Gay Bars in San Francisco, CA — Page 3

Ginger's is temporarily closed, but when it's open it's a hidden basement bar down an alley in the Financial District, known for its drag shows and wide selection of drinks. With a mixed crowd of gay and straight regulars, it's a low-key spot to unwind after work. Happy hour draws a lively after-work crowd, and the drag shows keep things playful into the evening. It's LGBTQ+-owned and feels like a local's secret. For another drink nearby, check out Bourbon & Branch.

Bar Crenn doesn't fit the typical gay bar mold. Instead, it's an intimate cocktail lounge where a wall of vinyl records waits for you to set the mood. The crowd blends gay and straight locals across their 20s to 50s, drawn by European-French-inspired small plates and craft cocktails. Open Tuesday through Sunday, with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Located in Pacific Heights, it's a quieter alternative to SoMa nightlife. If you're after a curated drink menu and a record player as entertainment, this spot delivers.

Harrington's Bar and Grill opens at 11am daily, making it a rare spot for an early cocktail or a lunchtime pub bite. The rustic upscale pub features shiny leather booths and a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowd in their 30s to 50s. This is a go-to for after-work unwinding, with bar food like burgers and sandwiches alongside a full cocktail list. If you're looking to continue the night, Thirsty Bear Brewing Co is a short walk away.

Bottom Of The Hill is a divey rock club that Rolling Stone named the best place to hear live music in San Francisco. Original artists play seven nights a week, spanning punk, folk, funk, and everything in between. The full bar and late-night kitchen keep things going, and the outdoor patio offers a breather from the crowd. It draws a mixed straight-and-queer crowd, all ages welcome. Show up when doors open if you want a good spot near the stage.

After-hours dancing draws a mixed gay-straight crowd to this Dogpatch venue, which keeps parties going late into the night. Entry is 18+, with both 20-somethings and 30-somethings sharing the dance floor. The space is sprawling and hosts live entertainment plus pop-up dining events. Check their calendar for specific party themes and performers. Yelp reviews give it 2.8 stars, so it's better suited for spontaneous late nights than planned outings.

A mix of locals and visitors fills the bar at this organic brewery in Rincon Hill. Thirsty Bear is the first certified organic craft brewery in the US, serving organic handcrafted beers alongside Spanish cuisine. Many dishes incorporate beer or its raw ingredients like hops and yeast. Hours are limited: Wednesday through Friday from 2pm to 9pm, and weekends from noon to 6pm. You can sample flights to find your favorite. Note that Yelp suggests this venue may be permanently closed, so confirm before heading out.

What sets this lounge apart from other cocktail bars is its position high above the Civic Center district, framing the San Francisco skyline as the backdrop. The small-plates menu draws from American, European, and Middle Eastern influences, making it a dinner-worthy stop rather than a pure drink spot. It's adults-only and leans upscale without feeling stiff. The crowd here spans twenty-somethings through forties, mixing locals with travelers staying at the hotel below. Happy hour draws an after-work set, but the mood turns more romantic as the night goes on.