OH The Cafe... Nothing but good memories here, and good times! They play good music here, a mix of mainly EDM and sometimes a little hip hop. I think the cover is only $5 here on Saturdays. There is a pool table, the bathrooms are clean and the vibe here is great as well. When I'm in my heels, it is a little scary walking up and down the stairs, and the worst part of it.. would be the "truncated domes" .. lol the little half circle mounds that you can easily trip over. It's kind of an odd place to put those.. I think they are used to assist the blind? I've been here once for happy hour, 2 for 1 drinks, but not for shots.. poot :( . Come here for a chill happy hour and sit by the windows and people watch everyone on the ground level, or come here any random Friday/Saterday night if you want to dance! Cash only! read more

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How fun. It was only $5 to get in!! Once you get in you can go straight up the stairs to go into the club or straight back to get to coat check. The club had three bars...I think. Vending machines for snacks and a cute dance stage that did NOT go unused. The crowd was super fun. Almost everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves. For the wallflowers there are plenty of chairs, couches and tables to sit back and watch the fun. Drinks wise I would say my bartender was great. He mixed well. One Long Island had me rocking. It wasn't a tall glass or anything so it didn't do THAT MUCH, and it cost $15. The bathrooms were nearly impossible to get in. Waaaay cramped but that's a given anywhere you go that's live and full of people. All in all I felt nothing but good vibes and energy. I will be returning I'm sure. read more

The Cafe - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

So I wasn't kicked out but left because I was so shocked by what happened. I was sitting on a railing. Sure, I probably shouldn't have been sitting there, but instead of asking me to not sit there, the security lady came up behind me and pushed me off the railing and yelled at me. I would have fallen to the floor but instead I fell into a crowd of other people who asked if I was ok. I left with my friend because it was just really uncomfortable how aggressive the security were. I reported the incident to the front door security women who asked what I wanted to do. I just told them they needed to bring it up in a meeting because that's totally not acceptable. That's basically assault. I don't know if the owner looks at these reviews but you really need to have a review of security conduct before someone really gets injured and sues the place. read more

It took me a few weeks to get around to checking out the remodel. During the pre-party for Pride, it was WAY too crowded, the line way too long. Then, I kept walking past on ladies' night and since that's not my bag, didn't want it to be my maiden voyage (pun intended) to the new, supposedly improved, Café. So last night, with my entourage in tow, we went to check it out for the first time. First impressions; it's not THAT different, really. Sure, the bathrooms became a coat-check room, so that narrow little hallway is no longer a bathroom line. Good call, that. The look is newer, shinier, more LA. The new backroom loungy area was blocked off, supposedly for the guest DJ's, which I thought sort of defeated the purpose of having it. Especially bothersome since I tend to migrate toward "loungy areas" and that was where I would have liked to have been. Secondly... no gogos on a Saturday night. I know, I know, they're there on Fridays. But why have a gogo stage if there are no gogo boys? There were ticket-sellers to some event, not eye candy, front and center on the stage. The crowd. Mixed. Old and young. Men and women. So-so. So overall, first impressions were just okay. Nicer look, better layout, same crowd, same drinks, no dancers, and the best area blocked off. Could definitely be a five-star venue is the drinks were cheaper, the dancers more, well, present, and the nicest areas not saved for others. read more

Went here on a Sunday night for Pollo Del Mar's birthday bash party, aka Glamor Zone. It was my first time ever going here. I had a great time. They were playing some ghetto bird music that makes you get down before the show....oh yeah! Drinks were buy 1, get 1 FREE! Yes those drinks were hella strong. Free admission, not sure what it is other days they charge? Um..bathrooms seemed to be for both genders, so it didn't bother me as long as nobody tried to open my door. Pollo put on a great show. Her line up of friends were unforgettable. One of the dancers threw tortillas she had stashed up in her chest, so much fun. Anaconda ate dog biscuits! So much crap you'd never thought you'd see with your two eyes. Great local gay bar. Minus one star for the drug deal going on in the men's bathroom my friend told me about. So sad! read more

Came here with my gals and gays and I must admit, I had a blast being that it was my first time going to a gay club. Went here on a Friday and my jaw dropped at the extremely hot and nearly naked men dancing before me on stage. Had to drop the "dolla dolla bill$, y'all!" The atmosphere is fun with an extremely diverse crowd. The music selection was also crackin - it was a mixture of house, 90s hip-hop & r&b, ratchet music, etc. lol. I will be coming back for Cazwell, omg. read more

Sometimes all is not lost!!! This place is fabulous. I went on the Friday of Halloweekend and hadn't been in a while, loved the recent renovations but unfortunately lost my wallet. I e-mailed the lost and found not really expecting for it to be found, but by a miracle the general manager got back to me and informed me that my wallet has indeed been found. He then very kindly coordinated a time that I could go to retrieve it. I have never before seen a club be so accommodating about a lost item, it was much appreciated and this place is now high on my go-to list for a night out. read more

I would advise anyone who is trans non gender binary or queer to save yourself the trouble of being harassed and discriminated at (The Cafe) Although the bar has nice decor the staff are lacking etiquette and professionalism especially from the manager. Myself and Two friends experienced this treatment friday night. The staff refused to use proper pronouns, they physically accosted us and when I spoke to the manager he was also being the same way. After this happened I sat at the bar to notify Lesbians Who Tech Staff about this incident. I would have preferred fair treatment for me and my team , as we are valued assets of Breakout Sessions. This was very heartfelt. I hope my concern is useful to the community. #queer #nohate #equality read more

Like most places In Castro, this is cash only with an atm inside. The place is not too big but it's not too small. I came here to see violet chachki from rupauls drag race perform and she was amazing. I met awesome people and overall had a really fun night. There is a cover fee depending on the time that you go, but it always seems like it is rather empty inside. read more

Cafe Cafe.... Very fond memories in such short time! :) First time coming here was on a Sunday and it was soo much fun I eventually became a regular!! The bartenders are super nice and make excellent drinks! One drink in particular I must say is AMAZING is the blue raspberry kamikaze shot made by summer!! She makes them the BEST!! The music is very upbeat! The crowd is not too bad either! I've always had good experiences here and will continue coming. :) By far the best club in the Castro. Best days to go are Friday or Saturday. Although they have a new Wednesday party with two for one cocktails & $3 shots! Must give it a try! read more

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Two words: Sunday Funday. or three words: Two For One. Fun is what you make of it. If you say the Cafe sucks, then you suck. The music is up to date, good selection, half of the bartenders are super friendly, and there aren't long lines for the bathrooms. It's not their fault that they attract the "ratchets," if you know what I mean. They can only do so much. read more

I love coming here almost every weekend! It's probably my most favorite gay club here in the bay. The cover charge ($5) and the drink specials don't hurt the wallet, that's why I love this place. The music, the crowd, and the go-go dancers are all hot and worth spending an entire evening here. Don't let the name fool you: this isn't a place to grab coffee and a BLT - this is a place to dance your ass off and try to get guys! HAHA, since I'm a bottom, this is the perfect place to find tops!! I've gotten into some dirty fun with a lot of guys that I've met through here and on Grindr ;) FUN TIMES!!! read more

Tell me why this place only has 3.5 stars? Excuse yall, but this is the most poppin place in Castro, and probably the city. This is my go to dance spot just because it's always a good n wild time. My friends and I can always count on The Cafe to come in clutch and provide for some crazy stories and a lit SnapChat story. Seriously, people have reached out to figure out where we be bc it looks like so much fun. I think Saturdays are the best nights to go because the hostess has the mostest. She is so wild, omg, always calling people out and having people dance on the little stage. I once witnessed an impromptu twerk competition, which was so great because the people that come here can DAAAANCE. Aside from that, they usually have professional buff dancers shaking what their mama gave em. So please tip em! The music ranges anywhere from hip hop to rnb to pop, from old to new. The drinks are okay. Prices aren't that bad, but it is cash only so girl please stop at the BoA ATM before stepping in here. Also there's usually like a $5 cover on Saturdays, but what's $5 for a fun night out? read more

Cuuute place but cash only, girl? C'mon If I can come to terms with paying my taxes so can you. I came for a Friday amateur drag night and while the winner was legit, the placing beyond that was a total ruse and it was unfortunate to see so little support from/for the Latina community who really brought it but didn't benefit from the cockamamie weighted cheering system. One thing that was incredible- 2 for 1 drinks on a Friday night. One thing not incredible- the women's bathroom. Lemme tell you a little story about it it: No + Nope + Nuh Uh. read more

Happy Hour Friday, not crowded, the remodeled place is nice. Buy one get one free drinks so I bought a malibu pineapple and a blueberry vodka tonic. Next thing I know I look down I have 4 drinks on my bill, what the! Oh well $16 for 4 drinks not too bad. I ended up drinking 3 out of 4 then going back for 2 more! Now I am wasted balls! read more

3.5 stars Parking on Castro is near impossible, probably best to take a cab here if you're commuting from the city. The energy here is insane. Male go-go dancers sporting tiny little panties, people dancing all over the place. A fun place to go dancing. Also, there is a $5 cover. read more

The group decided to end the night here - wish we would have stayed at Beaux across the street! Biggest disappointment at The Cafe was certainly the music. There was a DJ but I'm not exactly sure if he was just there for decoration - the boring and predictable top 40 dance hits blasting randomly through the speakers met a crowd that either was too drunk too care or too young to know any better. The dancers looked bored, and the DJ was busy making sure the pre-set playlist was as generic as possible. Music makes or breaks the night. In case of The Cafe - hashtag fail. read more

I came here. And it's a great location, with great energy - but only the male patrons were being patted down by security, which is fairly targeted. I'd recommend getting female security and everyone be patted down. Figure out a different gender neutral way read more

Good atmosphere, the bartender was very kind. However, the security guard woman was extremely rude and physically grabbed my arm to pull me around because I was accidentally on the wrong stairs. She looked like the inside of my sock. Praying for anyone who has to see her again. read more

Had heard a lot about this place and finally checked it out recently. This is the spot to see Ru girls constantly! Located between Market and Castro - not the easiest to get to if you live outside sf. The venue is pretty big but the stage is so weird... seriously. While I think it's functional - I don't care for it at all. Too narrow and not the best for people who aren't standing right next to the rail. This venue gets packed out regularly so a tip would be get there early to get a good spot by the stage and to avoid long lines at the bar. Speaking of which, BRING CASH. The bars only accept cash unfortunately. I was here for the All Stars Reunion and did the VIP package which includes a meet and greet with all three girls. I didn't know the set up was like a professional photo shoot since most meet and greets at clubs consist of taking pictures with your phone in bad lighting. So this was a nice touch. You just have to wait to them to post your pictures on their Facebook the next day. The professional camera and lighting was a nice touch. Mixed drinks run around 9-12 dollars it seems and bartenders are not very friendly but do their job well. Overall, this is a big venue. However, I'm not a big fan of the set up and most likely won't return unless it's for a special occasion and a favorite queen of mine is booked here. Nothing bad to speak about but nothing that particularly stood out. read more

The Cafe - Fun meet and greet with the All Star trio! Loved that there was a professional photo set up. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This man Marco is the best security. He looked out for your boi. Service was excellent. Highly recommend the cafe

Great bar. Closed Monday's though. Fun atmosphere. Chill people. Strong drinks. Would definitely come back. Love it read more

The Cafe - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tl;dr: Fun spot if you're under 25, or want a little more hip-hop music atmosphere. Front doorman (short African American guy) is uber creepy and gets too touchy feely with the pat down so minus a star for him. Drinks have gotten weaker over the years, even for 2-for-1. Gogo dancers have been ~severely~ lacking over the last 2-3 years. Not sure if the gogo budget got slashed but the guys went from Sean Cody quality to... whatever the opposite of that is. Minus another star for that. read more

I like the new renovation! Starting to look much nicer. Just need better music and less creepy people. Like a bunch of straight guys sitting down watching woman with gay people, so sick. But yeah the music is just terrible, like every place in Castro. Maybe I'll bring my headphones next time and next by myself. Nice bartenders! read more

Last night (Sept 23) the staff outside around 11:00 pm was very disrespectful and downright wrong. I had with me 5 other people and we are being checked with security. While my friends were being checked by security, I gave the cover fee for entrance for all of us. One of our friends didn't have the correct ID as he was from out of town and therefore the group decided not to move forward with the Cafe. As soon as that happened, I asked for the cover back since it was seconds before we decided not to go. The person at the cover kept it and insist they cannot give it back. I am sad that the staff here are very disingenuous with their practice, as it would've been an easy return of the cash since I just gave it a few seconds ago. This is infuriating as a San Francisco native knowing that we have bars like the Cafe, but is being ruined by the acts of their staff. I don't recommend this place. read more

The one night I had entirely free to myself happened to be the night I really just wanted to sit at home, watch TV and hang out with my dog. Perfect timing, right? "What are you up to?" "Just chilling out." "DRINKS!" "...Okay fine." And that's how I ended up at Boy Bar for the night with my awesome neighbor J. We drove over and parked a few blocks away, and then stood in line for about 10 minutes. $5 cover charge wasn't bad at all on a Friday night, and I actually ran into a high school and college friend while standing in line. Inside, the club part is up a flight of stairs, and there are 3 different sections to par-tay: the main floor, which had a few dancers on a stage (think boxing ring), a side attachment which was a smoking section and had a smaller bar, and a third bar section up 4 or 5 more steps. The drinks were pretty reasonably priced, but then again, it's the Castro: best drinks in SF, in my opinion. Bartenders and staff were all really nice as well. Rum & pineapple was $6, so I sipped on a few all night, danced my little heart out, and mixed and mingled with people. The place was super packed, and it was definitely hard moving around, but the people were all really nice and friendly (and gorgeous!). That definitely made for a fun time dancing. They closed the place at 1:47 AM (!) and trying to leave through their one staircase going downstairs and out was like waiting to go into Disneyland on Mickey's birthday. Overall, A+ for price, people, music and location. Will definitely be back here to party hardy the next time I don't feel like going out :) What a great place to give my 250th review! read more

So I was here for my friends mom's bday and I walked up to the small bar to order a drink. As always i was quite courteous and when I asked the bartender, (a curly haired hipster looking guy with a mustache) for a drink, he gave it to me, along with a whole lot of attitude. I figured maybe he's having a bad day so I disregarded it. Later i went to the main bar and ordered the same drinks and was charged a completely different price. Later I came back to the same hipster working the smallest bar and he asked me for a third completely different price. When I asked him what's going on he said, "i need to know who the person serving u was." I was thinking about it and said the word "um" and he yelled at me " DONT SAY UM! TELL ME!" I was shocked and told him that I do not appreciate his tone nor his language. He proceeded to not give me our drinks (my third one of the night) as well. I pulled out my phone to take a pic of him and he rushed for it, grabbing my arm with an iron deathly grip. I barely wrenched free by dropping my weight down below the bar. Then I proceeded to splash him with the water that I had asked for earlier to make sure he wouldn't try to attack me again... The man apparently told security that I had thrown my drink at him but I had the empty cup in my hand when they escorted me out, and i went calmly. I reported him to one of the security guards and have been trying to reach the business unsuccessfully for a week almost. Therefore I am forced to take it to Yelp. for the record... The picture I have of him shows him in the process of attacking me. Thank you hipster Dbag... Pretty sure karma is going to insure that ur mustache is lost to the void. P.s. Next time u decide to attack me, I won't be so nice and waste my water. read more

What's not to love about a bar with boy on boy soft porn playing in the background and hot men dancing around in their teeny tiny undies? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Walking through the dance floor hand in hand with one of my besties, we stare off in to a sea of attractive males, none of which are remotely interested in the two hot women ogling them. If I were a gay male you'd have a hard time keeping me away from this place. read more

This place was fun to visit while in town but not amazing. If San Francisco is the gay mecca, this certainly wasn't the destination and should have been a stop on the way to the holy land. What I did like is that they're playing music videos with the music, there are multiple spaces for crowd mixing, dancing and people watching. One of the local (I think) drag queens was a Nene Leakes type character, she was fabulous. The go-go boys were also very hot, not your starved-skinny twinks which makes me want to throw cake, not dollar bills at the boys. What I did not like: the doorman persuaded my bf and I to pay a VIP price to get half price drinks, faster drinks and a photo-op with a drag queen named Willam from RuPaul's Drag Race. SO NOT WORTH IT. Most of the bartenders were incredibly bitchy about the fact that we were to be paying half price, several telling us to go to a different bar. We did NOT get drinks any faster than anyone else. The photo-op was more lame than I could imagine; again the queen herself and the other folks managing it seemed beleaguered to have to deal with us. It was more like I was thrown toward Willam, flash photo, and pushed away. I asked where we could get these pictures and we were just told "online". what?? I wouldn't go back here and if you're visiting San Fran, skip this place, skip, skip away. read more

This is the best gay bar ever! The bartenders here gave us free *strong* drinks, the go- go dancers (Boys, of course) we're practically naked with just their g-string on, the guys here look mostly straight metrosexual men and pretty damn HOT, too! I can molest and touch their beautiful pecs and rock hard abs without getting in trouble, because they are GAY! I love coming here on Fridays when it's Boy Bar @ The Cafe. http://www.yelp.com/biz/boy-bar-the-cafe-san-francisco Loves it. Awesome music, great entertainment, GOOD TIMES! read more

Update to my previous pickpocket review! My brother brought two of his female friends here last Friday and what do you know... both got their phones and wallets stolen FROM THEIR ZIPPED UP PURSES!! The purses were on the front part of their bodies too. It's very worrisome, but it seems that women are being targeted at this club. I'm thinking about coming in here next time with a mouse trap in my purse! Avoid... unless you want to get jacked! read more

Here's what happened: The Cafe was tired of trying to compete with all the other chic venues in the city that are all aspiring to look like a hot Vegas nightclub. The Cafe then did what most celebrities do- it underwent massive amounts of cosmetic surgery to stay in the game. I'm totally not hating. I would have done the same thing. And, now the Cafe looks incredible. It's now modern and chic with beautiful, clear, urban inspired touches and subtle, fluorescent lighting. They've even extended the ceilings to create a dramatic loft feel in some of the rooms, and added a lounge area (complete with black leather couches) in the back past the newly renovated bathrooms. It seems like the only thing that is missing are some Philippe Starck chairs and chandeliers. read more

I had a great time here despite getting my phone jacked. (fyi , I was not a drunk sloppy mess. I was sober. I got pick pocketed) $5 cover. very packed inside and crowded. cash only bar mixed crowd. indoor smoking lounge area beware of your belongings. i was using a small cross body bag with a secured clasp. obviously, not secure enough. so crowded inside that someone was able to twist the clasp, open the flap of my bag and take my phone. To the person who did this, you are effing shady. Everyone seems to be having a great time in here yet you are one bad egg going around ruining peoples' nights. Rot in Hell. There's one dancer here who I swear looks like one of the guys in Cazwell's Ice Cream Truck video. Totally looks like him. Same hot body and everything, but it's not him. I asked ;) read more

I never thought I'd need to write a review for a bar/club, but this was fun! I posted a question on IG on which bar to go to in the Castro since it was my first time and literally alllll my friends said The Cafe! It was a good time and I'd def come back again LOL. There's a coat check, people going around giving $2 AMF/Long Island shots, hella good ass go go dancers lol and just a good time. I think the bartender told us that if we got a $20 wristband, all your drinks would be half off? Something like that. Only downside was the fact it's CASH ONLY and there's a $6 cover charge! Also hot cookie is a block over and open til 2am! read more

Oh The Cafe... How I've missed you. The club is rather decent in size but the layout can be confusing. once you ascend those stairs you're not quite sure which way to go. If you head straight you'll hit a bar and eventually the bathrooms while passing a smoking area on your right. What you left behind you was another bar and a larger smoking area. It seems as if this bar has missed the fact that we're in California. Granted people smoke, I get it. I guess I just don't want to fill my lungs with harsher stuff that I'm filling my stomach with. regardless your liver will be working double time at this place. So will your heart. The beats keep pumping all night long and depending on the night you attend the DJ's relatively good. I would say this is a perfect club if you want to watch gogo dancers and a room filled with barely 21 year-olds from Bridge and Tunnel communities. Have fun! read more

My middle daughter got my youngest daughter here before, so my youngest took me there with her friend, and said Mom, you will like this place. We did not pay cover last time we were there as it was a Sunday Nite. But the place was still rocking, flaming, etc. The alcohol was bar price, but cool, they sell hot dogs, hamburgers and stuff that my daughter and her friend ate priced really cheap. I like the place, you can dance without thinking you are being judged. I wanna go back again. The floor was sticky, I guess so drunks won't slip and fall, but still a great floor to dance. I saw that some posters straight and not straight wanted separation, I am not sure what programs the CAFE have, but, if the door say Gays or Lesbians or Straight Only, I will abide by it and will not enter the club if I am not allowed to go there, but , if it says no dogs allowed, I will still go as I don't bring my dog clubbing. read more

Horribly awkward layout. Absolutely no sense of flow, and incredibly difficult to navigate. Came here on a Friday night, and felt like I had stepped into a mosh pit. People shoving and trampling over each other with complete disregard, like an NY subway during rush hour, only with nowhere to go. Stank attitudes and hostility abound; we witnessed quite a few arguments and outright conflicts. The areas by at least two of the bars were disgusting and flooded with spilled drinks. These people just don't care. And seriously, WHAT is up with all those god-awful fitted Hurley caps??? On the plus-side, probably some of the best looking go-go dancers I've seen in a while. And I'm willing to give this place the benefit of the doubt, being that - I didn't get the impression that the crowd on that particular night, was reflective of the regular locals, but was mostly bridge-and-tunnel a-holes. read more

Hot dancers, one star Indoor smoking area so I didn't have to escort my friend outside for her smoke breaks, one star Shot of tequila that was basically a whole glass, one star Will I ever go back?? NO! I spent the entire evening in fear of an over-zealous lesbian who didn't believe me when I told her I was straight. My vajayjay is still traumatized... read more

Ever since they "re-modelled" (if you can call it that), no one shows up here anymore until at least 10 or 10.30 on a Friday night. Oh, and forget about weekdays. This used to be the place for happy hour any day of the week - not any more. Everyone seems to have moved on. The place looks like a sterile medical office. Very blah. After happy hour, drinks are over-priced and usually not worth it nor the attitude from most of the bartenders, although some are alright. Too bad they had to ruin what was once one of the better places in Castro to go. read more

Came here with my girlfriends for a weekend. The place gets pretty poppin by 12 AM! Be on the lookout for pick picketers though, I've had a friend lose an iPhone here! The music is pretty good w/ mixes of hip hop and classic 90's-00's hits. I've seen better Go-go dancers though (The boys in LA are WAY cuter LOL) I'm only giving 4 stars cause they only accept cash. What kind of club only accepts cash?! read more