A bar with many stories, The Wild Side West is the quintessential San Francisco experience. It's full of history (just ask them about the "Janis Joplin pool table" and the shenanigans she pulled there), it's decor is eccentric, but the atmosphere remains easy - without pretention. Despite it's labeling as a gay bar, it's actually an everyone bar with a hidden secret. That secret - so carefully concealed behind it's brown wooden walls and bar - is the lush green garden in the back. Once you have your beer (or excellently made cocktail) slip off the pressure of being an adult, and indulge in the magic that is the outdoor garden. Step down into the small encove and find a table perfect for get togethers with friends, or venture further to find a kind of open air art museum, with both nicknacks large, and small, embedded in the flowers and plants. This place is both romantic and refreshing, a little get away while still at home. There is much seating to choose from, but don't forget to sit in my favorite seat: the swing bench. Swaying gently on the bench with a mint mojito in hand, makes me feel like Blanche Devereaux out on the veranda. Even if you don't enjoy pretending to be a cultured southern lady of means, your date/lover/friend with turn to you and understand that you KNOW the places in SF to go (and why you are such a cool kid, it's not even a big deal to share this oasis with them). As for you: sip your beverage, listen to the slight creak of the bench wood and enjoy this respite from the calls of a demanding world (but remember to scoot over when I arrive).

I chanced into the Wild Side West while exploring the city on foot back in the early 1970's at the old location. I did not know that it was a lesbian bar. I found the beer to be very cold & the atmosphere to be welcoming. As I drank some more beer the bar filled up and it's orientation became obvious. I entered into meaningful conversations about cooking and other topics with a few of the other patrons. My experience there was so pleasant and enjoyable that I reflect back on it until now, prompting my review here. I subsequently married a wonderful woman and nurse who had close relationships in the Greenwich Village gay bars in New York, where she worked as a hat check girl while attending nursing school. She imparted to me a great deal of information on the LGBT community and we both traveled to Washington, D.C., to see the quilt laid out on the Washington mall. She passed several years back & I really miss her but I treasure her kind heart to everyone. Isn't it wonderful when we can all get along? Cheers to the Wild Side West community and keep up the great work!

On my first official visit, it appeared to be a kinda hole in the wall little bar from street level. However, what makes this place great is the friendly come on in cordial staff and local neighborhood patrons who frequent this place! Unbeknownst to me, I discovered a really cool plush green rear yard where you can chill and enjoy the amenities. If I'm ever going to be in the area, I'd visit again. Drinks and spirits are available at all bars, but it's the people that brings you in.

I've lived in the neighborhood for years and this was my first time visiting. Now it's my favorite new bar! The outdoor garden seating is probably the best I've hung out in the whole city. They've created little seating areas for people to group themselves in so there's nice separation from one another. Great drink selections and you're supporting a local business owner. Super supportive of the LGBTQIA community which is great for any establishment.

Happily stuck in the 70's neighborhood bar. Wonderful picture of Liberace on the wall. An amazing back patio that goes waaay back and is really quite private with little nooks and tables throughout. Sit at the large table all the way in the back end and you will see the Racoons come out on the back fence. 4 stars only because I'm a guy and sometimes feel like I'm out of place in this legendary lesbian bar. But go anyways, it really is a nice place.

Probably the best bar this side of the Mississippi. Bartender told us it was cash only and we were only able to scrounge up $15 between the 3 of us. Fortunately that can buy you drinks all night long at the wild side west! Fun activity while you're inside the bar: count how many boots are having up around this fun establishment. Hint: it's somewhere between 7 and 163. God bless the bartender, god bless the chef, god bless America. Since '62

This is an inviting space with a talented bartender Israel. The drink he made after inquiring what I was seeking couldn't have been better. I went alone but the patrons were friendly and I spent the evening chatting and enjoying my drinks in the garden. The space is cozy, within their large garden they created individual spaces. These spaces are perfect for a date or spending time with friends. I will be returning.

Literally a bar you can sit and sip and not speak. Anytime I tried to sing a song I was told no and it's a bar to sit and listen. I was told to go next door to sing karaoke. Wasn't even singing loud but couldn't sing above a whisper there. Cool environment but don't go to enjoy a really fun time to dance and sing. Go somewhere else for that because that bar is not your place.

If I still imbibed as much as I did in my twenties, I'd be here several times a week because I love this bar. Truly a neighborhood gem and historically queer owned and operated -welcomes everyone. Super cute interior and adorable terrace and garden. The staff are lovely. Actually, no one new come here, because I want it to stay the same and wonderful always

With a dark decor and pool table right when you walk in, The Wild Side West bar has a unique feel. The walls are loaded with posters and pictures and there are some comfy chairs by the back door. The patio is nice although very limited in seating. Perhaps the best aspect is the cheap drinks. Service was slow for the crowd in there but friendly none the less.

This bar is terrible but there is one good thing about it. The staff AND patrons are completely, surprisingly, and shamelessly rude! I don't know if they're protective or exclusive of the clientele but the only redeeming part of this place is the piano bar. They love people coming to play the piano and singing along. So come for the piano bar!

I'm a straight woman...who LOVES, SPORTS AND MUSIC and I had a " GOOD TIME" at this well known, lesbian bar ! My friends and I went into the Bar after the Cortland St. Fair, because we heard GOOD MUSIC coming from there ! When we went in, the 49ers were on and they had $2 BEER'S !! Tecate in a can ! Not even, DRAFT ! …

Great stop when we are on Cortland. The bartender was nice. There were TVs playing the warriors game. During half time, we went to the back patio that also has a set of stairs leading to a garden. The garden is divided into more intimate sections with an eclectic collection of benches and tables.

Was excited to try this bar out. Upon entering the bartender pushed me aside and said "you can't just enter without showing IDs". However there was no one at the door. After this rude and unwelcoming experience we went to a different bar. I will be avoiding this place.

Cash only! Great neighborhood bar, decent craft beer selection and they have a pool table. So bonus for that. I heard the outside area is pretty nice too, but I didn't see it since it was too cold for me. Photo of Wild Side West - San Francisco, CA, United States

Can't play the piano because, " the lady upstairs doesn't allow it." Not that clean. Bartender not very knowledgeable. Fantastic backyard/courtyard out the back door and down the skinny stairs. Decent pool table. Interesting people sometimes hang out here.

Lovely lesbian and everyone bar! Had a delightful time catching a drink and watching a few old movies. They do play sports when a good game is on! Plus they have a pool table and a neat outside chill spot! If you're in the area, stop in!

Honestly, my favorite SF bar so far. Pros: Cozy, laid back atmosphere, amazing outdoor sitting are - an actual little garden. Decent choice of beers. Cons: usually one bartender, so if the place is crowded, the service will be very slow.

My go to place in San Francisco every time I go home. A warm, pleasant neighborhood bar. Everyone can be themselves, nobody is trying to impress others. Good beer and cocktails. Giants fans, 9er Fans & Warriors fans aplenty on game days!

One of my favorite bars in San Francisco! Off the beaten path, but well worth the trip. Where else can you feel like you're having a drink in a friends backyard with some soft lighting. Drinks are cheap and served with a smile.

Awesome little bar with live music downstairs. Sit on the right side at the bar and see if you can find the "corn in tbe hole!" Cash only, limited street parking, but lots of places to park if you check on Google maps.

First place I've ever truly felt at home. The owner did make you feel a little over watched but I'm sure it was in good heart. Beautiful back area. Bring a little blanket or jacket. It gets a bit breezy in the back.

How great is this place? Forever history. We wound up here after a hike with the dog on Bernal Hill. And YES. They allow dogs. Lots of dogs.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Nothing like kicking back and enjoying a Friday boilermaker here. The crowd is lively and the bartenders are awesome. It may be in your best interest to have some manners before you walk in the front doors.

Great neighborhood bar to enjoy a stuff martini with a friend and be able to carry on a conversation without having to yell over loud music. Very friendly bartender and customers,great atmosphere .

Quintessentially an absolutely ★icon★ of old & contemporary San Francisco, in the finest expression of a neighbourhood safe space for drinks ... PS: Be selective in sharing this family secret. ;)

Awesome bar with an even better patio. Tons of greenery and little semi private sitting areas. If the weather is nice, the patio would be a great place to be chilling having a tasty beverage.

Beautiful back area and John is a very talented bartender. I asked for a mezcal cocktail, and he delivered a tall glass of smoky goodness. I can see myself becoming a regular here …

A favorite neighborhood bar. Always has been, always will be. The best part is the coolest, funkiest beer garden out back. A quintessential Bernal Heights experience.

Can't believe I've never been to this wonderful place before! The outdoors seating is wonderful, secluded, fun, bar tenders/owners? very friendly!!! Will def be back

This was first gay bar I went to in 1975 then it was in North Beach. I remember a women’s band that played there called BeBe’K Roche. I still have their album…

A veritable SF institution and well-deserving of loyal business as one of the only remaining lesbian-owned bars in the city. The backyard garden is pure magic

Nice neighborhood bar with crazy, loyal and original regulars who can be cool as ice when people are respectful to this one of a kind establishment in Bernal

Exactly what you would expect from a dive/sports bar. The beer on tap is excellent. Great people working too.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

No one in the bar when I got there. The bartender didn't seem to want to acknowledge me and just was not friendly. Felt like I was an annoyance.

Great neighborhood bar with good beers and an eclectic and beautiful outside garden, pretty during the day, lit up with fairy lights at night.

Beautiful bar with a great selection of drinks. The beer garden is an amazing cozy space and very relaxing. Just don't expect a warm welcome

Great back area for drinking bevvys. Bartenders were a bit grouchy but then again it was crowded af.
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 5

This place has been here a long time. It's an old women's bar in bernal heights. But all are welcome
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Such a great little neighborhood bar! We had an enjoyable experience. The staff and patrons were very welcoming. We'll definitely be back!

My favorite place to go and relax. Perfectly poured drinks. Beautiful garden to sit either in private or with a group. Friendly patrons.

The back garden is nice for a quiet conversation in a pleasant setting, but you are more likely to get to use the pool table at El Rio.

Different & I love it Bartender is not very friendly & welcoming but I've learned that it's just her personality ‍♀️ …

The type of place you kinda don't want to tell people about bc it's so cool and you want to keep it to yourself. A great LGBTQ+ space.

Great neighborhood bar with personality. Good prices. The highlight is the back patio, but unfortunately there is a curfew at 11pm.

My favorite bar in the city with the most epic, huge, eclectic garden in the back. Coolest place ever. I recommended everyone go.

Such a sweet little place. Awesome bartender. Felt at home with the lovely women here. Thanks for making me feel like I belong.

Heather rules! Tina is amazing! Andy is fabulous! Cheryl is great! Mikey is awesome! Come enjoy the people and the garden.

Cash only folks. I was a very happy to see mostly women there. Would have loved to stay but didn't bring any cash with me.

lovely little lesbian bar. been going here for years. cheap, strong drinks. plus the outdoor space is absolutely gorgeous

This is my go-to neighborhood bar. It's never packed and has an amazing outdoor garden, pool table, and is lesbian owned.

Bring cash, a good attitude and recognize that this is the last Lesbian bar in SF and you'll be welcomed with open arms.

Nice neighborhood bar. Still a lesbian bar really.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I love this bar. Great staff, glorious back garden, stiff drinks. Perfect for a whiskey catch up with a beloved friend!

Really nice bar, theres this gorgeous back garden, that definitely feels like the place to be in the height of summer!

The most amazing place you have no idea how cute their little garden is in the back socially distance and amazing

Eclectic, artsy, peaceful bar with friendly regulars and staff! I need to go back ASAP! Wish I lived in SF

The Special drink tasted great and the decor and plant life surrounding the back patio is magnificent!!

You can meet the nicest people here!!! It has an ambiance of its own. A true classic gem of a bar....

Do damn charming and the garden. This is what I love about San Francisco. Old world charm..Great bar

Funky old bar with a fun and eclectic back patio/garden. Find friendly locals here and a nice staff.

Amazing bar. Make sure to check out the back garden. Plenty of seating and really magical at night!

fantastic enchanted garden out the back - a great place for a romantic drink. slightly grumpy staff

I love it here! The backyard is beautiful with little private spots to sit, and good beers on tap.

The back patio is magical, staff is awesome. Just dress warm, it gets cold when the dog rolls in.

The Ambiance is nice and quiet has a great Garden at three floors in the back great place to hide

Great drinks, cheap prices, great value, wonderful atmosphere, nice outdoor garden seating area.

Great dive, beautiful back patio, decent drinks
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

9pm on a saturday. Its low key and lovely for groups. Back yard garden is so beautiful

Best bar I have ever been to. Heather is a fantastic bartender and so much more!

The patio is amazing to hang out in. It wasn't crowded when I went on Halloween

One of the few neighborhood bars with free live music. I love this place!

Loved this place with all of it's hidden tables and chairs in the garden.

Heather is a fantastic bartender! The overall place is charming as heck

A funky cool piece of San Francisco that luckily hasn't disappeared yet

Great little bar Love the gardens. Great drink prices and atmosphere.

Great personnel. One of my favorite dives. Love the garden out back.

Great prices for a relaxing backyard environmental brew or cocktail

Nice backyard and leather armchairs to spend the night. Cash only.

Alway heaven at the West!! My cheers if You know what that means,

Such a unique local hangout! The backyard gardens are so funky.

Absolutely terrible service. Avoid this place like the plague.

Best garden bar in the city. Not pretentious. Local hang out.

This lesbian bar felt like coming home for me. Great patio!

Absolutely amazing atmosphere and staff. Will visit again!

Unique spot for sure! They have a great backyard as well!

Decent gun and tonic and good beer.
Atmosphere: 5

Great place to hang out. Staff and drinks are amazing.

Loved it here, met lovely people and had great chat.

Not many old school bars left in SF like this.....

Outdoor seating is amazing. Bartenders are solid.

Fun place! Loved the jukebox and the atmosphere.

Always a good time on the patio #strongdrinks

Lovely little hideaway, welcoming and casual

Underrated and undervalued by the community

had a top night in here - great little bar

My favorite bar of all time. Period. Ever.

Funky garden setting for outdoor drinking.

The perfect neighborhood bar in every way.

Amazing backyard. And pretty good drinks.