Flicks video bar, on University Avenue in Hillcrest

Along a strip of gay-oriented businesses on University Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, Flicks gay video bar (1017 University Ave., 619-297-2056) has long been a hub of gay schmoozing and socializing in this sunny and scenic city by the ocean. Flicks is a cozy space with the usual array of video monitors, a nice little patio seating area overlooking the busy sidewalk, and a variety of fun theme nights (comedy videos on Tuesdays, South Park showings on Wednesdays, the "dating game" on Thursdays, a wet booty contest on Saturdays, karaoke on Sundays). The crowd is mostly male, although plenty of female friends stop by, too, and it skews pretty, preppy, and youthful. Other popular gay hangouts in the neighborhood include the extremely popular gay dance club Rich's, the GLBT bookstore Obelisk, and a number of other intriguing Hillcrest businesses.