and Media Studies from UC Berkeley. Prior to SFGATE, she was an associate editor at East Bay Express and freelance writer covering the Bay Area music scene. Email: madeline.wells@sfgate.com
Q Bar, a beloved Castro nightlife destination, is set to reopen after more than three years of closure due to a devastating fire. The new Q Bar will feature brand-new walls and bathrooms, and its owners are planning a reopening party with go-go dancers.
The building at 456 Castro St. has a long history of being a gay bar, dating back to 1971. It has gone through several incarnations, including Twilight, Dirty Dick’s, Le Bistro, Castro Station and Bar on Castro. Q Bar was a popular LGBTQ nightlife destination before it closed, with events like the weekly party Booty Call, hosted by drag queen Juanita MORE!
The fire that closed Q Bar occurred on November 16, 2019, injuring two people and displacing 13. It closed Osaka Sushi, clothing store Body and Q Bar. Firefighters never determined the cause of the fire, which resulted in catastrophic damage to Q Bar.
The reopening of Q Bar is a much-needed spot of joy for the Castro neighborhood, especially after the recent abrupt closure of Harvey’s, a nearby 27-year-old gay bar and restaurant. Q Bar was a place of refuge and community for many, and soon they will be able to call it home again.
The owners of Q Bar are currently in the process of obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to reopen. They are also working with the San Francisco Fire Department to make sure the new Q Bar meets all safety regulations. Once these steps are completed, the owners will be able to announce an official opening date.
Q Bar has been a staple of the Castro neighborhood for years, and its reopening is sure to bring a renewed sense of life to the area. It will be a place for people to gather, celebrate and make memories for years to come.
