Blackbird

Out of the ashes of the old dive bar The Expansion, briefly reincarnated as The Metro, comes another new spot in the Castro's refreshening nightlife: Blackbird. The decor is deliberately rustic chic, which could easily have looked like a stodgy bar my Grandfather would have gone to without the elegant touches that makes this probably the best decor of any Castro gay bar (even beating Trigger in some respects). I went once on a Monday evening, when it was pretty busy (on a Monday, no less!), and again on a Friday when it was jam packed. Nice place to meet friends and visit, but surprisingly easy to mingle despite the long bench and rows of chairs. Another excellent addition to the Castro.

Blackbird is definitely a great addition to the nightlife of Castro. The layout and decor is modern but welcoming. The bar staff is friendly and serves up delicious, stiff drinks, topped with a smile. The crowd is mixed and friendly, with plenty of eye-candies and hotties reaching out to say 'hi'. This is definitely a great place to come unwind after a long day, to catch up with a friend, or just to kick-off your Friday night at Castro.

Finally a bar that they didn't just paint everything flat black and add some mirrors to it. This place has a great mixed crowd with lots of beautiful people. Great vibrant benches to relax and view the antique over-bar set off by the modern decor. Drinks are good; they have a nice selection of beer on tap. If suds aren't your thing, the 'tenders are highly skilled in mixing up a cocktail. Oh, and they have a photo booth in the way back that takes the best pictures EVER. even after you've had a few ;)

Nicely renovated, non-trendy and comfortable bar where you can actually carry on a conversation. Had a nice Sunday afternoon there, looking forward to checking it out at night.

I was here on Friday night not expecting much, but wound up really impressed. This isn't the typical Castro bar - no thumpa-thumpa bass, no go-go boys. Instead you'll find a cool and different atmosphere (subdued and stylish) and great drinks. The crowd was mixed--some older, mostly younger--and good looking!