3988 18th Street
San Francisco, Califonia 94114
(415) 861-1310
TheLastCallBar.com
Status: LGBT Bar
Previously: The Men’s Room, Mistake
In Their Own Words: A cozy, friendly neighborhood bar. Lots of smiling faces and conversation make it an “Irish Pub” type of atmosphere. Eclectic, mixed clientele. A wonderful place to check out when the noise and bustle of the Castro is just a little too much for you. Excellent selection of music to choose from on the Jukebox (The Smiths, ELO, Kylie, Madonna, Cher, U2, English Beat, Siouxie, Sweet). Football games shown during the regular season. A fireplace to warm your soul during those damp, foggy San Francisco days. (Hot Toddies also help!) Longest Happy Hour in the neighborhood (noon through 7pm everyday). Make “Last Call” your “First Call” in the Castro.
History
Summary
| Name | Dates of Operation |
| Last Call | 2009 – present |
| Men’s Room | 1977 – 2008 |
| Mistake | 1971 – 1976 |
Details
The bar held the name of the Men’s Room for over 30 years. From 1971 to 1976, it was known as Mistake.
Though it had been named the Men’s Room since 1977, which could imply that they catered only to gay men, the bar at 3988 18th Street was owned by out lesbian Lita Byrd and had a diverse clientele of men and women, gay and straight. When she announced her intentions to retire in 2008, the bar was purchased by Kevin Harrington, a gay man who had bartended there for the last eight years.
Fearing that the old name implied an attempt to be exclusive for gay men, Harrington renamed the bar Last Call. The name also hints at the fact that it’s the last LGBT bar on 18th Street heading east out of the Castro – the last opportunity to get a drink out before heading home (at least in direction of the Mission).
When COVID-19 forced San Francisco bars to temporarily close in March of 2020, Last Call ended up remaining closed for 17 months, long after others were able to open with varying restrictions (including outdoor parklets, masked indoor service, and proof-of-vaccination requirements). Harrington ended up selling the bar to Tammy Soo and Kris Foster, who intend to keep the name and much of the décor and ambiance.
Sources
Bajko, Matthew S., “New year brings Castro bar changes,” The Bay Area Reporter, January 8, 2009
Bracco, Stephen, “After 13 years, Castro neighborhood bar Last Call sold to new owners,” Hoodline, April 22, 2021
Bracco, Stephen, “Castro dive bar Last Call reopens under new ownership after 17-month hiatus,” Hoodline, August 17, 2021
Flournoy, Raymond, “Almost time for Last Call,” The Bay Area Reporter, December 25, 2008
Uncle Donald’s Castro Street, accessed online June 6, 2014
Location
3988 18th Street, San Francisco
