Converted in 1967, this is one of the oldest gay bars in the Castro, but it doesn't look its age. That's because it's been renovated through several identity changes finally settling on the name Toad Hall in 2009 to capitalize on a bar scene in the film "Milk". The current vibe is similar to Midnight Sun except Toad Hall has an inviting outdoor patio much like Pilsner Inn (photo: https://yelp.to/JDbsCOB0kx). Very chill indeed. Like Midnight Sun, they have a 2-4-1 Happy Hour. OK, I have to admit something stupid I said once and not that long ago. I didn't know what "2-4-1" meant, so I asked a bartender what "2-4-1" means. He said "2-4-1". It took a couple of rounds for me to realize he meant "two-for-one". What can I say? I'm slow. Toad Hall has "2-4-1" until 8:30PM during the week. Convenient but an easy excuse to get... Wasted. Unlike Midnight Sun, they don't make you one drink and give you a chip for the second. Oh no, they pour both drinks at the same time, so if you're alone, you literally become a two-fisted drinker. Sure, they're a bit on the watery side, but hey, the optics! So whether you get $12 Bulleit Bourbon & Gingers (photo: https://yelp.to/F1WQ2GodUd) or $9 Tequila Sunrises (photo: https://yelp.to/Rnlwp2Ca5s), you can clink your own glasses. Cheers. DRINKS - 4 stars...2-4-1...need I say more? AMBIANCE - 4 stars...spacious during the week and pretty chill SERVICE - 4 stars...they pour...and pour again TOTAL - 4 stars...come if you're thirsty RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC read more

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there were 4 phones stolen from bags in about 30 minutes including one in our group. drinks were okay and service was reasonably quick. $20 cover music for the night was top 40 style pop/club music centered around early 2000's read more

I had a really good time at Toad Hall and would highly recommend them to anyone. They had great music and a fun welcoming vibe. There is a back patio in addition to the bar seating in the front and they even have a little dance floor. I probably came a little too early but I was just starting off my night here and they had a BOGOFAD (Buy One Get One For A Dollar) happy hour which was awesome. The bartender was nice and didn't seem annoyed at my requests for an extra cherry... as a matter of fact he remembered on his own by the last drink. If I could do my night over I would just stay here the whole time because I didn't find anything better at the multiple bars. We hopped too. This is definitely one of the best in the area. read more

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Be aware! I definitely would not go to this bar. They use facial recognition supposedly for their safety. But the info goes to a company that shares your face with anyone that asks. In today's environment that is not safe for us. read more

Yall are weird af for using facial recognition at a gay bar. Truly violating people's privacy. Shame on you

Super fun bar that is really welcoming. The drinks are strong and the music is bomb. There's a fun patio in the back if you need some fresh air, otherwise see ya on the dance floor! read more

We didn't want to wait in the long line across the street and so opted to drop in here and throughly enjoyed ourselves. The drink prices here are pretty reasonable too. The DJ was pumping out all the best classic pop dance hits too and danced the night away. There's an outdoor space out back too. There's even a few places to sit for groups and couples as well. read more

Accidentally stopped in on buy one, get one free night. Dangerous. I'm sure this place gets wild at night! Fun people watching from the seating along the front windows. Definitely stop in! read more

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This place has definitely upgraded significantly over the years, and especially during the time badlands was down, this place filled in the role. Cheap drinks, music, and plenty of space. They have trivia night with an amazing host and drag. The back area is surprisingly spacious and beautiful, and a great place to drink on a warm sunny day. But the only issue I have with this place is when it's crowded it's a bit less ideal since the dance floor is in an awkward spot between tables and the bar and the back area is a bit clustered when there's too many people. Def recommend going here on days when it's slow and chill. read more

I came for drinks with some friends Friday evening around 6:30 and was impressed by their happy hour! I'm not sure if it's offered everyday, but until 7:30 on Fridays, you can buy 1 drink and get the second one for $1. This doesn't apply to all of their cocktails, but it's such a great deal where it does apply! We ordered 4 margaritas for $22... It didn't even feel like I was in SF XD There's plenty of seating between the parklet, indoors, and the patio in the back. The patio was hopping when we came, but we still wanted to sit outdoors, so we headed to the parklet with our drinks and chilled there instead. The margaritas were a bit on the sweet side but we enjoyed them. After all, the price can't be beat! I would definitely come back again next time in in the Castro and looking for drinks. read more

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Coolest Karaoke in SF I've found so far. Like the ambience and supportive people. If you get to Santa Cruz the Bowling Alley bar by the beach has nightly karaoke and cool people too. read more

Toad Hall Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Not safe they let homeless people in and they will beat you up for you don't order them a drink, security will not come and check on you nor ask if they can help file a report. I was hit hit at bar line where you order drinks and no help at all read more

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Cheap and strong happy hour margaritas. Love the lighting and the deck. Toasty warm despite the stiff SF breeze. Attendance was a bit sparse but that just means people are missing out! Everyone should be here because the bartenders are friendly, the drinks are affordable and everyone is happy to see the dog. read more

Toad Hall Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I definitely appreciate the staff, especially the KJ. Very kind and respectful. Patrons are mostly AMAZING too with their friendliness and respect. I cannot ask for more except to not be worse and to not be disrespectful as other places in the Castro. Thank you! read more

I went here for karaoke on a Sunday. My friend kept pressuring me to sing, so I put my song in the queue. When it was my turn, I kindly asked the DJ for microphone covers (Lookout bar gives out those for their karaoke nights), and she flat out said no. So I go up there and sing a song with some high notes, and my lips accidentally touch the microphone accidentally just for a brief second (because that can happen when you really get into a song). I remember thinking to myself "hope I don't get sick (laugh laugh)." Well, 3 days later, I started developing this NASTY NASTY COLD that has kept me home and socially isolated from others for the past week (and still hasn't resolved), unable to enjoy the nice weather outside this past weekend. Never singing karaoke here again! If you want karaoke without the disease risk, I'd suggest Lookout. read more

Met my friend here on a Friday night around 8pm, super packed with ALL [gay] men (great for us since we just wanted a drink and sit in our depression {lol} ). We found an opening at the bar and were served within 10 minutes of waiting, not too bad. I ordered "Sex on the beach" and my friend had a Bourbon & coke. I was super confused when the bartender gave us TWO of each drink, but my friend told me it was happy hour and it was basically two for one - total tab: $15!!!!!!!!! I was shoooook. Not only was my drink tasty, it was super strong. I ended up only being able to finish one of my drinks (hangovers/blackouts aren't cool anymore). **Note: They accept credit cards This is a super fun bar, screens around the space play music videos, there's a disco ball and it's just an overall blast. I can't wait to come back! Although Im not gay, I felt super comfortable here and it was nice to have a safe space to sit and have a drink. Bartenders are attentive and friendly. Come by for an affordable night out and see where the night takes you! read more

Toad Hall Bar - Two for 1 happy hour. Sex on the Beach. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is my favorite bar in the Castro. They bring the pop queens out. Toad Hall customers love to come dance under the disco ball and hangout in the back patio- but not for any specific reason. For them, it's a standout modern luxury that leaves them pleasantly surprised by connections they make. read more

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This bar was at the very end of Market in the Castro. It is near a neighborhood which made it quick and easy to park. When we arrived around 9 there was no line. We walked in and got a drink. I had a vodka sour, I thought it was pretty good. It was probably a little too easy to drink but hey, we were staring the night. Around 10 the place was packed and the dance floor and stage were full of people. They played a lot of older club songs from the 2000s and some recent hits. read more

I was literally asked to leave for celebrating karaoke participants. Everyone deserves to be celebrated for their courage to sing in front of a stage of strangers. That's not easy for most people to do, please realize you are more than enough. read more

Cash only guys. Toad was properly busy on a late Saturday night. The dance floor basically spilled over the whole place. It was packed! The music and strobe lights were classic club ambience and best experienced three drinks in. Sticky floor included. My friends and I pretty much just hung out on their outdoor patio, which was also packed but at least there's fresh air. And seats. It's a great bar to sit, go to the bathroom, and have a couple of drinks. There's also overhead heaters outside to keep you comfortable. I liked it, nice vibe, good spot to add to your gay bar pub crawl! Just get ready to give up your personal space. read more

An awesome place to watch rupauls drag race. Awesome drinks and a good place to go to the bathroom. A young audience with a nice ambience and a packed place: their drinks are fairly strong and they have cool games sometimes for prizes read more

Toad Hall Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great music, strong drinks, very friendly bartenders! Friday and Saturday nights are 10/10

The inside is closed but the back patio is open as well as parklets out front. Socially distanced tables and one way directional aisle to use for bathroom access. Tables are sanitized after every use. I would've loved to be inside and danced and order shots from the bar, but alas COVID-19. You will need to order food if you get drinks. Always a good time here! read more

Strong drinks, friendly crowd, outdoor patio, dance floor & lots of happy hours. What more can you ask for? Post pandemic, some of their covers have started climbing but a must stop if you are visiting the Castro. read more

Unfortunately their sound system sounds like a single guy playing from a Beats Pill on medium volume. I've heard better sound from the random dudes on subways who blast ripped YouTube tracks from their phones. We're talking completely cut out bass at a volume you'd expect if you were trying to avoid waking up your upstairs neighbors. I could have slept well in any of the bar's four corners. On the plus side you can hear every word of conversations you might be having. But it's supposed to be a dance-floor. read more

When my friend and I arrived, the front was pretty empty, only few customers at the bar and loud music playing can't talk at all. The back porch was totally pack! Thank god there was few seats left so we ordered our drinks there since the front bartender ignored my friend and I *guess he doesn't like tips The back porch bartender was really nice and fast Made our drinks quite strong The way my friend likes it We will go back if we need another strong drink and gossip time read more

Toad Hall Bar - Melon ball, lemon drop and something LoLs - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LESBIAN WOMAN Date:November 11th/ 12th Time of incident:12:10 am The bouncer and door man gladly accepted my money and entrance fee.They had no concern when I went outside the club as it was passed capacity I told them nicely if I may get some water. He scoffed at me , " Well it's 3 dollars laughing said , ugh lesbian " then proceeded to roll their eyes. Never going again read more

Came here with some gay friends for some drinks and to see what the queer scene is all about here. (disclaimer: I'm straight) Parking is available on the street. Cover is only $2. Even though this place is a gay bar, I'd say easily 20-30% of the people were straight couples. There is a patio area in the back that is covered, but is technically outdoors. The music volume was quite good, as was the music mix. The dance area is decent sized but it was pretty full. We ended up sitting on the side, where it is less cramped. There are plenty of mirrors lining the walls, which make the place look a bit larger. The Long Island iced tea I had was $5.50, which is decent for a nightclub. read more

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We were waiting for a show at the Castro and so stopped in for a cocktail before had and so we had the happy hour cocktails basically two drinks a person. A cocktail is an experience and these are just "thrown" together and are inconsistent. So I am probably being a "snob" around my expectations of a cocktail and theses did not meet my expectation. Great value, poor cocktails. read more

It's that one bar you hate to love, the line is very fine between a trashy time and a cute time. I've honestly never been here without someone spilling my drink. All in all, a good time. Are you feeling ugly? Wanna get hit on? Come here. Because here, standards don't exist. It reminds me of Badlands x The Mix.... it's definitely the awkward teenage years of bars in the Castro but that's why it's kinda fun. read more

The former Pendulum is now Toad Hall. Despite the odd name, we had lots of fun here where we ended our night of bar hopping. ATMOSPHERE: The place has been totally remodeled. It's now airier and brighter, and sports a good sized dance floor, big bar, a few high tops, and a small back room which I peeked into. It's the most "clubby" vibe I've experienced in the Castro so far, better than Badlands IMO. The room was also perfectly lit, not dark and shady like at other places. The crowd was a mix of ages and personalities, dancing to a blend of pop, dance, and R&B. SERVICE: We sat at the bar and received fast and friendly service from the male bartender. He kept the bar top clean and drinks flowing. Beer prices were average. OVERALL: Nice new digs, friendly staff and patrons, great place to dance. read more

This bar never opens on time, if you're not going to open at 4 post a new time. Not great for post work drinks.

I love this place. Come here all the time and live close. Surprised they haven't claimed the listing on Yelp so we can private message them instead of public message so please excuse the negative part of the review. The best bar in Castro. Amazing people, cheap but good drinks, and always fun. The stall door in the men's bathroom has been missing a lock for 2 weeks now. Even though they have the cleanest bathrooms in Castro. But it's just awkward in a handicapped stall, I asume way worse if you're handicapped, that they haven't repaired the lock. Other than that the place is usually well kept, clean, friendly attentive staff, and take the time to get to know us locals that like coming after work when there is only 30+ people around. I would send a private message but the listing isn't claimed and they don't have the ability. But an amazing place! read more

First star: Happy hour lasts until 8:30 p.m. Hell, that's almost 9 o'clock! Second star: Two-for-one happy hour vodka cocktails...TWO-FOR-ONE! Third star: These two-for-ones are not wimpy two-for-ones. These two-for-ones are hard-core two-for-ones and you can score these hard-core two-for-ones for as low $4.50. Two strong drinks, $4.50! Until 8:30! Fourth star: Super-nice, smiley bartender who gave me a glass filled with Gummi Bears. I looked up and down the bar and he hadn't given them to anyone else...just ME. *swoon* Did I mention they have two-for-ones until 8:30? read more

A great place to go if you're a gay man, possibly not the best place if you're a woman. Ever since Badlands closed, it seems like Toad Hall has taken up the mantle for the place where creepy straight guys go to hit on drunk women who think they're just with gay men. Drinks are really strong and cheap, even for the Castro, and the music is consistently good. Love the outdoor patio, and a great place to go Friday nights (or weekdays before 7:30 for their 2-4-1 happy hour) read more

I went on a Friday. It was fun to dance and hang out from like 10-11:00/30. After that, it got waaaay too crowded with drunk straight people that were coming from office parties or whatever dead bar they were at previously. You couldn't be on the dance floor without getting shoved, stepped on, and almost falling over. Then I guess the DJ adjusted the music to the new crowd, and then it felt like I was at a wedding. The vibes got massacred. read more

If I could do zero stars I would. We went to go out for drinks to our favorite Castro bar but it was closed so we tried Toad Hall. We were the first customers and had to go through quite a rigmarole with a QR sign in where they ask for your phone number and name, then you walk through a gauntlet to get to the back patio and then they tell you, you can't smoke in the back and there's a thousand more rules back there. We had to order food and our mozarella sticks never showed up. We then ordered several rounds of drinks and the bar tender asked us for our final order and then 5 minutes after bringing us our last round told us our time was up and we had to leave. I thought o.k. well at least I can finish my drink at the tables in the front of the bar, as I walked out a short little jerky bartender ran up to me and said, "You can't take your drinks out!!!!" I said, I was going to finish at the tables in front. He said, "They're all taken!" I handed the jerk my drink that I had just paid for (top shelf) and said that's o.k. I'll just never come here again. As we exited the bar, the front tables were empty and no one was waiting in line. Wow, just wow. I've heard nightmare stories about this bar before and now I really know why as a 25 year resident of the Castro/SF I never go here. BEWARE!! They have a shitty attitude! By the way, I tipped these jerks 31.25% before they treated me like Shi*! NEXT!! read more

I got my phone stolen here. Its super shady, and they crowd is rough. Other than that, the drinks are CHEAP ($5 for a Long Island). The music was great, (stereotypical gay bar music aka Britney and Ke$ha). And the atmosphere was pretty fun in the front area. The back porch area though, thats some real talk creepy crowd of seedy looking individuals who may or may not steal your phone. read more

it was a lonely and quiet Labor day night at this joint. Across the way where The Edge was having Musical videos playing, this bar was like a toad stuck in the middle of the pond during lightning season. Empty no, but very few patrons on a holiday evening and of course, a bartender that is focused on talking to his regulars than noticing a person waiting for a drink in the middle of the bar. I gave it three stars because it was quiet and clean and a good respite from the other bars I had hopped from in the Castro area. I guess normally this place would be full of young and old gay men and women dancing to the music (I noticed a dj booth in the corner). Not a big space but its serviceable if other bars are busy such as Badlands where the dancing is more prevalent. Maybe next time it will b busier and the bartender will be busy with other customers other than his friends or the regulars. read more

We came here to watch the 49ers game. I was surprised to find it crowded. There are lots of tv's on the walls, so watching the game was not hard. Too bad the 49ers lost, but it was good to be with a cheerful crowd. The bartenders are fast and friendly. I need to remember to come here on Sunday again. It would probably be good leisurely place to hang out at. read more