It was our first time in San Diego and we enjoyed it so much. We came to the Maria’s after party right after the concert here at the EQ. Our bartender Julia was amazing, she was so friendly and attentive. She made us feel welcomed and important. We will definitely be returning and hoping she will be a our bartender again :)
A lot of super drunk people were in here in the middle of the day on a Sunday. I didnt like coming inside hearing drunk people arguing, but the bartender was nice, and the lighting and decor were cool. They have seating inside and outside (sadly you can smoke outside), pool tables inside, as well as a stage inside for events and karaoke (with lots of loud, bad singers). The prices were good, though. Not really my style of place, but not a bad place.
Ive only come here for the nights that are for everyone. But what I love about this place is that it is a no judgement zone on anything. Sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, fashion choices and monetary status. People just come to vibe and have a good time whether its with a group, individually and groups allow individual people that are not part of their group join in.
Had one of my favorite experiences here in a decade of living in San Diego. Went on a Saturday night with one of my favorite people. Went on Bear Night, but there were so much more men and Dilf guys, but it was the last time I went out before leaving the States on tour. And yes, they smoke outside *big deal*, speaker systems can be updated *so is life*, doorman could have been a tad nicer *sorry* but the men and vibe in general were on point. Middle-aged mostly, nearly zero gay drama at the venue, and I would love to spin here next year if theyll have me spin sexy sounds. I would be honored if I had a tribe in the SD male scene. This would be it. Thanks for the fun energy exchangers ✨️ and my new friends.
Stopped by on a whim. Sunday has Karaoke. First timers get skipped in the line to sing over and over and over. My rum and coke was watered down. Line at the bar due to only one bartender. I was the 5th person on the list. After 13 songs go by I said so long chumps. Sooo rude.
I had a awesome time last night. The staff is very courteous and super friendly. The bartenders are hella cool besides making good drinks. The DJs spinning last night were awesome. Too bad that I couldnt stay for the rest of Miss Craftys set.
We came here after watching ufc fights downtown. Great vibe. Outdoor space is nice, we had a blast.
The Merrow has been through several iterations through the years, and slowly has become one of the best places to hear music and dance in San Diego. Firstly, it has some of my favorite underground events like Sabbat, Blue Monday, and Ascension. They have other regular nights that Ive heard good things about but I havent been to all of them. The bar has what Id call an upscale-divey feel, meaning that its not a super classy place but its not a dump either. Its pretty dark inside typically with a cool nautical theme. Also atypical of your normal dive, its not cramped. The dance floor is pretty large and you can always find a good place to dance, even when its a busy night. The sound system is good too and they have some club lights for nice atmosphere. The bar area is not huge but big enough for 2-3 bartenders to get you drinks pretty quick. Pours are sturdy and they have a nice selection of craft beers and tequilas relevant to my interests. Staff and security have always been excellent. They keep an eye on things and do their best to keep everyone safe.Outside theyve converted the small parking lot into a smoking patio that sometimes has another bar open where you can hang out with some fresh air, chairs, and movies projected onto the wall. I usually only come out here to cool off from dancing! Its probably not allowed due to ordinances or whatever but I always thought itd be cool if there was a speaker somewhere playing the music from inside.Overall, if you wanna have an affordable night out of dancing and drinking with good people and vibes, the Merrow is easily one of my favorites! Id check their calendar to see whats going on since the themes are always rotating. For the most popular nights like Sabbat you might even want to get a ticket in advance to avoid getting stuck in line.
I invited a dozen other ladies to join me for a night of burlesque here at The Merrow. I ordered a paloma, and it was delicious. Service was friendly, and the bartender made me laugh. Bonus points!And then the show! Every single performer was high energy and entertaining. Some went for pure joy, others comedy, still others traditional sexy seduction. Were already talking about our next burlesque night!
Great place to grab a drink and enjoy local artists perform. The bar staff are friendly and did a great job being polite even as the place got busy. Definitely will come back soon.
Blue Monday: It has SO much potential. Everyone at the bar was great. Seating outside and old films amped us up. Candy bowl in the bathroom lobby was a cool touch. Crowd was awesome!!! Venue fantastic! Lasers and smoke on point. Literally the only let down was the music. Its so hard to find 80s new wave tunes to go dancing and we had such high hopes for this night. We were teased with depeche mode, joy division, etc. but the DJ never truly delivered. Enough of a song was played to get you psyched, but then it fell short. It didnt really feel like 80s all that much. More like house with some 80s samples sprinkled in. Still, much better than not going out at all. But damn, what a tease.
Good venue just needs more ventilation it gets really hot when its packed
This place sucks! I hate it. The bartenders ignore me and they dont treat me right. They dont wanna serve me, talk to me, or give me my change after I pay. I made a vow to never go there again.
Great event. Dj and bartenders were cool
I just love this place, chill happy and laid back atmosphere with amazing staff and bartenders!
Went for Pride. Ive passed this place many a time & never felt too drawn to enter, it seemed more like a Luck O The Irish type pub. But, at least for Pride, it was lit. One of the DJs was insanely good. Coulda listened/danced to that all day. Drinks are okay. Lost of room on the dance floor.
Tonight I went to my first Hillcrest bars since coming out the closet and this was one of the places I went to. I asked the bartender to give me his best drink that’s not sweet and doesn’t taste too much like alcohol and the bartender made fun of me and told the other bartender to “ get a load of this guy “ that the question I asked him was a “ bartenders worst nightmare “ I felt kind of bullied I can see how this is a good bar for regulars but don’t go to this bar if it’s your first time I felt like hiding in the closet again I still left him a tip tho and said thank you definitely will go back next time knowing what to order and when I build the confidence enough to go back in there and try not to make a fool of myself again
Small bar area, nice dance area. Disco ball included lol. Bartender was extremely friendly and offered nice alternative ingredients when they dont have everything needed for cocktails you like. Really loved their pool tables. Smoothest game Ive played in awhile. Also recommend their open mic karaoke. Very supportive crowd.
Nice little spot, good music, rad ceiling.
Theres been an issue with drinks getting spiked here, and while that happens anywhere, specifically here they opt to kick people out onto the street instead of making sure theyre well or with people to watch over them. Its a liability. Yah exactly the bar is liable for what happens in it, so take care of it instead of sweeping it under the rug. I wont be back if I can help it
This is our favorite go-to spot for music nights and themed events. everyone is so nice and it is not overpriced. It is never way overcrowded like nearby places and the outdoor seating is vast, a godsend for those looking for a quieter place with fresh air.
The staff at merrow were incredibly friendly and attentive the merrow has created an inviting and safe environment. A place where people can be themselves without judgment. The security team are always approachable and proactive, working to ensure a safe environment without disrupting the overall experience.🖤
I havent written a yelp review in years or any online review for that matter, BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY WRITING ONE NOWTHE MUSIC WAS THE ABSOLUTE PERFECT VOLUMEILL SAY IT AGAINABSOLUTELY PERFECTI went for a goth industrial night. I am hearing impaired and rarely go to (expected to be) loud indoor events, like concerts or club type settings. I even brought ear plugs in case. I ended up not needing them! The volume was great no matter where you were! Loud enough to dance and vibe, but even on the dance floor (no matter where you were on it) you could have a conversation. It was absolutely excellent.All the staff is also super great. Drink service is a moderate pace. They have 3 bathroom options; male, female, and gender neutral. Coat check is available and was only $3. The outside bar area is pperfect. Overall it was the best night out I have had in years. Absolutely will be back!
Great beer selection! On tap or bottle. Good price and 2 free pool tables. If you like beer and playing pool look no further. Parking can be a pain but hey you cant have it all lol.
Horrendous and discriminatory venue. Refused to accept UK and Spanish IDs ruining our evening. Have been living in the US for over a year and never had this issue as it’s a valid, official and accepted form of identification. Instead of ID security staff offered us to pay a $500 deposit, which we accepted as we weren’t going to have any issue, but once we showed a credit card they demanded cash. Terrible establishment which is a shame to San Diego. Grow up!
Huge group of friends came to go to the club but a lazy security guard didnt let us go through, despite having valid forms of ID. Casinos and other bars caused us no issue but this place did? Stupid. Looking at the other reviews seems like we saved up on overpriced drinks and headaches from the people running it.
Reasonable Drinks and a Specific Environment. Youll go here if youre looking for the right thing. Blue Monday and Sabbat are great Goth events with a positive vibe. Lit DJs and good vibes. Come party.
Was here for a private party. I thought it was a pretty interesting place. I love that this was a gallery but a club at night. The space was good. The crowd was decent and not ghetto. The music was alright... it didnt get me in the dancing mood (we ended up at another bar that night).The drinks were a hit or miss. The main bar made drinks really strong and the bar in the other room made the drinks terribly.
This venue is large and with ample indoor and outdoor space. They have great shows and I will definitely be attending more of them now that I know this venue exists.
I go on an event night. Bartenders are usually on point & friendly, bathroom cleanliness is managed well, especially for being a bar. Drinks are getting more expensive, but so is everything these days 😖.
Really dig the alcohol selection. Great staff, great events and overall good vibe. I like the outdoor setup too. Live Music is pretty intimate here as well so its awesome to watch shows at.
The Merrow offers a great repertoire of live music, dance and EDM events including a variety of genres from pop, industrial, new wave, etc. The bartenders are friendly industry veterans as well as the security who are thoughtful and keep everyone safe.The venues has classic stylings like a car in the ceiling, metal embossed ceilings and tiles bathrooms. Its a hidden trasure.
Update for Covid-19 times: the owner and staff have gone above and beyond to get this place opened. New outdoor tables and chairs, shade awnings, a new fence.The tables, chairs, awnings, handles are all completely sanitized before new groups are allowed in.Oh!!!! And they now offer good from some nearby local restaurants and food vendors! Its really great to see all these establishments working together!
Girlfriend and I stopped by for a quick drink because the bar we originally wanted to check out was too busy.Easy to miss if youre not familiar with the area. Might seem like its supposed to be the building that currently isnt occupied, but its just to the side of it about 30 yards from the street.Security guard checked our IDs, seemed pretty friendly. Sat down and got tended to right away. Girlfriend ordered a Malibu & coke, I ordered a bud light.Really nothing to say, but most importantly nothing to complain about. Bartender struck up some conversation, asked where we were coming from, what we were doing on our trip, etc. Really nice guy, cant remember his name though.We were there for about 30 minutes, definitely checking it out again when Im in town.
Whole in the wall music venue/bar, you say? I say yes, please! I dont hang out in Hillcrest very often, so I had no idea this place was here. Went to catch a friends band play. Really liked the vibe. Nice open space to catch a band or two play. Play some pool or sit in a cozy looking booth. Definitely heading back here for a show.
Went for Bear Night. I have been to many of these types of events on the East Coast, but the crowd here was....interesting. The way the bar is laid out, it can be hard to get around, but its clearly been there a while so. Honestly, I doubt Id go back willingly.
Was turned away for having an expired ID (which was only 2 months expired) even when I presented my birth certificate. Incredibly disappointed. Be wary of employees on a power trip. Not welcoming whatsoever.
Nice enough people. Busy bar/club. Not enough staff to accommodate everyone. Great for a theme night, but be cautious and look at the calendar and make sure youre into whatever theyre offering for the night.
Leather and demin bar for the over 30 crowd. Big space inside foe events/dancing
Great venue with the right vibes towards their themed events. My friends always feel safe and welcomed here.
The Golden Girls Drag show 1st Sat each month is a must see! All the Girls are great, but Crystal Chandelier is the hilite of the evening!
Fun place! Went to bear night, but it was pretty light on bears. Still a fun crowd though. Nice patio, friendly staff, and they had some food tents set up on the patio.
Decent venue, small but comfy, bartender we had was friendly, two pool tables for use, restrooms didnt seem like they would be an issue for busier nights. Nothing to complain about here, you get what you come for and nothing blatantly sticks out that would be a turn off.
Nothing special about this hole in the wall type bar......although its a good chill spot from 12pm-8pm because pool is free with a drink purchase.....bartender is laid back & chill (at least during the day haha). Also they have a stage for Karaoke nights & live bands. Im giving 4 stars because of their free billiards. Cheerz!
I just went to the Trick party and bought a coupe drinks. They over charged me by $2 each drink. I didnt care and figured the price went up and they didnt change the sign. I went to the bar for a bottle of water and was told $3. She charged me $14. I told her I gave her $20 and was charge $14 & She gave me money back but I was still over charged. I left and wont go back.
My friends surprised me by having my bachelorette party here. It was amazing! The boyesque show was awesome, and the Diamond Dogs were so talented! The host, and everyone really made me feel special, the drinks were great, and my girls and I had a blast. I cant say enough good things. Thanks everyone for giving me an amazing night. Ladies, have you bachelorette parties here!
It was fantastic, with 3 times as many people as before, and of those people, almost all were new, except for a few diehards. Make me want to come back more often. Prices very reasonable. Loved it!!
Small bar area. Dark, dive type vibe in the day where you talk to the bartender and meet a local or two who are regulars. Great martinis.
Played a show here on a Tuesday night and I was blown away with the staff. They treated us so well and ensured everything was set up exactly to our liking. Made it very easy to feel comfortable and play our best. Thanks guys.
Awesome venue, a little divey but just enough to feel cozy. The Goth nights are really fun.
Great place, but drink prices are a bit steep, and the dance floor gets VERY congested. Plan on being elbow to elbow with people. There are large fans and a/c to keep it cool though. And multiple bathrooms.
Great place for a variation of parties! The bartenders are friendly and give tasty beers and drinks! 👍🏾👍🏾
One of the first bars in the neighborhood to reopen.You have to order food in order to get drinks, but its well worth it. The food options are varied from the local food establishments. Daddys hot dogs, Liv juice bar (I love the chorizo burrito), and Freshii deli, are al on board to deliver food to your table.As of August 2020 this is the best spot in the neighborhood. Dont miss out!
Great venue, very lgbtq+ friendly like most of SD. Not a ton of parking, but plenty of room to dance, drink and have a great time.Always great service here!
Good dive bar that features local talent. Its nice to have a venue in San Diego that helps cultivate a local music scene. There arent that many compared to other cities.
Live music hosted here often. Bands usually are rock punk ska type deal. Its a dope place where on an average night out you are likely to meet the owner as he enjoys hanging out with everyone. When there is a band there is also a cover charge but all the other times entrance is free.
Friendly bartenders who can handle trouble, good drinks, nice outside area as a vestige of covid. Bands, goth nights (Sabbat) are always a good time.
Very cozy homey feeling bar with performance space in back,side room. Not much lot parking, but street parking, bring coins/card, nearby. In shopping district so treat yourself to something new and FUN too!
Charlie is the best bartender / mixologist in all of Hillcrest. He can make anything you want, and is always on his game.Great place !
If youre ever up for a completely different vibe than your norm. This is the place. Everyone was great and goth night was epic!
I had a great time here . Saw a Boylesque show done by the troupe Diamond Dogs. Energetic and 100% effort and fun. Good pour on the cocktails. Well be back!
Sabbat! Not too big, not too small, just the right size venue with good sound system. Security and staff were friendly. Great crowd. Very chill.
A great bar tucked away in Hillcrest. They also host live music here as well. This is a fun place to grab a drink or catch a show.
Great neighborhood bar and nightclub in Hillcrest. Hidden back from the street, but once inside reveals a roomy long bar, and an event area with a stage for live music.
This place has no desire to have paying patrons enter their bar. The bar tender and manager Joe block the parking lot with their vehicles by way of unwelcoming you. At first joe doesn’t know whose vehicle they were but when the police were invited to the party suddenly joe and the bar tender moved their vehicles. Joe was extremely rude and unwelcoming. The five patrons that go there everyday are also rude and unwelcoming. Save yourself the stress and go eleawhere.
Great space, staff, and music. Nice to have 2 pool tables to play on.
Super fun and spacious. Synth 80s music cool people great bartenders.
The bands were great and the staff friendly. The floor is sticky and there were consistent technical problems with the sound system, some pretty bad.
This place is a hidden treasure in Hillcrest, service is extraordinary, free pool if you buy a drink/beer its also a great music venue tons of fun and variety.. hint if youre nice they have popcorn!
Its a dive but ok. Drinks and atmosphere was well...Its a dive bar. Next to the bars entrance there is the coolest mural I have ever seen. Get your picture next to it.
New owners are really fixing up the place. Its nice now
The people make the place! Customer service is awesome and security is helpful and friendly. They hosted the best event i have found.
Great small venue music club and bar. My kind of place!
This is my favorite bar. Its a mellow place to hang out and half a frosty beverage in the late afternoon, and its a rocking show venue at night.
Such a fun fun place!! Saw a drag contest. It was fun, amateur, victoria us the best!!!! Drinks are very strong.
Went to Bear Night! It was a nice looking crowd of bears and daddies!! Highly recommended.
From back when it was The Ruby Room til now: good drink deals, awesome staff, AMAZING bands... the Merrow NEVER disappoints! \m/
Lovely atmosphere and the happy hour is excellent. Would absolutely visit again next time Im in town.
The sound system is pretty awesome 👍😎
Dont bother making reservations here even if you do it months in advanced.
Great bar staff and always an incredible time. They have the best gay parties in the city!
This use to be the old peacock ally very popular gay bar I guess got new owners and now its mix big stage set up for live entertainment big place
Good night at Kareoke...lot of regular came out ...also got air time to sing as well
Nice intimate venue, good meeting spot near the epicenter of everything that is Hillcrest
A great selection of food. Plenty of options to choose from including starters and drseetsYou will certainly leave full. Staff are friendly as well.
Absolutely love this place for when Hillcrest becomes....Hillcrest and you need to sneak away somewhere dark and weird that is gay friendly but definitely not a gay bar.
Always love going in there great place for music pool tables or couple drinks at bar with one of there great bartenders
Had a great time on a Tuesday night when some indie bands were playing! Will definitely go back!
Third and final stop for my bachelor party, had a great time and enjoyed the ambiance of Sabbat.
Great sound. Great lights. And they believe in A/C. Love this spot, even if I dont come enough.
Was there for the San Diego Golden Girls show. The outdoor space was nice, show was fun and the staff professional and friendly.
Perfect hole-in-the-wall bar with friendly bartenders and interesting events. Good vibes here, it feels very welcoming.
Great place! Fantastistic staff and very open to the Community! So happy they took this space. Ill be back many, many times!Thanks guys!
Bear Night is the best night of the month with DJ Jon Williams!
Fun classic bar in this lively neighborhood! Live music, DJs and more!
Great bar!
Definitely the type of venue I would love to play at. Fantastic stage and great sound. Highly recommended
A nice large bar with dance floor, stage and pool table. Nice outdoor patio.
Joe Bartending makes this place so welcoming. The Merrow is lucky to have him.
The bartender and patrons were very nice and friendly and the bottled beer was nice and cold.
Great place to have some drinks and enjoy the outdoor bar scene!
Great staff and drinks. Awesome atmosphere to enjoy with friends.
Karaoke on Tuesday evenings from 7-11 pm. Not too crowded - chill vibe.
Personally I love the Merrow. Been coming here since I was 21 way back when. Always love the vibes and people I meet here!
Best music venue in Hillcrest! Love it and Bear Night every first Saturday is awesome.
Went here to see Aghori perform. Excellent show! Small, quaint place under new ownership.
If you like dimly lit swanky bars with live acts and the occasional karaoke, this is the pace for you.
Fair priced drinks for the area, and typically puts on local shows in the punk/alt genre
The proprietors are extremely hospitable... Great place to stop in for a great cocktail... Love all serval...
Good atmosphere and a good stage for live band performances.
Talent Competition is great!! Come out on August 19, 2018 for one helluva show!!!
The sound is excellent, the employees are sweethearts, and they have a photo booth and the punching game. All set.
Love the outdoor patio, especially now that its warming up 😎
Great day crowd & the dance floor is busy on Friday & Saturday nights.
Great atmosphere, never disappointed with the events
Seen live shows here. Last time it was a quiet night a d had a relaxing time playing pool.
Ernesto is the Best Mixologists in town & cool guy. Juke box, a/c & in the middle of foodies.
Very small and dark place. God knows what could happen here. Drinks are way overpriced and bartender was rude. Never coming back.
I love how big the patio is and they have a bar out there!!!
Bartenders friendly and had free pool during the happy hour on Tuesday.
Great staff, sound system is great, and the selection of beers is pretty good.
Great bartenders and staff! I love the day crowd.
Great place to drink and listen to music, especially that new group MARKED Gang Fam
Love the atmosphere. Had lots of fun and live the shows
NOT a gay bar
Nice local place that is not a corporate ambience. Relaxed and good drinks.
Awesome, live bands,chill people, great staff....just what Hillcrest needed
Nice, old school neighborhood bar. Mixed crowd, no posers, no attitude.
Came here for a show. Having never been here it was definitely a surprise. Didnt expect the size of the show area from what it looks like on the outside.
This place was awesome and I would like to DJ here sometime. I sent you an email.
Went there to have fun with friends and thats just what we did.
What a cool venue. Caught the singing competition on sunday and it was so fun!
Cool place puts on good shows and has a good selection of beers.
Classic bar, great ambiance, amazing staff.
Great prices. Great drinks. Friendly bar staff.
Great music clod beers
Great local pop feel and good event venue as well
Only been a few times, always enjoyed myself, a lot bigger than it looks
Dive bar with lots of character. We enjoyed this place
Came to see The Major Minus band perform. Good atmosphere and full bar.
Its not really my cup of tea but on occasion I do go with a friend standard bar stuff.
Sabbat event held here is always great.
Super fun, great Goth night!
While I enjoy the venue, the lack of adequate seating is definitely a drawback for me.
Live music. Booze. Cool staff and regular crowds. Check them out!
Still one of the best live music venues in SD
First time there. But did like the atmosphere.
Fun music but they need to put fans inside 😳😰
Ed and the crew are wonderful. Loving the parking lot tables!
Awesome gay night life man. Good priced alcohol.
Cool little dive we checked out to have some drinks.
Nice convert dive venue. The owner is a good dude too.
Nice strong drinks good music Ill be back
Cozy neighborhood bar tucked in a corner of Hillcrest. Cheap stiff drinks too!
Great place, fun and friendly people
Dive bar. Fun. Feisty. A little back from the street so you have to look for it.
Always a good time. Super friendly staff.
Great place good Ciders.
I practically live here now and accept my fate. ✌️
Awesome, chill place. I miss the burlesque shows
Great! Went for Sabbot. Had an amazing time! Will be back!
Very hot and stuffy inside. Slow service. Okay drinks.
Nice friendly bar and good drinks!
The karaoke is absolutely fabulous on Sunday nights
Best kept secret in Hillcrest. Love this place and the staff
Love this place! Staff is always friendly!
Ernestos absolutely the best bartender in San Diego
Great drinks, and check out the shows
Quaint local bar with pool tables and other games!
Great community support and a chill place to hang
First time visit! Enjoyed! Be back soon!
Club sabbat is always a great time
Joe the bartender is great. Very friendly
Rad venue. Great sound. Wither rocked!
Great place for fun.
Love this place. Great service, Great atmosphere
Good bar for our clean family
I love Gear Night, every Sunday night!
- Address:1271 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
- Site:http://www.themerrow.com/
- Phone:+1 619-299-1983
- Monday:12 PM–2 AM
- Tuesday:12 PM–2 AM
- Wednesday:12 PM–12 AM
- Thursday:12–9 AM
- Friday:12 PM–2 AM
- Saturday:12 PM–2 AM
- Sunday:12 PM–2 AM
- Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
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