The work has been done and she’s ready for her reveal.
This Tuesday, February 10th, marks the grand reopening of The Castro (formerly the Castro Theater) after two years of thoughtful renovations to preserve the character and add much-needed improvements. To celebrate this milestone, the legendary Sam Smith will host a twenty-day residency, To Be Free—which sold out minutes after it was announced.
Sam Smith kicks off the Castro's reopening with a 20-day residency.(Courtesy of @thecastro_sf)
Between the initial demand, the upcoming onslaught of talent set to rotate through the gayborhood (Kim Petras, Father John Misty, and The Indigo Girls for starters), as well as frequent screenings of iconic films, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be visiting The Castro soon.
Come early and stay late with these neighborhood treasures guaranteed to make your night more memorable.
The Pre-Show Lineup for The Castro
Let’s start with the bevs. Leave work early and have your group assemble at Blush Wine Bar (476 Castro St.) for glasses of wine at half the price from 4pm to 6pm. Blush has an impressive range of 30+ options of beer, bubbles, rosé, white, and red, along with small plates and entrées.
Thirsting for something a little stronger? Head up Market Street to Santeria Margarita Bar (2251 Market St.) for $9 margaritas, sangria, and a long list of tasty apps (nachos, Brussels sprouts, tacos, churros) for $7-9. Whether you’re sitting in the adorable parklet or cozying up at the stylish bar inside, these deals are hot and ready Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.
One of Market Street's hottest new destinations, Bar 49(Courtesy of @barfortyninesf)
Just down the street, Bar 49 (2295 Market St.) is one of the hottest new destinations on Market and is guaranteed to have a lively and diverse crowd—perfect for getting the energy up before your show. If you go between 4pm and 6pm, Monday through Friday, you can get discounted drinks ($2-$3 off) as well as $10 frosé, spritz, and frozen margaritas.
Andiamo to the charming Italian restaurant just off of Castro and 18th, Poesia (4072 18th St.), which serves happy hour cocktails for $10 from 5pm to 6:30pm every day, as well as a rotating list of delicious snack-sized plates. Sit at the bar or reserve a table on the back patio to make a dinner date out of the evening. Indulge in some of the classics or choose one of the regular dinner specials. All of their pasta is made from scratch and the flavors will have you returning on the reg.
Craving something a little lighter? Head west on 18th just past Molly Stone’s to Takara Sushi (4243 18th St.) for some of the neighborhood’s freshest and most innovative sushi. There are countless rolls, nigiri (a personal favorite is the snow crab leg), as well as a 10-piece omakase for less than $80.
Poesia, Italian with a hint of romance.(Josie Jeffries)
Where to Go After a Show at The Castro
The cherry on top of your fun night might actually be a cookie. Practically next door to the venue, Hot Cookie (207 Castro St.) boasts a range of scrumptious flavors baked to perfection, as well as delightful treats like the Fruity Freddy (a Fruity Pebbles-laced Rice Krispie treat). There will be a line; embrace it.
Post-cookie, head next door to Twin Peaks (401 Castro St.). This lively bar is often referred to as the gay Cheers and is a classic for a very good reason. Enjoy an Irish coffee, $5 drafts, whiffs of cinnamon cookies from the neighbors, and some of the best people-watching in the city, thanks to large windows facing Castro and Market. This bar is cash only, so prepare ahead or risk standing in line at the ATM upstairs.
If you’re (literally) hungry for more, Orphan Andy's (3991 17th St.), one of the most iconic and heavily decorated diners in SF, is open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and ‘til midnight on Thursdays. From pancakes to chicken-fried steak, it's highly likely they’ll have what you're craving at any hour.
The Lobby Bar has a swank, speakeasy kind of vibe for post-show fun.(Courtesy of @thehotelcastro)
Taking a date to the show? Head over to the swanky Lobby Bar (4230 18th St.) after the curtain drops for some serious vibes, as well as a range of inventive cocktails and mocktails to round out the night.
Carve out time for one last drink at Last Call (988 18th St.). This cozy spot is known for their selection of on-tap beers and classic cocktails just as much as their fireplace—and true to their name, they're open until 2am.
