El Rio

This long-time Castro neighbourhood watering hole exudes a laid-back with games and a number of TVs that play music videos and sports. This spot hasn't changed much since first it opened in the 1980s and it continues to welcome everyone with its friendly and homely vibe. Nightly drink specials make it a local favourite for a relaxed night with friends, complete with pool, pinball, video games, and of course the fish tank behind the bar.

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.

The SF Eagle has been an important meeting spot in the West SOMA community for more than thirty-five years. The bar welcomes everyone from leathermen to bears to pups and all their admirers, so you'll find a broad cross-section on San Francisco gathered together on the patio of this bar. You can be yourself and make new friends over beers, live music, karaoke, themed parties, and comedy nights.

The Mix is a small gay bar in the heart of The Castro neighbourhood, the hub of the San Francisco queer scene. It's a true neighbourhood bar with a laid-back feel, where drinks are strong, staff are helpful, and the crowd is friendly. Their all-day drinks specials and great value happy hours are particularly popular, and you can enjoy your drinks on the spacious back patio.

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.

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.