I tried to go here on Folsom weekend but never went in. I cant say anything about this place because the security guy checking ID was one of the rudest people Ive ever met. I walked up to him to ask him if there was a cover charge but he says excuse me, dont you see me talking to someone?, which wasanother security guard which I didnt even realize. So I just stopped talking because I was shocked at his response. Then he goes, ok, now you can talk, what did you need to say? We just left after some unkind words with him because I was so shocked about it. I never even got into the club because I didnt even want to talk to the security guy because he made me so mad. I was speechless after he said that to me that another person with me had to say something to stick up for me.I understand you were having a conversation but your job is to check IDs and help customers, not finish meaningless conversation with someone else that also is an employee. Im sure the conversation might have been important, but you could have gone about it differently. Im sure the bar is great, but Im never going to come here because Im afraid of being mistreated like this again. I also know that this review is a little late, but I am posting hoping that the security here has been taken care of or at least addressed.
I love the lookout! Its such a great Vibe. Its such a great diverse group of people and I saw my friend drop her phone from the second floor of the club and it was hilarious. Thank you for the memories
This is the second time I’ve come here for a drag brunch show and the second time they’ve forgotten my food order. I also ordered a vegetarian meal and was served chorizo. The show itself and the drag queens are amazing, staff is great as well but the food service is a struggle.
Went as a last stop on Halloween after a couple of bars before cutting the night short for a flight. Honestly wanted to stay longer as there was a nice vibe and having a good dinner.
Have been here a few times, each time for a different event; karaoke on a Monday night, Thursday night for a friend’s birthday (where another friend was the DJ), Halloween night, and most recently on a beautiful Saturday evening. Each time the place was packed but service was speedy. Saturday preserved a burger (who knew they served food?) and it was delicious.
Fantastic drag brunch! Carne Asada is hilarious and talented.
Great place to have a lot of fun. The show programs are great. Special thanks to the Lookout staff team!!!Visited more than once and will be back again with great pleasure!Thank you
Great music! The bar staff was patient and kind. The slushy peach margarita was yummy!
Didn’t even walk in the door. We walked up to the door and the bouncer immediately was rude before we even said anything. I couldn’t believe how rude he was.We walked up and asked if there was cover charge and he immediately started yelling at us.He does not belong in the job.We didn’t even go in, and now we never will. I refuse to go into a place that decides to place the first person you meet as the face of the business.
What a great time we had at the Lips and Lashes show. Well-organized. Tons of fun. $5 drinks! I cannot recommend this enough. Plus the hostess was superb! Best entertainment value in San Francisco hands down.
The bar itself is fine but whenever I leave Monday karaoke I can still hear it more than half a mile away. If you sing here just know all of the mission can hear you too 🙃
Older bald black security dude checking ID needs to drop the attitude & get some customer service training & stop being such an a-hole! Twice I’ve experienced him scold customers like they’re kids. Never experienced that in other gay bars in d city ever! Brings ur mood down already & u haven’t even gotten in d bar. Management do something!
We absolutely loved our experience at Lips & Lashes Drag Brunch hosted at Lookout! What an amazing show with talented Queens (and a King), the performance was amazing and the energy was welcoming and fun in this intimate venue. The specialty cocktails were a huge hit, and the menu offers something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a Drag experience in San Francisco, you can’t go wrong with Lips & Lashes Drag Brunch at Lookout!
Visiting from out of town. Visited this place twice during my visit. The door person was extremely rude the first time I arrived. I gave him the benefit of the doubt after the first encounter and tried the location a second time. The door person had the same rude nasty attitude. This being the first impression of a place does not set the tone for a good experience. I understand that the job of a door person is to be an enforcer however , there is a way to do it that isn’t rude and off putting to people who want to spend money in the establishment.
My friends took me here on my last week living in the Bay and it was very nostalgic. It’s not the best bar in the world but it’s still fun and wonderful!
Busy and fun bar. Have been coming here for years and love that they are back up. Also, ABSOLUTELY LOVE that they keep guest safe by asking everyone for their vaccination certificate. It is responsible and the right thing to do. Drinks are super strong and well priced.
The atmosphere of the restaurant seemed very covid friendly and the bar staff was absolutely incredible. The drinks are extremely reasonably priced and we were served quickly considering the volume of patrons at the time. The balcony area had a heater which allowed for comfortable seating in SF evening weather. Would gladly recommend going if youre in the castro!
I went to the Lookout for years when it was KJ Cole and of course some of us follow KJ Lauren everywhere.JC, I have to ask. Was the volume a problem for you or is it a complaint on behalf of strangers.Anyway, now that I know all of the Mission can hear me, I cant wait to go again. They need to hear me and the sidewalk in front of Delerium wasnt working.
Always a fun time for drinks, fun, food, and friends. They have a great full bar with occasional specialty cocktails and drink specials. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and the food menu is pretty decent, too! I highly reccomend the Totchos (tater tot nachos!) They always hit the spot when I want a satisfying side with my cocktails. The burgers are great if you want a little more substance, too!
I enjoyed my time here. It has a reasonable cover and gave me an energetic bar vibe. Not crazy like a club, but plenty going on nevertheless. I had an excellent bartender who paid great attention to everyone, including my boyfriend and me. Id like to come back next time Im in the area.
We ended up here after an amazing pride weekend on Sunday night. We got inside and found a table to sit, ordered drinks and continued to have an amazing night. We were approached by a security guard who told us that he would be watching us which struck us as odd but we brushed it off not wanting anything to ruin our perfect day. We stepped outside for a smoke break and to catch a breath of fresh air we were across from the entrance the entire time. As we approached the front door to go back inside security stopped us and asked if we had been escorted out which was confusing as hell so we asked him why would we have been escorted out and wouldnt his co-workers have let him know not to let us back in of in fact we had been escorted out. To which he replied well yall look mad which was a complete lie because we were laughing and joking with each other as we had been doing all day. After that we decided to end our night early because our amazing vibe was ruined by us being racially profiled for simply trying to have fun. put a sour taste in my mouth. We were three African can American women
This joint is your typical gay bar with your mixed crowd regular guys bar hoppers and cruisers along with an occasional drag queen.Place and a variety of areas to hangout. You can do the bar, inner and outer seating areas, or just cruise in the open areas.Went on a week night to meet friends and it was comfortable, but on weekends, you can see it from the street that it gets packed from all the activity on the balcony.Good beer and cocktail selection. Staff are all friendly and professional.We did enjoy our time there and will try it again when we return to visit in the future.
The Lookout is a great venue. Location is amazing and we got extremely lucky with parking (which can sometime be a challenge). If walking this place is easily accessible from Muni and on a couple lines.Lookout does many fundraising events and is usually crowded. The staff is very accommodating and works with the groups well.You can buy food here by placing the order at the bar.
The venue is nice, not big enough for the crowd, but you can have a good time there, as long as the doorman is having a good day.The other day he was so impolite and rude! He wouldnt let one of us get in, just because. There are many good bars in the Castro, so no need to deal with this kind of behavior.
Very strong drinks and attentive staff. Visited here and was able to make great conversation with patrons each time (and made friends!). If youre looking for a fun atmosphere, this is the place for you.
Ive always passed this bar and I recently just went there with a friend to check it out. I saw that they had Happy Hour and I got a margarita for $5 and it was strong. It wasnt too crowded when we went so there was a lot of breathing room. We went outside the balcony and it had a great view of the street, hence the name.Id love to come back here again during Happy Hour for sure.
Nice bar but the sound system is constantly turned up too high and the balcony is way too small. You can barely fit two people side by side - so if you go onto the balcony prepare to be bumped the whole time.
We had a situation with HENRY, one of the bartenders. We just wanted to have a great karaoke night, and my friend started feeling unwell. She isolated herself as the music was very loud, she wasn’t bothering anyone. HENRY said we had to leave the place immediately. I was getting my friend and HENRY got very rude and agressive, pushing my other friend as we were just asking him to give us 5 minutes to book a Uber. He grabbed my arm as I was just trying to go back to the bar to get my bag. I was shocked that he got physical even tho we haven’t done anything wrong. Even his colleague at the bar felt embarrassed about this whole situation. Great place, but because of its terrible staff, would never come back and make sure neither my friends will.
Went for the Saturday drag brunch. Mostly the same performers as the starlight on Sundays, which is a good thing. Lookout was definitely far more fun with a mix of the straight and gay crowd where the starlight more of an older straighter quieter crowd. Those Queens are working hard and need an enthusiastic crowd to toss them dollar bills!
I have never been the one to write a review but I got my phone stolen from my pocket last night and so did 15+ people. I asked people all around the area hoping to retrieve my iPhone, only to find out so many people also got their phones stolen. Security said they couldnt do anything about it. Over 15 people got their phones stolen and some also their wallets, yet you cant do anything about it??? How do 15+ stolen phones get passed security? It does not make sense
It’s fun place. DJ, friendly staff, dancing, smoking at the balcony. It has a great view.
Went here with my fiancee and a local friend the day after Folsom Street Fair. Very kickback and down-to-Earth vibe here. My friend ordered 2 frozen margaritas and I ordered two frozen Mai Tais on special. The drinks were great and we grabbed a seat to people watch by the window. Bartenders were all friendly, and they were quick and professional. I would highly recommend this bar to any out of towner looking for a gay friendly bar with reasonable drink specials and nice environment. 😃
Meh. Such a poor experience for pride. Cash only cover (okay fine) but if I’m paying I’d really appreciate a decent DJ. The playlist was tired. 🥱 my Spotify random mix gives me a livelier dance vibe, if I’m honest.
Saw a fun looking drag show was happening from across the street so decided to go have a beer. It was 1:30pm on a Saturday. Went up to who we assumed was security and got only one word, flippant answers about what we needed to get in (vaccine cards, IDs, tickets, etc.). When we asked if we could get tickets at the door he rolled his eyes. We told him no thanks and wed go somewhere else a little more welcoming and then proceeded to get yelled at by him as we walked away. Check your security ppl Lookout.
Saturday afternoon was fun. Several drag performances and relatively well priced booze. The view isnt spectacular from the balcony but I guess I was distracted by the gorgeous patrons making bill$ rain for the performers.
Nice basic gay bar with Sunday night sports team themes. The clientele were friendly and fun. I enjoyed sitting out on the balcony and watching the San Fran sky-line.
I kinda like the diversity of the Dragshow and other events but u can’t heard the music because everyone still talking on the same time. Anyway is a 5 starts still because we need to support our few bars that hold our heritage and culture.
Incredibly exclusive. Unfriendly to any queer person outside the cis gay male sphere. Bouncer bullied my gf and friend out of line saying “I could wait here all day” when we showed IDs, not looking at them (we’re in our 30s) and made it absolutely clear we were not welcome. Any queer femme/enby/trans folx should be incredibly wary. As a gay womxn, I feel FAR less comfortable here than in straight spaces and that says a lot.
One of my favorite places for a mid week cocktail. Its less busy and so great for people/dog watching. Theyre frozen beverages are always delicious.
Went here for Drag brunch. Fun, friendly, and affordable. Totally recommend.
I really like this place and I felt bad about one trip I made a while back. We werent being served and I walked to the bar and they said to wait for a server. I got really mad and left a bad tip. I will make it up next time I go. I was just frustrated that our server was checking on 2 tables beside us and not us in the corner. Like she didnt even realize we were back there. Maybe she was busy.
Lookout is always a great place to grab a cocktail. I have been before COVID and durning COVID. During COVID it was amazing that they could be open and serving food and drinks. They play some great music and mix a delicious cocktail.Staff is always friendly and the crowd is also friendly and welcoming. It is in San Francisco and in the Castro so parking can be hard to find so if you can take the Muni, BART, or Uber/LYFT.
Came here after the 49ers NFC championship win, and the place was packed! The outdoor deck was pretty nice. And for as packed as it was in the bar altogether, there was still an OK amount of room to walk around here. For as busy as it was, the bathroom was never so busy that I had to wait in line. There was a good amount of urinals (might I add, clean ones) that were available to use. And there was actually soap and a working hand-dryer.The drinks were OK. Albeit, they were cheap, but they were mixed only OK.There was a DJ, but its not exactly a dancing type of bar. Unless, youre that one random go-go dancer in the corner.I would probably come back for another chill afternoon-drinking. Its not exactly a final-destination type of bar, I dont think.
The deck overlooking the intersection is really nice in warm weather, but be prepared for smoking. First Mondays hosts Sacred Cocktails by the Episcopal Church. Friendly bartenders and reasonable prices.
The wrap around balcony makes the Lookout a great gay bar to sit by the windows and, well... look out. The balcony itself isnt so great if you dont like to be around cigarette smoke, but theres plenty of seating inside where its warm. Cheap drinks, and the main room plays host to many a fundraiser and DJ parties.
There is a balcony that says no smoking but the bar staff are smokers and don’t enforce it. Why do smokers ruin all outdoor spaces
Came here to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race. Pretty full which is to be expected on a Thursday night, but they could have done with another staff member or two on the bar as the waits were quite long. Just had drinks here (they also do food) - standard fare, mixed crowd, fun space.
1. I think I might be addicted to the totchos. The queso is an elevated version of Taco Johns nacho cheese (for all of my Midwesterners). So good!!2. The staff is so friendly. Like ridiculously nice.3. Karaoke on Mondays is sooo good.4. The outdoor area is amazing for people watching.5. Coming here by yourself can be initially a little scary, but the people who come here are so friendly and welcoming. If you come alone, you will definitely not be alone the whole night as you will definitely make some new friends.
Always a fun place to drink. Friendly bartenders who actually remember what you ordered. Nice views of the street life below, good for people watching. Best place to be for Sunday Funday!
Love coming to Lookout. Food is always great, drinks are always strong. The actual lookout area (balcony?) is rather large and has a good view.
My first ever time being at a gay bar and I loved this place !!! The music and drinks were great, the bartenders were nice , and the people were even better. I highly recommend this place , especially going into the new year.
Great staff great people, great music. A must stop for any visitor to the Castro who wants a view and the only bar in the Castro with a outside balcony thus the name lookout. Jimi, Michael B, Greg and Chris are great personalities with a love for what they do but also helping out the community as the lookout hosts many events and fundraisers benefitting local charities. This is the Cheers of the Castro for this resident.
Always love going here. Basic bar food choices that are a little above average. Bar staff is very friendly. Drinks are decent.
Realy nice location! Bar service can be a little bit of a hassle because its so busy and there arent enough tenders to go round. Great DJ on the night I went though!!
Very fun bar.... great place to watch the world walk by. Friendly staff and anywhere you find drag queens hanging out you know your in for a fun time!!
Great local gay bar. Most popular on Sunday afternoons, and Friday/Saturday evenings. Also popular during events. Great place for drinks, people watching, and a snack. Sometimes they charge a cover.
Great relaxing bar for a date or drinks before dinner. Great bartenders and atmosphere. Music was also on par and great views over Market and Castro.
I like the vibe here. Good music, well-poured drinks, and the food/snacks on the menu are very good. I like the music and the location. Being able to sit outside and watch the traffic and people down below can be fun...
Fun place, music was good. The place offers a nice view on the street from their balcony. Drinks were fine and service is fast.
***Still no resolution after their response to email, no reply/response ***Went for brunch, they over charged me by 40 bucks. Only ordered 3 15 dollar drinks and chicken and waffles and it came to 99 bucks before tip....
Positive atmosphere. Service knows what they’re doing. I’m happy to have found this place. Very safe, very clean environment. :)Also, Nicole’s a sweetheart 👌
Yum Yum Yum....snacks, beers and booty...Great fun..😃 Sexy people & food...really good bar food. Bartenders need to breed and multiply...they could really use more when its busy butt the boys they have on work really hard.
Just got out of work....lets have a drink......bartennder came to the well and said I dont know whos next. I spoke up and said I was. I was then told to keep it down....? Apparently the soft voice that I was doned with since I could speak was too much for him. I ordered my drinks and asked him to keep it open.... Apparently I asked too late he had already closed me out. He assured me that it was better for my bank. After me asking him to keep it open twice. What?? Ok Im signing my bill and I said something to the guy next to me that he didnt hear so yeah I made a joke about me speaking too loudly. He retorts with you dont have to have this if youre being rude.. He snatches the receipt that I was signing along with the pen and my card from me. I left shortly after.
Cute bar with a terrace overlooking Castro crossroads... Design is nice. Hoping itll be busier next time I visit, I believe it lacked numbers due to covid
It was nice to step into a bar, have a drink, and relax to the music and the surrounding people. Staff was very welcoming and the drinks were 👍🏾👍🏾
Was visiting with a friend, From security Person and the person taking 5$ entry fees at upper floor both were very very RUDE and sounded insulting as if they dint care, just little politeness expected towards New visitors !!
A must for that gay pilgrimage through San Francisco!
A great bar with and awesome view. Its quite noisy so just keep that in mind Incase you want to be conversing a lot.
Came here on a Tuesday. Not crowded. Fast service. Great wings and fries. Carnitas tacos not too bad either. I was pleasantly surprised 😁
Doesn’t take Apple Pay
They had run out of a number of beer, specialty drinks, and food options. A number of the restrooms were out of order. And it was a very slow Tuesday night. Not what I was expecting and had experienced historically from this place.
Really great staff and security guard! I loved the place and the drinks. Highly recommend going there!.
Awesome location, great place to watch Rupaul with the boys, small patio overlooking the intersection, good bar food, okay priced drinks and they offer a room with a bar to rent for parties and events.
One of Upper Market/Castros finest beer and cocktail lounges. Great neighborhood views and lively crowd.
Its alright for a bar. Its a bunch of pretentious Castro people who are super drunk spilling their drinks on your new Tumi Backpack and new Pink Nikes.
Always a fun place to grab a bite, drink and hang out. Also, the balcony is one of the best features!
Went here and got charged $14 for a Long Island Ice tea that was mostly lemon juice with almost no alcohol in it. If you come here, stick with beer or wine.
Lot of cuties on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The drag queens are also really good. They serve fries!
The prices were reasonable. They now have a limited menu of food. I had a cheeseburger and it was good.
Limited seats available on the balcony and indoor tables!Mainstay in the Castro and go-to spot. Amazing staff.
Cash only
The staff are awesome, the events they put on are super fun, and the people watching on Market Street is always enjoyable!
Extremely helpful staff. Lost my wallet here, and 2 members from the staff helped me find it. Wish I had taken their names so that I could have mentioned them here.
Always a good time. Good music. Friendly bartenders. Surprisingly empty when we went.
This place is either very packed, or super empty - never anything in between. A great place for hanging out with a group of friends.
Beer was reasonably priced ($6). Smoking area is outside and the guys are hot.
Super easy going bar, great drinks, super friendly staff and a great view to chill.
Great vibe! Loved the view from the balcony while sipping on drinks
Top 3 spots to hit down in the Castro. Great views and delicious drinks!
Love the balcony! Its nice to stand outside, people watch and be able to hear the people you are talking to over the music
Great drinks and fun location. If you are solo this is a great place to meet people.
Pretty chill spot after work with happy hour specials and delicious hummus. There are small plates and more food options.
Not too bad, bar staff are friendly and great viewing area, albeit I came in the afternoon, not evening. But it was quote good.
Swanky bar with a wrap-around patio overlooking Market Street. They also have multi-stall gender-neutral bathrooms.
I went here with friends on my birthday May 30th and the server was very attentive and accommodating.
I work here so its a great spot to kick back and enjoy drinks and chill! Service is funny and nice!!
Is a good place to hang out, but lookout for bartender’s increase a charge on your credit card.
The club is nice and it also Has a nice view but honestly the music sucks. It can be better.
This bars balcony allows people watching without binoculars. Super cute place.
They have great drinks, I love their hot wings and the lookout burger!
Nice balcony for street watching. Two drink minimum for cards but no big deal.
I said it B4.... Ill say it again... If this was the wizard of Oz and I was Dorothy... Id say.... There is no place like home.... No place like home... Home... ....wait... What drink # is this.... Youre pretty!!!
Always love the outdoor space, its small but causes you to meet new people more easily
Was there for karaoke night and was quite impressed by the talent. Standard bar food/snacks and drinks.
The balcony is amazing; its fantastic to have a drink and look over the intersection.
Pretty fun that they have a second-story patio that looks over Market Street, but it can be pretty crowded sometimes to where you cant get a spot out there.
Missed the chicken. Were out of the drinks that were advertised. Music was ok. Vibe was decent.
My favorite Bar in the Castro. The bartenders and barbacks are friendly and very cute.
Very small place, drinks were ok, Go go dancer was old and not in shape lol
Good drinks, fun atmosphere.
Drinks are good. Good atmosphere. The right level of casual
Great place. In town for birthday weekend and already feel like its home
Great view of Castro-ish area. Good drinks. Would return
Apparently this is the place to be at on Sundays in the Castro. Gogo dancers are so sexy and the music is on fire.
I like to stop by here for good drinks when visiting San Francisco. Always lots of fun with friends.
Friendly vibe, great views and friendly staff. They also do a lot of fundraiser events for the community.
Really cool balcony and lots of windows, can see much of the city!
One of my favorite bars in SanFran. Had a lot of fun with the bartenders.
A fun time, with good drinks and people. The location is excellent.
Lookooooout your feets gonna start moving by themselves and you best go with them, dorothy! :) :) :)
This place is a gem of the Castro. Even if you can only stop in for a drink be sure to check out the view 😉
Very Nice Place near Market Street:👌👍😀👏😊🙌👌,Close to the Castro Also:
Really great little bar - very friendly, great martinis!
Amazing time food with delicious to check your wings were the bomb drinks were exthra hard loved it
Ive always had a blast here! A must visit in the Castro
The BEST place for people watching in the Castro! Lookout for a fun adventure! 🌈
Great place to hangout and drinks. Like busy in the evening though
Always love their drinks and food amazing five stars
Terrible door guy last night (Friday). Completely rude.
Here for monthly BAPHR Liver Rounds Mixer. Great views, nice vibe, cool people.
Love the patio area sit relax drink and people watch
My bartender was a hottie!! Would enjoy this venue again...
Watch out for downstairs security. Super rude and pushes clientele away.
Balcony + sweet potato tatter tots + salt & pepper wings + beer = Win on a sunny evening
Cool gay bar. Bouncer was super cool. Id go back.
Super fun, great drinks, awesome servers
Great happy hours and audience. a classic for Sunday afternoons!
Great Sunday night crowd...it was packed!
Good place with friendly people and views across Castro.
Nice place to hang with friends and good drinks!
Great atmosphere, terrible chicken tenders
Good place to hangout on a Sunday afternoon or early evening.
One of the best gay bars in the city.
Great place everything you would hope for...
Wild fun crazy balcony bar where everyone lets it all hang out
Great spot to grab a drink and people watch!
Great little place to people watch and drink.
Perfect location. Good Covid precautions right now.
Great margaritas and very cheap in happy hours
Location. Staff. Cocktails. Atmosphere 💯.
Bartenders are super cool and friendly.
It was dirty, bathrooms were dirty, it was a nice view though.
Slow bartenders. Hot crowd on a Sunday afternoon though
Gross, super stick floor, and the person taking suggested donations is beyond rude.
Not bad but very overpriced for what you get
Music is good and ppl r nice
Great everything; its like going home. :) ty ty ty
Great vibe, the lookout area is wonderful
They would not accept my friends ID
Wonderful view of San Francisco & the Golden Gate.
Stop by had two drinks
Good location, friendly bar ataff
Sit on the balcony and watch near accident after accident in the worst intersection in the city
Love the patio on second floor!
My favorite bar in the Castro!
Super sweet Castro favorite!
Memories of those balconies…. fun corner...
Nice!cool!great!
Good beer and a great lookout
Great staff, music, drinks
Lots of great memories there.
Great ambience and friendly staff
Salt and pepper wings are awesome
Nice view. Gold drinks
Finally someone with guts to require vaccinations!
Fun place good drinks
Drinks and food are just ok.
Great times. Nothing special.
Good bar
Great views from the balcony
Friendly fun atmosphere.
Stop by and have a drink! Its Happening here!
Good on Sunday afternoons.
Great peach margarita
Empty club very rainy
Always a great time
Fun and good music