The Rail
Formerly known as the Brass Rail, the Rail is considered one of San Diego’s first gay bars. The Brass Rail originally opened for business in the 1930s in downtown’s historic Orpheum Theatre building. It became a popular lunch spot for business professionals, heating up in the evenings as a top meeting spot. Back then, law enforcement was known to have entered with flashlights demanding “All hands above the bar!” to keep men from holding hands. Since relocating to Hillcrest in the early 1960s, the venue continues to promote its rich history as a post-Prohibition-era establishment with details of brick, wood, corrugated wall treatments, inviting indoor/outdoor patio areas and private venue spaces, serving modern versions of artisanal cocktails.