Midnight Sun

I really love this place! Bartender are really very nice (even with a french guy with is terrible accent) and smilly! The atmosphere is always great; eveyone is welcoming. Music is good and the gogos are sexy and fun! The brunch is really great, fun with great food (hot Johnnie's next door). Thanks See you next time!

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!

Happy hour every day 4pm - 8pm, 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!

Watched anime here with my wife during the day on Valentine's Day Two for one drinks with that healthy gay pour. Great staff and clean restrooms. Loved it!

Kim Natale

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

Lottie Clarke

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!

Ken Peterson

Happy hour every day 4pm - 8pm, 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!!

Lori Limchayseng

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!

Samantha C

Lupe the manager and everyone that was working on this Monday night was amazing!!! So attentive and fun to chat with…this is a place to visit in the Castro! I felt so welcomed and the drinks were at a great price! I wasn’t planning on staying for the show and I arrived at 8pm and the show started at 10pm but the vibe kept me and I’m so glad it did!

gilles mooknice

I really love this place! Bartender are really very nice (even with a french guy with is terrible accent) and smilly! The atmosphere is always great; eveyone is welcoming. Music is good and the gogos are sexy and fun! The brunch is really great, fun with great food (hot Johnnie's next door). Thanks See you next time!

Garrett M

Had a really fun time watching Polly's Follies at Midnight Sun. It's a small bar, which meant we were right next to the queens. Very funny and entertaining, and good food/drinks. Polly Amber Ross and Sis Phyllis were my absolute faves!

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.

Maui World Travelers

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.

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.

Diana Tuaty

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.

My partner and I had a bad experience here this afternoon . We are happy they’re having outdoor dining. They have many rules and regulations which I appreciate and understand. However, one of the servers is way out of line with his attitude of enforcement. He reprimanded us yesterday just walking by on the sidewalk. We were caring a beverage and we were not patrons of Midnight Sun. He actually called the sidewalk a restaurant and we weren’t allowed to bring outside beverages in, again we were just passing through on the sidewalk. Tonight, we decided to have a burger and beer at the midnight sun we had a very nice table but the same mean-spirited attitude of the waiter ruined our experience. There is a way to talk to people and still get your point across. He was very mean spirited and made me angry when I was trying to have a nice time. Our waiter had a much kinder attitude and he totally understood what we were saying. BTW, I understand the mean-spirited guy is the GM at Midnight Sun. We also heard customers at another table complain to him about his attitude/service. Our server told us he hopes we come back, but I said not if that DJ is working as a server when we decide to come back. No

Midnight Sun always finds a way to break my heart every time I visit. First, the bartenders are fantastic and the drinks are exceptional. Second, the ability to order Hot Johnnie’s is very convenient and means you’ll have better food than most Castro bars. Third, the ambiance is usually fun. My two consistent frustrations with the bar are the bouncers and the non-bartending staff. The bouncers can be unnecessarily rude, telling certain customers to not sit on the window ledge, then randomly slamming the windows an hour later. Also, when there are events, like Media Noche, you may be asked to vacate your seat and table with little notice or courtesy.

It was ok. I kind of stumbled upon it on a whim. The crowd is largely cis gay men however I notice this a lot with bars in the Castro. What surprised me the most was Monday’s drag performance where the host drag performer used transphobic language such as “lady boy” and at one point poked fun at gender affirming surgery. It felt very uncomfortable as the only trans woman in the room that night and somewhat triggering of my gender dysphoria. The one bartender I had was very nice however as he was leaving out for the night there was another one who just straight up ignored me… assumed he was busy until he acknowledged me and went straight to taking men’s drinks. You may have a good time as a woman but it will feel somewhat isolating and if you’re trans it will feel somewhat like you’re the foot of the joke for the night and not very respectful.

Jacob Bright

Midnight Sun always finds a way to break my heart every time I visit. First, the bartenders are fantastic and the drinks are exceptional. Second, the ability to order Hot Johnnie’s is very convenient and means you’ll have better food than most Castro bars. Third, the ambiance is usually fun. My two consistent frustrations with the bar are the bouncers and the non-bartending staff. The bouncers can be unnecessarily rude, telling certain customers to not sit on the window ledge, then randomly slamming the windows an hour later. Also, when there are events, like Media Noche, you may be asked to vacate your seat and table with little notice or courtesy.

Serena Sonoma

It was ok. I kind of stumbled upon it on a whim. The crowd is largely cis gay men however I notice this a lot with bars in the Castro. What surprised me the most was Monday’s drag performance where the host drag performer used transphobic language such as “lady boy” and at one point poked fun at gender affirming surgery. It felt very uncomfortable as the only trans woman in the room that night and somewhat triggering of my gender dysphoria. The one bartender I had was very nice however as he was leaving out for the night there was another one who just straight up ignored me… assumed he was busy until he acknowledged me and went straight to taking men’s drinks. You may have a good time as a woman but it will feel somewhat isolating and if you’re trans it will feel somewhat like you’re the foot of the joke for the night and not very respectful.

Fred Siegel

My partner and I had a bad experience here this afternoon . We are happy they’re having outdoor dining. They have many rules and regulations which I appreciate and understand. However, one of the servers is way out of line with his attitude of enforcement. He reprimanded us yesterday just walking by on the sidewalk. We were caring a beverage and we were not patrons of Midnight Sun. He actually called the sidewalk a restaurant and we weren’t allowed to bring outside beverages in, again we were just passing through on the sidewalk. Tonight, we decided to have a burger and beer at the midnight sun we had a very nice table but the same mean-spirited attitude of the waiter ruined our experience. There is a way to talk to people and still get your point across. He was very mean spirited and made me angry when I was trying to have a nice time. Our waiter had a much kinder attitude and he totally understood what we were saying. BTW, I understand the mean-spirited guy is the GM at Midnight Sun. We also heard customers at another table complain to him about his attitude/service. Our server told us he hopes we come back, but I said not if that DJ is working as a server when we decide to come back. No

They refill premium bottles with grain alcohol. This is not what I ordered or paid for.

If you have a high tolerance and black dont come here. I got one tequila and I have a high tolerance of alcohol. Justin denied me another drink. Turned my night mediocre and negative. They dont understand their clientele. Dont come here for a good time.

E C

They refill premium bottles with grain alcohol. This is not what I ordered or paid for.

Torris Ali

If you have a high tolerance and black dont come here. I got one tequila and I have a high tolerance of alcohol. Justin denied me another drink. Turned my night mediocre and negative. They dont understand their clientele. Dont come here for a good time.

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

K K

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

Justin Hurtado

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.

ianinsitges Howells

This used to be such a great place anytime of the evening. The music is now too loud. They don’t play the fun videos that 1000’s loved. Most importantly, the bar staff are just rudest bunch of ****s in any bar, in any town. The few visits I’ve made recently it’s obvious the clientele are moving on. MANAGEMENT: TAKE NOTE- basically, hire good & friendly bar staff.