What are the Best Gay Bars in San Francisco?

San Francisco is home to one of the densest gay bar scenes in the world, with dozens of venues spread across the Castro, SoMa, the Tenderloin, and the Mission.

Castro District

• Twin Peaks Tavern — Historic corner bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, one of the first gay bars in the country to have clear glass windows facing the street
• Beaux — High-energy dance bar with go-go dancers and themed party nights
• Badlands SF — Popular video and dance bar open daily from 3pm
• 440 Castro — Neighborhood bar with a leather-daddy crowd and famous underwear nights
• Midnight Sun — Classic Castro video bar with a laid-back daytime vibe
• Moby Dick — Friendly neighborhood bar with pool tables and big windows
• Hi Tops SF — Gay sports bar with craft beer and pub food
• The Cafe — Multi-level bar with a rooftop patio and drag performances
• Lookout — Balcony bar overlooking Market Street with great views
• Toad Hall — Casual neighborhood bar on 18th Street

SoMa

• SF Eagle Bar — Legendary leather bar with a huge outdoor patio and Sunday beer busts
• Powerhouse — Dark, cruisy bar with house music and shirtless crowds
• Lone Star Saloon — Cash-only bear bar with a patio and friendly regulars
• OASIS — Cabaret and drag venue in a converted bathhouse with DJs and dance parties
• The Stud — One of SF's oldest gay bars, founded in 1966 (reopened as a worker-owned co-op at 1123 Folsom Street in 2024)
• Hole In the Wall Saloon — Divey SoMa bar with a rock-and-roll edge

Tenderloin & Beyond

• Aunt Charlie's Lounge — Legendary Tenderloin dive bar with cheap drinks and iconic drag shows
• Martuni's — Upscale piano bar with cocktails and sing-along nights
• Driftwood — Neighborhood cocktail bar with a relaxed vibe

Browse all gay bars and nightlife in San Francisco on Out x Out.