Gay bar sf
San Francisco’s fabulous LGBTQIA+ scene is no surprise if you know anything about the city’s history. SF is established for electing Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the US, and is still known today for its thriving queer community.
At the epicentre of it all is San Francisco’s Castro District, full of queenly shows, bars and great restaurants, but there’s plenty more to discover throughout SF (and Oakland) if you understand where to stare. Whether you’re looking for friendly queer woman bars, balls-to-the-wall Latinx dance parties or a very lasting drag show, these are the foremost gay bars in SF right now.
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This instruction was written by Bay-Area based author Clara Hogan. At Time Out, all of our tour guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
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POWERHOUSE BAR San Francisco
For events and hours, visit the Powerhouse facebook page at this link
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Dore Streetway Sunday:
Powerhouse Bar
1347 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Visit the Powerhouse facebook page at this link
5 Historic San Francisco Queer Bars We Wish Still Existed
Needless to say, it didn’t take long for authorities to start surveilling goings on at Fe-Be’s. Starting in 1967, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) held multiple meetings about the activities of staff and patrons at Fe-Be’s. In 1969, the ABC accused the bar of “behavior hostile to public morals,” including close physical contact amongst men, below the waist. At another hearing, when accused of having sex toys on the premises, Geist (somewhat comedically) claimed that they were merely being used as novelty drink stirrers.
In 1970, when the bar was closed down for a year, the community that Geist and Kissinger had so lovingly built rallied around Fe-Be’s, with fellow venues holding fundraisers and offering vocal support. In December 1971, the bar roared back to life and stayed put until 1986. In the end, it wasn’t legal scrutiny that put an end to Fe-Be’s; it was the toll of the AIDs epidemic on San Francisco’s gay community. Kissinger died in 1988, Geist in 1998.
Fe-Be’s lives on today via the Leather David. When Geist and Kissinger first opened
Lex’s Guide to Queer San Francisco Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
San Francisco: a city renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, steeped in history, diversity, and unapologetic event . From the iconic Castro District to the eclectic neighborhoods of SoMa and the Mission, San Francisco boasts a kaleidoscope of LGBTQ+ bars, each offering its own unique flair and perception of community. Whether you're a local or just passing through, here's a guide to some of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the City by the Bay.
And be sure to Download Lex to find LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in San Francisco.
1. The Stud
A true San Francisco institution, The Stud has been a beacon of lgbtq+ nightlife since 1966. Closed in 2020, The Stud is reopening on April 20, 2024 in a new location! Known for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse crowd, The Stud offers everything from drag shows and boogie parties to live performances and art events. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking an original slice of San Francisco's gender non-conforming culture.
The Stud
1123 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
2. The Cafe
Nestled in the heart of the Castro, The Cafe is a lively hotspot beloved for its vigorous atmosphere and bustling outd