Twin Peaks Tavern, Gay bar in Castro District, San Francisco, US.
Twin Peaks Tavern is a gay bar on Castro Street in San Francisco with floor-to-ceiling windows that open views onto the street. The location near Castro Station makes it easy to reach on foot.
The Mediterranean revival building dates to 1883 and started as a saloon before becoming a gay bar in 1971. In 1972, the owners took the radical step of removing window coverings to show the interior to the street.
The large windows at street level allow anyone passing by to see inside, creating a sense of openness that became central to how the neighborhood expressed itself publicly.
The space keeps music at a level that lets people talk comfortably with each other. The F Market heritage streetcar stops nearby if you want to use public transit to visit.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands visited in 2022 to meet with members of the LGBTQ+ community. The visit from a European monarch brought international attention to this modest neighborhood gathering place.
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