Moongate Lounge - Reviews

This is one of the best bars in SF, but my most recent experience wasn’t great. I went with someone who is lactose intolerant, and strangely, the majority of their cocktails had lactose. Additionally, their front of house was confused about our reservation and a private event happening simultaneously. We were eventually allowed in, but they initially tried to turn us away despite us having a reservation. The lactose in cocktails was a significant issue for my companion, and the confusion with the reservation and event caused initial frustration.

My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The snacks were great and the drinks were yummy. However, the staff were not very friendly. Despite the service, the atmosphere really made up for it.

My experience at this restaurant was a bit of a letdown, feeling over-hyped. While the concept was cute and the location was fun, the drinks were excessively expensive and far too sweet. It wasn't a favorite for me.

My experience at this cocktail bar in the heart of Chinatown was fantastic. The space is beautiful, making it perfect for a small friend hang-out or a date. It offers a mix of seating options, including cute little couches and cozy booths for a more intimate feel. For walk-ins, there are standing cocktail tables available. What truly elevates the ambiance is the giant moon gate in the back, beautifully blending traditional Asian elements with modern neon lighting, a DJ set, and a disco ball. The music is upbeat and sets the mood without being too loud, allowing for easy conversation. The drinks were also fantastic, with a great selection of classics and house specials. I particularly enjoyed their Old Fashioned and the House Grain Rain, which was delightfully fruity, bubbly, and well-balanced.

Tucked away on the second floor of Mister Jiu’s in Chinatown, this bar exudes a sense of mysterious glamour. Velvet sofas bathed in purple lighting, paired with Chinese-style windows and doors, create an atmosphere that feels both dramatic and intimate. The space itself is generous — roomy enough to comfortably accommodate both seated guests and larger standing groups, making it suitable even for gatherings. We sampled the full lineup of house cocktails along with a few classics. The menu leans confidently into Chinese-inspired ingredients — baijiu, osmanthus, fennel, and longan all make appearances — resulting in a cocktail list that’s both inventive and culturally expressive. Among the standouts was Rainwater, a beautifully balanced drink with layered complexity, showcasing notes of longan, elderflower, and grapefruit. Start of Summer, an iced riff on the strawberry daiquiri infused with baijiu, offered a refreshing, playful twist. The bar’s approach to classic cocktails also reveals a spirit of reinterpretation — most notably in their Vesper, where a touch of crab oil brings out savory undertones and adds an unmistakable Asian sensibility to an otherwise traditional composition.

We stopped in for a drink before a show in the area and while we had heard a lot about Moongate before, we had not been yet. It's a pretty cool spot even while the sun is up because of the decor and the style, kind of like an 80's synth / neopunk / Asian something. The cocktail menu rotates and I wish I could remember what I had, but it was gin forward, super herby but so delicious. I've honestly been on a gin kick since! The staff had great recommendations, and because the menu rotates I cannot wait to go back!

I went for a late cocktail evening with friends and absolutely loved the number of options they have. This spot is so spacious, it doesn’t feel like a typical SF bar at all. It's a perfect spot if you are hosting like a 100 people.

My experience at this restaurant was marked by an artfully designed interior. The drinks were well balanced and crafted with care. I encountered no issues with service. I would absolutely come back.

I went here for a private event. It was such a cool space, with a great DJ setup. The drinks were really nice!

I visited for the first time last night and was impressed by the decor, drinks, and the DJ. However, the crowd was not to my liking; they seemed too hipster, focused on Instagram, and like transplants, which I believe contributes to the mixed reviews from locals. The walk-in area features a long, office-like table that just doesn't make sense. I suggest adding some art or neon chairs/tables to brighten up that dark side.