The "hottest gay bars" in San Francisco are really just the hottest bars in SF. Half-naked, physically fit males bumpin' and grindin' in places where the drinks are cheap and the drag queens are plentiful? Yes, please. Add these spots to your little black book. There's something for the ladies, too.

The newest Castro club, Beaux has quickly made a name for itself with frequent high-profile guest performers, two throbbing dance floors (one of which can be rented out for private parties), and nightly events. // 2344 Market St. (Upper Market), beauxsf.com


El Rio

This beloved spot boasts a bustling patio and fantastic pint-size Bloody Marys. Bikers, gays, lesbians, and carousers from all walks of life shoot pool or break a sweat to the live music beneath the lemon trees. // 3158 Mission St. (Mission), elriosf.com


Hi Tops

SF’s first truly dedicated gay sports bar is the place for LGBTs (and friends) to be for any games with 16 flatscreens, 10 brews on draft, and a food menu from Jamie Lauren of Top Chef. Join their popular Trivia Night or Gym Class Thursdays, where men in jock straps pass out shots. // 2247 Market St. (Upper Market), hitopssf.com


Lookout

Look out for this community watering hole. True to its name, this balcony-bedecked gay club is known for fabulous people-watching. Warm up by the fire, check Wednesday’s jams, or indulge at happy hour on Fridays. // 3600 16th St. (Castro), lookoutsf.com


Powerhouse

Things get rowdy at this SOMA nightclub, frequently featuring go-go boys and patrons in similar states of undress. They’ve got two levels for dancing and an outdoor patio for a breath of fresh air. // 1347 Folsom St. (SoMa), powerhousebar.com


Q-Bar

This dance-y Castro staple is host to one of the city’s longest running weekly photo booth parties, with a new props and a gaggle of drag queens to pose with every week. Plus try out their two-for-one weekday happy hour. // 456 Castro Street, (Castro), qbarsf.com


SF Oasis

From iconic SF drag queen Heklina comes the newest LGBT club in SF, featuring two bars, several dance floors, and VIP booths and seating for events. As the new home to the artistic club formerly known as Trannyshack, it’s certainly not a show to miss. // 298 11th St. (SoMa), sfoasis.com


The Stud 

A mainstay since 1966 in the more alternative SOMA LGBT scene, this smaller bar has a steamy dance floor and a pool table, along with one the of craziest drag shows, Some Thing, every Friday. // 399 9th Street (SoMa), studsf.com


Twin Peaks Tavern

Twin Peaks delivers the finest people-watching perch in the Castro. Sample a Grasshopper while watching the passing parade. // 401 Castro (Castro), twinpeakstavern.com

Opened in 1962 by two “out and proud” lesbians, Wildside West is SF’s long-running lesbian bar in Bernal Heights. With a neighborhood feel, you can play pool with friends or hang out in the Secret Garden-esque back patio. // 424 Cortland Ave., (Bernal Heights), wildsidewest.com