcrest?

Rich's is located on University Ave in Hillcrest with street parking available in the neighborhood, though availability varies depending on the time of night. We'd recommend arriving early or using a rideshare service, especially on weekends when the spot gets busier.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Rich's takes reservations, which is a good idea if you're coming with a group or on a weekend night. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may face a wait during peak hours, particularly later in the evening.

What's the dress code?

This is a casual nightclub spot in Hillcrest—no formal dress code, but plan to look put-together. Standard bar attire works fine.

Can I bring my dog to Rich's?

Rich's has outdoor seating available, so if you're bringing a dog, confirm directly with them about their pet policy on the patio area before your visit.

What's the best time to visit?

If you want a more relaxed vibe, hit up Rich's earlier in the evening—late-night crowds can get thick and the atmosphere shifts considerably. Weekday visits tend to be less packed than weekends.

What should I order when I get there?

Rich's serves beer and wine, so start with whatever's on draft or order a wine if that's your style. They've got food options on-site, though read recent reviews carefully about service consistency before ordering food.

Is Rich's good for a group dinner or party?

Rich's works for group hangouts and can handle larger parties when you call ahead for a reservation. Just be aware that service can be inconsistent, so set expectations with your group beforehand.

Rich's — Bars in Hillcrest, San Diego

“Rich's is Hillcrest's long-running gay nightclub where the sign out front has glowed over University Avenue dance floors for decades.”

Where Snooze engineers brunch lines and Goi Cuon feeds the vegetarian brunch crowd, Rich's operates on a completely different clock—this is where Hillcrest goes after midnight, after dinner, after the farmers market has packed up and the pride flags glow under streetlights. It's the neighborhood's anchor nightclub, the big room with the DJ booth and the upstairs patio where you can escape the bass for a breath and a beer.

The place runs on familiar nightclub logic: full bar, rotating DJs, a crowd that skews younger and louder as the night gets later. The outdoor seating matters more than you'd think—Hillcrest summers are mild enough that the patio becomes its own scene, a place to cool off between sets without losing your spot in the night. The beer and wine list isn't trying to compete with craft cocktail bars down the street; it's fuel, not the point.

Practical notes: Security can be inconsistent, and cover charges fluctuate depending on events. The venue takes reservations for larger groups, which matters if you're organizing birthday parties or after-work gatherings that might otherwise hit capacity limits. Parking on University Avenue is its usual nightmare—side streets or the structure near the Hillcrest sign are your best bets after 9 PM.

This isn't the place you visit for culinary ambition or craft beverage programs. It's the place you end up when the goal is dancing, not dining—when you want a big room, a decent sound system, and a crowd that knows why they're here. Rich's has been that room for long enough that it's woven into the neighborhood's after-dark fabric, the spot locals recommend when out-of-town friends ask where to go dancing in Hillcrest.