Started by couple Malcolm Thornley and Robert Nett in 1978, El Rio was rooted in the concepts of neighborhood, community and dance.

About Us

Thornley and Nett were enthusiasts for all things leather, motorcycle, Salsa music, Brazil, and tropical greenery. It was important to them that (while they were gay) the club was welcoming to all, as long as they were welcoming back. They were massive music fans and made sure to build out a lush patio with a stage to host some of the best Salsa, Rock, Country, and Pop of their time.

We continue to try to honor the traditions set by Malcolm and Robert to this day. We are a space for everyone and anyone, but we do center our queer and BIPOC family as well as our neighborhood nonprofits, teachers and trades workers. We prioritize providing space for those who might feel pushed out of the Bay. We are queer owned and operated. We actively invest in communities to promote social change as well as investing in our local arts and music scene to provide space and promote growth. We host over 150 benefits a year. We actively pursue systemically undervalued / underfunded organizations and individuals in the use of our space to support mutual aid efforts and to act as a conduit, helping provide direct funding to those in need.

In short, we are a patio for dancing, a community space for organizing, a friendly dive for canoodling and a big, gay bar with the cutest of cats. 

ROBERT, LEFT, MALCOLM, RIGHT
MALCOLM & ROBERT AT EL RIO'S 22ND ANNIVERSARY PARTY
RIO LEFT, CARMEN, RIGHT
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Press

  • A legendary Mission venue known for queer dance nights, live music, drag shows, and community gatherings. A true neighborhood staple that has hosted artists and audiences for decades.

    SFLIVE

  • El Rio is a dynamite community space that does an incredible job of incorporating alternative and underserved subcultures by providing a space for promoters from all walks of life to spread their wings and throw glorious dance parties in their house.

    Inside Hook

  • Locals flock to El Rio for regular events like Salsa Sundays and Drag Bingo nights, while queer artist showcases and all-female rock shows are also par for the course.

    BBC Travel

  • One of the most inclusive bars in the city, at all stages of the clubbing experience.

    48 Hills

  • El Rio holds a special place in so many peoples’ hearts.

    broke-ass stuart

  • It’s literally one of my favorite bars ever.

    broke-ass stuart

  • El Rio is one of those institutions that represents the San Francisco that you want to see.

    SFIST

  • SF legacy bar and eternally great hangout.

    Eater SF

  • The 43-year-old venue — “Your Dive,” according to the sign out front — is probably the one bar in San Francisco that comes closest to giving everybody everything.

    SFGate

  • El Rio will still be Your Dive. It’s still ours. It’s everyone’s.

    SFGate
“It’s literally one of my favorite bars ever.”