Lone Star Saloon

First time here! 5 stars from me, safe space and love the vibe! For someone who has a lot of anxiety in public spaces (especially bars) I found this space to be very inviting, welcoming & friendly amongst patrons and bartenders. I love the outdoor area in back and the wide open space in the front indoor area with high ceilings, making it feel not nearly as claustrophobic as some other venues. What I also love about this bar is that it's very body-image positive & everyone is encouraged to be themselves. I find a lot of gay bars in SF are quite the opposite. But this place is unique and stands out. If you're walking here alone or foreign to the area, just be cautious of your surroundings. A lot of sketchy characters hang nearby & look for easy targets. But by all means go to this Bar. It's a safe space for both men & women. Looking forward to my next visit and surprised I haven't visited this bar sooner!

This bear bar is so chill. The owners are down to earth. The customers are just awesome.

Around 10 pm this night I asked the bartender "BRUCE JENNISON" if had a charger to charge my phone. He didn't, so I left. I came back later to use the restroom, and after he asked if I wanted a drink. He said cash only. I was a little confused, but before I couldn't even ask to use the ATM, he kicked me out without giving me a reason. Very rude, seems the decision was racial motivated

I want to like it here, but I really don’t. There’s nothing unique about it. Other neighborhood bars are more interesting with a better crowd and friendly bartenders.

A nice fun bar for bears and their fans. The best part of this bar is their patio, which has a good fun vibe when it’s not too crowded. The drinks are pretty strong so bring your friends and enjoy.

Great local gay bear bar. Bartenders are friendly. Nice patio out back. Fun atmosphere.

It's actually a very nice bar I was able to get a parking spot right in front bartender was super nice I would come back again soon

It's always clean and the patio it back has the most chill people I've come across in the bay.

The bar saloon of my dreams, this spacious very inviting elevated gay dive bar is got the neighborhood charm and feel that can't be beat. I've never made so many new local friends as well as traveling friends like myself in such a fun, inviting and engaging way. Inclusive to all but especially queer men. The music is beyond great, the energy is unmatched and the signs and art are nothing but charm, humor and food for the eyes. Lone Star Saloon is often referred to a the bear bar of SF. If you're a bigger guy like myself and or fall into a body type beyond a standard (cubs, chubs, plus size, etc) you will be celebrated as well as respected in the nicest way possible. The staff is incredibly friendly, the drinks are incredibly stiff and the layout is crazy fun. Plus the deals are out of this world... I think my boyfriend got us drinks for next to nothing. Full bar, good beer, hard cider and classic alternatives to craft, domestic or imported brew as well like hard seltzers and some wine. Pool table inside and tall shuffleboard table inside for games, and tons of events throughout the year including Cub Cake a sweet treats (dangerous for your sweet tooth) and even sweeter beats event. Private stall room restrooms as well as communal mini stadium style trough. Day time and late afternoon seems busy but mellow, they do get really busy at night, bit you'll find a nice spot to hang inside or out on their spacious patio with some cool features, seating and speakers. The website is pretty easy to navigate, a little updating post 2020 for online store/shop and some tlc on their old IG and Twitter/X page which aren't as active and up to date as their Facebook - another way to stay up to date on fun happenings at this local gem I'm in love with. Needless to say this may be one of my favorite places in San Francisco and not just because of all the extra friendly guys here... Was I the SF Treat?

So wonderful to see that some places, even 30 years later, are still amazing. Bruce the owner is great, the clientele are super friendly, and the place still looks like it did in the 90s. A treasure!

mmm looks juicy and delicious amazing food with delicious person z we hand rubbed something for every taste and texture of the meat especially the taste of the very thick meatballs that are close to the pool table mucho sabor mostly a gay gentleman ba

I used to come here. Like a lot. Back when they opened in the early nineties and I was seriously carded. It was a true bear scene back then, and the patio was hopping. It was better than a National Geographic spread. Then time marched on, and for whatever reason, i realized I had not been back for the greater part of three decades. Well, it was certainly time to return. Jamie W. had never been here before, so after we finished having dinner on Folsom on a weeknight, we headed over for some libations. The vibe felt different from what I recall of my youthful cubby days of yore. Sure, part of it related to my rose-colored glasses looking back, but it was also a post-COVID weeknight with a sparse bear population. We got our $12 Makers Mark and Ginger (photo: https://bit.ly/43LzT3B) and headed out to the surprisingly almost empty patio. I remember all those vintage metal signs on the wall and the big wooden block seating areas. We parked our ample derrières on one of them and took in the decidedly mixed group of customers hanging out. Still chill though are bears facing extinction in SoMa? DRINKS - 4 stars...they know how to mix 'em here AMBIANCE - 4 stars...still like the western vibe, more classic than corny SERVICE - 4 stars...friendly to old regulars TOTAL - 4 stars...guess the bears were hibernating RELATED - Exploring western SOMA? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2H0vGTV

Lone Star Saloon it's a nice bar. The atmosphere is the typeI like. Very friendly crowd. The barman was super nice. The drinks are really good and the prices are reasonable. The back patio is ideal to meet new friends and have a smoke.

It's a unique bar; I wish they took Apple Pay or cards soon! Its always. My deal-breaker from joining this establishment. Very welcome environment for everyone.

So, guess what! Ya boi is officially mentally handicapped. It pains me to say it, but it's true - I went to the city to run some errands with my buddy at the bars, and I forgot my mask at home, like a real genius. I mean, even in this day'n'age when masks are more important that wearing t-shirts, yet I still managed to make it all the way to the city and not have mine. Lovely. Cue Lone Star Saloon! Bartender saw me standing outside like a lost puppy, asked if I needed anything, and I said I didn't have a mask because I was hit in the head repeatedly as a child. This home boi jumps to action and asks the lovely fellow at the door to hand a spare that he has to me! I was simply elated! Unfortunately I was unable to spend much time here, because everyone was just so lovely, which they tend to be at Gay Bars, but I'll be back!! People helping people - What a f***in' concept nowadays. KThxBai! LuvYou! :D

My favorite gay bar in SF, lots of bears, cubs and everything in between. Well priced drinks and great service from all of the staff.

I have always loved this bar, on recent visits the bar staff were lovely and friendly too. The crowd seems to have changed from the past where the best looking hairy bearded men packed in here all the time. Perhaps if I came back when the weather was warmer the patio would have the atmosphere I remember from the visits over the years. I will say that it's still scary waking round SOMA on your own. I felt okay walking between the venues but had issues walking to the Lone Star from Powell Street. I felt a bit frightened for my safety with a guy following me and shouting. Use a taxi to get here even if it's only a 20 minute walk.

I am so so happy that Lone Star Saloon has reopened. Such a great bar! Great service and a good crowd (within temporary occupancy limits). Good selection of draft beers and mixed drinks.

Went there around 10 pm on Friday, and it was pretty spacious. I would say it's not crowded but with the right amount of people. I was out at the patio, and I like their design, bricks, signs, and random plants. I couldn't remember what type of music they were playing because I was focusing on my friends, but I am not quite sure if you can hear music outside. I ordered Moscow Mule, and they served with the cold bronze cup!!! I really like that, it's way better than some of the bar who served with plastic cup...Overall it's definitely a cute bar that I will revisit next time. Different than the bars in Castro.

Um, wow. There are few bars where service is more cheerful and friendly. I don't know how the detractors came up with their conclusions. If they wore their names on their chests, I would confront them.

The Australian bartender was so nice to us! Loved the experience and the attitude free environment. Will definitely be back!

Possibly the best gay bar in San Francisco, sorry the Castro wasn't my scene , if it's also not yours jump in a taxi and come here and visit a few other bars in the area- all are cash only and worth a visit if you're into the more chill mature bars .

I stopped by here on a Friday evening while traveling. The space and atmosphere is great. Liquor and beer options are good and the bartender is friendly albeit has his attention well spread. Only downside is it's cash-only in 2022. I get that it makes things a lot easier but it significantly limited my number of ordered drinks.

Bruce Jennison just walked into a different establishment and was an abusive asshole to the bartender. You owe Jen an apology. Update: Thank you, Bruce. It's hard to admit to fuckups, but good on you and good luck.

Woof, woof here and a woof, woof there.. everywhere anywhere woof woof! Lone Star's staff is so friendly and outgoing. The beer is cold and the patrons, grrrrr!

What is not to like! From the owners to the door hosts, Lonestar is friendly, welcoming and WONDERFUL! Every bartender takes pride in his work and goes above and beyond to provide great service to welcome you, serve a drink to your liking and ensuring you have a great visit. Yes, I am very complimentary to Lonestar because it's the first bar I visited on a work trip in 2011. The people and the vibe has made it my place to go since I moved here. Stop in sometime and make sure you introduce yourself to the staff: Charlie, Bruce, Ricky, Tasty and Ryan! These guys will definitely make sure you have a great time. And if you are by yourself when you visit, smile at someone. Most people will introduce themselves and you can make new friends and connections!

My GF and I love going to Gay Bars for Happy Hour, we always seem to have a blast. This bar is by my work and we love to grab a drink there in the early evening. Great bar popcorn and pool make this a fun place to kill an hour! Really nice wooden bar compliments the layout. Bathrooms are clean and the back patio is large and fun on a sunny summer afternoon! Just a fun...come as you are kinda place! We'll be back!

My kind of place! Everything about Lone Star Saloon is cool - from the laid back bartenders to the bartenders getting laid in the back - there's so much fun to be had! I will for sure put this on my list of awesome places in San Fran. First, the simple set up is welcoming and fun. The back patio is everything I could have hoped for. Lots of space, privacy, and really cool guys. This is the place where you meet real people who just want to hang out, listen to music, drink, smoke and enjoy life. I'm all about it. Hands down the best art on the walls. Awesome music with very eclectic taste. Great drink specials. This spot has a good location and plenty going on every day of the week. It's not trendy, and it shouldn't be. If there's fun to be had, I'm sure it can be found at Lone Star. I found the prices to be fair, but the drinks strong. That's a sign of a good establishment. There is a decent variety of beer and drink options as well as a weekly beer bust. Everything that is good about a bar is here. I'm a fan

I waited to get a drink and the bartender walked away to serve someone who just walked in. That didn't bother me too much because most bartenders tend to go where the big tips are. I ordered whisky and coke but I got coke with a splash of whisky. I felt cheated because I saw him pour much more for other customers, but I still tipped. I gave him another chance just because I didn't think it was anything personal, but I ordered draft beer so that I wouldn't feel disappointed. The same bartender poured me a glass but only filled it 3/4th of my glass. He poured everyone else's full glass. In my opinion, I believe the bartender is racist but i couldn't talk to anyone of color because there were only fat white men there. Later I found out that the bartender is co-owner and I suppose he knows who he wants in his bar.

Remember when you used to get a ddrink ticket or a show for paying a cover charge? I used to love this place, but the "events" for which they charge a cover are ludicrous. My friend tends bar here, so 3 stars.

Gay bar but everyone is welcome. It's a total dive so beware that this is not the fancy place you thought it might be from the outside. There is pool and nice people all around. The decor is super cute and the toilets are super clean. The drinks are hella strong too! Just FYI I think it might be a bear bar. That's the vibe I was getting (but I'm a girl so I dno)

A barrel of peanuts, beer and homosexual men. Behrs, cubs and admirers. Sunday beer bust, lovely patio and friendly vibe... Just some of the reasons why this is a perennial favorite of mine. Sunday's are the best time to come during the summer months - just get there early or be prepared to wait in line.

I love what the guys have done with this place. Not that I wasn't a fan before the new owners took over, but the little touches that the new guys have done have only made the place better. Great job guys!

lone star ,lone star, lone star. I really like what they have done with the all place. They are really improving so much for the past year. give it a chance and you'll see the place looks better then before. it's clean, they have a great DJ's both now, windows, great posters, great costumer service... and cheap drinks too...

For those who follow me, ya already know the powerhouse is my go to bear/biker/leather community bar but I'm truly enjoying my time here at the Lone Star Saloon. Bruce is the most amazing bartender that serves the best (personally speaking) Shirley Temple and the and Charlie has spectacular customer service when it comes to purchasing merchandise!!! Along with the Power House this is one of my FAVORITE bars in soma!

My favorite bar in San Francisco. Staff is always friendly. Drinks are always strong. And the patio is awesome! Love the new heaters.

On the way to the Lone Star Thursday night to meet a gaggle of gay male yelpers and the ladies who love them, I had time to reflect....why am I leaving my cozy nest to join a gang of people I don't "know" at all in the traditional sense? I was raised up by a pack of gay men, in bars and boites.. Men who taught me that your belt had to match your shoes, who followed me around at night from bar to bar, party to party, re-doing my hair and make up, re-accessorizing between venues, oh girl-ing and oh mary-ing and dressing outlandishly, performing outrageous theater on stage and in the streets; living, laughing and loving at warp speed. Someone turned the lights out and the bars got very quiet with like warp speed. Nights turned into achingly similar days-meeting family from around the world coming to see sons for the last time or coming too late and sorting through the remainders. Eulogizing at the Columbarium, the Women's Building, gravesites, living rooms, beaches, bars. Sitting in hospitals, holding hands, kissing around tubes. Howling with grief, curled in a fetal position, pulling over while driving, unable to see through the tears. Oh, I'm not reviewing myself here? Thank you Yelp for giving me my friends back. They seem to have returned intact. And a big thank you to the Lone Star for providing a nice mid-week Bear-riffic welcome to our special group of weirdos. Your patio is divine, your decor is to die for, your hirsuteness does not disappoint, your beers and crazy shots are well priced.

Nice Bear Bar in SF, great priced drinks, very nice pedi to hang out on warm summer nights in the city. To sum up: its a bar, not a so called bet with fancy Bar and comfort food. Come here grab a drink, enjoy the environment.

The Viking and I were both being a little stubborn. We were at the end of a four-hour, mostly liquid, brunch at The Sycamore when The Viking said she wanted a bloody and it had to be on a patio. After some heated negotiations I said that I'd go ANYPLACE within walking distance except for Zeitgeist or Benders so I was stuck when she said we should go to Lone Star. She thought it would be funny taking me to a bear bar now that I'm bearded. They have a patio but no seats, there's kind of a counter that goes along the back fence that people do sit on but it's up high so your feet dangle. It isn't comfortable and there isn't much sitting room on it. The patio is tented and gets very smoky. Inside there are some stools along the bar but they were taken and there was no other seating. The music was too loud to comfortably have a conversation; one of my pet peeves. Even though the staff was very nice and the drinks were good and cheap I just didn't like this bar very much. I guess the Viking thinks I'm a prude because she kept looking at me to see my reaction to being cruised by large hairy men, if anything I felt like a tease bringing the beard power to a crowd that had no shot at me.

Like the rest of you fools, I was here for the DY... "But Darin, that was on October 19th!!" Yeah, well bitches, I guess I'm JUST LIKE that cheerleader Jenny McIntercourse on the ABC Afterschool Special who was gangbanged by the football team without protection -- I'M TWO WEEKS LATE. SO FUCKING SUE ME. What, do you think I spend all my time on yelp, staging interventions on the talk threads and writing reviews?!? ... Oh STFU, that was a RHETORICAL QUESTION. ANYWAY, I had the BEST time here! Sure, the actual road signs, peanut shells on the floor, leather porn photos on the walls, and wood carpentry created the PERFECT atmosphere for a marathon cornholing session; sure, the back patio was capacious and perfect for enjoying the cloudless sky or smoking a blunt; sure, the clientele was pretty cool with seeing all of us asshole lushes rush their bar like it was Last Call; sure, I refer to us as "assholes," but it's a term of endearment since the truth is I love each and every person who was there (no attitude was thrown, no drama unfolded, it was just 30 people tightening the bonds of friendship). But the two wonderful bartenders -- I totally forget their names, which is notable because I didn't screw them and only sex gives me short-term memory loss -- just iced my cake! THEY are the real reason why Lone Star gets five stars. If I ever see these men on the street, I'll greet them with open legs! They were patient, accomodating, and flirtatious with everyone. They also poured intense drinks. And when I say "intense," I mean "slip a roofie in my drink and work your horny magic on my prone yet warm body INTENSE." My kind of guys. And let me tell you, nothing beats group blowjob (shots). Yes. We sucked down those creamy fuckers as if we were blowjob (shot) virgins. Some of us even had THREE rounds. Just in case you don't know what that's like: One blowjob (shot): Fuck. Two blowjob (shots): Double fuck. Three blowjob (shots): FUCK ME NOW. Need I say more?

You can get nuts at this bar. They come in a huge barrel off to the side of the bar, or in the leather chaps out back on the nice sized patio. The ones in the barrel you can crack open and drop the remains on the floor of the bar. If you try to do that with the ones out back Papa Bear might chain you up and whip you. But, after staring at the pictures of men in studded masks (and little else) hanging on the walls you might be "up" for the whipping. If you are a straight woman and happen to ask a stranger if they will share their pipe out back they will play 20 questions with you about what you, a straight person, is doing in their lair. They will not play rough, though. Once you explain that you have a drinking problem, just like them, and that the two of you really aren't that different after all they will give you a great big bear hug and a sip of their slushy machine Mudslide served by the hot bearded bartender who is also more than happy to make 15 cocksuckers for you and your friends, quite efficiently, I might add. If you haven't already guessed this is not the sort of bar that you wear stilettos to. If you are dumb enough to do so they will get caught in the plastic mat in the restroom, which is not a good thing when you have been drinking.

I didn't think I was hairy enough or had a big enough belly to be classified as a *bear* if I was a gay but thanks to Joshua I now know that I would in fact qualify for *bear* status. *rawr*

My girlfriend and I came here because we are tired of going to gay bars for females. I mean, come on, I am just tired of other girls hitting on my woman! DO NOT MAKE ME THROW DOWN, HOES! Okay, that's not what happened at all. But after being asked about 10 times what Pilar and myself were doing there, that is what I wanted to say. I know my girl Pilar through our ex-boyfriends, so naturally we bonded over our exes while drinking with a large group of gay men. That's normal, right? The drinks here are mind-boggling. Girls, you know you must be doing SOMETHING right when a gay man winks at you and makes you a drink strong enough to knock you flat on your ass. Girls, you must know you are doing something VERY right when gay men buy you drinks. I've had a hard enough time these days getting straight men to buy me drinks, so I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed everything about this bar. Everyone here made me feel comfortable and welcomed, and these boys sure did know how to lay some compliments on Pilar and myself! I think that by the time we left Lone Star, we felt like superhuman femme-bots.

I don't know what it is about me, but I seem to have the worst luck with gay bars in SOMA. Came here after the Super Bowl, because that game would make any San Francisco Bay Area local thirsty, right? The bar wasn't crowded at all, so I walked up to the bar to wait. As I waited at the bar the infamous bartender with dreadlocks spent most of his time socializing with a group at the end of the bar. After about five minutes of waiting in a DEAD bar, I started to get a little upset. A group of men walked up to the bar on my right and soon after, the bartender PASSED ME UP to go to the new group. He also got my drink order and literally rolled my eyes when I asked him to correct it. Whatever. I don't HAVE to come here.

Fun place. I always feel extra sexy here the bar could use more bathrooms. I've spent a couple of nights in the past few years there and they were pretty interesting.

No lions and tigers . . . but bears? Oh, my! Papa bears, baby bears, and - if you scratch their surface - no doubt some mama bears inhabit this brighter than most gay bars, possibly because there's less emphasis on looks among this crowd. Lots of facial hair and hairy chests, and if you don't have one or both, you'll stand out. Inside there's an always-in-use pool table and a floor littered with shells from peanuts in a big barrel. A large patio out back is fine if you don't mind the stench of a lot of cheap stogies polluting the air. The crowd is large and cliquey - this isn't much of a pick up place, but neither is it a den of iniquity like the nearby Powerhouse and My Place.

I hit the Lone Star occasionally, but have to admit it's difficult to go out back when it's crowded. Also, I see no easy escape route in the event of an earthquake, and just know I would be killed in a stampede if a fire started. That said, it's a great place to get your swerve on, and the pool table has a pretty turquoise felt top.

I had long wanted to come here before visiting for the first time just two weeks ago. It seemed to have none of the obnoxious charm of the Castro-type institutions. We were delighted to find out that they have a generous Monday happy hour special, with all beers at $2. I'm not really one to frequent bars on a Monday, but it was a special occasion (my boyfriend Ryan B.'s birthday). They also have a self-service popcorn machine, at no cost (at least it was free during HH on Monday). The place was pretty empty, though. Sometimes that can be a good thing. Ryan noted that unlike most bars here in SF, you could actually have a conversation..some bars like to blast loud music even if the place is empty. Lone Star was a welcome change of pace in that regard. The decor is interesting, although my memory of it now is somewhat hazy. All I can really remember is the intent towards an obvious bear/rustic theme. Ryan is pretty much a cub in training to become a bear, so this was the right place for us. Our bartender was a man named John, who was very friendly. He even did a shot of Fernet with us when we told him it was Ryan's birthday. I know we will be coming back some time in the future (maybe when we can come up with another excuse to go to a bar early in the week). Some time, though, I'd like to see this place when it is a little more lively.

This place looks FUN! I haven't really had the chance to scope out the SOMA being an EB resident. With public transpo being a bit obnoxious going in this direction, I just haven't had the opportunity to get a feel for this area. I came in here the other evening with an old teacher of mine from Seattle who was staying a few blocks away. I hadn't seen or spoken to him in two years so this was a major catch up day for us. We both dropped in by chance, early, around 7 or so on Thursday. It was relatively cleared out which was fine. Again, we just wanted to catch up. Not looking for crazyness. I guess this is the "Bear bar" as I soon learned from the scruffy hulks meandering about, not to mention the brown bear board outside. Hot! The inside is divey and a bit cramped (can't imagine a weekend night) with a pool table adjacent to the bar. They play movies on a TV and a drop down screen also. The bartender (going off the staff tab on the website, I think his name was JJ) was slick; flattering me by calling my ID picture "cute", making physical contact when I asked about accepting cards and later offering us popcorn for which they have a machine. My teacher gives me his usual, sarcastic "Mmhmm", pursed lip look, making me giggle. Me being a 5'8 ginger twink, it takes far more than that to make me swoon but these guys are definitely "up my alley". Hahaha. We hung out on the back patio where we were able to catch up without getting hit on too heavily. I actually really like gay bars that allow for a friendly vibe rather than smother you with a "hey, friendly now but lets fu#k later" feel, though we definitely got some LONG stares. Especially my friend. There was a nice mix of gentlemen though. Older and younger. The high-rise benches are nice and kept relatively clean but the table is a stretch to put drinks down on which is frustrating if you have a boney ass and have to lean back and forth a lot. The sun began to set and more guys were showing up. Seemed like they were gearing up for a busy Thursday. Like any shmancy gay bar, they had all kinds of events lined up which looked fun but I could only imagine. Cubcake? Haha. I would LOVE to go back but I wouldn't really know who to take. Judging from other reviews, the bears are cautious towards women but most of my friends are ladies and I definitely need a sidekick in a place like this. Gotta love those rugged grizzly bears though!

I've been coming to this bar since I moved to the Bay Area almost 3 years ago. It's the perfect place for me to defrag from work, to socialize with my friends, and mix and mingle with other bears. Louie, John, Steve, Bruce and the others are really great bartenders and even if it's your first time in the joint, they still make you feel like you've been there forever. The security guys will keep you safe from the crack zombies that run amok in SOMA, although most of them tend to steer clear of a bar where the average customer weight is about 350 pounds, LOL. There's been a lot of changes recently and so far, they've all been for the good. I really recommend this place if you're in SOMA and looking for a watering hole that will not also simultaneously expose you to men fisting each other, blowjobs in the corner or other scandalous antics so typical of the other SOMA haunts. ;)

Definitely my favorite bar in SoMa. Bartenders are always friendly and professional. The DJ's are great too. I always hear songs that are deep cuts from favorite albums of mine, not just the typical club/house music played at gay bars. The crowd is very laid back and it's a place you can chill out with a few beers or take it up a notch if you're in that kind of mood.

FYI: this is a gay bar for "bears" and "cubs". FYI: I am a straight woman This bar rocks, the bartenders rock, the patrons rock, and the barrels of peanuts rock. I don't even drink and I love this place. There is pool, fun games, rad signs on the wall, a terrific patio out back, and you must try the mudslide (my friends recommend highly-they were plowed...it must be stiff!).

I hit the Lone Star once every six months or so with a friend of mine who is a regular. I'm usually the only girl in the bar, and at first I always feel totally out of place. However, I ALWAYS end up having the greatest time! The gents there are super friendly and welcoming and I leave feeling better about myself than before I went in. Being surrounded by giant handsome men with beards showering you with compliments can be quite uplifting! Even when you know you aren't going to get down their pants. :-)

This is THE Bear bar, men. Come worship and pay tribute. When I lived in SF this was one of my "go-to" bars. With a beer bust on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, how could you go wrong coming here? Although the giant barrel with peanuts is gone (damn SF health department), there are still some old traditions that abound at this place. First, there is the infamous urinal/trough that you're gonna want to experience: it fits 3 bears abreast! For the pee shy and brave women (you won't want to come here, sweetie, this bar is one of those "harsh" SOMA gay bars: the Castro is waaay better for you! I don't subject my girl friends to this bar, and neither should your gay men friends!) that patronize this place, there is a private one-holer with a door that shuts and locks. There's a pool table that sees more games than any other pool table I've ever seen in a bar anywhere. It's very inconveniently located adjacent to the bar, and creates congestion for bears wishing to walk from the bar to the patio. I personally despise this pool table, but it IS very popular. Socializing on the back patio is a long held tradition at the Lone Star. There's a patio bar so that you can refresh your drinks without having to come back inside. This patio gets extremely crowded (we call it "butts to nuts" crowded) on weekends, especially during the beer busts. Just put on your smile and practice winking -- you'll be making lots of friends in no time! I love you, Lone Star!

"The Bone Star", "The Lonely Steer", "The Go-Home-aLone Star"... No matter what you call it, most people agree that it's home to San Francisco's bears! Internationally it has a well-earned reputation as "Bear Bar USA" Now in it's 2nd location (after the first location was condemned following the Loma Preita Earthquake of 1989) it's a popular as ever with hirsute and/or heavy set gay men (aka, bears) and those that admirer them. The clientele may look like they just got off work at the steel mill, but for the most part they're geeks and average joes. Usually a simple, friendly "Hello!" is all it takes and you'll find plenty of friendly people to chat with. Mon-Fri Happy Hours are pretty sparse with mostly a small die-hard crowd, joined later by a few outta-towners (some of them Eagle refugees.) Thursday night there is a Beer Bust if you feel like starting your weekend off early! Friday night's crowd is usually a fun mix of regulars and outta-towners. Saturday's Beer Bust is usually the "mellowest" of the week, with usually a pretty good crowd by 11pm or so... Sunday's Beer Bust is always packed and you're quite likely to find new, old, and temporary friends in the crowd. If it's a nice sunny day be sure to get there before 5pm or there's likely to be a line.

The Lonestar has a nice layout, and the back patio a good place to hang out with friends in the late afternoon or at night. But, wow, the beer selection is terrible. I understand you need some cheap beer because some people only care about getting drunk. But you'd think at least some bears would have better taste than that.

OK...So you have to sleep with half the regulars before everybody knows your name, but if you're not that ambitious it can be a pretty mellow hang out; just having a few acquaintances does it for me. If you're not familiar with the gay bear sub-culture, this place can easily pass for a uber-straight manly bar. Instead of cocktails, everyone is clutching a cold bottle of beer, and personal fashion is NOT an issue. Oh, and the music is fucking awesome. Go to the Sunday afternoon beer busts if you're looking to get rug burns on your body as the place is crowded wall-to-wall with big hairy blokes. Correction: HOT big hairy blokes.