Queer-Owned and Hetero-Friendly: The El Rio Experience
El Rio, a queer-owned and hetero-friendly bar in San Francisco’s Mission Bernal corridor, was founded in 1978 by Malcolm Thornley and Robert Nett. Co-owner Lynne Angel discusses the bar’s history, its dedication to community service, and its role as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, a resident, or a visitor looking to explore San Francisco’s rich culture, El Rio offers a diverse and welcoming environment. Check their Instagram and event calendar to find an event that resonates with you.
Can you tell us how El Rio came to be? What inspired you to create a queer-owned and hetero-friendly bar in the Mission Bernal corridor?
El Rio was started in 1978 by Malcolm Thornley and Robert Nett. They aimed to make a space that catered to their tastes (gay motorcycle culture, Brazil, Salsa Music, and community) and the surrounding neighborhood’s tastes.
As stated in the press release announcing the club’s opening, “We are running a bar where people don’t feel pressure to act stereotyped but can enjoy themselves and other people.” We have interpreted this over the years to create a space that also directly serves our patrons. This presents itself in many forms. It can be as simple as keeping prices affordable and covering charges low with a sliding scale. Hence, we strive to be as accessible as possible to as many people as possible, actively seeking out underfunded and minimally resourced groups and organizations to set up fundraisers and benefits that promote growth. Malcolm and Robert were community-minded and purposeful, and we aim to continue upholding their Mission and staying true to their vision.
The LGBTQ+ community is often underrepresented in mainstream bars and clubs. How does El Rio aim to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone?
Safety and inclusivity are very personal and nuanced concepts. Unfortunately, everything is impossible for everyone (I wish it were). We work very hard behind the scenes to create the best space possible and cater to as many needs and desires as possible. We regularly hold trainings on de-escalation, first-aid, CPR, overdose prevention, and Narcan use. We discussed conflicts as a group to determine whether they could have been handled differently and to decide how to proceed. Whether or not you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, we want the people who walk through our doors to experience joy, relaxation, comfort, or, at the very least, a delicious, fresh lime margarita.
Your Salsa Sundays have been a staple for decades. Can you share the origin of salsa at El Rio?
Malcolm and Robert started salsa way back when we first opened. It was one of our first regular events; we still host some of those musicians today. They had a genuine love for the music, and fortunately, the Bay Area is home to some of the best salsa musicians. We are honored to continue the tradition on the 4th Sunday of each month.
El Rio is known for its various theme nights. Can you share some of your most popular ones and what goes into organizing them?
Most of our events are organized through partnerships with local promoters. Mango, which began almost 30 years ago on the 4th Saturdays as a party for queer women of color and their friends, has consistently featured a strong lineup of local DJs (Olga T, Edaj, La Coqui, and Lady Lu) and has continued to grow its fan base.
They remain among our busiest events. Daytime Realness is held on the 3rd Sunday and was started by local drag icon Heklina, DJ Stanley Frank, and Tom Temprano. We were floored by the sudden death of Heklina earlier this year and are grateful that Stanley and Tom are continuing the event, which is a definite favorite. R&B & Ribs is a newer party concept from DJ Knowpa Slaps and chef Eric Ehler, but a much-loved one that combines classic R&B with delicious food pop-ups. The vibes they create are impeccable. We have numerous great events and collaborate with many amazing DJs and promoters, including Xismes, Swagger Like Us, Hard French, Family Not a Group, Polyglamorous, DAD, Family Affair, Popperz, and Get Busy – I am sure I am forgetting a ton.
How has being a Mission-Bernal business impacted your success?
We were born in the Mission and have developed deep bonds with our surroundings, our neighbors, the businesses around us, the nonprofits and organizations we work with, the teachers from SF Unified who visit us on Fridays, the film festivals that pop up down the street after openings, and countless others. Forty-four years is a long time. It can be a lifetime (or beyond) for many businesses. I believe that the fact we are still here is in part thanks to our amazing neighborhood. It has supported us and helped cultivate the essence of who we are over all these years. We are who we are, thanks to The Mission.
What does it mean to be a legacy business? What have you learned after 44 years?
This relates a lot to the last question. Legacy Businesses in this city are persistent and upheld by their peers, patrons, neighborhood, and surroundings. We do not take it for granted. It is a privilege to continue to operate after all these years. Being able to say we are an official San Francisco Legacy Business is a wonderful perk, and I have to credit Rick and the folks at the Legacy Business Program. They do so much to help ensure that these longstanding businesses, which have single-handedly helped create and uphold the bedrock of this great city, continue to thrive.
Lastly, what message would you like to convey to your loyal patrons and those who have yet to visit El Rio?
To those who continue to visit us and dance on the patio or grab a drink under the lemon tree, everyone here at El Rio wants to say a huge THANK YOU for returning time and again. We have an amazing community of patrons and performers, and we are fortunate that they love us as much as we love them. For anyone who hasn’t visited us yet, I recommend checking our Instagram for an idea of the place’s overall vibe, then reviewing the calendar to see what looks interesting. Some events may not be for everyone, but our calendar is extremely varied. Chances are you will find something that gets you outside your head, away from your phone, and engaged with something that brings you joy, excitement, and a sense of calm – something that transports you to our world for a little while.
Interested in learning more about El Rio’s upcoming events or how you can get involved in their community efforts? Check out their website or follow them on social media for the latest updates.
SF LGBTQ+ Event Calendar 2026
Bernal Heights LGBTQ+
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
