University Heights, California
83 customer reviews
Liz H.
the most ideal dive bar you could ever dream up! If you're lucky enough to have Jen as a bartender  you're in for the time of your life! such good vibes & energy here! & a safe space for all! stepped in for a half hour stayed for 5 hours. a safe space for all! LOVE THIS BAR! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
julianne robinson
Best lil dive in San Diego.
Reviewed on Google Maps
ZAIHT GONZALEZ
Great low key bar when ur trying to avoid the crowds up on Hillcrest.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Shaun micheals
Nice little watering hole for a drink and to meet up with friends.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Hannah S.
Lucas at the bar is the kindest bartender I've seen, really great staff. They don't care if your gay or straight. Stiff affordable drinks. Regulars are friendly and made me feel welcome my first time there. Love the custom carpet and the whole place! More...
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Carlos Cabezuela
Nice crowd and karaoke!
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J Lyness
Free burgers on Sunday afternoon are fantastic.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lea Flores
One of my favorite local dive bars with great prices, friendly people, and chill vibes!
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Mark Obcamp
Always a pleasure hanging out here.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jason PErnst
One of the best low key lgbt bars in san diego. Great staff
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Shane Taylor
Live game night! Every first Thursday!
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Ann L.
Great bar, cheap drinks, awesome bartenders. Always a good atmosphere and people. Recommend.
Reviewed on Yelp
Ashley Burton
Really nice, friendly place
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Lea J.
I always walked by this place when going to Plumeria and decided to give it a shot last Saturday night with two others. Rodger was our bartender and he made awesome drinks without a menu! I just told him that I wanted something that was citrusy and sweet and he delivered. I don't think my drink had a name but I'll just call it "mine" LOL... In all seriousness this place is worth a visit for sure. You'll have to like the company you're with because there aren't a lot of distractions to keep you from conversing and making eye contact. There were only a handful of patrons there but it felt very homey and relaxed. Cheers! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Gabriella M.
Found this place randomly on a Saturday night after having dinner at Madison. Probably wouldn't come back here (cause I live in North Park). But, Â if you like dive-y bars with reasonably priced drinks and a chill ambiance, this is it. I can tell that it's definitely a neighborhood spot. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Sabrina T.
It's dark, neutral, divey, and they have a pool table!Cheers is a good place to be when you like the people you're with because the atmosphere isn't a "turnt up" place where you feel like you're hanging out with the whole bar and not the people you brought.
Reviewed on Yelp
Mark S B.
This review is in response to Tommy D's post! My companion and I, were playing on the one and only pool table when Tommy & his accompanying person arrived. They put their names on the chalkboard, which is customary for challengers. However, after I won the following game and asked Tommy, or his friend who was going to play me, they insisted that they wanted to play each other instead. I let them know that this wasn't the way it works in ANY bar, let alone Cheers. However, I conceded by letting them play one game against each other as they wished. I thought that this would defuse the tension with these two newcomers to Cheers. To the contrary, once it came to playing a winner, they continued to insist to playing each other, rather than letting other people in the bar who were waiting to play. Since these 2 men were unyielding and uncompromising, I approached manager Lucas as to the situation that existed and to be prepared, in case these 2 men were to bring it to his attention, which they did plead their case eventually, when we couldn't come to a peaceful resolution. Lucas, explained very professionally to these 2 men, that you can't control the table in this manner. Unbelievably, they still weren't convinced that this was a traditional bar rule, rather, claiming that this was a "Cheers thing!". This review by Tommy is misleading and inexcusable, as Lucas has been nothing less than a 5 star bartender in the many years that I've patronized Cheers as a local customer. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Chris Valdez
Very fun neighborhood dive bar. Karaoke on Monday and Tuesday nights, Trivia night is fun. Love that on Sundays there is free burgers and dogs from the grill, sometimes there is pulled pork too. 50 cent pool table if you're up for a game after a drink or two. Some of the bar tenders are cool, some can be rude. Overall I like this spot, they have reasonably priced drinks and the regulars are good people. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jorge M.
Bar, pool table, jukebox and cheap drinks. Little big treasure in University Heights. Great crowd, great cheap drinks.
Reviewed on Yelp
Rod Legg
Small neighborhood bar catering to gay, bi and straight. It has a pool table and a small smoking patio.
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Ron H
Good free burgers on Sunday. From 2pm - 5pm
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rusty KungFu
Very fun neighborhood dive bar. Karaoke on Monday and Tuesday nights, Trivia night is fun. Love that on Sundays there is free burgers and dogs from the grill, sometimes there is pulled pork too.
50 cent pool table
if you're up for a game after a drink or two. Some of the bar tenders are cool, some can be rude. Overall I like this spot, they have reasonably priced drinks and the regulars are good people.
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Reviewed on Google Maps
Rhonda P.
This is and has always been one of the best dive bars in town, Â everyone really knows your name. Great drinks awesome bartenders and friendly patrons....
Reviewed on Yelp
Audra H.
Where everyone may not know your name, but you'll feel welcome! Last night for Halloween my wife and I decided to hit up one of our favorite dive bars in Normal Heights (okay, the only dive bar in Normal Heights. ..) and we had an enjoyable time, just like in the past. We've been here on previous Halloween's and it's been hopping with people and costumes. Today was a more laid back version. Costumes? There were! Crowded? It was not! Thankfully, since we arrived around 730, it wasn't crowded at all. The small bar was full with a few others on the sidelines. All in al, I really enjoy this quaint, knockabout place. They have a juke box if your heart desires. They have two big screen TVs. One was laying the World Series game 6. I wasn't even drinking Last night. Just got a soda water with lemon. The gentlemen was kind enough to fill up my soda water as he saw it was empty from the bar. We will be back! More...
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Nathan S.
Same fun place for years and years. Its small but feeling comfortable is large. Sorta ok service from the barkeep.
Reviewed on Yelp
Ron H
Good free burgers on Sunday.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kerri N.
Cheers is great. It was our first time coming in today... we had a blast. Bartender on Sunday afternoon was  awesome and beautiful. They treat their locals like kings with free hot dogs burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. So yummy, thanks again Cheers. See you soon  Kerri&Will More...
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Janet M.
Super cool lady called Mickey! Â Great service! Â Bud draft I tap and wifi too! Â Parking wasn't bad even on a Saturday evening early! Â Worth a a second visit!
Reviewed on Yelp
Joshua P.
Stong drinks! Great happy hour and a cute little dive. Ask for Roger the bartender. The drinks were so cheap.
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Belinda L.
Great dive bar. Diverse crowd, friendly bartenders, inexpensive cocktails. What more can you ask for? Oh yeah, they have a pool table!
Reviewed on Yelp
Brittany V.
My boyfriend and I are big dive bar lovers, and Cheers is one of our favorite places to go. Cheap, strong drinks. Good music. Laid back environment. Friendly patrons. Welcoming of all humans. And best of all... KEVIN!!! He is the best bartender at Cheers. He is attentive, professional and always makes us feel welcome. I highly recommend going on Sundays and/or Mondays to see Kevin. You won't regret it! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Deanna C.
Swing by the little watering whole when I visit my friend that lives around the corner. Â It's usually our last stop! Â ;-)They have a pool table. Â Sometimes they grill outside and have food for the customers. Â Drinks are usually flowing. More...
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Noel B.
Cheers is such a fantastic place. It's a Friday night and it's been overrun by hipsters. Only if they could learn how to trim their facial hair. Retrospect... patchouli has been fazed out, so many better smells than yesteryear. More...
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Chris F.
Cheers definitely has it's charm.Drinks are inexpensive w/out being well, and people are friendly or keep to themselves. Â There is definitely the 'neighborhood bar' feel to it, but in a divey way. More...
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Jeffrey R.
I love the bar hands down one of the most diverse  crowds in San Diego. Gay,straight, hipsters,bar flys, you can find them all there. It's totally a dive and that's totally ok.  Most all of the bar tenders are super friendly with the exception of one I won't go in to detail but it was bad enough I will never go back. I hope they do the math and cut the fat because I would really like to go back. Chances are u will go and have a great time. More...
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Chuck C.
A friend recommended this place and I decided to check it out late on a Thursday nite. I had a great time! The bartender( I think his name was Kevin or Keith) was really fun. It wasn't that busy but that was finewith me. The drink were strong and inexpensive and even though it really wasn't my sorta crowd, I would go back to see the bartender again since he made me feel at home. Wish I would've found out his schedule. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Thayne L.
Yes Yes Yes I love Cheers. Super dive, funky, sell cigarettes and have a live crowd on the weekends. I'll keep coming back due to the cool bartenders and the atmosphere. Says it's a gay bar but it's pretty mixed in my opinion. 50/50 ratio. Come by and end your night of getting lit by getting a little ratchet too. More...
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Allison S.
Kevin was AWESOME! We've never had a better experience at this bar. It's small and there was a good crowd of people there, but Kevin was quick to greet us and get us our drinks. I got vodka as usual, and Kevin's pours NEVER disappoint. All in all, had a great time with my friends... great bartender, great place, great vodka! More...
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Tara L.
Kevin is an amazing bartender! I brought two friends from out of town who he made feel at home :-). Keep him around!
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Brandi M.
Friendly, heavy pours, close to home ... what more could a gal ask for?! Love this place! Oh, and you can bring food in too!
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Stephen S.
Rad little watering hole. It's a very small dive bar with a pool table and a lot of familiar faces. Not the bar you're looking for if you want laser shows, loud music, and grinding. In fact, that's exactly why I like it. The drinks are pretty cheap. I recall buying everyone in my group of 4 a drink, and I was shocked to see that the tab was under $20. The only drawback is the selection of beers is limited. Other than that, you won't regret stopping by for some pool and hanging out with the regulars. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Candice D.
I like Cheers. I like Cheers because it is dark, divey, and has a pooltable. The drinks are strong and cheap, it's never packed, and the bartenders are great. I'm honestly only giving this place three stars because it isn't a 5-star bar, if you know what I mean. You wouldn't go here if I gave it 5 stars, because you are a person looking for booze and a little seedier atmosphere than down the street at Small Bar. We go there when we want to enjoy craft beers and bar food. We come here when we want to drink.Go to Cheers and let your wallet rejoice. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Jessica W.
* Big, strong, cheap drinks - Check!* Dark and Divey - Check!* Sassy Bartenders - Check!* Juke Box and Pool Tables - Check! * Gay-and-Straight Friendly - Check, Check and Check!* Friendly Regulars - Check!* Located near other hot-spots - Check!* Food - No, but El Zarape is right around the corner and you can bring it in. Â (Counting that as a Check!)Yup, it's got everything I look for in a bar! Â And that's why I keep coming back.I'm a fan. More...
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Patrick M.
I had a fun time. Came here with with dudes who like dudes. Everyone was friendly. Affordable drinks. It's dark, has a culture of its own, and it definitely seems like a local regular bar. Â I'm usually next door but I'll be back with the dudes who like dudes. More...
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John D.
Big fan of Cheers. How can you not be, really? Well, unless you're too uptight. Then, I get it. But, if you are a regular, cool person, you'll like Cheers for its jukebox, breezy vibe with great windows, lots of seats and ease of getting a drink. No offense, but don't bother with the negative reviews; they are pretty worthless and not indicative of this place at all. There couldn't be an easier place to get a drink with a more welcoming vibe. Gay or not...it is irrelevant as long as you are a nice, non-uptight person. More...
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Broderick S.
If you're looking for a dance floor, upscale drinks and craft beer, sadly you've arrived at the wrong place. If looking for a friendly environment, cheap drinks and good music from the jukebox, you'll be welcomed warmly. It' a pretty cozy environment with a handful of tall tables and a nice bar and pool table. There's a small alley for smokers. Wells Wednesdays is a great deal when your wallet is running low! More...
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Ray P.
Cheers is a divey neighborhood bar. Cheap drinks, friendly staff, casual atmosphere. Don't expect anything fancy here. It's a no frills bar if you just want a cold one, or a chill place to hangout in. No kitchen but I saw that they sell chips. They have a pool table and jukebox. More...
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John C.
Mickey (Micky?) is awesome.There I was, drinking a glass of water from a straw between beers. Then Mickey walked up, snatched the straw, and threw it away. I looked at her inquisitively."You're too manly for a straw," she said. And you know what? She was right.I appreciated that. And I still do.Mickey, you are just the coolest. Seriously. Even though this bar is a good 7 miles and 15 minutes from my neighborhood, I will be back. For sure. Thank you More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Tom L.
Great little neighborhood hangout bar. Friendly staff and good music but they need to add Oranges to their grocery list! I've never heard of adding a lemon slice to a Blue Moon or Shock Top draft beer.... hello? They never have oranges.... not a big deal to most people I guess but if you like that kind of beer... it's important! Â :)P More...
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Nicolas M.
I've never been a fan of dive bars, until I was dragged into cheers. Numerous fun times, great people, great jute box and the bartenders are very good at their jobs! If you want to play some pool, make some friends and jam out to some good music, then this is your place! PS: $1 wells on Wednesdays from 9pm-12! You're welcome ;-) More...
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