DTracer

A piano bar through and through. Their piano karaoke is par none, so be ready to belt.

Stayed here during Pride and it couldn't have been a better experience. It's a quick and lovely stroll to the festival, plus it's right on the parade route!

Record stores might be obsolete, but Amoeba certainly isn't. Check online to see if there's an in-store performance coming up. Some really great acts come through and play free shows from time to time.

Pro tip: Head upstairs for the best low-key date spot in the Castro.

Whey they say "cozy" they really mean cozy. But if intimacy is your thing, or you want to take a chance and meet a fellow traveler or local, this is a great spot. It's so small that you can't help but socialize with whoever happens to be there at the same time.

This is your typical gay video pop music bar...that just happens to be a stones throw from the beach. For that reason alone, this is definitely worth a visit.

For a moment it looked like SF was about to lose this piece of vital queer history, but the Stud is back!

closed

This party is no more.

Comfy, low-key sophistication

Josh was the absolute best host during our recent trip to New Orleans, and his Blue60 is a gem. From inspiring strolls around the stunning Marigny neighborhood to some of the best food I've ever had, this was the perfect spot to call home away from home. Um, and did I mention that it's literally across the street from <a href="http://neworleans.gaycities.com/bars/386-the-phoenix-bar">The Phoenix</a>. Perfection.

good crowd, great patio

On a warm summer night, the patio fills up and is a lovely place to hang out. The bar has an alternative feel but seems to me to be welcoming of all types and ages. I seem to wind up here every time I'm in Seattle. Not complaining.

Had a great time

Was in Pittsburgh for a few nights and decided to check out Spin--glad I did! The space is fun and interesting, and the crowd was easy on the eyes :) I'll definitely return when I'm in the area again.

Great food, awesome vibe

Coffee bar's atmosphere is perfect whether you're meeting a few friends for lunch or going solo to get some work done distraction-free. The salads/sandwiches are all delicious--I recommend the Cobb salad, one of the best I've ever had!

Enormous portions to soak up an enormous hangover

For what it is (giant almost novelty portions), this place is pretty great. Not too pricey too, which is a though thing to say for a restaurant on the Strip. Perfect after a late night of taking in the local culture.

Fun atmosphere, great margaritas!

If it's nice out be sure to snag a table on the big front patio. The ambiance is really nice and sometimes there is live music. Great spot for a big group.

Thursday night hit

Piranha was a blast on a recent Thursday. We got there pretty late, but the crowd was still hoppin' and the drinks were definitely still flowing. Great venue to work up a sweat on the dance floor then chill in one the comfy booths. Staff was awesome too--super friendly and welcoming. Will definitely pay them another visit the next time I'm in Vegas!

Epic Bay views come at a price

Waterbar is a quintessential tourist-pleaser: beautiful ambiance, stunning views of the Bay Bridge and impeccable service. The food is quite good but like most tourist magnets, way overpriced. I recommend the wild bass with prosciutto--delicious.

An oasis in the Tenderloin

I give Dottie's food 13 stars out of 5. I'd put it in my top three breakfasts ever. It's in a bit of a dicey part of town, but the bums are mostly harmless in the morning. I take off one star for the wait--it's out of control. If you don't want to stand in a two hour line on the weekends, go elsewhere.

Can't go wrong

Boogaloos is a Mission hipster breeding ground, and on a warm Sunday morning you can expect to wait quite a while. The food is great--hangover cure heaven--and the prices are very low. I recommend the Desayuno Tipico: biscuits and veggie gravy...nom nom.

Best pizza in NY

Every time I travel to NY, John's on Bleecker is on my to-do list at least twice. I've been going since I was a kid so I'm sure nostalgia has some hand, but it really is the best. I suggest keeping it simple (cheese pie and a pitcher), and don't even think about not chomping down that last slice. My boyfriend even carved our names in one of the booths :)

Butterscotch pudding? yes please...

Can't recommend this place enough. Pizza is to die for, the spicy muscles appetizer is a godsend, and yes, the butterscotch pudding is a dessert that must be experienced. Try going on the early side (6-6:30 or so) if you don't want to wait for a table.

Be sure to walk behind the waterfall

The park here is one of those perfect SF spots. It's a great spot to chill when you're hopping around downtown. You can park it on the grass across the street from MOMA, or check out Samovar, an awesome tea house overlooking everything.

Great atmosphere and yummy food

I've noticed a pattern in a lot of "gay restaurants" where the food is overpriced and sub par. Chow is the perfect exception--you won't go broke, the menu is varied enough to satisfy any taste, and the ambiance is warm and cozy.

Check out the patio

Wild Side is a totally casual, welcoming neighborhood bar. I've had only pleasant interactions with both bartenders and other patrons here. Everyone is there to relax, play a game of pool, or sip on a drink in the gorrrrgeous back patio (it is not to be missed!). Yes, it's mostly ladies and curves to the older side of the spectrum, but you can't help but find interesting conversation here.

Cheap drinks and shuffleboard!

This is one of the best hangouts in the city. The back patio is perfect for a sunny afternoon, and for some reason I can't stay away from the shuffleboard after a few drinks. Usually a mixed crowd, so don't be shocked to see straights.

If you must...

This beach leaves much to be desired. If you drive a bit north into Malibu you'll find much nicer spots, but no gay ones that I know of. Will Rogers at least has that. If you're looking for guys in speedos, this is the spot. For actual surf and good swimming, head elsewhere.

Great addition to Castro scene

I was here on Friday night not expecting much, but wound up really impressed. This isn't the typical Castro bar - no thumpa-thumpa bass, no go-go boys. Instead you'll find a cool and different atmosphere (subdued and stylish) and great drinks. The crowd was mixed--some older, mostly younger--and good looking!

Breathtaking

This is one of my favorite spots in SF. Yesterday the SF Orchestra had a huge stage set up, and they played a free concert. It was magical to bask in the sun while listening to a live professional orchestra. Regardless of the music though, the gay area is always a blast when its nice out.

Best slice in SD

I used to go to Bronx for a slice (or two or three) every few weeks when I lived in SD. It's a total NY vibe there - no frills - just good, quality pies.

For serious coffee drinkers

I went to Vivace on a recent trip to Seattle after hearing about it from some real coffee addicts. Their advice payed off - this is some of the best coffee (outside of SF of course :] ) I've ever had. And super cute guys there!

Lovely

After reviewing the menus up and down Broadway, we finally chose Table 219. I had the chicken sandwich with pesto and it was totally delicious, and my bf's Gorgonzola marmalade sandwich was good too (but too much marmalade). Also, the beer we ordered had waaay too much head (never thought I'd say that!) but the staff was super nice when we commented about it and filled the glass.

Amazing cocktails

This place really knows their tequila. I had a Mexican 75 - a play on the French 75. 100% agave tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and champagne -- YUM!

Best theater in SD

I'm a bit biased - the Playhouse is truly near and dear to my heart. I've been going since I was a kid, and participated in their summer conservatory where I met people who I am still in touch with to this day. I've seen some of the best theater of my life here (I Am My Own Wife, 700 Sundays, The Laramie Project, etc.), oftentimes before a production reaches Broadway.

A must visit for SD

This is a truly stunning spot. If you aren't bothered by the clothing optional mentality, a visit to Black's will give you the best San Diego has to offer. Just drive along the dirt road as far as you can, and you'll find the somewhat sketchy path leading down to the coast. Beautiful sweeping views accompany your trek down, and a flock of gay sunbathers await you at the bottom.