9 Legendary San Francisco Gay Bars

9 Legendary San Francisco Gay Bars

There's something enchanting regarding going through the doors of a gay bar or club that's older than you are. You can practically feel the individual tales, the come-ons, the exchange, the hoping for liberty leaking out of the nicked timber of bench.

A Number Of San Francisco's famous bars go way, way back-- even before the Summer of Love-- and also are still thriving today. Others have actually vanished with the transforming preferences of those who currently call the city residence. Besides, what would certainly the transformations in San Francisco have suggested without fantastic locations to commemorate change as well as accept the freedom in variety?

Whether they're going solid or long-lost, these legendary gay bars will never be forgotten ...

Q Bar (456 Castro St.) The awesome gray city of love flaunts a storied gay bar past. Among one of the most famous: Q Bar, the sceney mainstay of the Castro that's gone through several name adjustments however constantly seems to keep its style. No matter which night of the week you decrease in, you'll discover no scarcity of flirting, dancing, alcohol consumption and discussions that splash onto the Castro Street walkway.

Oasis (298 11th St.) If you're in the mood for a hint of the San Francisco that as soon as was, check out SoMa, Polk Road or the Tenderloin. Those areas were the primary cruising premises back in the dark days when you might get jailed simply for teasing with a covert cop. They still have the look of those days, sans the danger. Today, San Francisco polices are significantly on our side. Actually, they might be among your other clients, at least when off duty. There's a spreading of natural leather and also twist stores to maintain you delighted also, and also several of the most effective drag in the city can be discovered at Sanctuary, a location opened up by drag legend Heklina.

Learn About the Purple Pickle at the GLBT Historic Culture (989 Market St.) If you're seeking a peek into our substantial gay past, think about breaking a few books-- or a minimum of a few blogs. The regional GLBT Historical Culture flaunts a gold mine of old publications with ads for long-gone bars as well as clubs, with names like Purple Pickle and also Kok. The Purple Pickle in the Castro was a piano bar in the 1970s as well as served dinner once a week for a starving neighborhood.

The Eagle (398 12th St.) Your grittiest experience is sure to be located at The Eagle, San Francisco's famous leather dive bar. The area looks like it's just barely held together with string and air duct tape-- possibly since the location is older than much of the people in attendance. It's been the site of countless fundraising events, mud wrestling events, drag programs, and community conferences. The outdoors patio is filled with guys on bright weekend mid-days.

The Stud (399 9th St.) Another SoMa bar that's been around forever, the Stud is home to raucous concerts, wild celebrations and drag shows that dropped the jaws of even the most seasoned queens. It started as a cyclist bar in the 60s and also rapidly transformed into a keystone of San Francisco queer society.

Wild Side West (424 Cortland Ave.) A neighborhood institution given that 1962, Wild Side West was opened by two lesbians to cater to the remote queers hiding in San Francisco's suburban areas. Word is Janis Joplin used to party below. It's a true regional gem in Bernal Heights as well as overflows with friendly familiar faces every evening. Modern services consist of flat-screens for sports events and an internet jukebox. Go out to the patio to enjoy some fresh air and also wink at pretty (mainly female) faces.

Vesuvio Coffee Shop (255 Columbus Ave,) Naturally, the Beat Poets suched as to drink and hang out. A great deal. And also when they did, it was usually at Vesuvio Cafe in Italian-flavored North Beach. Covered in local art, a drink at this destination is a should for anyone seeing the city that intends to really feel the echoes of Allen Ginsberg and also Lawrence Ferlinghetti. There's a neighboring street that's been beautified to highlight the heritage of the generation that paved the way for the Summer of Love. It's not technically a gay bar, but it's still a must-see for those that value what made San Francisco the sign of love it is today.

Aunt Charlie's Lounge (133 Turk St.) It might look like it's been below permanently, but it's not the earliest of San Francisco's gay bars. Auntie Charlie's only opened in 1987. Still, that's plenty of time to have actually come to be an institution, as one of the Tenderloin's most remarkable dive bars. The Friday and also Saturday drag programs are infamous in the limited, colorful area. But the clientele is extremely elder than you might find at a much more modern pounding-dance-music establishment. The city might be altering significantly around bench, but Aunt Charlie's is icy conveniently as well as wonderfully in time.

Giant (1347 Folsom St.) It's an excellent area for a little satisfied hour, pole dancers, natural leather, and also, well, the erotica that uses a number of large displays on any type of offered afternoon or evening. Powerhouse might not be the sleekest design on the planet, yet the old time environment stimulates the previous and also an anything goes atmosphere. There's lots of fascinating men-watching to be enjoyed. The group's constantly friendly and welcoming, so long as you go down the mindset at the door.