by Missy K. on I came here to see a show on 5/22. I don't know anything about this place being a 'gay bar' (it's listed as such in the description), but it's a decent enough place. The neighborhood sucks, but the actual establishment is okay. The crowd seemed to be more for the 20something's. I wasn't drinking, so I don't know how the drink prices were, but the atmosphere was decent. They have a juke box and a pool table in the main bar, and a pretty nice patio area with heaters and chairs. The 'music space' is right next door, and is accessible from the patio. It's a bit small, but it's not bad. It got too loud for me, so I ended up listening to the main band outside, but I didn't miss anything, for I was sitting right behind the drummer. There was only a curtain and a piece of glass separating us. The 3 restrooms were *disgusting*, but I suppose that's to be expected at any busy bar. The door people were very nice, and even offered to let me stand in the door while I was waiting for my ride after the show. I *would* come back here again!
by Mary J. on Tenjune isn't what use to be 2 years ago but it is still a good place to drink and have fun. The crowd is different depending on the night that you go. The music is always good and the drinks can be pricey. 10 dollars for a beer. Door policy is pretty strict so if you are a group of guys be prepare to buy a bottle or two.
by Shira Soler on Ah, nothing like a welcome to San Francisco from a couple of out-of-work drag queens. No sooner had I landed in SF (well, Oakland --- Yay Jet Blue!) than was I whisked away to the Saint Francis Drake Hotel for the "Sundays are a Drag" brunch buffet at the Starlight Room for a friend of a friend's birthday. Now, I have always been a friend to the female impersonator, (just ask Sweetie, Shaquedia, Sherry Vine, Peppermynt Gummi-Bear or Edie in NYC) but sadly, as became painfully clear in my hour and a half romp through more Cher, sequins and polyester than you could shake a stick at, the heyday of the drag show is far behind us. Shows like this are meant for straight girls, their giggling friends, and their uncomfortable boyfriends. Sadly that means playing up every clich known to, ahem, man. I Will Survive (the Diana Ross version, no less)? Check. If I could Turn Back Time? Check. Celine Dion? Oh hell yeah. Madonna? You bet. I was impressed with the fact that host Donna Sachet actually sang her own stuff (and wasn't half bad!) And there were moments of brilliance including a hysterical version of Tea For Two - But overall this proved to me was that there's clearly no market for innovative drag shows in SF. As Pryor says in Angels in America, "you know you've hit rock bottom when even drag is a drag." This isn't rock bottom, but it's certainly scraping the bottom of the barrel. Oh, and the food was pretty mediocre with the exception of the chocolate covered strawberries. Two stars for the Starlight Room itself (glamor galore) and one for sheer novelty of experience, but for anyone who's seen real drag talent, this just doesn't cut it.
