Midnight Sun
San Francisco, CA 94114-2535
Phone: (415) 861-4186
- Cross Street:
- Castro Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 2pm-2am, Sat-Sun 1pm-2am
Editorial Review for Midnight Sun – by Camper English
In Short
Since the 1970s, this has been the Castro District's video bar. It features two huge screens on either side of a rectangular room and several smaller TVs behind the bar, all tuned to the same show. The set up is for standing: Tall, chairless tables come up to short revelers' shoulders, so they can rest a drink while watching. The bar itself is unique, decorated art-deco-style, with lots of polished wood.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyWeekday happy hour (2pm-7pm) features 2-for-1 cocktails and draft beer specials.
Know Before You GoCall ahead for the weekly TV schedule and special events.
Where to SitIf you're short, the best unobstructed view is from one of the bar stools or benches against the opposite wall.
User Reviews for Midnight Sun
07/29/2007 Posted by johndo
The Midnight Sun is one of my favorite bars to visit when I am in San Francisco. Admittedly, I like video bars, so this is right up my alley. Love the art deco interior - some gorgeous woodwork. I agree that this seems to be a place for groups to hang out, but I have had fun going in by myself. Sometimes, the regulars don't seem to notice you at all and other times, they can be very friendly. Staff is friendly and the 2 for 1's are a great way to start the evening. Go in and enjoy it for what it is.
Pros: Great interior. Good value (during 2 for 1's). Friendly staff
Cons: Limited seating. Hard to manuver when the bar is crowded.
10/24/2006 Posted by tattoojoe
The Midnight Sun, a.k.a. "The S c u m", is popular with Macy's types, cologne wearing guys, and people more about style than substance. The videos are usually good, although why the crowd enjoys videos by young girl pop princesses is a little strange to me on a personal level. The bartenders are great and very friendly, and the crowd in general is very established. Most patrons seem to go night after night for the happy hour (it pretty much introduced the 2 for 1 happy hour to the Castro). This is not a place to meet new people unless you make the first move. Most people are there in groups or couples, except the cases at the far end up the bar standing with their hands in their pockets. But overall, it's a great place to go WITH someone, and it's fun to watch the crowd get really drunk before 7:00 during the week -- that's when happy hour ends.
Pros: Brightly lit, music videos and funny videos, super crowded at times during happy hour.
Cons: A few too many cackling straight women at times, and the crowd is extremely established with regulars that arrive in groups. There is a certain arrogance with the crowd.
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