TheBrian's Profile

When I went, it was pretty quiet inside, but started picking up as the night progressed. The bartender was very friendly and asked my straight roommate and I if we wanted to enter a gogo dancing contest. I balked, but my roomie was all about it, and I somehow got conned into entering as well. Needless to say, it was a pretty memorable experience. The drinks were great and pretty strong and like most bear bar type places, the crowd was very friendly.

The SFGBA had its first open gym in 1986. Since then it has grown into a Castro institution. Open gym continues to this day on Sundays at the Eureka Valley Gym, where anyone can come and play basketball from 5 pm - 9 pm. There is also a league with 6 teams that play every Thursday. Above all, the people are very friendly, and it is a great place to meet new friends.

I have been here several times, though oddly enough, haven't been since I moved to the Mission. The waiters are fun and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and funky. I am a huge fan of their pizza. There is an array of interesting toppings that include unusual ones such as broccoli raab and fennel sausage. Great outdoor dining as well.

I lived there for a year and met some great people, but, that said, it takes a certain type to live in the co-ops--perhaps you know who you are. In any case, it is a safe and fun place for all queer individuals to have fun and make friends.

The Roosterfish has a friendly and approachable cast of regulars, a lovely location a couple blocks from the beach, and a nice neighborhoody feel. Many of the guys have been frequenting the Roosterfish for ages and may willingly explain its history to you if you ask. The crowd ranges from no frills blue collar guys to the uniquely Venice successful bohemian/artist types. The bar also has a nice patio to enjoy the warm LA nights. A very reasonable alternative to the sugary glitz of WeHo.

They would probably go to the White Horse. That said, it a pretty down-to-earth joint with a homey decor, friendly people, and decent music. The crowd tends to be a little older (and less gym-oriented), though there is a nice sprinkling of younger, cute guys and UC Berkeley students.

I have gone to Latin Explosion several times on Friday nights. It attracts a primarily Latino crowd (duh), but there is a nice mix of men of all colors. The music ranges from Salsa to Reggaeton to hip-hip to pop. The Bench and Bar is a good East Bay alternative to the Castro scene.