Castro Station — San Francisco Gay Bar Tee (1977–1998)
Castro Station was one of the most recognizable gay bars in San Francisco’s legendary Castro District—a neighborhood that became a global symbol of queer life, community, and activism. Opening in 1977, the bar became a mainstay on Castro Street, known for its stained-glass train logo, welcoming crowd, and place in the rhythm of nightly outings, celebrations, and community gatherings in one of the world’s most iconic gay neighborhoods.
For over two decades, Castro Station served locals and visitors alike as a reliable stop in a nightlife landscape full of energy, diversity, and change. Positioned alongside other famed bars and clubs, it helped define the social geography of the Castro during the late 20th century—when queer nightlife wasn’t just entertainment, but a cornerstone of identity and visibility.
