Lone Star Saloon

Bear bar · San Francisco SoMa

Beards, flannel, bikers and a big patio: since 1989, the Lone Star Saloon has been San Francisco’s bear bar, famous far beyond the city.

• ★ 4.6 on Google (318)
• Since 1989
• Large patio
• Pool

Address

1354 Harrison Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Opening hours

Mon–Sat 4 pm–2 am
Sun 2 pm–2 am

Crowd

mostly men, mostly 30+, bears, bikers and leather guys, many locals

Flirt factor

high

Programme

Beer Bust every Sunday
Pool tournaments on Saturdays
Cubcake on the second Friday of the month
Bark•Cade on the first Wednesday of the month 5–9 pm

Getting there

between 9th and 10th Street, about 10 minutes’ walk from the SF Eagle

What makes the Lone Star Saloon special

Rick Redewill opened the Lone Star in 1989 on the corner of Howard and 7th Street as a small bar for gay men. After the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989 the building had to be demolished, and the bar moved to Harrison Street. Here the biker and leather scene merged with the bear scene, and in the early internet era the Lone Star became known worldwide.

Today the bar is owned by two long-time bartenders, Bruce Jennison and Charlie Evans. Inside there is a long bar and a pool table, and outside a large patio. The bar is unpretentious, and at weekends it is busy from the afternoon.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is made up of bears, bikers, leather guys and their admirers, mostly over 30, many regulars, plus visitors from around the world. The sense of community, the patio and the bartenders get praise. With 4.6 stars, the Lone Star is one of the best-rated gay bars in the city.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: bar website, Out x Out, Google reviews (4.6 stars, 318 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.