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Badlands
One of the more popular spaces in the Castro proves the old adage that gay folk like dancing! The bars sleek decore features monitors playing the latest music videos to view and dance to on the ever expanding dance floor.
Happy hour is Monday thru Friday 2-7 PM, with a popular weekend Beer Bust every Saturday & Sunday from 2-8 PM
4121 18th Street
at Castro Street
San Francisco
Phone: 415-626-9320
Email: info@sfbadlands.com
Web Page: http://www.sfbadlands.com/
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Bar On Castro
It's a bar! It's a pool hall! It's an airport lounge! Whatever you think it is, one things for sure - it's a lot of fun!
The after work crowd comes in to take advantage of Happy Hour (4pm - 7pm) and most of them stay well into the night as the party get's jumping.
Contact: Morgan
456 Castro Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: 415-626-7220 |
Café
This mixed sex bar offers a usually crowded dancefloor along with pool and an outdoor patio. There is always a line on the weekends as many young bridge & tunnel queers make The Café a destination spot.
2367 Market Street
at Castro
San Francisco
Phone: (415) 861-3846 |
Castro Country Club
An alternative to the bar scene, the club provides a setting for socializing minus the loud dance music and alcohol that comes with the majority of bars. The four different spaces inside the club allow you to unwind in a variety of ways. This well-kept no-frills establishment also plays host to a variety of talents, from stand-up comedians to classical violinists to local artists, many of whose work can be found hanging on the walls.
Contact: Dan Cusick
4058 18th Street
at Castro Street
San Francisco
Phone: 415-552-6102
Email: events@castrocountryclub.org
Web Page: Reviews at Yelp.com |
Cherry Bar (SOMA)
Women's bars have traditionally not done well in San Francisco (I'd like for someone to do a study on WHY!) but the Cherry Bar is aiming to buck that trend with a variety of fun events along with a great space. Visit them online to see what's going on this month!
917 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-974-1585
Email: info@clubskirts.com
Web Page: Reviews at Yelp.com |
Club Rendez-Vous (POLK)
There's always something going on at Club Rendez Vous. Whether it's the Friday's drag extravaganza TILFriday's, Karaoke contests, sporting events on the big screen or hot go-go boys, something is bound to get your attention...and keep it!
1312 Polk St
at Bush
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-309-2582
Email: clubrendezvous@aol.com
Web Page: http://www.clubrendez-vous.com/
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Daddy's
This is the Castro's premiere levi and leather bar featuring lots of community fund raisers and events. Daily drink specials bring lots of locals in to unwind from the day and share time with their friends (and all of the beautiful bartenders!) - but when the annual Leather events are in full swing it is the best spot to make a new out-of-town friend!
440 Castro Street
San Francisco CA 94114-2020
Phone: 415-621-8732
Web Page: http://www.daddysbar.com
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Eagle Tavern (SOMA)
Is there some kind of unwritten law that every town with more than 1 gay bar must have an Eagle? Well our Eagle is the one all others are based on! As one of the centers of SF's leather and fetish scene there's always something gong on. And don't forget the Sunday Beer Bust - a weekend tradition for years!
398 12th St
at Harrison
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-626-0880
Email: info@sfeagle.com
Web Page: http://www.sfeagle.com
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Edge
Often times considered Daddy's sister bar, The Edge welcomes its patrons with a huge sliding glass window that opens up during warm days and nights. Customers gaze out (sometimes hang out) of the open window, enticing people into its dark, cruisy interior. They also host various contests, the periodic basket and buns show being a local favorite. Crowd tends to be a little older and very cruisy. Happy Hour is noon-7pm Mon.-Fri. with $1.75 domestic beer & well drinks. Wednesday & Sunday $1.75 margaritas all day.
4149 18th Street
San Francisco CA 94114-2407
Phone: (415) 863-4027
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El Rio (MISSION)
Now, ya gotta love a bar that proudly refers to itself as YOUR DIVE! As their web-site says - a neighborhood bar with a Bay Area-wide clientele who enjoy being in a culturally, racially and sexually mixed environment to have a good time and find a mixed bag of enjoyable music and entertainment. I couldn't have said it better myself. Fun in the Mission!
3158 Mission St
at Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-282-3325
Web Page: http://www.elriosf.com
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Harvey's
After a brief closure this bar, named for former San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, is back open and ready for business. As a tourist, this is probably one of the most significant spots in the Castro as the walls are covered with all sorts of gay and lesbian memorabilia.
500 Castro Street
at 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 431-HARV
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Hole In The Wall (SOMA)
One of the truly unique gay bars in San Francisco, the Hole in the Wall brings the biker, rocker and leather bar vibes all together to create a vibe all it's own. Always a great time, day or night!
289 8th St
at Folsom
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 431-HOWL
Email: info@holeinthewallsaloon.com
Web Page: http://www.holeinthewallsaloon.com
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Lexington Club (MISSION)
This is the oldest Lesbian bar in the city and it's friendly neighborhood vibe has made it so. Just a no frills, laid back space with pool tables and a fantasticly fun jukebox keep the ladies (and some of their male friends) coming back. Great place!
3464 19th Street
at Lexington St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Email: 415-863-2052
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Loading Dock (SOMA)
With their strict dress code enforced, you'd better make sure you've got your best leather, uniform, latex or rubber on if you're looking to get in! The Loading Dock is REAL deal amongst the leather/fetish crowd.
Open just Thursday thru Sunday it draws a great crowd looking for fun. Don't forget the Sunday Beer Bust from 6-9pm.
1525 Mission Street
San Francisco CA 94103
Phone: 415-864-1525
Email: comments@loadingdocksf.com
Web Page: http://www.loadingdocksf.com
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Lone Star Saloon (SOMA)
It's the epicenter of SF's Bear community and all of those who love 'em. There's a great outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying the weekend Benefit Beer Bust (Sat 3pm - 7pm/Sun 4 - 8pm), whether the weather is nice or not. Always fun!
1354 Harrison Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-863-2009
Web Page: Reviews at Yelp.com
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Men's Room
This oft forgoten gem is off the main Castro Street path down 18th Street (right next to the 7-11) but it's cozy vibe and friendly bartenders has earned it some very big fans. This is about as small and neighborhoody as a bar gets in the Castro. Also comes with it's own fireplace. Happy Hour: 4-7pm Mon.-Sat.
Contact: Lita Byrd
3988 18th Street
San Francisco CA 94114-2520
Phone: (415) 861-1310
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Metro
This bar, though restyled in the late '90's, still features the classy polished steel, high-tech look of the the '80's. The upbeat dance music and always-happy bartenders keep the energy level high. The most outstanding feature of this bar continues to be the narrow outdoor balcony/catwalk that overlooks Market at Noe. Tuesday night is Karoke Night.
3600 16th Street
at Noe and Market
San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 703-9750
Web Page: http://metro.citysearch.com
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Midnight Sun
The Castro's oldest video-bar features the best in music clips with regular breaks of a variety of classic comedic moments from sketch shows, sitcoms and stand-up comedians to keep the vibe constantly upbeat and festive.
Weekly screenings of such gay friendly/themed shows as The Simpsons, Will & Grace, Sex & The City and Queer As Folk bring in lots of regulars who want to ditch the couch but still see their favorites! If all of this, combined with a friendly barstaff and 2 for 1 well drinks during happy hour (2-7pm) don't help you unwind after a hard day then you need to take up yoga!
Contact: Thomas Ward
4067 18th Street
San Francisco CA 94114-2535
Phone: (415) 861-4186
Email: SunSF@aol.com
Web Page: http://www.midnightsunsf.com
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Mint
This is the best place in town to listen to Karoke. After the stage opens up (Monday-Friday 9:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 4:00pm) the place gets packed.
They have a 3,000+ song selection, you get a video backdrop, and it is free. It's like watching American Idol in person without having to put up with that sacharine sweet Paula Abdul (but please - keep your Simon Cowell comments to yourself - people are having fun here!) A great place to go with a group of friends.
1942 Market Street
between Laguna and Duboce
San Francisco
Phone: (415) 626-4726
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Moby Dick's
This is a great little neighborhood bar that really gets jumping on Friday and Saturday nights. Featuring video monitors, a pool table and wall of pinball machines Moby Dick's most recognizable feature is the enormous fish tank that sits behind the bar. While these things might get you interested in coming in, the great bar staff and friendly vibe will keep you coming back.
4049 18th Street
at Hartford
San Francisco, CA 94114 |
Pendulum
The Pendulum has really come into it's own over the past few years. Wisely building off of it's diverse clientele it now features a variety of theme nights to cater to some forgotten aspects of the Castro community. It now features the Castro's only weekly women's club (Alley Katz - Thursdays), the only Latino themed night in the neighborhood (La Cantina - Tuesdays) and the only amateur strip night every Wednesday. A new dance floor and a great back patio add to the fun - and who can forget the fantastic and fun barstaff! Definitely something for everyone!
Contact: Rod Kobilia
4146 18th Street
San Francisco CA 94114-2408
Phone: (415) 863-4441
Web Page: http://www.pendulumbar.com
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Pilsner Inn
Over the past year the Pilsner has become tremendously popular with the 20-30-?ish beer-thirsty queer. Compound that with the current ban on smoking in bars and clubs and this quiet neighborhood bar with a fantastic outdoor garden has become a teeming hub of folks out to enjoy beer and the smoky-fresh air of the patio.
The Pilsner is friendly - cruisey...no need to hide in a dark corner and leap on your prey...pour some of your pitcher into his/her glass and start talking. The bar has a large selection of draft beers that you can order by the pitcher and mini pitcher. Lots of pool, dart and pinball junkies of every sexuality hang out here.
Contact: Pat Conlon
225 Church Street
San Francisco CA 94114-1310
Phone: (415) 621-7058
Web Page: http://pilsnerinn.com
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Transfer
This fun neighborhood bar features a sizable U-shaped bar with a pool table and video games. It's on Church St just off the main Castro path, across from the Safeway on Market.
On the weekends a DJ comes in and spins as a change of pace from the jukebox. The sound system is crisp and clear and just right for the size of the room. During football season they screen all the 49ers games.
Contact: Dan Livingston
198 Church Street
San Francisco CA 94114-1111
Phone: (415) 861-7499
Web Page: Reviews at Yelp.com
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Twin Peaks Tavern
Celebrated in history as the first gay bar with picture windows, Twin Peaks continues to be the most popular bar for the middle-class, 40-plus, white male crowd. This is definitely a conversation-oriented bar, and the huge floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the busiest street corner in the city give patrons plenty to talk about. Although the bar was originally started by two dykes, this place definately sports a male crowd.
Contact: Mary Ellen Cunha
401 Castro Street
San Francisco CA 94114-2019
Phone: (415) 864-9470
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Uncle Bert's Place
Uncle Bert's is a very fun, cosy neighborhood sports bar with a heated outdoor patio, making it one of the few venues in The Castro where you can still smoke. Every Tuesday at 8pm there is a pool tournament ($5.00 to enter). Happy Hour is 4-7pm, Mon - Fri with $1.50 beer & $1.75 well drinks.
Contact: Drew Hildreth
4086 18th Street
San Francisco CA 94114-2534
Phone: (415) 431-8616 |
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Other Rainbow Links to check out:
 Come Out Here SF
Discover where people from around the world come to find acceptance and add their voices to this city's song.
www.comeoutheresf.com
 The Castro Street Fair
This non-profit fair benefits charitable causes in the Castro community. Non-stop outdoor dancing pavilions are one of the most popular features of the Fair!
www.castrostreetfair.org
 IGLTA
the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the world's leading travel trade association committed to growing and enhancing its members gay and lesbian tourism business through education, promotion and networking.
www.traveliglta.com
 TAG Approved Accommodations
TAG travel guide qualifies accommodations based not only on their desire for gay travel revenues, but on their employment policies, services, and support returned to the gay community.
www.tagapproved.com |
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