Gay bars in san francisco

Been there, done that? A true neighborhood bar in every sense of the word, the drinks are strong, the patrons are friendly, and the back patio is generous.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, DJs spin power-pop, glam-rock, and retro “homo bar” classics.

For forty years, Wild Side West has welcomed queer women and those that love them to their authentic tavern and lush outdoor patio. Be sure to bring singles and plan to tip every girl. Dark even in the middle of the day, this cowboy-themed spot with a pool table and patio is hung with erotic art, and, although it’s a little rough around the edges, the Cinch is as friendly as they come. 

Once upon a time, El Rio was a Brazilian Leather Bar.

Today, this brightly colored space caters more to the lesbian crowd, with plenty of indie bands and nights dedicated to worthwhile causes to draw those from diverse corners of the city. Live music on Thursday nights is a nice counterpoint to the often wild and unexpected Friday and Saturday night parties that feature everything from lube wrestling to gaymer nights.

Big, meaty men gravitate to this self-styled Bear Bar in SoMa.

Inside it can be slow on weekdays but wend your way to the rear, past the pool table, past the DJ booths and bathrooms, down the hallway lined with decades of gay memorabilia, to find the crowd chomping cigars and sharing cigarettes on the outdoor patio. Last Call closed down during the pandemic, and was subsequently sold on to new owners – but they've kept the same vibe (and name). 

The place to see and be seen for everyone from leather-clad bears to tiny twinks to party-hardy lesbians.

Happy Hour ain't no slouch, either. SF is known for electing Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the US, and is still known today for its thriving queer community. 

At the epicentre of it all is San Francisco’s Castro District, full of drag shows, bars and great restaurants, but there’s plenty more to discover throughout SF (and Oakland) if you know where to look.

Whether you’re looking for friendly lesbian bars, balls-to-the-wall Latinx dance parties or a very memorable drag show, these are the best gay bars in SF right now. Weekends brunch fare like fried egg sandwiches and chicken and waffles pair perfectly with bottomless mimosas..

The Mix has a more laid-back approach to LGBTQ revelry than other spots in town.

On Sunday afternoons, the Lone Star is the default second-choice destination for those in search of an afternoon beer bust.

What Aunt Charlie’s Lounge lacks in location (it is tucked away in the Tenderloin), it makes up for in character. Think again, my friend.

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