San Francisco is full of gay bars both old and new to be sure, but this stalwart watering hole, a South of Market landmark since 1966, has undergone many transformations and still stands strong. Once a heavy, masculine cruise bar like many gay bars

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San Francisco is full of gay bars both old and new to be sure, but this stalwart watering hole, a South of Market landmark since 1966, has undergone many transformations and still stands strong. Once a heavy, masculine cruise bar like many gay bars in the area, The Stud is now a fun catchall of all things queer in SF—from chubby nights ("Planet Big") to drag queen and drag king evenings (the locally famous "Trannyshack") to go-go and oil wrestling events ("Hot Mess"). It's like New York back when everyone dressed up in costume and no one cared—The Stud is as artsy, boozy San Francisco as you can get. There are pool tables, multiple rooms, colorful bars, a faint odor from last night's goings-on, and a line down the block if you get here later in the evening. Not to be missed by anyone looking for the true San Francisco experience.

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