![gay bars san francisco dory alley gay bars san francisco dory alley](https://img.sfist.com/2019/07/dore-alley-2017-couple.jpg)
There’s a nearby alley that’s been spruced up to highlight the legacy of the generation that paved the way for the Summer of Love. Covered in local art, a drink at this destination is a must for anyone visiting the city who wants to feel the echoes of Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. And when they did, it was often at Vesuvio Cafe in Italian-flavored North Beach. Naturally, the Beat Poets liked to drink and hang out. It's cosy and unpretentious, meaning you could easily knock back a few rounds with friends. Twin Peaks remains a popular spot with queers of all ages and has become a destination for LGBTQ travelers.
![gay bars san francisco dory alley gay bars san francisco dory alley](http://the440.com/Images/gay-bar-440Castro-logo.jpg)
It was a bold declaration that there was nothing shameful about being gay or the gay community. The guests could see out and the world could see in.
![gay bars san francisco dory alley gay bars san francisco dory alley](https://miro.medium.com/max/980/0*3DJ3zoZdezFWUD2h.jpg)
Twin Peaks Tavern (401 Castro St.)Īt the corner of Castro and Market streets, Twin Peaks Tavern holds an important distinction: it was the first gay bar in the city to have large, street-facing windows. The crowd’s always friendly and welcoming, so long as you drop your attitude at the door. There’s plenty of fascinating men-watching to be enjoyed. Powerhouse may not be the sleekest design in the world, but the old time atmosphere evokes the past and an "anything goes" atmosphere. It’s a perfect place for a little happy hour, strippers, leather, and, well, the erotica that plays on several large screens on any given afternoon or evening.
![gay bars san francisco dory alley gay bars san francisco dory alley](https://www.out.com/sites/default/files/2013/04/23/GayBarTop_0.jpg)
A small, cozy bar outside the main space and a rooftop bar above offer you the chance to quiet down and connect with someone new. It gets its fun and frivolous spirit from its proprietor, drag legend Heklina, who's been encouraging outrageous on-stage performance for years. Hosting drag nights, concerts, and DJs, Oasis is all about having a gay old time. This bar in SoMa is one of the city's premiere LGBTQ venues. The outside patio is filled with men on sunny weekend afternoons. It’s been the site of countless fundraisers, mud wrestling tournaments, drag shows, and community meetings. The place looks like it’s just barely held together with string and duct tape-probably because the place is older than many of the people in attendance. Your grittiest experience is sure to be found at The Eagle, San Francisco’s famous leather bar. Plus, you can order in food from some of the excellent neighboring restaurants. With a loyal following and lots of history, it's definitely worth a visit. One of the last gay bars left standing in what was San Francisco's original gayborhood, before the action and activism moved south to the Castro, The Cinch is a delightful dive with pinball, a patio, and plenty of strong cocktails to choose from. The city might be changing dramatically around the bar, but Aunt Charlie’s is frozen comfortably and brilliantly in time. But the clientele is decidedly more mature than you might find at a more modern establishment. The Friday and Saturday drag shows are notorious in the tight, colorful space. Still, that’s plenty of time to have become an institution, as one of the Tenderloin’s most fabulous dive bars. It might seem like it’s been here forever, but it’s not the oldest of San Francisco’s gay bars. Plus, it's smack in the middle of all the gayborhood action on Castro Street, so grab a beer (or a bear!) and enjoy watching the world go by. Generously priced specials, a large and festive curbside parklet, and plenty of friendly regulars make this bar a guaranteed good time. If you like your men big and fuzzy, then 440 Bar is where you'll want to stop for a drink. Many of San Francisco’s legendary bars go way, way back-even before the Summer of Love-and are still thriving today. After all, what would the revolutions in San Francisco have meant without amazing places to celebrate change and embrace the freedom in diversity?ĭuring your next stay in San Francisco, be sure to visit some of these legendary gay bars. You can almost feel the personal stories, the come-ons, the banter, and the longing for freedom seeping out of the nicked wood of the bar. There’s something magical about walking through the doors of a gay bar or club that's older than you are.