El Rio

First opened more than 40 years ago, Midnight Sun draws a mixed crowd of bears and hot guys in minimal clothing that keep coming back for the nightly happy hour and regular events such as karaoke and TV viewing parties. The Friday evening happy hour is especially popular - watch out for the very strong cocktails! On Friday and Saturday nights you can expect hot boys dancing on the bar and the whole venue is unsurprisingly packed, with music videos and TV playing all night to complete the lively atmosphere.

Financial District gay bar with drag shows and DJ's, serving cocktails named after historic LGBTQ mainstays. This fairly new addition to the LGBTQ scene is a throwback to the classic gay bars that were once prominent in the area, paying homage to traditional cocktail lounges with a range of reimagined drinks. With a pool table, dance parties, karaoke, and drag shows, Ginger's is the perfect spot to unwind or catch up with friends.

Hole In The Wall Saloon is a joyful little pub owned and run by gay bikers, which welcomes everybody looking for a rowdy good time. An amazing variety of rock, blues, jazz, soul, folk, and world music provides the soundtrack to your night, and a down to earth crowd completes it. There are different drinks specials throughout the week as well as themed events such as Shirtless Thursdays.

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.

Lone Star Saloon in SoMa is a nightlife hub for the local bears. The outdoor patio is regularly filled with a "rough around the edges" crowd of bears, otters, leathermen, and their admirers, who can all enjoy a beer and the odd game of pool. This bar is particularly busy on the weekends and when people flock here to begin their nights out, and the Sunday afternoon beers parties are especially popular.

The Castro's Toad Hall is open seven days a week for live DJ's and dancing. The bar is full of cocktails and beers at great prices, and you can hang out with your drinks in the booths or just enjoy the dance floor. There's a second bar on the outdoor patio if that's where you prefer to relax, and regular drag events, karaoke, and dance competitions mean there's always something going on if you want to join in.