Gay clubs in san francisco ca
Lex’s Guide to Queer San Francisco Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
San Francisco: a town renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, steeped in history, diversity, and unapologetic pride. 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 sense 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 uncover LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in San Francisco.
1. The Stud
A true San Francisco institution, The Stud has been a beacon of queer nightlife since Closed in , The Stud is reopening on April 20, in a new location! Known for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse crowd, The Stud offers everything from drag shows and dance parties to live performances and art events. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic slice of San Francisco's queer culture.
The Stud
Folsom St
San Francisco, CA
2. The Cafe
Nestled in the heart of the Castro, The Caf
5 Historic San Francisco Gay 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 , the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) held multiple meetings about the activities of staff and patrons at Fe-Be’s. In , the ABC accused the bar of “behavior contradictory 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 , 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 , the bar roared back to life and stayed put until In the end, it wasn’t legal scrutiny that place an end to Fe-Be’s; it was the toll of the AIDs epidemic on San Francisco’s gay community. Kissinger died in , Geist in
Fe-Be’s lives
Upcoming Events
We create space for our members to verb and celebrate, while also opening our doors for many community events where everyone can join the fun.
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Social Club
Discover a community-centered club where meaningful connections take center stage—beyond the usual nightlife experience.
Inclusive
Welcoming good people from every walk of life. Celebrating diversity in all its forms.
Stylish
A one-of-a-kind atmosphere you’ll love sharing—with friends, chosen family, and recent connections.
HOSPITABLE
Sip, snack, and relax—with complimentary drinks and watchful, welcoming staff.
Engaging
From games and activities to live entertainment—there’s always something happening.
Learn About Membership
“San Francisco has very few places to harvest socially that are not a bar. Where could we go to just sit and talk, or perhaps play a game together? The answer is The Academy, and it fills a void in a very special and much needed way.”
— Vincent C, Member
San Francisco’s fabulous LGBTQIA+ scene is no surprise if you know anything about the city’s history. SF is known 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, occupied of drag shows, bars and great restaurants, but there’s plenty more to discover throughout SF (and Oakland) if you verb where to look. Whether you’re looking for friendly lesbian bars, balls-to-the-wall Latinx dance parties or a very memorable drag exhibit, these are the adj gay bars in SF right now.
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This guide was written by Bay-Area based writer Clara Hogan. At Time Out, all of our move guides are written by local writers who perceive their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
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