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    Lookout

    3.6 (387 reviews)
    ModerateGay Bars
    Open 3:30 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Lookout Photos

    LOOKOUT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    DJ
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Lookout

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    Reviews With Photos

    Korbel-rita
    Shelby S.

    I came on a Saturday afternoon for a drag brunch and had a great time! Buying tickets was super easy on eventbrite. They're about $10 after tax and fees. Don't get here early - they open the doors right at 12. The third person in my group hit traffic but they still allowed us to sit down and the show still went on. I tried the korbel rita and margarita which were both solid. I didn't have a big appetite so I saw the Brussels sprouts salad. It tasted way better than I imagined it would and I ate the whole thing. The drag show was awesome. I'd definitely return!

    Montage of images from Lookout
    Ed U.

    It's been ages since I last came here. Nothing bad happened to me. It was just a different time of my life when swarthy young men quenched my thirst more than the watered-down drinks. These days I'm more excited by the sight of two fully operational slushie machines on the counter. Most bars store them away until the summer. That's just wrong. What has remained the same is the spacious upstairs bar with the wraparound balcony, definitely a unique feature in the Castro as you can stare at the often drunken pedestrians precariously crossing Market below. The balcony is set up for smokers, but non-smokers can usually find a smoke-free space out there. I came late on a Tuesday afternoon. It was pretty quiet with Eric the bartender effortlessly entertaining me with stories of his time in Hawaii. Cocktails were uniformly $12, whether it was the refreshing Peach Margarita Slushie (photo) or the more urbane Espresso Martini (photo: https://yelp.to/wB8OODtyFy). Both were equally satisfying. As I recall from days of yore, I'm sure it gets rowdy and crowded as the evening rolls on. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...satisfying libations at $12 each AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...the spaciousness and the balcony are the clinchers SERVICE - 4 stars...Eric and the other boys were aces TOTAL - 4 stars...Look Out! RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC

    Lawrence C.

    My girlfriend was interested in seeing a drag show in SF, and so we decided to check out The Lookout since it had one at brunch. Beforehand we needed to get tickets, so once we got there we were able to get a seat in the restaurant pretty quickly. It does get crowded though, since shortly after we entered the whole place began to fill up. The name of the place is accurate as well, as they have large windows that show a lot of the Castro district. The drag show itself is entertaining, as they play pop music on the speakers and have the drag queens/kings make their rounds through the restaurant. Before that however, they do give you some time to eat your food so that your attention can be on the show after. For our items, we decided to get the tater tots as well as the chicken and waffles. While the chicken and waffles were decent, I really enjoyed the tater tots as they were super crispy! Definitely recommend getting that item on the menu. Overall, it was an enjoyable time and it was a cool experience! If you are wanting to check out a drag show during the day, this is a nice place to go to.

    Risotto? Or Mac and cheese ball. So good!
    Ivy C.

    Fun place! Probably not the best drag show but they have decent food, decent drinks, and it's definitely a fun environment. I just wish there was more dancing or performing of some kind than coming around collecting money. But it was still a great time!

    Went here tonight with my sister, her girlfriend and my sister's gf. We were so excited to go to castro district. Entered the bar. I went to order my drink at the bar asking for a double shot of tequila (asked for other tequila that wasn't available) bartender proceeded to tell me "you know that's a $20 drink" I said yes that's fine. He reiterated "ok just making sure that's a $20 drink you know" I never asked for how much it was just how I wanted the drink. *spoiler alert* I had the drink, left a tip. Ummmmm not sure what he was implying. Guess I can't afford the 20$ drink x 3 my siblings/friends and I purchased

    Bar
    Sam B.

    First time here and it was great. The tots were bomb and so were the queens. Sitting at the bar you get the best view I think, because the queens move around.

    Late-afternoon unwinding with a view.
    Philip R.

    My favorite spot for a happy-hour cocktail with a view. Friendly barkeeps, strong drinks, and a laid-back vibe among fellow patrons.

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    There's a cover charge to enter a bar that is louder than a jet engine. I seriously think the decibels are a hazard.

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    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Lookout

    Do you have to be 21+?

    yes

    Is the place trans friendly?

    Very unwelcoming for queer womxn

    Is the lookout disable accessible? Is there an elevator?

    I don't know if their is an elevator we walked up stairs

    When is happy hour?

    4:00 - 8:00 pm

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - Lookout

    The balcony alone is worth coming for and great for people watching, i dont think you can do that anywhere else in sf like you can here.

    Mentioned in 64 reviews

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    Twin Peaks Tavern - Our favorite place

    Twin Peaks Tavern

    3.8(243 reviews)
    0.2 miCastro
    $$

    Twin Peaks Tavern is one of those places that's more about the experience and history than anything…read moreelse. 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.

    Conveniently located right off of the Castro muni station. This is a Castro staple known for their…read moreamazing 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.

    Photos
    Twin Peaks Tavern - Twin Peaks sign shown with rainbow flag, Jane Warner Plaza, & vintage MUNI F Market trolley

    Twin Peaks sign shown with rainbow flag, Jane Warner Plaza, & vintage MUNI F Market trolley

    Twin Peaks Tavern - Upper Level View

    Upper Level View

    Twin Peaks Tavern

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    Powerhouse - Available for play at Powerhouse! Pinball Machine - Star Trek themed!

    Powerhouse

    3.3(132 reviews)
    1.3 miSoMa
    $

    This gay bar is an anything goes place although you can't do what you can in a European bar on the…read morebar stools so go to the back of the bar for that. If this is your first rodeo nobody gay who is worth hooking up with arrives before 10:30. The cover is usually ten bucks but if they say it is only five it is an off night so find another place to go to. Small coat area on the ground floor which can hold a huge number of coats and customary to give the man or woman taking them a buck. Techno music is loud and booming so that you can start dancing right away. Usually two or three go go boys too. Nice bar keeps. Like in all bars some guys have attitude issues but most are easy to get along with. Great porn screens and Roman like frescos on the wall. For the leather crowd mainly. Nights here can be unbeatable or not worth the effort but that happens everywhere, If you look under 40 have your ID's ready emo boys.

    Great service from Carlton, always. I only have drinks (or other stuff that's meaty but not edible…read more;) ;)) here, never food... so I can't speak on the food-side of things. He's been a staple of the bar for as long as... I have been able to visit the establishment, which has been for about 16 years now, give or take, and of course the owners are still there; they come in and mix and mingle during the daylight hours typically, but sometimes they will be there at night as well! Tons of fun. Dancers, on box AND around the bar/club. The outside "vape smoking" seating is REALLY nice to have, especially when the bar gets crowded and then REALLY gets hot inside. It doesn't happen ALL the time, but enough... that you may want to step out there from time to time. I have enjoyed every themed night, or event that I've been to here. Coming back again super soon! (See you soon, Carlton!) If you're a local, and you see this and visit Powerhouse regularly, add me! ;) :)

    Photos
    Powerhouse - Rubber Weekend April 2025 had events at PH and other bars.

    Rubber Weekend April 2025 had events at PH and other bars.

    Powerhouse - Beat Pig! January 2019

    Beat Pig! January 2019

    Powerhouse

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    Lookout - gaybars - Updated May 2026

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