Mary's on Haight

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.

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.

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.

The Edge has been a landmark LGBT community bar in the historic Castro neighbourhood for over 20 years. It's known for friendly staff, cruisy ambiance, and generously well-priced drinks. Regular themed and benefit events keep a mixed but slightly older local crowd coming back for cocktails and a spot of people watching thanks to the bar's convenient location. Enjoy cocktails and good music while you relax and meet new people in this super accepting bar where everyone is welcome.

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.

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.