Talk about a neighborhood bar where you feel welcomed and at ease. Staff and general crowd are super chill. Amazing selection and fun, chill vibe. Great music with options for jukebox selection. Thanks Pilsner, we'll be back! read more

This might very well be the first gay bar I patronized after creeping stealthily out of the closet a hundred years ago. I remember trying too hard to be a beer guzzler and hanging out in the back patio back when it felt like somebody's carport. Even though the patio has been spruced up considerably since my virginal visits, the bar still retains its backyard hangout vibe. Maybe that has to do with its outlier location on Church. It doesn't feel like it's competing with all the other bars deeper into the Castro. They don't offer 2-4-1 tokens, but their drinks are more than reasonably priced ($6 Tequila Sunrise - photo: https://yelp.to/JDnxfA-GFe). They open relatively early at 1PM, so if you plan to tipple early, you can have the patio to yourself and keep the lonely koi company (photo: https://yelp.to/PWft2YGTXh). DRINKS - 4 stars...potent and cheap AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...love the back patio SERVICE - 3.5 stars...initially surly but warms up TOTAL - 4 stars...there's nothing like your first gay bar RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC read more

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my husband Michael AkA mike) and I (Hector )went to the Pilsner Sport bar and we had a martinis. We had a great time and Momo was awesome bartender and we just gotta go back again. I recommend everyone going this even the straight guys should check it out. The girls are so pretty and cute. The bartenders are awesome that work at the Pilsner read more

Pilsner Inn - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

this place is so big! I was surprised! It's got an entire patio area if you take your drinks out to the back & it's so cute. This place was so accommodating to the SFGMC after a performance they had. It was great because we were able to accommodate others who dont drink with other options & we did a BYO pizza situation on the patio area. The bar had so many draft options, which I actually love. I tried all of the IPA's & the bar staff did really well with a large rush of us who kind of all showed up in various waves. It was just a train ride away which was super convenient - there is a stop right out front. As someone who needs a lot of personal space, this place was the perfect spot to host our group while still have space for the locals who frequent this watering whole on a regular Saturday. I saw it from the trolley on my way to Dolores Park for the TRANS march the following Friday & too we stopped in again for one beer. I very much like the convenience of train ride right out front -- wish we had more of this in LA. Keep up the great work! Be back soon! read more

I loveeeeeee Vicky!!!!! I keep coming back because of her. She is available with her Manchester Northwestern English loving way. Please, come to meet our Girl that we love so much at Pilsner inn in San Francisco read more

We sat down at the bar, waited 30 minutes and never got served. We left. Bar wasn't very busy- the bartender just wasn't very concerned or attentive. read more

I hesitated to leave this review, but I feel it's important to warn others. This isn't my first time at this bar -- I've been here multiple times, recognize many of the bartenders, and know it's a spot where a lot of regulars hang out. Unfortunately, during a recent visit, I was drugged (roofied), even though I was with a friend and we were both being very careful with our drinks. This experience has been incredibly difficult to process, both physically and emotionally. Even more upsetting is that my friend was also affected (Roofied)! Thankfully, another friend arrived in time, and we were both taken to the hospital before things got worse. I'm sharing this because I want others -- especially those new to the place -- to be extremely cautious. read more

A few lifetimes ago, this was the neighborhood hangout. I moved away years ago and stepped foot inside for the first time in ages. I was worried that they'd updated it (they have) and erased the neighborhood hangout charm, but thankfully that is intact. Friendly, welcoming, with an amazing array of beers on tap. The TVs are on with sports, and a jukebox of music is at the perfect volume to keep the place feeling lively, but you can still have a conversation. I was happy to find it's still a very welcoming place for a good drink or a game of pool. read more

Love this cute little spot with a different crowd than the usual Castro crowd. Plus a nice back outside area, and a pool table. Note, it's a much older crowd than you expect from the Castro read more

This was my first time at this gay bar, and it was so chill. Even during the pandemic. James the bartender was so sweet and attentive! I got such good vibes coming here. I barely moved to the city this year, so I'm totally coming back to this bar. I got the Lemon Berry Mojito (so freaking good) and sat at an outdoor table in the back that's separated by the other tables by plastic curtains. The back has beautiful plants, lights, and pride flags. The music was fire as well. On top of that, their straws are fully compostable! Talk about eco friendly. (: Couldn't ask for a better way to spend my evening after a long day of work. read more

Pilsner Inn - people sitting at tables in a restaurant - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I was very looking forward to having a beer on my day off mid afternoon in the beautiful Castro when I walked in I was greeted by a bartender who was friendly enough to offer a taste of one of the IPAs, which ends up being the one that I wanted to have so I tried it, but as I'm looking at the glass, it's full of foam now it could be that the temperature is off or the lines are needing cleaned out. I've owned a bar in my past so I know that that is how this foam head becomes very large. So the bartender let me know that they had just cleaned the lines that- the service person was there just a day ago. I attempted to try a different fountain. I did that for two more and each one of them had severe foam and also we're not that cold. read more

Absolutely Wonderful Atmosphere! Bartender is Very Friendly and Makes the BEST Bloody Mary. Beautiful Outside Patio with a Waterfall and Koi Pond. I definitely recommend a visit You will not be Disappointed. read more

Went ~6 PM on a Thursday and there was a decent crowd, definitely nowhere near packed. The people there, along with the bartender, was friendly. The backyard patio was cute and my friend's moose drool(?) drink was quite good. However, literally everyone at the patio was smoking. Also, though there was enough room to have more tables, they didn't add more in. We still found seats, but all the tables outside were already occupied by the time we got there. read more

Met up with colleagues for drinks after work. Really chill spot to hang out and chat. We stayed at the bar but there is a cool back patio area too. Our bartenders JM and were awesome - strong drinks made fast at a decent price point and we had the option of paying up front or keeping a tab open. No food service but they do allow outside food. read more

Nice bar at the corner of Market and Church. They have an outdoor patio area that's a relaxing place to have a drink.

Friendly bartenders and fun casual environment at this neighborhood bar. Always feel welcome here. Happy hour during the week slaps.

Casual gay bar in the Castro. During COVID their full patio is open. You can order food from Red Jade and Il Casaro but you no longer have to. The staff is friendly and takes COVID precautions seriously. The patio is well decorated and has a water feature. They have an extensive bar and one of the largest draft beer options in the Castro. They also have a cocktail menu. read more

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I love the Pilsner, more calm and relaxed than other bars on and near Castro. Their outdoor patio is a little oasis in SF's concrete and steel jungle. Beers and mixed drinks are great and staff is very patient! While I had been here a few times before, I'll be going back more just for the patio! Don't forget the pool table, dart board, and pinball machine. Basically, they have a little of everything you are looking for on a quieter night out. read more

My favorite bar in SF. Good beer at good prices, no one takes themselves too seriously, gets too drunk, or gets too loud. Just a good neighborhood bar to have a drink, sit on the back patio (maybe have a smoke), and chat with friends. Bar tenders are friendly and attentive without being fake. The vibe is immaculate. Never change Pilsner. read more

My favorite place in town. Great bartenders. A relaxed crowd with a great community, large beer selection, and couple delicious frozen cocktails. Love it. read more

Go for the chill outdoor patio where you can enjoy a cold brew, just know that ciggy smokers are welcome here. Go for the well used pool table, antique looking photo booth and all business bartender. Go for the ($6!) Tanqueray G&T: it was all gin and almost no tonic! Well, they like to keep it STIFF in the Castro! read more

Pilsner Inn - G&T in the outdoor patio - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Easily five stars. Today was my first time going there and I was really grateful that they had wine options beyond just the cheap one serving bottles that a lot of bars carry. $6 for a Malbec? Hell yes! The guy that was serving was not only cute but incredibly personable and welcoming. The back patio is adorable and very chill. What more can you ask for in any bar much less an unapologetically gay bar. I can't wait to go back. read more

Great new pandemic set up in the back area - tables nicely spaced out with barriers in between. They have a good selection of specialty cocktails +the full beer and booze menu plus you can order food from either Red Jade or IL Casaro. Really smart use of the space and love having the two dining options. P. S. It's a nonsmoking space for now. read more

Longtime Pilsner fan - sorry to report this. Unsafe environment. No security on a Saturday night - unwise in SF. Aggressive solo individual was harassing many patrons. Single female bartender was unwilling / unable to remove this person - became uncomfortable & borderline hostile. read more

Friendly staff with friendly pours. Its a great place to relax without being annoyed by obnoxious drunks. As a newer resident of SF, this place has earned my regular visits. Oh, if you like pool, they also have a pool table. read more

Came here for a rugby social and this spot was pretty cute once you got outside to the Patio. There's nice long benches for sitting and plenty of space for standing tables and mingling. Some cool old school arcade games inside. (It's like a typical dive bar inside) but it's a good spot to chill. Not to mention they keep you safe with a bowl of condoms read more

Pilsner Inn - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

At 70 years young I still find the Pilsner Inn to be a welcoming watering hole. None of the "ageist" crap you're likely to find in other establishments. I don't come here often but I find it's an oasis away from the usual crowd. Bar staff varies but mostly attentive and friendly. Real basic bar, pool table, interwebs linked jukebox, couple of video games and 1 pinball machine. The *gem* is their back patio, all smoking allowed, very sociable crowd. Best place to take straight friends for a drink read more

Pilsner made my night this Friday. I asked for the bathroom key - not long after I arrived here. The bartender paused - and then asked for my ID. I didn't have it on me - so I said I'd be back with it. As I found my way back to my bag - I had a crazy big smile on my face. Someone asked me where was I was going. And when I revealed that I was trying to find my ID - they seemed confused. I was thrilled though. Being IDed when you haven't even asked for a drink yet - is huge. It's truly a massive compliment! I couldn't wait to head back to the bar with my tattered ID. Outside of awesome - complimentary bartenders - who kept my water glass full - throughout my time here - I loved how big this space is - and the warm positive vibes that moved throughout it. Their bathroom was clean and accessible - and their back patio is truly What's Up. Seriously if you're ever trying to find a unique space for an event or get-together - the Pilsner Inn is a wonderful spot. Their back stretching patio has a nice cover on it - which keeps the wind out - but keeps the gorgeous San Francisco light- in. Pilsner feels like a warm familiar friendly hug. Which is the ideal way to begin a long weekend. Trust. read more

The bartender doesn't squeeze my ass hard enough. More upbeat music would help - Johnny has a great playlist I miss the fish But I won't dock a star for that because I know those raccoons are vicious creatures. Room for improvements: 1) More gogo boys ‍ 2) Rupaul drag race viewings 3) All topless bartenders 4) Petting zoo (more gogo boys) read more

I like the Pilsner Inn, it has a nice little homey bar feel to it - even though it's located on the very busy corner of Church and Market. It has a nice little pool table, pinball machines and a nice little outdoor area that is covered. Nice little bar for group events. The drinks were strong, my second drink was even stronger. I definitely appreciated the good service over at the Pilsner Inn. read more

After visiting Aardvark Books next door I had some time to kill so I cruised in here to grab a pint and read some of my books. I guess technically it's a "gay" bar but on a slow Saturday afternoon it was just a chill sports bar. Some games were on the TV and a few people were shooting pool. I was pleasantly surprised to see a pretty good craft selection on draft. I got the "Wilhelm Scream", a seasonal pumpkin beer from Magic Hat Brewing Company and settled into a sunny front corner to read. I didn't check out the patio but that looked very pleasant as well. All in all a lovely hour or so was spent enjoying a beer and book. The bartender was very nice as well. STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great casual and welcoming place to get some drinks on. read more

I came here during the week leading up to Pride with a friend. They were hosting some political event where members of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Party collaborated with the bar and this outside vendor that sold pulled pork. We originally came here for the pulled pork but it was expensive AF. Almost $15 just for a sandwich? I'll just go somewhere else and get something half of that, lol. Anyway, I ordered a Blue Moon and it was good enough to last me over an hour since my friend and I just talked and introduced to his friends. There were also some San Francisco political figures that stopped by which was pretty cool. There's an outdoor seating outside but people were smoking so we decided not to stay there for too long. read more

Pilsner Inn - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I like the Pils. It's not glamorous, it's not flashy, it's just the place you go when you want to chill out and have a drink but not really be a part of the scene. REALLY wish they'd disallow smoking on the back patio though. Sucks as a non-smoker when your reward for making a good decision is that you get to choose between stuffy (inside) and carcinogenic (outside). read more

My out of town friends brought me to Pilsner Inn on their last night before heading out. This chill bar has an unpretentious crowd and seating by the windows. (Perfect for people watching.) They also have a pool table, darts and outdoor seating in the back. The cool thing about this place is that it's casual. It's a very laid back crowd and a laid back scene. There's a small TV over the bar and a phone booth in the middle too. My only concern was when I used the restroom and maybe because I didn't see a lock. But I was concerned someone would walk in on me and see all my glory. And the restroom isn't off to the side, so anyone walking by would get a view! read more

Is this even a gay bar anymore? There used to be really awesome bartenders but not the case anymore... the barback seriously sat behind the bar chatting up some chick for over 20 minutes when I got here tonight. Nobody offered to get me a drink even though I had cash out in my hand waiting. The crowd tonight is also the most annoying, obnoxious group I've seen in here ever. Overly pretentious wannabe frat boy geeks and loud, screaming loud, chicks everywhere. There were, of course, a few lesbians that we're hanging out and a couple of gays. The rest, who knows... I gave it two stars in the hope that it will be the chill spot to drink, hang out, play pool or video games and have a few drinks. I doubt it though, judging by the way this city is quickly becoming a douche haven. read more

Pilsner Inn - A look behind the bar this evening. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This bar has cubicles in the back patio open. They have a temperature check and hand sanitize when you walk in. They have a really cool system where you can scan and order from your phone and then they bring the drinks out. They also have food available to order which is amazing. They only had one guy working but he was making all the drinks and handling everything well. I had a great time and definitely felt welcome! read more

After watching the Michigan-Butler game (and many delicious beers later) at Toronado's, we stumbled into Pilsner for some afternoon sun and even more delicious brews. I really like the patio at Pilsner. It's well-lit with the transparent canopy and it never gets smoky even when it's crowded on Friday night. The seating is well designed so everyone has space, yet it all feels very intimate and social at the same time. Since it was nice and sunny out, I knew 21st Amendment's Watermelon Wheat would be the perfect brew for the conclusion of our lazy Saturday afternoon of drinking. It's light and delicious with just a hint of watermelon after. If you haven't been to Pilsner Inn's patio yet, I strongly encourage you to. It's really a great place to enjoy a perfect sunny San Francisco day with a nice brew in hand. read more

Just love this homosexual cocktail and pool table place. Service was bad but I forgive them.

Great bar to chitchat in without having to talk over the thumpa thumpa. Cute penguins above the bar and especially a set of penguin stuffed animals that I think I own too from Sears... Nice selection of beers and cheapish too ($3.75 before tip). Patio looks like it'd be awesome in the warmer months. read more

This is one of the best bars around town. Friendly staff, a large selection of beers (with nightly specials), pinball machines (including my personal favorite: theatre of magic), and an amazing back patio with plenty of seating (as well as standing tables). This is a comfortable place to come have a beer, play pool or pinball and have a smoke on the patio. I love this place and will continue to be a loyal patron. read more