Pilsner Inn

This might very well be the first gay bar I patronized after creeping stealthily out of the closet a hundred years ago. I remember trying too hard to be a beer guzzler and hanging out in the back patio back when it felt like somebody's carport. Even though the patio has been spruced up considerably since my virginal visits, the bar still retains its backyard hangout vibe. Maybe that has to do with its outlier location on Church. It doesn't feel like it's competing with all the other bars deeper into the Castro. They don't offer 2-4-1 tokens, but their drinks are more than reasonably priced ($6 Tequila Sunrise - photo: https://yelp.to/JDnxfA-GFe). They open relatively early at 1PM, so if you plan to tipple early, you can have the patio to yourself and keep the lonely koi company (photo: https://yelp.to/PWft2YGTXh). DRINKS - 4 stars...potent and cheap AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...love the back patio SERVICE - 3.5 stars...initially surly but warms up TOTAL - 4 stars...there's nothing like your first gay bar RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC

Went ~6 PM on a Thursday and there was a decent crowd, definitely nowhere near packed. The people there, along with the bartender, was friendly. The backyard patio was cute and my friend's moose drool(?) drink was quite good. However, literally everyone at the patio was smoking. Also, though there was enough room to have more tables, they didn't add more in. We still found seats, but all the tables outside were already occupied by the time we got there.

Met up with colleagues for drinks after work. Really chill spot to hang out and chat. We stayed at the bar but there is a cool back patio area too. Our bartenders JM and were awesome - strong drinks made fast at a decent price point and we had the option of paying up front or keeping a tab open. No food service but they do allow outside food.

Friendly staff with friendly pours. Its a great place to relax without being annoyed by obnoxious drunks. As a newer resident of SF, this place has earned my regular visits. Oh, if you like pool, they also have a pool table.

Nice bar at the corner of Market and Church. They have an outdoor patio area that's a relaxing place to have a drink.

This was my first time at this gay bar, and it was so chill. Even during the pandemic. James the bartender was so sweet and attentive! I got such good vibes coming here. I barely moved to the city this year, so I'm totally coming back to this bar. I got the Lemon Berry Mojito (so freaking good) and sat at an outdoor table in the back that's separated by the other tables by plastic curtains. The back has beautiful plants, lights, and pride flags. The music was fire as well. On top of that, their straws are fully compostable! Talk about eco friendly. (: Couldn't ask for a better way to spend my evening after a long day of work.

I love the Pilsner, more calm and relaxed than other bars on and near Castro. Their outdoor patio is a little oasis in SF's concrete and steel jungle. Beers and mixed drinks are great and staff is very patient! While I had been here a few times before, I'll be going back more just for the patio! Don't forget the pool table, dart board, and pinball machine. Basically, they have a little of everything you are looking for on a quieter night out.

Longtime Pilsner fan - sorry to report this. Unsafe environment. No security on a Saturday night - unwise in SF. Aggressive solo individual was harassing many patrons. Single female bartender was unwilling / unable to remove this person - became uncomfortable & borderline hostile.

Casual gay bar in the Castro. During COVID their full patio is open. You can order food from Red Jade and Il Casaro but you no longer have to. The staff is friendly and takes COVID precautions seriously. The patio is well decorated and has a water feature. They have an extensive bar and one of the largest draft beer options in the Castro. They also have a cocktail menu.

Came here for a rugby social and this spot was pretty cute once you got outside to the Patio. There's nice long benches for sitting and plenty of space for standing tables and mingling. Some cool old school arcade games inside. (It's like a typical dive bar inside) but it's a good spot to chill. Not to mention they keep you safe with a bowl of condoms

At 70 years young I still find the Pilsner Inn to be a welcoming watering hole. None of the "ageist" crap you're likely to find in other establishments. I don't come here often but I find it's an oasis away from the usual crowd. Bar staff varies but mostly attentive and friendly. Real basic bar, pool table, interwebs linked jukebox, couple of video games and 1 pinball machine. The *gem* is their back patio, all smoking allowed, very sociable crowd. Best place to take straight friends for a drink

Great new pandemic set up in the back area - tables nicely spaced out with barriers in between. They have a good selection of specialty cocktails +the full beer and booze menu plus you can order food from either Red Jade or IL Casaro. Really smart use of the space and love having the two dining options. P. S. It's a nonsmoking space for now.

The bartender doesn't squeeze my ass hard enough. More upbeat music would help - Johnny has a great playlist I miss the fish But I won't dock a star for that because I know those raccoons are vicious creatures. Room for improvements: 1) More gogo boys ‍ 2) Rupaul drag race viewings 3) All topless bartenders 4) Petting zoo (more gogo boys)

Easily five stars. Today was my first time going there and I was really grateful that they had wine options beyond just the cheap one serving bottles that a lot of bars carry. $6 for a Malbec? Hell yes! The guy that was serving was not only cute but incredibly personable and welcoming. The back patio is adorable and very chill. What more can you ask for in any bar much less an unapologetically gay bar. I can't wait to go back.

This bar has cubicles in the back patio open. They have a temperature check and hand sanitize when you walk in. They have a really cool system where you can scan and order from your phone and then they bring the drinks out. They also have food available to order which is amazing. They only had one guy working but he was making all the drinks and handling everything well. I had a great time and definitely felt welcome!

Just love this homosexual cocktail and pool table place. Service was bad but I forgive them.

Go for the chill outdoor patio where you can enjoy a cold brew, just know that ciggy smokers are welcome here. Go for the well used pool table, antique looking photo booth and all business bartender. Go for the ($6!) Tanqueray G&T: it was all gin and almost no tonic! Well, they like to keep it STIFF in the Castro!

I came here during the week leading up to Pride with a friend. They were hosting some political event where members of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Party collaborated with the bar and this outside vendor that sold pulled pork. We originally came here for the pulled pork but it was expensive AF. Almost $15 just for a sandwich? I'll just go somewhere else and get something half of that, lol. Anyway, I ordered a Blue Moon and it was good enough to last me over an hour since my friend and I just talked and introduced to his friends. There were also some San Francisco political figures that stopped by which was pretty cool. There's an outdoor seating outside but people were smoking so we decided not to stay there for too long.

I came here twice and had a terrible experience both times. THE WOMAN BARTENDER IS VERY RUDE. I sat at the bar for 20 MINUTES she made direct eye contact with me and continued to SERVE EVERYONE THAT WALKED IN THE BAR. She served a group of 7 after seeing me ask for her assistance. Don't go to this place unless you have a high tolerance for rude bartenders.

After visiting Aardvark Books next door I had some time to kill so I cruised in here to grab a pint and read some of my books. I guess technically it's a "gay" bar but on a slow Saturday afternoon it was just a chill sports bar. Some games were on the TV and a few people were shooting pool. I was pleasantly surprised to see a pretty good craft selection on draft. I got the "Wilhelm Scream", a seasonal pumpkin beer from Magic Hat Brewing Company and settled into a sunny front corner to read. I didn't check out the patio but that looked very pleasant as well. All in all a lovely hour or so was spent enjoying a beer and book. The bartender was very nice as well. STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great casual and welcoming place to get some drinks on.

I have lived a few doors down this bar for 4 years and have been a few times here with my friends and my dog; I used to like it because their drinks are fine, and bar's atmosphere is very laid-back. That was until the last time I attempted to get in, and I was stopped by the bartender because apparently, dogs are not allowed; once I said that's weird because I have brought my dog here before, and they heard my accent, they were so nice to explain everything to me about hygiene rulings that apply to such establishments. Instead of apologizing for their own inconsistency, they pretty much kicked me out. Needless to say I will never come back - there are plenty of bars in the neighborhood who have a much friendlier attitude (and drinks, to be fair).

This is one of the best bars around town. Friendly staff, a large selection of beers (with nightly specials), pinball machines (including my personal favorite: theatre of magic), and an amazing back patio with plenty of seating (as well as standing tables). This is a comfortable place to come have a beer, play pool or pinball and have a smoke on the patio. I love this place and will continue to be a loyal patron.

This was my local go-to bar when I lived in the Castro. As a straight woman, I never felt out of place and the bartenders still recognize me (and remember which drink I always ordered) even though I have been gone a year. It's a pretty large (and popular) bar. They have a big patio out back with lots of seats and nice plants. It's popular with smokers. They have a pool table and some great pinball machines, and a great jukebox. Because it can get crowded, keep an eye out for the 2 places at the bar where you order drinks - there's an obvious service area (with no bar stools), and usually a very orderly line. Drinks are strong and cheap.

This place is a treasure. Duchesse Sour on tap and Nina Simone on the jukebox. I was stuck in here for a couple hours during a downpour while on vacation and I couldn't have picked a better place. The patrons and bartenders are kind and I felt right at home as an out-of-towner.

Love the atmosphere of this bar. It's nice and divey, and has a great patio area which is one of the more spacious patios in the city equipped with overhead "roofs" for those rainy days. The beers/drinks are all reasonably priced. Not the strongest I've had in the city, but always to the mediocre expectations of what I expect at a bar. I'm still very puzzled at the whole "inn" part of their name. Is there a hotel connected to this place that I'm not seeing?! Oh and also, it's a cool place to catch a game with their nice sized televisions. Perfect for those weekly games if everywhere else that you go to is busy. Thank you Pilsner Inn!

Pilsner made my night this Friday. I asked for the bathroom key - not long after I arrived here. The bartender paused - and then asked for my ID. I didn't have it on me - so I said I'd be back with it. As I found my way back to my bag - I had a crazy big smile on my face. Someone asked me where was I was going. And when I revealed that I was trying to find my ID - they seemed confused. I was thrilled though. Being IDed when you haven't even asked for a drink yet - is huge. It's truly a massive compliment! I couldn't wait to head back to the bar with my tattered ID. Outside of awesome - complimentary bartenders - who kept my water glass full - throughout my time here - I loved how big this space is - and the warm positive vibes that moved throughout it. Their bathroom was clean and accessible - and their back patio is truly What's Up. Seriously if you're ever trying to find a unique space for an event or get-together - the Pilsner Inn is a wonderful spot. Their back stretching patio has a nice cover on it - which keeps the wind out - but keeps the gorgeous San Francisco light- in. Pilsner feels like a warm familiar friendly hug. Which is the ideal way to begin a long weekend. Trust.

I like the Pilsner Inn, it has a nice little homey bar feel to it - even though it's located on the very busy corner of Church and Market. It has a nice little pool table, pinball machines and a nice little outdoor area that is covered. Nice little bar for group events. The drinks were strong, my second drink was even stronger. I definitely appreciated the good service over at the Pilsner Inn.

Been going here for 10 years and just got kicked out for having a half can soda I didn't buy from them. You just lost a long time customer due to an a-hole bar tender (guy with a pony tail). Apparently smoking pot, bringing pets, and bringing in food is welcome, but not a half empty can of soda even though you are in the process of paying for a drink you already ordered and the bar tender poured. There are a couple of great bar tenders here and then there are the few with power trips that ruin the whole place.

I like the Pils. It's not glamorous, it's not flashy, it's just the place you go when you want to chill out and have a drink but not really be a part of the scene. REALLY wish they'd disallow smoking on the back patio though. Sucks as a non-smoker when your reward for making a good decision is that you get to choose between stuffy (inside) and carcinogenic (outside).

The Pilsner is the best! Especially all the bartenders that work there! Alicia at the back bar is amazing and she likes to live!

My out of town friends brought me to Pilsner Inn on their last night before heading out. This chill bar has an unpretentious crowd and seating by the windows. (Perfect for people watching.) They also have a pool table, darts and outdoor seating in the back. The cool thing about this place is that it's casual. It's a very laid back crowd and a laid back scene. There's a small TV over the bar and a phone booth in the middle too. My only concern was when I used the restroom and maybe because I didn't see a lock. But I was concerned someone would walk in on me and see all my glory. And the restroom isn't off to the side, so anyone walking by would get a view!

I've been here a few times and every time the bartenders have been super nice, the patrons are friendly, and it's very low key. The crowd is a little older, but a good time. They also have a heavy pour

Is this even a gay bar anymore? There used to be really awesome bartenders but not the case anymore... the barback seriously sat behind the bar chatting up some chick for over 20 minutes when I got here tonight. Nobody offered to get me a drink even though I had cash out in my hand waiting. The crowd tonight is also the most annoying, obnoxious group I've seen in here ever. Overly pretentious wannabe frat boy geeks and loud, screaming loud, chicks everywhere. There were, of course, a few lesbians that we're hanging out and a couple of gays. The rest, who knows... I gave it two stars in the hope that it will be the chill spot to drink, hang out, play pool or video games and have a few drinks. I doubt it though, judging by the way this city is quickly becoming a douche haven.

I went to this bar after work the other night and it was on the slow side, which was perfect. The bartenders were soo nice and chatty - I loved them (they are the reason for this review). I was meeting up with someone who while en route had a nasty bike accident. After showing up bloody to the bar, the bartenders, without hesitation were offering towels, peroxide, band-aids, packs of ice. I will definitely come back again, just to hang on more of a mellow level with a beer, some pinball and a surprisingly large back patio.

After watching the Michigan-Butler game (and many delicious beers later) at Toronado's, we stumbled into Pilsner for some afternoon sun and even more delicious brews. I really like the patio at Pilsner. It's well-lit with the transparent canopy and it never gets smoky even when it's crowded on Friday night. The seating is well designed so everyone has space, yet it all feels very intimate and social at the same time. Since it was nice and sunny out, I knew 21st Amendment's Watermelon Wheat would be the perfect brew for the conclusion of our lazy Saturday afternoon of drinking. It's light and delicious with just a hint of watermelon after. If you haven't been to Pilsner Inn's patio yet, I strongly encourage you to. It's really a great place to enjoy a perfect sunny San Francisco day with a nice brew in hand.

Tonight my friend & I were attempting to order a drink. The bartender was very impatient & rude. We weren't taking an abnormal about of time to think about our order. Not trying to be an asshole patron. He seemed really annoyed with his job.. after giving our order, he corrected our language. We asked for the reason he was being so rude, & told us to see the other bartender. We were so confused. The drama was completely unnecessary. We left & went to another bar... Pilsner is the only gay bar on Church. It's a shame to be treated this way by our community.

I really love Pilsner Inn. Every time I visit the bar tenders have been super friendly and I've always met new and interesting people in the back patio area. Drinks are reasonably priced, and it seems like it's never too crowded. They make a pretty delish bloody mary - btw. They have a pool table and a couple of pinball machines, and there's ample seating inside the bar as well as on the back patio. Conveniently located to public transit and a number of yummy eating spots.

Fantastic bar. Great atmosphere, the outdoor patio is adorable. Great place for friends.

Great patio, nice guys, fun pool table, pinball machines, arcade games. They've got a bathroom that locks, too, which I love. Some rude-ass bartender last night. Bald maybe? Some friends were telling me he'd taken a testy tone with them for no reason, and I initially didn't believe them until I was standing and waiting for a drink. He pointed really obviously, like I was riding the short bus. "To get a drink, you have to go OVER THERE. Geez, I thought you people would have figured that out by now." I'm sorry, no. If you don't like people in bars, don't work in one. Happy New Years to you, too. Hope your manager sees this.

With all the competition in the neighborhood, you would think that it would be important to an establishment to have a bartender who actually liked his job and humanity. Go enjoy a drink at Hi Tops, Churchill, Blackbird, Last Rites or ANY other neighborhood bar and skip the bull crap of the Irish A hole behind bar.

Great bar to chitchat in without having to talk over the thumpa thumpa. Cute penguins above the bar and especially a set of penguin stuffed animals that I think I own too from Sears... Nice selection of beers and cheapish too ($3.75 before tip). Patio looks like it'd be awesome in the warmer months.

Great place, great service. The atmosphere and the patrons make me feel like it is my home away from home. Johnnie, mike, Tommy and Micky (the Irish lad) fo a great job.. keep it up.

Tried to get the Chimay here on Tuesday... keg had just run dry. Here on Friday, ordered a Chimay, keg is dry. Not accusing, but, like, do they actually have it here? Tuesday was 11/14, tonight was 11/17, did anyone have the Chimay here between those dates?

The Pilsner Inn deserves great respect for being a place that welcomes all scenes. (Since the Lex closed, it's been popular with women on Friday and Saturday evenings, but truly everyone is welcome and has a good time.) There is a vast selection of beers on tap and wonderful bartenders. I've enjoyed meeting tourists (both gay and straight) from all over the world who find their way to Pilsner Inn. Whether to give a fifth star has to do with the outdoor patio. People who still partake of tobacco would definitely award the fifth star. People who wish the patio had a non-smoking section probably would withhold it. The inside bar, of course, is smoke-free and inviting.

Went in to this place last month and again last night. It's one of the closest bars to my new place. The bar's nice and they've got a good selection of beers, a patio out back, and pool and pinball -- but the douche at the counter is unreal. Looks like the guy from TVs Cash Cab but this is a lower class knockoff type. Trash Scab seems about right. Rude, obnoxious and obviously doesn't want to be in a customer service position. (hello! craigslist.org has jobs ads.) He yelled at me for not ordering in the right place (Silly me, thought the bar was the right place to order, but apparently at this place it's only two feet of the bar). Long and short of it is I've been there twice now. Fool me three times, uh, no. Won't be back

I stopped into the Pilsner for happy hour with friends. Loved the beer and back patio but what made the evening was Michael the bartender. He knew most of his punters, has a fun personality, great service with an irish accent to boot. Had such a fun evening.

Getting pounced on as I come out of the bathroom... Bearish Gay Guy: You have excellent teeth. What are you doing here? Me: Huh? BGG: You're really pretty, and too straight for this place. Me: Huh? BGG: Have you ever seen Mean Girls? You could totally be a mean girl. Me: Huh? BGG: I mean you look like one, not that you're a bitch. So, how the hell did you wind up here? Do you live in the Marina? Me: Uh, no. BGG: Pacific Heights? Me: Uh, no. BGG: Ok, let me guess. You live in the Inner Sunset, but only because your friend Heather gets free rent from her parents. Me: Uh, no. I think I need to get back to my group. BGG: Ok, that's fine. I just think your teeth are perfect. And I'm obviously gay, but I love straight girls and always wind up dating them. Me: Right. I need to go. Over there. ------- Drinking a gin and tonic, talking with people next to the huge not occupied whatsoever bar, because hey, it's a bar, THAT'S WHAT YOU DO... Bartender: Can you guys move? You're getting in the way of my business. Me: Huh? ---- Three stars for good ambiance and strong drinks. Two stars taken away for the bartender's odd requests and the BGG who not only was judgmental, creepily complimentary, and probably not even gay, but who also on his way out of the bar grabbed a certain part of my body that you just don't grab unless you can make me say more than "Huh?"

As I said in my "Gay!" review, if I were a man, I'd be gay. And I would come here. Every Saturday. I am a woman, however, and Pilsner Inn still fits the bill - in wonderful ways that appeal to those born with a hoo hoo. In addition to the constant bathroom availability, I got to hear about latest (and old) conquests and hookups, smell a variety of colognes on men more than happy to hold out their wrists for me to smell, and learn about the perfect Marc Jacobs model. To top it all off, when someone paid me a compliment, I knew he wasn't just trying to get into my pants. I fearlessly put my name up on the board to get in on the running pool game (and promptly went from pool champion to pool disgrace). But at the urging of my friend, I put my name back up for another game. My would-be opponent was so nice to allow me to play with Tinna, but when I won, he didn't continue the "winner plays again" rule...he moved on to the next guy. Apparently the little lady didn't fit in exactly the way she thought she did. :-/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In spite of that douchebaggery, I'm taking this opportunity to urge everyone to do your part for equality - please vote NO on prop 8!

I'm gonna start a list called "Straight-friendly gay bars with pool tables." When I start this list, Pilsner Inn will be right there at the top. Hahahaha - as if there's such a thing as a gay bar that would turn away a straight guy.

Where bears come to teach lesbians and a random straight couple how to waltz to Olivia Newton John. True story. Ridiculously pleasant back patio, and some mighty strong margaritas to boot. (Drink from a boot? Didn't do it. But I'm sure that's someone else's true story from here.) A San Francisco melting pot. Welcome to all. Fun *will* be had by all.