The Pretty Much World Famous Dive started out as a riding stable with a barn and a big hole in the ground to access an aqueduct that equalized the waters of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.

Sometime just after the glorious end of Prohibition in 1936 a liquor license was applied for, the old stable was converted to a bar, and Murphy’s Beer Garden was in operation. In the 40’s and 50’s The bar would cater to the military trade from the base across the street. During two world wars our location became the 19th Hole where golfers from the base golf course would sit and lie about the game over a cocktail.

The Hole is just that. A Hole… in the ground. You access the bar by descending an ancient concrete stairwell to an outdoor tropical patio. At once you are transported to an exotic spot reminiscent of an old Bogart and Bacall movie. You could be in any dive found in various coves off the Coast of Mexico or it could be any of a series palapa bars once found on Santa Catalina Island.

Since the 1940’s The Hole was one of the “secret handshake” bars. Men who were interested in hooking up with men or just taking advantage of an opportunity frequented The Hole; so much so, that The Hole was listed as off limits to all Military Personnel. In the 1960’s when ownership changed, The 19th Hole became one of San Diego’s first openly gay bars; the name was simplified with toungue in cheek to "The Hole" and a new era was dawning. Toward the 1970's and throughout the 1980's The Hole was a popular hangout with a significant Levi-leather clientele. It was during this time that the formidable Hole Sunday Beer Bust was borne. Fresh fried chicken was served in the early years to a throng of men. The chicken morphed into a California Style Barbeque at the increasingly popular Sunday attraction. We continue to entertain a parade of over 600 guests every Sunday.

In the new century The Hole has traveled full circle. Like a weathered old friend the "barn" welcomes all. While we continue to attract a large gay clientele, our outdoor tropical patio and laid-back atmosphere bring in a wide variety of indiviuals with varying lifestyles and everyone gets along.

All are welcome to join us; just leave your prejudices and daily stresses and hang your bummer at the top of the stairs; drop into The Hole to decompress, mellow out, enjoy a little classic tropical splendor and have a little fun.

We look forward to seeing you soon