Wild Side West

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.