This is truly one of the original bars in San Francisco that still holds true to SF spirits. Low key, yet always fun, this is one of the very few bars in the city that pours very generously with quite reasonable priced drinks that range from the basic vodka sodas to some of the most sophisticated specialty drinks for the difficult customers like myself! The bartenders are equally great with one (Marky Mark) that raises the bar to a whole different level. Highly recommend this bar and the entire experience... read more

Midnight Sun - Strong & Fruity - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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

I adore this bar! I adore the DJ! Bartender Summer is a sweetheart!!! Love love love this place. And in reference to the other people's reviews, if you're unable to follow directions and do as your told, you should stay home, sweetie! Ain't nobody got time for that nonsense! If you're drunk off yo butt, ain't nobody gonna let you in, punkin. Go hydrate! Doesn't matter who you are. White black Asian trans gay bi or breeder. You don't follow the rules, there's always Uber and your TV at home, button! Smooches! read more

We were bar-hopping and this was our second stop of the night. This place has always been one of my favorites as it's usually not overly crowded like Badlands. ATMOSPHERE: It's an open floor plan with lounge chairs up front with big windows that overlook 18th Street, and long bench seating opposite the big bar. High ceilings make the place feel airy in contrast to the dark decor. TV's were everywhere with music videos playing a mix of genres and weren't overly loud. No one was dancing but there was lots of space fronting the bar to do so if it's allowed. The vibe was chill and lounge-y, with a mix of ages. MENU: Drinks only, no food. Happy hour runs till 9pm. SERVICE: Bartender service was fast and friendly. FACT: Open since 1971. OVERALL: The beer was cold and prices were average. Great for conversing, not for dancing. read more

As of Today and the rude door man, I won't step back into this place. He wouldn't listen to the fact a guy didn't understand him, and got nasty at the door when the guy tried to walk out with a drink. Then I in plain English tried to talk to him and all he had to say was Bye Falishia.. Total jerk ! read more

Midnight Sun - The rude and obnoxious door man - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Hmmmmm, it feels like there are a lot of guys that are hot here and also hate me. Cool atmosphere with a weird ass vibe. Every time I arrive it feels like a classy cocktail lounge where everyone's mad at each other but then there is weird passive aggressive sexual tension. I'm honestly not polished enough to come here. Is your b hole bleached? Then pack your bags girl...this is home now. read more

Great niehbgorhood bar. More less a video bar. Bar tenders know how to mix good drinks. My new place to enjoy.

A young 40-something gay man's bar. Good for what it is. If you fit into that category and you are looking for a bar, not a dance club, this is the place to you. Good place for older gay guys to meet. Lots of TV screens and a lot of gay TV shows on and TV shows that older gay guys like. No matter who you are as far as your gender or sexual orientation, you should coe by at least once and see what's like. You'll at least have fun the first time. read more

This place was nasty before the remodel. I went once. Just once. Since the remodel, it's just much nicer as a space. Better furnished, better lighting, altogether better aesthetic. The crowd is "just okay," and the bartenders aren't the friendliest, but the drinks are reasonably priced and it's on your way... somewhere. read more

Great Parklette for margaritas while social distancing! The mezcal margaritas are the best here. No other bar in the 'Stro has mezcal margaritas this tasty! read more

I love this bar and spent every afternoon after work there for happy hour while I lived in San Francisco and this was my favorite bar on Saturday nights. I met my lover/husband there and I even got an apartment 3 blocks away just so I could be near the bar. The videos and TV shows are really funny, drinks are cheap and its one of the friendliest bars in the city. Its a really comfortable bar for gay people, straights and everyone is welcome as long as you are respectful. I went to this bar for over 20 years and never had an issue with the staff. The only people who have trouble with the bouncers are the ones who are rude and disrespectful. If you live in San Francisco and are gay and you want to go to a bar that's friendly without a lot of attitude this is the place. read more

We had delicious drinks at the bar. The staff was quick and friendly, and the drag show was lively and fun. We only caught the end, but would come back for more. read more

Shaun was an awesome bar tender, the drinks were delicious! We were some of the only people in the bar but he made it such a great time. Will definitely be coming here next time I'm in San Francisco! read more

This is been my neighborhood bar for the past 15 years, and I can say without a doubt that everyone who works here is beyond incredible. Julio, one of my favorite Latino bartenders, has the right amount of sass and professionalism to know you personally as a friend not just a client. Well, I love many of them, Julio makes me laugh the most, and he always knows my order as I'm approaching the bar, and he can tell from across the bar when I'm having a great time or in need of a hug. I adore everyone who works there behind the bar, and at the door, and behind the scenes immensely. read more

7 days/ week Happy Hour and discounts till 9 pm? Count me in. Love the vibes, the music, the staff (well maybe some) Overall atmosphere is amazing and there's food spots all around us to sober up after a fun night. Worth coming in. My best buddy and I go here everytime read more

This bar is great. I love the atmosphere - the video (on many screens and so difficult not to watch - the programming is customized especially for gay people, I think) and music - yes music! On Tuesday nights, there is now a piano bar atmosphere going on. Also, there are several beers on tap, and people (including staff) are really friendly. read more

Midnight Sun - Awesome live music on Tuesdays - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I stumbled across this adorable hole in the wall after my birthday plans fell through And I was ever so greatful for the beautiful people I found here. the karaoke was wonderful they have a little stage to make you feel like a flippin rockstar and they have so many song options definitely worth visiting again and again. little bonus: they have a lil pizza spot next door read more

Great place which (as visitors) we hit at least twice a year....and have for most of the last 15+ years. Biggly disappointed by the Saturday afternoon bar staff. Incredibly condescending...and inattentive. I have several hometown friends who visit frequently. I've already shared this sorry experience with them. What a shame. read more

Love this place! 2 for one strong drinks during happy hour and great eye candy (Gogos) on Friday and Saturday nights! The place has a bear/daddy crowd before 10pm and then sort of changes to a millennial/tourist demographic by midnight. A thing that sets it apart is that while you listen to new music at any bar, the Midnight Sun is a video bar so you might catch the music videos of your favorite songs as well as anything new. read more

Decent prices and decent bar area set up, but sassy AF bartenders I mean idk why they had to check my I.D. Twice and took a long time to check it, and then when I asked why, they got really rude. Idk it seems like this bar is designed for an older crowd, and isn't very friendly to younger people. I mean I'm 24, not too young, idk why the hostility. read more

I love Midnight Sun! I come here after work often to see Mark and Summer. They make the best cocktails and always entertain! Highly recommend this bar! They have 241 drinks for happy hour during the week and tons of events, drag shows, dancers all nights of the week. read more

Don't come here at night if you're a single person during the pandemic or You'll be left out in the cold... litteraly. The convered seating is only reserved for 2 or more, from what I experienced. Even after the queen at front saw me blowing into my hands. She just turned away. Bad job Midnight Sun... way to shut you down read more

My wife and I went to look for a spot for dinner and drinks and came across midnight sun. It looked like a cool place so we walked up to the "bouncer" on a Sunday evening and asked for a table for 2. He responded "what do you want?" And I responded " a table for 2 please." And he responded " over there" and pointed with his finger. I felt extremely disrespected so I left the establishment and walked over to Harvey's where we spent $200.00. Midnight Sun needs to retrain their employees regarding customer service. Cheers! read more

The beer bust is a ton of fun with a wide variety of clientele. Usually you see just one type of guy in any particular place, but this spot has all kinds of men. Not just beer, but the Jell-o Shot specials are pretty good too. I approve. Personally, I enjoy open spaces and this bar has room in spades. From the front to the back, there's plenty of places to hang out with a big group or just one on one. Doubling as the dance/performance floor, the main area is pretty large with high ceilings. It's got a good location and very friendly bartenders. Overall this is a good spot to get your drink on. It's not pretentious, just a gay bar. There are plenty of weird videos playing on the walls to keep anyone entertained. This is a very cool bar to stop in for a drink or two. If it's a wild time, an all night session is pretty fun too. I particularly like the name of this joint. It makes you think but not so much you hurt your brain. It's just a solid fun place. read more

I enjoyed a fun time last night with friends and great music videos by DJ Sam . Mark the manager deserves a gold star for being the best single and only bar tender on duty during our time there. I simply want to say thank you to Mark so he knows how much we all appreciate his tireless hard work especially during the current Covid period. People don't hear a simple thank you enough in life , and Mark THANK YOU! read more

I am a 53 yol gay man, I support my community and going to where I'm recognized and taken care of is nice and special , here Mark is not only super hot but sweet, thanks for making me feel special xoxo read more

While I always supported Obama, I was wary of the messianism attributed to him by some of his most fervent supporters. He is first and foremost a politician -- an exceptional and transformational politician, yes, but a politician nonetheless. The attraction, for me, is his temperament and the promise of pragmatism he offers. He will, I hope, serve the country in the same manner he ran his campaign: with class, with discipline, and without drama. But even I and my cold, dark heart completely lost my shit when he won the election. Fifty years from now, when a sprightly young man asks me where I was when Obama was elected, I'll say: I was at the Midnight Sun. I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of guppies wearing mash-ups of G-Star and Polo and inhaled the distinct odor of dried alcohol, sweat, and elation. At 9.00 pm, when I watched his acceptance speech on one of the four large plasma televisions, the significance of the moment hit me. We gave ourselves something rarely given: A second chance. I cried uncontrollably, hugged a bunch of complete strangers, AND got eye fucked by a nasty skeletal sixty-ish daddy with salt-and-pepper stubble and a small drop of drool dripping from his gaping fly trap mouth who appeared to have anal rape on his mind. And, yes, I will tell the sprightly young man all this as I eye fuck him . WHAT?!? YOU FUCKING BITCHES WILL BE OLD AND NASTY, TOO! read more

Seems to be a fine bar for a cocktail and hanging with friends. I've been twice at different times and I want to say both times drinks were 2 for 1. Also the drinks pack a wallop. One time there was a drag queen on a small stage. The crowd was feelin' it. Sounds like fun, no? read more

The Midnight Sun is the same as it ever was, which is a good thing. Music videos interspersed with comedic gayish excerpts from movies and tv.......a winning formula for over 30 years. I was delighted to be at the Sun last night after an extended leave of absence. Seems like it used to attract a younger crowd, now the kids just dart in, down a drink , survey the daddy landscape and go somewhere hipper (I guess, hell, I don't know where they go). Unless they're there at desperate o'clock, then I think we all know where they're going. The useful: You need never watch your favorite TV shows alone.....come on down to the MS for viewings of Desperate Housewives, Top Chef, Project Runway, Strangers with Candy, Ugly Betty, Weeds, etc...check the website for deets. read more

I actually particularly "don't mind getting cruised by compact little men who come bolting at you like graphic-tee-clothed pitbulls," but that said - if a dozen of my friends hadn't been at Midnight Sun last night, this place might have been a little too gay (not that there's anything wrong with that). A shortage of seating and a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd were offset by fun friends, good happy hour specials, and constantly getting "eye-raped by total strangers with better eyebrows than your last girlfriend." [quotes courtesy of Adrienne G.] read more

you've all heard of drunk texting , well this is drunk reviewing... Just got homefrom Midnight Sun (Midnight Scum!!! LOL!) and I'm a lil bit hammered... HA! Lil bit./.. anyways I met some friends for Friday Happy Hour and they have 2 for 1 driunk specials - the bar , not my friends mind you. So the crowd is VERY friendly - very friendly indeed. Some bearish guy near us thought we were cute and bought us a round!!! And all we had to do was pinch his nipples! WOW all this time I was working too hard! Another guy - totally adorable - took a shine to one of our friends and all of a sudden, they are akissing, and ahugging! MAN! these guys are FRIENDLY! Even the guys on the street outside smoking cigereets were fun and friendly! So the drinks are strong, the crowd is fun, the bar is hopin,and the happy hour goes on and on - what's not to love right! I will be back definatley! Love, Jim read more

There is so much about this bar that I like. They have some really fun nights to spend there. My favorites of which are Monday nights for RuPaul's Drag Race and their Friday night party with go go dancers. You can also count on this place to show 49ers and Giants game. I always feel really welcome at this bar. Everyone their is really friendly and having a good time. The bartenders are always ready to make you a strong drink. It's got a great atmosphere that I love coming back to. You can tell that a lot of local people come to this bar. If you're looking for a place to just hang out with your friends and have some drinks, I highly recommend coming here. I am really excited to see what they do to this bar with the remodel. It can only get better. read more

As a straight man who came to this bar with straight male and female friends, I cannot justify rating this place down because of our uncomfortable experiences. A word of warning to any straight people though - you will be totally out of place here and you will probably get called out on it throughout the night. We sure attracted a lot of attention and even some comments! Nevertheless, my bartender was downright nice and made a nice strong drink and it wasn't overpriced like many places in the Castro. I liked the music videos they were playing and it wasn't so loud in there that I couldn't hear anyone I was talking to. Big bonus for that! Gay men: This is a nice spot. Straight people: Proceed with caution. read more

Gay Bar Pub Crawl, Part 1. After Ubering it to the Castro, Jen and I met her friend Aamir, who had brought a couple of his friends, one of which was meant to be for me. I say that because he asked if I would be interested in a tall, hairy, mid-thirties top, and Jen reiterated that a tall, hairy, mid-thirties top is basically my type. Take that as a baseline, mix and match hair colors and varying degrees of ethnicities/swarthiness, and I've got pretty much got myself a date. Everything was really loud. And crowded. Once you get up to the bar, you realize you'd better order strong, because your chances of getting up to the bar again are minimal. Luckily, they have friendly bartenders and an extremely strong pour, which made everything else all right. I think a second one from here would have sent me to the ICU. We all sort of shouted pleasantries at each other. The guy they brought for me was cute, but aloof. Somehow, we made it to the back left corner under the giant video screen, where I danced to Britney Spears, but probably not as good as the go-go boy in tight pink shorts who was dramatically humping the top of the bar. I found out that Aamir and I have ridiculous amounts of friends in common. And not just some random 'mos, I mean like, girls from college, and couples from my church in Austin. It's a small world. No, I mean really, it was a small world. After being elbowed by what felt like every gay guy in San Francisco, we decided to bounce. I loved this as a first stop, but twenty minutes a sardine was really more than I could handle. Anyways, thanks for the warm, boozy welcome, Midnight Sun. 4 Stars. read more

"Cool bar, but why are there so many guys here...oh, yeah, duh!!!" -Genuine thought I had while here... Okay so I'll admit, I've been to bars and clubs that were mixed with people of all genders and sexual preferences, and places that leaned gay/lesbian, but I guess I hadn't been in an honest-to-goodness, no-holds-barred gay male bar before so this was a different vibe than what I'm used to. It's a good thing though - I liked talking to guys knowing I wouldn't have to worry about "drama," and the Project Runway conversation was just the added bonus. It's a good sized space with a good variety of people, but it gets really crowded so be prepared to do the "excuse-me-thank-you-sorry-excuse-me" chant and dance throughout. And forget about hearing other people talk unless they get right in your ear. But holy crap, their drink specials are amazing! Knowing about the 2-for-1 special before 7pm, my thought was to do what I often do when I'm somewhere I haven't been before looking for people that I don't really know and I may or may not have met previously - I bought a shot of fernet and a bourbon & coke. I was expecting a shot of fernet with a bourbon & coke. Seems logical. However, I got a shot of fernet with two bourbon & cokes, and not just any bourbon & coke. Really strong bourbon & cokes. As in 0 to shitfaced in less than half of one drink strong. As in "I better get some food now before I keep running into light poles on Castro" strong. As in striking up heartfelt conversations with a random homeless lady and giving her $5 when she only asked for $3 strong. As in could barely order my food because the words are moving on the menu strong. I will be back. Minus the fernet. And maybe there will be more Glitter on the TV screens for my viewing pleasure. read more

Cheap double shot drinks.... Who would complain about that???? Although... how can one bartender charge us differently than the other bartender? I mean. my boobs stayed the same...my ass stayed the same.... our orders remained the same.... Where is the conistency?? Nonetheless....Still cheaper than other clubs. Perfect for pre-drinking. Cash Only. read more

I was here on Halloween night and it was pretty packed. I made my way to the bar to grab a drink for me and my friend! As I handed my friend her drink someone knocked Into me and my drink, which was sitting on the bar still, fell over right in front of the bartender. I waited until he made some people their drinks and got his attention so I could tell him my drink spilled. I asked if I could get a whiskey ginger in place of the spilled drink and he replied "That will be $6, I can't replace it or I would have to buy your drink". I paid him the $6 for a new drink and that wasn't so much the issue. The manner in which he spoke to me was very demeaning and I didn't appreciate it at all. read more

Color me old-fashioned, but usually I go out for cocktails to get away from the television. There's something very wrong with herding a bunch of gays into a big room while they blindly stare at TV screens. I do have a certain group of friends who force me, against my will, to go to this place very rarely. In the interest of friendship I usually suck it up and fall in line. But come on - no windows, smelly bathroom, and people wearing flip-flops? I can't do it. By the way, this topic reminds me of another issue that's been bothering me lately. This is a public service announcement to all slightly older gays: If you're in your 40s, you really should not be trying to wear what the 20 year old kids are wearing. It's just sad and kind of pathetic to be chasing the trends of people who were born when you were a sophmore in college. You are probably totally hot in general, but you're not when you're trying to pull off the A&F look and flip-flops (although no one looks good in flip flops ever, but you know what I mean). Needless to say, there are plenty of these types there and your **yawn** typical castro queen. Boring. I am giving it one extra star because I'm such a novelty there that I almost always get laid by some curious youngin' read more

Two words- FIRE HAZZARD How this place hasnt been shut down by the fire marshall is beyond me. Remember 115 bears in this tiny little bar is 83 to many :) They have great happy hour specials but by the time you are able to make it up to the bar and get your drink...you then look back and realize "Shit I gotta walk back through that again :(....there goes half of each of my drinks" . And dont even ask your friends to get you a drink....cause they cant carry them. The sun needs to take a cue from 440 and give tokens for your next drink and they honestly need to limit this place to no more than 75 people. read more

Gotta watch Project Runway but don't have cable? Wednesday is $2.25 pint night and they've got Tim Gunn on a million screens. 'nuff said. read more