Midnight Sun

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.

First time here and certainly NOT the last. RUPERT the bartender was amazing. He was friendly, welcoming and VERY approachable. Great drinks and if you wish to have some food, HOT JHONNIES next door have great food brought to you. Definitely will be coming back. -Jet Hyland HOT JHONNIES is becoming my to go place in The Castro. Always great superb service by Jonathan and the last two times by Eddy (Eduardo)as well. Plus the food is amazing. Thank You HOT JHONNIES!

Happy hour every day 4pm - 9pm, plus various themed nights make this one of my go to places in the Castro. Sundays often feature drag shows and any national event (Super Bowl/oscars) are always here with full sound. Also the best place to see Eurovision finals LIVE!!

Could I shout out to bouncer Ken! What a fantastic person!! I had just had a bad experience at another bar and he was nothing but kind, considerate and informative. Thank you very much Ken. You are an asset to your profession; and we all felt very safe with you on the door!

Summer is an excellent bartender who makes amazing drinks!! Definitely a place to drink, listen to music, dance, and enjoy. All LGBTQ welcomed.

Stopped in with a friend for happy hour cocktails before dinner. The vibe at Midnight Sun is exactly what you want when you're in the Castro – lively, energetic, and full of character. The bartender was incredibly friendly, fast, and always had a smile. We took advantage of the 2-for-1 happy hour specials and were seriously tempted to skip dinner altogether and just soak up the music and atmosphere! Alas, dinner called. -Don't miss it!

We went with a group of friends, the place was crowded and there were dancers on the bar, really cool. The price for the beer was good, the thing is that if you’re not male and gay they won’t treat you friendly, at least that happened to me when I was ordering at the bar. But still it’s a nice place to meet people and dance.

the bartenders were great, but the bouncer was too distracted by wanting to vape that he kept a horrid attitude.

Saw the DRAG show they hold every 3rd Tuesday here! The performers were very funny and fantastic, especially for a free show! The bar staff was friendly and accommodating! I only got a coca cola so I can't judge the drinks, but they have a wide variety of craft cocktails which look fun! The lights and big windows and screens are fun!

What a difference a bartender makes. That point was made oh-so clear recently at what has long been the prototypical gay bar in the Castro. It's no accident that this has usually been the first place people think of to grab a drink in the 'hood since the 1970's. Its open front window and multiple video screens were considered groundbreaking back in the day. After a very long absence (we're talking years), I decided to take advantage of the 241 Happy Hour on a free late afternoon. The bartender was the big, burly type and he was as friendly as can be. I had a tantalizing Tequila Sunrise for the rock bottom price of $8.50 (photo: https://yelp.to/M7TYQcCQCo). He also left me a chip for a complimentary one. I was happy because other bars give you both drinks at once. My experience downshifted on my next visit a few weeks later. I returned later in the day, so it was more crowded but not overbearing. I sat at the bar where a completely different and younger person was tending. He appeared to engage with customers at his whim, and for whatever reason, I couldn't get on his radar because he just kept accepting other drink orders. When I finally told him, he gave me prune face and quickly made me the $12 Frozen Strawberry Lemonade light on the tequila (photo: https://yelp.to/xtcYQXK6cc). When I tried paying him, he snapped back, "Could you just wait a minute?" and then ignored me. Luckily I had a ten spot and two singles, so I left that on the bar and moved to a high-top table. The drink was delicious, but the snub left a bad aftertaste. DRINKS - 4 stars...I like the drinks served here... AMBIANCE - 4 stars...and the vibe is still chill, even as a solitary customer but... SERVICE - 2.5 stars...your experience will vary wildly depending on what bartender is in residence TOTAL - 3 stars...yeah, I'm stuck on 3 as a result RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC

House of M's Barrelhouse Drag Brunch was a lot of fun this past Saturday. The performers were lovely and energetic, engaging the audience and filling us with laughter and smiles throughout the show. We also enjoyed the bday celebrants being put on the spot on stage, to entertain the crowd and keep everyone in good spirits. The venue was casual and inviting, with various seating options in a somewhat small space. The cocktails were tasty and made well (I got the lalo-rita). Also, food from Hot Johnnie's was easy to order using the QR codes at each table. We had some yummy bites for a late lunch, the sweet and spicy garlic shrimp stir fry, and monte cristo (absolutely love that irresistible smoky pastrami from HJ!). Everyone at the event was friendly and welcoming, ensuring a positive experience. I wouldn't hesitate to return.

I've been coming here since I first moved to The City in the mid-1990's. I'm disabled and have always felt welcome here. Lately, (post-pandemic), I've come here during the week, early evening. The staff is very friendly and accomodating. Wednesday's are retro-video day, so that and the people make for a great experience.

Summer is an amazing bartender. The owner is FINE AF I'm straight and I wanted to take him home and do disgusting things to him. It was a Wednesday. Thank you for the good time!

Midnight Sun has a lot of history going back to the early 80s when it was a dark, windowless, black interior watering hole. I know that because I used to go there almost every night for 2-4-1 happy hour when I lived on Castro. Luckily its 2-4-1 happy hour has survived! My friends and I usually make this a stop on our crawl when I'm I town. I remember the spliced VHS videos that were so awesomely original and hilarious. This still is the premier video bar in the Castro. Now there are huge windows that open to the street. Plus pandemic street curbside drinking space. The bartenders that served us were friendly and make good drinks. Happy hour is still packed, but everyone seems older than I recall LOL.

One of my favorite places to visit when I am in San Francisco. I came for the drag brunch last time I was there. I had a blast, I can't wait to visit again.

They made up crazy story of what you did and 86'd you. I have been a great customer even though this bar is mainly for White clients. So no thank you. I don't need to be in somewhere in San Francisco being discriminated.

A Disheartening Night at Midnight Sun: A Drag Race Mexico Watch Party Gone Wrong As a visitor to San Francisco from Guadalajara, Jalisco, I was ecstatic to stumble upon Midnight Sun, a local bar that proudly advertised its watch party for Drag Race Mexico. I eagerly anticipated an evening filled with celebration, camaraderie, and a genuine appreciation for Mexican culture. Unfortunately, my excitement was quickly shattered, and I feel compelled to share my scathing experience. From the moment I entered the bar, it became apparent that something was amiss. The drag queen hosting the event, who should have been a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment, instead chose to engage in despicable behavior. To my dismay, she resorted to fat-shaming, skin tone shaming, and engaging in derogatory remarks regarding the performers on Drag Race Mexico. It was disheartening to witness such blatant disrespect towards individuals who were there to showcase their talents and elevate the art of drag. What struck me even more profoundly was the undertone of racism and classism that permeated the host's comments. Instead of embracing the diversity and beauty of Mexican culture, she spewed offensive stereotypes and derogatory insults, perpetuating harmful narratives. It is utterly unacceptable for anyone, let alone a drag queen who should champion acceptance and understanding, to belittle and demean others based on their race or social standing. To make matters worse, when a fellow Mexican attendee had the courage to confront the drag queen about her racist rants, he was promptly ejected from the bar. This blatant disregard for valid concerns and the silencing of authentic voices only further exemplified the toxic atmosphere that prevailed that night. I implore my fellow Mexicans, as well as any individual who values inclusivity and respect, to steer clear of Midnight Sun. It is painfully evident that this establishment does not welcome us but instead chooses to mock and denigrate us. It is disheartening to witness a bar that claims to celebrate the spirit of Drag Race Mexico exhibit such a lack of understanding and empathy towards the very culture it purports to honor. As a visitor to San Francisco, this experience stands out as one of the lowest moments of my trip. It is a stark reminder that even in spaces where we hope to find acceptance and celebration, prejudice and discrimination can rear their ugly heads. Let us not support establishments that engage in such harmful behavior and instead seek out places that embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and promote the true spirit of drag. We deserve better. Let us stand together and demand respect, both within our own communities and beyond.

Ordered my signature vodka diet coke (do not like sweet cocktails) & it was awful! Probably cheap vodka plus soda to vodka ratio is off. Drinks are overpriced as well at 7.50/ea.

Went to a house party nearby and did some bar hopping after. Dropped by this place on a Wednesday evening. It is a super fun place. Friendly. Good and strong drinks. Fun karaoke. Nice performances. Really like the bartenders here.

Great Castro gay bar, always a decent crowd. The staff are all friendly. Shaun at the bar is terrific. He makes excellent drinks, delivers quick service, and is able to have fun with the customers. He's a real asset to the bar. Only suggestion would be to modernize the music selection? The 70s and 80s soundtracks are on constant repeat.

We got here an hour and a half and put request in on their request papers right before drag hostess showed up and our song weren't first she chose her friends first that's why we don't normally do drag karoake and it was outdated 70s crap

I have to share that in addition to the already amazing staff, that Julio, really stands out. He is always customer present and is just an absolute joy to enter act with. He always has a smile on his face and looks to engage. Kudos to the management team for his being part of

Best bartender ! Look for Shaun ! Super fun guy! Always makes us laugh! Outstanding service Shaun ! See you soon again !

My favorite bar in San Francisco. Drinks, staff and videos are great. i started going there over 30 years ago and spent every Gay Pride Festival there. Met some great people including my Husband there.

What lease bring Nico back on Friday nights. I miss her. She is one of the best bartenders at the Midnight Sun and I always enjoy seeing her. She always delivers a smile and amazing service. Please bring her back to a busy Friday night. Thank you! Best, David

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!!

They should follow their own rules. Waiter claims that tables are preset and aren't able to be moved but their table rules state otherwise. They accommodated other parties but not my party.

Walked in and my friend immediately had her cell phone and wallet stolen by a pickpocket. Shame that the staff at the door didn't really seem to care despite being aware that multiple people had had their phones stolen.

Very poor and rude service! I was here to meet friends and the pony tailed bartender with the attitude problem short poured my drink. The dj told me it was my problem that I couldn't electronically tip him! I guess this place would be kinda good if this 2 employees weren't working when you went. There are many other bars in the Castro to choose where the bartenders are more friendly like the one 2 blocks away!

I love this place! Great pours and great vibe. I really love Mark the bartender! He makes everyone feel so welcome :) I hope to be back here really soon! I also love the drag brunches and gogo dancers!

Shaun is AMAZING!!!!!!!! Came in on a Tuesday night and it was slow but he made it soooo fun! He is great at his job!!! Definitely come visit any night of the week if he is here!! Jeffrey is great too! He taught us about the awesome history of the bar!!! This place is the best thanks to them!

The service is exceptional! The ambiance is unreal due to DJ Lu. The best VJ I've ever experienced. Super amazing. The food from the neighborhood restaurant is also amazing. Best nachos ever!

Came in on a Tuesday night and have to say Shaun is the best bartender in the Castro. Not only is he cute and pours a good drink but the conversation was great and he paid great attention to us. He made us feel extremely welcome and we would definitely come back any night that he is working.

Rudest bartender on Sunday at 1230pm thinking she all that...just cuz you can't or won't make a hot toddy for someone don't get an attitude...just Ugh...shameful...

Fun place great music, rude bartenders. Girl dressed up so rude and wouldn't stop. So come for the nice floor setup and music be ready for rude be bartenders

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

I love this bar! it's gotten even better over the years. Mark, the general manager has really transformed the place. I highly recommend. order from the seasonal cocktail menu!

TW: overt ablism & transphobia Ig: @adaachico video evidence Me and my friends decided to go to @midnightsunsf on the 4/23 for some drinks. We were told that since we were walk-ins, we had had to wait. My friend had to stand, while the bar gave seating privileges to white cis men just arriving when we were there first. My disabled friend sat down because she was in pain and a representative rudely asked her to move. It escalated into verbal assault which I claimed my right to address the prejudice. Please watch the video because it really shows. Later, @midnightsunsf said that they do first come first serve and that us waiting while my friend was in pain could have been prevented. This whole time there was seating for 30 people and they never sat us. The fact, that @midnightsunsf sent that statement proves that ablism and transphobia exist in a community that you would think would accept. Please spread the word. If you're a ally share #hatecrime #transphobia #ablism #midnightsunsf #discrimination #prejudice #ignorance

Was here a couple days ago for Pride and both my girlfriend and I had our phones stolen when we walked in. When we told the staff member at the front door he was got very defensive about it and told us we should look after our shit better. Not quite the response we would have hoped for. We stayed for about an hour and also heard of at least 5 other people getting their phones stolen as well. Very disappointed how the whole situation was handled. I know it was very busy because of pride and a pick-pockets' ideal environment but the way the staff handled it was so very disappointing.

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.

First time there recently. There were a group of barflies at the end of the bar, about six older Caucasian men. I sat far away from them and went over to the bar to get a drink and was accused of "flirting" with one of their boyfriends. I was honestly just being friendly. They are not my type at all. The bartender found it easier to kick me out (per their orders) while these men shouted things at me. This has never happened to me, and the bartender was really rude and unwilling to hear me out. As a person of color this felt extra hurtful. I name called back, which was petty, but i felt defenseless and attacked. honestly, none of this was necessary and it felt racially motivated. i left and went back across the street where it was definitely friendlier, and i was allowed to peacefully have my drink. These older white men really don't want us in their spaces. Happy Pride!

I had my credit card number stolen here several days ago, probably by an employee or someone with access to all the cards they hold at the bar. I hadn't used the card in weeks (SF was shut down, and I use another card regularly) and then handed it over here for 90mins while we ate/drank, as a card is required to hold a tab. The next day, I had a nearly $200 charge at Brenda's French Soul Food, an SF restaurant where I didn't eat and never go. The credit card company agrees this is the likeliest fraud scenario. Be careful here. PS I enjoy Midnight Sun and am glad to see it back. It's a shame--the drinks and snack were good and I left a good tip! If I come back, I will be paying cash. I'm also posting this here in the event the owner watches this page--maybe you have someone skimming numbers.

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.

I started coming to the Midnight Sun for happy hour when my favorite neighborhood bartender Marky started working here & the cutie bar-back (AKA: Q) never fails to put a smile on your face. Their specialty cocktail menu is top notch yet underrated. I highly recommend the Buddha's Elixir!

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!

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.

Racists! Jaw on the floor. Castro really needs to do better. My friends and I were waiting for a table indoors because it was freezing outside and the host told us we could not stand next to the heat lamp on the sidewalk. It's a sidewalk. The GM came outside and told me me he knows all the owners and that he would make sure we were banned from all other establishments. We went across the street to The Mix where they had an African American Bartender who brought our drinks to us. Thank you!

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!

So... love this place, but tonight of all nights was Pride, and my phone was stolen along with my keys. I now have to get my locks changed tomorrow. I'm a black gay man, so I would never resort to stereotyping, but I felt a hand in my pocket and saw a guy who was not dressed like anyone else in the club walk past me in a black sweatshirt and black jeans. It's Pride, everyone was dressed in colorful clothes except that guy. I told the bouncer outside, but he wouldn't listen to me and only focused on the fact that I was holding a bottle of water near the exit rather than the fact that I was robbed. One of the employees standing inside near the entrance was useless (he would barely make eye contact with me when I tried to politely explain the situation), but thankfully one of the security guards tried to help. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to find the phone. He questioned the guy I suspected, but no action was taken. He told my boyfriend he thought there was a group of four targeting people in the bar, but still nothing was done. I'm very disappointed in overall security at the bar, so I'm not sure if I'll be back here any time soon. The situation was handled very poorly.

I've been going to Midnight Sun for few months and Mark is my favorite bartender. He smiles and generally likes to see my friend and I come in. He plays games with us on game nights. Thanks Barry

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...

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Why do I love Midnight Sun? All are welcome. And they don't just talk the talk: with 1 Up Tuesdays dedicated to Gaymers, Castro Karaoke Wednesdays, and Bear Happy Hour Fridays, and classic gogo dancers on the weekends, there's a little something for everyone. I RECOMMEND getting here after 12am on the weekends if you want to keep the party going, as well drinks are only $2. For the singers out there, I also recommend karaoke nights on Wednesdays. Bebe Sweetbiar is the sweetest Queen, and on the last Wednesday of each month they have a karaoke contest where the winner receives $100 (based on audience vote). One last recommendation is the frozen drinks. Some spots don't do them justice, but Midnight Sun's Frosey Rosey is incredible! Only grab the Bro-se if you like mezcal. OVERALL a frosey four stars for Midnight Sun. Can't wait to come back and enjoy another happy hour here.

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!