Still, that’s plenty of time to have become an institution, as one of the Tenderloin’s most fabulous dive bars. It might seem like it’s been here forever, but it’s not the oldest of San Francisco’s gay bars. Plus, it's smack in the middle of all the gayborhood action on Castro Street, so grab a beer (or a bear!) and enjoy watching the world go by. Generously priced specials, a large and festive curbside parklet, and plenty of friendly regulars make this bar a guaranteed good time. If you like your men big and fuzzy, then 440 Bar is where you'll want to stop for a drink. Many of San Francisco’s legendary bars go way, way back-even before the Summer of Love-and are still thriving today. After all, what would the revolutions in San Francisco have meant without amazing places to celebrate change and embrace the freedom in diversity?ĭuring your next stay in San Francisco, be sure to visit some of these legendary gay bars. You can almost feel the personal stories, the come-ons, the banter, and the longing for freedom seeping out of the nicked wood of the bar. There’s something magical about walking through the doors of a gay bar or club that's older than you are.
