The Cafe

I rarely leave negative reviews, but this one is absolutely deserved. I had an item stolen from me while I was at the bar. I asked the security guard if they can check the cameras and was lied to saying they don’t have cameras at the bar. I walked around and spotted the cameras myself in plain sight. I asked for the manager on duty and was finally helped to find who was the thief.

I give this place a 4-star rating, mainly due to their cash-only policy. However, as someone who typically doesn't carry cash (except for the cover charge), this stood out. Rating the music feels unnecessary because, well, it's The Castro—where we trust the gays with that <3 Moving on to the venue itself, it offers ample space for a city club and a semi two levels, providing a nice sense of roominess. The dance floor isn't solid, as it encircles a platform used for performances. Drink prices fall within the normal range for bars/clubs, though you’ll get a gay pour. So it kinda balances itself out for price per ounce of liquor. I estimate an average spend of $30-50, considering most people consume around three drinks. The vibe here starts out okay and gradually amps up throughout the night. It's worth noting the presence of straight girl groups (not surprising for a popular gay club) among the predominantly millennial crowd. But what truly stands out is the very clean restroom section, featuring a huge LED-bordered mirror and multiple single, gender-neutral bathrooms—always maintained by attentive staff. The highlight? A server often circulates on the main floor with an array of creatively themed shots, making group outings a blast!

I used to love this place. I lived in the Castro in the mid-nineties, my roommate and I, along with two of our friends who lived above us, in an old Victorian house that was converted into a half a dozen apartments used to live at that place almost every weekend. Three out of four of us worked at Nordstrom SFO center. One was a store operator, the other worked in men's Shoes. I can remember standing in that same line along market street, waiting to get in. There was no cover back then. It was all cash even back then to, that's how must of us used to pay...lol They played the best music, and all the hot younger guys ( mostly twenties and some thirties) used to frequent that place. This was before they served Food to. It was open seven nights a week back then. I remember having this crush on a hot Asian bartender with black hair to. I was such a regular even on Monday nights that one of the female bartenders ( white lady with a Huge afro) used to have my first two drinks already ready when I walked up to the counter. It was a shot of Yager and a rolling rock. I would religiously tip a buck or two for every drink, and they really appreciated it to. Those bar tenders used to make Bank. This was most definitely the good Ole days. I moved out of San Francisco in 1999, and have never been back since. This place however gives me fond memories of San Francisco.

They denied my partner entrance into the bar stating that her identification looked "off" when her identification is perfectly legal, meaning that they likely took issue with her ethnic features (she is the only visibly Latina person the white and Asian group we were with) or her Florida identification. If you are Latina or from Florida (emphasis on Florida) you might be discriminated against at this bar.0

had a rare xenophobic experience in San Francisco from the security staff not accepting foreign passport for unexplained reason.

In my opinion this place destroyed their reputation by forcing a Pride month grand opening back in 2019- they’ve never recovered, and it might have to do with the fact that the remodels weren’t finished….? I mean at least sweep the saw dust off the floor? And where on earth do you get off charging cover though

The Cafe is my favorite bar in SF. I love how diverse the staff is and the drinks are good and priced well. Every time I’ve ever been I’ve always had the best time! I feel safe, the bathrooms are great and newly remodeled. The staff is really friendly and overall a great time. Drinks are strong, music is fun. Everyone is always having a good time.

Last night my partner and I went out to have a fun night, have a few drinks and dance. The bartender who served us was a lovely young lady ,( ill leave her name anonymous) who was so kind and welcoming!, Somewhere along the way my partner lost his wallet. We searched high and low and could not find it anywhere. After a while of searching, we finally gave up and went home and I texted the bartender and let her know that we had lost it. If they found it, please let me know and she promptly responded to me that they had. In fact found my partner's property and we were able to go and pick it up from her immediately. This level of customer service is astounding and very hard to come by. She knows who she is and I just want to make it known that you guys have a phenomenal employee!