Being dedicated to San Diego’s local bar scene – including the hip beach community and the swanky nightlife of downtown – has broadened my horizons, so to speak. While some gay men and women refuse to venture outside the gayborhood for fear of not being accepted, I boldly and proudly go to those “other” bars in order to spice things up and get outside the gay bubble. In the end, I learned: Don’t judge a book (or a straight man) by its (or his) cover. You just might be surprised at what you find inside…

When Friday night rolled around, I was exhausted. I had spent a full day at work, but I knew that I still needed my weekend drink to unwind, and maybe a little man action! I was thinking hard about all my options and decided to call up a long-lost friend. This girl had been missing in action, and I wanted to do some catching up as well as drinking. She suggested going to Pacific Beach to a bar called Plum Crazy, which, at first, I wasn’t too crazy about, but the more she talked about it being a fun, wild bar filled with Seals and military men… I was in! Not only do I live in PB anyway, but, I mean, come on! Hot military men that are drunk and horned up? Plus, you get a few drinks in anyone and you never know what could happen. (And everybody knows that Marines are bottoms!) I was pumped and ready to get my gun oiled!

When we finally got there, I can honestly say that I was impressed by the crowd. Beautiful men and women were everywhere. The music could have been a little better, as it mostly concentrated on today’s chart toppers as opposed to the more underground, house-style that I prefer.

I returned from a quick bathroom break to the main bar and discovered that my pseudo girlfriend had obvious plans of her own! A group of three guys where chatting her up, so I knew she was no longer my co-pilot. With drink in hand, I was out the door to catch a quick smoke and saw out of the corner of my eye a very handsome man with a military-style haircut and perfect posture, not to mention an amazing ass! “What the hell, you only live once, right?” I said to myself. So I made my way over, asked him for a light, and proceeded with some small talk. Well, our little chat turned out to be about a 20-minute talk about everything from the bar scene to what we like to do in our free time. When my girl finally stumbled out of the bar, I knew she was ready to go, and that my time with the hunk was over as well. I said my goodbyes, and as I turned to leave he put his number in my hand. I looked back in amazement and he said: “Give me a ring sometime. It’s always good to meet down guys.” And just like that he was gone. Gay? Maybe. Curious? Probably. But the reality was that I had just scored a number from one sexy MF.

Ah, Bacchus House… With events throughout the week and the weekend, delicious drink specials and gorgeous bodies everywhere, this bar is always a good idea. If you’re getting a late start, or need a place to hit after hours, the dance floor and lounge area are open until 4:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Every Wednesday is Musica Pasion y Latina with Franceska. DJ Ruben Casas spins at 11:00 p.m. and there are $2.50 margaritas and Dos Equis XX. Saturdays boast Pump, the crazy and wild dance party featuring such DJs as N.Y.C.’s own DJ Escape and upcoming performances by DJ De Leon and DJ Paulo on May 13. With something to offer everyone, this is the place to be on any Saturday night. Put on your dancing shoes and stay up late with the gods of Bacchus House.

Partiers have long known that 4th & B brings some of the hottest performers and DJs to San Diego. May is no exception. Check out their night, LOVE, this Friday, May 12, with DJ Tiesto. Paul van Dyk hits the stage the following night, Saturday, May 13. For tickets, visit www.4thandb.com.

Gay or straight, downtown or the beach, there will always be something worth seeing in San Diego’s progressive and ever-changing nightlife. Like a sponge (or a fish), I’ll be there to soak it all up. I’d love to see you out there doing the same.