Whether you’re looking for a bed stand or a one-night stand, the perfect gift or fun item to add to your personal collection, look no further than San Francisco’s Castro.
One Night Stands – Badlands
Shop at the late night meat market better known as Badlands if you’re looking to put another notch in the ‘ol bedpost. This bar is filled to the brim with European tourists, twins, and innocent out-of-towners every night. When it overflows, head across the street to its sister bar, Toad Hall.
A Beautiful Bouquet – Urban Flowers
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The Looking-famous Urban Flowers Shop is filled with off-the wall varieties we guarantee you’ve never seen before as well as more than a few daddies to check out. From the classics to the oddest things you can image, a stop in this mom-and-pop flower shop is the perfect way to say whatever it is you want.
Uniquely Castro – Castro Theatre with Hot Cookie
Nothing says “Castro” like the landmark Castro Theatre, literally. It flashes a neon C-A-S-T-R-O all night. This neighborhood gathering spot has garnered international acclaim and hosts shows ranging from fabulous sing-a-longs to cult classics and box office hits. If you get a sweet tooth at the theater, swing in the shop next door, Hot Cookie, for the most scrumptious and scandalous treats in the ‘hood. You may leave with a pair of underwear or your picture in “Hot Cookie” branded underwear on the wall.
Fun In The Bedroom – Rock Hard
Rock Hard is one of several adult oriented stores on the main Castro block. Rock Hard has enough unique merchandise to keep you entertained in the store – and the bedroom – for hours on end.
Well-Fashioned Attire – Citizen and Union Made
If you’re looking for something more public such as a new wardrobe or just an accent item to spice up an outfit, find it in the storefronts of the Castro. The many boutique shops have a wide range of clothing and accessories. Stop into Citizen and Union Made for some dashing and debonair, gentlemanly inspiration.
Sexy Underwear- Body
Body sports any kind of under gear you could think of, from silk briefs to leather slings. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly. Spend some quality time perusing their shelves in search of an exciting addition to your personal collection. Or, if you prefer, check out the other guys checking out the underwear section. You may bring home more than just a fresh pair of skivvies.
The Ultimate One-Stop Shop – Cliff’s Variety
Don’t know exactly what you’re looking for or where to find a super random item such as purple Christman lights in July? Well this Castro institution is where you’ll find it. A great place for home improvement, gifts, and browsing, you’ll find everything under and over the rainbow at Cliff’s Variety.
See the full GayCities map of Castro shops, bars, and entertainment. Plus, see what’s happening every day of the week.
whorebot
Don’t overlook the Soma bars. They’re great and cater more to an older, dirtier, leather clad crowd. The Eagle, Lone Star and Powerhouse are all great.
For Castro, definitely check out The Edge, 440, The Mix and Moby Dick’s. Generally older crowds and most likely filled with locals. HiTops is the hot new gay (sports) bar and is filled with the hottest guys on average. Very stereotypical young, worked out, attractive guys. Plus they make killer nachos.
Oh and everyone should go to Twin Peaks at least once. Great views of the neighborhood. Caters to probably a 60+ crowd but they make stiff drinks and there’s a lot of history behind that bar.
OrchidIslander
The Castro; overrated, over-priced, conformist and can never be mentioned, positively, in the same sentence with the term “diverse.” In my 10+ years of living in S F – the real fun was to be had in the Haight or South of Market or the East Bay – where the mixed gatherings of lgbt folk are truly representative of the rainbow flag. Everyone ought to visit the Castro at least once – and for many; once is enough.
jason smeds
I am so over the Castro. It’s basically a collection of money-making venues which have cornered a market. It’s also a self-segregating concept whose time has come and gone.
Glücklich
Toad Hall is much more enjoyable than Sadlands. And while not Deepinahearta the Castro proper, Pilsner Inn and Blackbird get gold stars – both can get loud and crowded, but it’s loud with conversation instead of horrible disco music. Back in the Castro, Eureka and Catch are more subdued, elegant alternatives to the boom-boom loud boozers and both serve quite good food.
I second whorebot’s recommendations regarding SOMA.
Regarding shopping, Arnciat Amara is my top pick: nice fitted Italian things, though some of the more cutting edge stuff is a little out there for my taste. Sui Generis for designer and vintage consignment can’t be beat, and they have a women’s boutique, too. Excellent selection, top-notch clothing curated (yes, curated) by two knowledgeable guys. Rolo on Market can’t be missed, either, for nice selections of designer jeans and casual sportswear and bags. Skivvies…eh…ever since Injeanious closed I just buy online.
@Orchid and Jason, you two sound like a real delight.