1839 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
The Beginning
In 1913, the San Diego Electric Railway Company built a massive trolley barn to house the Adams Avenue Trolley cars that ran from University Heights to Downtown San Diego. In 1914, with the population growth fueled by Bentley's Ostrich Farm and the Adams Avenue Trolley, the Greaves family constructed the building where Cheers is located today. It originally opened as the Greaves Grocery Store and serviced the residents of University Heights. The trolley barn was built adjacent to Bentley's Ostrich Farm and directly across the street from where Cheers is currently located. The park we know today as "Trolley Barn Park" was originally constructed in the early 1890's and named "The Bluffs". It was later renamed "Mission Cliff Park" in 1895 when purchased by George Kerper. The trolley barn and park were demolished in 1979 after being occupied by The San Diego Paper Box Company making way for the townhouses you see there today. The park was transformed in 1991 as a combined effort of the residents of University Heights.
The Early Years
Back in the 1970's, Diablo's was one of the few combination gay and lesbian bars in San Diego. At the time, it was extremely rare. Diablo's had two separate entrances for their clientele. The bar was located at 2533 El Cajon Blvd. The owner was forced to close Diablo's and in 1982 reopened a second bar at 1839 Adams Ave and named it Cheers. The original neon sign from Diablo's is still present at Cheers today. When you enter the bar, the sign is mounted on the wall just to the right of the restroom. Cheers was purchased by its present owner in 1996. Cheers recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and has been featured in a variety of documentaries, magazine articles and newspapers.
Cheers Today
Cheers is known locally as the neighborhood bar open to all. The bar hosts a variety of events each month and special events during the major holidays. The Cheers family includes regulars that have been coming to the bar for more than 10 years, as well as the more recent residents to University Heights, North Park, Normal Heights and Hillcrest. The mural painted on the side of the building was done by the former long-time Manager, Steven "Lukas" Dupas. The pool table, juke box, drink specials and great customers makes Cheers what it is today. Come by and have a drink and make some new friends.