Blackbird

"This neighborhood watering hole is the perfect place to sit back with a themed cocktail (currently hip hop-inspired “B-Sides”), peruse art from local artists, and shoot a game or two of pool. Hidden off the corner of the Castro and Duboce Triangle, you’ll likely avoid the crowds if you duck into this dark, unassuming bar. Bar Manager Matt Grippo shakes up a mean cocktail and you can hide out here all day from the frantic multitude." - Eloise Porter

"Everyone in the neighborhood is going to be in party mode most of the weekend, but if you want to escape some of the madness, you’ll likely be able to have a semi-civilized cocktail at Blackbird, which is down Market Street at the edge of the Castro ‘hood. This gay-owned establishment makes some of the best and most creative drinks in the vicinity, and this month, the walls are adorned with The Art of Pride, an exhibit featuring all LGBTQ artists." - Jay C. Barmann

"Blackbird is an awesome, lowkey bar in the Castro that isn’t totally overplayed. They have cool art on the walls, friendly bartenders, and parklet seating. More importantly, they make excellent cocktails that are best enjoyed in the back at one of the small round tables." - lani conway, ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1

"Ask us where we're going for nightcaps or after-work drinks with friends, and we'll say Blackbird every time. This literary-themed, low-key bar in the Castro isn’t totally overplayed, and is always reliable and fun. They have cool art on the walls, friendly bartenders, a weekday Happy Hour, and tons of room to move about. More importantly, they make excellent cocktails that are best enjoyed at the bar, the tufted banquette, or a table in back. " - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"Blackbird Bar has been open for takeout bottles, but officially reopened for sit-down drinking in a new parklet on April 14, Hoodline reports." - Becky Duffett