Came to Wild Side West during Pride weekend, and it's such a cool local spot! We were a group of 5 plus one dog, and it was great to sit in their back patio area, which feels like a little forest escape with funky decor. It was cash only, and the drinks were surprisingly affordable for SF. We got margaritas and other mixed drinks - would definitely come back to try their specials. Staff was very friendly, and it was nice enjoying a quiet spot with outdoor seating - feels like being in the backyard of a friend's home. Would definitely come back for their events and other specials. read more

Wild Side West - Dog-friendly outdoor patio - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a really cool bar. I went with a friend who lived in the neighborhood. It is a lesbian bar, but it's welcome to everyone. It has a very whimsical backyard that you just don't expect from a San Francisco bar. When the bar first opened, the owners were greeted with trash left on their doorstep. The owners then turned that trash into art. Now, you can find an old toilet that's very transformed into a lush planter that is surrounded by tons of plants. The garden feels like an hidden oasis. On chillier days, you can cozy up inside; there's even a fireplace. I really dig the vibe in this bar. It's a place I enjoyed hanging out. read more

This is an interesting queer owned spot. The unique decor and garden out the back was the biggest draw for me. I loved all the intimate spots you could bring a date or a friend group. The crowd here was very quiet on a Saturday night. No one at the bar spoke to each other, only looked out into the ether- kinda creepy. There's one pool table by the front and that's about all the entertainment in there. read more

Stole our money. Old miserable bartender is always rude. Unfortunate because this could be a nice space for lesbians, and is instead a bad representation of our community. read more

I went to this bar 2 times. old mom bartender always very rude. last time she accepted card payment but today she said cash only. She said you should get cash from very old ATM. no apple pay, no credit card accepted are you kidding me! one of my bad experiences in San Francisco. This kind of customer service in Japan called kuso mise means "Shitty place" read more

This Bernal Heights spot has been a lesbian bar since it first opened in 1962. When I paid my first visit quite recently, the irony was that most of the customers were guys. It was a chill vibe, and the bartender Heather had a been-there, done-that sense about herself which I quite respected. She made a fine $8 Tequila Sunrise (photo: https://yelp.to/JnNpJ_qvKl) which I promptly took out to the back deck. There was a female customer sitting contently on a couch, and she shared her long history with the place and generously walked me down to the large bucolic garden downstairs. I was surprised how large and private it was with lots of outdoor sculpture and various art pieces scattered among the foliage. I sat peacefully in my own private enclave. What a nice find on a mellow afternoon. DRINKS - 4 stars...the drink provided a nice balm AMBIANCE - 5 stars...definitely an unbeatable garden SERVICE - 4 stars...not much conversation but quick TOTAL - 4 stars...the secret garden, for sure RELATED - Exploring Bernal Heights? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CaaWFe read more

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At first it was three stars but after having a few beers with my queers it quickly became a five. It transformed to a six after walking down all those Dag stairs which led to a secret garden when it got darker the lights came on it was whimsical. read more

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Horrible customer service gave us a bad time as soon as we walked in Got questioned and needed identification asap Small bar with a back patio read more

The garden is a lovely place to be on a summer evening. There's no better backyard bar than the Wild Side.

Just because a bar is owned by lesbians does not mean it's a lesbian bar. the night I went there more than half the customers were straight men and their girlfriends. the bar tenders were very unfriendly read more

It really crushes me to leave a mid/negative review for this place but we didn't have a great experience. I did not expect a night at sf's oldest lesbian bar to be spoiled by older men creeping on us at the pool table and unfortunately that's exactly what happened. The bartender was very nice, the patio is as beautiful and cozy as people say, but the inclusive and welcoming vibe we expected wasn't there. Our experience tonight really demonstrated why Mother has a strict bouncer at the front door. My partner and I were here with our friend when a couple absolutely hammered men came in, who the bartender apparently recognized and greeted like regulars (and served more booze), and they harassed us constantly at the pool table to play with us and continued to bother us about playing with them as we tried to leave. At first we actually charitably assumed they were just communicating poorly about trying to use the table after us, but, when we made it clear we were leaving they just left the table entirely and sat at the bar while another couple guys played a round without being bothered. I'm 100% of the view that lgbt bars, including historically lesbian bars, should be accepting and welcoming spaces for anybody - but that includes making sure the space stays welcoming and unthreatening for everyone. Having a stumbling drunk man beg me to stay and play pool with him was gross, unpleasant, and the last thing I expected here based on what people had told me. What a bummer. One of these guys grabbed my friend on the shoulder and called her darling and then went and got served another drink. Ick. Edit: I tried to email the bar about this today and the inbox is full :\ read more

Met up here with a friend for a much needed gossip and gab session. We're both in the area for work so not local at all, but heard good things and wanted to support one of a few remaining lesbian bars. It's cash only, but there's an ATM inside. The decor is amazing, the outside space even better, and the atmosphere was so welcoming. Definitely would come back during the summer just to enjoy a drink outside in their garden area. The bartender was helpful and friendly and people in the bar were all close regulars. Drink prices were reasonable and there were lots of people with their pets around too. It's a really special place and I'll definitely be recommending this spot! read more

Absolutely love this place. The seating out back is great. Eclectic and cool. This place is a hidden gem. Upstairs indoors has lots of charm. Great and friendly staff. read more

Genuinely wanted to love this place, its history and importance to the LGBTQ+ community. Definitely peaceful outside and great eclectic art/ambiance inside. Unfortunately, the bartender couldn't have been any ruder and ruined the experience. Despite being a local, I won't be returning until she retires. read more

Wonderful neighborhood bar ! Monday night's have Drag Queen Bingo Come on down and have a gay o read more

Wild Side West - Drag Queen Bingo - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The decor and set up of this place is super cool. It has a home feel to it, very cozy. They have a couple of games to choose from, as well as a pool table. The drinks are a good price. I had sat down at the bar where it looked like someone was finished drinking/eating. The bartender quickly came to me and rudely said, with an attitude "someone's sitting there, don't you see all of that" while pointing aggressively at the trash on the bar. I received this same treatment when ordering. I had my partner order drinks instead because it seemed like the bartender would rather speak with fem folks. read more

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Wild Side West is a great local neighborhood bar with an even better backyard space. I love the patio area so much, it's like stepping into a different world for a bit. It's a great date spot or a cute area to hangout with a small group of friends. The bar has $7 tequila sunsets and palomas that taste bomb and such a great steak in SF. The bar staff are all super friendly and want you to have a great time. The inside has a pool table and cool red color ambiance too. I will definitely be back with friends over and over! read more

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Had a fantastic time the other night. My family found this Lil gem. It's pretty rad Lil neighborhood bar. The patio is very cool. read more

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This a hidden gem in Bernal Heights. A nondescript bar from outside leads to a cozy interior with a simple bar, pool table and a four seater in the back corner. However, the real surprise is outside! That's right, walk out the backdoor to a real backyard! Tables and chairs are set up 'in nature', in a comfortable green environment. It's so relaxing and such a treat for an SF bar. To be honest, it's the only one I am aware of in the City. Drinks are inexpensive, $6 for a pint and people are very chill and friendly. Parking can be challenging but not impossible given that it is nestled in a small, residential neighborhood. Enjoy! read more

Wild Side West - Beers outside - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Cool lesbian dive bar with chill vibes. Drinks are stiff but it's CASH ONLY hence 4*s. read more

Wild Side West - Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm really sad about our visit tonight and to leave this review, but felt really unwelcome and disrespected there by the bartender tonight. I had just had dinner with an old friend I hadn't seen in several months, and were talking while heading back to my car. I was getting emotional after the conversation turned back to my husband who passed away from cancer, and we decided to pop in to sit in a quiet corner table to reset before moving on. There was no-one else in that area, so we thought it would be OK, and planned to be on our way shortly. About 10 minutes after we sat down and were planning on leaving soon anyway, the bartender basically blasted us from across the room so everyone nearby could hear that we were taking up a table that other people would want to sit at and we should leave or order a drink. I don't think we deserved that. We'd been there 10 minutes at that point, and nobody had even been anywhere near us, the table was off by itself in a dark corner that no-one else was near. I get that maybe it wasn't the best decision by us to take up a table and not order a drink, but it was no busier when she called us out than when we arrived a few minutes before, and I looked back when we exited the bar, and nobody moved over to sit at that table, it was still empty. I think she could have handled it in a much nicer way. Or at least come to us and not call us out so loudly that everyone at the bar could hear. As I said, it had been a long time since I'd been there, but I used to be a pretty regular customer (and bought my share of drinks over the years), and always thought of it as a safe queer space where I was welcome. No longer. I used to love that place, and after a few minutes of conversation I was starting to feel grounded again and appreciate how nice of a space it was (and still is) when that happened. So, from me, apologies for taking up space for 10 minutes without spending money - I guess I learned my lesson. Still love the space, just feel like the situation could have been handled much more respectfully - come to us, not shoutl at us in front of people, we would have understood. read more

The service is very welcoming. NOT like a business welcoming, but a "family owned" welcoming. They are proud of what they have that I consider the uniqueness of San Franciscans. Not a tourist destination but a local destination. read more

Wild Side West - Back yard located downstairs from the bar pass another seating area. Very quiet with conversations of joy. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Avoid this place like the plague!! the chubby bartender guy with long hair was incredibly rude in the way he tried to force us to spend more money (even though we already bought a drink) while my group was chatting in the bar. He made us all feel uncomfortable and we are definitely never going to return. They also dont accept anything but cash and will make you endure a hefty ATM fee if you want anything. AWFUL service, disrespectful staff, creepy workers too. If you want to have a fun night out.. DONT GO HERE! read more

Bingo Monday night's 6. Bingo night 6 pm on Cortland Ave San Francisco California..... Try the punch drink. Play bingo win free drinks and sunglasses and glow in the dark ring. Different prizes every week. read more

Wild Side West - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great outdoor personal nooks to party Unlimited eye candy on the walls.Love the cool vibe. Friendly service and patrons. read more

Been here a few times only to learn I'm being overcharged beers are 6$ and the female bartender who said this to me was very rude afterwards .... thus is the most unfriendly, unwelcoming lesbian bar.. I traveled so far to be treated like shit read more

My first time visiting San Francisco, I was excited to learn they had a surviving lesbian bar. We of course had to visit. We came on a slower night, there wasn't too many people there so I'm sure we didn't really get to experience it's true vibe but we had fun! Their outdoor area is really nice, it's like a secret little garden. read more

Wild Side West - Just a little piece of gay history - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Steer clear of this bar--my experience was a disappointment through and through!! Despite my attempts to support their business by bringing in friends, their abysmal service and discriminatory behavior left me utterly disheartened. The frustrating part? They couldn't even provide a valid explanation for refusing to serve us. As a local invested in this neighborhood, it's dismaying to encounter such disregard. I rarely leave reviews, but being treated unfairly without cause by this establishment compels me to share. It's a shame, but this incident starkly highlights why this place falls short. in other words, this bar is Ass ! read more

This is the d*ke dive bar of my DREAMS! My girlfriend and I visited from LA and we wish we had a spot like Wild Side West there. Loved chatting and cracking jokes with who I assume was the owner. Greta vibes, great beer selection, great decor, great people! read more

Honestly can't believe I have not already written a review about the Wild Side West. I've been coming here for years, as it is one of the great Bernal Bars. The best part about this bar is the electic backyard, this really is a great beer garden with multiple areas for getting together groups of people. Backyard swings, gazebos, art everywhere and beautiful plants. On a sunny day, you can find me swinging on the bench sippin' beers or manhattans. And you know I'm having fun if I'm loading up the jukebox and singing like it's my party, because the vibe here is cool and comfortable like that. We come here to have fun, play pool, enjoy the sun and a couple cocktails. It's as Bernal as I am and I love that. ;) read more

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OMG!!! I just discovered Wild Side Bingo at the cool Lesbian owned and operated Wildside West Bar, and is was so much fun! The host was a hysterical drag queen with a New York accent and Bartender Israel, has got to be one of the friendliest and skilled tenders in the city. The Bingo game was free to play and they gave out FREE drinks as prizes along with gag gifts. I really recommend checking this out and if you need a break from Bingo they have a amazing secret garden in the back where wild things happen... read more

Wild Side West - Monday Bingo @Wildside West is just fabulous! - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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As a non lesbian (unfortunately) I love the vibe in the Wild Side West, I'm a guy. There's always a nice little huddle going in at the bar or out the back in the deck. Pool table in the middle of the bar which is a nice addition. Friendly customers and the staff are ultra cool, I don't even think they mind that I'm not a lesbian. As I write I'm thinking I need to go there for a cocktail, maybe this grand evening! read more

We were looking for a lesbian bar and decided to try this place. The people were all so kind and we even got to chat and hangout with the owner. They offered us pizza that they had ordered for the customers - just because the game was on. Didn't ask for us to pay anything for it. They just wanted to make sure we were fed. It has a beautiful garden in the back. Great dive bar to come with friends and CHILL. Very quiet and super quaint. Great place for friends and good conversation. We will definitely be back and bring friends read more

I am from out of state and visiting SF with my aunt and cousin (former residents). My aunt who frequented this bar in her 20s wanted to bring us out for a drink and a simple walk down memory lane. Upon entering the energy of the bar was extremely cold and uncomfortable . We were not greeted and when we attempted to sit down we were yelled at by both the bartender and other customers. They told us we needed to show our IDs (I'm 32 my cousin is 23) we both look fairly younger than our ages. I regularly get my ID checked but without the level of hostility I experienced today. After she checked our IDs to which she claimed to "hate" having to check we all looked at each other and said screw this lady and the bar. Don't go. Someone clearly needs a hug and an attitude adjustment. The place also looks like it hasn't been cleaned in decades, the customers looked like they spend the night on the barstools quite often and it smelled. If you dare enter go in with your ID taped to your forehead. If you have any interest in enjoying yourself go to a different bar. read more

Don't know what the negative reviews are about. Great staff, laid back vibe, AMAZING back patio. Happy to support one of the few remaining lesbian bars left in the U.S. (that happens to be welcoming to everyone). read more

I used to frequent WSW in the 90's when I lived in Bernal. Many fun nights there. Recently brought my 21 yo daughter and some friends there to share my nostalgia. The bar tender was just so rude to all of us. She told the 21 year olds what "she needed" from them as a bar tender. They are new to bars and we're so intimidated. She had no recommendations about tequila shots . Just deflating and joyless. read more

My girlfriend and I were in SF on vacation from LA and were looking for a real life lesbian bar that has become so rare. We found the Wild Side West and we were NOT disappointed. We loved the inside vibe with fun signs and sapphic art and the makeshift and eclectic garden. We were greeted and asked for ID from a wonderful community member who made us feel welcomed right away and ordered a drink quickly. We wandered around and enjoyed seeing groups of friends chatting and laughing with long time locals enjoying nestling up to the bar. We decided to play a round of pool and chat up who we assume was the manager or own who was so nice. All in all a great place to grab and quick drink and hang around other queers! We loved it and will be back again! We wish WSW was in LA! read more

--"If you like dingy, dirty dive bars with bad vibes, basic beverages, plus some unsavory, "townie type" patrons then this is the off putting, the low class establishment for you."-- Of all the places on Cortland or in Bernal Heights/Mission area this is the least desirable place to visit. The venue space itself is has some attractive features. There is a nice little backyard and there's a pool table. There's a cool barber's chair you can sit in and a juke box machine too. However, unfortunately, each time I've been here I've witnessed the bar tenders being *shockingly* rude to patrons. I mean that word literally. I've never seen bartenders behave this way and it's not just one time it's each time. It's like they just don't want to be there and they want to be damn sure you know it. It's like just by being there you're greatly inconveniencing them. One time I even had a regular tell me "don't kind her, she's in a bad mood. You handled that well though". This way after a bartender treated a person our group with disturbing and entirely unwarranted disrespect. One time I saw a woman walk in off the street on a weekend afternoon with a an average non-alcoholic drink in her hand the bartender aggressively yelled at her as if the woman entering was brandishing a weapon. "You cannot bring that in here!" she shouted. "Read the damn sign!" It's really unfortunate because I live here, this is a great neighborhood, and this place has tons of potential. Sadly, the reality is that if I couldn't escape to the back yard or ignore the negative energy oozing over the bar by focus on game of pool then I don't think I would've lasted more than one drink when I've been here before. Some of the regular crowd are pretty unfriendly and unusual as well. Even when bringing a positive attitude and being very polite to everyone I've personally been made to feel uncomfortable here more than once. I witnessed others catch it worse though. There's a divey place right across the street with live music and a way better vibe every time I go there! There's a place up the street a couple blocks towards Mission and across the street with much better cocktails and, generally speaking, far classier people on both sides of the bar. If you like dingy, dirty dive bars with bad vibes, basic beverages, plus some unsavory, "townie type" patrons then this is the off putting, low class establishment for you. As for me, I won't return here again and I cannot recommend it at all. But, it takes all types and some people seems to dig this spot. Even one of my friends, actually. Just the one though... and I've been here on 4 occasions now with a total of more than twenty people. Each time I have apologized for bringing them there. One last note: I perform at gay bars in San Francisco and regularly frequent gay establishments with my close gay friends, both male and female as well as my straight friends. The last time I came to this bar I was with 2 lesbian friends of mine who chose the place on their own because they wanted to go to a gay bar they'd never been to and they knew it was near my house. "Never again" was their comment as we walked out after about 30 minutes inside. If you're thinking that perhaps I am biased in anyway I doubt reading this one final note will change your option but please take a peek at my other reviews and get some more information. Also read the reviews from all the people that had their entire day ruined here. Visit Bernal Heights and all the bars here. Try this one if you don't believe me. Come on a weekend afternoon and go in the backyard. Otherwise, don't say I didn't warn ya. read more

Bad service as many have already said and they always want you to keep buying drinks even if you just bought one 5 mins before bad experience bad vibes I will not be coming back. Funny how most of the bad reviews are dated back as far as 2016 and its still the same way. read more

Not sure why all the reviews here are so bad! I love this bar. It's a local staple with tons of history. Most of the patrons are regulars or live nearby. The backyard is huge and beautiful. I love coming here during the daytime to sit outside. It's a dive bar, so it's divey inside / not fancy but it's a consistent vibe through the place. I like the decorations. They don't have food. Good (but small) selection of beers on draft. read more