Fantastic bar loads of fun, good drinks and shows, great people and community, hope to see you there. read more

See all

Such a classic! its always so fun being here, the only negative part about this place is its not in the best neighborhood of Modesto. There is a lot of homeless around so please don't leave anything valuable in the car. read more

To be honest, I did like this place at a younger age. Now, I noticed the details of it now being a very bad place of service. Let's start with ordering drinks. Usually, it's first come, first serve. I don't know if you guys ever been there? but showing up to the bar before someone else and them receiving service before you. That's what I notice happening here a couple of times. My friend had questions numerous times of charges. People do work hard for their money, showing compassion would be nice, explaining the charges.Bartenders complaining about tips on bills is unprofessional. Including the customers in the conversation is even worse. I would never step foot into his establishment again. read more

I have a blast every time I go there. The energy is positive. Never seen a fight there. Also great music to dance to. I love this bar. The people working are kind. Highly recommend this place for dancing and to have a great time. read more

Service is pretty bad and the owners don't seem to want to fix the problems, they need to update the place, paint the building, fix the rude bar servers behavior, not cheat people on their credit cards. This place has been in Modesto forever, take some pride in your establishment. Fix it up. Instead it Looks like a broken down home in the wall, especially when you know if you make changes more people will attend. Get a different DJ, switch them out, play throw back oldies, salsa music, country all the genres of music, not that techno crap that now can dance Too. Make it the club people want t to go to again. It's all about the community and making Modesto a better place to be, our w the old and in with the new stuff. Someone share this review to the OWNER AND MANAGER! read more

The events that have transpired over the past few weeks at this bar are appalling. The staff members who have been involved in this situation have handled disagreements like children by having loud discussions in front of guests making the ambient uncomfortable and unwelcoming. There are other options out there, I advise anyone who is looking for a good time to seek another establishment. read more

I was a little put off by the area surrounding the bar and the outside look of the bar but it was another one of those don't judge a book by it's cover kind of things. They have a parking lot in the back and you're also able to park on the semi-paved road on the right side of the building. It looks like a roadhouse but as you approach and hear the bass booming you soon realize it's full of fabulosity if you know what I mean. The set up inside is atypical of many gay bars, seating along the walls, bar kinda in the middle, pool tables and lastly a fairly large dance floor. Oh and I can't forget the raised area along the wall in the dance floor area to accommodate the show-offs complete with mirrors so they can admire what they think is their hotness but I digress. As far as the people, there was a healthy mix (even a drag queen). Many of them were kinda not nice but oh well. I do take issue with their sound system only because it was so loud and the acoustics in there seemed bad. When you step outside and your ears ache, there's a problem. Would I go back? Maybe. read more

It might sound like something that comes in a 40 ounce container that you would buy at 7-11 but it's actually Modesto's legendary (and still only???) gay bar. I know it's *wrong* to review a place that you have never actually never been a customer of but this place was such a central valley landmark that you don't actually have to go in the place to feel like you know it. In fact the whole 9th street area provided for unending conversation and immature jokes while growing up in the area. I'm a little sad that Modesto is too far away for SF Yelpers to have a DYGay here! read more

This is terrible place to go if you're not a regular. The Bartenders are NOT friendly at all, Casey is really nice and I believe she is the bar owner but the other one, Bambi.. I'm lost for words. By far, the rudest bartender I have ever encountered in my life. I was having a rough day, and her snarky remarks really ticked a left nerve with me. I even overheard her say "Who cares.. I watered down his drink anyways." And the drinks there.. Not cheap. Seriously, if you're looking to burn some money on 1 beer- COME HERE AND KNOCK YOURSELF OUT! read more

I love this place for the fact that its a landmark for allowing us gays to be open, dance, drink and make complete asses of ourselves. However..... we all knew this was coming, it is now a stink hole. The music is the best, the owner is great and the short little mexican is my friend. Its a little gay cheers. I havent been there for a while, so I went to catch up with my fellow dykes, low and behold it is now pooh. To many people, to hot and not enough ventilation. I would only go again if there was nothing more to do. If you have never been there, I suggest you go. One must always experience the Bull. read more

Another gay bar? Another gay bar! Duh. I went during happy hour, first night of the Olympics, and it was DEAD. Like 2 dykes in the whole place. But as the evening wore on, it filled up with a variety of people--gay, straight, and somewhere in between--including some really cute queenie boys. The music was alright, and the atmosphere was pretty good. I spent more money than I wanted to, but it was a-okay. I wouldn't necessarily encourage people to go here (if you're really in a gaybar way, it doesn't hold a candle to San Francisco), but if you're stuck inside of Modesto w/ the homo blues again, it's worth checking out. read more

The Bull has always been and I hope it will always be. I remember getting kicked out of there when I was like 18, it's amazing how the place never changes, ten years later it looks exactly the same. I love that everyone dances and I've meet all sorts of different people here. Every gay should visit a least once. I think the drinks are a little over priced for a dive but a least there's never a cover. read more

This is the only true place to dance in Modesto. Sure it's a gay bar but the music's way better than anything you'll find downtown and the drinks while not the tastiest are strong and cheap. It's helluv fun inside, they even have stripper poles and lots of mirrors. It's too loud to have a conversation inside usually but you're not there to talk, you're there to dance! It's kind of cool that the place is so far from the quiet suburbia it hides from. Rogelio's dead on. It's out in the fringes, next to train tracks in the middle of nowhere. But usually in life that's where the best stuff is found. Outside the comfort zone. I actually come here to avoid the classy culture of downtown Modesto's meat market and all the machismo BS that's a total buzzkill. Gay men always make the world a better place. Update: I had no idea I was reviewing such a legendary establishment, but it's true... The Brave Bull is just as legendary as the McHenry Mansion, the Gallo's or George Lucas for that matter. Most of my friends call it the Bull and the fact so many people have heard of it but not stepped through it's doors is a testament to it's notoriety. 5 stars for you should check it out. read more

Ok I am not gay...however partying with a bunch of gay men is so much fun! The decorations are better and so is the music. haha I watched some dragqueens pole dance , and got tottaly wasted on their drinks...which are pretty damn good. I also participated in my first wet t-shirt contest here...ha All the gay guys screaming and cheering for boobs...it was so awesome lol! I lost to the whore who ripped her shirt in half off of her body and bounced them around. No way was I doing that no matter how drunk I was so I accepted defeat and uh well I got a free t-shirt yay! read more

When I first came to this bar I thought it was sort of run down and music was really loud. But after actually being there on a busy night I really have grown to love this place. It defiantly have the best environment from a gay bar. Once in a whole their will be a fight in the smoking area which is usual for a bar. The bar is always packed with people and the bartenders are extremely friendly and make drinks perfect and very quick alway. You rarely ever have to flag them down. They do charge tip and couple dollars for using your card so beware. I would recommend asking for bartender kaci she is great. I haven't been to the drag show in a while but it was entertaining but for a little drive climax can offer a better show for no cover charge. Definitely check this place out on a Saturday to he the vibe. read more

The Brave Bull is a Modesto legend. Check it out if you ever happen to be in the area.

OMG!!! I had a blast here! This place is one of the best places to go for drink, great music and good vibes. A lot of space to dance and be free! Def. recommend this establishment for LGBTQ community!!! read more

This place is fucking awesome! Great great people! Bartenders are so damn friendly, within ten minutes I felt like family...no pun intended . Seriously though, great crowd, great staff, and they even have Mexican Corn Cups! My new fave place!!! Everyone must go, gay, straight, it doesn't matter they welcome all! read more

Don't do it. Apparently no one just wants to go and have a good time without the end of the night "who is fighting in the parking lot now" question popping up. The awesome and smart thing is that they have a taco truck conveniently situated right outside around closing time most nights. At least they used to. read more

This place has charm. I love that it actually seems to reap with some history. Not as cozy as the TIki, but a place to be just who you are. Great for a date night to play pool and arcade games. The drag show was very sweet and everyone seems friendly enough. I wish I'd see a bigger crowd, the music is great and I love that the DJ is high above the Dance Floor. read more

*WARNING* This used to be the place for us LGBTQ+ to go and have a blast back in the day. Obviously now it's not. This past weekend I was reminded why we don't come here no more. There's some shady things going on with their bartenders. I ordered 3 beers & paid with my card. Bartender (male) asked if I'd like to leave it open, I said no. Got a receipt with the amount I was being charged $18.50 & the blank line to leave a tip. But no where to sign. Thought it was odd but I just put a zero for the tip & gave him a cash tip. That was the last thing I ever ordered throughout the night. Next thing I know I received a notification of a transaction done with my card at the bull. I immediately checked my wallet & realized I did not have my card! The bartender never gave it back to me. I went directly to Casey & she told me to speak to him (male bartender) he acted like he had no idea & said he did think it was odd. BS! He gave me in cash what he had charged my card for. Today I got notified that the amount I was charged had been changed by a few dollars more! This place is a disgrace from what it used to be! They're taking advantage of their customers! Please be careful if you do go & pay cash! Or just don't go & take your business elsewhere! read more

Nice hometown bar that features local bands and musicians as well as RuPaul queens. I like that they have pool tables and several old school games like Pac-Man and Centipede. They'd get 5 stars if their promoter didn't do such underhanded sabotage towards other gay bars in towns. read more

This used to be one of my favorite bars to come to BUT this is the second time they have screwed over my friends and I by over charging us wayyyyy too much! It was a group of 11 of us this 2nd time and they wanted to charge us $140 or it would be 2 for $25 which makes no sense. This rude bartender didn't want my friends and I to come in because of someone she seen in our group that she didn't like. 1 star out of 5. Idk what happened to this place. read more

I have been going to this club for the last 8 years and most always manage to have a nice time. Yes, it is on seedy South 9th Street, but once inside you can feel pretty safe and comfortable. The best thing about this place is all the room to move around. The sound system is great although I wish there was a better mix of music. That's just my hang up though, as I am a throwback to the 70s/80s dance/pop. I'm sure everybody else enjoys the loud latin/house mix they tend to play more of. The mix of people is fun although lately I have noticed tons of str8 folks making there way in there, which depending on who you ask could be either a cool thing or a reason to split. Drinks are just okay. It would be nice to get your Martinis in a clean, chilled glass but hey, I guess there are worse things in life. Just make sure, if you can to have the bartenders make your drinks as opposed to the bar back. The Bull is definitely a legend in Modesto, very worth a trip at least once. *UPDATE* NOV 2010 Our beloved "THE BULL" has lost a star during the past year and here is why: *Straight couples are more and more prevalent nowadays. Does Modesto not have any good dance clubs for straight people? I don't mean to sound like a total hater, but I thought this was supposed to be a GAY BAR!?!?! * Drinks are skimpy served in tacky, old, teeny glasses. Prices seem to have gone up and you just are not getting the bang for your buck that you once used to. Added to this the bartenders are not nearly as nice as they once where. Listen up ladies, if you are sick of working for the family then maybe it's time to move on. There are tons of fun, charismatic, welcoming people out there who know how to tend bar and would do a far better job at wowing your loyal customers. * Lastly the Sunday drag show is getting a bit lackluster. This once fun, lively show is really starting to SUCK. This show needs some new blood and more importantly a leader to take it to a new level where good old fashion DRAG becomes the entertainment staple and not the tired, old "female illusionist" standard. read more

This is the only gay dance club in Modesto....after coming to this bar for the last 9+ years, as an only choice, I have to say that it's changed dramatically since my early clubbing days. Where do I begin??? Let me just throw some stuff out there as they pop into my head. The owner is extremely rude and has no issue telling you to go elsewhere or egging on fist fights, (or if your a gay man bitch slap fight) out in the parking lot. There is no real security and people have been assaulted out in the parking lot which is just basically a small area behind the bar. Lots of transients hanging around. Drinks are decent, and the bartenders are generally friendly and attentive. They finally accept credit/debit cards. Music is decent with a huge hip hop influence. The crowd is difficult to describe, as it seems that they are all hovering in the 20-21 age range, I would say their general style is "ghetto", if you're looking for good conversation with a more enlightened circle, I suggest you go to the Tiki. This club is on the fringe, and I wouldn't go there alone, or sober for that matter. read more

Brave bull has its ups and downs, but I gotta say the thing that keeps me away is that it seems so ragged, even if its trying to look "glam" the customers are a shady bunch usually and its kind of a mess. But the bartenders are on point and thats what has me coming back every so often. read more

Super friendly place for all peoples regardless of creed gender or orientatuon. Drag might is always super fun.

The best bar in town,hands down. I always feel safe and welcome whenever I'm there,and the drag shows are the best!

This place is super sketchy. Bad, bad location. There is always a couple of prostitutes standing out in front of the bar, they let minors in, drinks are weak and served in tiny glasses. Whole interior is run down. Bartenders are not very friendly. Place is just all around bad. If you want to dance, I suggest going to Climax. I understand this place has history, but that doesn't make it OK to be a sh**hole. I don't advise anyone to come here unless you want to pick up hookers or get a handy from a minor. read more

It's not the classiest, it's not the shabbiest. It's a place to let it all hang out and get buck wild. I have fun when I go here.

My friends and I love going to The Brave Bull when we just want to dance and have a fun time. They have the BEST music and drinks here! People are either rude or super nice! read more

Music here is always WAY too loud, the crowd is typically very ghetto, there is almost always a fight, the drinks aren't cheap BUT it IS the ONLY gay bar around with pool tables and country music so, that being said if you can look past the negative and are looking to chill this place is alright. read more

At first I thought this place was gonna be ghetto and expecting to see a fight or something from what the reviews said but after going,it's a really nice ,clean, place. I first walked in there was a huge disco ball, drinks aren't too expensive, everyone is friendly and minding their own I never felt uncomfortable. They have pool tables which were fun and it was way better than I expected.dont knock till you try it. Also the drag show was super fun. The host was hilarious and everyone has a great time. Id go there again and again read more

Not as good as tiki lounge but bigger and they have a pole! Pool tables, juke box and good dj.

Good place to hang out and really get you're dance on! Every time my friends come from out of town they want to go to the bull.

I hardly give this place a star. The service is terrible!! You will wait forever at the bar because the bartenders would rather chit chat with regulars. This place has a weird vibe, as if your not wanted there unless your a regular. I came on Halloween and my whole group felt unwelcome and took forever for any of us to get drinks. My group came wanting to have fun because gay bars usually play the best music but the dj was s***. The dj played mostly house music, a Selena song, and maybe 3 modern songs. Not to mention its in the worst area. Needless to say myself nor anyone that went with me on Halloween will ever return. Basically a total dump. read more

I truly miss this place as my wife (thats right I'm not gay a hung out here) moved to cold ohio and to avoid divorce i move aswell but never found a better bar to play in. all the room and the nice pool tables plus everything that went on in the place was so fun to watch. I had a blast and when I come out to visit I will be there for sure read more

I love the Brave Bul there are so many hot girls there. Oh yeah let me mention the pole awesome. If anyone wants to hook up and go let me know.It allow us to be open and love the dancing. read more

The Bull (as people call it) is Modesto's best kept secret. It is the best club in the area. It beats out all the straight clubs. I think straight people go here too simply because it's that good. The music is great. The D.J. knows how to mix stuff up. The drinks are cheap and really. The bartenders are nice. People that go here are very laid back and friendly typical of Modesto. You will definitly have a good time if you go here. It may seem like a sketchy place from the outside because it's on 9th street and the area is pretty dangerous but don't let that fool you. Once you go inside you're in a safe environment and you'll definitly have a good time. read more

My favorite place! I've been other places in modesto to dance and they are alright but I've never had as much fun and feel more comfortable as I do at the brave bull. The best time to go is on a Saturday sometime after 11. It really great! read more