El Rio

This place is dangerous. People have been robbed at gunpoint or assaulted, and the staff just laugh, ignore requests for help, or even kick you out. Shame on this venue. Stay safe and think twice before visiting. There are much better bars that respect their customers, like Jolene's. Also, the lines are long.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“laid back vibe”

While on vacation in San Francisco, this was my favorite bar to visit. In the back, a jazz trio was playing for people who seemed to really enjoy the music and each other's company. It's not a gay bar specifically, but from what I saw, it was welcoming to gay, lesbian, and straight people, as well as a mix of cis, trans, and queer folks. Very cool.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Love this place”

The patio is fantastic, and the staff are always friendly.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“Lezzie lez”

Attractive people, fun music, and a great place to meet new people and maybe take someone special home.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“One Hell of a Dive”

Very few places manage to appeal to everyone and do it well, but this is one of them. If you want a neighborhood bar, this is it. If you want a diverse crowd of gay and straight people, this is it. Even the music is varied and appeals to many. The drinks, bartenders, and barbecue are good too. Yes, the neighborhood is questionable, the lighting is dim, and the bar looks a bit rundown, but it's a dive bar and does that well. You immediately feel at home with large cutouts of Marilyn Monroe and Carmen Miranda, and people playing shuffleboard, pool, or just hanging out and having fun. But the real draw is the music variety. I went with a friend a few weeks ago when the DJ played old-school soul from the fifties and sixties, and the place was packed with people in their twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties dancing and sweating. And yes, you could easily flirt and get someone's number. This time, my friend and I came for salsa, which didn't disappoint. Before the fun, salsa lessons were available and taught perfectly by two cool instructors (was one a lesbian?) who made sure everyone had a great time even if they kept stepping on their partner's feet. The excellent live salsa band kept the crowd on the dance floor having a blast regardless of skill level. Since this bar has so much to offer, they have an online calendar with something for almost everyone. Very smart. My friend and I had an amazing time during both the soul and salsa afternoons, and we're planning our next visit to the best dive bar in the city.

A visitor · Over a year ago