Gay San Francisco
Bars & Clubs
Restaurants
Bathhouses
Hotels
Shops
Arts
Gyms
Beaches
History
Articles
Events

El Rio

(119 Ratings)
Welcoming and unpretentious patio bar
This lesbian-owned bar hosts popular karaoke nights and local musicians. Their huge backyard patio is the place to be on the weekend.


Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Reviews

FrancescaF
FrancescaF
Over a year ago

Dangerous place to visit. People get robbed at gunpoint or assaulted and staff laugh in your face, ignore you asking for help and/ or kick you out! Shame on El Rio!! People be save, think twice before you go there! There are much better bars who respect customers, like Jolene’ s!!!


Chaud003
Chaud003
Over a year ago

laid back vibe

On vacation to San Francisco recently this was my favorite bar to visit. In back a jazz trio was performing with people who seemed to enjoy the music and the company of others there. It's not a gay bar , but from what I observed welcoming to gay, lesbian , and straight folks. Also cis , trans, and queer mix. Cool!


chrishastings
chrishastings
Over a year ago

Love this place

The patio is awesome and the staff is always friendly.


Bellatrix
Bellatrix
Over a year ago

Lezzie lez

Smokin hot babes. Fun music. Great place to meet new people and take a fantastic lady home :)


MoFo63
MoFo63
Over a year ago

One Hell of a Dive

There are only a few places that seem to do it all, appeal to all, and do it well. This is that place. If you're looking for a neighborhood bar, this is the place. If you're looking for an eclectic mix of patrons, gay and straight, this is the place. Hell, even the music varies and appeals to a broad array of people! And the drinks, bartenders and BBQ ain't bad either! Yeah it's in a questionable neighborhood, and the lighting is dim and the bar seems a little rundown but it's a DIVE BAR and it does it well. You're immediately at home with huge cut-outs of Marilyn Monroe and Carmen Miranda and people playing shuffleboard, billiards and just hangin and having fun. But the real deal is the diversity of music. I went with a buddy a few weeks earlier and the DJ was spinning old school (and I do mean old school from the 50's and 60's) Soul Music and the place was jammed packed with 20, 30, 40 & 50 somethings dancing and working up a serious sweat. And yes you could flirt with a cutie and get his/her number - easily! For this visit my buddy and I came to Salsa which did not disappoint. Before the fun started Salsa lessons were available and were done to perfection by two very cool instructors (was one a lesbian?) that made sure you had a blast even if you stepped on your partner's feet over and over. The kick-ass live Salsa band made sure the crowd was always on the floor dancing up a storm and having a blast, no matter how well you danced or how much you sucked at it. Because this bar has SO much to offer they have an online calendar with something that appeals to almost every person on the planet. SMART very SMART. My buddy and I had an incredible time during the Soul and Salsa afternoons and we're checking it out for the next fun trip to the best dive bar in the city!


Mentioned In

Uncovering San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ history in the city’s most popular ‘hoods 

only in SF

Uncovering San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ history in the city’s most popular ‘hoods 

How two queer filmmakers helped save lesbian bars in the US from extinction

How two queer filmmakers helped save lesbian bars in the US from extinction

Other Gay Bars in The Mission

Phone Booth

Mixed crowds at this Mission hangout
The Mission

Make-Out Room

Mixed bar, fun young energy
The Mission

The Chapel

Live music venue, restaurant and bar
The Mission

Trick Dog

A stunningly stylish venue
The Mission

Jolene's

Best lesbian bar in the City
The Mission

Truck

Casual neighborhood bar
The Mission

Public Works

Energetic warehouse in the Mission
The Mission

Restaurants in The Mission

Mitchell's Ice Cream

Best ice cream in town
The Mission

Noeteca

Coffee & wine with innovative market food
The Mission

Philz Coffee

Original brick-and-mortar
The Mission

Tartine

Line-up for awesome pastries
The Mission

Balompie's Cafe

Amazing Salvadorian food
The Mission

Delfina Restaurant

Popular Italian trattoria
The Mission

Pizzeria Delfina

Mission fave serving freshness
The Mission

Yamo

Burmese, if you please!
The Mission

Gay San Francisco
Bars & Clubs
Restaurants
Bathhouses
Hotels
Shops
Arts
Gyms
Beaches
History
Articles
Events