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Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun, 18th Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
First opened more than 40 years ago, Midnight Sun draws a mixed crowd of bears and hot guys in minimal clothing that keep coming back for the nightly happy hour and regular events such as karaoke and TV viewing parties. The Friday evening happy hour is especially popular - watch out for the very strong cocktails! On Friday and Saturday nights you can expect hot boys dancing on the bar and the whole venue is unsurprisingly packed, with music videos and TV playing all night to complete the lively atmosphere.
Bear, Drag, Karaoke, Dancers
Good for:
Popular bars in
San Francisco
Lone Star Saloon
Lone Star Saloon in SoMa is a nightlife hub for the local bears. The outdoor patio is regularly filled with a "rough around the edges" crowd of bears, otters, leathermen, and their admirers, who can all enjoy a beer and the odd game of pool. This bar is particularly busy on the weekends and when people flock here to begin their nights out, and the Sunday afternoon beers parties are especially popular.
Jolene's
Jolene's Bar and Restaurant is a safe queer space run by and for the LGBTQ community in Mission District. This is a laid-back space serving American fare and brunch at the weekends, plus bottomless drinks to keep you refreshed and tipsy throughout your night. There's pool, plenty of dancing, and live shows on offer to keep you entertained and fuel a thoughtfully created dining and cocktail experience.
Toad Hall
The Castro's Toad Hall is open seven days a week for live DJ's and dancing. The bar is full of cocktails and beers at great prices, and you can hang out with your drinks in the booths or just enjoy the dance floor. There's a second bar on the outdoor patio if that's where you prefer to relax, and regular drag events, karaoke, and dance competitions mean there's always something going on if you want to join in.
Moby Dick
This long-time Castro neighbourhood watering hole exudes a laid-back with games and a number of TVs that play music videos and sports. This spot hasn't changed much since first it opened in the 1980s and it continues to welcome everyone with its friendly and homely vibe. Nightly drink specials make it a local favourite for a relaxed night with friends, complete with pool, pinball, video games, and of course the fish tank behind the bar.
Cinch Saloon
The Cinch Saloon is the only gay bar left on Polk Street, the place where San Francisco's reputation for queer nightlife all began. It's got an old-fashioned gay bar with dive vibes and a western theme where all identities are welcome, and offers strong drinks, pool tables, pinball, DJs and absolutely no attitude. The patio at the back is a place to smoke and relax with one of the many good but very cheap beers on tap.
440 Castro
This gay bar in the heart of The Castro neighbourhood is a popular hangout for bears and their admirers. It's busiest at the weekend with a mixed aged crowd enjoying strong cheap drinks and an intimate atmosphere. Regular themed events are hosted here throughout the week, including the understandably popular Underwear Night every Monday, which sees the bar packed with a cruisy, tipsy, and scantily clad male crowd.
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