Top 5 Gay Bars in California

125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #108, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

“Decent show but there are definitely better drag shows in town, though this one is probably the most expensive. Some of the Drag queens were great. But some.. well drag queens in the desert do this thing we've never seen at shows in other cities. They just come out into the audience and collect money from everyone, without doing an actual performance. Some never even step onto the stage, they just get their money, barely lip syncing, and then leave. What?! Also all the other reviews about the slow service, construction ruining the atmosphere, etc., are true. Still a fun experience over all.. But if you want a better show, better atmosphere, better service, and better prices, go to Toucans instead.”

398 12th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

“This was a nice bar with plenty of space. They put on a good show. The bathrooms were great although a little splashed. I loved the open outdoor section. I went on a Sunday so things died down pretty early around 8 pm but all things considered I thought it was good. The main thing that I wasn’t expecting was that it’s male oriented but that was my bad since I didn’t really know the vibe before going. The drag show was fantastic and the staff were kind and helpful !”

440 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

“Love my community and drinking with them too 😄”

3610 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

“Great neighborhood bar. Everybody is comfortable in their own skin. Every race, generation and phylum of LGBTQ patron was well represented. The bar staff was exemplary, best in class. I really like this place and likely, you will too.”

8900 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States

“Probably it’s more than the horrific brunch experience I had, but I’ll never know as I’m not planning to give it another chance. The minuses: the wait to order, the wait to get the order, then you wait to get your order right, the amounts of plastic (sparking wine served in plastic water cups), and the unfriendliness of the staff.”

2700 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

“Only been here once while in town from EU, was for UHual all female night and the eye candy was fantastic. Hot women of all backgrounds, love it! Def going back just for that. Plus free before 9pm, good deal before things get too crowded. We loved that it wasn’t too crowded too. Enough people but also plenty of space to chill and dance.”

1301 Ocean Ave #1019, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

“Well-designed bar with incredible views. We enjoyed watching the sunset here while sipping on a tasty cocktail. They have blankets for when it’s cold, yay!”

2028 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States

“Speakers are only one sided - super odd sound. A Red Bull vodka was $26 , you have to pay $5 for a water. They book good people but managed to ruin them somehow. Just skip this place honestly - from a world traveler techno enthusiast.”

67625 E Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234, United States

“I had an incredible time at the Boudoir Boys burlesque show! The show's production was top-notch, and the cast delivered an amazing performance. I highly recommend bringing this show back for another run - it's a must-see!”

8941 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States

“Charlie and Kenny are the greatest servers we have ever experienced at a restaurant! We are coming back here specifically because they hired these two. We had the best time, this will be a staple for our drinks and brunch experiences. If you have any doubts, get rid of them and go to Stache! You will not regret it!”

4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States

“Not a very attractive crowd of guys. Unless you like 'em with meat on their bones! And, I mean, lots of it. Too many women, also. The real ones and the "newer ones." Was a good place in years past but no more.”

600 E Sunny Dunes Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

“My favorite “dive bar” since they opened in the early 90’s. There almost every evening for my usual beverages. The staff are the best, and unlike most bars, this one has very little (if any) attitude. As Zelda Rubenstein said it best, “All are welcome. All are welcome.””

2107 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

“Best on the west coast. I been to others in LA and San Diego. This place is by far the best of all. Space design, cleanliness , staff and the crowd was unmatched 10/10”

2100 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

“Toucans is fabulous. The drag show on Sunday night is top notch. My Paloma drink was tasty and strong. The server was a cute guy in tiny shorts that fit him oh so well. After the show a staff member and a drag queen came to greet us. This was a memorable night to be sure. I’ll definitely be back. They have a medium sized parking lot.”

2046 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, United States

“Great bar but the only let down is customer service if that bothers you at all. A very busy bar with passive aggressive service including a bit of proudness if that’s your cup of tea . The bar could achieve 5 stars but the staff and toilets let down this place for more potential. The washroom is shared with a urinal and toilet in the same room, again if that’s your cup of tea then this might be a place for you to hog. Being a visitor to San Diego this bar seems very well established with locals so it very difficult to mingle with the locals. The drink's from the taps don’t taste too good more likely that there is a maintenance issue with pipe cleaning. The soft drinks tastes unusual including the beer. I was offered an alternative to red bull and that tasted off. I went to order a third drink Big Wave and that also did not taste the same as the one I had at the Pizza Shop in the main gay village. The venue has a pool table and tv screens . Soft drinks 3 out of 10 Largers 4 out of 10 Customer service 3 out of 10 Location 3 out of 10 Washroom Facilities 2 out of 10”

2003 K St, Sacramento, CA 95811, United States

“Please refer to Kyle F. Post: I went here on 2/9/24 for the drag show. Spent about $100. Once the drag show was over, decided to hang by the stair wells which happen to lead to the bathrooms and the breaker which why would I know? I know because I saw a guy hanging by the breaker. All of a sudden, all the lights come one. For the bartender to get to the dude by the lights- he decides to shove me with both hands on each of my shoulders. Another sign that queer females and black queer females are the lowest on the totem pole. I wait for him to fix the issue and then I pull him aside and tell him “hey it was unnecessary to push me even though I get it” he brushed me off and acted like I was nothing. Cut to my PTSD and general unwelcome-ness. I got to many other staff of the bar and they tell me to calm down and get over it. DO NOT ATTEND THIS PLACE IF YOU ARE BLACK AND QUEER UNLESS THEY RECOGNIZE THEIR DISREGARD FOR BLACK WOMEN/QUEER WOMEN.”