The Most Delectable Gay Bars in San Francisco

Lookout

★★★★☆ 3.6 (381) • $$

"It's been ages since I last came here. Nothing bad happened to me. It was just a different time of my life when swarthy young men quenched my thirst more than the watered-down drinks. These days I'm more excited by the sight of two fully operational slushie machines on the counter. Most bars store them away until the summer. That's just wrong.What has remained the same is the spacious upstairs bar with the wraparound balcony, definitely a unique feature in the Castro as you can stare at the often drunken pedestrians precariously crossing Market below. The balcony is set up for smokers, but non-smokers can usually find a smoke-free space out there.I came late on a Tuesday afternoon.It was pretty quiet with Eric the bartender effortlessly entertaining me with stories of his time in Hawaii. Cocktails were uniformly $12, whether it was the refreshing Peach Margarita Slushie (photo) or the more urbane Espresso Martini (photo: https://yelp.to/wB8OODtyFy). Both were equally satisfying. As I recall from days of yore, I'm sure it gets rowdy and crowded as the evening rolls on.COCKTAILS - 4 stars...satisfying libations at $12 eachAMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...the spaciousness and the balcony are the clinchersSERVICE - 4 stars...Eric and the other boys were acesTOTAL - 4 stars...Look Out!RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

Moby Dick

★★★★☆ 3.7 (237) • $

"I had not been back to this longtime Castro spot since the pandemic, but I've always appreciated its convivial atmosphere and big fish tank. Perhaps it's because I don't possess the most literary mind, but I thought the provocative name referred to a whale penis which you may know measures an average of nine feet in length.I saw one at the Icelandic Phallological Museum. Don't ask. Perhaps it was the colorful fish and coral in the tank (photo: https://bit.ly/3qBjcub), but it put me in a most tropical mood. Without all the mai tai fixings on hand, the bartender mixed me some Malibu's Rum with orange juice, kind of a Rum Punch, for just $6 (photo: https://bit.ly/3KE6Rwh).I came back weeks later for the $6 Tequila Sunrise (photo: https://bit.ly/3qvU3kJ), and it was even more delightful. At that bargain price, I couldn't help but get two. While I didn't end up getting in the tank with the fish, I did share what I saw in Iceland. Now I didn't say it was the one that got away, just that size does matter among select mammals.COCKTAILS - 4 stars...like the tropical ones and loved the priceAMBIANCE - 4 stars...still the same congregation spot it's always beenSERVICE - 4.5 stars...the bartender was here to pleaseTOTAL - 4 stars...the name is anatomically correctRELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

El Rio

★★★★☆ 4.1 (800) • $

"Big ups for the outdoor patio area; it's big, now with awnings to protect you from the rain, and a stage for the DJ. When a party is going on with an outdoor DJ, this is the place to be. El Rio hosts various fun queer parties; check out their IG for event details. Mango is a fun one for the female-leaning peeps. For some events they have food, but otherwise you can only get snacks at the bar, like popcorn. Their cocktails and beer options are nothing special."

Lone Star Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.2 (103) • $

"So, guess what! Ya boi is officially mentally handicapped. It pains me to say it, but it's true - I went to the city to run some errands with my buddy at the bars, and I forgot my mask at home, like a real genius. I mean, even in this day'n'age when masks are more important that wearing t-shirts, yet I still managed to make it all the way to the city and not have mine. Lovely.Cue Lone Star Saloon! Bartender saw me standing outside like a lost puppy, asked if I needed anything, and I said I didn't have a mask because I was hit in the head repeatedly as a child. This home boi jumps to action and asks the lovely fellow at the door to hand a spare that he has to me! I was simply elated! Unfortunately I was unable to spend much time here, because everyone was just so lovely, which they tend to be at Gay Bars, but I'll be back!! People helping people - What a f***in' concept nowadays.KThxBai! LuvYou! :D"

Aunt Charlie's Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.1 (227) • $

"You're probably gobsmacked that I've never heard of this bar much less ever been here. Yes, somebody needs to slap me with a rainbow riding crop. However, I felt an obligation to address this lapse once Jamie W. pointed me to a recent news story about it and how it remains a neighborhood anomaly that has survived far from the Castro in the Tenderloin.Make no mistake, this is a dive and a crowded compact one to boot. It wasn't that relaxing on an early weeknight evening because it was packed with a dedicated clientele, I.e., stationary regulars who weren't budging. I managed to squeeze onto the stool closest to the front door and ordered a Bourbon and Ginger which turned out to be only $6.50 (photo: https://bit.ly/3rKbzC6).There was no hint of the drag show in the daylight of a Thursday evening, and as I was nursing my drink. I kept wondering how they fit all that sashaying into such a tight space. Perhaps Jamie and I will try to make one of those legendary weekend drag shows, that is if we can steel ourselves to brave this block after dark. Yeah, that may not happen for a while.DRINKS - 3.5 stars...cheap drinks, more potent than I expectedAMBIANCE - 2.5 stars...pure dive, no charmSERVICE - 4 stars...they like cashTOTAL - 3 stars...piece of true history but a bit of a letdown RELATED - Exploring the Tenderloin? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NIQ0tw"

Wild Side West

★★★★☆ 3.9 (320) • $

"Met up here with a friend for a much needed gossip and gab session. We're both in the area for work so not local at all, but heard good things and wanted to support one of a few remaining lesbian bars.It's cash only, but there's an ATM inside. The decor is amazing, the outside space even better, and the atmosphere was so welcoming. Definitely would come back during the summer just to enjoy a drink outside in their garden area.The bartender was helpful and friendly and people in the bar were all close regulars. Drink prices were reasonable and there were lots of people with their pets around too.It's a really special place and I'll definitely be recommending this spot!"

Badlands

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (640) • $$

"I don't go out very often for cocktails. When I do it's usually with friends. I went out recently in the afternoon on Friday or Saturday I believe it was. The had nicest bartender there. I think his name was Karl. He was polite, happy and talkative. It made my day when he asked " how is your day going?" He didn't use the word Sir, thank goodness. Sir makes me feel old. Thanks for people like Karl working in Castro"

Last Call Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (125) • $

"Overall - One of the best bars in the city, and probably the best in the Castro. Inviting team and stellar cocktails make this spot on our regular rotation.Rating: 5 of 5Ambiance - divey but charming. Since I first started coming here, they've slowly been adding small touches to make the space more inviting and it shows. Not a huge complaint, not worth dinging, but it does get very busy in here sometimes and it's not the most suited place for that. Could really use a second bartender for the busiest times. Again, though, not huge.Rating: 5 of 5Service - this is where this bar shines and, I'd argue, what makes this spot so popular. All the bartenders are unique experiences and any single one of them would make this bar worth coming to. Every tender has their own menu with their own unique cocktails, I can't tell you how wonderful this is. This plus their personalities almost make this place a different bar every time they switch shifts. Special shout out to Jonathan, but everyone else is incredibly lovely. Rating: 5 of 5Drinks - pretty standard choose your own adventure cocktail bar with some signatures based on the bartender. They do put a lot of love and time into their concoctions and it very much shows.What Was Ordered: Maker's Old Fashioned, Black Manhattan, Spicy PalomaRating: 5 of 5Scoring modifiers:- Price: the most reasonably priced, high quality cocktails in the city. +.5Rating Modification Adjustment Total: +.5Notes:- Ordering tips: if it's busy, recommend being patient, the drinks are worth it! Also, the crew has a very good memory, so order all of your party's drinks at once (and it seems they prefer this, correct me if I'm wrong) and sort out the tabs after the bill is paid.- What to Get: Anything- What to Avoid: Getting to the bar before you have the full order ready!"

Hole In the Wall Saloon

★★★★☆ 4 (85) • $

"You ever see "Cruising"? That's the 1980 movie where Al Pacino played a cop that goes undercover in the West Village S&M leather scene to find a serial killer targeting gay men. Believe it or not, it wasn't a comedy, and it was the first time I saw a leather gay bar even if it was just a movie. Well, I had a flashback to that film when I entered this bar in the middle of the afternoon. Definitely dark but honestly not that foreboding.It felt more like a hangout for regulars who want a little more edge in the atmosphere. The leatherbound bartender was obviously a longtime employee because he barely cracked a smile the whole time I was here. I ordered a $6 Tequila Sunrise which to the bartender's credit, was as potent as one could handle in the daylight (photo: https://yelp.to/9WNvrDpffx). I'm sure Al would've cuffed me and read my rights.DRINK - 3 stars...had real swingAMBIANCE - 3 stars...yep, it's a leather bar alrightSERVICE - 3.5 stars...not Miss CongenialityTOTAL - 3 stars...is that you, Al?RELATED - Exploring western SoMa? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2H0vGTV"

Trax

★★★★☆ 4.1 (192) • $

"Fun funky and really good drink pricesFriendly bartenders Great location and fun vibe Old school bar"

440 Castro

★★★★☆ 3.7 (226) • $

"Hell, I remember when this legendary bear spot was 'Daddy's'. That was back in the '90's when I was in the twilight of my cruising marketability. I don't think I was on a daddy hunt, in particular, but in hindsight, I would've been open to having a drink with someone who had a deep baritone, equally deep pockets, and gray in his temples. The reality was that I was a cheap date, and this was the watering hole to be cheap.Flash forward a few eons and here I was again still being cheap. Only I was definitely not on a daddy hunt. Who's your Daddy now? Or maybe more accurately, Grandpapa. In fact, some middle-aged twink out on the sidewalk called me Mr. Miyagi. But hey, I come here for the friendly, seasoned bartenders and the cheap drinks. I absolutely rejoice at the prospect of high-octane $5 Happy Hour Tequila Sunrises (photo: https://yelp.to/FMcCxABKvu).DRINKS - 4 stars...cheap and potentAMBIANCE - 4 stars...convivial though I like the inside better than the outsideSERVICE - 4.5 stars..,the crew here is greatTOTAL - 4 stars...my heart belongs to Daddy'sRELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

Powerhouse

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (121) • $

"This is actually one of my favorite go-to bars. I highly recommend if you're visiting town but if you show up on the wrong theme night, you may not enjoy it. That's the reason I knocked off one of the five stars. Besides that the staff is fantastic, drinks are cheap, and everybody is in a fun judgment, free, mood. Definitely give it a shot Just make sure you check that website thoroughly for dates and timing."

The Cinch

★★★★☆ 4 (249) • $

"Happy to see this place is still going strong! Tuesday happy hour was pretty packed! Haven't been in, in a very long time. Used to come here all the time back when I lived in the neighborhood. Now that my office is only a 15 min walk away, I plan to come back much more often. The bartenders were super nice and attentive. Very respectable pour and prices. Diverse crowd. Love it!"

Ginger's

★★★★☆ 4.1 (44) • $

"I love this somewhat hidden gem and that it's located outside of the Castro district. It felt like a gay speakeasy because you walk through the alley to get to it. Not that the bar is hard to find, but it's not on a main street with through traffic and it sits across from a parking garage. You go down the stairs and you find yourself in a cool space which was fully decorated for Halloween. The music was on point and the bartender was very friendly. The drinks are fairly cheap which is definitely a bonus and rather hard to find in the area. I would love to come back here during the weekend for my next visit because it felt like a place that's more my speed."

Twin Peaks Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.8 (229) • $$

"I've decided to celebrate my 6,700th Yelp review at the Glass Coffin because I was NOT the oldest patron in the place. I wasn't the youngest either, not by a long shot, which just shows this classic watering hole has been attracting customers across the generations. That's a good thing because they were definitely on life support during the pandemic.The older gentlemen were still holding court at the tables next to the floor-to-ceiling windows checking out the passing beefcake. The bar, however, was up for grabs, so I took an open seat secretly fearful that I would be forced to share a table with my age-appropriate brethren. But no, the young buck bartender let me stay since my eyes widened at their house cocktail selection.I was in a tropical mood, so I went for the $8.50 Tequila Sunrise, a good size glass filled to the lip with tequila, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine (photo: https://yelp.to/hM4GOgLDPx). It made my palate do a hula. I was feeling a bit convivial, so I ordered the $11 Appletini, which he served straight up like my name was Carrie. The vodka and apple pucker combo worked for me (photo: https://yelp.to/RCSB8kGnQ4). Welcome back from the dead, Glass Coffin.COCKTAILS - 5 stars...good prices for frilly drinks that pack a nice kickAMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...hey, it's been around since 1935 and a gay bar since 1972...it's an institution SERVICE - 4 stars...nice bartender but his attention veered to the fresh meat that came inTOTAL - 5 stars...hey, it's a must-stop on your Castro gay bar tourRELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

Toad Hall Bar

★★★★☆ 3.5 (304) • $

"Converted in 1967, this is one of the oldest gay bars in the Castro, but it doesn't look its age. That's because it's been renovated through several identity changes finally settling on the name Toad Hall in 2009 to capitalize on a bar scene in the film "Milk". The current vibe is similar to Midnight Sun except Toad Hall has an inviting outdoor patio much like Pilsner Inn (photo: https://yelp.to/JDbsCOB0kx). Very chill indeed.Like Midnight Sun, they have a 2-4-1 Happy Hour. OK, I have to admit something stupid I said once and not that long ago. I didn't know what "2-4-1" meant, so I asked a bartender what "2-4-1" means. He said "2-4-1". It took a couple of rounds for me to realize he meant "two-for-one". What can I say? I'm slow. Toad Hall has "2-4-1" until 8:30PM during the week. Convenient but an easy excuse to get...Wasted. Unlike Midnight Sun, they don't make you one drink and give you a chip for the second. Oh no, they pour both drinks at the same time, so if you're alone, you literally become a two-fisted drinker. Sure, they're a bit on the watery side, but hey, the optics! So whether you get $12 Bulleit Bourbon & Gingers (photo: https://yelp.to/F1WQ2GodUd) or $9 Tequila Sunrises (photo: https://yelp.to/Rnlwp2Ca5s), you can clink your own glasses. Cheers.DRINKS - 4 stars...2-4-1...need I say more?AMBIANCE - 4 stars...spacious during the week and pretty chillSERVICE - 4 stars...they pour...and pour againTOTAL - 4 stars...come if you're thirstyRELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

The Mix

★★★★☆ 3.7 (324) • $$

"I remember when this spot was called Uncle Bert's probably around the start of the millennium. It was a more rambunctious and disheveled place. Or maybe it was me who was more rambunctious and disheveled back then. It all blurs together in what's left of my brain. Currently it's more of a standard grade Castro gay bar but with two separate bars.The second one is outside in the back patio where most of the regulars congregate amid the permanent holiday lights. The owners refer to their establishment as "The Neighborhood Bar" on the awning, and it fits as most of the customers know each other and the veteran bartender quite well. I just sidled myself up to the main bar and ordered one of their $7 drinks (photo: https://yelp.to/OvmIsy4ZKD).It can get a bit loud and somewhat crowded during Happy Hour (no 2-4-1 though), but what I really appreciated was the huge restroom with multiple urinals available. Unfortunately the sink is adjacent to them, so depending on the gender and availability of the person washing up, there could be awkward furtive glances exchanged. Or you could get lucky. Who knows when you're in The Mix?DRINKS - 3 stars...a bit on the weak side but reasonably pricedAMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...big on rainbows hereSERVICE - 4 stars...pleasant and busyTOTAL - 3 stars...what's in The Mix?RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

The Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.5 (310) • $$

"The vibe is ok, but was totally ruined by security kicking half our group out because of a "fake" ID. Save your money and go to Beaux across the street #dontbeadick"

Jolene's Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (115) • $$

"Food & entertainment is amazing here. The shows they put on is amazing. They have like 5 different performers. The vibe is a total turn up. You're never bored. Food is real good as well. The owner is very nice. The setting is dark & club-like. You order by the scan menu on the table."

Q Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (411) • $

"All I can say is, if you want to party like it's 1 AM on Saturday but it's only 10 PM on Monday, look no further. As for the clientele, cute young guys (maybe 80/20 split, the latter being straight, the former being, in this hetero dude's honest impression, better dressed and in better shape) but 40/60 the other way for girls (fewer of them overall though). Not to be left out of the mix if you aren't the type of guy to frequent the Castro. you are missing out on a great time. Also seems like a good place to bring a really cool girl you met at one of the less poppin' Monday night locations around town. (or, of course, a really fun guy if you're batting from the other side of the plate)From now on, I think it's Emily Anne at Rickhouse followed immediately by a 10 min. cab ride to Q-bar along Market Street. no question.PS: good luck at work on Tuesday, the drinks are strong. I suggests downing something greasy and filling at Sparky's circa 1 AM before you head home. (they always have South Park on the TV when it's that late too, laughing helps stave off hangovers... FACT! last time it was the tri-pod and wheels episode. Classic.)"

SF Eagle

★★★★☆ 4 (218) • $

"I have a confession to make. For the longest time, I was afraid of going to the Eagle. I just figured I wasn't burly enough or had enough leather and link chain in my wardrobe. However, over a year ago, I finally steeled myself and entered through the foreboding black curtain. Hey, it wasn't scary at all. In fact, it was damn near empty at around 6:30PM on a weeknight. What was I so worried about?If you didn't know, the Eagle has a huge space with a huge patio. Only one of the two bar counters was open, but they were offering outrageously reasonable $6 Eagle Margaritas during Happy Hour (photo: https://yelp.to/GY98AyGOv5). Nothing to sneeze at or tangle with a den of bears about. Even though it's not part of a chain, did you know there are over thirty gay bars named Eagle around the world? They all focus on bears but in different ways indicative of each culture.Jamie W and I have been to Eagle Tokyo and Eagle Tokyo Blue recently (review: https://yelp.to/k6YVl5Jb4C), so I wasn't completely in the dark about the scene. I think SF Eagle may have a stronger sense of community because I've stopped by when they offered holiday meal buffets and OK, that might've been me at Last Chance Underpants and Daddy Issues. I won't submit sworn testimony, but I won't deny it either.DRINKS - 4 stars...big, potent and pretty reasonableAMBIANCE - 4 stars...spacious even when it gets crowdedSERVICE - 3.5 stars...surprisingly business-likeTOTAL - 4 stars...find your inner bear here even if your outer bear works just fineRELATED - Looking for a gay bar? Here's my collection of bars I've visited around the world and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3LJO7fd"

Mother

★★★★☆ 3.5 (46)

"There last night, which was a Monday and the place was bangin. The bartender (Justine??) was hella hot and I ordered a cocktail appropriately named ^ blush ^ hehe. Price was reasonable too.Stayed until the end and there were crowds of womyn in their 20s & 30s screamin near the dancing portion. Great energy and made me reminesce of the good ole days since I was here in the late 90s. Oh shit did that gave my age away? Next time I will bring my wifey.Btw although Mother doesnt allow food, options r plenty on 16th St. Tacos/Pizza/Pakistani. U name it. They dont mimd if you bring food in.I stayed until 11:45 pm (van u believe it this lesbian bar opens until Midnight Mondays) so hey you fellow dykes, dont keep complaining there r no good lesbian bars. The gays kept Moby Dick & so many alive in the Castro, lets reclaim the Mission!!! Oh yeah, the bounder told me tbe business is Lesbian owned. HIGHLY RECOMMEND"

The Edge

★★★★☆ 3.6 (202) • $

"On a lazy weekday afternoon past 3PM, The Edge doesn't feel all that edgy. It feels like a convivial gathering spot in contrast to the dark and cruisey leathery ambiance it has after dark. The bartenders are very relaxed here and mingle quite a bit with the bearish regulars, which meant waiting a while to get my drink order in. No matter since I was in no hurry.Like Toad Hall and Beaux, they offer a 2-4-1 Happy Hour and gratefully provide tokens for your second drink. I kinda hate how Toad Hall serves both drinks at the same time. One $8.50 Tequila Sunrise worked for me (photo: https://yelp.to/YkhN_yrKdZ), and I pocketed the token. Best of all, I feel the crowd is age-appropriate for me. Yes, I mean it skews older, and coincidentally that's how I skew, too.DRINKS - 4 stars...mixed well and hey, 2-4-1AMBIANCE - 3 stars...dark and leathery yet surprisingly sunnySERVICE - 4 stars...cool bartender TOTAL - 4 stars...seen more rounded corners than edges hereRELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

Pilsner Inn

★★★★☆ 3.8 (248) • $

"This might very well be the first gay bar I patronized after creeping stealthily out of the closet a hundred years ago. I remember trying too hard to be a beer guzzler and hanging out in the back patio back when it felt like somebody's carport. Even though the patio has been spruced up considerably since my virginal visits, the bar still retains its backyard hangout vibe.Maybe that has to do with its outlier location on Church. It doesn't feel like it's competing with all the other bars deeper into the Castro. They don't offer 2-4-1 tokens, but their drinks are more than reasonably priced ($6 Tequila Sunrise - photo: https://yelp.to/JDnxfA-GFe). They open relatively early at 1PM, so if you plan to tipple early, you can have the patio to yourself and keep the lonely koi company (photo: https://yelp.to/PWft2YGTXh).DRINKS - 4 stars...potent and cheapAMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...love the back patioSERVICE - 3.5 stars...initially surly but warms upTOTAL - 4 stars...there's nothing like your first gay barRELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC"

Beaux

★★★★☆ 3.7 (336) • $$

"I've been to Beaux many many times after this initial review and my experiences with the staff and the bar have been great. I come reguarly for Drag Race viewing parties and drag shows. So, I wanted to revise my initial review here."

Hi Tops - San Francisco

★★★★☆ 3.8 (480) • $$

"Great spot with surprisingly delicious food. The pretzel is excellent, and I love that they serve it with a nice spicy house made mustard. I've been twice and gotten the slushy both times, which have been delish. My girlfriend likes the corn dog, although it could use a thicker batter. Recently I tried the Bacon Beef burger (aioli, onion jam, wild arugula, gruyere) which was scrumptious. Cooked to perfection with the right amount of sauce and toppings (two nice slices of bacon that were perfectly cooked). Pretty decent prices for the serving sizes (burger comes with fries and a pickle). The staff are friendly and there's lots of seating both inside and outside."

Midnight Sun

★★★★☆ 3.5 (229) • $

"Saw the DRAG show they hold every 3rd Tuesday here! The performers were very funny and fantastic, especially for a free show! The bar staff was friendly and accommodating!I only got a coca cola so I can't judge the drinks, but they have a wide variety of craft cocktails which look fun!The lights and big windows and screens are fun!"