The LGBT community in San Francisco is one of the most prominent in the United States, with a reputation that spreads overseas, earning it the title of “gay capital of the world” - and you agree with this, right?
The city doesn't cater only to the men's needs but also to those of the ladies, being home to some lesbian bars and LGBT friendly spots that attract mostly girls.
It is hard to not spot the LGBT places in San Francisco. Especially walking around the Castro district, the rainbow flags are so obvious that it’s impossible to miss them.
Still, with so many good places for the community in the city, what are the spots that you absolutely shouldn’t miss? We tell you all about it in this guide!
Jolene’s
Since the closing of the Lexington Club, in 2015, San Francisco missed a proper lesbian club. When Jolene opened its doors, in late 2018, finally ladies could have a place to mingle again.
Located in The Mission, in the former spot of Darger Bar/Dear Mom, Jolene’s is everything you could ask for: a club, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant.
Friday and Saturday are DJ nights, and Jolene also hosts popular parties, such as UHAUL SF.
Oasis
This SoMa club was founded by legendary drag queens Heklina and D’Arcy Drollinger and it has been one of the best nightlife spots in the city since it first opened doors, on New Year’s Eve 2014.
The 8,000-foot space hosts a variety of performances, serving as a place for the local artistic community to thrive and for visitors to enjoy some of the best shows in the city.
QBar
This Castro bar has something for everyone: a weekly lesbian party on Tuesdays, a Sunday Latin party, and a hip-hop night, amongst other events.
The happy hour is also one of the best in the neighbourhood, with 2-for-1 cocktails. Maybe the right place for a date without breaking the bank.
The Mix
The Mix has the true feel of a traditional neighbourhood bar, except that it’s not really what it is: does the bar next door open at 6 am on weekends and 7 am on weekdays? The Mix does.
The atmosphere is chilled and cosy, and the terrace is the perfect place for a relaxed conversation with a date or a group of friends. It also has a pool table, if you want to impress someone with your skills.
Beaux
Beaux is a mix of West Hollywood with Millennial San Francisco, becoming one of the best places to dance in the city.
Every night there is something different, to attract all kinds of crowds: Wednesdays are Latin nights, Thursdays are about 90s and 2000s top-forty remixes, and weekends are mostly directed to younger folks. On Sundays, the drag queens take over the stage.
Wild Side West
While this is not exactly an LGBT bar anymore, it served as a lesbian hang out for decades, and it still welcomes a big crowd who lives in the area.
The outdoor patio makes this place relaxed and a great spot to hang out amongst friends, having a good conversation.
On Wednesday nights, there is Miss Kitty’s trivia, a combination between a competition and a comedy show.
440 Castro
Well, you know where to find this spot: on 440, Castro Street.
The space is dark, creating an atmosphere where you can have fun and flirt with the guys across the dim lights. It tends to attract an older crowd, following the tradition of its former name, “Daddy”.
The cocktail list and the beer selection are noteworthy.