The Mint
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 626-4726
- Hours:
- Daily 4 pm-2am
Editorial Review for The Mint – by Kevin Raub
In Short
This shotgun-style bar on the edge of the Castro draws mixed, but gay-leaning, crowds who have been flocking here since its 1993 karaoke makeover. Timid singers investing in a few tasty hurricanes sit inconspicuously along the bar stools, stage-right, while the "American Idol" wannabes grab tables in front of stage-left and clamor among each other for what to sing next.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save TimeCredit cards are not accepted, but with weekly changing drink specials like $4.50 Woodford Reserve cocktails, you won't need to pull much out of the on-site ATM.
The ExtrasPatrons are welcome to bring over sushi from the Osaka House, a Japanese joint next door.
Look GoodWhen it's crowded, it can be difficult to get onstage. Slip the KJ a few bucks and you should find it easier.
User Reviews for The Mint
12/09/2007 Posted by violated
Avoid this hell hole at all costs. They SEARCHED my party after publicly accusing them of stealing a microphone. No one had the microphone, proven after they violated our rights.
Pros: None
Cons: Lynch mob
11/29/2006 Posted by sf_dn
It takes a lot for me to give a business my feedback, but I was so appalled at the rudeness of the staff that I had to do it. I went there with a friend on a Saturday night and the technician was Frank H. The attitude Frank H. was displaying throughout the evening was pure poi$on. He was unbelievably rude to everyone, publicly chastising people for not using the mic correctly, for submitting more than one request, for taking a few extra seconds to come up to the stage… After waiting over 30 minutes, we decided to get a little air on the sidewalk where we could clearly hear him call contestant. We went back in after only 5 to 10 minutes. An hour had gone by when my friend finally decided to go enquire about his request. Upon asking, he immediately got yelled at by Frank H. who said he threw out his request the instant he saw us step outside. WHY? And if he saw us walk out, I am sure he saw us walking back in, so why not inform us of his action? My friend was back in town this past weekend and we decided to give The Mint another chance on Sunday night after making sure Frank H. was not hosting. It was Jamin (Sudsy) instead. His attitude seemed slightly friendlier, although his lack of patience was quite obvious from the beginning. My friend handed him 2 requests and tipped him $2. Jamin asked my friend which of the 2 songs he wanted to sing FIRST. My friend answered and sang his song within 20 minutes of entering the request. When over an hour went by my friend asked Jamin about it who claimed he knew nothing about a second request. Someone said that if you don't tip at least $5 to $10, requests go ignored. Maybe The Mint’s staff should remember that people come to a Karaoke bar to have fun, not to be yelled at or ridiculed in front of everyone. Also, if they have some unspoken rules about in and out privileges, number of requests of even tip amount, that’s OK but spell them out! Overall, I would not recommend anybody frequent The Mint.
Cons: Rude staff!
