Pilsner Inn

• Hours: Daily 10am-2am
• Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining

Description

At the busy corner of Church and Market in the Castro sits this casual neighborhood sports bar with simple wood tones, a pool table, pinball, and a garden patio. This is more of a straight-friendly gay bar, reminiscent of a small town bar that supports the community pool, softball, and bowling leagues. Trophies and plaques adorn the walls along with a strong, yet random, puffin theme (if you get the chance, you should query the bartender), as well as a few old-school touches such as a hanging surfboard and classic telephone booth. The urinal is a trough situation, and the women's room requires a key (the bar is boycentric). The patio can accommodate large groups with dark wood benches (with built-in ashtrays) lining the garden and a cornered-off porch for more intimate groups. The patio is well-lit with a 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. A strong rosemary smell, babbling fountains, and Christmas lights help keep the mood calm, juxtaposing the lively but poised position inside, where the '80s hair metal streams from the jukebox.