Aunt Charlie's is AMAZING! If you're looking for a night full of laughs, excitement, and unforgettable entertainment, look no further. Drinks: Cheap, strong, and delicious ($6 cocktails?! Yes please!) Atmosphere: Small, unapologetically gay, and full of personality. Drag queens: Incredible, stunning, hilarious, and unforgettable. This was my very first drag show, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. They took the time to explain how drag shows work, welcomed all the newcomers into the family, and immediately made us feel like we belonged. I was a little nervous going in, but within minutes I felt completely at home. Special shoutout to Olivia Heart--my favorite drag queen and our waitress. She'll make sure you're very well taken care of and might whisper a few sweet nothings that leave you questioning everything. An absolute icon. If you're in San Francisco, you HAVE to go. And if you can, catch the Friday or Saturday drag show--just be sure to call ahead for a reservation because it gets busy. And bring cash, because it's Cash Only! They have an ATM. Thank you, Aunt Charlie's, for an unforgettable night. I'll definitely be back! read more

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This was my first visit to San Francisco with my partner and we had such a fun time at this little spot. Oliva was the Hostess with the Mostess. She went around taking drink orders as well as making the experience very memorable. The place is very intimate and when I say intimate it is nuts to butts but we like both lol. The wall has side by side seating and there are stools in front of the bar. The performers werk up and down the main aisle entertaining. It is a cash only place which was perfectly cool with us. We happened to catch their drag show. They do offer small little snacks like chips and peanuts. Drink prices were very reasonable and with good pours thanks to bartender Pete. Thank you everyone for such a great show. read more

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I'm honestly really disappointed after what I witnessed outside Aunt Charlie's Lounge. I was nearby while UCSF nurse volunteers were providing medical support and care to unhoused folks in the area--people who genuinely needed help--and the owner's behavior toward them was incredibly disrespectful. It was honestly disturbing to see people who are giving their time and compassion to serve the community be treated that way. Regardless of running a business, this is the Tenderloin. This neighborhood has always been home to vulnerable populations, especially around Turk & Taylor, and that reality isn't going anywhere. Instead of showing even a basic level of humanity or understanding, the response was dismissive and hostile. Businesses in this area should recognize the importance of community care, not work against it. I wouldn't feel good supporting a place that doesn't respect efforts to help the unhoused or those providing critical medical outreach. There's a difference between running a business and lacking compassion--and what I saw crossed that line. read more

Best bar in the neighborhood. Cheap drinks and great people. It's a really small bar, but perfect for a dive bar vibe. The shows are intimate and one of a kind. You're family here. read more

You're probably gobsmacked that I've never heard of this bar much less ever been here. Yes, somebody needs to slap me with a rainbow riding crop. However, I felt an obligation to address this lapse once Jamie W. pointed me to a recent news story about it and how it remains a neighborhood anomaly that has survived far from the Castro in the Tenderloin. Make no mistake, this is a dive and a crowded compact one to boot. It wasn't that relaxing on an early weeknight evening because it was packed with a dedicated clientele, I.e., stationary regulars who weren't budging. I managed to squeeze onto the stool closest to the front door and ordered a Bourbon and Ginger which turned out to be only $6.50 (photo: https://bit.ly/3rKbzC6). There was no hint of the drag show in the daylight of a Thursday evening, and as I was nursing my drink. I kept wondering how they fit all that sashaying into such a tight space. Perhaps Jamie and I will try to make one of those legendary weekend drag shows, that is if we can steel ourselves to brave this block after dark. Yeah, that may not happen for a while. DRINKS - 3.5 stars...cheap drinks, more potent than I expected AMBIANCE - 2.5 stars...pure dive, no charm SERVICE - 4 stars...they like cash TOTAL - 3 stars...piece of true history but a bit of a letdown RELATED - Exploring the Tenderloin? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NIQ0tw read more

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Happy Pride San Francisco! Yes it's a dive right smack in the TL but Aunt Charlie's is also very charming and endearing. Didn't have a reservation for the drag show but they found a spot for us anyway. Turned out to be a fun show that got us belly laughing and singing along. Mixed crowd of regulars and young folks. Cheap drinks to boot but cash-only. Service is the star here and well worth the venture away from the usual queer spots in the city. read more

Best dive bar ever with Drag shoion the weekend Love Love love the place. Always feel welcomed and safe going there read more

The bartender (Joe) was amazing and really supportive. There was a patron who made guests feel uncomfortable by swearing and being loud about the fact that another patron was speaking a little louder than others. Joe made it clear that she was not disturbing the other patrons and that he was doing too much. I appreciate Joe for standing up for us. read more

this place is a gem with heavy pours and vibrant patrons. the night i went was lovely, and the drinks were delicious. aunt charlie's is an iconic san francisco business and if you're in the area you'd be missing out by not stopping by. read more

Do I have to give a star ? I'd rather not. This lounge bar located in the TL is a hell no ! Horrible customer service I wouldn't even buy water here ! Restroom is for paying customers so I decided to buy a drink but I don't drink so I was going to buy a drink for the guy next to me the bartender was extremely rude and told me I was harassing his customer? By asking him what he would like to drink ? I wouldn't even recommend to my enemies no one glued to a bar to encounter this type of service. No thanks never ! read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - a man walking down the street - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

There was NO bartender when I arrived. After 10 to 15 minutes waiting, an unfriendly, grouchy, rotten person (Joe) arrived from fiddling in the bathroom and when I made a joke about getting a drink....he told me to leave. What a jerk. I will never go back! PS I hope he washed his hands before making any drinks if he got around to it. Its only your job AH! read more

Friendly queer dive bar with cheap, strong drinks. Fun drag shows on the weekend, too. Cash only. read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - Fri night drag show - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The. People. Are. Amazing!! Super nice and friendly and good variety of drinks. Whether it's an after work get together or with friends, always a good vibe and good music to anybody's liking. read more

CASH ONLY. Too few of these old school bars left in SF. Cheap strong drinks and a clean bathroom! They have a drag show on some nights ($5 tickets you need to reserve in advance) LOVE! - not in the greatest neighborhood. CASH ONLY - yes I know I already said it. :) read more

Love the place but I put down $20 for the drag show, went out to smoke and my spot and money were GONE! Bartender said there was no booze left even though I left half a drink and $18. Fun place but WATCH OUT!!! You will get ripped off!! read more

One of my new favorite finds! So much love and community here. Can't wait to make many more memories here.

I lived near here for over a year and SO regret never coming until later. Been here twice now and DOES NOT MISS the bartenders have been so nice and MAN do they pour heavy. The pic was vodka to the line and then a SPLASH of soda water to go with my "double vodka soda" - highly recommend. Plus the patrons are just fab. Love it here. Wish I still lived nearby (again, so much regret). GO. read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - Drink - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Hi friends! Mini Minerva here! Our current hours as of Thursday April 28th 2022 are Sunday noon till midnight, Monday through Thursday noon until 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday noon until midnight. You can call the bar for a reservations for the drag shows on Fridays and Saturdays- they start at 10:15pm and end at midnight. Any reserved unclaimed seats after 10:15pm may be given away to people who are waiting to be seated. Cash only bar ATM inside $5 cover for drag shows. read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - Vicki Marlane, who was the innovator of the Hot Boxxx Girls. The City renamed the block that Aunt Charlie's is on to Vicki Mar Lane. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Fantastic drag show, really funny and a cozy environment. This place is a must but it gets busy so call ahead. Take $1 bills and be prepared to tip the girls well, they earn it! I'm a straight guy and was very welcome and treated like a friend. It is an honest place with good drinks at good prices. People come here for the show and these girls work their tails off. Energetic, glamorous and humorous I would definitely come again! Thanks Aunty Charlie's for a fun night read more

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It's small, friendly, and HEAVY pours. I would recommend it, except it's small and I don't want you taking my spot! read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - Neon lights over the bar - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was there on 3/4/25 having a drink a group of Women came in being extremely loud and obnoxious, talking about racist things and about how Mexicans should be deported regardless of their legal status. I found it to be very upsetting so I politely asked if they could please lower their voice because the topic they are discussing could be hurtful for others to hear and they completely disregarded me. They raised their voice and started causing a scene, the bartender then asks us to leave even though we were not at fault, the bartender also stated that the topic the loud ladies were talking about was fine and he/she completely agreed. It was so upsetting to think that in a place of business they should try to remain impartial and try to encourage people of all shapes, sizes, ect to be able to enjoy themselves freely without prejudice. This is definitely a business that does not promote a free environment, they are racists , prejudice and extremely ignorant. Apparently money must be of no importance for them to lose clientele knowing that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word and good or bad establishments.. we will no longer spend our hard earned money here. read more

This place is a small bar but with lots of charm. You get your moneys worth everyday every time. The serve 4.5oz shots. They do fundraisers for the LGBTQ community and are always friendly and profesional. I recommend it especially for after that long day at work read more

I was introduced to this establishment by a childhood friend and I don't think I've ever had that much fun at a bar (not even ones with karaoke!). The drinks are strong, inexpensive, and you don't even have to get up to order one. I must say it's the best service I've ever had at a bar. It's also BARTable but we took advantage of the nearby parking so we didn't have to leave before the show was over. Some tips: 1. Call ahead and reserve a table. The place is small and it's hard to tell if it will be a busy or slow night. (We've experienced both.) 2. Bring extra dollars for the performers. Drag is expensive. 3. When going to the bathroom be sure to walk around the curtain and not through it. There is a women's bathroom. It is the one with the door on it. read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The best gay bar in the tenderloin! Always have a good time when I'm there, cash only, but definitely worth taking some money out of the ATM to go have some great strong drinks and see a good drag show read more

Love this place , kind of in a sketchy area but The drag show is worth it on Saturday, always full of friendly characters read more

literally so fun here!! i never review bars but this place was perfect. cheap drinks. heavy pours. loud music. high energy. everything you want at the gay bar. read more

We had a great Friday night with a bunch of old drag queens that put on a fun campy show. Call ahead for a reservation. The show was about an hour and a half or so long. The hostess, Olivia was on her game and fun. Cash only bar. No food other than chips. It's a small intimate venue with the performance right in front of you. With a five dollar cover charge it's a great bargain for a fun couple of hours. read more

There are no words! This is a SF gem. Come with an open mind. Be prepared to be scolded if you don't abide by the house rules! There is a $5 cover. Drinks are cheap and strong. The drag queens are from another era. Literally!! We had such a good time there recently. Yes we were reprimanded for not supposedly paying enough attention. Make sure you reserve a seat. I love taking out of town guests here. Never a disappointment. Applauso!!! The good: totally unique experience The bad: follow those rules!! Chance I'll be back?: I love this place. Of course I'll be back!! read more

Very fun bar just like they would have been in the 1970's! Cheap drinks and friendly afternoon crowd!

Just walking through the Tenderloin in the middle of the night..following where my friend was leading us. We end up at this sketchy part of town then I paid my $5 cover. I was thinking are you kidding cover to get into a dive bar in the TL!!?? Then I walked in and realized a drag show was happening. I remember sitting there thinking I feel like I'm in a set of s movie. This bar is small dark with red lanterns and a big neon sign and s bartender that looks like a member of the Beegees! And I sure did tell him that's. The characters of the show were great! Some has amazing bodies! I was trying to figure out are those butt implants?? Remember to bring lots of $1 bills to tip. read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wouldn't come back here if someone paid me. The MC shamed us constantly on the mic for not tipping, even though we were. Referred to our group of nine, who were all in town for a bachelorette party, as "dumb white girls" Not all of us were white, or women. I get that drag queens are suppose to be funny and play with the audience, but we were literally being shamed and made to feel uncomfortable the entire time we were there. As a member of the LGBT family it was sad to see a place like this, in San Fran of all places, representing us in such a shitty light. Also, the drinks are cheap, yes, but you are most likely not getting what you pay for. We ordered Tito's and soda all night and it definitely tasted like the shittiest vodka you could find in a gas station for $4.99 a bottle. read more

So. Much. Fun!!!!!!!!!!!! I wasn't quite sure what to expect... walking in its definitely a 70's style dive that hasn't really upgraded since then. It smelled vaguely of urine in places and it's super tiny. That being said, the bartender had a heavy pour and the drinks were east-coast-cheap which made any other unpleasantness completely null and void. The show started at 10, and my god, what a show. This is not an Asia-SF show, this is a "wow, is this real life?" kind of night. There is no stage, the performers are right next to you seated at the bar or in the chairs they have lined up against the wall. It's a real up-close and personal show -- just couldn't be more perfect. 10/10, I want to take everyone I know to this place. read more

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This is an unpretentious and thoroughly entertaining bar!! Love the ladies, cheap drinks (PBR for $3? Yes please!) and the up close and personal show. Can't wait to revisit with a handful of dollar bills and make it rain to a lip-synched Celine Dion!! read more

Went to this bar 35 years ago when it was owned by John and Char !! It was great fun then and glad it's still so popular.

I sure am glad I called before I went there, now I know I will never step foot in this establishment !!!! I have not even been to this establishment yet and I am writing a terrible review. I called to ask some questions regarding their policies on Covid, being that I am from out of state, the person that answered the phone was extremely rude and he got very political with me over the phone, and went on to talk about how I don't care about my community, the man did not even know whether if I was vaccinated or not to proceed to make assessments and judgment. So I hung up on him. According to other reviews on here this place sounds like a shit hole!! read more

Read about and help save this historic, last-of-its-kind LGBT bar! https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-aunt-charlies

I wasn't a fan of Aunt Charlie's, they carted to their white customers first and the POCs last. They segregated the POCs by the entrance and the white people towards the tables. A couple that got there after us, was seated on the tables. The waitress (the Drag performer), filled up my partners water but told me last minute if I wanted something. I felt out of place and didn't feel welcomed by the establishment. Will not be going here again. read more

What a wonderful , fun evening in San Francisco. The description in previous reviews are accurate. It's the Hot Boxx Girls that made the night. Lovely , sassy and talented we loved that we were right next to the ladies. Nice banter with the audience and stayed after the show for photos. Make a reservation and enjoy the show. read more

Aunt Charlie's Lounge - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Energetic atmosphere, beautiful performers. Perfect ending to any evening in San Francisco.

Such an incredibly, unique, warm and friendly place. I feel so at home when I enter the door. The Tuesday night High Fantasy event has a diverse and unique base of changing artistic talent. I only worry that this place will become too popular and its vibe will change. Myles, the DJ on Tuesday nights is pretty special. read more