Gay dance clubs in san francisco
5 Historic San Francisco Same-sex attracted 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 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 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
San Francisco Gay Bars
San Francisco’s gay nightlife scene has reach a long way from the first dark and secretive club that opened in 1908. This was the initiate of a boom in queer customs, which is now centred on the Castro neighbourhood and its varied venues. You can discover dozens of nightlife spots packed together in Castro, newer clubs and festivals in SoMa, a huge leather scene, and an iconic drag club owned by the best-known queen in the city. For a loud and camp night out or a more relaxed hangout, you can find your place in San Francisco.
San Francisco Hotel Deals
Gay San Francisco
440 Castro
Bear, Older Crowd, Cruising
This gay bar in the heart of The Castro neighbourhood is a widespread hangout for bears and their admirers. It's busiest at the weekend with a mixed aged crowd enjoying formidable cheap drinks and an intimate atmosphere. Regular themed events are hosted here throughout the week, including the understandably popular Underwear Evening every Monday, which sees the lock packed with a cruisy, tipsy, and scantily clad male crowd.
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Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Drag, Cocktails
Aunt Charlie's Lounge is an eclectic Tenderloin male lover bar known
San Francisco’s fabulous LGBTQIA+ scene is no surprise if you know anything about the city’s history. SF is famous 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 flamboyant shows, bars and great restaurants, but there’s plenty more to discover throughout SF (and Oakland) if you perceive where to see. Whether you’re looking for friendly queer woman bars, balls-to-the-wall Latinx dance parties or a very unforgettable drag show, these are the finest gay bars in SF right now.
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This instruction was written by Bay-Area based scribe Clara Hogan. At Time Out, all of our move 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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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 identity. 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 meaning 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 gyrate parties to live performances and art events. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking an original slice of San Francisco's homosexual 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 active atmosphere and bustling outd