Gay Bars & Clubs Verified by GayOut

El Rio

Google (673) 4.4

Tripadvisor (17) 3.4

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What reviewers say

Visitors praise El Rio's spacious and cool backyard patio, which creates a fun, lively, and inclusive atmosphere perfect for dancing and socializing, with reasonably priced drinks and friendly staff. However, one reviewer reported a negative experience with safety and the venue's response to an assault.

/ 100

GayOut Score

G4.4 🦉3.4

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Address

3158 Mission Street, San Francisco

📞

Phone

+1 415-282-3325

🌐

Website

www.elriosf.com

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About this place El Rio

El Rio has been on Mission Street since 1978, a queer-run bar known for its mixed crowd of all genders, ages and backgrounds rather than a single gay-male scene. Its big backyard patio is the main draw and is rare in San Francisco. It has long hosted community parties, including the monthly Mango day party for queer women of color, plus music, comedy and fundraisers. It is open Wednesday to Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. Weekend afternoons are the time for the patio, from 15:00 on Saturday and Sunday. It sits in the outer Mission near Cesar Chavez Street, so take Muni or a cab from 24th Street BART. Check the website for the event calendar.

Upcoming events at El Rio

Wed, Nov 4

Los Train Wreck's All Star Jam Every 1 St Wed! (Free)

12:00 PM

Fri, Nov 6

A FAMILY AFFAIR- A Queer 90s-00s Throwbacks Only Party - EVERY 1st FRIDAY ($10)

Opening Hours

Closed

Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 17:00-00:00

Thursday 17:00-00:00

Friday 16:00-02:00

Saturday 15:00-02:00

Sunday 15:00-21:00

Features

Gay Gay-friendly (straight venue) Happy Hour Live music Casual Dancing Area Outdoor Patio Pub/Tavern Community oriented Walk-ins welcome Mixed LGBTQ+ Dance Pub Themed parties Outdoor terrace No dress code

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Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google

4.4

★★★★★

673 reviews

Based on 673 Google reviews.

Lily Rivera Jun 2026

★★★★★

Such an amazing time! I went on the first Friday of the month and the music was SO GOOD. Staff were so friendly and even gave me a rundown of the place when I said it was my first time. I will DEF be back ❤️‍🔥

Sam Heft-Luthy May 2026

★★★★★

Julia Liut May 2026

★★★★★

Came here on a Friday night, May 22nd. Was sober, didn’t see anybody at the door, opened the door, had it slammed on me by a white queer person (late 30’s?) long blonde hair. I backed off and when I was confused by the hostility, I calmly stated “that was rude that wasnt necessary” I was then mocked by said so white person “was I rude? awww maybe don’t say that when I’m the door person” I then decided to go home as I felt like I don’t wanna give the business any money tonight. Mind you I’m a Brazilian lesbian. White people like this keep coming into queer originally latino spaces and keep gentrifying sf. Genuinely so baffled with the rudeness and disrespect I felt tonight.

cai verwer May 2026

★★★★★

August Boman May 2026

★★★★★

Fun, vibrant energy. Huge back patio and a separate room for events. Theres always something cool happening!

Trina Martyn May 2026

★★★★★

Such a SF iconic bar. They're special May Day event last weekend was remarkable and reminded me how unique and amazing San Francisco still is thanks to events El Rio hosts!