Pilsner Inn

A few lifetimes ago, this was the neighborhood hangout. I moved away years ago and stepped foot inside for the first time in ages. I was worried that they'd updated it (they have) and erased the neighborhood hangout charm, but thankfully that is intact. Friendly, welcoming, with an amazing array of beers on tap. The TVs are on with sports, and a jukebox of music is at the perfect volume to keep the place feeling lively, but you can still have a conversation. I was happy to find it's still a very welcoming place for a good drink or a game of pool.

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

Met up with colleagues for drinks after work. Really chill spot to hang out and chat. We stayed at the bar but there is a cool back patio area too. Our bartenders JM and were awesome - strong drinks made fast at a decent price point and we had the option of paying up front or keeping a tab open. No food service but they do allow outside food.

This was my first time at this gay bar, and it was so chill. Even during the pandemic. James the bartender was so sweet and attentive! I got such good vibes coming here. I barely moved to the city this year, so I'm totally coming back to this bar.I got the Lemon Berry Mojito (so freaking good) and sat at an outdoor table in the back that's separated by the other tables by plastic curtains. The back has beautiful plants, lights, and pride flags. The music was fire as well. On top of that, their straws are fully compostable! Talk about eco friendly. (: Couldn't ask for a better way to spend my evening after a long day of work.

Nice bar at the corner of Market and Church. They have an outdoor patio area that's a relaxing place to have a drink.

Went ~6 PM on a Thursday and there was a decent crowd, definitely nowhere near packed. The people there, along with the bartender, was friendly. The backyard patio was cute and my friend's moose drool(?) drink was quite good. However, literally everyone at the patio was smoking. Also, though there was enough room to have more tables, they didn't add more in. We still found seats, but all the tables outside were already occupied by the time we got there.

I love the Pilsner, more calm and relaxed than other bars on and near Castro. Their outdoor patio is a little oasis in SF's concrete and steel jungle. Beers and mixed drinks are great and staff is very patient! While I had been here a few times before, I'll be going back more just for the patio! Don't forget the pool table, dart board, and pinball machine. Basically, they have a little of everything you are looking for on a quieter night out.

Friendly bartenders and fun casual environment at this neighborhood bar. Always feel welcome here. Happy hour during the week slaps.

My favorite bar in SF. Good beer at good prices, no one takes themselves too seriously, gets too drunk, or gets too loud. Just a good neighborhood bar to have a drink, sit on the back patio (maybe have a smoke), and chat with friends. Bar tenders are friendly and attentive without being fake. The vibe is immaculate. Never change Pilsner.

My favorite place in town. Great bartenders. A relaxed crowd with a great community, large beer selection, and couple delicious frozen cocktails. Love it.