whereis.gaywhereis.gay
Twin Peaks Tavern
Bars

Twin Peaks Tavern

Gateway to the CASTRO

San Francisco, USA
4.1
918 reviews

Neighbourhood

San Francisco

Category

Bars

Vibe

Cocktails

Official website

About Twin Peaks Tavern

A legend in its own time and the best view of the Castro, any day, any time. Windows to watch the world go by with the unquestionably the neighborhoods best cocktails, beers on tap, and wines by the glass… all fashioned in this long established "icon" of the Castro, a changing minute by minute collage of life all seen through the panoramic windows. Often referred to as the gay Cheers located on the historic corner of Market and Castro under the oscillating rainbow arrow, offers regulars the comforts of home, and visitors a warm welcome to the neighborhood and one of San Francisco's greatest assets.

What to expect

A historic, window-filled Castro bar made for cocktails, conversation and watching the neighborhood go by.

Vibes

Good to know about Twin Peaks Tavern

Practical tips before you visit

Check official channels for current hours, events and any cover charge.
Weekend evenings are generally the busiest.
Bring valid photo identification for late-night entry.

Photos of Twin Peaks Tavern

Venue photos and gallery images for Twin Peaks Tavern in San Francisco.

Location

Twin Peaks Tavern

401 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

Twin Peaks Tavernreviews & ratings

Read ratings and recent reviews of Twin Peaks Tavern in San Francisco from Google Maps, Yelp and WhereIs.Gay where available.

4.0

918 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay, Google Maps and Yelp.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    4.1
  • Google Maps
    4.3
  • Yelp
    3.8

Been here? Rate Twin Peaks Tavern

One tap to help others choose.

Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

MICHAEL LEE
MICHAEL LEE

a year ago

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.

Review from Google Maps

I just asked for more water literally few min ago, the guy who doing barback there for no reason he kicked me out. Only reason ı dropped my glas on bar accidentally and ı apologized right away. But he used he’s power just for been behind the bars:) which is not cool. And we left we were going there been 8 years with my family and friends. Its not cool. Please fixed the guu

Review from Google Maps

J C
J C

11 months ago

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.

Review from Google Maps

Dan
Dan

2 years ago

Great bar in the Castro, good prices and service. It is located between Castro and Market St. They have big windows to watch people. Sometimes they have tables outside. It usually gets busy in the afternoon with locals and tourists. I have been going there for years and love it.

Review from Google Maps

Matty V
Matty V

4 months ago

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.

Review from Google Maps

Featured Yelp review excerpts

Excerpts provided by Yelp. Read full reviews on Yelp.

Jon L.

Jon L.

3 Jun 2026

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...

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Christina D.

Christina D.

20 Feb 2026

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...

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Mark T.

Mark T.

28 Aug 2026

Unless you're a black gay man walking in with a White boyfriend or a white sugar daddy, you can forget racial inclusion here! A few weeks ago a bartender...

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Be the first to review Twin Peaks Tavern

Share your experience to help the LGBTQ+ community find great places.

Claim this listing

Own or manage this venue? Claim this listing to update details, photos, opening hours and contact information.

Help keep this listing accurate

Seen something wrong? Tell us if this venue has moved, closed, changed opening hours or needs an update.

Listing details

Listed in
San Francisco › United States
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue, Google and Yelp