Ginger's

The Lookout is a bar, restaurant and nightclub in the iconic Castro district of San Francisco. You can find a comfortable spot on the wrap around balcony to people watch as you look out over a colourful and busy corner on Castro, while inside there's great music from a variety of live DJs. Friendly staff serve strong drinks and bar snacks, and both inside and outside spaces are often packed with regulars who love the atmosphere of The Lookout.

The Cafe has been a staple of the Castro nightlife scene for decades and is one of the most unique venues in San Francisco. In this newly renovated bar and club, you will be surrounded by hundreds of people who just want to dance, with pounding club music from a state-of-the-art sound system. Three fully stocked bars serve a huge dance floor complete with an LED dance grid and a lively crowd to enjoy your night with. Sunday opening hours vary for special events, check before you go.

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.

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.

OMG provides an amazing clubbing experience in the heart of SoMa and Tenderloin, where you can dance under an audio-visual dome ceiling to music from a state-of-the-art sound system. There are also plenty of specialty cocktails on offer, handcrafted by resident mixologists using quality ingredients, which are a favourite every happy hour and the perfect addition to your night of dancing, fun, and regular drag shows.

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.