Where to Eat

Where to Eat During Gay Pride Weekend

Photo: Kevin Goebel/Flickr

Stonewall might have happened in New York, but San Francisco is the heart of the gay rights movement and home to the biggest LGBT Pride event in the country as far as we know. Whether you’re in from out of town, have gay friends in from out of town, or expect to find yourself stranded in a mob of people in the Castro on Saturday or in an even larger mob of people around Civic Center on Sunday, we thought you could use a few tips for where to find good eats to soak up all that vodka. For the rest of you, we’d advise not trying to drive through town on Sunday.

THE CASTRO

Firewood - It’s a chain, it’s nothing incredible, but the roasted potatoes are delicious and the rotisserie chicken is occasionally perfectly cooked.

Frances - You won’t get a reservation, but if you hover by the door around 5 p.m. you might score a counter seat, and we’re big fans.

Kasa Indian Eatery - The rotis here are delicious and this is one of the best cheap options in the ‘hood.

Marcello’s Pizza - It’s been there since 1978, and it serves the best pizza in the ‘hood, hands down.


Orphan Andy’s - It was voted by Playboy one of the best late-night diners in the nation, and it’s a perfect spot for greasy, alcohol absorbing grub.

Starbelly - Though people come from all over town to eat at this place every night, and there’s usually a wait even for bar seats, it’s worth the wait. No booze though — only beer and vermouth-based cocktails.

Super Duper - The burgers are pretty super, and cheap, and the closest you’ll come to In & Out without going to Fisherman’s Wharf.

CIVIC CENTER

Absinthe - It’s a few blocks away, in Hayes Valley, and either before or after the parade will be a civilized respite from the craziness. Also: great brunch cocktails.

Custom Burger - The burger place in Joie de Vivre/Best Western down 7th Street will make a great escape when the throngs get too maddening. And if previous years hold true, this street also becomes the finish line/parking lot for the Dykes on Bikes right after the parade.

Passion Café - The new French bistro/café has a great rooftop retreat and may even still count as a secret. If you score a seat by the edge of the roof in the early a.m. on Sunday, you may even see some of the parade go by on Market. Also note: Tu Lan is closed on Sunday.

Saigon Sandwich
- This is a no-brainer, but be forewarned if you’re partying the whole day away at Civic Center: they close at 4:30 or 5 p.m.

Taqueria Cancun - Yes, the vibe at the 6th and Market location is a little shadier than the Mission branch, but the food’s just as good. The quesadillas and tortas make for great drunk food (or hangover food for that matter).

Related: What’s the Best-Selling Beer in the Castro? The Mega-Brews Making a Play for Gay Dollars [SFoodie]
The 10 Best Things to Eat and Drink in the Castro This Weekend [SFoodie]

Where to Eat During Gay Pride Weekend