I've been coming to the midnight sun every Saturday for 5 years and what I look forward the most is seeing my favorite bartender in the Castro, David. He's the most pleasant, kind, and fun person I've ever met, whenever someone asks me, "What's fun to do in the Castro?" The first place I think of is the Midnight Sun. read more

I've been going regularly to Midnight Sun for happy hour on the weekdays for years now. My favorite bartender is David Olney, the best Friday happy hour bartender! He makes a great drink and we can chat about all his various interests- I'm fascinated at his hobbies! Always makes us feel welcomed and we look forward to seeing him every time. read more

There are strange things done in the Midnight Sun by the men who moil for --gold-- dick. From the look of the reviews, everyone either loves or hates it, with no middle ground. Well, I'm here to stake a claim to the wishy-washy middle! First off, it's not a total dive. The facility is clean, decorated, and has a mouth-wateringly well-stocked bar. And how can you beat watching your campy queer favorites in a bar, surrounded by your fellow men? Well, sadly, I think it's the clientele that's causing many to turn their noses up at this place. Not because it skews older/harier/whatever, but because by-and-large, it's not a friendly crowd. Which tells me they either need stronger or weaker drinks, or maybe just something to attract new blood to the place. read more

I've only been here once - about 3 years ago. It was pretty divey and rather empty. But this random older drunken gay man kept telling me I looked like a model and even ran out into the street to proclaim this to passers-by, so I really have to give this place a good rating, based on heartwarming memories alone, regardless of the beer goggles of the source. Also, as I recall, the drinks were cheap. I'm all about 2-for-1 specials on liquor. read more

The Midnight Sun is great, about as far as bars go for me... which is akin to the distance a snail can travel in 2 minutes... However, I do LOVE the video screens here. They show comedy clips from tv shows like "Mad TV", "Saturday Night Live", etc. interspersed with old and new music videos. Then you get the occasional clip from "Dynasty" or "Mommy Dearest" to remind all the guys where their roots lay. The VJ is great at segueways. He'll screen a parody skit of "George Michael" from "In Living Color", and immediately follow it up with an old Wham! video. Almost brilliant. I had a friend back in the early 90's who referred to this bar as "The Land of the Tall Men" which maybe has some truth to it and which would allow me to blend right in at 6'2". I think it's a fun, intimate place to chill after work or even stop by on weekends. I'm not a heavy drinker so I can't go through and characterize the quality of their drinks. But I can say that I always have a good time here. I also like it when they have "special events" that tie in with viewings of "The Academy Awards" or whatever the latest trendy TV show is (now I think it's "Desperate Housewives"?). Some of the men here are a bit aggressive when all you're trying to do is mellow out and watch some TV. But then...it is a gay bar, after all. Side note: you can make a cheap evening with a meal here by hopping next store and grabbing pizza-by-the-slice at a little whole-in-the-wall pizzeria. read more

Well, it has never been a real pleasure to visit this bar - usually way past the 89 people the fire department lists as the maximum for their one exit and lots of pushing/shoving by the lovely clientele to get around the bar. The past two evenings were no exception. I have friends visiting from out-of-the-country and they had chosen this establishment as their favorite meeting place. Friday night we waited in the "line" to enter as the bouncer let his friends in while telling us we needed to wait for more people to leave. When we were so graciously allowed to enter it did take several minutes to find our friends in the back which was one of the only places you could actually have the room to lift your cocktail to your mouth to drink and not be bumping into several people in the process. After a couple of hours we decided it was time to move on as we had enough of the pushing-shoving not only by customers but by the staff. The bar back does have a difficult job moving around the bar to pick up the glasses but may need to learn that a simple excuse me/pardon me can sometimes make the job easier. My friends chose to return on Saturday night for more videos and I agreed to join them. Not as crowded as Friday and expected a more pleasant experience. Apparently working as a bar back in this place exempts you from basic manners and civility. When the bar back SHOVED me from behind and turned around to remind whomever it was that a simple excuse me/pardon me would suffice if he needed to get by. This little person then said "get your F*****G A** out of here". I agreed it was way past time to leave and headed for the door without even saying good night to my friends. The bar back was hot on my heals all the way to the curb shouting obscenities to apparently prove his prowess to someone. When I make a mistake or do something wrong I will admit to it and take what is coming to me. Life is too short for bull s**t. Being one of the few sober customers in this fine establishment I thought it would be best to apologize for our little incident but the bar back continued his tirade and I think may have even frightened the bouncer at the door! I know that his job is not pleasant and can be a challenge in this small room, but simple manners and phrases such as excuse me can sometimes make the job much easier. On a good note, I was now free of the endless throng of people that no longer think the words/phrases of pardon me, excuse me, please, thank you are necessary when dealing with others. It was also a new experience as the first time I have EVER been ejected from a bar. I used to be able to drink with all the best and had never been asked to leave. The MS also lost some good business. My 6 Canadian friends chose to stay with me than to continue drinking. With two nights experience of just rude staff they chose to spend the several hundred dollars they spend on alcohol somewhere else. If you like a place that caters to the rude and belligerent of the world then this would be your heaven on earth!... read more

OK, Shatangi has TV at home but there's nothing better than watching Golden Girls while drinking a cold beer with a sexy crowd and a few of your best friends. Shatangi told you. read more

This bar is a busted up broken down overall mess. And I wouldn't miss it for the world. Mixed-to-mature crowd. When my friends and I go here, we usually get cruised a lot. And not because we are all that attractive, I just think we send off a fresh-meat vibe to all the hungry daddies and bears. And that's OK with me. In fact, I enjoy it! Every now and then i see a really sexy guy whose looks tickle my fancy. One time though some guy was hitting on me in a hardcore drunken way, and we all had to gang up to shoo him off. Like a fly on really attractive shit that guy was. What I love about this bar is how nobody is ever looking down, unless it's to find a lost coat or a spilled drink. It's a video bar that plays some of the kitzchiest and campiest stuff around. Gay pop icons? Check. 80's/90's electronic music? Check. Forgettable dance music with nearly naked men? Check x 10. And really, the music isn't the fun part anyway. The real fun happens during the comedy clips they splice in between videos. SNL, Mad TV (which, in general, I hate), interviews, QAF, and the list goes on. It's all pretty great that a bar like this still exists. The best part about this place is how drunk they get me before I head off to dance for the night. The strongest drinks in town, and not to mention two-for-one happies. This bar reminds me of my alcoholic grandfather in every way. And to boot, one time some rude, drunkass jerk tried to be mean to me and my friend, and even went so far as to shove my friend as he walked by. Wouldn't you know it, the bartender refused to serve the asshole and gave him the boot! Way to go Midnight Sun! Head here to start your night and you really can't go wrong. read more

Laid back, fun, great drinks. What more can you ask for? read more

Great ambiance, friendly staff, decent price on a happy hour I got 2 vodka seven lime by 7 dollar, the music looks great, the customers so friendly and for sure I'll come back more read more

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

I walked into this place....looked around and then walked right back out. Whatever they were doing in there, I could do it too....I could do it better without the TV. {I'll revisit in my later years} read more

Great drink deals! Even though I am a trans man this place is one of my favorites! No matter what, I feel safe and welcomed here. 2 for 1 specials are frequent and you can never have a bad time when Billy mans the bar! Seriously, this is the place to go if you are looking for a fun night! MIDNIGHT SUN! OPEN MINDS! read more

The Midnight Sun used to be so fun. The General Manager or Head Bartender is such a dick. His attitude is so bad. Everyone he hires have same attitude. Look at Happy Hour. It is empty all the time. Used to be the busiest bar on Castro. He and his Bartenders talk down to people. Where are owners that do not see how the bartenders attitude affect business. We spend our hard earned money at a bar. Should not have to tip toe around bartenders. The Atmosphere should be Friendly. The General Manager/Head Bartender is the issue. Wake up! Owners have to see the issues otherwise they become part of the problem. read more

We ended up here at the last minute around 1:30am it was just the bartender David and two other guys but we had so much fun chatting it up and David made us drinks and even gave me one for free on the house to try! I would def going again.llif I had fun when it was dead imagine when it's packed! I told you I would write a review for you David! If you're reading this (: haha read more

Midnight Sun - David was the coolest bartender (: he made delicious drinks! - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

The fact that you show Glee on Wednesdays makes me love you... and really just reinforces the fact that I live in SF these days. Not one of the super trendy bars in the Castro... which I like... the Sun is always full of an interesting crowd (and even my older sister loved the fact that there is a drain in the floor to hose down the bar at the end of the night... thanks to my roommate for showing her around the city while I was in Boston). This is a great spot to wear away the day! read more

A fun place to get trashed.The drinks are strong, and the videos fabulous. During the regular tv season, they do tv show nights. As long as you don't mind the occasional guy in the girls restroom. It's all good. read more

I've been here a couple of time and I have to say it really is a pretty happening little bar. The music is good the bartenders are so nice and Happy Hour..... the drinks are two for one and the prices can't be beat. I ordered a kettle and soda with extra lime..... 7 bucks for two. 7 BUCKS! I have a good time whenever I go there not matter what crowd comes through the door. If your looking for a place to day drink or start your night I recommend stopping by and ordering your favorite drink. You might end up staying longer than expected. You will have a good time, i promise. read more

They probably have the best Happy Hour deal! Come have a drink before 9pm, and it's 2 for 1! Got 2 drinks and it was 6 bucks, whaat?!? Despite the cheap drinks, this place is filled with friendly crowd and awesome bartenders. If you are lucky, you may see the bartenders shirtless. Also this place is popping every day of the week at all times, so grab your friends and start your night here. They also play the good oldies and interesting music videos. Some are awesome , some are weird and funny. Anyways, I found my experience very enjoyable. Definitely recommended! I will be back for more happy hours :) read more

I liked this bar slightly better than Moby Dick. It was a lot bigger and there was a semi-dance floor. Of course my creepy stalker was following me around so we had to get out of there after a couple of drinks. It was kind of funny though how all my newfound gay friends tried to help me out but there was no stopping this creep. When he wasn't looking, we hightailed it out of there. Pros- dark, good music, decent drinks Cons- was warned not to use the restroom read more

Great place to watch Project Runway or any other show you might want that mob mentality for. Something about cheering and hissing the designers each week with all the gay boys here really makes the show for me. The drink special on Wednesdays (pints for $2.25) doesn't hurt either. I've found the crowd to be really hit or miss as far as fun-loving vs. meat-markety making me feel like I shouldn't be there, so beware. Its worth a show or two if you don't have cable or like a cold pint with your Project Runway. read more

The remodel is great. The restroom placement has opened up the front of the bar for more seating and a big window. The place is much cleaner now and I really appreciate that. They offer a small list of special house cocktails which I like. The staff are nice and are quick with the order taking and drink making. read more

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While running around the Castro we always tend to stop by here, grab a drink and enjoy the endless stream of awesome on the TV screens. It's like hopping on Youtube and watching the funniest/gayest videos you can find, except someone else does the searching for you! We usually only get one drink though because cheaper drinks can be found elsewhere... :x read more

I have been a patron of Midnight Sun since 1993. The recent remodel is just okay; they need to replace the sealed cork on the walls with a material that absorbs sound better. But I love the addition of the large window at the front of the bar. Best days to go here (IMO) are Wednesdays (Way Back Wednesdays - retro videos) and Fridays. The place gets PACKED on Fridays. The bartenders have always been very friendly! Love this bar and always will! read more

I have been coming to Midnight Sun for years even before it got remodeled. I always had a great time during their happy hour. I always have an issue worth one of TV he bartenders. Its an older man I think its their Manager. He has the worse attitude and so unfriendly. He is so rude. I took some friends on wednesday to have a good time and he was so rude. We finished our drink and head over to a different location where the bartenders were so nice and we had a great time. Never going back to Midnight Sun. I was so embarrased the way that guy treated us we were there at 2:45 pm and he was the only bartender. Owner take care of your business or bartenders like that will scare everyone away. read more

Okay 3 stars. One for the very strong drinks. One for the great videos and music. One more for the very strong drinks. Minus one star for the bathrooms that make me long for an Arizona I-10 rest stop in the summer. Minus one more star for that actually. read more

Hanging out with a friend we stopped by this place recently. A decidedly mature crowd (at least on the night we showed up). The first thing you'll notice are the masses of people. The second are the TVs glowing from every wall! It's a bit of a meat market but I guess if you're looking for meat there's more than enough to go around. *wink wink nudge nudge* If you're there for the drinks and the sitcoms it's totally fun! I'd say it's worth at least a look-see if you're in the Castro. Times visited: 1 read more

I used to love going to this odd bar, but the last time I went there was horrible! I was absolutely discriminated against (they refused to serve me) because I'm a girl! Been going to the Castro for years with my boys and have never had that problem until now at the Midnight Sun. Go to the Mix-much more fun! read more

My most favorite thing about this place is on Wednesday request nights. You get to write your request on a slip of paper the bartender hands you, and then he turns around and puts it at a tube that sucks it up to the dj booth to the back above the bar. Reminds me of those drive through ATMs from when I was a little kid. I've also never felt uncomfortable being a girl in here, and the bartenders are awesome. read more

Solid spot for inexpensive and strong drinks, friendly staff, and funny video clips intermingled with music videos. Mostly standing room with lounge type area up front and bench seating against the wall. They've started adding other events like tv show viewings, so check calendar to see what's going on that night. read more

Great music. However. 3 other bars right by had better drinks (heavier pour) for less money. For such a good vibe, they should offer more.

This place always makes me think I am back in Kansas City or Omaha or Sacramento or some other white bread city. That's not an insult, just the vibe of this place. Bland but comforting in a mid-1980s way. I always expect to see someone in acid wash jeans to walk through the door. The video loops get a bit repetitive if you go there more than twice in a three month period, which is about as often as I like to go. The drinks are over-priced, but the crowd is a bit less unruly than those in the joints that offer lower prices. read more

So after becoming a regular - I really got to say THE BEST WEDNESDAY NIGHT ON CASTRO {I hope you wrote that down} is at Midnight Sun - hands down. DJ Bill Dupp acknowledged and accepted a couple requests (local Castro DJs take note before you use your clientele to this DJs time slots.) --- and Billy? Can you spell "w-e-l-c-I-m-i-n-g" (local Castro Bartendees take note.) --- it's safe to say this is the first recommendation to any out of towner client I have - and I have a lot. Midnight Sun wins. Only thing - the acoustics are terrible. Since they removed the carpet wall coverings they haven't figured out how to set an acceptable treble level (it's all about the Bass honeys). Beau looks fabulous but as Wednesday is ladies night there - please make this gay boy feel more at home and finish this place to how fierce it could be (and was) so I can have an acceptable ambiance (so I can tip your awesome bartenders more [J'Duh]. And just in case you don't know: "J'Duh" is how San Franciscans say "DUH" in French. read more

Love the drinks here! And the bartenders are attentive and kind. Try the Raspberry Frose, it's a life changing slushee! However, even though you are in the Castro, keep in mind the dance floor is very small and it has a more sit down lounge type of feel. read more

I could watch Project Runway anywhere and still be DELIGHTED with the results, but nothing is better than a collective ohhh and an ahhh and most especially a BOOOO HISS with the boys at this bar. Only four stars because of the South Park they air 10:00 - 10:30, I could easily live without that. read more

Every time I come here, life just gets f*ed up. in a good way of course. Serious though, how can anyone attempt to have fun after having two really strong rounds at this place. I usually end up being a bumbling idiot. Always a good time though, which is why I keep going back. Glad to see there's a remodel going on. It'll be nice to have a sexy bar in the hood. read more

When you think that all men are scum, you (or rather I) enter the sausage festivities of the Castro, which does not include, well, my vagina. It's ok. Let me tell you...what a confidence booster. I was checked out and complimented and that was ALMOST enough. It's great to say that I was the ONLY vagina in this club. I walked into the women's restroom and saw the back of a man...peeing into a toilet. Was able to laugh with other men about a puppet (hetero) porno showing onscreen. So random. I should also mention the advertisements for the new episode showings of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives on said days. Good crowd for those looking for white gay males in their early 30's (and over). read more

So I don't come here often, but whenever I do I always have a good time. They have a huge beer selection to satisfy your specific beer needs. Plus they have Blue Moon on tap, and they put in an actual Orange! not a lemon. I give them 5 stars for that alone!!! Yummy creamsicle-like malty Belgian beverage. They tend to show some pretty good music video clips/comedy mad tv sketches. So you might get a funny scene from American Pie, then you might get a music video with Priscilla Queen of the Desert, then you'd be watching Miss Swan dancing in a gay bar. This is a good place to take a date because 1) It's not very busy so you can take a quiet place in the corner. 2) It's not terribly loud so you can definitely hear each other sitting next to one another. Unlike say you went to Trigger. What?!?! What did you say?!?! Let me bust out my sign language I can't hear you!!! and 3) If you ever run out of something to talk about, there is bound to be some interesting video that can strike up a dead conversation. So yeah, I definitely recommend this place, and if you've never had Blue Moon with an Orange. My God you're missing out! read more

I like this place for day drinking because you can come in here and make your way through the heavy vinyl curtains and it's like it's the middle of the night in there. The drinks are strong. If you want to get really, really trashed, this is a pretty good place to do it. Enjoy the Wednesday night Blast From The Past music. With videos. Because if the fact that you are the lone woman in a bar full of men with tight shirts and closely-cropped hair isn't enough, there's the videos of ABBA just to be sure... that you know... you're in the Castro. read more

This place has been around for like 40 years, I've only known it for the last 10. Midnight delivers exactly what it's offering. Good pours, lot's of staff, flexible when it comes to bringing in food, and talent (Go Bebe!!!!) thanks for the good times read more

Love this place! Came for an early happy hour and Matt was super nice and easy to look at! The spot to stop!