The Castro District is colorful, fun, and historically significant. It is essential for any San Francisco visitor to not only see all the landmarks in this vibrant neighborhood, but also to experience the fun nightlife it offers from all the notoriously entertaining bars and clubs within it.
From more relaxed and casual, to the high-energy dance clubs with great music, each and every high-quality bar and club here caters to a different crowd and level of atmosphere. We have sorted all of our favorite ones starting from the more chill and lowkey, to the most exciting venues so that you can plan the perfect one (or two!) to visit which match your expectations and vibe for your LGBTQ+ night out.
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401 Castro St / Website
Twin Peaks is a historic classic as the oldest gay bar in San Francisco, and is best to start the night off with due to their delightfully tranquil and warm ambience. Generally filled with an older crowd of longtime regulars, you can't miss this chill bar's wide glass windows and bright neon sign right at the corner of Castro Street. Once you enter, you will be enthralled by their vintage decor, comfy seating, and affordable cocktails. We recommend starting off here casually while grabbing a seat on their second floor.
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4049 18th St / Website
This is another peaceful bar to begin with, as their airy nautical-themed bar with comfortable seats invite you to relax, play pool, and even watch the fish in their above-bar aquarium. This is also just a great bar to sit in for the night, as both their bartenders and their locals are all friendly and inviting.
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2247 Market St / Website
Hi Tops is a sports bar that has a little more high energy than the first two. It is a wonderful place to grab a seat and order a delicious meal from while also watchinga game on one of their numerous tvs. If you are looking for more of a lively place to visit or start that isn't necessarily a dance club, this is an extremely fun choice that will satisfy both the sports-savvy and those who enjoy unique beers and handcrafted cocktails.
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4086 18th St / Website
The Mix begins to get into club-territory with its music, layout, and drinks, but still keeps the ambience of a casual joint to pop into, expecially with their wonderful back patio. We recommend ordering from their less-crowded back bar and enjoying the view from their open-air patio beautifully decorated with string lights.
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3600 16th St / Website
You will definitely encounter The Lookout's large sweeping 2nd floor balcony usually brimming with people listening to quality music while walking down the Castro, and we highly recommend you join in! They have an impeccable DJ, refreshing slushies, and an overall joyous atmosphere to dance and hang out in. We also definitely recommend going here for their highly comedic and entertaining Drag Brunch hosted by the talented Carnie Asada, as they also exquisitely deliver the most divine brunch and cocktail options.
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4149 18th St / Website
The Edge has been an integral part of the Castro for over 20 years, and caters towards more older men who enjoy the leather scene. This dimly-lit dive may be small, but is still a wonderful place to go for great drinks, music, and gogo dancers.
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4067 18th St / Website
Midnight Sun is another considerably small venue, yet it has inventive drink options, open-air windows, plenty of comfortable seating, and talented dancers right on top of the bar. This is a good choice for listening to throwback pop music from the 80s-2000s and if you want a smaller club feel without going all out.
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4146 18th St / Website
Toad Hall is in our top three clubs because of their excellent music, fun atmosphere and decor, and highly-popular spacious back patio. You can't go wrong here, as you will enjoy dancing the night away with their affordable drinks while listening to modern pop music.
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2369 Market St / Website
While it may look unassuming from the outside, The Cafe on the second floor reveals itself to be an amazing high-energy dance club with incredible interior decor and a center stage for the most talented performers. This is a roomy and phenomenal club that we recommend all to visit.
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2344 Market St / Website
Our definite top choice for the most enjoyable club in the Castro is Beaux. This is our premiere choice for their outstanding music and service, quality drinks, mesmerizingly talented dancers, and their generous space with a great second floor balcony. Any night is perfect to visit with their different events hosted every day, yet for your Saturday this is the best choice, especially after starting at the other bars listed earlier.
With our list, we hope that you get to plan your next best night out at the extraordinary Castro with all the remarkable nightlife they offer here!
Photography by: Philip Wyers Hod/Unsplash
