Top 17 themed bars in The Castro
The Castro district in San Francisco is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and nightlife. Among the many offerings are themed bars that cater to a diverse crowd. From sports bars to wine bars, there's something for everyone. Here are the top 5 themed bars in The Castro, including Hi Tops, Last Call Bar, Twin Peaks Tavern, Blush! Wine Bar, and Badlands San Francisco.
1. 440 Castro in The Castro
Unique and artisanal Neapolitan-style pizzas, locally-sourced ingredients

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- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
2. Last Call Bar
Late-night happy hour and rooftop bar with city views

Kevin, the owner of the bar, is known for his storytelling skills, excellent music taste, and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere. The bar is a cozy and comfortable place to catch up with friends or have a lively party. The crowd is friendly and chatty, making it easy to strike up a conversation.
One of the best bars in the city, and arguably the best in the Castro, this low-key bar boasts an '80s soundtrack and a fireplace. The inviting team and stellar cocktails make it a regular spot for many visitors. The bar claims to have the longest happy hour in the Castro, making it an even more attractive destination for a night out.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
3. Toad Hall
Historic building, lively bar scene, weekly live music events, vegan and vegetarian options available

Toad Hall in San Francisco is a popular destination, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse crowd. The venue, located at 4146 18th St, often has a packed patio and dance floor, but still offers spaces to relax. Many patrons enjoy singing along to the music and reminiscing about the past.
In reviews, visitors expressed appreciation for the entertaining environment and the wide range of people who attend. However, there were also some complaints about the venue, with 77 opinions posted online. Despite these criticisms, Toad Hall remains a go-to spot for those seeking a fun night out in San Francisco.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
4. Twin Peaks Tavern
Oldest continuously operating gay bar in the USA

The first gay bar in the Castro area, Twin Peaks, is a local favorite that offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for all. Its large windows along Castro street provide an excellent spot for people-watching and enjoying a cocktail standing up. This bar is known for its grand and ornate decor, making it a great place to relax and chat with bartenders.
Twin Peaks, situated on the corner of 17th and Market, is a must-visit bar in the Castro area. It is an ideal spot for Irish coffees and offers a great view of the increasingly lively Castro street scene. The bar's clientele tends to be older, but everyone is welcome and friendly, making it a great place for a couple of drinks and people-watching with friends. The bar's ornate decor is a standout feature, and its location on Castro street provides an excellent vantage point for taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
5. The Cafe
Support for local artists and community events

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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6. Lobby Bar

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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7. Badlands San Francisco in The Castro
Late-night dining, unique decor, outdoor patio

Badlands, situated in the Castro District, is a vibrant spot for dancing to popular hits and 80s classics, making it a top destination for nightlife in San Francisco. However, while the lively atmosphere and music are highlights, the drink quality is less impressive. Some visitors have commented that the drinks can be watered down, and water is not freely available at the bar, which can be inconvenient.
On a positive note, Badlands stands out as a fun video bar with a good selection of drinks and upbeat pop music. During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Curtis, a bartender with excellent taste in music. The crowd is generally friendly, and the shared love for dance music creates a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. Despite the need for improvement in the drink department, Badlands remains a popular spot for let loose and enjoy the night.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
8. QBar

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- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
9. Hi Tops
Multiple flat-screen TVs for sports viewing

Hi Tops is a fantastic themed bar in the Castro district, known for its lively atmosphere and well-executed sports theme. The bar features cocktails named after famous athletes, adding to the exciting sports energy. Trivia nights are a popular event, making it the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends.
In addition to its theme and ambiance, Hi Tops offers delicious bar bites and a great selection of drinks. Their buffalo wing salad is a must-try for any visitor. The quality of the food and drinks, combined with the unique sports theme, make Hi Tops a standout destination for those seeking a fun and memorable bar experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
10. Blush! Wine Bar in The Castro
Wide wine selection, charming atmosphere, unique experience

Blush! Wine Bar, situated in the heart of Castro Street, San Francisco, is a cozy and inviting establishment, ideal for wine lovers. It boasts a good selection of wines at fair prices, with friendly and helpful staff who assist in refining palettes. The wine bar offers a wide variety of wines by the glass and bottle, making it a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts.
The warm and inviting atmosphere of Blush! Wine Bar makes it an ideal location for a date night, especially if your companion enjoys wine. Its central location in the Castro District, coupled with its extensive wine list, makes it a popular destination for wine lovers seeking a cozy spot to enjoy their favorite drink.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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11. Beaux
Handcrafted cocktails and extensive wine list

Beaux is a popular spot for socializing with friends, known for its great service and welcoming atmosphere. The bar offers reasonable prices and a happy hour with 2-for-1 cocktails. Matthew and Sebastian are especially praised for their friendly and attentive service. During the show, guests can enjoy comedic expertise from the staff while tipping with singles that can be easily changed by a dedicated staff member.
The ambiance at Beaux is described as pleasant, with many patrons appreciating the overall concept of the bar. Prices are described as democratic, or fair and affordable. Bartenders like Matthew have been specifically named for their amiability and welcoming demeanor during happy hour. Overall, Beaux is a great place to gather with friends, enjoy delicious drinks, and soak in a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
12. Midnight Sun

For twenty-five years, this video bar in the Castro district has been a popular destination for fans of TV sitcoms with a gay sensibility, including shows like "Designing Women," "Sex and the City," and "Desperate Housewives." The bar offers a wide range of video entertainment, from current hits to retro throwbacks and hilarious TV clips.
As the Castro's premier video bar, this establishment is known for its lively and inclusive atmosphere, drawing in crowds with its impressive selection of videos. From the latest music videos and viral sensations to classic TV shows and cheesy movie clips, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to dance, socialize, or simply kick back and relax, this bar is the perfect place to spend an evening.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
13. Moby Dick

I love the creative names of bars in the Castro district, but my favorite is Moby Dick. I have visited this establishment a few times for drinks and found it to be a lively pick-up scene, yet friendly during happy hour. The bar's atmosphere is enjoyable, and they offer a great deal: buy one frozen margarita and get one free!
In addition to the excellent drinks and social scene, Moby Dick has a unique feature: a fish tank. This aquatic display is a refreshing alternative to the typical TV background noise found in many bars. The fish tank adds a calming touch to the lively bar scene, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends or meet new people.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
14. The Mix
Cozy outdoor seating, extensive craft beer selection

The Mix is a well-loved themed bar located in the Castro district, known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff. One of the standout features of this establishment is its spacious outdoor patio, which provides a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. The bar is also equipped with pool tables and offers a range of boozy drinks, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.
In addition to its great atmosphere and amenities, The Mix is also known for its friendly and attentive bartenders. They are skilled at making a variety of creative and delicious cocktails, and are always happy to chat and offer recommendations to customers. Whether you're looking to shoot some pool, enjoy a drink on the patio, or simply mingle with friends, The Mix is the perfect place to spend an evening. With its welcoming vibe and great outdoor seating, it's no wonder this themed bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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15. Lookout
Offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, with locally sourced ingredients

TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- Rooftop
- Vegan Options
16. The Edge

The Edge has been a part of San Francisco's Castro community for over 20 years and is known as a place where everyone is welcome and everyone has a great time. WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAY: Musical Mondays TUE: DRAGula Viewing Party WED: Musical Wednesdays... more 4149 18th Street San Francisco CA 94114 415.863.4027 https://www.edgesf.com
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
17. Copper Bar Kitchen & Microbrewery

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night