Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [186]
Trigger In the mood for buff, barely dressed bartenders and thumping house music in a glam industrial setting? Head to Trigger. Once you’re past the doormen and velvet ropes, you’ll be greeted by an energetic crowd of revelers ready to dance and maybe check each other out. Bartenders—male and female—double as the entertainment, whether it’s dancing in a gilded cage or performing acrobatics on the trapeze overhead as the lights swirl. If you’re feeling special, opt for bottle service in the VIP balcony. 2344 Market Street (btw. 16th and Noe sts.). 415/551-2582.www.clubtrigger.com.
Twin Peaks Right at the intersection of Castro, 17th, and Market streets is one of the Castro’s most famous (at 35 years old) gay hangouts. It caters to an older crowd but often has a mixture of patrons and claims to be the first gay bar in America. Because of its relatively small size and desirable location, the place becomes fairly crowded and convivial by 8pm, earlier than many neighboring bars. 401 Castro St. (at 17th and Market sts.). 415/864-9470.
San Francisco Drag Shows
If you’re out on a Friday night and looking for something to do that’s definitely off the straight-laced path, head to the Cinch (see above) for its weekly Charlie Horse drag show, hosted by the sassy Miss Trannyshack 2005, Anna Conda. Every week is a different theme, such as “Valley of the Dolls Night” based on the scandalous Jacqueline Susann novel, or “What Is Your Take on Old School,” where the “ladies” of the evening masquerade as their favorite divas such as Dolly Parton or Joni Mitchell. There’s no cover charge, no drink minimum, and the performance is free. An added bonus: The show comes with complimentary popcorn.
If you prefer your drag queens with a slice of quiche, Harry Denton’s Starlight Room hosts a weekly Sunday’s a Drag brunch performance, where divas perform female impersonation acts and lip-sync Broadway tunes. The “brunch with an attitude” has two seatings every Sunday at noon and 2:30pm. The price of brunch is $45 per person, which includes entertainment, brunch, coffee, tea, and fresh juices. For reservations call 415/395-8595 or e-mail reservations@harrydenton.com.
Find leather daddies at the Folsom Street Fair every September. See http://folsomstreetfair.org.
FILM
The San Francisco International Film Festival ( 415/561-5000; www.sffs.org), which celebrated its 50th birthday in 2006, is held at the end of April and reigns as one of America’s longest-running film festivals. Entries include new films by new and established directors. Call or surf ahead for a schedule or information, and check out their website for more information on purchasing tickets, which are relatively inexpensive.
If you’re not here in time for the festival, don’t despair. The classic, independent, and mainstream cinemas in San Francisco are every bit as good as the city’s other cultural offerings.
Repertory Cinemas
Castro Theatre Built in 1922 by renowned Bay Area architect Timothy Pflueger and listed as a City of San Francisco registered landmark, the beautiful Castro Theatre is known for its screenings of classics and for its Wurlitzer organ, which is played before each evening show. A different film is featured almost nightly, and more often than not it’s a double feature. They also play host to a number of festivals throughout the year and the occasional movie premiere such as the 2008 Oscar contender Milk. Bargain matinees are usually offered on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Phone or visit their website for schedules, prices, and showtimes. 429 Castro St. (near Market St.). 415/621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com.
Red Vic The worker-owned Red Vic movie collective originated in the neighboring Victorian building that gave it its name. The theater specializes in independent releases and premieres and contemporary cult