Moby Dick is probably my favorite neighborhood Bar in The Castro. The Bartenders are very nice and personable (both Johns and Patrick are the best). The bar is clean, the drinks are not over priced, and there is pool and pinball. The music is not too loud, making it a nice place to meet friends for conversation. They are known for their 2-for-1 Frozen Margaritas. They are offered at the 2-for-1 rate all the time, and are popular. Unfortunately their happy hour doesn't include Call drinks, only Well drinks and a daily special. It would be nice if they had a happy hour food. read more

After coming here for years and enjoying the casual, comfortable vibe, time capsule music, and low key pool table, we had a bad experience with a bartender. We have brought our dog in here and enjoyed many rounds of beers, many times. We've been here without our dog and spent time with other patrons' dogs of all sizes. Yesterday we were refused service because we had our dog with us, refused after the bartender appeared to take his time getting around to talking to me. Before he even starting talking, this bartender made me feel unwelcome. I don't expect to feel unwelcome in a gay bar as a gay man. I get not allowing dogs if you have started serving prepared food. I get not allowing dogs if the place is super crowded. Neither of these things were the case. Also, if you need me to lie about the dog being a service dog when it's not, you're encouraging ridiculous behavior. There are a lot of choices in the city to drink and unless you're serving prepared food, it is the business' discretion to allow dogs. If the policy changed, apologize about it--I get it. But this bartender is unfriendly and the reason we won't be back. read more

There are a lot of bars in the hood, but I do usually end up either here or the Mix. It is certainly a scene in here but it has a good vibe and I like it, especially to bring friends from out of town. They have a tongue in cheek name, pinball and pool, and trough bathrooms, what else can you ask for from a Castro bar? OH the best thing is that during Xmas they put a nativity set in the awesome fishtank... and the bartender pointed out the baby Jesus is missing its head. I nearly spit out my drink laughing. I'd say it is rather clique-ish here, so I'd bring friends. read more

I love this place! I am a total convert. I used to dislike this place quite alot, but my friends just kept dragging me back. Now, If I'm in the Castro, I'm probably there at some point. Good drinks, VERY laid back atmosphere and great mix of people. Young/Old, Ethnicities of all sorts, Pool players/Pinball players. Big thumbs up. Also, the cheapest place to get your drunk on in the Castro with the 2 for 1 frozen margaritas. Yumm. :) read more

I couln't taste the diet in my jack. I was in heaven. Wandered in alone and wound up bar hoppin with three new friends. I know one of them wanted to trick. Silly gays. This is one of my favorite bars and I have only been here 3 times. There is plenty of space and decent music that you can have a conversation over without screaming. It's super casual, which is a minus for me, but it seems like everywhere in SF is super casual. I'm not in Scottsdale any more toto. read more

I went here with some friends for the first time and I had a great time. The drinks here were strong, which I like, and all the other bar patrons seemed very nice and relaxed. I would avoid the bathroom though unless you really really have to go. They have a full length mirror in front of the trough so there is no way you can hide without any strangers seeing it. read more

Tom was AMAZING!! We came from San Diego to visit and Tom made our experience amazing here! Such a vibrant soul and so attentive and fun and courteous! 10/10 would come again! read more

This is a brilliant bar in the Castro. On Tuesdays all draft beer is $2, and you can't get much better than this. Slightly more chilled vs others in the area, and bar staff are lovely. And sometimes there are Doritos if you sit at the bar... read more

Every time I go to Moby Dick, I have a really good time. I rang in '07 there and had a lot of fun. The music is so-so -- not eardrum-meltingly bad like, say, Badlands. It's just a bit cheesy sometimes. The crowd is usually fun, though, and consists of guys of all sorts/ages, usually leaning toward the scruffy side (which is FINE by me). And the drinks BURN. read more

I have been to this neighborhood bar a few times and I have to say I have always enjoyed myself. My one gripe with this bar is that they still do not accept credit cards, however with the nice atmosphere of this bar it is a minor set back. While sitting at the bar one cannot help but to admire the large salt water aquarium directly behind the bar. Pay close attention and it does not take long to take notice to the interesting and not so subtle shape of the rocks in the tank. Kind of reminds you of why or why you may not be in The Castro that evening. This Bar is also a little off the main strip just slightly so you kind of avoid some of the little queens that roam around. read more

I like this place!! I'm usually one of the only women in the entire place and the men want absolutely nothing to do with me! They will be friendly and share their space, unlike at the 440 club on Castro (!!!) but usually only when I initiate it. Otherwise, the pinball is great! Addam's Family is my favorite, but watch out for the one of the far left, it tends to jam. read more

Great happy hour and crowd. Doesin't get cheek to cheek crowded like some other bars. Watch out for the red lit bathroom with the mirror over the urinal... I have some STORIES about that! read more

OK OK Brian G. called me out on my review, which rightfully needs an update. Prior to earlier this year, I had never been to Moby Dick's on a weeknight, which is essentially where it's really at. The crowd is minimal, the drink specials are rockin' and the atmosphere is totally chill. I myself like to play or watch others play pool. You meet some rad folks. So my sage advice would dictate coming here on weeknights but avoiding it like the plague on weekend nights. read more

See my review of The Sausage Factory Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. [Thanks for looking out, Cyn.] read more

I came here because a coworker told to try their frozen margaritas, since we were going to be in the area we decided to stop by! First the waiter was very rude while taking our orders. After he gave us our drinks he told us while pointing to a sign which I already read and said "I need you to move and clear this area" all before I was able to tell him there was something in my drink. I was very shocked at the tone and disregard to the customer. I was able to flag him down, he gave me a new drink and gave me two tickets that said "2 for one". We ended up leaving and coming back because I had left my debit card, since we were back I tried to use the tickets. I gave one to another bartender and he just looked at my confused while I tired to explain it said 2 for 1 he just gave me a frozen margarita and said that's it? I was so confused by the whole situation that just left me with bad vibes. So I'd say this place probably has stuff in frozen margaritas so often that they have a ticketing system to give out free margaritas. But at the point cross out the 2 for 1 or write "one free frozen margarita"? I'd say skip this place and their frozen margaritas because the service here is BAD VIBEs! read more

OK so I was expecting this place to be scary. BUT I LOOOOVED how it wasn't crowded unlike qbar-a place that makes you feel disgusting and sweaty and yuk. MY cheap ass also LOVED the specials ($6 2-for-1 Margarita frozen drink every day except Sunday, god bless you) and the bartender for entertaining my drunk questions. I think my friends loved the retro junk playing on the vidscreens last night too. YAY read more

Strong drinks, Strong men, I'm in. I've had to wait and it gets crowed but I always like 2 remind people who complain about this; you live in a crowded city and you are out on a Sat night when all the out-of-towners are up, so why are you suprised? It's where twinks go to grow up when they get hair on their chest. read more

I want to go, where everybody knows your name. And you're always glad you came! Walking through the double doors at Moby's is like stepping into a community of friendly faces and good times. THIS is the epitome of a "neighborhood bar." The staff are superbly friendly and are pretty heavy handed when it comes to pouring a nice Sapphire and soda with a lemon twist. Mostly known for their 2 for 1 Sex on the Beach slushies, they are also known for the four pinball machines and pool table that is never covered. The right side of the establishment is lined with benches from the moment you walk in, and continues up the stairs to the very rear. Two or three fans keep the air flowing as best as they can overhead, while three screens keep you entertained with brilliant colors if the guy you came on a date with is boring. Take a gander into the fish tank and do not be mistaken...that coral does look rather phallic. :OP It can become extremely crowded here Friday and Saturday nights, some come prepared and don't wear flip flops. Typically people begin their evenings here and venture off to other venues later in the night. Cheers! read more

The four stars are for context... I usually don't like the Castro because of the meat market filled with horrible music. I like good music (snob) and Moby Dick's every three or four songs will play a good track that fills me with joy, only to be brought down by crappy American pop. I've heard them play some Cure songs, New Order, and I think the Smith's once... Duran Duran too! I do like the atmosphere of just a regular bar, which Moby Dick is, not too many frills other than a pool table and some pinball machines. No special or flashing colored lights, rounded metal fixtures, or plastic anything. The crowed is a bit older, but it's surely because experience has shown them that the other places in the Castro aren't so hot. Oh, I think the bartender who use to have a fairly long mustache and beard, but now trimmed down, is hot. And yes, they do have a trough with a mirror over it and no, it does not bother me ;) read more

This is the last place that I want to be in an earthquake... with the giant aquarium above the bar and all. That being said... this is one of my favorite places to be in SF the rest of the time. Growing up in Las Vegas, I was pretty sure that all bars had margaritas on tap at all times... and that they came frozen... thank goodness Moby's does not disappoint this view of the world for me... The drinks are strong, the men attractive, and the atmosphere lowkey (if worrysome in an earthquake). Well worth the visit! read more

Cheap with good atmosphere and music. $2 beer on Tuesdays - best deal I've ever seen! Pool table is fun too. read more

Moby Dick - Bar with aquarium - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

As a woman, I appreciate the laid-back, chill but hip atmosphere of this bar. Every time I'm in there, I meet really fun, talkative men and women! If you're a woman in the Castro, you can't say that about a lot of bars. The bartenders are very sweet as well! read more

Even my non-drinkin' pardner in crime likes to come to Moby's to check out the nice looking dudes "our age" and younger. Nice place to chat up the straight chicks who love this joint to have love-gossip sessions with their queer man-pals. All-in-all a reasonably good place to get a buzz on before headin' for more cruisy shores. I particularly like the place on a sunny afternoon when the half door is open next to the pool table. The sun comes in, the breeze is fine and my martini is made just how I asked the hunky bartender to shake it. read more

Always have a great time @ Moby Dick's !~ Best bartenders - nice AND sexy!~ Music and overall vibe is a perfect match. read more

They serve Vodka Sodas in a glass mug, need I say more. Actually I think they serve all the drinks in glass mugs! Went here last weekend with some friends, needed to get away for a minute from Alameda, so somehow I ended up at MD's. The place is fun and I think it's a great place to go with a group of friends and check out the local uhhum "scenery", it's SF so there's a lot to check out. Drinks are made well and the bar staff is pretty chill and friendly, don't you love it when a bartender hands you your drink with a smile? Right. One thing I would change is the front door. I swear that thing will either bruise someones hand or if you are the right height, may make you sterile. This door is heavy, has a top half and bottom half, and swings with a vengeance. So watch out. Next time you find yourself wandering around the area, hit em up for a drink. read more

Moby Dick is the business - a clean, straight-friendly gay bar with a sweet crowd. The doorman is swell the drinks are strong the prices are good. Great selection of music videos playing on giant screens. I kept popping up to twirl to the beat. No one cared. I admit to being sensitive to attitudes and there was zero. Granted, it was around Halloween and I was sporting a Minnie Mouse costume with ears! Felt perfectly at home. We sat near the front door. Mainly gay, very straight friendly crowd. Very nice friendly folk. I'd go there anytime with anyone I know, secure in our comfort and enjoyment. Hell, I'd even go there alone .... One of the co-owners, Scott, bought us a round just cause I told him I bussed some nearby glasses! Sweet. PS If I were a gay man I'd go there to find a boyfriend, those men are hot as hell, fit, well dressed, good skin ... read more

Use to love this place so I am sad to be writing this review. The next time you pour me a drink bartender, that tastes like floor cleaner, your taking it back. Couldn't drink it. Being a bartender doesn't mean just flooding a glass with cheap and awful liquor and a splash of mixer and serving it. I mean I get why you did it. That night looked like everyone got beat to death with an ugly stick upon entry, but come on! You have to make drinks you yourself would actually drink. Get rid of that Rum it is actually Mr Clean! I use to love this place... A broken down frozen drink machine here means its off for the night I guess... read more

Fun place. They have pinball machines in the back of the house. The drinks are extremely strong. Two will set the scene for a fun night. Will return again. read more

This couldn't be a nicer or more friendly establishment. Kim and Patrick are the sweetest. They are attentive and wanting to please. The patrons are regulars and all so friendly. Whether you are with a group or solo I highly recommend popping in to one of the oldest bars in the heart of the Castro. read more

I came here and got my cherry popped with some a big fat cock!!!! Definitely recommend!! I will be back boys ;)

Great venue - love the fish tank Lovely staff Fantastic drink specials during the week Pinball machine(S) Great pool table action. Good looking friendly crowd all be it a bit young read more

Moby Dick is an institution that still more than hold it's own in the Castro. A full service bar, with great bar tenders where everyone is welcome. The place is maintained well and it's good place to bring anyone - even your straight cousin from Kansas! read more

Great local bar. And Tuesday's the beers were two bucks a pop! Everyone was friendly and welcoming!

This is actually a great bar - not so much a "sodomy on the high seas" vibe as much as a "pet store specializing in fish but selling alcohol" sort of feeling about it. I (finally) figured out whence the name: look for the sculpture in the aquarium. read more

The two stars are for when my girl friend and I went before here before knitting classes for cocktails. There was no one there and it was comfortable. Then again we could have been anywhere. The weekend is another story. This place is just too crowded and noisy. It is impossible to have a conversation there and the way it's set up you spend the evening being pushed around and spilled on. read more

reminded me of a middle school dance: it seemed like a bunch of people were just standing around, waiting for someone to talk to them. maybe i came on a bad night? read more

I was walking through the Castro looking for a friendly neighborhood bar. I walked, and walked, then skipped to the door of Mobi Dick. The bartender was Chris and he was welcoming, informative, and very easy on the eye. He coached me through the drink specials in his black tank top which matched his black beard. Chris poured me a frozen margarita and it delighted me. I had four more then parted ways with my new, favorite bartender of the Castro. I hope to visit again soon. Thanks Mobi Dick. FYI - Cash Only. read more

Moby Dick's 2 for 1 cold slushy Sex on the Beach special on Sundays is pretty hard to deny when you're passing through and a little parched. The vibe is laid back and the crowd is a little more mature (not necessarily older, but just less wild) than the few other Castro bars I've been to, though I'm sure it gets wild on weekend nights. The only time I've been here was on a warm and non-overcast summer afternoon, and the windows and doors were all open so the room was airy and cool, loud with chatter, all with a 90s and today pop music backdrop. LOVED IT. read more

Ok, so I have been back and loved the place. Of course, the bartender I had was really nice and made some really strong vodka cran's. It was not too crowded the night I went and my friends and I had a good time. I think I just went on a bad night the first time but had a really great time the last time I went. The music was good and all the bartenders were really cool. Its was almost like I was in a completely different place. Thanks for the good drinks and smiles. read more

Fantastic bar. Really friendly and funny bar tenders. Very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 2 for 1 on frozen margaritas. Loved them. Would highly recommend this bar. Loved it. read more