Gay bars in sf
San Francisco’s fabulous LGBTQIA+ scene is no surprise if you know anything about the city’s history. SF is known for electing Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the US, and is still known today for its thriving lgbtq+ community.
At the epicentre of it all is San Francisco’s Castro District, entire of drag shows, bars and great restaurants, but there’s plenty more to discover throughout SF (and Oakland) if you recognize where to look. Whether you’re looking for warm lesbian bars, balls-to-the-wall Latinx dance parties or a very memorable drag present, these are the top gay bars in SF right now.
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This guide was written by Bay-Area based writer Clara Hogan. At Time Out, all of our tour guides are written by local writers who comprehend their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
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POWERHOUSE BAR San Francisco
For events and hours, visit the Powerhouse facebook page at this link
Sunday:
Monday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Dore Streetway Sunday:
Powerhouse Bar
1347 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Visit the Powerhouse facebook page at this link
On Unraveling Again Inside Gay Bars in San Francisco
In the months (that hold now evolved into years) since SF’s bars reopened after pandemic-spun closures, the familiar novelty of dancing in a sea of affectionate bodies washes over me again.
I’ve been drinking more
sugar-free Red Bull, that is
inside the city’s gay bars.
I forgot what it felt like to be thrown into throngs
of passionate bodies, dense and nimble
reminiscing on never looking back
when I danced, smiled;
became expansive
chose to commence again.
At this current juncture, mostly sober;
overtly caffeinated, to say the least.
Back patios now teem with twinks
fresh to San Francisco, coming out
of their pandemic-spun pupae
wide-eyed with vanilla tastes
that will sweeten, deepen after
each untried kink is tried
rings of pecan trees to
cock rings set on bedside tables.
People are again pressed into that purgatory
between the bar and a dancefloor
they’ll eventually pour into 18th Street
squeezed out like the last bit of tri-colored toothpaste
2:17 a.m. remains a precarious time for
Love and Infatuation,
Lust and Love.
Eager tongues tie in oral reunions
beneath the breath of familiar dancers and DJs
so
Lex’s Guide to Queer San Francisco Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
San Francisco: a city renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, steeped in history, diversity, and unapologetic movement. From the iconic Castro District to the eclectic neighborhoods of SoMa and the Mission, San Francisco boasts a kaleidoscope of LGBTQ+ bars, each offering its own unique flair and meaning of community. Whether you're a local or just passing through, here's a guide to some of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the City by the Bay.
And be sure to Download Lex to find LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in San Francisco.
1. The Stud
A true San Francisco institution, The Stud has been a beacon of gay nightlife since 1966. Closed in 2020, The Stud is reopening on April 20, 2024 in a new location! Known for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse crowd, The Stud offers everything from drag shows and twist parties to live performances and art events. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking an real slice of San Francisco's homosexual culture.
The Stud
1123 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
2. The Cafe
Nestled in the heart of the Castro, The Cafe is a lively hotspot beloved for its lively atmosphere and bustling outd