Cinch Saloon

San Francisco drag legends Heklina and D'Arcy Drollinger opened San Francisco's hottest new nightclub in the heart of the SoMa district. OASIS offers an unforgettable and uniquely "San Francisco" nightlife experience in a huge converted gay bathhouse, which has been renovated into a fabulous stage for drag shows, cabaret, and burlesque shows that go on well into the next morning. On top of all this, live DJs and dance music keep you having a fabulously camp night.

Twin Peaks Tavern is the gateway to the iconic Castro neighbourhood. It has long been the best spot to watch the world go by through huge panoramic windows with the neighbourhood's best cocktails, beers on tap, and plenty of wine. The outside always looks inviting with its array of rainbow lights, and inside the vintage furniture and cosy atmosphere mean that regulars enjoy the comforts of home here while newcomers are offered a warm welcome.

This gay bar in the heart of The Castro neighbourhood is a popular hangout for bears and their admirers. It's busiest at the weekend with a mixed aged crowd enjoying strong cheap drinks and an intimate atmosphere. Regular themed events are hosted here throughout the week, including the understandably popular Underwear Night every Monday, which sees the bar packed with a cruisy, tipsy, and scantily clad male crowd.

San Francisco's newest gay sports bar and restaurant is in the vibrant Castro neighbourhood. 16 TVs play a variety of sports so you can enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry with the varied crowds that gather to watch. This is also the place to go for pub food with an amazing quality twist, from vegan corndogs to their legendary fried chicken and offers on buffalo wings every Monday. A range of speciality cocktails and good beers will complete your night.

Beaux is one of The Castro's newest gay venues and is open seven days and nights a week. This versatile bar is the perfect place to meet with friends or make new ones, as it seamlessly transitions from a craft cocktail lounge by day to a lively dance club at night. With a daily 2-for-1 Happy Hour and a party every night, it's no wonder that Beaux is already so popular with the local queer community.

The Cinch Saloon is the only gay bar left on Polk Street, the place where San Francisco's reputation for queer nightlife all began. It's got an old-fashioned gay bar with dive vibes and a western theme where all identities are welcome, and offers strong drinks, pool tables, pinball, DJs and absolutely no attitude. The patio at the back is a place to smoke and relax with one of the many good but very cheap beers on tap.