Wild Side West
Lesbian bar · Bernal Heights ·
Art-covered walls, pool table, back garden, historic lesbian bar
Art-covered walls, pool table, back garden, historic lesbian bar
"Opened in 1962 as a SF lesbian hangout (technically relocating to Bernal in 1976), this neighborhood bar has an amazing history that’s told by the photos, sculptures (and shoes!) on the walls and in the yard. What could be mistaken as whimsical decor, these items represent the un-neighborly welcome the bar received after opening. Opposed to the idea of a lesbian bar, some members of the community left junk, trash and toilets on the doorstep at night in protest. The owners would not be deterred, thankfully, and defiantly turned the trash into a permanent art installation in the backyard. Today, the magical space is filled with clever sculptures—plants growing out of toilet seats and stray mannequin parts, all celebrating the unique character of the neighborhood." - Strohl
"LGBTQ-owned since Pat Ramseyer and Nancy White bought it in 1962, this theatrical Bernal Heights den isn’t exclusively a lesbian bar. Rather, it’s more of a dyke-centric neighborhood spot with cocktails sourced from the farmers market and two big draws: a bric-a-brac-filled interior that looks like it was decorated by your eccentric aunt who taught you how to inhale, and a vast outdoor garden perfect for the kind of flirting you might find in a Jane Austen novel." - ricky rodriguez, peter astrid kane, patrick wong
"For a neighborhood with a storied lesbian population and just the right amount of gold-rush-era lore, Wild Side West is the perfect bar for Bernal’s main drag. Everyone here is a regular, with personalities ranging from warm and welcoming to salty and surly. These are the vetted Bernal locals and this is their clubhouse — show up for a Giants game, be polite, and ask questions about the bar’s history in the neighborhood. Wild Side West is the real deal." - Matt Tillquist
"The Bernal Heights bar has been drawing in people with reasonably priced drinks and pool tables since the 1960s. But one big perk of Wild Side West is its lush outdoor garden, which has plenty of art sculptures, tables, chairs, and hidden corners that make you feel like you’ve left the city completely." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez
"Wild Side West is one of the few remaining lesbian bars in San Francisco, proudly serving since 1962. Today the dive welcomes a mixed crowd and offers a place to watch the game (big or small). Drinkers keep coming back for its saloon-like vibe, which includes pool tables, a fireplace, and a backyard garden." - Becky Duffett