Pilsner Inn

Pub/Tavern · San Francisco, CA

About

Open daily from late morning until 2am, Pilsner Inn fits into a casual afternoon or late night. This spot has been around since 1980, offering darts, pool, and a popular back patio that draws a loyal local crowd.

The bar sits a few blocks from the Castro's main drag, which regulars say keeps the vibe more neighborhood-focused than touristy. Expect a mixed age range from 20s to 50s, mostly men, with occasional women. It's a place to shoot pool, chat, and relax rather than a high-energy dance spot.

Located in the Castro, just a few blocks from the main commercial strip, which gives it a more local feel than bars on Castro Street itself.

Features

  • Open since 1980 with neighborhood feel
  • Darts and pool tables available
  • Large back patio popular in summer
  • Crowd ranges from 20s to 50s, mostly locals

Good for

Pool TableAfter Work20 Somethings30 Somethings40 SomethingsLocalsPub/Tavern
3.7

What people say

Rated from 256 reviews. 64 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp

From the community

“Good mix of ages”

Pilsner is a few blocks from the main Castro area, which makes it more appealing and less crowded with the suburban types you see at the Cafe. The crowd is mostly local guys from mid-20s to late 40s or early 50s, and it's not very female-oriented; I've hardly ever seen women there. The bar is on the small side, but there's a nice pool table and an awesome backyard that gets very busy in summer. It's a very casual, Levi's-wearing crowd looking to hook up, so not many posers standing around. Definitely worth checking out.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“Friendliest bar in town”

I was only in town for five days and ended up coming here four of them. It's not the busiest or the trendiest spot, but I had more people make me feel welcome here than at any other place in SF.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Pilsner inn”

A friendly gay dive bar with a wonderful patio.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“well i'm new”

I will be there soon and need someone to show me around. I am single and attracted to white men, and I would do anything to be someone's slave.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Welcoming and Friendly Low-Key Bar on Church”

Friendly and down-to-earth regulars fill this bar. The drinks are solid, and there's a pleasant back patio for those who enjoy outdoor seating, even with cigarette smoke. The crowd is a mixed group of gays and lesbians stopping by for a drink or two while playing pool and watching sports on the TVs over the bar. If you want loud music and shirtless guys, go elsewhere—here you'll find a relaxed, friendly bunch who just want to talk and laugh through the night.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pilsner Inn have a dress code? +

There is no formal dress code; casual attire is standard.

What are the regular events or games? +

Pool and darts are available, and TVs show sports. No regular events confirmed.

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