Wait what? I can review the Castro?! Alright! It's a friendly place with rich pride and history. Shops, bars, cafes all here and really just warm and fuzzy vibes and the occasional nudist. There are clear downsides that also are the denominator of the city (homelessness and cleanliness) but the community does it's best to help. In the meanwhile, you shouldn't miss any festival in the neighborhood or the famed theater (set to reopen). read more

I am happy night market is back .It bring good vibes and great food and support small business. read more

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As I walk on through this wicked world Searching for light in the darkness of insanity I ask myself, Is all hope lost? Is there only pain, and hatred, and misery? And each time I feel like this inside There's one thing I wanna know What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding? What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding? And as I walked on through troubled times My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony Cause each time I feel it slipping away, just makes me wanna cry What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding? What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding? So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony 'Cause each time I feel it slipping away, just makes me wanna cry What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding? What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding? What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding? Written By Nick Lowe read more

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We were on our way to Salesforce Park before they closed so we didn't have time to stop by and browse. The district was bustling when we drove by. There were people everywhere. The cafes were overflowing and the parklets were busy. The shops were being frequented by patrons. The district is decorated with colorful rainbow flags that lined the streets. Parking is slim to none when we drove by, it would be best to take public transit here. read more

The Castro District - Local Flavor Near Me

I am here now I am happy to be here enjoying cup of delicous coffee now thanks glad there is a diversity of people and more restaurants and coffeshops a shops for the people and and more to see read more

The Castro District - Local Flavor Near Me

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We have so much fun whenever we visit the area. We've been able to find parking pretty easily and there is so much to do! We love walking up and down the streets and popping into all the little stores. We also try to stop into new restaurants each time we visit, but spots like Cafe de Casa have become favorites. There's good food, coffee, pastries, parks, shopping and more. Also, the fact that it's so welcoming and inclusive definitely makes me feel safer and more comfortable chatting with shop owners to learn more about the area and their businesses. We've mostly visited during the day, but we definitely need to check it out for some nightlife and local shows. read more

Have always visted the Castro District while in San Francisco. Just a short train ride away from Union Square (or 2 mile walk), it's a great LGBTQ+ community, unlike WeHo in So Cal where it's so pretentious. Vibe is super casual, great restaurants and bars as well as independent businesses. Hoping Castro never changes and only improves upon what it already stands for. read more

Everything about the Castro rocks. The crowds of great people, cheap eats and boozy drinks! It has it all!

I love the Castro district. This is an LGBT safe haven. With pride flags everywhere, you can see from the outside this is our city! Then you go into the buildings and find so many of them are owned and run by LGBT people! There are drag shows, plays, lgbt bars, and more! I have walked this place alone at night as a female presenting person, and with my wife, and we were fine every time. There are a few homeless folks around that are unwell mentally, but significantly less than other parts of San Francisco. read more

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"I do believe in love; it's wonderful - especially love third time around, it's even more precious; it's kind of amazing." - Robin Williams I don't fly that way, but if I did, like you do, not like anything's wrong with that... I'd be sashaying more in The Castro, like RuPaul and Swayze did in "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar!" Sashay Definition: walk in an ostentatious yet casual manner, typically with exaggerated movements of the hips and shoulders. Ex: "Louise was sashaying along in a long black satin dress". The great thing about The Castro is you can find just about anything here. Just keep an open mind lol. The historic Castro Theater, circa 1922, is the center of it all. Usually showing classic movies, and many times with a live orchestra. I've attended a few, including, Nosferatu, but I promise not in 1922 lol. The iconic Cliff's Variety, circa 1936, one of the oldest family businesses found in San Francisco, is another must. I promise you, you can find almost anything in here from off-the-wall toys and games to hardware, like nails, screws, from lava lamps to lollipops haha. Tip: Halloween & Christmas extra fun sashaying at Cliff's! You can find lots of fun eateries too, like Hamburger Mary's, Sausage Factory (please no sausage jokes lol), Marcello's Pizza (slices under $5), Philz Coffee, and of course, Hot Cookie! Home of the Pussy cookie! Yes, it is! A couple of personal stories I have here is... I met Gavin Newsom, former Mayor, now the Governor of California, on Halloween night. It was years after he broke up with the wicked witch, Kim Guilfoyle. Gavin thumbs up'd my Sushi Chef costume, tho I was actually a Ninja! ! I also bumped into Robin Williams at the ATM once, standing behind me and my ex-girlfriend, as we argued about something ridiculous. We both turned around and Robin smiled at us... we stopped and smiled back and said OMG ROBIN! Only on The Castro... In the end, The Castro District or as San Franciscans call her, "The Castro" is open to all. Just be respectful. Lots of history here, including tributes to Harvey Milk. And yes, we all deserve to be loved... especially when it's for the third time! R.I.P. Robin! read more

The Castro District - "I was born when you kissed me. I died when you left me. I lived a few weeks while you loved me." - Humphrey Bogart - Local Flavor Near Me

One of most well-known gay districts in the world, full of history and things to do. I first got to know the Castro District from different TV series and movie, I was so happy when I finally made my visit here. It surely more colourful than on the tv screen. Many interesting shops and great place to have a meal. When I was there, there was a festival, which reminded me a bit like the Gay City Festival in Berlin. There were different stands giving information about the location LGBTQ+ community and other different shows as well. It was fun, interesting and educational. Definitely, a place in San Francisco that worth to visit. read more

The area is a quaint neighborhood within San Francisco. Harvey Milk was a great revolutionary leader of this area in the 70s and it seems to have only thrived since it's origination! The streets are lined with welcoming restaurants, cafes, bars and much more. If you're staying in the area and need a suggested district, then the Castro District is mine for you! read more

The Castro District - Twin peaks corner of Castro District - Local Flavor Near Me

The Castro used to be a blue collar neighborhood and largely Irish-American: Firefighters, policemen, working class blokes. Times have changed and while it's still the beating LGBTQ heart and soul of the city, it's become more heterogeneous with young, older, gay and straight singles and couples who are drawn to its walkers' paradise location and microclimate of sun and more sun when the rest of the city's fogged in. Tons of dining options from sushi to Mediterranean, pizza, fusion, French, see-and-be-seen bars catering largely to the LGBTQ community but welcoming of everyone. The Castro is special, ever evolving and worth a visit be it a lazy afternoon or cardio workout hiking the urban hills taking in the architecture, shopping and dining as you go. And, definitely hit up Cliff's Variety, especially the more sassy "adult" section of the store where you can find great gifts like a plate that says, "Here's your f*ing snack" I bought that for my sister a couple years ago; she still needs to lighten up. read more

The Castro District - This corner's been many things but SoulCycle's gonna make bank (and they have to at $60,000/month rent.) - Local Flavor Near Me

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One of San Francisco's most classic and thriving neighborhoods. A few good restaurants. I recommend Gyro Express on the corner of Castro and 18th. There are unfortunately more homeless vagrants than their needs to be. San Francisco allows profoundly mentally ill people to wander the streets in agony. read more

I love the Castro! It's a wonderful walking neighborhood that you can always feel safe in, even after a late night out. There's so much to do here and many many amazing LGBTQ businesses to enjoy and support. I'm usually catching a drag show at the Castro Theatre. Slowly but surely I'm branching out to enjoy the dive bars, hot cookies, and restaurants the Castro has to offer. Being from the East Bay, it's every blue moon that I'm out this far. But it's always worth it. Hamburger Mary's, Moby Dick, and Toad Hall are my latest hot spots. Great food, good vibes, and fun experiences are always expected! The rainbow crosswalks and brightly lit streets are another great thing that makes the Castro stand out. You have to try hard not to look like a tourist in your own city, there's so much to stare and oggle at mouth agape with wonder! read more

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Come on. I am a gay guy married to a Gay man how could I ever give a different tearing to the district then five stars? Well it hurts me seeing some of the old staples are going away and new are coming. It it still has his Charme and i hope it keeps it. read more

The Castro is the most famous gay neighborhood in the city. The landmark that stands out the most is the Castro Theatre (a very old movie theatre). Besides that, you can expect to see lots of rainbow flags and many smaller locally owned stores, bars and restaurants. My friend and I walked through here, but found it to be fairly boring. I have lived in NYC my whole life and am familiar with Chelsea and the West Village, so this neighborhood did not offer anything I haven't seen before. read more

Okay experience. Stopped here along our other stops while in SF. Cool to see the diversity and culture here. Renowned place for the LGBT society. read more

A MUST neighborhood to visit. Entertaining, joyful, colorful and some very interesting stores. The rainbow flag was invented in SF and they are surely proud of it. Welcoming and fun to walk around. Minor was that a car crash happened right in front of me, 5 feet away. But even that was in the end funny as everyone came out to see what was happened and we had a good laugh as both cars just drive away with their cars falling apart acting like nothing happened and it made us all "wtf!?!!??". Crossing the streets here also happens in colors! Love it! read more

BRIEF HISTORY: The "white flight" of the 1950's saw folks move out of the Castro to the suburbs which opened up real estate in the area. The gay "wave" started in the 60's with the Summer of Love event in the nearby Haight-Ashbury district and the influence of Harvey Milk with his Castro Camera business, gay activism and political career. EXPERIENCE: My first time in the Castro was back in 2000. My spouse brought me to attend my very first Pride Parade which was so thrilling back in the day! We met up with a friend who still lives in the area. It was so surreal to see same sex couples walking hand-in-hand with no one batting an eye, and the huge rainbow flag flying above the Castro Street MUNI station. Back then on Pink Saturday (day before the Parade), they closed off several blocks in the area which turned out to be a huge block party. We could purchase alcohol and drink on the streets like we were in New Orleans. Residents had music blasting from their homes with people dancing in the streets. OMG, it was so much fun. Unfortunately, that no longer exists. Bar-wise we hopped from Midnight Sun to the now closed Pendulum, and everything in between. While not in the Castro, the Pleasure Dome was open too, lol! We had good meals at Fusili and a nearby Thai place, both of which are gone. Enter present day and the area is still vibrant with shops and restaurants. We stayed twice at Beck's Motor Lodge during 2017's Pride and had a nice stay. Morning fuel came from Peet's and Castro Coffee. Shopping was done at Levi's and local shops along Castro Street. Stomachs were filled at Mama Ji's with legit Chinese food, amazing benedicts at Kitchen Story, late night pizzas at Marcello's, and juicy burgers at Super Duper Burgers. Day and night drinking was done at Harvey's, The Lookout, 440 Castro, and The Edge. We also had the chance to experience the historic Castro Theater with a showing of a Whitney Houston documentary. OVERALL: The whimsical, foodie city of San Francisco will always hold a special place in my stomach. I mean, heart. read more

I am not the biggest San Francisco fan, but I loved this neighborhood. We would try to get into SF 1-2x a month while we were living in Silicon Valley and did one day trip to this area. This seemed like a nicer neighborhood, I guess we can thank the gays. I love the eclectic and inclusive vibes found here. We did a guided walking tour of this neighborhood and the adjacent Mission District. I enjoyed learning more about gay rights activist Harvey Milk too. Between the tours we grabbed a bite to eat and checked out some of the shops. There are so many neat things that will catch your eye as you walk around, look for the dirty Ken dolls in the windows. This neighborhood reminded me a bit of Provincetown on Cape Cod. read more

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Fuck it. We need to hop on the movement, Yelp. I'm talkin rainbow colored sidewalks and crosswalks ERRWHERE! All over the place! read more

The Castro District - Local Flavor Near Me

The Castro is like a "box of chocolate - you never know what you're getting!" A dazzling place with lots of events that takes place during the weekend particularly at the corner of 18th. Sundays draw pet adoptions and local announcements. One of the anticipated highlight here is during Halloween. Though the block party has gone "bye-bye," the Castro still holds true to raining "Pretty in Pink" Cinderella ball gowns with their sparkling tiaras with bulges and goatees to boot! The Castro has plenty of good eateries with Bisou (French cuisine) only a few blocks, and the nightlife is a mix of everybody having a great time. Remember the "ole" saying.... "The more you drink the prettier they get!" Cheers! :p read more

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I love the Castro. There is so much to do there and things to see. The people are friendly and kind and know the City and can tell you anything you need to know. The Castro is not in the heart of San Francisco it is a cab or bus ride away, not too far at all. Stop anywhere (Castro Street) and start walking. There are wonderful shops, some with really unique things. The streets have rainbow flags and the locals are wonderful, so helpful and fun. You want a fun bar, they will tell you where to go. It matters not your sexual orientation, you will love it and you will be welcomed. The Castro Theater is beautiful if you get a chance to see it. If you have time go off the main street and find the "Painted Lady" houses, there are a lot of them. They are older homes built in the 20's (that is a guess) and many are painted to look like they once did long ago, all different colors. They are so pretty and the streets are fun to walk. Most of the places to eat are great and the night life is a blast. If for any reason you have issues with the LGBTQ community, stay away, they don't want you there, I don't want you there, you should spend your time instead reflecting on why you are a jerk. Enjoy. read more

The Castro! Famously known worldwide as the historic gay district in the city, I knew when I was headed to SF with my boys, we were headed to the Castro! There is plenty to see, from the big bright rainbow flag, the LGBTQ Museum, Harvey Milk plaza, The Castro Theater, little shops and some chain places, so much to see and do! You can even walk on rainbows! People watching is great here too. We enjoyed walking around the Castro, and look forward to coming back. If you're in the Castro, check out Hot Cookie, you won't be disappointed (or maybe you will be haha) Looking forward to coming back! read more

The Castro District - Local Flavor Near Me

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The Castro District is synonymous with gay culture since 1970's. The lavish Castro Theatre and the GLBT Historic Museum are also found here, as are businesses catering to the gay community. On Market Street, the 19th-century F-line streetcars head to Fisherman's Wharf. read more

The Castro District - The Castro District - Local Flavor Near Me

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If anything, one of the more cleaner districts in the City. You'll never leave here not amazed by something or someone. My last instance here I passed two guys, butt naked with bows around their penises. There is a store here that sells the funnest things although it escapes me currently. Cute crosswalks too! read more

The shopping area on Castro Street is fun. There are lots of little shops, with only a few chain stores. There are of course also bars and restaurants (some even good). This street is the center of the famous historic gay district and that caries on today. That said there are also lots of straight people and kids here. The one do not miss site is the Castro Theater. It is a landmark and it is amazing. Check out the design and architecture! read more

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Free flowing community and plenty of food options for every belly. This area is world famous for the rainbow flag. Restaurants are starting to enter into this area more and more. Plenty of bars to choose from. Like I said, it's a peaceful, free flowing community and is probably one of the calmer areas of the inner parts of SF. Wanna see but not take a gross Muni?...Catch the F-line street car (old school classic). read more

Out of all the places I went to during my ACRONYM visit, The Castro district was one that was distinct and memorable. Of course, I adore the rainbow crosswalks! You'd have to be crazy not to. And my day was made even more memorable when my friends & I saw a hottie walking on the side walk buck-nekkid. Alright, so he wasn't totally buck-nekkid. The guy had a satchel (or murse depending on your name preference) and sneakers. So there. read more

The Castro District - I love the rainbows! - Local Flavor Near Me

I had a bunch of fun navigating thru this little city! Lots of fun novelty stores where you can DRESS up and get Loose lol. Its a Gay community but I'm straight and had a good time Window shopping, people watching and bar hopping! The boys made me feel very welcome and the Happy Hours were amazing! What started out as a small venture to Hot Cookie, ended up being a few hours of Fun! Do stop over in the Castro District next time you're in San Fran! Its a really cool place and their since of Pride and community is beautiful to see :) #loveislove read more

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Its funny I never knew that you can review the Castro I grew up in the Castro as a child came back when I was 17yr old and boy has it changed since being a little kid. I remember going to the Castro theatre when I was little my mom worked there for years I also remember going to the mission theater when my mom worked there and I seen both changes. Back then when I was little they had gay people but it wasn't well known yes I saw few people make it out didn't understand it at the time until I got older this is where you can go where people don't judge you for who you are, but then there are always people who come here to Make fun of people start shit there's all kinds of restaurants bars stores funny names anything you want. Chinese restaurant that we went from the parents to the Son and then he finally sold it now not sure what restaurant it is because it's changed a few times, I remember was a bell market now there's a Mollie stones. I also remember growing up eating at the sausage factory because my mom dated the owner so we used to get free pizza which was a kids dream who doesn't love pizza, I think the last time I went there was probably in my late twenties that's all long time ago. lol I always see people go down there take pictures I even took a few pictures so I guess I looked in my photo album and post them in the Castro there's one store I have not been in but I keep on seeing pictures and I walk by it a few times and that's the hot cookie no I'm not going to get me a cookie penis cuz I didn't for me but the photos crack me up when people take them and put the penis cookie in their mouth hello! Lmao Marcello's pizza oh my god their pizza is the bomb other pizza place was a New York style pizza it's ok now think of it there's three pizza places within a block from each other,well I guess different taste for everyone. It's been a bitch this whole year because they blocked it off earlier they remodeled street they took out the parking so less parking on the street, so kind of sucky the best thing they've done is they made a rainbow crossing which is really cool they need to do that down on 24th and Castro. Then they have a part where you can just kick back sit down once in awhile you'll see naked men now I have seen a few naked women, but men walking around with their beans and Franks hanging out hello I heard it's illegal to be walking around naked,but oh well no one does anything in the Castro so if you ever want a free show and you want to see some beans and Franks head on to the Castro. read more

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We are people from a strange land. Los Angeles, where West Hollywood is to Los Angeles what The Castro District is to San Francisco. The Castro is totally relaxed and I was so surprised and pleased to see how comfortable everyone is here. Very relaxed, dressed casually, totally comfortable with themselves. Quite a more mature crowd too which was a nice surprise. We were taking pictures outside a Mexican restaurant when we were photobombed by a man in his mid 50's walking around stark naked! He wasn't Jewish. We had a great time! So will you. read more

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Nine years ago, when I was interviewing for a doc program at Stanford, I had the guts to wander around the Castro anonymously, since I was from Phoenix and wouldn't know anyone in the big scary gay city. I caught a smile from a really cute guy at "A Different Light" bookstore. I smiled back so he had the courage to start a conversation with me. We walked around the city and spent the next seven hours together. I was wholly smitten. A week later he visited me in Phoenix and I came out to my best friends so they could meet him. A month later, the rest of my classmates. The next year, my family. This place is magical. It provides a safe place to be you, if you're like me. It is a place where you can fall in love for the first time, and the rest of the city approves. It's a place that gives hope to people who maybe grew up in a crap town where there wasn't any. Yes, it's a little dirty. There are always panhandlers, and some are rude. Not every bar smells great. It' extremely pricey if you want to live here (Thanks Google). But still it's a magical place, and if you haven't been here, you really need to make that happen. Just please don't do it on a 75' tour bus. read more

Loved it. Great place to visit. I felt very safe. Loved all the shops. It's a must visit when visiting San Francisco!! read more

The Castro District - Local Flavor Near Me

I hopped on a streetcar on Market Street and took a quick ride down to the end of the line, which was The Castro district. There was a lot to checkout here: Hot Cookie, Castro Theater, Harvey Milk plaza, and then some bars and shops. I also stopped off at Under One Roof, but the building looked empty. The crosswalks here were also rainbows. So cute! read more

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The best part of San Francisco. This is the center of the Gay and Lesbian Community. There are many shops, restaurants, and nightclubs within walking distance of each other and most restaurants are either open late or 24 hours. It's s great place to party the night away and get a bite to eat. read more

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Everything is always bright and cherry in a area filled with rainbows. Been coming here for years. Pride, walks, run , twin peaks, love, clubs, 2 for 1 drinks.. yes!! there is something for every flavor in the crayon box here. Super inclusive dont matter, who, what, where, when or how you are you ARE accepted here. met many friends over the years and more to come. Only downside is due to past acts of violence Halloween and Pride is not as nearly poppin as it was 2004 and prior. But hey its just Sign O' Times in my price voice! read more

I fell in love with this city! This is the first time for my great Halloween celebration. I am very impressed with this road. We can all be ourselves. Without any restrictions or controls This is truly the city of Hey. I will come back here every year read more

Went for Pride Weekend! It was fun and hopping. A good open place to be in!! Happy Pride All!