Location
The Castro.
401 Castro Street
Between 17th and Market Streets
Hours
Bar hours
Phone
(415) 864-9470
Website
www.twinpeakstavern.com
Established
1972
Payment Method
Cash-only

Twin Peaks is an historic LGBT bar in the Castro District, founded in 1972. It is historic not only for its longevity, but also because it is the first LGBT establishment that touted large glass windows starting at the time of opening in 1972. Most LGBT bars of the 1970s and earlier were windowless structures, often in basements, alleys or in other secluded locations. Twin Peaks owners chose a location with large windows as a statement that the community no longer needed to hide.

The bar is in a very visible location, on a major street as well as close to where the F Muni Line currently has its final stop and where other above ground muni trains used to travel. The location is also right on the corner of Market and Castro and is the first bar visible when entering Castro Street. The clients of the bar are considerably older than that of the other bars. most patrons of this bar have been coming there since it opened. Because of the older clients of the bar and the giant glass windows the bar is also known by the nickname "The Glass Coffin". Though the nickname sounds disrespectful it is not intended to be and is given as a term of affection. The bar has one main lower level where the actual bar is located. There is a smaller upper level that can seat 5 or six people.This wall is shared with The Hot Cookie next door and delicious smells of baking cookies waft through the walls.

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