Gay Bars in San Francisco, CA

“I know where Lucy Borden’s remains are. She was delicious. Barbecue was great, but the menudo was the best!“

“#AmazingBar #HiTopsSanFrancisco 🥰“

“Cheap drinks. Performers with lots of experience! But make a reservation. Cash only!We had booked a table in advance, anticipating watching a drag show. The show featured performers with lots of drag experience! It was fun :)The drinks were very cheap as I mentioned.“

“I had a great time and the Bar Staff was fun and friendly. The best part is that it turned into a BLAST of dance party thanks to the DJ!“

“Twin Peaks Bar at the Castro is a must-visit! The drinks are strong and absolutely amazing, and the atmosphere is unmatched—cozy, vibrant, and full of character. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and snap some great photos. Highly recommend for a fun and memorable experience!“

“The lesbian parade on the Friday of Pride weekend is what brought us here, to hopefully grab a birds eye view of it while having a few beers. Believe it or not, it worked! We ended up with choice seats at the corner outdoor lanai.

ATMOSPHERE:
The bar takes up the entire second floor of a two level building at the corner of 16th & Market, right where the parade passes. Plus, they have a cool but skinny outdoor lanai with a railing counter and bar stools that is excellent for people-watching. The inside has some good square footage but it still can get cramped.

The crowd was a mix. We met all walks of life while here, including a gay-friendly drunk straight girl traveling nurse that wanted to take my gay friend and possibly me home. :-O Thanks anyway, sister lol.

They have a full service bar and great music.

SERVICE:
Though I didn't experience it because all of my beers were purchased for me, my friends returned fairly quickly from the bar, so service was fast despite the busyness.

FUN TIP:
Something that kept me entertained were the ding dong drivers at the intersection of Market, Noe & 16th. Some drivers on Noe that were headed north would stop for some reason in the middle of Market, thus blocking traffic headed east on Market. HONNNNNNNK and me SMH all afternoon long, lol!

OVERALL:
Cool vibe & views, great prices, free street entertainment.“

“What an eclectic spot. Hole in the Wall Saloon is exactly what you hope it will be: neon signs buzzing, the jukebox always has something good, and the people-watching is elite. Saturday happy hour? $2 beers that actually taste cold, not flat, and you’ll find yourself staying for “just one more” before you realize it’s dark out.

If you like places that aren’t trying too hard, where you can grab a cheap drink, play a round of pool, and chat with folks who aren’t in a rush, this is your place. Cash only, but the ATM is right there. Go. Have fun. Don’t expect fancy, expect a good time.“

“Sunday Scaries? Not if you’re drinking this.

You know it’s a Castro Sunday when brunch is a memory, the drag queens are winding down, and you’re debating whether to go home or make one last questionable decision. Enter: Last Call, dimly lit and perfectly cozy, with the kind of bartender who looks like they’ve seen it all—and still hands you the perfect drink without judgment.

I asked for a Penicillin and what I got was Sunday night therapy in a glass. Smoky blended scotch layered gently over lemon, honey, and ginger so smooth, it practically whispered, “You’re going to be fine. Just don’t open Slack tomorrow before 10.”

It’s medicinal in the best way, like if your grandmother were a speakeasy witch doctor from a Queen in Glasgow. Every sip feels like it’s curing whatever twink nonsense the week tried to do to you. Your boss? Irrelevant. Your ex? Foggy. That existential dread creeping in? Drowned in peat and citrus.

This isn’t a cocktail. It’s a reset button with ice.

Pro tip: get it before the lights come up and the jukebox cuts off. It’s called Last Call for a reason, and this Penicillin is the prescription you didn’t know you needed.“

“Definitely skews young (20s), with louder music and flashing lights on a Thursday, but that likely says more about me… 1/2 bartenders were friendly, but I guess everyone has bad days. The one baffling thing: only 2-3 toilet stalls in the whole place (I went when it was barely half empty, can’t imagine the bathroom lines on a busy Saturday!)“

“Didn't try the food, but drinks were delish. The bartenders working were also sweet and accommodating! The vibes when coming in were okay at first, but walking out to the open back patio, it was such a cool place. We started our night here to pre game and chill, and that we did! The heaters outside were perfect, especially for a cold SF night. Many queer folk around made it a super welcoming space. Would come again!“

“A San Francisco legacy business; old school lgbt hangout with plenty of TVs to watch Niners and Warriors games. The decor is full of beautiful nostalgia; one of the TVs is dedicated to either Xena or some hilarious b-movie with Bigfoot. Excellent drinks (amazing margaritas and whiskey sours) and top class service. Love this place; A+++ ♥️“

“This is !n old divey bar in the upper Haight. It's fun and super friendly. You might come in a stranger but you'll leave with a new group of friends.

This is not a place where you look at what's trending so you can order the same thing and take yet another photo of the same cocktail to post on the web. This is a place where people talk to each tiger, share their stories and become friends.“

“Best vibe. Best parties. Best people.“