El Rio
$ • Bars, Gay Bar, Dive BarAbout El Rio
El Rio Reviews
243 ratings
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Best dive in town!!
Such an amazing time! I went on the first Friday of the month and the music was SO GOOD. Staff were so friendly and even gave me a rundown of the place when I said it was my first time. I will DEF be back ❤🔥
Fun, vibrant energy. Huge back patio and a separate room for events. Theres always something cool happening!
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5PM - 12AM |
| Thursday | 5PM - 12AM |
| Friday | 4PM - 2AM |
| Saturday | 3PM - 2AM |
| Sunday | 3 - 9PM |
El Rio is a lively spot in the Mission area, well known for its R&B and ribs nights, live performances, and dance music. The bar offers reasonable prices for the Bay Area and creates a welcoming atmosphere with attentive bartenders who serve perfectly mixed drinks. The venue features clean, stocked private bathrooms, a large back patio ideal for outdoor parties with a DJ, and a stage for live performances. Many guests enjoy the outdoor heaters, especially during cold SF nights, making the space comfortable and cozy. The back patio is especially popular for queer events, attracting many queer folk and fostering a friendly environment. Visitors often mention the fun vibe, the ample space to dance, and the accessibility of water stations. The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, with a history as an LGBT bar since 1973. People also appreciate the themed nights, such as Charli XCX evenings, and salsa Sundays with live music, where everyone feels comfortable dancing without needing a partner. While food options are limited to snacks like popcorn, the cocktails and beer selection are decent. Overall, El Rio remains a favorite spot for dancing, socializing, and celebrating diversity in San Francisco.