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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.
"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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
Fuck it. We need to hop on the movement, Yelp. I'm talkin rainbow colored sidewalks and crosswalks ERRWHERE! All over the place!
2 months ago
31 years in The City and The Castro is still my safe space. I have memories here from my first visit to the present time. I know of it's history, from a working class neighborhood and it's subsequent reinventions. More importantly, I as an elder, Gen-X, gay ,disabled, Mexican man have never felt unwelcome here read more
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
1 year ago
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
5 months ago
I am happy night market is back .It bring good vibes and great food and support small business. read more
9 months ago
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
2 years ago
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
"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
5 years ago
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
8 years ago
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
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
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
11 years ago
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 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
8 years ago
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
7 years ago
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 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
7 years ago
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
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
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
9 years ago
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
12 years ago
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
8 years ago
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
9 years ago
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
8 years ago
Should I say no homo before I do this review ?? :) So you if you were born on another planet you don't know this is a district for homosexuals mainly. The street walkways at intersections are rainbows. There is gay innuendoes for business names. "Hand Job Nail Salon". The people are very flamboyant...BUT... Everyone was super nice and funny. My friend dragged me out here and I'm really happy she did. We went into a bar "Q bar" and the bartender kept calling me sweetie (Male) I didn't pay it any mind but he was cool and told us where to watch the game and gave us directions because they have Whitney Houston blasting on the TV and couldn't change it... lol ... We were mainly on Castro street and wandered off to a few sports bars and walking up those insane hills but I could only imagine what that place is like at night. Whats funny too I did not see one police officer. Or any homeless people. The streets were very clean and no one looked like they were in a bad mood. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back with a few friends to show them around and see what this place is all about. read more
7 years ago
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Ask the Community - The Castro District
Is it safe for a woman to walk around at night? I've read there is an uptick in crime. I will be staying across from the Bart station at the Parker Guest House.
Unfortunately crime is almost anywhere on the rise but yes I would say it is safe. For a woman's as well as anyone else. Common sense keeps you safe.
