Rikki’s: A New Era for Women’s Sports in the Castro

A significant addition to San Francisco’s Castro district, Rikki’s opens its doors as a bar that not only champions women’s professional and collegiate sports but also marks the revival of a dedicated lesbian space in the area after decades.

Grand Opening Details

Located at 2223 Market Street, Rikki’s will celebrate its grand opening on June 11, perfectly timed for the onset of Pride Month. The venue fills a void left by the closure of Copas and is situated close to the well-established gay sports bar, Hi Tops.

Honoring Legacy and Community

The bar is named after Rikki Streicher, a respected San Francisco bar owner and activist who was passionate about softball and the LGBTQ+ community before her passing in 1994. Streicher was the proprietor of notable venues such as Maud’s and Amelia’s, and even has a baseball diamond named in her honor in the Eureka Valley.

An Inclusive Space for Everyone

Co-owners Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich, who met playing soccer with the queer club San Francisco Spikes, have designed Rikki’s as an inclusive venue for all. While the bar prioritizes women’s sports, it also offers coverage of popular teams such as the Warriors, 49ers, and Giants on its 15 screens.

“We want to prioritize women’s sports, but not exclusively show them,” said Thoe.

A Historical Return

The Castro neighborhood has not seen a dedicated lesbian bar since the Cafe San Marcos closed in the 1990s. With the prior absence of spaces such as the Lexington Club, Rikki’s arrival is particularly timely. The Mission District, however, has recently welcomed Mother, a lesbian-owned bar that gained acclaim on Bon Appetit’s list of Best New Bars in 2024.

Culinary Offerings

Rikki’s menu, curated by former SoMa gastropub chef JD Voss, features a variety of dishes priced mostly under $20. Highlights include:

• Roasted carrots with feta dip
• Quinoa salad with citrus and burrata
• Sugar snap peas with white bean dip
• Smashburger and a cornflake-crusted hot chicken sandwich
• Bacon-wrapped bison meatloaf with mashed potatoes

Signature Drinks

The drink selection encompasses both classic choices, such as the Old Fashioned and Cosmopolitan, alongside signature cocktails like The Queen Is King, inspired by tennis icon Billie Jean King. The bar also features local beers on tap, including the woman-owned Local Brewing Co’s Pride-themed selection, Gay Crush.

Special Events and Hours

Mayor Daniel Lurie is poised to grace the opening with a press event. Fans of women’s basketball can look forward to WBNA games featuring teams like the LA Sparks and Las Vegas Aces at 7 PM PT on opening night. Regular hours will be established from 3:30 PM to 10 PM on weekdays and until midnight on weekends.

Conclusion

Rikki’s aims to serve not just as a bar but as a community hub for sports fans and supporters of women’s athletics, breathing new life into the Castro’s LGBTQ+ landscape.