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San Francisco, California / Bars and nightlife

Twin Peaks Tavern

A historic LGBT landmark known as the 'Gateway to the Castro,' famous for being the first gay bar in the U.S. to feature large, open plate-glass windows that symbolized community openness.

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Twin Peaks Tavern
Ted Eytan, CC BY-SA 2.0

What is Twin Peaks Tavern known for?

Twin Peaks Tavern is a historic gay bar in San Francisco's Castro District, widely regarded as the first gay bar in the U.S. to feature full-length, open plate glass windows that displayed patrons to the public.

Where is it located?

The tavern is located at 401 Castro Street in the Castro District of San Francisco, situated on the corner of Market and Castro under the oscillating rainbow arrow.

What is the history of the building?

The building at 401 Castro Street was first built in 1883 as a saloon and cigar shop, with a second story added in 1915. In 1923, the façade was updated to a Mediterranean revival style, which remains today.

What can I drink there?

The tavern offers cocktails, wines by the glass, and beers on tap.

Is it a designated landmark?

Yes, Twin Peaks Tavern was officially designated as San Francisco Landmark #264 on February 6, 2013.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Twin Peaks Tavern is an American historic gay bar located at 401 Castro Street in San Francisco's Castro District. The site has a deep architectural history, first built in 1883 as a saloon and cigar shop. In 1923, owner Samuel Levin updated the building's façade from a Victorian style to the Mediterranean revival style that remains intact today. While it opened as a neighborhood bar in 1935, it became a revolutionary space in the early 1970s. In 1972, lesbian friends Mary Ellen Cunha and Peggy Forster purchased the lease and refurbished the interior as a fern bar for gay clientele. Most significantly, they installed oversized, full-length plate glass windows. At a time when same-sex relationships were criminalized and police raids were common, these windows were a bold statement of visibility. Because the public could see inside, Cunha and Forster established a 'no-touch' rule to protect patrons from police targeting, transforming the venue into a social club rather than a pickup spot. Beyond serving cocktails and beers, the tavern became a vital meeting place for gay rights activists and groups. The windows came to symbolize the community's awakening and the act of 'coming out' to the world. This cultural significance led to the tavern being officially designated as San Francisco Landmark #264 on February 6, 2013. Today, the tavern continues to serve the LGBT community and visitors alike. It remains a legendary fixture of the neighborhood, often described as the 'gay Cheers' of the Castro. Despite facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a GoFundMe campaign in April 2020 that raised $100,000, the tavern persists as a symbol of resilience and pride.

Visitor tips

  • Look up for the oscillating rainbow arrow at the corner of Market and Castro to find the entrance.
  • Grab a cocktail or beer on tap and sit by the panoramic windows to watch the neighborhood go by.
  • Visit during the day to best appreciate the Mediterranean revival-style architecture of the 1923 façade.

Nearby context

Located at the historic corner of Market and Castro, this tavern serves as the 'Gateway to the Castro,' marking the entrance to one of the most famous LGBT neighborhoods in the world.

Sources

Evidence and links