Best gay clubs in San Francisco

San Francisco, with its rich LGBTQIA+ history and vibrant queer community, stands as a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance. This city, known for being the home of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the United States, continues to celebrate diversity with pride. While the Castro District remains the epicenter of San Francisco's LGBTQIA+ scene, the city and neighboring Oakland offer a diverse range of experiences for everyone.
From cozy lesbian bars like Jolene's in the Mission to exhilarating Sunday beer bashes at SF Eagle, from the pulsating Latinx dance vibes at Club 21 to awe-inspiring drag extravaganzas at Oasis, there's something for every taste and preference. San Francisco truly has it all when it comes to gay nightlife, and we've curated a list of the absolute best spots.
Oasis

Website: Oasis
Oasis - Where Art and Drag Collide in SoMa. If you're looking for a dose of queer artistic expression in San Francisco, you absolutely must visit Oasis. Situated in the heart of the SoMa district, this club and cabaret theater have been wowing audiences since 2015. Founded by the iconic San Francisco drag duo Heklina and D'Arcy Drollinger, Oasis inhabits a sprawling 8,000-square-foot space that was once a gay bathhouse.
What sets Oasis apart is its weekend lineup of spectacular performances. Picture this: classic TV shows like Sex and the City, The Golden Girls, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer brought to life in the most fabulous way possible. And if you're a true drag aficionado, don't miss their weekly Saturday revue, Mother. Each show is a unique, comic, and electric experience, with Queens transforming into Disney princesses or belting out pop star hits.
Jolene

Website: Jolene’s
Jolene's - The Sleek and Stylish Newcomer, the newest sensation in San Francisco's LGBTQ+ bar scene, is a sleek and stylish addition. Nestled in the 16th Street area, it straddles the Mission and Potrero neighborhoods, offering a chic and contemporary atmosphere. Inside, you'll find an expansive space with a pool table at the front and a red-lit dance floor adorned with tastefully artistic black-and-white portraits.
If you visit on Thursdays and Fridays, prepare your taste buds for a treat as the kitchen serves up mouthwatering dishes like avocado egg rolls, Impossible burger sliders, and crispy popcorn chicken. And for weekend brunch enthusiasts, indulge in bottomless mimosas for a wallet-friendly $28. Jolene's promises a delightful dining and dancing experience in the heart of San Francisco.
The Academy

Website: The Academy
The Academy - Where Community Thrives nestled in the Castro District, The Academy is a unique LGBTQ+ membership-based social club. It's not your typical nightclub or bar; instead, it's a community-centric space where members come together to forge meaningful connections. The Academy welcomes people from all backgrounds and experiences, valuing diversity and inclusivity.
The venue offers a heated garden terrace with fire pits, an on-site barbershop, lounge seating, a speakeasy with a full bar, and an elegant wine bar. There are also games, activities, special events, themed nights, and workshops to keep the community engaged. If you're interested in joining, check out their website for more information.
Beaux

Websites: Beaux
Beaux - Where West Hollywood Meets Millennial San Francisco, is the place to be if you're looking for a mix of West Hollywood glam and Millennial San Francisco vibes. It's the first choice for Rupaul's Drag Race stars when they visit the city. Wednesdays are Latin nights, Thursdays are all about '90s and 2000s Top 40 remixes, and weekends draw in LGBTQ+ crowds from all over the Bay for lively dance parties that go until 2 a.m.
Expect drag performances from local queens and Drag Race celebrities on Sundays and occasional weekdays. The sound system is top-notch, the drinks are potent, and there's even a small upstairs area when you need a breather.
Powerhouse

Website: Powerhouse
Powerhouse (San Francisco's Raunchiest Gay Bar) isn't for the faint of heart—it's San Francisco's raunchiest gay bar, proudly keeping the tradition of SoMa cruising alive. This leather-friendly dive hosts nightly themed parties that often lean towards the kinky side. Think wet underwear contests and smelly armpit contests. Anything goes in this place.
Weekends at Powerhouse feature DJs and dancing on the back dancefloor, and there's a smoking porch where, well, almost anything goes. The bar's infamous sexual mural frieze, dating back to its early days, still lines a beam down the center, making it a unique and sometimes uncomfortable spot to bring female friends.
Drinks are reasonably priced here, especially compared to nearby clubs like Oasis and others on 11th Street. The crowd is a diverse mix of young hipsters, fetish enthusiasts, drag queens, and longtime patrons.
Conclusion
As the night falls and the city lights up, San Francisco and Oakland come alive with the vibrant energy of their gay clubs and bars. Each venue offers a unique experience, a testament to the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these establishments invite you to join in the celebration of love, freedom, and self-expression.
In these clubs, you'll find not only music and dancing but also a sense of belonging and acceptance. As we conclude our journey through the best gay clubs in San Francisco and Oakland, remember that these spaces are more than just places to party; they are sanctuaries of joy, resilience, and unity in a world that increasingly values love in all its beautiful forms. So, go forth, embrace the night, and experience the magic of these remarkable LGBTQIA+ havens.