THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
BAY AREA Vol. 5
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
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ABOUT THE BAY AREA
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
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BAR GUIDE
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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ABOUT THE BAY AREA LGBTQ Bay Area San Francisco is a port of call for the alternative, the adventurous, the creative and the aspirational. The “City by the Bay” is known as the gay capital of the US, where over 860K locals welcome nearly 17 million visitors every year. Culture is San Francisco’s trademark, from the people to the politics, straight down to the rainbow street art. Gay-friendly bars, restaurants and businesses are sprinkled throughout nearly every corner of the city. There are over 60 gay bars and clubs that cover a variety of interests, with nearly every city establishment welcoming anybody with open arms. The transgender community has a special place here, and difference is honored, perhaps more than anywhere else. While the Castro has recently served as the center of LGBTQ culture and nightlife, other neighborhoods like Noe Valley, Bernal Heights and the Mission are bursting at the seams. San Francisco is what you want it to be. Whether you’re looking for awardwinning restaurants, a crazy night on the town or a perfect romantic getaway, San Francisco has it all. It truly earns its reputation as the cool, gay city of love.
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ABOUT SILICON VALLEY LGBTQ Silicon Valley Silicon Valley might seem all-business at first, but you’ll find a casual and friendly gay scene thriving just below the surface. City planners have focused on making downtown San Jose a comfortable space with restaurants, hotels and green space. Our San Jose guide also covers bars in the “Peninsula” the area between San Jose and San Francisco that is often referred to as “Silicon Valley” and is home to many start-up and global technology companies. Apple, Facebook and Google are among the most prominent. It’s also the site of technology-focused institutions centered around Palo Alto’s Stanford University. The Computer History Museum and NASA’s Ames Research Center are in Mountain View. The Tech Museum of Innovation is in San Jose. 3
RESTAURANT GUI DE Pearl 6101 Small restaurant & bar offering Mediterranean-inspired pastas & seafood, plus specialty cocktails. 6101 California St, San Francisco
Paradiso Global foods & international wines share the menu at this stylish fine dining choice. 685 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro
Meso Modern Mediterranean Seasonal menus featuring locally sourced products are served in this stylish venue. 3060 Olsen Dr Ste 50, San Jose
Rich Table Californian fare from local ingredients, served in a salvaged-barn-wood space with an open kitchen. 199 Gough St, San Francisco
Skates On The Bay This casual American eatery offers seafood, steaks, sushi & waterfront views. 100 Seawall Dr, Berkeley
Waterbar Restaurant Stylish seafood spot with oysters, a horseshoe-shaped bar & patio with upclose views of Bay Bridge. 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco
Lazy Bear The revered pop-up gets a permanent setting with this mid-century space serving New American cuisine. 3416 19th St, San Francisco
The Ramp Restaurant Casual waterfront restaurant on Mission Bay serving lunch, brunch & evening appetizers year-round. 855 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco
Restaurant Gish Relaxed eatery with menus featuring creative Korean dishes & desserts, plus outdoor seating. 1998 Homestead Rd #113, Santa Clara
Boulevard Refined American fare from renowned chef Nancy Oakes at a chic Embarcadero spot boasting bay views. 1 Mission St, San Francisco
Madcap Intimate locale serving elevated seasonal California & Japanese mains plus wine, beer & sake. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo
Gary Danko Renowned chef Gary Danko’s fixedprice menus of American cuisine in an elegant but unstuffy setting. 800 North Point St, San Francisco
Marica Restaurant Carefully presented dishes like twicecooked Maine lobster are served in a warmly lit dining room. 5301 College Ave, Oakland
La Ciccia Tiny, rustic spot serving homemade spaghetti, octopus stew & other Sardinian eats plus myriad wines. 291 30th St, San Francisco
Commis Open-kitchen experiments with unique ingredients to craft inspired New American fixed-price dinners. 3859 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Californios Mexican restaurant for inventive tasting menus & small-batch wines served in a cozy, luxe interior. 355 11th St, San Francisco
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE DECEMBER 2021
JAN 22
KILLER LINEUP
DEC 29
Anything but the usual suspects, Killer Lineup is a who’s who of our favorite stand-ups of the moment. Catch a rotating cast of SF Sketchfest-approved personalities in this scary good showcase. Tickets at dothebay.com.
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
Experience the magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Learn more at theateermania.com.
FEBRUARY
DEC 29
SNOGLOBE MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEB 3
California’s largest New Year’s shindig combines the beauty of winter with a multi-stage event filled with worldrenowned music acts. Details at tahoesouth.com.
STAND-UP COMEDY AT HAWKER FARE
See comedians featured on late night TV, Comedy Central, Netflix, Viceland, SF Sketchfest and more, at Hawker Fare in the Mission! Enjoy a hilarious night of fruity cocktails, food and stand-up comedy in one of San Francisco’s most exotic bars and restaurant! Tickets at eventbrite.com.
JANUARY JAN 1-2
FRESH START FESTIVAL
This is a three day music event that begins on New Years Eve. Go to offical website for complete line up at freshstartsf.co.
FEB 4
BATTLE OF THE DECADES
Every Friday Fly down memory lane while sipping on the happiest drink prices in SF! The earlier you get there, the cheaper the drinks. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
JAN 1-30
GLOW: DISCOVER THE ART OF LIGHT
Explore your curiosity in this special collection of illuminated installations and sculptures by eight artists. Dance, connect, and play through the Exploratorium’s spacious galleries and discover the captivating work of featured artists. Visit dothebay.com.
FEB 19
PRESIDENT’S HEAT PARTY
We finally got Ben Bakson back in the U.S. after 2 year hiatus. We are also welcoming back Orel Sabag to our family.This will definitely be a night to remember. Limited VIP includes: private area by DJ, Private bathroom, snacks, water and pics with DJs. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
JAN 9
SHEN YUN
Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. A unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away! Visit shenyun.com.
FEB 21-27
NOISE POP FESTIVAL
The Bay Area’s original celebration of independent music, film, and art. Now in it’s 29th year. Noise Pop Festival will once again transform the entire SF Bay Area into sprawling festival
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE grounds as multiple events including music performances, art shows, film screenings, happy hours, after-hour parties, and more will take place nightly over the course of a week. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
International Wedding Festival to plan with the area’s best providers Visit internationalweddingfestival.com.
MARCH
Imagine Picasso is a new type of immersive exhibition that takes visitors to a journey through the revolutionary career of modern art master, Pablo Picasso. Details at dothebay.com.
MAR 27
IMAGINE PICASSO: THE IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION
MAR 2
DRAG BINGO
Join us every Thursday for some hilarious Drag Bingo shenanigans with a rotating host of seductive queens. Prizes will be awarded for winners. Stay till the end to enjoy a fabulous lip sync performance after bingo. Don’t forget to bring cash to tip your hard working host! They didn’t just wake up like that. If you are hungry you can enjoy delicious food and beverage off our menu. Visit eventbrite.com.
APRIL APR 1
TASTE OF NORTH BEACH
See and taste the best that North Beach has to offer on a one-of-a-kind North Beach Food Tour! This three-hour walking tour helps you get away from the main drag and into the beautiful side streets of North Beach and the Barbary Coast. Discover unexpected shops, sites, and bites in this diverse neighborhood. Visit eventbrite.com.
MAR 3
GOOD FOOD MERCANTILE SF
With over 115 of America’s top food crafters and NEW this year, a dozen of the best importers of good food from around the globe, from Neal’s Yard Dairy to The Japanese Pantry, this reunion of good food makers and merchants - with plentiful COVID-safe sampling - is not to missed. Details and tickets at eventbrite.com.
APR 2
SF CHOCOLATE SALON
Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists can experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world’s great culinary metropolitan areas. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.
MAR 5
LIPS & LASHES DRAG BRUNCH
APR 3
MAR 27
Come join us for PWC’s Annual “Sips & Bites” affair! Sip wines and spirits from Sonoma County and taste samples of Sonoma County Cuisine provided by new chefs in the area. Socialize with old and make new friends as you enjoy the delicious offerings. Visit eventbrite.com.
The show features a rotating cast with a range of talents from drag illusionists, burlesque, live vocalists, dancers, and more. You can expect lots of laughs, delicious food, tasty specialty cocktails. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
SIPS & BITES
INTERNATIONAL WEDDING FEST
APR 9
You said YES and want your wedding day to be perfect! Don’t just dream about the perfect day.... PLAN the perfect day! Come to the
BATTLE OF THE BREWS:
Battle of The Brews will feature hundreds of beers from all over the
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BAR GU ID E The Mix This small gay bar has a patio & pool table, & frequent happy-hour specials. 4086 18th St, San Francisco
Beaux Happy hour, live entertainment & dance music at a vibrant, edgy lounge. 2344 Market St, San Francisco
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Eclectic Tenderloin gay bar known for really cheap drinks & drag shows on select evenings. 133 Turk St, San Francisco
440 Castro Drinks & events draw casual, bearded crowds to this local gay hangout. 440 Castro St, San Francisco Pilsner Inn Darts, pool & TVs tuned to sports are standards at this gay bar, which also boasts a garden patio. 225 Church St, San Francisco
The Port Bar Festive LGBT-friendly watering hole known for its potent cocktails in a vibrant, repurposed setting. 2023 Broadway, Oakland
Twin Peaks Tavern Gay bar serving classic cocktails & beers on tap, also boasts vintage furniture & big glass windows. 401 Castro St, San Francisco
Toad Hall Versatile space draws gay crowds with DJs, a lengthy bar, a smoke-friendly patio & happy hours. 146 18th St, San Francisco
The Cinch Saloon Old-guard gay bar with potent drinks, smoking patio, pool, pinball, DJs & no pretensions. 1723 Polk St, San Francisco
The Edge Both themed events & street-facing windows enhance the people-watching scene at this Castro gay bar. 4149 18th St, San Francisco Midnight Sun Eyes are on the videos at this Castro gay bar with strong drinks & a mixed crowd. 4067 18th St #2535, San Francisco
Hole In the Wall Saloon Chains & hardware decorate this bikerthemed gay bar that hosts events like shirtless Thursdays. 1369 Folsom St, San Francisco
Moby Dick This longtime gay watering hole exudes a laid-back vibe with pool, pinball & video games. 4049 18th St, San Francisco
Hi Tops Gay bar supplying top-shelf fast food & drinks plus TVs tuned to sports in a setting with gym decor. 2247 Market St, San Francisco
San Francisco Eagle Bar Revival of a legendary LBGT leather bar with periodic drag shows, theme nights & big heated patio. 398 12th St, San Francisco
Lookout Castro hangout for drinks & a variety of DJs, with a wraparound balcony overlooking Market Street. 3600 16th St, San Francisco
Powerhouse Anything-goes gay leather bar with basic decor, stiff drinks & weekend crowds in the mood to cruise. 1347 Folsom St, San Francisco
Splash Bar Inc Gay nightclub with 2 levels for dancing, a rooftop smoking patio & weekly events. 65 Post St, San Jose
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE and receive your wristbands and maps for the event. Complete details available at eventbrite.com.
country making this one of California’s largest beer festivals! The Craft Cup, a judged specialty craft brew competition featuring a variety of premier microbreweries from around the country. The event will feature, Sonoma County Best Bites which highlights delicious foods from local chefs and eateries. This is a 21+ only event. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.
MAY 14
GRILLED CHEESE, BEER, & WINE TASTING
Enjoy unlimited samples of the regions finest craft beers, sandwiches, and more while sipping from your souvenir tasting glass, playing games, and enjoying the music of a live DJ. VIP options available. Visit eventbrite.com.
APR 23
COUPLE LATTE ART CLASS
Do you want to have a cute date with your significant other at the end of the day?Come to our Couple Latte art class, perfect for a refreshing romantic evening. You and your significant other can learn how to make heart and tulip designs on a matcha latte or a coffee or decaf drinks of your choice. The class comes with a complementary 20% off discount if you wish to buy something from our cafe after class, so come on in and have a cute latte art date! Register at eventbrite.com.
MAY 15
HALF MOON BAY WINE & JAZZ FESTIVAL
Featuring California wineries, nationallyknown jazz artists, and local eats - all on Half Moon Bay’s charming and historic Main Street – an amazing destination on its own! Come join us for this fun event! Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass and tasting tickets which can be redeemed for tastings from the wineries (we’re expecting to feature 50 California wineries). Beer and food will also be available to purchase at the event. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
APR 30
PETALUMA OYSTER FEST
Does the combination of fresh raw or grilled oysters, Peruvian Paella, and Peruvian Ceviche sound like a culinary delight? What if we pair that with fresh salads, French bread, cold beer, sparkling and still wines, and live music, on a sunny afternoon in April? If this sounds amazing to you we invite you to join us at Petaluma Oyster Fest! Tickets at eventbrite.com.
MAY 15
GRILLED CHEESE FESTIVAL
Grilled Cheese Festival is a full weekend of events dedicated to the one food you never out grow.... GRILLED CHEESE! We’ve paired our grilled cheese with everything from craft beer to bounce houses so we’ve got something for everyone.
MAY MAY 5
This family-friendly festival has something for everyone! Just $10 gets you admission to the event, live music, games for every age group, and more. Kids ages 5 and under are FREE! Details at sacgrilledcheese.com and tickets at eventbrite.com.
CINCO DE MAYO PUB CRAWL
Head on over to Polk Street after work and leave your stress behind as you gather with friends, throw back some delicious drinks, and dance the night away. The pub crawl starts at Mayes Oyster House, where you can check in
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
AGUILAS The program’s goal is to give members the information and tools needed to practice safer sex, as well as provide them with a safe, interactive environment to discuss LGBTQI+ issues that are specific to Latinx culture. www.sfaguilas.org
ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT The mission of the UCSF Alliance Heath Project is to support the mental health and wellness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities in constructing healthy and meaningful lives. www.ucsf-ahp.org
PRISM PRISM aims to provide LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida and beyond with the education and support they need to live a happy, healthy life. prismfl.org
GAYLESTA Gaylesta is the oldest and largest collection of individuals focused on LGBTQ mental health. Their members collectively offer a range of services, experiences, specializations, and expertise. www.gaylesta.org
SF LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER The mission of the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Community Center is to connect the diverse LGBTQ community to opportunities, resources and each other to achieve a vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBT people and LGBT allies. www.sfcenter.org
TRANSGENDER RECOVERY PROGRAM This program provides trans-specific interventions in a trauma-informed treatment environment, with dedicated, self-identifying trans program staff, supported by other clinicians who are well trained in issues relevant to the trans community. healthright360.org/program/ transgender-recovery-program
GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY The GLBT Historical Society houses one of the world’s largest collections of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender historical material. www.glbthistory.org
PFLAG SAN FRANCISCO PFLAG SF promotes the health and well being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends, through support to cope with an adverse society, education to enlighten an ill-informed public, and advocacy to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. www.pflagsf.org
QUEER CULTURAL CENTER A multiracial community-building organization that fosters the artistic, economic and cultural development of San Francisco’s LGBT community. www.queerculturalcenter.org QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR MEDIA ARTS PROJECT Promotes the creation, exhibition and distribution of new films/videos that address the vital social justice issues that concern queer women of color and our communities, authentically reflect our life stories, and build community through art and activism. www.qwocmap.org
OUR FAMILY COALITION Our Family Coalition advances equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) families with children through support, education, and advocacy. www.ourfamily.org
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE MAY 15
exotic drinks and more. Get your tickets at eventbrite.com.
Lots more food vendors than before, more entrances and lots more entertainment. Also extending the hours due to popular demand. From 11am to 7pm . Giving you more time for food options and drinks. Closing down multiple city blocks with multiple stages for Live Music, Guest Speakers and Cooking Demonstrations. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
JUN 16
VEGAN FOOD FESTIVAL
SF INTERNATIONAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Frameline is the largest and longest running LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) film festival in the world. Its mission is “to strengthen the diverse LGBT community and further its visibility by supporting and promoting a broad array of cultural representations and artistic expression in film, video and other media arts.” Visitus online at facebook.com/frameline.
MAY 21
BURGER & BREW FEST
Feature sampling from bay area breweries, vendors, and live entertainment, including the Burger Throwdown - a burger cooking competition. This is one tasty fest you won’t want to miss! There is no admission fee to the Burger & Brew Fest. If you don’t drink beer, feel free to stroll the food trucks, purchase a burger or two and shop the arts and crafts vendors. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
JUN 25-26
SAN FRANCISCO LGBTQ+ PRIDE With over 200 parade contingents and exhibitors, and more than twenty community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of the LGBT community and allies in the nation.
Celebrations begin on a Saturday in Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Francisco the last full weekend of June each year. The Parade, which takes place the Sunday morning of the event, kicks off from Beale Street along Market and ends at Market and 8th St. in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Full details at sfpride.org.
JUNE JUN 11
BEERFEST - THE GOOD ONE
Expect mouth-puckering sour beers, hop bombs, barrel-aged brews, and a wide range of other cool libations that make Northern California one of the best beer producing regions in the world. More than 50 breweries, Kombucha makers & cideries will be pouring their samples for you to enjoy from 1-4:30 pm. VIP Ticket Holders get in at Noon to beat the crowds and have complimentary food available from some of our food vendors for the first hour! Tickets at eventbrite.com.
JUN 29
SAUSAGE FEST COMEDY
All of our shows are filled with the funniest and fiercest ladies in the comedy game... and we throw a few gentlemen comics in there as well... just a few. From national headlining comics featured on TV to soon to be house hold names you will sure to enjoy this show. We have early bird special so hurry and secure these great deals on tickets before they are gone! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
JUN 11
BEIGNETS AND PO-BOY SANDWICHES FEST
Featuring authentic New Orleans foods, comedy, live entertainment, a kids area,
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ACCOUNTING CNACPA, P.C............................................................ 25
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Cynthia Wemyss - Edward Jones.............................. 1 Kathryn Holland - Edward Jones............................ 10
ADDITIONS & REMODELING Natural Vibrations Inc..........................back inside cover
FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Maranto Law P.C..................................................... 17
AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR Precision Air Solutions............................................ 22
FUNERAL SERVICES, Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association....................... 16
BACKGROUND SCREENING Private Eyes............................................................. 24
HOME INSPECTIONS HouseMaster.......................................................... 24
BRICK & STONE CONTRACTOR Natural Vibrations Inc..........................back inside cover
HOUSING ASSISTANCE ECHO Housing........................................................ 11
CITY The City of Half Moon Bay California...................... 22
HVAC Precision Air Solutions............................................ 22
CLEAN ENERGY Silicon Valley Clean Energy.................................... 23
IMPACT WINDOWS Pella Doors & Windows of Northern California....... 22
CLINICAL RESEARCH Lumos Clinical Research Center............................. 13
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Net Lease Exchange................................................ 15
CLINICAL TRIALS Lumos Clinical Research Center............................. 13
LBGTQ FRIENDLY COMMUNITY The City of Half Moon Bay California...................... 22
CREMATION SERVICES Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association....................... 16
MORTGAGES Stone Castle Land and Home Financial.................. back outside cover
CUSTOM HOMES Julie Laughton Custom Homes................................ 4
PET BOARDING Dan Perata Training Inc............................................. 5
DESIGN/BUILD Julie Laughton Custom Homes................................ 4
PRIVATE SCHOOL The Harker School................................................... 21
DOG TRAINING Dan Perata Training Inc............................................. 5
PROBATE Law Offices of M. Franklin Parrish........................... 10
DOGGY DAYCARE Dan Perata Training Inc............................................. 5
PUBLIC SCHOOL San Mateo Union High School District..................... 7
DOORS & WINDOWS Pella Doors & Windows of Northern California....... 22
REAL ESTATE Marker Real Estate.................................................... 9
ENTERTAINMENT Pinot’s Palette......................................................... 25
SIP & PAINT Pinot’s Palette......................................................... 25
ESTATE PLANNING Barulich Dugoni & Suttmann Law Group............... 23 Law Offices of M. Franklin Parrish........................... 10
TRAVEL Lisa Balistreri Travel................................................ 25
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