What a difference a bartender makes. That point was made oh-so clear recently at what has long been the prototypical gay bar in the Castro. It's no accident that this has usually been the first place people think of to grab a drink in the 'hood since the 1970's. Its open front window and multiple video screens were considered groundbreaking back in the day. After a very long absence (we're talking years), I decided to take advantage of the 241 Happy Hour on a free late afternoon. The bartender was the big, burly type and he was as friendly as can be. I had a tantalizing Tequila Sunrise for the rock bottom price of $8.50 (photo: https://yelp.to/M7TYQcCQCo). He also left me a chip for a complimentary one. I was happy because other bars give you both drinks at once. My experience downshifted on my next visit a few weeks later. I returned later in the day, so it was more crowded but not overbearing. I sat at the bar where a completely different and younger person was tending. He appeared to engage with customers at his whim, and for whatever reason, I couldn't get on his radar because he just kept accepting other drink orders. When I finally told him, he gave me prune face and quickly made me the $12 Frozen Strawberry Lemonade light on the tequila (photo: https://yelp.to/xtcYQXK6cc). When I tried paying him, he snapped back, "Could you just wait a minute?" and then ignored me. Luckily I had a ten spot and two singles, so I left that on the bar and moved to a high-top table. The drink was delicious, but the snub left a bad aftertaste. DRINKS - 4 stars...I like the drinks served here... AMBIANCE - 4 stars...and the vibe is still chill, even as a solitary customer but... SERVICE - 2.5 stars...your experience will vary wildly depending on what bartender is in residence TOTAL - 3 stars...yeah, I'm stuck on 3 as a result RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC read more

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This place is a vibe and a half!! I stopped by after dinner and instantly started having fun! The bartenders are soo sweet! Shoutout to Cole especially for making my night! The drinks are really good my group highly recommend the strong and fruity! read more

Must visit for the bartender Summer- ask her to surprise you and you'll try the best drinks ever ! Cool spot, cheap drinks, and fun karaoke vibes for a Wednesday. - 2-4-1 ! read more

Midnight Sun - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

House of M's Barrelhouse Drag Brunch was a lot of fun this past Saturday. The performers were lovely and energetic, engaging the audience and filling us with laughter and smiles throughout the show. We also enjoyed the bday celebrants being put on the spot on stage, to entertain the crowd and keep everyone in good spirits. The venue was casual and inviting, with various seating options in a somewhat small space. The cocktails were tasty and made well (I got the lalo-rita). Also, food from Hot Johnnie's was easy to order using the QR codes at each table. We had some yummy bites for a late lunch, the sweet and spicy garlic shrimp stir fry, and monte cristo (absolutely love that irresistible smoky pastrami from HJ!). Everyone at the event was friendly and welcoming, ensuring a positive experience. I wouldn't hesitate to return. read more

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Their RuPaul Drag Night has been one shining light that we gays have not turned off the light in the Castro yet. A beautiful bar, I was there to meet some fellow Gay Nerds and hopefully eat actually in the almost adjacent Hot Johnny's, but Hot Johnny's was closed. Easy getting my nonalcoholic drink from the bar, no one even stared. Bartenders are hot bearish with the obligatory twink. Seating is comfortable for relaxing, and cruising is calm at most hours. For the alcohol.. they don't seem to water it down and their beer has no skunk. When I go to the Castro I usually relax there. Visit before we are extinct. read more

Midnight Sun has a lot of history going back to the early 80s when it was a dark, windowless, black interior watering hole. I know that because I used to go there almost every night for 2-4-1 happy hour when I lived on Castro. Luckily its 2-4-1 happy hour has survived! My friends and I usually make this a stop on our crawl when I'm I town. I remember the spliced VHS videos that were so awesomely original and hilarious. This still is the premier video bar in the Castro. Now there are huge windows that open to the street. Plus pandemic street curbside drinking space. The bartenders that served us were friendly and make good drinks. Happy hour is still packed, but everyone seems older than I recall LOL. read more

Midnight Sun - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Stopped in with a friend for happy hour cocktails before dinner. The vibe at Midnight Sun is exactly what you want when you're in the Castro - lively, energetic, and full of character. The bartender was incredibly friendly, fast, and always had a smile. We took advantage of the 2-for-1 happy hour specials and were seriously tempted to skip dinner altogether and just soak up the music and atmosphere! Alas, dinner called. -Don't miss it! read more

We happened to get into Castro right when they were having a holiday market and it was amazing. Stumbled into Midnight Sun and to our surprise it was 2 for 1 night until 9pm, the super friendly bartender had an amazing smile and helped our crew out with drinks. Everyone in the place was happy to be out and feeling festive. It was busy but there was still room to hang and talk with our friends. I'll for sure be going back. read more

Saw the DRAG show they hold every 3rd Tuesday here! The performers were very funny and fantastic, especially for a free show! The bar staff was friendly and accommodating! I only got a coca cola so I can't judge the drinks, but they have a wide variety of craft cocktails which look fun! The lights and big windows and screens are fun! read more

A Disheartening Night at Midnight Sun: A Drag Race Mexico Watch Party Gone Wrong As a visitor to San Francisco from Guadalajara, Jalisco, I was ecstatic to stumble upon Midnight Sun, a local bar that proudly advertised its watch party for Drag Race Mexico. I eagerly anticipated an evening filled with celebration, camaraderie, and a genuine appreciation for Mexican culture. Unfortunately, my excitement was quickly shattered, and I feel compelled to share my scathing experience. From the moment I entered the bar, it became apparent that something was amiss. The drag queen hosting the event, who should have been a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment, instead chose to engage in despicable behavior. To my dismay, she resorted to fat-shaming, skin tone shaming, and engaging in derogatory remarks regarding the performers on Drag Race Mexico. It was disheartening to witness such blatant disrespect towards individuals who were there to showcase their talents and elevate the art of drag. What struck me even more profoundly was the undertone of racism and classism that permeated the host's comments. Instead of embracing the diversity and beauty of Mexican culture, she spewed offensive stereotypes and derogatory insults, perpetuating harmful narratives. It is utterly unacceptable for anyone, let alone a drag queen who should champion acceptance and understanding, to belittle and demean others based on their race or social standing. To make matters worse, when a fellow Mexican attendee had the courage to confront the drag queen about her racist rants, he was promptly ejected from the bar. This blatant disregard for valid concerns and the silencing of authentic voices only further exemplified the toxic atmosphere that prevailed that night. I implore my fellow Mexicans, as well as any individual who values inclusivity and respect, to steer clear of Midnight Sun. It is painfully evident that this establishment does not welcome us but instead chooses to mock and denigrate us. It is disheartening to witness a bar that claims to celebrate the spirit of Drag Race Mexico exhibit such a lack of understanding and empathy towards the very culture it purports to honor. As a visitor to San Francisco, this experience stands out as one of the lowest moments of my trip. It is a stark reminder that even in spaces where we hope to find acceptance and celebration, prejudice and discrimination can rear their ugly heads. Let us not support establishments that engage in such harmful behavior and instead seek out places that embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and promote the true spirit of drag. We deserve better. Let us stand together and demand respect, both within our own communities and beyond. read more

Ordered my signature vodka diet coke (do not like sweet cocktails) & it was awful! Probably cheap vodka plus soda to vodka ratio is off. Drinks are overpriced as well at 7.50/ea. read more

Great Castro gay bar, always a decent crowd. The staff are all friendly. Shaun at the bar is terrific. He makes excellent drinks, delivers quick service, and is able to have fun with the customers. He's a real asset to the bar. Only suggestion would be to modernize the music selection? The 70s and 80s soundtracks are on constant repeat. read more

Went to a house party nearby and did some bar hopping after. Dropped by this place on a Wednesday evening. It is a super fun place. Friendly. Good and strong drinks. Fun karaoke. Nice performances. Really like the bartenders here. read more

Worst bar I have ever been to! I had not planned on leaving a yelp review but after seeing how other guests have been treated I wanted to say my peace. [Tw for those that are sensitive to blatant acts of transphobia and/or racism] My friends and I (black, trans man), who are all LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC wanted to celebrate PRIDE in the Castro. We had decided to make our first stop at the Midnight Sun to start off with a few drinks and hopefully some good music. For the first 30 minutes we were having an amazing time but as I was trying to buy a second round of drinks, the bartender made a snarky remark that my friends/"your people" need to control themselves. At the time I was unsure of what to even say to that because we had only been dancing and singing along to the music. If anything I would say the most outrageous thing we had done was kiki with those around us but thinking back I wish I had said something before it all escalated ughh. About 10-15 minutes after getting our second drink we were confronted by an older man that told us we had to leave. When I demanded to know why, I was told that I was acting inappropriately toward the other guests and they would not allow me to return. It's disgusting what he said "I did" that I can't even bring myself to repeat it. What's worse is that it was a blatant lie since I was with my friends the whole time!! I'm unsure if this whole situation was due to our race, identity, or how we were dressed but I will never come back to this bar for how they treated me and my friends. Luckily, the bar across the street, The Mix, were able to take care of us. My biggest regret is wasting my money on a cover fee for a bar that is catered towards white gays and told a bold faced lie to remove me from their klub. read more

They should follow their own rules. Waiter claims that tables are preset and aren't able to be moved but their table rules state otherwise. They accommodated other parties but not my party. read more

Midnight Sun - "Two tables may be combined for a maximum of 6 guests." - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've been coming here since I first moved to The City in the mid-1990's. I'm disabled and have always felt welcome here. Lately, (post-pandemic), I've come here during the week, early evening. The staff is very friendly and accomodating. Wednesday's are retro-video day, so that and the people make for a great experience. read more

I have to share that in addition to the already amazing staff, that Julio, really stands out. He is always customer present and is just an absolute joy to enter act with. He always has a smile on his face and looks to engage. Kudos to the management team for his being part of read more

Midnight Sun - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of my favorite places to visit when I am in San Francisco. I came for the drag brunch last time I was there. I had a blast, I can't wait to visit again. read more

Best bartender ! Look for Shaun ! Super fun guy! Always makes us laugh! Outstanding service Shaun ! See you soon again ! read more

Midnight Sun - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Walked in and my friend immediately had her cell phone and wallet stolen by a pickpocket. Shame that the staff at the door didn't really seem to care despite being aware that multiple people had had their phones stolen. read more

I love this place! Great pours and great vibe. I really love Mark the bartender! He makes everyone feel so welcome :) I hope to be back here really soon! I also love the drag brunches and gogo dancers! read more

The crew here really cares. Treat them correctly and they will treat you right. Oh and tip your bartenders!

I started coming to the Midnight Sun for happy hour when my favorite neighborhood bartender Marky started working here & the cutie bar-back (AKA: Q) never fails to put a smile on your face. Their specialty cocktail menu is top notch yet underrated. I highly recommend the Buddha's Elixir! read more

Midnight Sun - Buddha's Elixir - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

What lease bring Nico back on Friday nights. I miss her. She is one of the best bartenders at the Midnight Sun and I always enjoy seeing her. She always delivers a smile and amazing service. Please bring her back to a busy Friday night. Thank you! Best, David read more

My favorite bar in San Francisco. Drinks, staff and videos are great. i started going there over 30 years ago and spent every Gay Pride Festival there. Met some great people including my Husband there. read more

I had my credit card number stolen here several days ago, probably by an employee or someone with access to all the cards they hold at the bar. I hadn't used the card in weeks (SF was shut down, and I use another card regularly) and then handed it over here for 90mins while we ate/drank, as a card is required to hold a tab. The next day, I had a nearly $200 charge at Brenda's French Soul Food, an SF restaurant where I didn't eat and never go. The credit card company agrees this is the likeliest fraud scenario. Be careful here. PS I enjoy Midnight Sun and am glad to see it back. It's a shame--the drinks and snack were good and I left a good tip! If I come back, I will be paying cash. I'm also posting this here in the event the owner watches this page--maybe you have someone skimming numbers. read more

They made up crazy story of what you did and 86'd you. I have been a great customer even though this bar is mainly for White clients. So no thank you. I don't need to be in somewhere in San Francisco being discriminated. read more

Shaun is AMAZING!!!!!!!! Came in on a Tuesday night and it was slow but he made it soooo fun! He is great at his job!!! Definitely come visit any night of the week if he is here!! Jeffrey is great too! He taught us about the awesome history of the bar!!! This place is the best thanks to them! read more

Very poor and rude service! I was here to meet friends and the pony tailed bartender with the attitude problem short poured my drink. The dj told me it was my problem that I couldn't electronically tip him! I guess this place would be kinda good if this 2 employees weren't working when you went. There are many other bars in the Castro to choose where the bartenders are more friendly like the one 2 blocks away! read more

Came in on a Tuesday night and have to say Shaun is the best bartender in the Castro. Not only is he cute and pours a good drink but the conversation was great and he paid great attention to us. He made us feel extremely welcome and we would definitely come back any night that he is working. read more

Fun place great music, rude bartenders. Girl dressed up so rude and wouldn't stop. So come for the nice floor setup and music be ready for rude be bartenders read more

We got here an hour and a half and put request in on their request papers right before drag hostess showed up and our song weren't first she chose her friends first that's why we don't normally do drag karoake and it was outdated 70s crap read more

The service is exceptional! The ambiance is unreal due to DJ Lu. The best VJ I've ever experienced. Super amazing. The food from the neighborhood restaurant is also amazing. Best nachos ever! read more

Rudest bartender on Sunday at 1230pm thinking she all that...just cuz you can't or won't make a hot toddy for someone don't get an attitude...just Ugh...shameful... read more

Was here a couple days ago for Pride and both my girlfriend and I had our phones stolen when we walked in. When we told the staff member at the front door he was got very defensive about it and told us we should look after our shit better. Not quite the response we would have hoped for. We stayed for about an hour and also heard of at least 5 other people getting their phones stolen as well. Very disappointed how the whole situation was handled. I know it was very busy because of pride and a pick-pockets' ideal environment but the way the staff handled it was so very disappointing. read more

I love this bar! it's gotten even better over the years. Mark, the general manager has really transformed the place. I highly recommend. order from the seasonal cocktail menu! read more

First time there recently. There were a group of barflies at the end of the bar, about six older Caucasian men. I sat far away from them and went over to the bar to get a drink and was accused of "flirting" with one of their boyfriends. I was honestly just being friendly. They are not my type at all. The bartender found it easier to kick me out (per their orders) while these men shouted things at me. This has never happened to me, and the bartender was really rude and unwilling to hear me out. As a person of color this felt extra hurtful. I name called back, which was petty, but i felt defenseless and attacked. honestly, none of this was necessary and it felt racially motivated. i left and went back across the street where it was definitely friendlier, and i was allowed to peacefully have my drink. These older white men really don't want us in their spaces. Happy Pride! read more

Just dropped in to Midnight Sun for the Boogie Wonderland retro video on a Sunday afternoon and really enjoyed it! After messaging DJ Harston (his name was on the screens) he promptly played my request! Normally I wouldn't have chosen this place,but after seeing the notice outside,I'm here!! Oh,let's not forget mentioning the friendly b'tenders!! read more

So... love this place, but tonight of all nights was Pride, and my phone was stolen along with my keys. I now have to get my locks changed tomorrow. I'm a black gay man, so I would never resort to stereotyping, but I felt a hand in my pocket and saw a guy who was not dressed like anyone else in the club walk past me in a black sweatshirt and black jeans. It's Pride, everyone was dressed in colorful clothes except that guy. I told the bouncer outside, but he wouldn't listen to me and only focused on the fact that I was holding a bottle of water near the exit rather than the fact that I was robbed. One of the employees standing inside near the entrance was useless (he would barely make eye contact with me when I tried to politely explain the situation), but thankfully one of the security guards tried to help. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to find the phone. He questioned the guy I suspected, but no action was taken. He told my boyfriend he thought there was a group of four targeting people in the bar, but still nothing was done. I'm very disappointed in overall security at the bar, so I'm not sure if I'll be back here any time soon. The situation was handled very poorly. read more

I've been going to Midnight Sun for few months and Mark is my favorite bartender. He smiles and generally likes to see my friend and I come in. He plays games with us on game nights. Thanks Barry read more