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Categories: Restaurants, Gay Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: Castro
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Met up with a bunch of friends here for someones b-day, and was surprised to find that it is no longer called the Metro Bar? They were having a contest to name the place, the prize being a bar free bar tab...ooh imagine that!
We met the new owner, (young handsome guy in a red striped shirt that night) and he was super attentive to his bar patrons. I know he was trying to make a good impression on everyone transitioning from the Metro Bar clientele, and It looks like so far he's succeeding.
He was testing out a new appetizer menu that night and told us the food he was serving us was complimentary, what a sweetheart! He brought us the following; Nachos, Quesidillas, Fried Calamari with a pesto aoli, Cheeseburgers, and French Fries. All of which were top bistro quality, and did not skimp on the portions. We brought a birthday cake in from elsewhere but he was even kind enough to volunteer to slice it up for us.
He even brought the birthday girl a drink, ironically called "Adios Mother Fu*ker". The rest of the staff was super friendly too, we all had a memorable night out. Hope the vibe they projected that night remains consistent. I'm definitely returning.
I'll have to update this as soon as the new name change, but so far so good bar w/ no name!
UPDATE: 11/24/07 Believe they are calling this bar the "Overlook" now.
I came here last week when I didn't feel like going home (and I had walked over to Bi-Rite Creamery and saw that they were CLOSED on a Wednesday and this was the perfect halfway point between that place and my house) and was slightly peeved when I was charged 8 dollars for my Manhattan on the rocks.
I walked out an hour and a half later, completely drunk. Off that one drink. So, it was worth it. And I will be back.
Their balcony is perfect - not only for judging those who walk by, but also for being judged by everyone who looks up at you. Turns out: not only can I dish it, I can also take it. Fantastic.
Never eaten the tapas here, but the bar is great because:
1) no cover charge (not sure if this is true at all times, though)
2) they have the best mojitos
3) ample dance room (as most people are just here to drink... so you have the floor for yourself)
4) DJ Edgar/Eddie is super nice and would play your requests if he has them
5) Friendly crowd, especially the girls... They always offer to buy me drinks
6) Outside balcony for convos if you need some "quiet" or just a place to have a makeout sesh.
7) hot, STRAIGHT bartenders... ay papi! (this is specifically USEFUL)
A straight guys take on the Metro experience...
I always end up here when my brother is visiting from LA, usually walking in after 11pm when the music is lively, the video monitors are showing something campy and glamorous, and when the club is full of men trying to be casually fabulous & a scattering of women trying...I'm not sure what.
So if you've got no homophobe issues, the Metro can be a great place for a straight guy to get an ego stroke (that's ALL I get stroked here, though clearly more is possible for those so inclined). Most of the people here are very friendly and polite, but occassionally I wish I carried a purse so I can beat off some of the more aggressive & crass guys (Geez. No, I don't need a drink thanks. Hmm, that's interesting, hey I need to check in with my friends. Mmm, what? Oh, I didn't notice you there. What do you think this adds up to? And where in all this did you get the idea that I'm remotely interested in 'chuparte'?). So you might want to be prepared for for some unwanted attention.
Other hazards here are the fag-hags that come in the very loud, very obnoxious, very not-so-attractive variety. I don't pretend to understand fag & hag dynamics, but have witnessed enough of their predatory behavior to know to stay out of their sights if I want to be spared squeals of excitement, unwelcome adoration, and clinginess that could easily collapse my smaller frame. As to the other women, they may be straight or queer seeking to enjoy the strong, adequate drinks away from the pressures of the hetero scenes. Here I plead ignorance of the local gay ecology, because I can't be certain that everyone drinks at the same watering hole since Metro has a primary gay male vibe.
(Really, is the view from the wrap-around balcony of the hot, sweaty, exercising sculpted bodies at Gold's Gym a coincidence?)
I've always had fun here. The balcony provides a fun place to get some night air and views of the street. The drinks are not great, but are strong. The music is usually not my thing, but not obnoxious. But granted I enjoy the outrageousness of my brother's friends, the frequent perfect boobies that are often on the TV monitors, the strong drinks, the occasional ego stroking, the opportunity to objectively observe mating rituals since I have no stake, and the friendly party atmosphere. And at the end of the night, it's just possible to feel a little fabulous too.
A great Cafe alternative when you're crusin for cute gay boys...and who isn't!? There's a great view on halloween too!
By far these boys made the best buttery nipple shots ever.
Shatangi like s to go here with groups. Not a place to meet people. The bartenders are expert mixologists and quite friendly. There is not really a crowd, just a bunch of people who wound up there. A great place to wind up like on a first date.
Shatangi told you
A Castro bar that takes plastic? Has unparalleled views? Who knew? Perfect for tourists or just a change from "the Strip." Never any attitude or stand-and-model burn. Oh yeah, I guess the Cafe has a view, too, but um... I'm 32. Maybe I'll go back there if my little brother comes out.
Anyway, Metro is the perfect place to drink on a nice afternoon and watch (read: gawk at) the passing Castro parade. What do you mean you don't drink in the afternoon? Liar!
After drinking too much at the Pilsner...
After dinner at 2223...
Before waking up the next day not remembering how I got there or why the cat is sitting in the corner staring at me in total disgust...
There is the Metro.
A Metro mojito on a warm Sunday afternoon is like puppies and kittens and ponies to an 8-year old girl. Unfortunately, the gruff bartender who makes the good mojitos can be pretty crabby, killing the mood of an otherwise perfect day.
And on non-Sundays, it's a bar that displays that rare quality of being loud and empty at the same time.
Charlie is the best, sweetest bartender on the planet. If you've had a bad or even a good day, he'll make it all the more better.
Service is great!
If you're ever tired of the Castro and the crowd, hit up the Metro. Wonderful balcony overlooking Market.
I don't go here as often as I would like to, but I have always had a great time when I walk through the doors of Metro. This is just a cool place to come and have drinks and socialize with friends while you warm up before going out and hitting the clubs.
The drinks are pretty good and fairly priced, plenty of places to sit or stand (doesn't matter when you are here) and there is a awesome balcony area where you can chill that overlooks part of market street.
Definitely a place to go with friends who are visiting....make it one of your first stops.
Best times to go (in my opinion, anyway)
Any weekend afternoon but particularly Sunday.
Friday nights are also good and any time the Oscars are playing...unless of course you are at the Academy of Friends Bash.
5 Big Red Ones
***This review is for the bar now known as the Lookout***
The best place to watch the F Market go by!
In general, the Metro is not a cheap place to get a drink. However, this Sunday they had $8 beer bust, and it was actually beer I would want to drink to a change, Stella Artois and Amstel Light. The clientele is much more attractive than most places in the Castro and the balcony overlooking Market Street rocks!
I should remove a star because my glass was chipped and instead of pouring me a new beer into a new glass, the bartender poured the beer from the chipped glass into another glass. No tip for you! However, I won't remove a star because the other bartender Michael likes me! Oh and some crazy chick named Charlotte said I was "Hot!"
I love the balcony here. There are stools that line the perimeter of the balcony, which overlooks Market and 16th. If you want a ciggie, you can have one here without walking all the way back downstairs.
The bartender here made my drink (dry Grey Goose martini, straight up +2 olives) and then let me take a gulp, and poured in more Goosey afterward. How many bartenders do you know who'd do that? :)
Sort of like the aftershow bar for the Jerry Springer gays.
Only made trashier when the locales hit the microphone for Karoake.
The place is almost always never full and thus fun when big events are going on in the 'stro making their terrace an ideal place to start or end the evening to watch the goings on.
An extra star to their really sweet bar staff. They belong somewhere they can make better tips.
NO NO NO!!!!! Do any of you know how upset i am that they serve MEXICAN FOOD?????? what happened to my favorite chinese place???? Where on earth am I supposed to get sauteed eggplant and spring rolls, huh? WHERE ELSE am i going to get good service in the Castro? WHERE ELSE can i go up to the bar adn get a drink when i am waiting for my eggplant? WHERE ELSE am I going to get good chinese food in the Castro??? HUH?? WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME????
just in case you couldnt tell, i walked by one day, and saw a new sign for Metro, NOW SERVING MEXICAN TAPAS, and my heart sunk, i felt nauseous and I immediately screamed at my girlfriend, "WHAT TH E HELL HAPPENED!!! WHERE IS MY EGGPLANT!!!" I never set food in Metro again.
Please god, someone bring back MY METRO. Please? I havent had eggplant in a year....help.
RIP my favorite restaurant. **sniff, sniff**
I love the Metro! Let everyone else go to the Cafe...
There's a great balcony here for watching the passersby on 16th and Market, and it's a fun, easy-going bar. I dig the neon mirrored 80's retro style. If you get hungry, you can meander over to the other side and nibble on some bland Chinese food.
The balcony is the main draw, although everything else is solid -- the crowd is only loosely that; it's more a consolidation of a lot of groups of two to five. Music is good and the bartenders do you right. Good 'enroute' place.
Can't offer any opinion on the food, although there appear to be plenty of thoughts shared below.
This is totally a DIFFERENT type of experience than my normal Trance, House, Dance club review. If you want a place to drink and drink and uhmm...drink, while watching free entertainment (and I don't only mean on those flat screen tvs while the dj's spinnin'), then this is your place to go.
I've been here a handful of times and the crowd is always pleasant and you have THE BEST vantage point of Market/Castro Street from the Balcony. I mean, all the hot, hot, hot gay men walking to and fro from dinner and such and they are just a cat call away when you are on the balcony.
The bartenders are nice and they do have strong arse drinks.
I wanna take you to a gay bar,
I wanna take you to a gay bar,
I wanna take you to a gay bar, gay bar, gay bar.
The Metro is a fun bar in the Castro. You can hangout on the wrap around balcony and watch all the queer and queer-friendly folk walk around below you on Market Street. You will almost always share some funny drunken banter with someone on that balcony.
I've only been to The Metro once on a Saturday night. It didn't leave me with a great impression. Granted, my friend and I were looking for places to dance and wanted to venture outside of our typical Castro hangouts. So keep that in mind. I'm reviewing the social scene, not the food.
What I liked:
- People were friendly.
- Most Def a neighborhood bar. It looked like everyone knew each other. Kind of in that 'Cheers' way.
- No cover
- Amazing Outside View of the Castro.
What I Didn't:
- They played decent music that no one danced to.
- Smokers Outside.
- Not the best drinks. Fairly pricey.
The Bottom Line:
This place could be SOOOO much more. The layout is decent and unique. I suppose part of it is inspiration and part of it is crowd. Some elements are right and some are way off.
On occasion I'll throw the queens a bone and oblige them in their neighborhood. After Rosenblum and Hog Island, fairy-Matty convinced me to hit up the Metro for a few cocktails. Belly full of wine, champagne and oysters, head a bit foggy and my thirst not even close to be quenched, we F-trained it over there and plopped our pooped butts on a couple of stools outside. Tuesday at 3:30pm, sun shining, sitting outdoors with a very nice martini and a pack of smokes....I could've died a happy man.
Apparently this place gets packed on nights and weekends, but when I was there it was calm with some great people making some, ahem, very innapropriate comments about everything under the sun. Just my style! Where were all the good looking women though? Hahah..just kidding.
Older (30s 40s mostly) gay people bar. Kinda stagnant. As soon as I get in there I want to leave. I feel like.....uhhhhh, ok I don't feel comfortable, goodbye.
Some nice staff members though. Nothing wrong with this place I guess....just doesn't appeal to me.
Good place to hang out with friends over a drink or two.. or three. "Hey, who are you? Oh wait, that's my reflection.. from the floor." Well, anyways.
It's an upstairs bar attached to a restaurant that's usually closed when I go there in the evening. Apparently they serve tapas. The bar serves good drinks. Not the cheapest in the Castro, but that's a good thing. There's a view of the whole surrounding area from their wrap around deck and you can check it out while smoking out there and freezing at the same time.
It's crowded on Sundays, but not at all for most of the week.
Fun little gay bar, and since there are hardly any girls, the women's bathroom is pretty clean, with a few exceptions when it's been really gross. The balcony is nice and long, but really narrow, and can get incredibly crowded...drunk people can be really pushy!
The food isn't bad either. The nachos are huge!
What happened? I was here about a week ago on a Sunday afternoon and the place was trashed. It looked like it hasn't been clean in a week.
Still, people watching from the balcony, the drinks and the tapas are cool!
Try it on a Friday night first!
Pros:
-yeah, this place is pretty cool... been here twice and the view is unbeatable... good if you just feel like leaning your head over the rail and seeing the street walkers.
-we scoped a guy below us who was putting his hand to his forehead in order to see down the street... he just stood there... so we amusingly figured: "he must be waiting for his glasses"... sure enough here comes a friend with his glasses... and voila! he can now see clearly, and away he walks down the street. Great joy and laughter ensues above... such are the idle boredoms of the balcony-seers
Cons:
-inside is ok... the place seems like a warmup place or a I-don't-know-what-else-to-do-but-hang-out-on-a-coo l-balcony kinda place
2.5 stars.
Kind of an older gay crowd. Bartenders really cute and funny. Jukebox refused to play the $3 of songs that our group put into it.
We went on a Saturday night, but not much going on. Nice enough place, but kinda meh. Maybe we just went at the wrong time?
There are two occasions to go to the Metro - Sunday afternoons and when the weather is nice. I don't know what it is about Sundays that point us towards the Metro but it's probably got something to do with the fact that no one wants to go into a dark hole of a bar on a Sunday afternoon. Well maybe you do being all cracked out, but I'm not hanging with you. And Sundays are the day to go to the Metro. Gays flock to that certain bar at that certain time of the week. Prime time is around 4 or 5. All the gay baseball teams are also there and they always seem to be throwing a beer bash. And what's with the tray of jello shots???
And when the weather is nice you want to drink a cocktail outside. There aren't many options in the Castro, although Cafe Flore now seems to have alcohol. Metro is a good bet, but get there early to get a place to stand let alone sit. You also have to not mind the smoke, because I always feel like I'm back in Asia out there. Not because of Asians, but the fact that Asian cities and bars are super smoky.
Anyway, so now you know when to go. What to drink is up to you. Margaritas are a house specialty and you better like them strong. Duh - this is a gay bar. They are also generous on the pours of wine by the glass. Staff is friendly if sometimes overwhelmed on a busy day.
Before checking it out, I always saw people hanging out on the balcony, and they always seemed pretty happy. Thought I'd give it a shot.
Yeah, it's another gay joint, for the most part. Heck, it's in the Castro. But it's really nice if you want to hear good music and not dance around like a crazy. It's rarely crowded, but it's upbeat. You can hear yourself talk, form conversations with strangers, and have a chance to try new drinks. I asked one of the bartenders to make me his specials and he obliged without any hesitation. Granted, they were kind of expensive... but they were totally worth how much I spent. Seriously!
Oh, and another perk: The bathrooms aren't as gross as the ones in most Castro bars.
Check out the new location at Church and Market. Until a week ago, it was the Expansion. Now the two clienteles are slowly merging and one day the invasive species will be indistinguishable from the native flora.
Kind of like eucalyptus.
I've lived and worked in the Castro as a straight man for years, and Metro is one of those places I genuinely love going to. The bartender's are awesome, fast, crazy friendly, and just nice dudes.
It gets busy often, and this is THE place in the Castro for PEOPLE WATCHING! Play the "I Spy" game from the balcony and you will have an awesome time. "I Spy with my little eye...a purple-haired seven-foot tranny in fourteen inch stilettos." Only in San Francisco.
I digress. Check this place out. It's a great mixed-crowd, and offers something for everyone.
Oh, and there's a bomb restaurant there too. 8)
This has got to be one of the nicest, sit down and have a few drinks with your friends places I've had the pleasure of going to.
The atmosphere is quaint, friendly and upscale with a touch of homeyness.
After moving out here from Michigan, I realized I missed my home bar...diversions. After setting foot in Metro...I didn't feel that way anymore.
The drinks are cold, the bar tenders are hot, which makes the whole thing pretty cool.
I'm giving Metro 5 out of 5
With a wrap-around deck that overlooks about 20 streets converging upon each other at one complicated intersection, this breezy bar is the ultimate place to roost and people-watch on a beautiful day. It's also very centrally located, making it ideal for meeting up with pals before wandering off elsewhere. Friendly staff, revitalized decor, and there is an adjacent restaurant, but I haven't eaten there since its last identity-crisis, so not sure how it is now -- but, there's always folks in there dining and ordering bar side.
I went here for the first time last night and had a fabulous time. I usually go to The Cafe when I'm in the Castro, but sometimes it can really be too much for me to handle, energy and sleaze-wise. The Metro is a nice cross between The Cafe and a regular bar. The place has a good, upbeat atmosphere but it's also laid-back enough to just sit there and enjoy a good conversation with a friend over drinks. The drinks were really strong but they tasted better than the ones at The Cafe. I think I'll be going there, from now on.
I've never had their food, but I hear semi-good things, so who knows. As for a bar - it's a bit different from the norm castro scene. As you can see, very few reviews, because very few people go here. If you're looking for a place to hang out with friends where it's not too loud to talk, you like to smoke and want to do so in a bar setting (they've got an all-around patio), or want to enjoy people watching in the afternoon , this bar is perfect. Don't expect tons of twinks, a big scene, or a dance party.
This bar is great: you can smoke weed on the patio!
I went, for the first time, to the metro this past weekend. I liked it. It was a good assortment of people and a good view out. It is quite convenient for the pre-party mentality (that is what we did). Can't wait to go again!
Oyster happy hour. YUM.
yo lover....
double mimosas..hold the orange juice. since the move, I remember my Sundays now...and I blame that on you... =%
little overlook bar/restaurant. management kicked out that horrible roach trap chinese restaurant over a year and half ago, cleaned it up, renovated and now they serve some fairly good (if not overly inspired) spanish tapas. as for the bar area, it's kind of like the "cheers" of the castro - friendly staff and the owners are great guys. all in all, it's a decent place to hang out, lots of interesting characters, and they play giants games. it's perched above market street and the wraparound balcony is pretty sweet on warm october weekend afternoons. primarily gay male clientele, but it gets a fair amount of lesbians and "fruit flies" too.
Update: evidentially since my initial review they've stopped with the tapas and switched to a more standard "bar food" menu. Like I always say ... the gays love fried food.
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