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Glitzy, overdone space, sure to be a hit with the Nouveau Gauche. Wannabe heir-apparent to The Bar on Castro, copping the name of a legendary 70s bar. If you care anything about politics, check out the history of this place and decide where your conscience lies. I prefer to put my money in someone else's pocket.

I have happy warm feelings towards this place lately. There is a great bartender (with a handlebar mustache) who is very personable – a change for the MS. And the crowd seems more accessible than before. They certainly are better looking than at the other Castro holes, except possibly for 440. Anyway, drop in for their two-for-one happy hour (I always ask for a double in one glass unless I'm with a date) and partake of the eclectic videos and enticing male scenery.

The crowd is not always to my taste, but at least it's still a crowd. 440 has done better in this recession than many other night spots in the Castro. I think it's because of the efficient staff and easy access to Castro Street getaway-by-taxi.

The Edge fell over its own cliff. Seems to have suffered more in the recession than other places. The crowd is now just weird and not particularly entertaining. If you want a really stiff drink, try Walgreen's.