Fans whoop and holler for Rikkis, San Franciscos first womens sports bar

Rikki's, the first women's sports bar in San Francisco, launched on June 11, 2025, with a soft opening that attracted a crowd eager for a dedicated space to celebrate women's sports. Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the importance of this queer, woman-owned establishment in the Castro neighborhood. Lurie flew a Valkyries flag at City Hall to commemorate the occasion, while Mandelman acknowledged the need for more inclusive spaces in an area historically dominated by male-owned bars. Rikki's founders, Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich, aim to create a welcoming environment, adorned with memorabilia celebrating women's sports history. The bar's menu features themed cocktails, including the “Ballhalla,” named after the Valkyries, and patrons expressed excitement about watching women's sports on numerous screens.

Community leaders, such as Rosemary Gardner from the SF LGBT Center, hope Rikki's will become a safe and affirming space for all. The opening marks a revival of safe spaces for women in the Castro, which has seen many previous establishments close over the decades. Attendees eagerly anticipate the bar becoming a hub for local sports fans and community gatherings.