San Francisco’s Castro District is a world-class destination visited every year by throngs, which is, well, totally ok and welcome. But sometimes you want a break from the thumping beats of video bars, the throngs of go-go boys and the shouts of “YASS KWEENS” during happy hour.
To guide you to destinations outside the rainbow sidewalks but equally prideful, here’s a list of gay haunts in the Foggy City that stretch beyond the ‘stro.
No dance floors or sweaty, shirtless bodies (darn!), this list is for casual goodtimes off the beaten LGBTQ path.
The Cinch Saloon
This is bar in in San Francisco’s original gayborhood, Polk-Gulch.
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
A hole in the wall at the edge of Tenderloin, there’s never a dull moment here.
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
Nightly drag performances 133 Turk Street · San Francisco, CA 94102(415) 441-2922
Website
The Stud
This oldie but goody is kitchy with charming knick-knacks from wall to wall.
Lone Star Saloon
Located on Folsom Street, this bar tends to be less rowdy than the neighboring hotspots.
Lone Star Saloon
Bears, bikers and beers outside 1354 Harrison St · San Francisco, CA 94103(415) 863-9999
Website
Trax
Haight-Ashbury’s gay dive bar that’s equal parts hippie and hipster.
Gangway
The oldest gay bar in San Francisco. It’s a divey good time.
Bloodhound
Between Embarcadero, Folsom Street, and Castro, divey Bloodhound is perfect after a day of wandering.
