Places
Best bars and restaurants in the Castro District
The neon sign at Twin Peaks Tavern is one of the first things you'll notice when you come to Castro. Photo: Shutterstock
Twin Peaks Tavern
Named after the nearby hills overlooking the neighborhood, this iconic bar is old school and is called “gateway to the Castro” as its neon sign is one of the first things people see on entering the area. A historic landmark, it’s one of the first gay bars in the nation, open since 1971. It feels like not much has changed here or been updated—simple drinks and hospitality, a good spot from which to watch life in the Castro.
Twin Peaks Tavern
401 Castro St, San Francisco
Show on map
Flore serves fantastic drinks and has a lovely outdoor dining area. Photo: Flore
Flore
This restaurant and café, which has been open since 1973, has an outdoor patio and large glass greenhouse walls surrounded by plants, giving it a “secret garden” feeling. Flore keeps the menu easy with just a couple of offerings for lunch and dinner, simple classics like slow-roasted beef stew and cheese tortellini. It’s a great place to grab lunch.
Flore
2298 Market St, San Francisco
Show on map
The cool and rustic interior at Blackbird. Photo: Blackbird
Blackbird
This dimly lit bar has an innovative seasonal cocktail menu, with entries such as the Wizard Smoke (the alchemy in the drink includes mescal, strawberry rose reduction, white pepper, tequila, lemon and Aleppo) as well as a large selection of craft beer and wine. The bar is filled with interesting art and features opening parties for new exhibits.
Blackbird
2124 Market St, San Francisco
Show on map
You'll find classics like pizza, burgers and tacos at Lookout. Photo: Lookout
Lookout
This second-floor bar and restaurant has an outdoor patio that offers a great view of the Castro at sunset and the nightlife below you. It has expected bar fare such as pizza, burgers and tacos, along with less predictable options, such as deep fried tequila shots, which are surprisingly tasty. Fun events include karaoke on Mondays and an occasional “drag brunch.”
Lookout
3600 13th St, San Francisco
Show on map
The brunch at Starbelly is hard to beat. Photo: Starbelly
Starbelly
Locally-sourced California comfort food fills the menu for brunch and dinner. A wide range of appetizers, sandwiches and artisan pizzas, as well as seasonal items are on the menu and the enclosed patio area is open all year-round. A nice spot for couples or small groups.
Starbelly
3583 16th St, San Francisco
Show on map
Eureka Restaurant and Lounge specializes in Southern cooking. Photo: Eureka Restaurant and Lounge
Eureka Restaurant and Lounge
This two-level restaurant is a good choice for date night and specializes in Southern cooking. A hearty menu includes items such as crispy chicken livers as an appetizer and entrées gumbo or the Eureka meat loaf with garlic mashed potatoes, carrots, green beans and creole gravy. The traditional cocktail menu includes classics such as a Manhattan, Dark 'n' Stormy and “Gingertini.”
Eureka Restaurant and Lounge
4063 18th St, San Francisco
Show on map
Tea Krulos
Did you find this article inspiring?
Give it a thumbs up!
0 likes
Book trip
Use your points
From60,000 Round trip
San Fransisco
Popular articles
Popular articles
AD
