Best gay bar san francisco

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This postage-stamp-sized, pink-lit cocktail lounge and piano bar features the Hot Boxxx Girls, a long-standing drag show, on Friday and Saturday nights (reservations advised). Notably frequented by the likes of Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan, Wild Side West remains a cozier neighborhood queer staple that hosts bingo nights, Wednesday trivia, and a cozy outdoor garden space.

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Download Lex and filter your feed by Events to see everything happening in your area. Last Call closed down during the pandemic, and was subsequently sold on to new owners – but they've kept the same vibe (and name). 

The place to see and be seen for everyone from leather-clad bears to tiny twinks to party-hardy lesbians.

Get ready to dance the night away to all your favorite hits from the early 2000s.

Think again, my friend.

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Melanie Sparks and Hera Wynn host the wildest, most gag worthy Drag Race viewing party in the Castro, only at Beaux.

Think again, my friend.

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best gay bar san francisco

Get ready to dance the night away to all your favorite hits from the early 2000s. Create an Event and get friends (read some tips on finding new queer friends here) together to check out a queer bar in your city. And check out our other city guides here.

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Our Story…

BEAUX, the French word for “boyfriends,” is THE premier LGBTQIA+ venue in the Castro district of San Francisco.

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*MLK WEEKEND* Friday, January 16: MAXXXIMUS : DREAMLAND feat. Whether you’re looking for friendly lesbian bars, balls-to-the-wall Latinx dance parties or a very memorable drag show, these are the best gay bars in SF right now.

Wild Side West

Address: 424 Cortland Ave. San Francisco, CA 94110

The first lesbian bar in the city, opened in 1962, Wild Side West is situated in Bernal Heights. Join us on January 2, 2026 to watch the premiere of Season 18 of Rupaul's Drag Race with the sickening Kori King.

Vintage videos will transport you back in time as you dance and sing to the music. Whether you're a drag enthusiast, celebrating that extra special occasion, or simply looking for a fun and unique experience, the brunches at Beaux are not to be missed!

Make a reservation today with the link below and let the queens & kings of Beaux dazzle you with their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent!

~VIEW UPCOMING BRUNCH SHOWS HERE~

~MAKE A RESERVATION HERE~

Instagram: @BeauxDragBrunch

Tuesday, January 6: "STRIPPED" Tuesdays (Underwear Party)

Join the horse hung & bottom heavy Beaux Gogo boys every Tuesday 9pm-2am for our weekly Underwear Party!

Beaux transforms from a craft cocktail lounge by day into a full dance club with DJs, gogo dancers, drag entertainers, and revolving themed parties each night, a few of them being “Mic Drop” Karaoke Night Mondays, “Stripped” Underwear Night Tuesdays, “Pan Dulce” Latin Night Wednesdays, and “Big Top” Drag Show Sundays, which features the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race.

Big Top is now monthly on Saturday nights to offer the best in nightclub entertainment.

Get your meet and greet tickets to take a complimentary photo with Irene the Alien before the sickening drag show.

Dance before and after the show to the best pop dance and hip hop videos by VJ Lu while the BEAUXTORIOUS gogoboys show you what you like.

Big Top drag show is hosted by the iconic SF diva, Hera Wynn with an amazing cast of performers.

Irene the Alien

Hera Wynn

Mudd the Two Spirit

Sasha Devaroe

Bobby Friday

Get gagged and get gooped at Big Top Saturday February 21st!

~EVENTBRITE PRE-SALE TICKETS HERE~

HAPPENING EVERY SUNDAY (& SELECT SATURDAYS) @ 12:30 & 2:30: Drag Brunch Shows!

Join us every Sunday (& select Saturdays) at 12:30pm & 2:30pm for a wild afternoon of drag performances and debauchery!

Don't forget to dress up in your early 00s attire to really get into the vibe!

Friday, January 2: KORI KING @ the Viewing Party Premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 18)!

Kori King is our special guest for the Rupaul's Drag Race S18 launch viewing party hosted by Hera Wynn and Melanie Sparks Friday Jan 2nd.

Kori King Rupaul's Drag Race Season 18 launch viewing party on Friday Jan 2nd!

Get ready for a drag-tastic night at Beaux!

The dance floor, brightly lit and papered in tasteful black-and-white breasts, thumps to the beat of DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. El Rio

Address: 3158 Mission St. San Francisco 94110

Although established as a Brazilian leather gay bar in 1978, El Rio has become a staple of the lesbian and queer bar scene in the city in recent decades.

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 pride. This season we are turning things up with special guests from Rupaul's Drag Race to watch the show with us and let you have it!

Special performances by Hera‍ & ‍Melanie after the Drag Race viewing.

Drag Race @ 8pm | DJs, Gogos and dancing after the show until 2am

Early arrival suggested for prime seating and BOGO 2-4-1 drinks until 7pm!

Saturday, January 10: Castro Comedy Cabaret

Castro Comedy Cabaret is a bold, curated night of queer performance — blending stand-up, burlesque, storytelling, and surprise acts at one of San Francisco’s most iconic nightlife venues.