Out and proud since the late 1960s, the Castro is the modern gayborhood that more or less invented the concept of the modern gayborhood. It's the home base of a decades-long struggle for gay and queer liberation, it’s a major cultural center, and trust us, it still knows how to party. Here’s our guide to all that the city’s most colorful neighborhood has to offer.
Eat
Via Fable
558 Castro St.
Seasonal menus are the modus operandi at Fable, a casual neighborhood joint with a distinct sense of storybook whimsy. It's good no matter what meal you drop in for, but let it be known that brunch here is always a hit (especially when enjoyed on the patio). Don't even get us started on the French toast.
420 Castro St.
"Baked with love, served with pride" goes the motto at Marcello's, which has been slinging some of the finest New York style pizza on the west coast since the late '70s. It's the perfect late-night slice joint, but don't let that restrict your thinking – the house calzones are severely underrated.
Via Anchor Oyster Bar
579 Castro St.
A Castro establishment non-pareil, Anchor Oyster Bar has been feeding customers in its tiny storefront for decades. Patrons queue up for the cioppino, seafood stews, and raw oysters (perhaps that last one is a given). Don't fight tourists at Fisherman's Wharf in the name of fresh seafood. Just come here.
434 Castro St.
Having first opened its doors over four decades ago, The Cove is a bona fide Castro Street landmark. They serve up straightforward diner food morning, noon, and night, with a rotating menu of homemade soups serving as one of the main attractions. Whether you just grab a coffee or settle in for a while, it’s a great place to take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.
Via Tacorgasmico
2337 Market St.
A restaurant with such a name simply couldn’t exist anywhere else, and we’re so glad it exists here. Inexpensive and delicious tacos are the backbone of this Mexican joint that serves ”simple Mexican pleasures” and also has mega-friendly and personable staff. Heck, the decor alone is worth the trip.
3991 17th St.
It’s hard to run out of nice things to say about Orphan Andy’s, a living piece of Castro history and adored savior to all those who got the drunchies post-last call (when it was still one of the last remaining 24-hour spots in the city). Their hours have changed in the wake of COVID, but the pancakes are every bit as good.
Via The Castro Fountain
554 Castro St.
In a word: scrumptious. The Castro Fountain serves up old school ice cream parlor charm and unbelievably good pies, cakes, sorbet, sherbet, and (of course) ice cream. You probably already guessed that the milkshakes and floats here are to die for. Don't worry, dairy free foodies – there are several vegan options too.
407 Castro St.
You know Hot Cookie for its phallic-shaped coconut macaroons, but that's not the only good thing to put in your mouth at the city’s most winkingly scandalous cookie shop. We also recommend the decadent Butch Bar and sweet-meets-salty Sticky Nikki.
Drink
Via Blush!
476 Castro St.
If a glass of wine and some live music sounds like the ideal way to cap off your Thursday, Blush! is certainly the place to be. The bar has more than 40 carefully curated wines from Europe and California, a handful of small plates, as well as a full event calendar to ensure you’re entertained.
401 Castro St.
As the first gay bar in the country with plate glass windows, Twin Peaks serves as a living reminder of how far the queer community has come in terms of visibility and acceptance. Nowadays, the lovingly dubbed "glass cave" is a fun, old school gay bar with beautiful wood paneling and a small balcony for sitting and sipping.
3600 16th St.
Let's be honest: Lookout is the queer lighthouse of San Francisco. Perched high above Market Street, the bar is home to insane parties, drag brunches, karaoke nights, and raging benefits for local queer organizations and teams, but it’s also a primo spot to enjoy a cocktail on sunny Sunday afternoons.
Via Lobby Bar
4230 18th St. Unit A
For a more upscale vibe, visit the newest addition to The Castro’s bar scene, situated inside of Hotel Castro. The cocktails are all $15, and have cute names with creative ingredients, like the Hotel Slippers, which is made with midori, cointreau, bubbles, and crushed ice.
4086 18th St.
Live in or near the Castro long enough and you'll eventually have a bonkers story of your own about The Mix – although you might have a hard time remembering the finer plot points given these bartenders' heavy pours. Expect a steady rotation of Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue music videos on the flat screens located throughout.
4049 18th St.
The name isn't subtle and neither is this fine establishment. Known for its fantastic atmosphere and giant fish tank, Moby Dick draws crowds with its friendly staff and classic arcade games on the second level. It opens daily at noon, which is good news for anyone in need of a little hair of the dog.
Do
Via Fabulosa Books
489 Castro St.
Fabulosa Books is open until eight most nights, stocked with used and new titles, and host to queer-centric book clubs and readings. It's deceptively easy to go inside, immediately black out, and come to as you walk out the door having spent way too much on a bunch of great titles. Don't say we didn't warn you.
4127 18th St.
The second full-scale, stand-alone queer history museum in the world and the first on this continent, the GLBT History Museum is an entertaining, informative, and occasionally harrowing trip through centuries of queer history. Admission is just $10!
Via Cliff’s Variety
479 Castro St.
Take the "variety" part of the name very seriously at this eclectic shop. The 80-plus-year-old store peddles costumes, drag gear, sewing materials, toys, hardware, kitschy dish towels and cocktail napkins, office supplies, jewelry, holiday decorations, and hardware. And trust us – that's probably not even the half of it.
Various Locations
Weave your way through Castro galleries and businesses while experiencing fabulous local art at the Castro Art Walk, held periodically by Art Walk SF. It's totally self-guided, so feel free to pick and choose which special events and exhibitions you hit up.
Via The Castro Theatre
429 Castro St.
Say it with us: iconic. Every movie screening and special event here is incredible. Though there has been recent controversy with Another Planet Entertainment’s taking over venue management, we’re crossing our fingers in the hopes that the theater’s next 100 years will be as great as its last.
290 Noe St.
Fresh. Local. Sustainable. We love it. This outpost run by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association nails it when it comes to seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and local honey and other goods. But don't expect to stock up during the winter: the market season runs from April to November.
Show your LGBTQ+ fam some love and support these LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses around the Bay!
