We thought it was about time to pick some of our favorite LGBTQ+ spots in San Francisco to celebrate. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s certainly a start. Without further ado, here are the best spots to hit up in San Francisco.
Here is what we’ll cover in this article:
1. Dance Bars
While the city isn’t really known for its nightlife options, its gay nightlife options are another story. If you’re looking to really turn up this Pride, San Francisco has its fair share of gay dance clubs. Check out these places and don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Beaux
This bi-level club is, arguably, the best spot for dancing, watching go-go dancers, and catching a drag show. They also make pretty strong drinks and have nightly drink specials. Come by for $2 beers on Tuesdays, $5 wine on Wednesdays, and 2×1 drinks M-F from 3pm-9pm. When there’s not an event (and sometimes even when there is), a DJ is spinning the latest hits to get you out on the dance floor. They’ll definitely be pulling out all the stops for Pride.
The Lookout
Vince N., The Lookout
Perhaps the most recognizable of all the SF gay bars, The Lookout sits above the crowds on Market and 16th, and its balcony overlooks not just the Castro, but most of the city. The inside is spread out well, with two separate bars and a lounge area with couches, plus a huge, oval-shaped bar in the center.
The Cafe
This dance bar usually draws a good weekend crowd for its consistent drag parties and entertainment, and this Pride will be no different. Their party starts at 1pm Sunday and doesn’t stop until 2am. Bring cash for the cover and drinks and enjoy this newly remodeled club spinning all the latest hits.
Jolene’s
The newest addition to the gay bar scene, Jolene’s is one of the only lesbian bars in the city (RIP The Lex). But between its weekly UHAUL events every Friday, pool table, great food, and a separate dance room with a DJ, Jolene’s has figured out a way to cater to all types of people.
Q Bar
This spot is located right on Castro Street in the middle of all the action, and an easy walk from the Castro Muni station. It’s known for its Tuesday night ladies parties, rotating DJs, dancers, and drink specials.
2. Pubs
If you want to avoid the Pride Parade crowds or aren’t ready to dance quite yet, start celebrating the most colorful weekend of the year by grabbing a pint at one of these low-key pubs.
Last Call Bar
Kevin H., Yelp
Happy hour every day from noon to 7pm? We’ll take it. This Pride, grab $3 beers and wells, plus $6 margarita pints during Last Call Bar’s happy hour. The place always draws a small, but decent, crowd, so you won’t have to worry about it being too packed or too empty.
Moby Dick
The self-proclaimed “friendliest bar in the neighborhood” makes things even friendlier for customers with their 2×1 $7 margaritas. Its old school, wood-paneled, nautical-themed interior is a reminder of how long this establishment has been around: 40+ years! Play pin ball, shoot some pool, or watch a drag show at this approachable bar in the Castro.
Hi Tops
Hi Tops
This Market Street sports bar at the edge of the Castro has some great drink specials and some seriously good eats. Their happy hour goes from 11:30am to 7pm–with $4 wells, $2 off pints, and $15 pitchers. Unless you’re coming here on Tuesday trivia, during a RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party, or for the go-go dancers on Thursday nights, the vibe here will be pretty low-key and relaxed.
Twin Peaks Tavern
Gary I., Yelp 
Nicholas G., Yelp
Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Castro” this laid-back pub is located on the corner of Market and Castro. Its ample windows make for some of the best people-watching in the city, and the upstairs area is perfect for people-watching indoors.
Pilsner Inn
Dan B., Yelp Megan P., Yelp
This approachable bar features a pool table, insanely cheap daily drink specials, and an eclectic crowd. They also have an outdoor patio which feels like the city’s best-kept secret when the weather is nice. If you’re just looking to kick back with friends and have a few drinks, this is your spot.
3. Outdoor Patios
Speaking of outdoor patios, SF gay bars have some of the best ones in town. Get the best of both worlds and avoid the crowded parks and parade chaos while still having some celebratory drinks outdoors.
The Mix
Located in the Castro, but tucked away slightly from the hustle and bustle of Castro Street, The Mix is a local favorite. They have an indoor bar with booths and a pool table, but they also have a second bar outside on the patio.
El Rio
El Rio 
El Rio’s patio does all the talking. “Your Dive”, as they self proclaim, features two separate bars, shuffleboard and pool tables, and, of course, a huge outdoor patio. They host a different event nearly every night of the week from ping pong on the patio to comedy shows–seriously, check out their monthly calendar. They’ll have two Pride-specific events this year, so bring money for a cover and get ready for a good time.
The Wild Side West
Kevin Y., Yelp The Wild Side West
When lesbian-owned-and-operated The Wild Side West moved from its Oakland location in 1976 to its current location in Bernal Heights, neighbors weren’t pleased. The owners, Pat and Nancy, would constantly find trash and broken household items littered on the bar’s door steps. They decided they wouldn’t back down, and began turning the discarded household items into the bar’s decor. Today, the bar hosts a weekly trivia night and is a trusted, go-to spot for the LGBTQ+ community. Oh, and you can still see the original bar decor inside and on their expansive outdoor patio garden.
Toad Hall
Toad Hall
Like The Mix, Toad Hall ups the game with two full bars– one inside and one on the outdoor patio. Inside, you can enjoy weekly drag events, karaoke, and lively dance competitions, while outside offers a more laid-back space where patrons can smoke and mingle. Its prime location in the Castro means it’ll be a full house on Pride weekend.
4. Entertainment Venues
1015 Folsom
This concert venue is known for getting rowdy and staying rowdy–until 3am–and Pride here will be no different. On Friday, June 26th, 1015 Folsom is hosting a Swagger Like Us party with a lineup of talented female artists headlined by Leikeli47. It’s going to be a night to remember (or not).
Oasis
If you’d rather have some drinks while being thoroughly entertained, head to Oasis. Their performances range from Sex and the City Live to one-of-a-kind drag shows. This Pride, come by on Friday for their UV paint party, Saturday for the mother of all drag parties, and Sunday for their rooftop pool party.
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