Stopped by The Cafe again after 10+ years and it brought back so many great memories! My friends and I would go to this place often and The Cafe was always one of our go to spots when we would go to the Castro. We would especially make sure to make a stop here during Pride day. The drinks and music are still as great as I remembered. Cynthia makes the best drinks! My friend and I intended to stay an hour but ended up staying until 1am watching the dancers, drinking at the bar and just enjoying the atmosphere. The Cafe is one of those places where you plan to stay for a bit but end up staying much longer bc the vibes here are just so much fun! The crowd here is really friendly and you could tell everyone goes here to just have a great time. It's a welcoming place for everyone. The night we went, we ended up making a bunch of new friends from all over. Good times! read more

I hosted a White Lotus-themed private birthday party here, and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. I coordinated everything with Jeffrey, and the process could not have been smoother. Jeffrey created all of the visuals for the theme, connected me with a decorator, and even arranged for his DJ and bartender to come early for my party. (This saved me hours of searching for outside vendors!) Before the food arrived, we enjoyed the roof open, which was gorgeous. Since the restaurant downstairs isn't open yet, I used City Smokehouse for catering, and the setup and cleanup were effortless. I didn't even anticipate needing a storage area, but the staff (Chadwick) handled everything they even loaded my car at the end of the night! The bartender Daniel was gorgeous (no other word for it!) and the drinks were SO reasonably priced. From the first email to the last goodbye, the entire team made me feel like family and brought the spirit of my 40th birthday to life. It's worth mentioning that The Café recently entered a new chapter under co-owners Louis and Jeffrey. Louis has been with The Café since 1992, starting as a floor person, then barback, bartender, and eventually general manager for over two decades. Their vision is to honor nearly 50 years of history while bringing new life to the space. When the club opened to the public after my event, it was incredible to see such a diverse crowd. Young and old, friend groups, all genders, everyone just in community with each other. I can't recommend this venue enough for private parties or corporate events. Jeff and Louis do so much for the community and are absolute pillars of hope and strength in the Castro. Give them a follow on Instagram @thecafesf to see what's coming up (they're open until 5 AM on Halloween!) and check it out for yourself! read more

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A club in the Castro with good music, amazing rainbow lights on the ceiling, fun music and a community flirty vibe. I've been here to dance and to watch RuPaul, both a vibe. I'll be back. read more

While the venue itself is fierce, I paid for a meet and greet with Trinity the Tuck and never got my photo. I have tried messaging them. I tried leaving voice messages. They simply don't care to get back to me. read more

The Cafe has become one of my favorite places to go out in San Francisco. The music is always on point, the energy is upbeat, and the crowd is a mix of people who just want to have a good night. Drinks are solid and reasonably priced for the neighborhood. I also want to give a shoutout to Cynthia because she is an awesome bartender and truly makes the experience even better. She remembers people, keeps things moving, and adds a great vibe to the bar. If you are looking for a fun night out in the Castro, The Cafe is definitely worth it. read more

10/10 would recommend this place for a night out! Staff is amazing and super friendly. The music is always fun and the vibe is amazing!

Honestly ask for Cynthia. She knows what she's doing and she'll treat you well. Give her a damn raise

I was warmly welcomed when I arrived and the atmosphere was nice. Good staff and good food. Will be going back with my friends :)

Better in the summer, pros are the bathrooms, the bar tenders, the cons beating the dead horse of their playlist and lack of having more events aside from queen out which has been the best ! Also, they need a cashless payment method already! It's 2025, Zelle/ Venmo should be the bare minimum read more

That moment when you were supposed to go home but last minute rallied to go to this club and end up staying up into the wee morning even though your body cannot hang anymore (the joys of being in your 30s). We had a lot of fun here, the DJ was good that night and the dance floor was packed. Pro tip: Its cash only. But they have free water station so thats a bonus. read more

Went last night for my bday after some bar hopping. Paid $20 for me and my friend to get in just for them to make me chug a whole bottle of water before entering after paying. It was my birthday, of course I was drinking, but making me chug a whole bottle just to come in was kind of over the top, and my friend was not made to chug anything and we had the same drinks! After that I immediately felt sick and left a few minutes later. It was also midnight and they were not playing any music, just some guy talking nonsense on stage. Boring night and rude staff at the door that killed the night for me. I'd avoid. read more

this was a great experience, I remember getting to meet these two gals and It relly helped me with a bad roomate situation. This is the power of drag performers. read more

The Cafe - a great time meeting a great person - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I am originally from LA and have been fighting with the dmv for the last 4 month for my ID and they finally sped sent it and it will b here next week. So I've been using my passport which is the only thing i could get my hands on from home and at the first queen out they had a few weeks ago when baby was djing i was able to get in with my passport it didn't matter it was expired and i got in and by the same guy who checkd my passport last time! this time its a problem im 21 and have been and havent had an issues before with the passport. the same guy who accepted my passport a few weeks last time and denied this time went put of his way to call their boss first to let them know not to let me in even though the guys who checked my bags were calling and asking bc i had already bought my ticket. And they couldnt even refund me and had to take my name down so now i wont even know if ill get with my ticket still in the app! edit: i got my refund and the security and the two ppl i was attended by tn were super sweet and understanding but chad (the boss) was absolutely rude and said bc I look young and bc im 21 they wouldn't let me in, if i looked 30 they wouldve even tho they denied one of the other bar employees from the same street at another bar who looked and is 30 access. all my friends who are 21/22 are inside at the moment and he said the ppl who let me in a few wks ago weren't doing their job and wouldn't let me thru. wishing the best for the workers this id just super frustrating bc im of age and didnt have an issue befofehand coming here. second edit: couldn't take public transport bc by the time they denied me muni couldn't direct where i needed to go and since my friends bought my ticket i had to use the last bit of money i had to get home. very upsetting night and so sad bc last time was a blast and my friends was saying the music wasn't very good! read more

I'm giving The Cafe an extra star because I will acknowledge that you may want to experience the vibe here if you've only been out for a year or two. Once you mature in the community, I hope, for your sake, that you find better places to socialize. The last time I was here I was felt up inappropriately and sexually by the bouncer under the guise of checking for weapons. I haven't been back, and I won't be returning. If you do decide to go out here, be careful. Watch out for handsy bouncers and staff. read more

They were super disrespectful. And we're defending people that were saying Mejor La Raza. They felt that the fact that we had a problem with people saying that was a problem. I don't recommend coming. read more

The Café used to be my and my friends' favorite spot because it had a great setup and music was amazing. Ever since they reopened, the music has not been the same--they play lots of music that noone knows (it was very obvious because the energy was very low, not many people were dancing or throwing it back). I went with my friends last Friday and we kept having to suggest our songs, and you could notice right away the difference in the vibe and energy when they played our music vs their music. There's a reason why the Café is not as crowded as it used to and doesn't feel the same as it used to, and I truly believe that it's their music read more

I was trying to clarify that with one of the security how the line works as there were other clubs without lines and with just as good vibes. Marco(s?), the bouncer checking IDs, was not only being so round about, but he told me to go to another club after I mentioned that he was not being clear with the way it worked. Feeling like I was therefore not able to enter the facility, I told the rest of my group that I wouldn't be able to enter freely & asked that we leave. Once he heard that, he told me to just go in & after that I was left confused because I was just trying to clarify how things worked here. Weirdest & most ostracizing moment of my life. I'm from Los Angeles so I'm not sure if it's an SF thing. Anyway, once I was in, had a great time and glad that line with Marco(s?) didn't make me give up on this place. Recommend coming here if you can get past that weird lines, which can be hard hence the 2/5! read more

Went to the cafe on Halloween night. Within ten minutes of being in the establishment a customer of theirs water their drink on me. I informed the bartender of the situation and he Immediately got upset. Security abruptly arrive and informed me that the bartender asking me to leave. I was escorted out of the bar by 4- security guards, so embarrassing, even though I did not do anything. Myself and the person who wasted their drink on me spoke to the security guard and informed them of the situation. I requested that they should at least give me my cover back since I did not do anything. I'm my opinion, this is peer racism, the fact that I was escorted out the club even though I was polite and paid to enter an establishment to only have a cocktail wasted all over me. There was no resolve, the manager or security listened to my side of the story. The bar tender lied by saying I got into an Altercation. Shame on you Cafe for allowing this kind of treatment of Your patrons. All I can say is pure racism at its best. #racistestablishment read more

Music: 1 -- horrible transitions, and felt like a basement YouTuber doing music video mashups. Dancing: 1 -- this is not a place to get down or get loose. 95% of folks barely moving at all on the dance floor. Crowd: 1 -- the bar and floor was absolutely choked with hetero couples, bridal parties and birthday girlies. read more

The vibe is ok, but was totally ruined by security kicking half our group out because of a "fake" ID. Save your money and go to Beaux across the street #dontbeadick read more

I feel terrible leaving a negative review but I have to speak out. At age 21, The Cafe was one of the first gay bars I ever went to in my hometown of San Francisco. It holds a special place in my heart for that reason and for the past 8 years, I've always been sure to visit whenever I'm in town. But after this past weekend, I will not be returning. When I arrived with my group I noticed a disproportionate number of men hanging onto their girlfriends in the cover line. Obviously I didn't think much of it; I like to think that we're a community that accepts everyone regardless of sexuality. The issues began when we entered the club. We had no problem getting drinks, but I began to feel self-conscious at the looks I was receiving from women at the bar. I am visibly a lesbian woman-- there's no hiding that, but even in my daily life I have never experienced the looks of disgust I received from women I was just walking past! I figured it was all in my head, got my drink, and moved on to the dance floor. For anyone who is familiar with The Cafe, there is a large platform dance floor for go-go dancers. And, of course, the occasional club attendee. I was sipping my drink by the entrance when I saw a woman beckoning her boyfriend onto the dance platform. He was standing stock still, shaking his head, while she pleaded with him. I went up to them and said "Hey man, if you're not gonna dance with your girl I will! C'mon, let's dance!". Next thing I know, I'm being SHOVED into some poor guy dancing nearby. It was a hard shove too, not a "please go away" shove. I look at the girl and she had the most hateful, disgusted, cruel look on her face. I didn't know what to do. I stood there for a second in complete shock, before getting off the stage. I didn't feel safe. I didn't feel welcomed. I had hadn't touched her, I hadn't made a move, I just danced nearby because her man was being a wet blanket! But she had to remind me to feel ashamed of my sexuality, remind me to overanalyze all my actions to make sure I'm not the "predatory lesbian" straight women insist we are. She, and her boyfriend, came into our space that we have cultivated DESPITE them. Not with them. And now that we've welcomed them into our beautiful culture, they try to push us out and continue to treat us with disgust. I have never felt so ashamed of myself. I have never had such a fun night be soured so quickly, in a space built to protect us. Don't go here. Don't give them your business. The clientele are no longer safe, and the club isn't able or willing to protect us. read more

My friends and I came here for a friends bday and it was most of our first times in the Castro District! We went in pretty early so there was no line so we were checked and let in right away. From what I've heard from others, this is the best place to be in the area. At first the music was so so, but as it got busier and later the music much better and a lot of variety! The drinks are really strong so I think anyone would be good off of 1-2 AMF's! I never came here pre covid so I can only speak from my current experience. The bathroom lines can be long and not the cleanest but that's expected in all clubs and bar settings! I would definitely come back with friends and my whole group had a fun night. read more

The Cafe - a bar with a lot of alcohol - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The bouncer yelled at a person vaping in line to get in and everyone was confused because we were outside we understand no vaping inside the club, but we were far away from the door in line when it happened there was other ways he could've said it. He just started yelling right off the bat, which was offputting and to top it off. The club really sucked. It was a Saturday night and it was dead and we were there till 12 and it was still dead. Not worth your time I suggest you guys get new bouncers because the club sucks. No one goes to it and your bouncers are mean for no reason. read more

Came here to support my gay friends in having a good time. (disclaimer: I'm straight) Parking is available on the street. Cover was $5, which relatively steep for gay bars apparently, but my friends tell me this is the place to be. The bar area is off to one side, and there is a metal bridge over the entrance staircase where go-go dancers do their thing. I would say the place was 95+% gay, based on the people. Never felt so gay in my life. Hands down. Drinks here can be served in these frosted cups with blinky LEDs at the bottom. I think you have to pay extra though. The music was way too loud for my liking. I was piled up against my friends and still couldn't hear what they were saying. My one biggest complaint here is that I didn't feel too safe here. Not from getting oogled or fondled by other guys or whatnot, but I felt I was going to get trampled. This place is WAY too packed. I spilled my drink several times because I couldn't even leave the bar area without 30 people piling into me. If you are claustrophobic, this place is NOT for you. And this obviously creates a major fire hazard (no pun intended), as the only exit I could see was the narrow staircase where you come in (again, no pun intended). I ended up sitting on a window sill along the edge. With that said, some of my friends had a REALLY good time. I could see them all giggling to each other. Especially after one of them got a peck on the cheek from one of the go-go dancers. If you're queer and don't mind potentially burning to death, this is the place to be. read more

The Cafe - Front of club~ - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

GREAT MIX CLUB! I think ever since they remodeled the place the feng shui and energy feels livelier! Now they are packed on weekends and always a line to get in. The nice part about this club is they have an outdoor area towards the back in the middle where you could sit and catch up with friends, and another one facing towards the Castro side where you can enjoy your drinks and a have a room with a view too! The bartenders here are very personable. Luckily, they have two different locations where you can order your drinks. It is easy and fast! If you go back to the same bartender twice in a row in the same night - they make the 2nd time around worthwhile! I also like the front-line staff here! They are very nice and ensure safety for everybody. The music here varies depending on the night you go to. I like all kinds of music and enjoy a good Latin music now and then. Come here on Thursdays as they have Latin nights. Everyone is friendly and you can even learn to speak Spanish, meet new buddies or in my case - I get to practice my "Spanglish and practice my Salsa and Cumba!" While it is a predominantly male club, I think it is pretty mix. I like it that way because we can all learn from each other and have fun too. PS - they have really awesome "Mariachi" bands here sometimes on Sundays and Monday nights! read more

Is the best place to dance ur heart out.. u don't need to look fabulous to shake ur assss away.. drinks r good price.. great music from house to bump n grind lol.. cheap entrance fee.. why not?? read more

The security won't let me in because my ID is expired which I understand but I showed him the temporary driver license paperwork on my phone since DMV doing paperless and DMV said that any place can accept paperless. But not only that the security (African American) tall and heavy side called me a "dumb bitch and doesn't know any law" when I work for events/club industry as an Event planner. I will never go this place ever again since other bars and clubs in San Francisco accepts my paperless temporary driver license because they know the laws. This place always have a security has side comments say to the patrons. Train your security better. read more

Honestly the worst bar/club in the entire city. Avoid at all costs. So many other great places to go that will treat you right and show you a good time. read more

The Cafe used to be the "it" scene back when it re-opened in 2009 after a serious remodel. I can confidently say that since my gay stylist was there partying it up EVERY weekend and he looks like he always had a good time! But times have changed and Beaux is where its at. (go across the street!) The Cafe dance music was a downer, the ventilation was bad (please use deodorant guys!!!), the dancers did not look as interested as Beaux and the dance floor got way way crowded with 21 year olds. Oh man, it's hard to party it up when you're in your mid-30's!!! :( Still, I liked the strong drinks. I could do without the cash only policy and the $5 cover charge. read more

This place had a renovation and redid the place, and literally other than the bathrooms, I can barely tell the difference, but the dance floor is a lot better now. A lot chiller, the Bartenders are awesome, favorite in all of Castro. The go go dancers are both genders which is cool. Prices are totally good too, I'd definitely come here first before the beaux on most weekend nights. read more

This was a must go to - from all of our friends that are locals in San Francisco! We came when it was Pride weekend and it was a great time! The drinks were strong and even a great price! The bathrooms however were poorly taken care of and the lights were out! I'm serious completely out - everyone either had to use the restroom with the door slightly open or use their own phone and pray it didn't drop into the toilet or the dirty floor. The dance floor was open and the DJ played a variety of songs which I truly enjoyed. It was pretty packed as the night went on and got crowded but what do you expect on Pride weekend! read more

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Every time im in SF i make sure that i visit The Cafe, i made so many friends in here. Last month i went back here again. I was with my bf , a local friend and vegas friends. My vegas friend and i are dancers and we dance everywhere we go. Mind that the cafe is still empty not that a lot of people since its only 8pm. There was a drag queen came up to me saying stop dancing. I was like why? Then she left. About 3 mins in she went back with a bouncer pointed at me and bouncer said we had to leave! FORRR WHAT? FOR DANCING? Then iwas confused and had to go to the bar down the street and sang karaokee. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE BOUNCER KICKING US OUT. so peace of advice save your time and dont come here since the drags in here seems like theyre up to themself and dont want the others to have fun and dance. read more

Sorry... this place is a dumpster fire. Do you like getting your phone stolen? I'm giving this 3 stars because I had fun there once, long long ago. The vibe is very young, and like everyone is mad at each other but there is weird sexual tension too. Top 40s, sometimes a sketch as F crowd, and cheap drinks. If you haven't made out with someone after throwing up at this club, you're not doing drag! read more

I came here three months ago with my cousin once a month the 3rd Saturday is lesbian night,but will let anyone in because I saw a lot of gay guys in there too with their lesbian friends. As I went yesterday they postpone it for the pink pride weekend so be advised next weekend's going to be off the hook. They have a small dance area just for the for employee dancers but they're missing a Latin dancer and a black dancer cuz you know they could dance. so they need to step it up a little and apparently you could tip in the shake that ass for you lol but you're not allowed to go up there cuz Security will tell you bye Felicia get down. Pool area you could sign up play pool On Sundays they serve food like little tacos slider's fries and the other days they have a little snack vending machine, so you could suck up the alcohol after 9 o'clock its $5 but if you get there early can get your hand stamp leave and come bk without paying,so if you want to come bk later. I like when they have happy hour buy one get one free too small or 1 large for $9 which I like the Long Island Tea. Thanks for Reading ~Liz~ read more

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I always feel like celebrating my new 'do with a night out. I met up with a friend at the Cafe for some two-for-one cocktail specials and some dancing. I've been here a few times recently and like how each night is a little different. Luckily for me it was Thursday Night and Salsa Night! I had fun being twirled around dancing with new friends and working off the calories in my cocktails. Other nights you can play pool while watching the Giants game. The bartenders make great drinks, the staff and regulars are very friendly. Even though I'm a straight girl, I love coming here and love the atmosphere. Anything goes and it's always fun. read more

I came here awhile back before the remodeling with two former co-workers on The Latin Thursday night. But I heard that the club is better now after the remodeling. Checklist: *Cheap cover--$2, how unheard of! Check. *Fit male go go dancers in tight undies..drool.. Check. *Unisex bathrooms. Check. *Very strong drinks. Check. *Buy 1 get 1 free drink deal. Check. *Friendly bartenders who will fix your drink if it's too strong for you. Check. As my friend said that night, "See, at gay clubs you can bitch to the bartender about your drink, and they'll fix it!" *Smoking area. Check. *A diverse crowd. Check. It does get kinda hot in there, and lacks ventilation like a lot of places in SF. Overall, an okay place to party if you're in the Castro. read more

Once upon a time, there was a gay and merry place called Caféland. Caféland was a place where Queens roamed free, and openly welcomed people of all backgrounds, looks, and individuality. Caféland became known as a place to have fun, and became a destination for princesses seeking their prince charmings to go for a reprieve from the other balls they attend. For years, Caféland held this unique welcoming atmosphere. But, not all was well in Caféland. Terrible jokers decided that Caféland should welcome them, and their lecherous ways. These jokers decided that they could impersonate the Queens that welcomed the princesses, and attempt to score a princess for the night. The white knights of Caféland now have their hands full, kicking out these lecherous jokers who follow princesses into the restrooms. Drinks in Caféland have lost their kick. At the stroke of midnight, Caféland becomes a place where the scent of fish and BO permeates the land, far and wide. Though, the Queens still welcome any and all persons who come to their land and provide wonderful entertainment for them to enjoy. read more

LOVES IT. the cleanest and most fun gay bar in the castro. Everytime I'm in there I feel like I'm inside a music video. if i get tipsy enough, i pretend i'm a video ho. The dance floor is so open, 2 bars- one on the dance floor, and an indoor private smoking section. Hot. The bathrooms are the cleanest in the Castro, which is SUCH a plus. I can't speak for the men's, but the women's wc has around 4-5 stalls. luxury bathroom. The walls are shiney, and have tasteful colorful lights. The staff is nice- although they didn't let me in for free on my birthday. but this can be overlooked. The Cafe is an upstairs bar and has a sitting area surrounded by glass windows/walls that overlook castro and market street. perfect place to sit and chill, or just watch the beautiful city lights on your birthday when you're on moli, the edge of blacking out, and the shores of oblivion ... Friday night is Boy Bar so if you're a gay man- Friday is your night. Saturday HH is basically hip hop lesbian time. And every third Saturday is Delicious, a lesbian event. If you're into your Sunday Fundaze-and you're sick of the regular shit show at Lime- then come here! The window walls provide a great way to soak up the sun, or fog. $2 hot dog and hamburgers, and and extra $1 for adding bacon. Not too shabby. They often have dancers in bikini's on the platform. if you disagree with this- you should just kill yourself now. Cover charge: generally $5 on fri and sat nights. Fri and Sun night are worth it since drinks are 2 for 1. all in all, a great place to go dance away the stress with your friends, or go make some new ones. read more

If you are looking for hip hop and pop music. . It is upstairs- sort of warehouse like - there is not enough seating and they don't have enough people picking up empties, or mopping up the floor so its kinda dirty. After about midnight they had some pretty lame dancers on the center floor, but the crowd had good energy. I probably wouldn't seek this place out again, but I wouldn't say beware either, if you are out club hopping, you might want to pop in.. there was no cover the night we went. read more

So I wasn't kicked out but left because I was so shocked by what happened. I was sitting on a railing. Sure, I probably shouldn't have been sitting there, but instead of asking me to not sit there, the security lady came up behind me and pushed me off the railing and yelled at me. I would have fallen to the floor but instead I fell into a crowd of other people who asked if I was ok. I left with my friend because it was just really uncomfortable how aggressive the security were. I reported the incident to the front door security women who asked what I wanted to do. I just told them they needed to bring it up in a meeting because that's totally not acceptable. That's basically assault. I don't know if the owner looks at these reviews but you really need to have a review of security conduct before someone really gets injured and sues the place. read more