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440 Castro: Heart of the Castro

A vibrant and welcoming gay bar in the heart of San Francisco's Castro District, offering strong drinks and a lively atmosphere.

★★★★★4.4 (460)

440 Castro is a lively gay bar in the heart of San Francisco's Castro District, known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong drinks, and status as a neighborhood institution. Catering to a diverse crowd, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of the Castro's vibrant LGBTQ+ culture.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to 440 Castro

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
440 Castro St, San Francisco, The Castro, California, 94114, US
Monday
12 pm-2 am
Tuesday
12 pm-2 am
Wednesday
12 pm-2 am
Thursday
12 pm-2 am
Friday
12 pm-2 am
Saturday
12 pm-2 am
Sunday
12 pm-2 am
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring 440 Castro.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Visit during happy hour for great drink specials and a lively atmosphere.
Check the event calendar for themed nights and special performances.
Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot, especially if you want to enjoy the outdoor patio.
Take advantage of the cheap drink deals, like $3 beer Tuesdays.

Discover more about 440 Castro

Located at 440 Castro Street, directly across from the iconic Castro Theatre, this bar is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a cultural hub deeply embedded in the history of the Castro District. The space has evolved through several iterations, starting as Gallagher's Tavern in 1937, a popular spot with the SFPD. It later became Bear Hollow, catering to the bear and leather community, before transforming into Daddy's in 1996. In 2006, it was renamed 440 Castro. Today, 440 Castro is known for its strong drinks, friendly staff, and unpretentious atmosphere. The bar draws a diverse crowd, from locals to tourists, and is a popular meeting spot during major events like San Francisco Pride, Up Your Alley, and Folsom Street Fair. With a spacious outdoor patio and cozy interior, it's a great place for both lively gatherings and intimate conversations. 440 Castro offers a variety of events and themed nights, including Underwear Night on Mondays and $3 Beer Tuesdays. Whether you're looking for a casual happy hour, a fun night out, or a place to connect with the LGBTQ+ community, 440 Castro provides a welcoming space to experience the heart and soul of the Castro District.

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    Getting There

    Walking

    440 Castro is located on Castro Street, directly across from the Castro Theatre. If you're coming from the Castro Muni Station at Market and Castro, simply walk south on Castro Street. The bar will be on your right, just past the rainbow crosswalks. Walking is free and allows you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Castro.

    Public Transport

    The easiest way to reach 440 Castro via public transport is by taking the Muni Metro to the Castro Station. The K, L, M, and T lines all stop here. From the station exit, walk south on Castro Street; 440 Castro will be on your right, across from the Castro Theatre. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.50 if you use a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass is $5.00 via the MuniMobile app.

    Taxi/Ride-share

    If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service, instruct your driver to drop you off at the intersection of Castro and Market Street. From there, 440 Castro is a short walk south on Castro Street, directly across from the Castro Theatre. A short taxi ride within the Castro District will likely cost between $10 and $13.

    A brief summary to 440 Castro

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