Jolene's

The Wild Side West in Bernal Heights has been around for decades, mixing longtime lesbian bar with classic neighbourhood sports bar. On any given night you can find an eclectic array of art, a friendly game of pool, or a low-key crowd hanging out on the patio or in the beer garden. Hosting events from trivia Wednesdays to game day viewing, and with the juke box always providing the soundtrack, Wild Side West guarantees you a fun time.

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.

Powerhouse is one of the most popular gay bars of SoMa, offering a unique "no style" kind of style where a mixed but fetish-loving portion of the local queer community can hang out. It tends to draw a cruisy leather crowd, so if that's what you like then this is definitely the place to be. An interior decorated like an appropriately themed movie set provides a backdrop to specialist nights and parties where nothing is off limits.

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.

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.

This Mission District gay bar provides a safe space for the local LGBTQ community, as well as a friendly neighbourhood bar where you can find great deals on drinks and a diverse crowd. The spacious patio is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends, but there's also a packed dance floor inside if you're looking for a more lively night out. It's a good all-round staple in the area's gay scene.