San Francisco Gay Bars

One of the first gay bars in San Francisco (and in the US), Twin Peaks Tavern first opened in 1935. The venue has laid-back vibe and friendly staff. It's a 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.

Twin Peaks Tavern is open every day of the week until 2am.

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.

440 Castro is a gay bar in San Francisco's gay district catering to the bear and leather community. It hosts regular events including Underwear Night and 'Battle of the Bulges.

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

The venue features great cocktails, happy-hour drinks, and more.

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

The bar is known for cheap cocktails and a laid-back vibe. It features a pool table, frequent happy hours, friendly bartenders, outdoor patio, and, internet jukebox so you can play your favorite songs.

The MIX hosts events such as Drag Bingo on occassion.

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.

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.

The Cafe is a gay bar and nightclub. It is 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'.

Other theme nights include: Latin nights, drag performances, and more.

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

The EDGE is open every day of the week until 2am, making it a great spot to hang out with friends or meet locals.

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

Lookout Bar is a gay bar located in Castro, the gay neighborhood of San Francisco. The venue is a perfect hangout spot for drinks & DJs, with a wraparound balcony overlooking Market Street.

The bar hosts regular drag shows and theme events, including crop top parties, karaoke nights, holiday parties, and more. Check out their website for more information.

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

The venue features a laid-back atmosphere, karaoke, and more. Staff serves great cocktails and traditional American food & weekend brunch.

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

Toad Hall Bar is a neighborhood gay bar, located in the gay center of San Francisco, Castro. The venue features a smoke-friendly patio, happy hours, great cocktails, food, live DJs, and a versatile space with lots of seats and a stage. 

The bar hosts events frequently, including RuPaul Drag Race watch parties, karaoke nights, drag trivia, and more. Check out their website for more information.

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.

The venue hosts events frequently, including stripper night, bear pride, 'daddy saddle' and more.

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 heated seating area at the back. Weekly themes include karaoke nights, live music on Thursdays, and the popular beer bust for $12 on Sundays. The venue also hosts drag shows periodically.

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

The venue offers a great range of cocktails, and the bar is known for its lively atmosphere and varied crowd.

The bar is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm until late hours.

The Wild Side West is a historic lesbian bar that 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.

The venue features Trivia Contests on Wednesdays, which are characterized by their humour and the host, Kitty Tapata. Free to join, and starting at 8pm-ish, it's a great way to have fun and win free booze.

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

Aunt Charlie's Lounge is a gay bar known and loved for its cheap drinks and relaxed atmosphere. The venue offers great cocktails, happy-hour drinks, and a cozy but eclectic environment.

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

The venue is open every day of the week from 12pm (10am on weekends) to 12am.