I've stopped by the new, renovated Badlands a few times since they reopened in October. Since I visited early in the evening. I was struck by how empty it was compared to the likes of 440 Castro and Midnight Sun, both teeming with customers at the same time. I wondered if it had anything to do with the bar's checkered history. It had been closed for three years due to COVID-19 but prior to that, was a leading Castro bar for 45 years, in particular, as a video dance bar. Yeah, undulating shirtless to Duran Duran was definitely not me. However, the controversy back then was related to allegations of racial discrimination. Since ownership is still the same, there may be lingering ill feelings. However, there appears to be an ongoing shift in ownership, not 100% but hopefully an improvement. It looks like they spent a few shekels on the big dance floor in the back. The Happy Hour deal here is "Buy one, get the second for $1". Not quite 2-4-1 but close enough and certainly potent with $11 Tequila Sunrises (photo: https://yelp.to/VpV_4bGenA). The bartenders have been different with each visit, but they've all been good guys. DRINKS - 4 stars...best at Happy Hour and potent enough AMBIANCE - 4 stars...good job on the renovation SERVICE - 4 stars...Adrian, Carl, and Braeden were all fine TOTAL - 4 stars...recovery from its checkered history hopefully will give way to a more popular gathering spot RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places l've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC read more