Best Bars in the Castro

The corner of Castro and Market, and the first gay bar in the country with open plate-glass windows. A city landmark with a stained-glass ceiling and a calm afternoon crowd.

The Castro's gay sports bar on Market Street, with every big game on the screens, trivia nights, and a kitchen running until 10pm. Loud on game day, friendly the rest of the week.

A neighborhood gay bar open since 2000, built around a big back patio, a pool table and cheap pours. The Sunday beer bust is the reason regulars block out the afternoon.

An immersive jungle-shipwreck room on 14th Street near the Duboce Triangle, pouring rum cocktails under a wrecked fuselage. Book ahead for a weekend table.

A longtime Church Street fixture with pool tables, a heated back patio and a deep beer list. The games are usually on and the room stays mixed and easy.

A 1907 basement music room under the Swedish American Hall on Upper Market, seating about 320 for live shows. Come for a band and a careful drink before it fills.