San Francisco Gay Bars

San Francisco's gay scene is one of the world's most prominent. Many gay bars are located in The Castro, one of the first gay neighbourhoods in the USA.

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San Francisco has been a bastion of liberal-mindedness and LGBTQ+ community since the early 20th century, and today it boasts a bewildering array of gay bars and clubs. Thanks to the inherently gay nature of San Fran, you’ll find a diverse selection of gay-focused venues wherever you are in the city, but the Castro is undoubtedly the epicenter of this edgy coastal sprawl. It’s the USA’s oldest gay district and its small scale makes it incredibly easy to explore in just one night.

in The Castro

The Academy SF

2166 Market St, San Francisco, USA

Located in the Castro District, The Academy is in the heart of the gay neighborhood in San Francisco. This LGBTQ+ membership-based social club is offering an alternative to traditional nightlife in America’s gay capital.

The Academy is not a typical nightclub or bar, but a community-based space where members can forge meaningful connections, building a vibrant community. This venue has a heated garden terrace with fire pits, an on-site barbershop, lounge seating, a speakeasy with a full bar, an elegant wine bar, as well as games and activities where individuals can come together. They also host special events, themed nights and workshops.

The Academy values diversity and is welcoming people from all backgrounds and experiences. For more information on how to join the club, visit their website.

Not a local? Not a problem! The Academy is offering 1-week passes ($75) for travelers who would like to join the Academy whilst in San Francisco.

Features:

Bar

barbershop

event space

Free WiFi

Garden

lounge

members benefits

Weekday: Wed-Fri 5pm - late (Mon closed, Tue events)

Weekend: Sat 6pm - 12am (Sun events)

Last updated on: 7 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 7-Aug-2023

Twin Peaks Tavern

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401 Castro St, San Francisco, USA

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

One of the first gay bars in San Francisco (and in the US), Twin Peaks Taverna has laid-back vibe and friendly staff - great place for socialising and meeting friends.

This SF gay bar describes itself as the "Gateway to The Castro' due to its prime location, right under the iconic rainbow arrow on the corner of Market Street and Castro.

Features:

Bar

Music

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Weekday: 10:00 - 02:00

Weekend: 08:00 - 02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

440 Castro

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440 Castro St, San Francisco, USA

3.3

Audience Rating

Based on 3 votes

Bear-popular gay bar in San Francisco's gay district. 440 Castro hosts regular events including Underwear Night and 'Battle of the Bulges.

The bar gets busiest on the weekends, attracting men of various ages. Drinks are strong and reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is one of the friendliest in the city. 21+ only.

Features:

Bar

Dancing

Music

3.3

Audience Rating

Based on 3 votes

Weekday: 12pm-2am

Weekend: 12pm-2am

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

MIX

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4086 18th St, San Francisco, USA

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

MIX is 'the neighborhood' gay bar in The Castro, welcoming gays, lesbians and friends since 2000.

The bar is known for cheap cocktails, laid-back vibe. There's a pool table, outdoor patio and internet jukebox so you can play your favorite songs.

Features:

Bar

Music

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Weekday: 07:00 - 02:00

Weekend: 07:00 - 02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

Midnight Sun

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4067 18th St, San Francisco, USA

2.8

Audience Rating

Based on 6 votes

Gay video bar & lounge in the heart of The Castro. Midnight Sun has been serving the San Francisco gay community for 40+ years.

"The Sun" was recently remodelled with a new street-facing terrace and stage. Weekly themed nights include RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing, karaoke and sexy go-go dancers on Friday and Saturday nights.

Voted best 'Happy Hour in SF' - two-for-one everything until 9pm daily.

Features:

Bar

Drag Shows

Karaoke

Music

2.8

Audience Rating

Based on 6 votes

Weekday: Monday 3pm — 9; Tuesday — Thursday 2pm — 9pm

Weekend: Friday 1pm — 9pm; Saturday — Sunday 12pm — 9pm

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

Beaux

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2344 Market St, San Francisco, USA

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Located in the historic Castro gay district, Beaux is one of newer gay venues. This bar & nightclub hosts various weekly events, from Manimal Fridays to Big Top Sundays which feature the stars from RuPaul's Drag Race show.

While relatively new, Beaux is located on the site of The Castro's first gay bar, the Missouri Mule which opened in 1963, so the atmosphere is a perfect mix of old and new SF gay nightlife.

Features:

Bar

Dancing

Drag Queens

Music

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Weekday: 15:00-02:00

Weekend: 14:00-02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

The Cafe

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2369 Market St, San Francisco, USA

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

The Cafe is a gay institution and the place to see and be seen in San Francisco. This cafe bar & nightclub attracts all gays, lesbians and friends for casual get-togethers and/or late-night partying.

Regular weekly events at The Cafe include karaoke nights and Drag Race viewing parties. Centrally located in the Castro 'gaybourhood'.

Features:

Bar

Cafe

Dancing

Go-Go Dancers

Music

Shows

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Weekday: Tue-Fri 18:00-02:00

Weekend: 15:00-02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

The EDGE

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Today: Monster Show - drag show -

Tomorrow: Beards & Booze - Every Friday

4149 18th St, San Francisco, USA

4.3

Audience Rating

Based on 3 votes

The Castro's long-running gay neighbourhood bar for over 20 years. The EDGE is known for its friendly staff, well-priced drinks, cruisey atmosphere, and themed parties.

Everyone is welcome here. Check The EDGE's website for details about their weekly events, drink deals and more.

Features:

Bar

Music

4.3

Audience Rating

Based on 3 votes

Weekday: 13:00-02:00

Weekend: 12:00-02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

Lookout

3600 16th St, San Francisco, USA

Lookout Bar is a gay bar located in Castro, the gay neighborhood of San Francisco.

The bar hosts regular drag shows and other events. Check out their website for more information.

Weekday: 3:30pm - 2am

Weekend: Sat: 11am - 2am Sun: 1pm - 12am

Last updated on: 7 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 7-Aug-2023

Jolene's Bar & Restaurant

2700 16th St, San Francisco, USA

Jolene's Bar & Restaurant is a gay establishment located close to the Castro district of San Francisco.

Jolene's hosts events like Burlesque Brunch, where there are drag acts, talent shows and burlesque shows. Check out their website for more information.

Weekday: CLOSED: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu

Weekend: Fri, Sat: 8pm - 2am Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Last updated on: 7 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 7-Aug-2023

Driftwood

1225 Folsom St, San Francisco, USA

Driftwood is a gay-friendly neighborhood bar, located in the Soma area of San Francisco.

Driftwood serves a great range of cocktails and the bar is known for its lively atmosphere and varied crowd.

Weekday: OPEN: 4pm - 1am CLOSED: Mon

Weekend: Sat: 4pm - 1am Sun: 3pm - 10pm

Last updated on: 7 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 7-Aug-2023

Mission Street / SoMa

The Lone Star Saloon

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1354 Harrison St, San Francisco, USA

4.5

Audience Rating

Based on 2 votes

Gay bar in San Francisco since 1989. The Lone Star Saloon has a rich history of humble beginnings, wreckage and a monumental rebirth.

Its recognisable logo has become somewhat of a cult bear icon. Owned by two of its former bartenders, Bruce and Charlie, The Lone Star continues to serve the local gay community - popular with gay bears and bikers.

Features:

Bar

Dancing

Music

4.5

Audience Rating

Based on 2 votes

Weekday: 16:00-02:00

Weekend: 12:00-02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

SF Eagle

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Today: Thursday Night Live -

398 12th St, San Francisco, USA

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Legendary LGBT bar in the SoMa leather district. SF Eagle welcomes everyone, from leather-clad bears and bikers, to the infamous San Fran twinks and rocking lesbians.

The bar has a huge outdoor seating area at the back. Weekly themes include karaoke nights, live music on Thursdays, and the popular beer bust for $12 on Sundays.

Features:

Bar

Dancing

Karaoke

Live music

Music

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Weekday: 17:00 - 02:00

Weekend: 12:00 - 02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

The Cinch Saloon

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Nob Hill, San Francisco, USA

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

One of the few gay bars outside The Castro and The Mission scenes. The Cinch has a cowboy-themed decor with fun, quirky atmosphere.

There's a pool table, drag shows on a Friday and all-night happy hour every Monday. Open 7 days a week until 2am.

Features:

Bar

Dancing

Drag Shows

Music

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Weekday: 09:00 - 02:00

Weekend: 08:00 - 02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

Bernal Heights

The Wild Side West

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424 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, USA

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

The Wild Side West has been serving the LGBT community in the Bay Area since 1962. The lesbian-popular bar has a pool table and TV screen showing sports.

There's a beautiful lush garden with sculptures and artworks curated by local LGBTQ+ artists. Located in Bernal Heights.

Features:

Bar

Music

4

Audience Rating

Based on 1 votes

Weekday: 14:00 - 02:00

Weekend: 14:00 - 02:00

Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023

Toad Hall Bar

4146 18th St, San Francisco, USA

Toad Hall Bar is a neighborhood gay bar, located in the gay center of San Francisco, Castro.

The bar serves food and also has an outdoors patio. Check out their website for more information.

Weekday: 3pm - 2 am

Weekend: Fri: 1pm - 2am Sat: 2pm - 2 am Sun: 1pm - 2 am

Last updated on: 7 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 7-Aug-2023

Aunt Charlie's Lounge

133 Turk St, San Francisco, USA

Aunt Charlie's Lounge is a gay bar known and loved for its cheap drinks and relaxed atmosphere.

There are regular drag shows, which are popular with both locals and tourists.

Weekday: 12pm - 12am

Weekend: 12pm - 12am

Last updated on: 7 Aug 2023

Last updated on: 7-Aug-2023

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