The "glass coffin" is primed for perfect Castro Street people watching. Now with outdoor seating for an even better view. It's historical as it is charming. A relaxed vibe with charming details like the old cash register that is still actively in use. Friendly bartenders who serve up drinks with some friendly banter especially with the regulars. Worth a stop in if you're exploring Castro for the first time. Make this an early stop on your crawl. Happy Pride! read more

Conveniently located right off of the Castro muni station. This is a Castro staple known for their amazing coffee drinks. We sat at the bar and ordered two Irish coffees to wake us up after a long day and that they did. The coffee was strong and so was the pour. Definitely recommend for a good pick me up. read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - Menu - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Happy pride!!! Love it here in the Castro district. They have the best bloody Mary's. read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Twin Peaks Tavern is one of those places that's more about the experience and history than anything else. It has a classic San Francisco feel and definitely holds its place as an iconic spot in the city. The vibe is relaxed and very neighborhood-oriented. It feels like a place with a lot of regulars and a strong sense of community, which gives it character and makes it feel authentic rather than polished or trendy. Drinks are straightforward and exactly what you'd expect, nothing fancy, but dependable. One thing to note is that they only accept cash, so be sure to come prepared. Service was fine overall. Friendly enough, but not especially warm or memorable. Everything functioned smoothly, just without much of a standout moment. Twin Peaks Tavern is worth stopping into, especially if you're exploring the area or appreciate places with history and personality. It's not somewhere I'd go out of my way for, but it's a comfortable stop and a good representation of an old-school San Francisco bar. read more

Such a cutesy little bar! All the bartenders were welcoming, kind and make their drinks super strooonggg! Def snag a spot in their lofted area.. overall such a chill bar and will def come again whenever I visit the beautiful Castro! This place is cash only! read more

Even if you know nothing about its historic significance, Twin Peaks Tavern is a place you'll want to visit not just for the best-priced beer in town but because it's literally the best people-watching spot in the Castro. With a "cash only" policy, a corner location on one of the City's busiest intersections, and a colorful crowd on both sides of its plate-glass windows this is the place to go if you want to experience the Castro's best-priced drinks in the neighborhood's best location for people-watching. Twin Peaks Tavern is a place to meet up for a quick one and a place to linger and though there's generally a plethora of well-seasoned men occupying its space I've never felt anything but welcome and comfortable occupying a seat here. The drinks aren't fancy, sometimes even a bit sloppy, but the experience is uniquely San Francisco. You can (and should) read up on its history but you ought not miss an opportunity to occupy a table late some weekend afternoon. It might not be what it once was but it's still something unique. read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - Cash only, but beer is cheap by SF standards - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Walking into this place, I immediately thought to look around for the Golden Girls to see if they were in. This bar is definitely very warm with a mix of vibrant and eclectic decor, a heavily carpeted and comfortable locals' hangout. The only thing I see missing here is the wooden chairs with floral or patterned upholstery. Although It's not a large bar, its quaint, very full and requires a bit of maneuvering to get around. Although if you're lucky you may be able to score a table in the limited number of cheap seats in the 2nd floor loft. Its bar service here only, so plan your drinks accordingly. They do make a decent old fashioned! Cheers!! read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Have you ever imagined you're de beauvoir or sarte, enjoying a cozy and intimate table in an establishment that is neither bourgeoisie nor divvy? If so, Twin Peaks Tavern is for you. Delicious cocktails, great company, and a comfortable atmosphere is what this bar has to offer. When the weather is nice, enjoy a table outside people watching. When it's not, enjoy a cozy table tucked away upstairs. Twin Peaks is a SF staple that should definitely be on your list when visiting the castro. read more

This was me and my roommate's first time here! We went to the balcony upstairs which had such an intimate atmosphere! We were informed that we had to pay our drinks with cash, so we withdrew money from the balcony area. It was such a cute bar to talk and listen to wonderful music from the automated jukebox. Definitely coming back read more

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I have been going to TP for more than 40 years and this time was very disappointing. The jerk bartender would only wait on the customers he knew sitting at the bar. He was telling the others to "get in line"! Why have bar stools if you can't get a drink at the bar. It makes no sense other than the usual gay community treating its own badly. Fire that idiot! read more

I've decided to celebrate my 6,700th Yelp review at the Glass Coffin because I was NOT the oldest patron in the place. I wasn't the youngest either, not by a long shot, which just shows this classic watering hole has been attracting customers across the generations. That's a good thing because they were definitely on life support during the pandemic. The older gentlemen were still holding court at the tables next to the floor-to-ceiling windows checking out the passing beefcake. The bar, however, was up for grabs, so I took an open seat secretly fearful that I would be forced to share a table with my age-appropriate brethren. But no, the young buck bartender let me stay since my eyes widened at their house cocktail selection. I was in a tropical mood, so I went for the $8.50 Tequila Sunrise, a good size glass filled to the lip with tequila, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine (photo: https://yelp.to/hM4GOgLDPx). It made my palate do a hula. I was feeling a bit convivial, so I ordered the $11 Appletini, which he served straight up like my name was Carrie. The vodka and apple pucker combo worked for me (photo: https://yelp.to/RCSB8kGnQ4). Welcome back from the dead, Glass Coffin. COCKTAILS - 5 stars...good prices for frilly drinks that pack a nice kick AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...hey, it's been around since 1935 and a gay bar since 1972...it's an institution SERVICE - 4 stars...nice bartender but his attention veered to the fresh meat that came in TOTAL - 5 stars...hey, it's a must-stop on your Castro gay bar tour RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC read more

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The opposite of friendly. I walked inside and the bartender looked up expectantly but said nothing. When I asked for a menu, I wasn't told there was no menu--just a shake of the head. I looked around the bar, wondering what might be good, but received no input from the bartender. The drinks I ordered were serviceable, but the lackluster welcome made me feel anxious and like I should leave. read more

My partner and I visit San Francisco a couple of times a year. We always stop into Twin Peaks because of the history, comfortable setting, and the nice patrons. The drinks are very strong, even if you ask them not to be. In all our visits we've never had a bartender that was friendly or welcoming. They are generally apathetic and blah, but sometimes border on unfriendly and rude. Still a nice place to stop in, just don't expect a warm welcome read more

Stopped by on a Monday afternoon for cocktails. Overall we enjoyed sitting at the bar sipping our drinks. The bartenders were not overly friendly but they were pleasant and made a strong drink. It was fun to hang out at Twin Peaks that has a lot of history in the Castro area. read more

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Great cocktails and friend bartenders! Quite surprised it's still cash only in 2025 so make sure to bring some green!

Had a fantastic time at this tavern, famous for its killer location on the corner of Castro and Market, it's great clientele and vibe, and a bathroom that smells like cookies, yes, cookies. Back in the day, a straight woman wasn't very welcome in this bar but that's not the case anymore. I came with several adult family members, one of whom is gay, and we had a fabulous time. Joe the bartender is an absolute riot who made our evening! The guys at the table next to us were sociable and lovely, as was the young man on the barstool who chatted with me every time I reached over him to grab drinks. And the bathroom... The ventilation for the bathroom is fed by the ventilation from the cookie shop next-door and it's the best smelling bathroom, well, ever. 90% of the clientele were gay men and most of the women were lesbians but there was at least one other straight couple, and we felt welcomed the whole time. Great place to grab a quick drink or hang for an afternoon or evening! read more

Came for drinks with some friends. It had a lively atmosphere but just know that the bar is cash only so bring cash beforehand. They also have an ATM upstairs if you forgot to bring cash. read more

Love this place at winter time. Stopped by for a hot buttered rum before a show and the place was packed. So warm and cozy! I love seeing the nutcrackers in display every holiday season. read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went in with a group of friends majority of us our Black. The bartender immediately started to harass us. He spoke to us very condescendingly. We were the only Black people in the bar and he was friendly with everyone else. We decided to leave because he made us feel very unsafe and as we were heading out he started yelling at us that he wasn't being rude. read more

Excellent people. Good drinks. Cool decor and vibes in the saloon-like bar. This was our first stop before dinner. Mixologist ;) was attentive w a heavy pour. read more

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Last night my friend and I went for a drink. We accidentally forgot our IDs. We came back with our ID's and as we are giving the ID's to the bartender, he immediately says no to my friend because she had a foreign ID. I was shocked when he said we don't take those only passports. She was providing a Drivers License from her country. This isn't right. She felt humiliated in front of everyone and no one deserves that. This is horrible for tourism. This bartender needs to get checked asap. read more

This bar was really cool. Shoutout to Bryant the day shift bartender who made us feel at home. Night shift bartender was only kind to the regulars, we ended up leaving due to the meh vibe. Dudes name is Steve. This place should consider switching the bartenders' shifts IMO. Definitely coming back! read more

WOW, Snubbed by Family! This was the first place we visited in The Castro and was told it was THE BAR to go to. Beyond outdated, disgusting atmosphere, carpet that should have been replaced decades ago, and a singlet toilet that I'm told doesn't have a lock. After several minutes one bartender finally talked to us and told us they were cash only (the first and only place we experienced in SF to only take cash - it's 2025, c'mon), we went to their ATM and came back to the bar only to be ignored for several more minutes while one guy stood behind the bar pretending to wipe it down and averting his eyes, and the previous bartender was immersed in conversations with other patrons. I guess this is obviously a place for old frequenters, but visitors...not at all. We left and went to Toad Hall where the vibe was MUCH better - we were served right away, they took credit cards, the drinks were fantastic, AND the place was much newer and cleaner. Just like the TV show, Twin Peaks can go away for good in my opinion. Shame on you all. read more

Ridiculously over priced teeny weeny cocktails in an awesome little neighborhood tavern . The bartenders are the friendliest in town . A must visit for locals and visitors alike . read more

Cash only. . We came in and waited for a drink when they were busy. We got out drinks and went up stairs for the open seat. . We wanted Miller high life, the champagne of beers. Wifey was like what? I was shook she didn't know but learned something new like pbr she saw me drinking it and it's now our to go to drink lol. . Instead we got modelo when there was no Miller high life offered. . We went up stairs to check it out and it was fun to people watch and enjoy our beers. Whenever the restroom door opens and it smelled like a sewer to beware not to sit too close to the bathroom. . Overall it was cozy, and fun. We would definitely come back for some more drinks when we are in the area for sure. Thanks for reading and have a yelptastic day! read more

My husband and I went in for an evening drink. The bartender(tall, Caucasian, short dark hair, gentleman with a mustache) was rude to us. It seemed like we interrupted his time with another bar patron who left soon after we sat at the bar. He served our drinks and 3 bar patrons entered and sat at the bar. We witnessed him be overtly rude to them from the first interaction when he asked for ID and informed them it was cash only. I'm used to that, but the way he said it to them was rude. They ordered drinks and paid. The bartender angrily opened his roll of quarters for change, when he was told they did not need the quarters back. The bartender proceeded to actually throw the quarters at them. The patrons then asked if they did something wrong to make him be so rude to them. The bartender proceeded to tell them to leave his bar top. The patrons politely said they were going to drink the drinks they paid for, to which the bartender told them to move from the bar and sit at a table. My husband and I were so uncomfortable that we collected our drinks and moved from the bar. We thought he was rude to us, but it was nothing compared to the way he treated the 3 guests that came in after us. I suspect it had to do with the color of their skin and that they were not local, but cannot be certain, of course. From the table we moved to, we witnessed him be cordial to guests that entered and approached the bar after the group of 3 and my husband and I moved to tables. My husband and I like to stop in for a drink in the evening after we spin across the street, but now we will look to ensure he is not bartending before we enter. It's a good thing there are large windows all around so we can scope the bartenders before entering. read more

Everyone was great. As a historic part of SF, the bartender was great at giving me a walkthrough of its significance. And, he makes great drinks! read more

These hours are not accurate. Google indicates that they were open until 2a on Wednesday. Mask mandates are strict, and they check to ensure you are fully vaccinated at the door. Either present your vaccine card or have a photo ready, and it's required that your mask stay up unless you are actively eating or drinking something. They don't have a cocktail menu but they do have several bar signs to help you! If you want something not on the menu, the bartender can definitely make it. Ordered a dirty vodka martini with olives--really well shaken, nice and cold, yummy flavors, and excellent service! read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - The view from just outside their entrance - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went on a Monday night, so it wasn't too crowded but we had a wonderful time. Great energy inside! Lovely staff. Time warp vibes- you'll feel like you just stepped into Cheers. Stiff, fairly priced drinks. As others mentioned, BRING CASH! They do have an ATM upstairs though. read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - the view of the bar from the second floor - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very cozy bar my friend took me to towards the end of the summer. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect knowing that I was at one of the most well-known LGBT bars in the city but it was surprisingly dark, cozy, neither too loud or rambunctious nor romantic and overly date-like. In fact, it was a great place for a group of friends to hang out and chat over casual drinks. I wouldn't say their cocktails were the most memorable in the city, but I loved the ambiance. The old saloon interior and small balcony seating area were very charming. Would definitely go back to hang out with friends over a beer or some light drinks. Best part is the bar is right outside of Castro Muni station and basically on Market, one of the main streets of the city, a central location. read more

Love this place. It became my go to bar when I moved back to San Francisco. Feels like home and now I'm a little older, it's nice to have a sit down with a pint or 8 and have a good natter with some friends or an intimate shandy with a young and perhaps prospective gentleman caller who may come knocking at your back door. Not too loud, not too crazy and always friendly, plus your $ goes a bit further! Mind you, I wouldn't want to sit on that carpet. As my Mother once said, Tufted shag is tufted shag... And a shag is just a shag. Whatever that means. read more

If you are reading this during the holiday season, definitely try the Hot Buttered Rum! Only served seasonally, this cocktail is just so perfect on a chilly SF night. Twin Peaks is definitely a standout in the Castro for atmosphere and history! You gotta love it! read more

CASH ONLY. I did notice an older crowd here. It also smelled like urine when I entered. Bartender was nice and drinks came fast.

While this may not be the oldest gay bar in the USA, it is supposedly the first one where they didn't hide the fact that it was a bar for the LGBT community. There was no hidden entrance or solid wall across the front to conceal the interior, etc. Instead, Twin Peaks had windows and invited the world to see who and what was going on inside. Back in that day, it was definitely a bold, and perhaps even a somewhat dangerous move given the climate and attitudes back then. We came here on a Friday night as it was about the only place with any life in it as we were preparing to leave Castro Street and head back to our hotel. We grabbed a drink from the bar and were heading up to the balcony area to sit at one of the tables up there, until one of the staff came up to tell us that area was closed for the night. This place and both the bartender and other patrons were friendly. Yes, it's a bit dated looking, but if you'll read my first paragraph, you'll understand the history and the fact that this isn't the newest and flashiest bar in the Castro, but it's one that everyone in the LGBT community should make an effort to visit when in this area. read more

Don't get a hot drink when it's busy or they'll unapologetically serve lukewarm water so the buttered rum curdles. Basically paid ten bucks for a cup of tap water with butter smeared on the sides of the cup. read more

Will never come back here. Staff was completely disrespectful to my friends and tried to cut them in line for the restroom. When they refused, he then got hostile with my friends and the staff (I believe his name was Steven- who ended up being a bartender) proceeded to refuse to serve our entire group. The whole situation was unprofessional, even going so far as calling my friends whores and why? Because they wouldn't let him cut in line for the restroom? Overall, the encounter was such a downer... it felt unnecessary, sexist, and completely out of touch. read more

Twin Peaks is named after the nearby hills above the Castro. In the Gay era of dominance of the Castro in the 1970's through the 2000's, it was called the glass coffin since it was one of the first Gay bars in San Francisco with open, clear windows as well as being a hang out for Gay seniors. Now in the late 2010's, it's a mixed bag of the teeming masses living in San Francisco. Part old school Irish pub in look and old school dive vibe, it also serves as a neighborhood bar. Not a destination bar. Come by to wet your whistle while tooling around the beloved Castro, home to illustrious Gay politician and photography store owner on Castro, Harvey Milk. Full service bar with a small mezzanine overlooking the main bar. Casual & come as you are. Watch your head when going to their all gender bathroom. 3+ Yelp stars. read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Iconic establishment in the Castro District. It looks like time has stood still. Great service and ambiance. read more

Twin Peaks Tavern - the outside of the restaurant - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been here twice and I really like the chill vibe of it. It has a jukebox for you to choose a variety genres of music, not too loud volume (my ears get sensitive at other bars with super loud music blasting, not that there's anything wrong with that of course). Just a nice place to sit and talk with friends or your date while having good drinks. It is cash only though which is nice but also a bummer in a way too. The historical meaning to the place is also special as well. Glad to see the place survived during the peak of the pandemic! read more

I am originally from NYC, and this place makes me feel like I'm at Marie's Crisis or somewhere similar in the Village in Manhattan. I came here on my first trip to SF after seeing how well rated it still is, and after seeing how cute it was when I looked in. It's even cash only like maries! It's cozy, homey, I was definitely the youngest person in there my first time, and I had so much fun and happy feels there that I brought a local friend a few days later earlier in the day. Way less people but still the same type of crowd just quieter. The glasses are cute and small, the drinks are decently priced (especially for how strong mine was), and the second time I went I found out the bartender and I were the same age. I knew it was historic and old, but didn't know what the whole deal with the windows was until my second trip when I did some research. I love the history of this place now that I know it, and am really happy to have found a lovely little place with such history and charm read more