Twin Peaks Tavern

Loved the bartenders. Felt safe here as a trans person. Albiet I was surrounded by bears with no other trans gals in sight. Really fun customers, cheap (but strong drinks) and an extra floor of seating. Will be coming back here.

The Twin Peaks Tavern is the first LGBTQ bar in the world to have oversized windows making its patrons visible from the street outside. This happened in 1972 when two local lesbians purchased what had been an Irish Pub since 1935. Historically, gay bars had no windows, to protect the anonymity of the patrons and for safety and security, as gay bars could be a target of vandalism or other violence. It's saloon days go back to the gay nineties, i.e., the 1890s. It is a designated SF historic landmark at the corner of Castro and 17th street. One of the best people watching spots in the Castro. You never know what you'll see on Castro Street in front of the bar. It nearly closed during the Covid Pandemic, but a Gofundme campaign raised over $100,000 to keep it open. There's a documentary short film, "Through the Windows," about the historic and beautiful bar.

Twin Peaks Tavern is one of those places that’s more about the experience and history than anything else. It has a classic San Francisco feel and definitely holds its place as an iconic spot in the city. The vibe is relaxed and very neighborhood-oriented. It feels like a place with a lot of regulars and a strong sense of community, which gives it character and makes it feel authentic rather than polished or trendy. Drinks are straightforward and exactly what you’d expect, nothing fancy, but dependable. One thing to note is that they only accept cash, so be sure to come prepared. Service was fine overall. Friendly enough, but not especially warm or memorable. Everything functioned smoothly, just without much of a standout moment. Twin Peaks Tavern is worth stopping into, especially if you’re exploring the area or appreciate places with history and personality. It’s not somewhere I’d go out of my way for, but it’s a comfortable stop and a good representation of an old-school San Francisco bar.

My wife and I stopped in on a Saturday. I had an old fashioned (tasty but they didn't have a big ice cube). She had an Irish coffee. It's the kind of place that SF yuppies might bring their relatives visiting from a less excitiing 'Burb. Tastefully, appropriately cozy. And definitely SF Castro, but mature.

Have you ever used a bathroom that smells like fresh bake cookies? Well this is your place. Go to the lower level restroom. Vents from next-door‘s cookie shop vent directly into the bathroom. It’s the best smelling bathroom in the world.

The "glass coffin" is primed for perfect Castro Street people watching. Now with outdoor seating for an even better view. It's historical as it is...

Conveniently located right off of the Castro muni station. This is a Castro staple known for their amazing coffee drinks. We sat at the bar and ordered two...

Happy pride!!! Love it here in the Castro district. They have the best bloody Mary's.