Lesbian bar to make history as ‘first’ in The Castro, SF in ‘decades’

A new lesbian bar will make history as the first to open in San Francisco’s Castro District in “decades.”

Queer business partners and friends Sara Ergovich and Daniel To have signed a deal to launch a new women’s sports bar called Ricky’s. According to the local dealer bay area reporterthe next venue is believed to be the first new lesbian-themed bar to open in the Castro in decades.

The bar, named after LGBTQ+ activist Ricky Streicher, will take over the site of Mexican restaurant Copas, which closed in 2024.

Business partners came together through the LGBTQ+ nonprofit San Francisco Spikes to reflect on the challenges of finding a venue to stream women’s sports in the city.

Co-owner Toh told the magazine: “It all started when we were trying to watch sports at a bar with some friends, and traditional sports bars didn’t want to show women’s sports, and we didn’t have a suitable streaming service. “The problem was that we didn’t have a TV or a channel.”

“Women’s sports are growing very quickly, so I want to see them as well,” Toh explained.

Rikki’s on Market Street is around the corner from Hi-Tops, a gay-owned sports bar. Hi-Tops has been in business since December 2012, when partners Matt Kajiwara and Dana Grime made history by launching the “first ever” queer sports venue in the Castro.

Ergovich and Toh hope to launch Rikki’s in May or June 2025. You can donate to Rikki’s fundraiser via Wefunder. here.