We haven’t seen the warmest weather the last few weeks but things are bound to heat up as we head into the most awesome time of year in San Diego – summer! Between the beach, San Diego Pride, house parties, barbecues, warm nights and sunsets, summer is an incredible time to live in San Diego. And, of course, our bars and clubs are great places to hang out during summer.

I have been visiting local bars and clubs for nine years (seven of them legally!) and, in 2008, I’ve seen bars and clubs become more innovative and exciting. Here’s where I plan to be the next few weeks:

I’ll be spending a lot of time on the various patios and outdoor lounges at many local bars and clubs. The newest, The Garden at Universal, is one of the best outdoor lounges in Hillcrest, with a full bar, fire pits, booths and views of bustling University Avenue. The Garden opens at 2 p.m. on weekends.

The Brass Rail has always had one of the best patios in town, and with the reinvention of the club and lounge, more and more people are starting to realize and take advantage of it. Sunday afternoons are called Game On. Starting at 2 p.m. the bar features a 50 cent beer bust and plenty of our favorite drinking games, such as ping pong, beer pong, flip cup, Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. Sunday afternoons at The Rail are particularly popular with the ladies, but everyone is certainly welcome.

Sunday afternoons at Urban Mo’s are always fun and they only get better during summer! With hordes of visitors and vacationers coming in and out, along with students home on break, there are a lot of fresh faces and people with whom to share a summer fling. Most end up at Mo’s on Sundays and are yours for the picking! As many have told me, a perfect San Diego summer Sunday starts with champagne brunch at Mo’s, a trip to Black’s Beach, a quick beauty nap, and a second trip to Mo’s for the famous Detour Sundays.

Bourbon Street and Lei Lounge are also destinations with outstanding outdoor areas that are attractive hang outs any day of the week. The best thing is that these two University Heights venues are neighbors. You can hop back and forth, or pick up and stay a while. Bourbon Street has a long history in San Diego and is always packed. The patio is a great place to relax with a cold beer on a summer afternoon, or to party and cruise in the evenings. WET Thursdays are hot at Bourbon Street as Jonathan Hale hosts the popular wet underwear contest.

Next door, Lei Lounge is always a great place to eat, drink and lounge. The place is classy, sophisticated and comfortable. Fire pits, sexy bar and wait staff and yummy treats make this venue a must visit. The Sunday brunch is amazing and is a great alternative to some of the pricier brunches in town. There is drink and food specials every day of the week (check out www.leilounge.com for the schedule) and there are DJs spinning regularly to keep the mood fresh.

Last, but certainly not least, 2028 (formerly Club Montage) will still boast its fabulous third floor rooftop! The top floor of this mega-club includes awesome views of Downtown and San Diego bay. 2028 has Boy’s Night on Saturdays, with Resident DJ Shane Stiel spinning dance tracks and DJ Lil’ Chris in the hip-hop room. Guest DJs and special events will continue to be booked.

It’s going to be a great summer and I’m looking forward to seeing you out and about! With Pride just two months away, I’m excited to see how our clubs will out-do last year’s amazing special events.

Also, be sure to check out the next edition of Bar Fly two weeks from now. One of our favorite bars that serves the cheapest drinks in town on Wednesday nights is turning 25 years old, and I’ll have all the details! Until then, be safe and have fun!