Music and dancing on point. Bartenders are not. Happy hour special advertised until 9pm, 2 for 1 special +$1. I came up for the second time that night and ordered my drinks. Bartender charged me full price. I went back to get my wallet and also peeked at my phone. Showed him it was 8:59 and said "it's still happy hour, yay!" he goes "no, it's over..." and I show him my phone again, to which he again says "no, it's over" really rudely. I paid full price, said thank you and continued on with my night. Rude. read more

The karaoke coordinator was FULL ON drunk. He was not operating fairly. He would flirt with the attractive women and let them sing before other people even through they came in after other parties. TERRIBLE BAR! read more

Great place for people who get off on being treated like shit by ushering staff. Went to Toad Hall last night with my date after dinner. Waited at the entrance for a few minutes with no one ushering us in, eventually ventured inside looking for "any" member of staff. Then this guy rudely tells us to get out... We were both taken aback by the rudeness and tried to reason with him that we waited outside he just kept waving us out. I told him his behavior was extremely rude but he didn't really care. We then went to Beaux on Market street which had polite ushering and waiting staff. Really boggles me how places like Toad Hall survive with such abysmal service. read more

It's been a long time coming and - despite not really wanting to - we actually love Toad Hall. We've become happy-hour regulars, (not late-night clubbers), and really like the clean, comfortable design, the easy-on-the-eyes and friendly bar staff, the music and, most of all, the great rear patio. True, there is nothing particularly creative or unique about Toad Hall. But, then again, so many of the Castro watering holes feel shabby and are filled with depressed drunks, these days, so I suppose it IS unique that the place is fresh and happy. There are a few "pet peeves," I'm afraid. We've been ordering the same drinks, several times a week, for several months. They are almost ALWAYS out of our preferred fruit, (nothing fancy, just a lemon twist or, failing that, a lemon wedge), and often out of our preferred liquor, (again, nothing fancy, Sky, Bacardi). You'd think someone would mention that this happens daily and that they would fix it. (Business Hint: If you're constantly running out of something, it probably means you're selling a lot. Maybe you should stock a little more). And, who ever heard of a bar that doesn't have coffee? On these cold winter days, it would be so nice to have an Irish, or Kahlua Coffee but, while they have the liquors, they don't have the coffee. (The bartender suggested I run down to Starbucks, once, and that they would add the liquor when I came back!). Anyway, despite the pet peeves, we really enjoy the bar, staff (although it would be nice if they could remember what the regulars drink), and the crowd. A perfect after-work stop off. read more

I like this place because I feel that the music is great. It's the closest thing to Hip-Hop on a Saturday night in the Castro. Although owned by the same owners as Badlands, the crowd here is anything but. The people here seem more down-to-earth and the ventilation is much better (with the exception with one night when their A/C wasn't working). It is relatively crowded on a Friday and Saturday night but not nearly as packed as Badlands. Sidebar: With all of these new bar/clubs popping up (i.e. Trigger, Toad Hall, The Cafe, Q Bar) I think that Badlands is in need of an update. Anyway, Toad Hall is fun and the music is fun and the crowd is fun. So go! Find me and ask me to dance! :) read more

I would probably give this place 3 or 3.5 stars. I checked this place out for the first time last night (Saturday night) - got in around 11:00pm. No cover, there was a line of about 15 or 20 people, but the line moved fairly quickly. It's basically one large room with a full bar, and an outdoor patio/smoking area outside. The outside area has a smaller bar. The place was fairly packed. Wait at the bar was pretty reasonable - while the bar was pretty full, I didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes to get my drink order in. Prices were cheap too - 5 or 6 bucks for a Jack and Coke. Like a lot of gay bars, they don't go chinzy on the alcohol so the drinks were strong. Music was pretty standard - they were playing 80's at first - Michael Jackson, Madonna, etc. and then switched over to mainstream hip hop/club music. Overall, I'll probably be back - it wasn't a standout or crappy place. I'm always down for no cover and cheap drinks though :) read more

Toad Hall is definitely my favorite bar/dancing spot in the city. Close behind is Temple, but Toad Hall beats it for a couple reasons. 1. You will never find cheaper drinks. They have $5 well cocktails, and when I say cocktails I mean a cup full of liquor with a splash of mixer. They do not taste good, but they do the job. 2. The music is really fun (90s/throwbacks + newer dance music + music to sing along to), and they play music videos which is a cool addition. 3. I rarely feel like it's too crowded. The dance floor isn't big, but there's usually enough space to dance without getting annoyed. Notes: - if you're a girl this place is great because it's a gay bar, so you won't have to deal w guys hitting on/touching you - if you're a guy you may have to deal w guys hitting on/touching you if you don't come with a group of girls. If you come w a couple girls you should be good. read more

great little locals place for drinks. bartenders were friendly and good. watched videos on the tvs. these newer younger singers are only good at slithering around and have no dancing skills at all. read more

Toad Hall is one of the larger gay bars in the Castro. I like to come here for the large patio. Crowd is mixed. They have 2 bars. Dance floor is huge. Drinks are strong and they offer happy hour most nights. Large mens bathroom outside. Karaoke Sunday and Tuesday. read more

See all

was in the neighborhood at a friend's house. After dinner and lots of laughter we walked over to Toad Hall..... I've been to a couple of gay bars on Market and one thing --- the most important thing --- they seem to get right is the music! boy oh boy! Great music, good transition and not super crowded...... we danced until it was 1:45am, lights turned on and they forced us to leave! didn't try any cocktails, went straight for the shots ;-) so. much. fun. read more

On 9/27/19 at 3:31pm my friend who is a person of color entered your Bar. Your bartender told her that she was in the wrong bar and that she needed "to get out now!l this happened right after a caucasian male went in from the patio and told him that she didn't purchase a drink which was a lie. I want all the people of color stay away from this bar! What my friend experienced was a form of racism and discrimination first hand!! This is unacceptable!! read more

Toad Hall is my favorite bar in the city, hands down! Fun music to dance to and cheap drinks...how could it be better?? The heavy pours and low cost make it the easiest place to get drunk in the city and I'm never disappointed. Only thing is I wish they accepted credit cards. It's a hassle to get cash before going but it's well worth it. read more

Good bar but security sucks. Multiple people I know have been assaulted or had wallets / phones stolen. great night thanks guys

When some friends texted me to meet them here I was a little confused by the choice. I don't have any objection to hanging out at gay bars. I generally prefer having the illusion, even if unlikely, that it's possibly to meet women when I'm out drinking. This is either a short bus ride from the Mission, 33 Stanyan, or a longish uphill walk; I got lucky and barely caught the bus. I didn't immediately notice that there was a patio in the back so when I walked in and didn't see my friends I thought I might have gone to the wrong place. Once I walked around a bit I figured it out. The patio is a little small but very nice with a separate bar so you don't have to walk back in every time you drink. There are flyers stuck to the walls promoting the drink specials, each one had a different drink with the description and the price and they were tacked up all over in no order or pattern. I don't have a crippling OCD, just enough for something like this to bug me. to be honest I was a little overwhelmed. I sat and talked to my friends a little at first without getting a drink but they weren't having it and berated me until I went up to the bar. I tried the drink specials called a "strawberry cosmo" listed for $5. That alone is a good deal. When the bartender started making two I was confused and asked him if he'd heard that I just wanted one, his reply was " It's two for one". On top of that they were both doubles. What I'm getting at is that you get giant cocktails here for $2.50 each. I was reading a text on our way out and walking kind of slow so my friends accused me of cruising the bar. My reply was that just because I'm not interested doesn't mean I don't like the attention. read more

So is Toad Hall up to its "old tricks"? At a recent happy hour experience - all are allowed in with basic reviews of our IDs except one African American friend is NOT allowed in because his ID is a few weeks expired. The picture is STILL HIM and his Birthday HAS NOT CHANGED. He can get through security at the friggin AIRPORT with an expired ID - but not into Toad Hall? Hmmmm - one has to wonder... And just think of all that money they lost! So we ALL went to The Mix where you can be a friggin Green Martian for all they care! Anyway. Carry on... read more

Toad hall itself is usually wonderful - my favorite bar in the Castro - large outdoor patio, less intense crowd than badlands, great music, friendly bartenders, and cheap drinks. Last night though, one of the guys on staff who clears empty glasses - white, 30-ish, brown hair - started hitting on me as I was waiting for a friend to come out of the bathroom. When I made it clear that I wasn't interested (taken), he got irate and accused me of being vomit-level drunk - suggesting that he would have me thrown out. I was dumbfounded at his insane abuse of power / sexual harassment, but he left me alone when I asked to speak to someone else on staff. Later on as I was dancing with my friends, he walked out of his way so he could elbow me. Wicked petty. Don't try to punish guys for not being into you, you insecure douchebag. read more

i have lived in San Francisco for nearly 20 years. I have hosted a happy hour every Friday for 10 years. I keep wanting to have Happy Hour at Toad Hall, but a large percentage of us drink white wine (duh, it's California). They typically stock one bottle of some white, which I will want to myself. This is not difficult...have several bottles of chardonnay on hand. It doesn't go bad. This is my third and last complaint before I know that I will never tell anyone to visit this bar. Sad, considering that Toad Hall is a legendary place. Legendary in location alone. Watch it as well, the bar backs will steal your drinks way before you are done and the bartenders pour miserable pours unless you ask for chardonnay at the back bar from a woman who know her stuff! She should own the place! Bottom line: The owners of Sadlands (Badlands) need to understand that a is a different client. I would rather cut my eyes out with a grapefruit spoon than go to their sister bar, Badlands. Not a glowing review. Go elsewhere. read more

I used to love this bar but after the experience i had last night i don't think I'll EVER go back. BEWARE OF RUDE employees of the establishment! Avoid this bar if you can! If i could give this place zero stars, I would! It is terrible! The restrooms are disgusting and the space is too small. Go to Badlands instead!!! First of all the bouncer insulted my best friend telling her she looked 10 years older in her drivers license and accused her repeatedly of it being her mothers! He then proceeds to yell at us when we tried to validate its authenticity. Second, the bartenders were extremely rude, one told us "he was there to make our drinks, not hear about the problems with the bouncer!" read more

Eh. I think the big problem I have with this place is that it is almost an exact replica of Badlands, right across the street. I mean, it is much newer, and a tad "fancier", but the people and the (crappy) bartenders are pretty much the same. In words: * Boring * Sanitized * White * Loud Not my cup o' tea. I'm goin' to Q Bar instead. read more

I can't believe someone below said this place was fancy. What planet did you land from? Anyway, this bar is essentially an extension of Badlands across the street. Cheesy decor, awful music (I walked in as they were playing a remix of David Archiletta...Really?), and the same Badlands crowd. I also don't understand why they make the staff wear those cheesy toad hall shirts. Wouldn't you quit if you were forced to wear the same shit brown t-shirt everyday? My friends and I literally ran for the door after we chugged our drinks. I will give them one star for a semi-decent outdoor patio. Hate to be negative, but seriously, this was a joke. read more

Never have I ever...had a bad time here! The crowd is always decent, the bartenders (same as Badlands across the street) are always so nice and know how to a pour a good strong drink. Head straight to the back patio. It's heated, there's a second bar out there and the better looking crowds of people usually congregate there. read more

NOW OPEN. If The Mix, Lime and Badlands had a baby it's name would be Toad Hall. The place is definitely fancy, especially when considering it's in the Castro. Decent sized indoor area with three wells for drinks and a large open area where dancing can take place but not a dance floor per say. Video monitors, crazy loud music, cheap drinks. The cool part is there's a large outdoor area (larger than The Mix I think) where you can also get drinks and smoke your lungs out. They definitely closed up shop at 10 last night so not sure if the outdoor area will be open late night. Overall a welcome addition to the Castro. Three stars for now but definitely room to improve. Sweet. read more

Went there about a week ago....it's definitely more of a bar than a place for dancing, even though there's a dancefloor. The music is horrible (same electro remix beats all night long) , but the drinks are okay. Big patio in the back. No cover before a certain time (usually like 9pm-ish), and even then it's cheap. However I almost had to put the bartender in check; first a couple kept walking past me and my friend (probably because they didn't think we were "cute enough"), and then the one who did finally help us still didn't look pleased to serve us. Well, F you too dude. You wish you were all that but you're not. I really should have gotten his name. There was the happy hour special still going on, get 1 drink and the other one is only like a $1, so I ordered two strawberry cosmos. And the bartender stupidly asks "One or two sets?" I didn't understand what he meant at first so I just repeated myself with "No, 2 strawberry cosmos please" and he rudely ROLLED HIS EYES at me and was like "Yeah, but do you want 1 or two sets??" with a snobby attitude. Um HELLO?? Do you see four people standing in front of you? When I first made the order I pointed to me and my friend next to me, the ONLY TWO GUYS in front of you, and I said TWO COSMOS. NOT TWO SETS OF COSMOS. So of course I only tipped him one lousy dollar, and I made sure to stand there at the same spot and wait for him to be even more disappointed when he picked it up. I don't know what's up with the snobby SF bars I've been having to deal with lately. Here's the thing, it wouldn't even have been much of a big deal if he didn't have such a messed up attitude while talking to me. It wasn't even that busy to be annoyed with customers so early on; if you don't like the bar scene take your shallow conceited behind out into the world and get a real job then. read more

After getting out of Rifftrax Live, my friend who lives in the Castro said walk to Toad Hall. Sure, and thank you Google Maps. First thing I noticed was there was no bouncer carding. Maybe the Castro is more laid back like that? But ran into my friend and some of his friends in the main bar area - typical layout with bar on one side, a counter by the windows, some booths on the far wall from the bar, and a large open area for dancing in between, with TVs playing music videos everywhere. Not sure if it's like this every night, but they had $3 well drinks. My friend joked how it was like cheap drinking in college again. It definitely tasted cheap and mistake-y, just like college. The drink was vile, but you get what you pay for. Seriously, pay the extra $3 for Jack or just power through. There is also an outdoor patio with its own bar, but that bar closes a bit early. Plenty of heat lamps outside. In either area it wasn't cramped. Some observations -everyone knows everyone else -casual, positive vibe in both rooms. Considering the view from just walking past the Badlands, I'm glad my friend picked here. -I didn't realize how hardcore the drag queen scene is. I know, Castro, Duh! But it's another thing to have an Empress hopeful come in with fliers, fans, and stickers. To Deena Cartier, Imperial Crown Princess to the 22nd reign, Imperial Star Empire of Alameda - you have my vote. -Trying to explain Rifftrax and Mystery Science Theater 3000 was more difficult than powering through the cheap drink. read more

Like a late bloomer, Toad Hall Bar finally came into its own... or maybe it got kissed by the right "princess" and Prince Charming popped out! SMOOCHES! After a rather dismal time at Trigger, my friends and I decided to head to THB around 11PM. I wanted to "cleanse" my Trigger experience, as well as check out how THB was doing. All in all, I left happy coz I had a good time! - Bartenders were friendly as always and got our drinks in no time - Place was not as packed as the last time I visited it so it was nice to be able to move around - My favorite space is still the smoking patio since the crowd here is even more laid back, chilled out and friendly than the ones inside - The bar out back in the patio is a life-saver if you don't want to go back in to the bar out front - Bouncer was friendly, no-attitude kind of guy - Music was still kinda "meh" but the crowd made up for that - Unpretentious, friendly and diverse crowd made it a good night - Made some new friends which is always fun - The space was clean overall which is always a good thang - As other reviewers has stated, its a mix of The Mix and Badlands This "princess" love Toad Hall Bar long time! SMOOCHES! read more

Great place to get happy hour drinks. We randomly came in here and found out their happy hour was 2 for 1. The bartender said they were trying something new and didn't know the set time so maybe this is new? My boyfriend and I ordered a Moscow Mule and it was great for its price! In regards to the atmosphere, they play more old school music here that's not my taste, but this is a great place to get some drinks! read more

Always have a good time, smoking patio out back, great bartenders and staff! Honestly, the intensity at Badlands ALWAYS sends me packing to chill and conversate with my friends at Toads. We end up here many many nights getting shitty and never regret it. Most of my friends agree, "we'll take a regular Toad Hall night over a busy bar any day." But honestly, check these bartenders out, some of the nicest and fastest servers in town! read more

Whenever we go out in the Castro, we usually head to the Lookout, then The Cafe or Badlands. Some friends suggested that we try Toad Hall for a change. Cool, we like checking out new places, and the Castro usually does not disappoint. The drinks were cheap and STRONG (typical of Castro bars). The Long Island's were quite deadly. I marveled over how spacious Toad Hall is. I couldn't tell if it's because the venue is larger than other bars, or if it's because fewer people come here. Either way, I was happy. Then things started to go horribly wrong... One of our friends made the mistake of throwing an empty, plastic liquor bottle into the trash can near the bar. You know, one of those little liquor bottles you get on the plane. The bartender immediately escorted him out. Something about putting their liquor license at risk. It was stupid of our friend to do that right under the bartender's nose. Very stupid. I get that the bar has to follow certain rules and regulations, uphold certain standards, etc. What I don't get is why the bartender was so rude to the rest of us. There were about 15 people in our group. Most people had no idea what had just happened or why it had happened. We asked the bartender, very politely, what was going on. Instead of just answering the question in a reasonable manner, he immediately snapped at us, accused us of wanting to cause trouble and threatened to call the police. Uhh, wow. It all makes sense now. This is why this place is so empty. Rude bartenders. Our group, of course, took off immediately to another bar. read more

Toad Hall is one of our group of friends' go to places in the Castro. Their Happy Hour is very similar to that of Badlands. 2-for-1's are great and their $5 specials are great, too. The dance floor is very small, but the outdoor patio compensates for it. The staff here are friendly and remember you very quickly. Thanks Pam for always making me feel welcomed! Music is usually good; except for the 4-5 track run of Euro pop which sounds like crap. Other than that, Toad Hall is a solid bet on good drinks, good vibes, and good times. read more

Friends came down for a weekend get away for a friends birthday. We went out to Toad Hall around 8:00 pm. A nice bartender named Theo approached right a way making sure we were taken care of. He was sweet and in every way assertive as to what we needed. I reached out to have a small talk with him and he was one of the most friendliest people I met bartending here at Toad Hall. read more

Normally I don't like to write bad reviews but I am still appalled by this particular interaction days later. I came here the Saturday night before Halloween, and went up to the bar to ask for a water cup. It was towards the end of the night and not crazy busy. The bartender (dark hair, had a moon tattoo I think) told me to pick up one of the water cups that had been sitting there... "that's why they're there" he said. I asked for a new one and explained those had been sitting there. In retrospect he may have thought I was implying they were warm, but his whole attitude sucked and he made it seem SO inconvenient. Sorry I don't want to take a chance on roofied water?? He was working within 5+ feet of those waters at any given time and they were well within reach to anyone. Women are consistently taught not to take drinks we haven't seen poured or leave drinks unattended. I will gladly and patiently wait my turn for a water I know is safe AND I actually tip a buck or two on water cups. read more

This place is so much fun. Be careful of the GBPs (Gay Bar Pours) because they not quick. I just wish this place had more toilets because going to the bathroom will take a while with only 2 toilets. This place does have all gender bathrooms but they aren't private. So most likely it's a lot of people of all genders packed into one bathroom, if that makes you uncomfortable I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Badlands part two. I can't quite figure out its identity. Doesn't seem to do anything that unique of special. But it's here. It's queer. I'm used to it. read more

***Cash only, kids! I didn't think that one through when we decided to head out for the evening while we were visiting SF. It was nice being able to do a gay bar pub crawl, but I honestly didn't do enough research about where all the lesbians go. Is it so wrong to wrong a nice mix?! I didn't think so. Either way, we enjoyed a stiff drink while watching some sweet music videos but it was still early in the evening so there weren't a lot of people there yet. We ending up staying for just one drink but this tiny little spot could be fun for dancing. read more

Ya know, as time has passed and other, far more creative bars have opened up in the Castro (and elsewhere), my lukewarm love for Toad Hall has become a more passive antipathy. With all due respect to certain staff members that I've known for years and will always admire, this place really represents a cynical approach to gay bars that I really have come to resent: just give them endlessly remixed (and looped) pop music and cheap strong drinks and they will come. This isn't social... it's toxic, Britney. To think that this place took years to reopen is the height of irony. I mean, it's just the Badlands with new paint, flatter screened TVs and what looks like FLOR tiles on the walls. The decor is totally uninspired, the small patio is filled with smoke and little else, and two-for-one well drinks offer is... a tease. I drink beer, thanks. It's boring, beyond unoriginal, and we (the gay community, the boozehound community, the adult community...) can do better. In fact, other bars have... and I'll be going to them instead. read more

Toad Hall was certainly a welcomed surprise in the Castro. Its plain and boring street exterior may make one pass, its interior, the crowd, and the experience is certainly not. The atmosphere almost feels like a New York style loft with hip hop music (Hip Hop in the Castro? I know? Crazy thought?) and is certainly comfortable with its bars and booths. The outdoor patio area is certainly comfortable and a much welcomed reprieve from a crowded interior. The drinks are poured well and are decently priced. The bartenders are quick and certainly make you feel comfortable. All in all a great place to hit up in the Castro! read more

I just moved back to San Francisco after a brief hiatus when the pendulum closed. I remember the protest outside of badlands. When I heard the bar closed I was shocked. Now four years later, the place still is not open. I talked with a lot of people and yesterday we saw an A/V guy setting up the screens. We were guessing the place is going to open on MLK weekend. Will it be the new Pendulum is to soon to say. Some people think that it will be a place that caters to a more upscale gay crowd. If it is going to be the new black bar of the Castro, then why wait so long to open it up is a question I have as well. Only time will tell. I have also heard people say that it is Les had no plans of making it the new Pendulum, he just wanted to wait for the fire to burn out on the scandal before opening up a place he wanted. Either way, it is sad that there is no place gay black and latinos can go to gather. We are the LGBT community, we know what discrimination is like. We should know better. read more

This place is Ah-May-Zhing. I am a straight woman with impeccable bone structure and I have never felt so important to gay men in my entire life. This place has a little stage that the most insecure patrons can use to pretend that they have a chance of making it to the top 20 of So You Think You Can Dance. (yes, I am one of those patrons) On three separate occasions I almost fell off of the two foot high stage. I blame the Ketel One, gravity and too much booty popping. Also, this is a gay bar. read more

This review is in reference to the late night time-slot when you play hip-hop music. THANK YOU! One of the biggest reasons I don't like to go dancing in the Castro is because it's all mmm-ch mmm-ch techno. Which is fine for two songs... but it gets old quickly. So imagine my surprise when we arrive at Toad Hall last night for my friend's birthday and they're playing Jay-Z when we walk inside. "Uhh.... is that 'Run This Town?' Featuring my girl Rihanna? With a little ditty from Kanye?" It sure was. And it was followed by some more Beyonce, Kanye, Jay-Z and other pop/hip-hop artists. So refreshing. I danced my pretty little heart out. Which I do about twice a year, so now I've completed my 2009 quota. read more

Well............ For me, it's just that there was no one here when I went, the atmosphere depressed me and the bartender didn't have much to say to me at all, even thought there were not many people around.... It just didn't work for me, but maybe I went on a bad night? read more