A Walk Around the Castro District
Begin at the city’s gay
mecca, the Church Street Muni Station on Upper Market. Decades ago, this
corner developed a gay identity as the beginning point of the Castro
neighborhood, but it is on the next block, between Sanchez and Noe, that
the gay shops and venues really begin to proliferate. The
Café Flore
stands out as one of the premier gay
hotspots for a drink, a meal, or just a gaze at the constant flow of
fascinating clientele. Towards the corner of Castro is The Cafe at 2367 Market, offering a range of strong drinks accompanied by top 40 mixes to a trendy gay crowd.
Continuing on to Castro Street, take in Harvey Milk Plaza, with its huge rainbow flag, named after the slain gay leader. On the opposite corner, check out
Twin Peaks
at 401 Castro, the oldest totally “out” gay
bar, notable for its picture windows affording a full view of goings on,
both inside and on the street.
Pushing on to No. 429,
allow the Castro Theater to capture your attention, one of the city’s
most ornate cinema palaces, home to innumerable premieres of gay-themed
films. Farther along at No. 489,
A Different Light Bookstore
offers virtually every gay-themed book, magazine, and newspaper in the world.
Finally, just up 18th Street at No. 4121 is
Badlands
, a cruisy pickup scene that packs them in, especially after 10pm.
Shops
Ed Hardy San Francisco Without
a doubt the premier antiques shop in town, featuring beautiful 18th- to
19th-century European masterworks, and Oriental pieces from as early as
the Shang Dynasty (1500 BC). 188 Henry Adams St 415 626 6300
Jeremy’s A
fabulous discount clothing boutique for men’s and women’s fashions,
including Prada, Gucci, Armani, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and more – all at
reduced prices. A Different Light Bookstore Probably the world’s most complete gay and lesbian bookstore, from art and photography books to periodicals. 489 Castro St 415 431 0891
Brand X Antiques The
gay couple who own this shop have a discerning and humorous eye. In
addition to baubles and furniture, the collection also features
tongue-in-cheek vintage homoerotica. 570 Castro St 415 626 8908
Brand X Antiques
Tibet Shop In
business for at least 40 years, it features a wide selection of
merchandise from Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan – clothing, jewelry,
artifacts, art – at very reasonable prices. 4100 19th St at Castro 415 982 0326
Tibet Shop
Astrid’s Rabat Shoes If
walking the steep city streets is challenging your footwear, this Noe
Valley shop can fit you with a new pair of sturdy, stylish walking
shoes. Otsu A
boutique dedicated to providing high quality vegan products, such as
shoes, belts, and bags, as well as books and paper products. 3253 16th St 415 255 7900 866 HEYOTSU
Encantada Gallery New
shops open on lively Valencia Street almost monthly. This one
specializes in Mexican folk art – Talavera pottery, textiles, religious
icons, paper goods, and woodcarvings. 904–8 Valencia St 415 642 3939
Botanica Yoruba The
Santeria religion is the faith of many Latinos, and this shop caters to
their ritualistic and spiritual needs. An array of potions and powders,
candles and icons . 998 Valencia St 415 826 4967
Skechers This
vast store is a prime example of the discount emporiums up and down the
Mission. If it’s trendy running or walking shoes you’re after, this is
the place to find them. 2600 Mission St 415 401 6211
Nightclubs
Café du Nord Located
in the landmark Swedish-American building, this subterranean nightclub
is one of the city’s smartest. It also hosts local and national bands. 2170 Market St 415 861 5016
Make-Out Room Cool
live music provided by local up-and-comers and DJ nights make this a
Mission favorite. The decor is original, the drinks are cheap, and the
staff is appropriately witty. 3225 22nd St at Mission 415 647 2888
The Café Something
– and somebody – for everybody here at this camp, cruisy Castro
old-timer that attracts gays, lesbians, and straights in equal doses.
The outdoor balcony is great for people-watching. 2367 Market St at Castro 415 861 3846
AsiaSF Brazen
Asian drag queens are your waitresses, who also perform bar-top
numbers. The tropical cocktails glow in the dark. DJs and dancing
downstairs. 201 9th St at Howard 415 255 2742
The Endup Formerly exclusively gay, as famously featured in Tales of the City , this classic is now thoroughly mixed, featuring house music, and an all-day Sunday “T” Dance. 401 6th St at Harrison 415 357 0827
The Stud Bar Around
for over 35 years, this formerly exclusive enclave of maleness is now
popular with anybody who likes a rollicking lusty time. Theme nights
include Trannyshack, a fabulous drag cabaret show. 399 9th St at Harrison 415 863 6623
111 Minna Gallery Art
gallery by day and rave scene by night. Devotees call this the coolest
place in town, with top DJs who mix everything from garage to world
beat. El Rio Different
dance events every night of the week draw a diverse crowd ready to work
their thing – Friday World Beat and Sunday Salsa Showcase are huge. 3158 Mission St 415 974 1719
Elbo Room This
two-story bar combines dancing, live entertainment, and pool tables. A
great mix of people come together here for the welcoming atmosphere and a
great time. 647 Valencia St 415 552 7788
Ten 15 Folsom Perhaps
the definitive SoMa club, with three levels of trance and techno spun
by big-name DJs, complete with million-dollar light shows . 1015 Folsom St at 6th 415 431 1200
Ten 15 Folsom
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