Best gay clubs in san francisco
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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. Regular all-day drink specials offer just one more reason to drop in, no matter the time.
One of the few San Francisco gay bars outside the Castro or SoMa neighborhoods, the Cinch is equal parts dive bar and dance club.
Within walking distance are great restaurants, nightclubs, boutiques, and galleries.
Mid Range
Willows Inn – A gay-owned bed and breakfast in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, it has small and cozy rooms as well as two-bedroom suites. Souvla offers deliciously fresh lamb, chicken, or beef pita bread wraps with a range of salads and Greek yogurt sauces alongside.
Dates: September 28, 2025.
San Francisco Pride – This gay pride event started back in 1970, and today it is the largest gathering of the queer community and its allies nationwide. Accessible by car, bike, or an invigorating hike, Twin Peaks laos boasts well-maintained trails and a 360-degree observation deck perfect for sunsets and stargazing.
This crowd is mostly men of all ages and styles. The cool design, sound, and lighting come together to create a memorable nighttime dance experience.
The Cafe – 20 and 30-somethings go to this club to dance at this spacious venue in the Castro. A particular must-try is their signature cioppino – a delicious fish stew.
Great Eastern Restaurant – So good that Obama himself ordered take-out from them, this Chinese restaurant makes dim sum into an art form – with sixteen different delectable choices to pick between.
Located near the Castro District, restaurants, pubs, parks, and the Muni Metro are all nearby.
Budget
Adelaide Hostel – This hostel is two blocks from the center of Union Square in downtown San Francisco and about 20 minutes from the Castro by public transit. Park-goers will enjoy the fact that this park tends to be in one of the sunnier microclimates of San Francisco.
Union Square – The main event for shoppers with nearly every major designer label, including Levi’s, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Barneys, and Banana Republic.
Popular nights include Underwear Night on Mondays, $2 Tuesdays for beer, and Wooden Nickel Wednesday for 2-for-1 cocktails.
Hi Tops – This gay sports bar in the Castro is a great spot to throw back drinks while supporting your team. Lastly, in Chinatown, you’ll find Portsmouth Square, which is the original public square dating back to the 1800s when the city was just a small Mexican town known as Yerba Buena.
Cliff’s Variety – Variety is the spice of life, and this iconic hardware store is indeed spicy!
Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. A CityPASS ticket booklet costs $89 for adults.
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This guide was written by Bay-Area based writer Clara Hogan.
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. The night here ends late with a special late-night license allowing doors to stay open an hour later than other bars on Thursdays and Fridays.
It’s not to be confused with Union Street, which is also a worthy visit for the avid shopper due to its jewelry stores, goldsmiths, trendy boutiques, and small shops with Victorian architecture. In the subsequent years, bars, galleries, cultural establishments, and strong social bonds were cemented, helping make San Francisco one of the homosexual epicenters of the world.
San Francisco is also synonymous with the life of politician Harvey Milk.
It welcomes a mix of travelers and dwellers that help create its diverse, come-as-you-are, laid-back attitude. And he isn’t wrong. 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.
The legendary establishment opened in 1936 and has always had predominantly gay staff, making it somewhat of a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. 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.
Check out the Mission District for an artsy, trendy neighborhood with Latino flair.