Soma Night Clubs - Soma Bar Hopping
Limousine Service
Arrow
10 Sixth St. (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.255.7920
Asia SF
201 9th Street, San Francisco CA 94103; Tel. 415.255.2742
Asia SF is a renowned restaurant and nightclub located in the heart of San
Francisco's vibrant South of Market district. Comprised of a restaurant, lounge,
bar and subterranean dance club, Asia SF is a journey into exotic culinary and
entertainment delights.
Butter
354 11th St. (at Folsom), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.863.5964
The birth of Butter was perhaps the peak moment in the White Trash revolution.
More than a few tater tots and microwaved White Castle burgers are served up at
this San Francisco bar's in-trailer kitchen, and can be gracefully washed down
with a Pabst. Or a dram of Scotch. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Cat Club
1190 Folsom (at Eighth St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.431.3332
The spacious yet intimate Cat Club is divided into two large rooms. The front
room features a lounge, espresso bar, big-screen tv, small stage, and a monthly
art show. The back room has a wooden dance floor, bar, stage, elevated dj booth,
an excellent sound system, and is fully equipped for live shows.
Cherry Bar & Lounge
917 Folsom St. (at 5th), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.974.1585
Cherry Bar features club nights such as the lesbian-leaning "Girl Spot," the
gender-bending mash-up night "Bootie," and goth night "The Darkest Hour."
Inside, the venue's lounge is a pinkish hue with a granite bar area and legal
smoking lounge.
City Nights
715 Harrison (at Third St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.339.8686
City Nights specializes in ambient grooves, house, trip hop and more.
Club NV
525 Howard (at First St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.339.8686
This San Francisco dance club features two separate dance rooms, a multi level
lounge, three bars, intimate VIP suites and private cabanas available for
rental.
Club Six
60 Sixth St. (at Jessie), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.863.1221
This 6th Street nightclub is the closest manifestation of an underground party
in an above-ground place. Décor is at a minimum. Water comes from an industrial
size igloo at the end of the bar (that's right, no $5 water). The upstairs has a
very nice, loft-like feel with lounge music playing (so as not to disturb the
neighbors). The basement is like being at an underground rave: low ceilings,
lasers, dark hallways and moist walls. Here you can find amazing entertainment
with a friendly staff. That is a lot more than can be said for its neighbor down
on Folsom St.
DNA Lounge
375 11th St. (between 11th and Harrison), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.1409
DNA Lounge features themed nights with two rooms hosted by rotating DJs pumping
out similar styles of dance music. Live bands also take the stage on a regular
basis.
Duplex
1525 Mission St. (at 11th), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.355.1525
An international roster of DJs make Duplex bounce and shake, but the vaulted
ceiling, full mahogany bar and skywalk overlooking the bar are what makes this
club unique.
Eagle Tavern
398 12th St. (at Harrison), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.0880
The Eagle has come into its own, of late, with bare chested bears, punk rock
dyke bands and such a hardcore following and laid back vibe that even Ben
Sherman-ed straight kids are getting in on the action.
Endup
Sixth St. & Harrison, San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.357.0827
For a club that's been around since 1973 (and that's probably older than a lot
of its patrons), the Endup is still popping after all these years. Unique
amenities include a fireplace, heated outdoor deck and patio area with a
waterfall.
The Gallery Lounge
510 Brannan St. (at 4th), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.227.0449
Ultra hip art and even hipper patrons are why the Gallery Lounge has been chosen
"best lounge" by San Francisco Magazine. The lounge holds regular DJ dance
events on Thursdays and Fridays.
Glas Kat
520 Fourth St., San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.495.6620
Plush seating and vibrant colors highlight Glas Kat's upbeat and warm
environment. With a full restaurant (including a tapas menu) and bar, dining,
dancing and drinking come together at one location.
Holy Cow
1531 Folsom (at 11th), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.6087
Holy Cow's slogan is "never a cover, always a party." This club features DJ
dance events all weekend, spinning everything from club classics to disco to
hip-hop.
Kate O'Brien's
579 Howard (at Second St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.882.7240
Lit Lounge
101 6th St. (at Mission), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.278.0940
A bright spot in the Bay Area, Lit Lounge features soulful dance grooves from
Wednesday through Saturday.
Loft 11
316 11th St. (at Folsom), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.701.8111
"Dine, dance, lounge" at Loft 11. Come early and partake in Pacific Fusion tapas,
or show up fashionably late to dance the remainder of the evening, with regular
themed dance nights Thursday through Saturday.
Luna Lounge
1192 Folsom St. (at 8th), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.6043
DJs crank out funky grooves in two rooms at this nightclub/lounge. Luna features
two dance floors, a bar room and a smoking lounge, each with an atmosphere all
its own.
Mezzanine
444 Jessie (at Mint), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.820.9669
Mezzanine features live music performances, DJs, multimedia art events, fashion
shows and video/film installations.
Mighty
119 Utah St. (at 15th), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.7001
An art gallery and entertainment venue rolled into one in San Francisco's SOMA
district. Mighty takes what was once a turn-of-the-century brick warehouse and
turns it on its head, with loud live bands, DJs and dancing and a variety of
other performances throughout the week.
42 Degrees
235 16th St. (at Third St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.777.5558
111 Minna Street Gallery
111 Minna (at Second Street), San Francisco CA ; Tel. 415.974.1719
Nightclubbing is about a lot of things, but mostly it's about energy, and while
this city is bursting with fine disco emporiums, in our opinion, the best is 111
Minna. The vibe is just better here -- you won't be frisked upon entering, the
cover charge is never steep, and once inside you'll find a decidedly
non-bridge-and-tunnelish, peaceful, hip crowd, some of the best electronic music
in the city, and stylish art to boot. What the place lacks in some departments
(sweaty people bumping into you on nights when world-class DJs spin) it more
than makes up for in others (a liberal in-and-out policy, a no poseur-infested
VIP room, shaken Martinis and Cosmos, and lime-perfect Margs). The music has
expanded to sooth more than house fans: rock out on Friday Happy Hour at the
Steen and Dave Showe, chilling on psychadelic wood furniture with the
aforementioned shaken. If you can't feel it here, you probably never will.
330 Ritch
330 Ritch (at Townsend), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.541.9574
Located off Townsend between 3rd & 4th Street in the thriving South Beach /Soma
area, 330 Ritch Street has been hosting events, receptions & clubnights for over
a decade. Known for it's underground appeal, hipsters flock to this club 5 days
a week for its various musical genres.
21st Amendment Brewpub & Cafe
563 Second St. (at De Boom), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.369.0900
Power Exchange
74 Otis St (at Mission), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.487.9944
Self described as an "adult sexual play space," the Power Exchange is an open
forum for desires of the legal crowd. The venue's website hosts personals ads
and the club is open until the wee hours of the morning Thursday through Sunday.
The Shadow Lounge
299 Ninth St (at Folsom), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.252.3334
Sundays at Shadow Lounge don't mean late night dance parties, but instead the
club offers First Call, a wake up and dance from 6am until noon with no cover.
The lounge also hosts special events and weekend theme nights.
Slim's
333 11th St. (at Folsom), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.522.0333
A quintessential San Francisco live-music space with alt-pop, alt-country,
alt-rock and any other alt you can think of. Afterwords, hit the grunge-glam
South of Market bars for a post-ironic shot of Jagermeister. (Review: Michael
Stabile)
Sno-drift
1830 Third St. (at 16th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.431.4766
Sno-drift features a blend of house music and Top 40 R&B beats.
The Stud
399 Ninth St. (at Harrison), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.252.7883
Fawn at singing trannys, sweat to swirling beats and chug that rum and Coke. The
Stud changes parties nightly but is always on target. Crowds of devilishly cute
boys, kick ass ladies and nip-and-tuck gendernauts drink 'til blackout in this
South of Market home. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Studio Z
314 11th St (at Folsom), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.252.7666
A vibrant array of hot colors illuminate the dance floor at Studio Z. The club
also hosts an art gallery and rock concerts.
Supperclub
657 Harrison St (at 3rd), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.348.0900
Supperclub is an international venue. Literally. There are Supperclub sites in
Amsterdam and Rome, plus clubs are in the works for London and Singapore. In San
Francisco, the club is a dinner and dance venue all in one, open Tuesday through
Sunday from 6:30pm until 2am. It is a unique experience where on any given night
there could be an aerial dancer, DJ and massage therapist all there to entertain
Supperclub's guests.
Ten 15 Folsom
1015 Folsom (at Sixth St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.431.1200
The line at this San Francisco mega-club is daunting, but after you've been
frisked by the doorman and made it past the bouncer, the multi-floored dance
music mecca reveals its booming base grandeur. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Varnish
77 Natoma St., San Francisco CA 94105; Tel. 415.222.6131
A gorgeous new art gallery (the red brick exterior is pure maritime San
Francisco) and wine and beer space in SoMa, off an alley near Minna Street
Gallery and owned by a crafty bunch of Oakland metal welders and artists.
Wish
1539 Folsom St. (at 11th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.278.9474
A stylish neighborhood bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
XYZ
181 Third St. (at Howard), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.817.7836
Upscale restaurant and bar located at the W San Francisco hotel.
Pac Bell Park Night Clubs - Pac Bell Park Bar Hopping
Limousines
Infusion Bar
555 Second St., San Francisco CA 94107; Tel. 415.543.2282
The South Park spot for infused vodkas (the vanilla and grapefruit are best) and
haute soul food cuisine.
21st Amendment
563 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107; Tel. 415.369.0900
A warehouse brewery in SoMa with simple, honest food. The grape soda is
homemade, as is the impressive selection of strong-winded beers.
Momo's
760 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107; Tel. 415.227.8660
Pac Bell Park looms large over Momo's outdoor bar and patio in SoMa. Designed by
the same architects who crafted Ghiradelli Square, Momo's is an inviting
pre-game or happy hour bar with a terrific a la carte menu.
Mission District
San Francisco's Mission District offers visitors unparalleled foods and flavors,
bars that range from downright nasty to secret gems, impromptu mariachi bands,
Coca Cola in bottles, vintage clothing "by the pound" and interesting people by
the carload. Funk, soul, jazz, indie rock, & authentic Hispanic music are more
common in the Mission than are big beats and huge sound found in the San
Francisco's larger nightclubs. The same goes for the people; there is not a lot
of Bling! Bling! in the Mission. Instead, you get underground and
thought-conscious San Francisco bar patrons who are more impressed by that
obscure cocktail you ordered rather than the car that you have parked out front
(although, parking is scarce).
(Mission District club reviews by Christian Jurinka unless otherwise noted)
12 Galaxies
2565 Mission St. (between 21st and 22nd), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.970.9777
Known for its live concerts, 12 Galaxies boasts a main floor and a mezzanine, a
full bar on each floor, two lounges upstairs, an art gallery, a pool table and
video games.
26 Mix
3024 Mission (at 26th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.826.7378
A big, cavernous club nestled at the far end of the Mission, 26 Mix is about the
music. Unfortunately, the sounds system inside does not lend itself to hearing
the finer points of the music that is being served up by the talented DJs that
get their started there. Cheap drinks and cheap covers get people in along with
the skill of the promoters who have parties there. Definitely a destination
(there are not many other places around) so be sure of what you are going for
before choosing it as your spot.
Amnesia
853 Valencia (at 20th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.970.8336
This Belgium beer bar is a great Mission spot to chill with its red glow, bench
seats and free pretzels. Amnesia has a neighborhood bar feel with some panache
and DJs spin anything from 80s new wave to funk to house. Friday Happy Hours go
off with progressive house and great beer prices.
The Attic
3336 24th St. (at Mission), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.643.3376
It's a tight squeeze in this tiny Mission District hole-in-the-wall bar where
the bartenders sport biceps and bruises. Then again, squeezing ain't the worst
thing in the world. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Beauty Bar
2299 Mission (at 19th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.285.0323
With its indelible mix of glam rockers and Betty Page turners, this retrofitted
beauty parlor dispenses more than its share of tonic. And while the decorative
hair-dryers now serve as chairs, there's always a manicurist on hand. (Review:
Michael Stabile)
Bruno's
2389 Mission (at 20th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.648.7701
Take a step back to the be-bopping days of the '50s & '60s at Bruno's, with its
high-back leather wrap-around booths, swanky bar and jazzy tunes. Bruno's has
three distinct parts: the dining area serving family-style and retro Italian
cuisine, the bar area where you would expect to see JFK, Marilyn and Frank all
sipping cocktails, and the club with live jazz, funk and soul reminiscent of the
original Blue Note. A great spot for a date, to chat with the bartender or to
get away from the over-crowded pick-up joints over on Valencia Street.
Butterfly
1710 Mission (at Duboce), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.864.8999
High-class dining and music are what attracts people to Butterfly. A common
first date spot, their business has suffered a bit since the dot-com bust (it's
a little pricey). Juxtaposed between downtown San Francisco and the Mission,
Butterfly's crowd is generally not from the Mission. It is high-class compared
with other venues that embrace the Mission's cultural identity. Still, it is a
beautiful location with delicious food and melodious tunes. Butterfly is
definitely worth a try.
Dalva
3121 16th St. (at Valencia), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.252.7740
One of San Francisco's smallest bars pumps out great music on the turntables,
great drinks and a very nice, relaxing atmosphere. An old, rough wooden bar
awaits you with a good selection of beers, as well as one of San Francisco's
best juke boxes, with eclectic music from around the world. Smoking is a tongue
in cheek taboo in Dalva's secret back room. On the weekends, Dalva's gets
crowded, as it is one of about a half-dozen bars worth visiting in the 16th &
Valencia vicinity.
Delirium Bar
3139 16th St. (at Albion), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.552.8558
Elbo Room
647 Valencia (at 18th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.552.7788
Just a couple of the things you will find at the Elbo Room: great music, pool
tables, cheap drinks, an instant-photo booth. The Mission's Elbo Room is, as the
aforementioned mellow attributes might suggest, unpretentious and crowded. The
upstairs offers live music ranging from rockabilly to funk to salsa and it can
get really hot up there when the music gets bumping and peoples feet get
jumping. There is always a great time to be had at the Elbo Room.
El Rio
3158 Mission (at Cesar Chavez), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.282.3325
Galia
2565 Mission (at 22nd St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.970.9777
Hush Hush
496 14th St. (at Guerrero), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.241.9944
Beautiful booths, great DJs, and simple, yet endearing décor make this spot a
must visit for those who want to feel a little of what San Francisco nightlife
is all about. On the wall to the left of the dance floor is a maiden perched on
a sliver of a moon. Above her it says Hush Hush. And this Hush Hush really is a
secret spot; other than the people smoking out front you probably would not know
it was there. The DJs spin primarily Latin/Cuban House with funk/soul/R&B mixed
in. That is what you can expect if you hit Hush Hush on a Thursday, Friday, or
Saturday. Get your feet ready, because they won't stop until you leave. One of
SanFrancisco.com's favorites!
Jelly's
295 Terry Francois (at Pier 50), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.495.3099
Jelly's is a different concept in dancing. This dance club is open in the early
evening, hosting themed parties such as the Sunday night "Club Havana" and
weekly special events.
The Knockout
3223 Mission St. (between Fair and 29th), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.550.6994
This venue packs a one-two punch, with live music and DJs Tuesday through Sunday
and a daily happy hour. Plus a pinball machine, bingo on Thursdays and a photo
booth -- not things you see just anywhere.
Laszlo
2526 Mission (at 21st St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.401.0810
DJs spin smooth, lounge grooves with an international flair. On most nights,
there is a film of the DJs choice playing on the wall facing you as you enter.
There are also seats available on a small second floor that is reached via a
steep wrought-iron staircase at the back of the bar. This place has great
presence, as well as offering some hard-to-find cocktails like a real caipirinha,
made with mashed limes, raw sugar and distilled sugar can juice. It attracts
some of the upper crust due to its affiliation to the Foreign Cinema next door,
but Laszlo's lacks attitude and is a sweet Mission spot to get away to.
Levende Lounge
1710 Mission St. (at Duboce), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.864.5585
Levendre is forging new ground in the restaurant and nightlife scene in San
Francisco, featuring both distinct cuisine and a stylish entertainment
atmosphere, including live local artists and DJs all week long.
Make-Out Room
3225 22nd St. (at Mission), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.647.2888
A conversation-ready Mission bar with lots of furniture. Make out in the dark or
just (more likely) hang out with friends over beers. The Make-Out Room is a
little out of the way which makes it more of a destination bar rather than one
bar in a foggy progression of bars. Live music on the weekends is primarily
indie rock, and DJs most other nights.
The Phone Booth
1398 South Van Ness (at 25th St), San Francisco CA; Tel 415.648.4683
Intellectual ennui and surges of testosterone mix wildly at this refurbished
Mission hang out. The jukebox is full of Nirvana, Weezer and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
and the patrons are full of cold San Francisco Anchor Steam. Cute boys, cute
girls, fluid sexuality.
Pink
2925 16th St (at South Van Ness), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.431.8889
Just because this dance club is called Pink doesn't mean it's girly. This night
spot features theme nights such as Better Days and LeBoom throughout the week
and is open until 2am or later every night. Closed Mondays.
Skylark
3089 16th St. (at Valencia), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.9294
Bustling and attentive bartenders will serve you concoctions to quell any
thirst. Combine that with a perfect location close to scores of other bars,
restaurants and ATM machines (cash only here), and the Skylark is a perfect spot
anytime. Skylark tends to get busy later, after 10pm most nights. There is a
small dance area in the back, and a long bench seat that stretches the length of
the right wall opposite the bar with cocktail tables and chairs to boot. It gets
very crowded on the weekends, and the music is loud. If you want a place to have
a soft, quiet moment, this is not the right San Francisco bar. If you want
strong music and inventive drinks (the Chivas Regal cocktails taste nothing like
scotch), you are in the right place.
Whisper
535 Florida St (at Mariposa), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.252.9442
"San Francisco's sexiest dance lounge." Whisper brings the "life" to "nightlife"
with invigorating themed dance and social nights, a full-service restaurant and
bar, muliple floors for different experiences in one venue and DJs pumping out
electronic dance music late into the night.
Downtown/Union Square
Atrium Bar
Hyatt Regency, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.788.1234
Aunt Charlie's Lounge
133 Turk St. (at Taylor), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.441.2922
Gender illusionists and lip-sync artists and dancing, oh my. DJs bring the house
down at Aunt Charlie's five nights a week with electro, hip-hop, indie, '80s and
more.
Azul
1 Tillman Pl. (between Sutter and Post), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.362.9750
This club offers a free dance experience, with no cover charge to experience its
nightly DJs spinning eclectic tunes. Also available is a private champagne room
downstairs.
Bacchus Kirk
925 Bush St. (at Taylor), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.475.4069
This full-service bar hosts the standard pool tables and televisions, but
Bacchus Kirk also serves up a unique atmosphere with friendly staff.
Bas
383 Bay (at Mason), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.441.3885
The Beat Lounge
501 Broadway (at Kearny), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.982.5299
Specialty drinks, a cool and comfortable atmosphere and small, intimate stages
featuring jazz, Latin and DJ dance music are what make Beat Lounge stand out
from the pack.
Sip Bar & Lounge
787 Broadway St (at Powell), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.699.6545
Formerly the Blind Tiger, Sip Bar and Lounge features a warm ambience with deep
colors and soft lighting, as well as a spacious dance floor and high ceilings.
DJs spin from Wednesday through Sunday.
Blue Lamp
561 Geary (at Taylor), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.885.1464
The Cellar
685 Sutter St. (at Taylor), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.441.5678
The Cellar, aptly named, as the party is downstairs, breaks it down with DJS
spinning mainly hip-hop music seven nights a week. The club boasts two dance
floors lined with maroon and deep blue velvet couches and various pool tables.
Club Q
61 Golden Gate Ave. (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.255.1668
With 16,000 square feet of space, able to accomodate more than 1,000 people,
everyone could bring their friends and their friends' friends and there would
still be room at Club Q. The club also features two dance floors, a full-on
billiards area, a smoking lounge and VIP lounge with leather sofas.
Cityscape
Hilton Hotel, 333 O'Farrell (at Mason), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.923.5002
Fluid Ultra Lounge
662 Mission St. (between New Montgomery and 3rd), San Francisco CA; Tel.
415.615.6888
Fluid is made with its stylish modern interior, a well-lit and relaxing bar and
lounge that transforms into a pulsating nightclub. The club infuses
sophisticated chic with its dÈcor, service and music, and features unique
amenities such as a state-of-the-art computer-generated lit walkway that creates
infinite colors and patterns and a dramatic, glowing bar.
Jester's Lounge
Argent Hotel, 50 Third St. (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.974.8715
Peña Pacha Mama
1630 Powell (between Union and Green), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.646.0018
Plush Room
York Hotel, 940 Sutter (at Hyde), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.885.2800
Polly Esther's
181 Eddy (at Taylor), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.885.1977
Not much was lost in translation when this New York '70s club franchised. Expect
to dance at least once to "I Will Survive" while doing a jello shot. Memorabilia
lines the walls and day-glo colors complete the club's culture. (Review: Michael
Stabile)
Polo's Blue Cube
34 Mason St. (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.EXCITED
An eclectic fusion of art and sound, found within the walls of a 1907 brick and
steel warehouse building. Despite its history, Blue Cube is modern, hip and
flashy, with an ever-changing style and design.
Ruby Skye
420 Mason (at Geary), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.693.0777
With two levels, 4 rooms, and several VIP areas, Ruby Skye offers live shows and
DJ music every Friday and Saturday with frequent special events on Wednesday,
Thursday and Sunday nights.
Suite one8one
181 Eddy (at Taylor), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.345.9900
Located in the heart of San Francisco, mere blocks from Union Square, Suite
One8one is one of the few late-night locales open until 4am. This nightlife
mecca houses three levels of groove-inducing dance floors, each featuring a
different vibe on any given evening.
Voda
56 Belden Pl. (between Bush and Pine), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.677.9242
Though miles away from Europe, Voda brings it a little closer to the Bay Area
with an art deco interior, outdoor patio and a vodka lounge offering more than
100 varieties starting at $5 a drink.
Polk Area/Polk Street
The Mission bar scene is thriving, SOMA still has it going on, and the Lower
Haight continues to be the city's premier bohemian drinking enclave. But if you
want to know where it's fucking happening, man, get your ass down Polk. From the
Civic Center to Russian Hill, Polk offers something for every type of drinker:
yuppie bars, dive bars, rocker bars, a piano bar, and the most hopping gay scene
outside the Castro. From the "gulch" section, you can wander into the nearby
Tendernob and find still more bars (the venerable Overflo, the spanking new
Julip, Edinburgh Castle, Ha Ra, An Sibin, we could go on). To honor the
blistering torridness of the Polk Street bar scene, we've decided to run a
one-time promotion: Mention this item to Rainy the bartender at the Bigfoot
Lodge (1750 Polk) and she'll flip you off, free of charge, then pour you one of
the finest Maker's Mark Manhattans in town (of course, you'll have to pay for
the drink).
An Sibin
1176 Sutter (at Polk), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.929.1992
California Club
1750 Clay (at Van Ness), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.474.3516
California Club hosts musical acts from across the globe in a wide range of
genres and languages.
Hemlock Tavern
1131 Polk (at Post), San Francisco CA ; Tel. 415.923.0923
What seemed at first to be a dicey proposition -- put a hipster bar in a
neighborhood where few hipsters live -- has now proven to be gold. Since opening
last October, the spacious Hemlock Tavern has become a beacon for jean-jacketed,
bedheaded coolios who like to toss back a few drinks, eyeball each other's duds,
and check out some great music by bands they've never heard of. Thanks to a very
open-minded booking policy, the Hemlock's 55-person-capacity performance space
has offered everything from the symphonic pop of the Shimmer Kids to the raucous
garage tunes of the Flakes to the metal madness of Thunderbleed aka Blind
Vengeance. It's a fair bet you'll find something of quality any night of the
week, be it the twisted pop of the Foibles, the raunchy rock of Killer's Kiss,
or the vaudevillian oddness of the semiregular "Unnatural Acts" showcase. The
tavern also features some terrific -- and free -- DJ nights, including the
Sunday afternoon country show hosted by DJ Blaze Orange and Monday night's "Punk
Rock Sideshow" featuring Kut 'n Paste and the Duchess of Hazard. All this
beautiful ruckus and gratis bags of warm peanuts, too.
Julip
839 Geary (at Larkin), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.474.3216
Kimo's
1351 Polk (at Pine), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.885.4535
Tourists looking for more family-friendly San Francisco drag shows should stick
to Beach Blanket Babylon. Kimo's ladies are hard-core, hard-livin' and workin'
hard for their money. Still, expect a fair share of Celine, Cher and Stevie
Nicks. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Lush Lounge
1100 Polk (at Post), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.771.2022
Oft considered a destination for the homosexual or gender-bender crowd, Lush
serves up reasonably priced drinks with an open mic night on Wednesdays that
anyone can enjoy.
Notes From Underground
2399 Van Ness (at Green), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.775.7638
N'Touch Dance Club
1548 Polk (at Sacramento), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.441.8413
N'Touch, a Bay Area gay and lesbian club, mixes it up with house beats on one
night, karaoke on the next and even make go-go dancers.
Tonic
2360 Polk (at Union), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.771.5535
Red Devil Lounge
1695 Polk (at Clay), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.921.1695
Castro
Amber
714 14th St. (at Church), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.7827
The mixed gay/straight/San Franciscan crowd at this Duboce Triangle oasis excels
in subtle flirtation and hard liquor. And, really, who can tell the difference
in light this dim? (Review: Michael Stabile)
Badlands
4121 18th St. (at Castro), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.9320
This Castro standard recently underwent a face lift, tummy tuck and several
injections of Botox in order to transform into a video-screen dance club with a
line around the block. Not bad for a place locals used to call "Sad-lands."
(Review: Michael Stabile)
Bar on Castro
456 Castro St (at 18th) San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.7220
For a booming San Francisco dance club located on prime Castro Street real
estate, there isn't much room for dancing. There is however, plenty of pectoral
beefcake gulping down Red Bulls and vodka.
The Cafe
2367 Market St (at Castro), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.861.3846
No cover. Strong drinks. Super-gay top 40 dance mixes that bring scraggly-haired
lesbians and boys who buy their youth at the tanning salon. It doesn't get much
more Castro than this.
Café Du Nord
2170 Market (at Sanchez), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.861.5016
Once a speakeasy, and more recently than that, a swing dancing hot spot, the
multi-historied Café du Nord now features an eclectic number of goth-influenced
singer/songwriters and earnest young men with guitars. And just when you don't
expect it, du Nord totally rocks your world. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Daddy's
440 Castro St (at 18th St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.8732
Yes, that leather-clad San Francisco silver fox with an obscenely prominent
package is, as you might have suspected, tugging at his chaps for you.
Martuni's
4 Valencia St. (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.241.0205
Don't let this San Francisco gay bar's funereal front, with its large and lilied
flower arrangement, get you down. Have a double martini (that's the only size
they come in here) and settle into the back room where a piano man and his
singing muse will gather the crowd for a bittersweet rendition of "The Man Who
Got Away." Ain't it the truth, ain't it the truth.
Mecca
2029 Market (at Dolores), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.7000
Mecca does serve food, but its best known for its bevy of D&G clad young men,
swirling around the high-design, high-alcohol lounge. Air-kisses and backstabs
abound. Welcome to gay Society. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Metro
3600 16th St. (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.703.9751
Line at the Cafe too long? Join a more relaxed crowd at this San Francisco bar
with bitchy queens and bored butches lounging on the wrap around balcony,
critiquing and cat calling passers by from their lofty perch.
Mint Karaoke Lounge
1942 Market (at Duboce), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.4726
Don't mess with the Mint. While Friday nights are generally packed with
post-work parties and birthdays, most nights the performances can bring down the
house. Think American Idol, but sponsored by the vodka industry. (Review:
Michael Stabile)
The Pilsner Inn
225 Church St (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.7058
This San Francisco gay bar is the default starting and ending point of any good
tour of the Castro. Ring-necked collars belly (or perhaps, ab up), to this no
nonsense bar with a cruisey back patio.
Twin Peaks
401 Castro Street (at Market), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.864.9470
Older men, younger men. Guess who's buying? A Moroccan-pillowed triangular space
with plate glass windows and a bar stocked with casual elegance and casual
encounters. Located conveniently on Market and Castro, at the foot of the San
Francisco gay bar scene.
Zeitgeist
199 Valencia (at Duboce), San Francisco CA ; Tel. 415.255.7505
On a Sunday afternoon, there is no mellower place to be in San Francisco than
the courtyard at Zeitgeist. Hidden behind a somehow foreboding purple exterior
on a block not quite in the Mission or the Castro, an eclectic mix of hipsters,
bikers, and weekend warriors mingles among rows of picnic tables, passing around
pitchers of beer, joints, and, occasionally, a damn good string-bean-garnished
Bloody Mary. One of the city's best jukeboxes blasts a selection of tunes that's
as mixed as the crowd (metal for the bikers, literary altcountry for the
hipsters) as a bullhorn-wielding grill master bellows the names of customers who
need to pick up their burgers. When the weather cooperates, it's tough to beat.
North Beach /
North Beach Area
North Beach has been the center of San Francisco's rambunctious nightlife ever
since the Gold Rush days, and today several excellent neighborhood saloons
uphold this venerable tradition. Some offer live music, some serve food, many
are boisterous, and a few are merely moody, but each one reverberates to its own
particular beat.
Compass Rose
Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell (at Geary), San Francisco CA; Tel.
415.774.0167
Bamboo Hut
479 Broadway (at Kearny), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.989.8555
Bandol
431 Columbus (at Stockton), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.362.6251
Chi Chi Club
440 Broadway (between Montgomery and Kearny), San Francisco CA; Tel.
415.989.3434
Open Thursday through Saturday, the Chi Chi Club is a hip weekend spot with a
crisp sound system and a mixed crowd.
Dolce
440 Broadway St. (between Montgomery and Kearny), San Francisco CA; Tel.
415.989.3434
The concept for Dolce is "sweet, soft, smooth." Because it hosts three different
areas -- a main bar, dance floor and VIP lounge -- this night spot provides
something for everyone.
Dragon Bar
473 Broadway, San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.834.9383
Start off with a cocktail and then let loose and dance all night. Dragon Bar is
the best of both worlds with a full-size bar and DJs spinning Tuesdays through
Saturdays with the party going until 2am.
Enrico's
504 Broadway (at Kearny), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.982.6223
This North Beach sidewalk café is as charming as North Beach gets. Sit on the
heated deck, sip a mojito, look out on the Broadway strip club barkers and
marvel at the neon wonder of San Francisco. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Fuse
493 Broadway (at Kearny), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.788.2706
This hip North Beach haunt oozes nouveau Beach cool. With its dim lighting and
stylish interior, it provides a welcome respite for Euro-trippers and blonded
women in sample sale couture. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Golden Boy Pizza
542 Green (between Grant and Stockton), Tel. 415.982.9738
Even if Golden Boy isn't officially a saloon, you can still sit at the counter
and order good draft beer or a glass of jug wine, and anyway, by this point in
the evening you'll need a nice thick slab of the establishment's fragrant
focaccia pizza to help you make it through the night.
Gino & Carlo's
548 Green (at Grant), Tel. 415.421.0896
Conclude your revels with a wobbly game of pool in the back room, with its
autographed photo of Frank Sinatra and other memorabilia. Few bars offer a
friendlier vibe, and the jukebox ain't bad either; it's the perfect place for a
nightcap. Now take two aspirin, drink a gallon of water, and get some sleep.
Jazz at Pearl's
256 Columbus (at Broadway), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.291.8255
At this point in history it's pretty clear that thirtysomething white
professionals have a predilection for jazz and Chardonnay, especially together.
If you like good jazz, get yourself to Pearl's, order a bourbon and ignore the
Ann Taylor Loft collection sitting next to you. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Kells Irish Restaurant & Bar
530 Jackson (at Columbus), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.955.1916
Rose Pistola
532 Columbus (at Stockton), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.399.0499
San Francisco Brewing Company
155 Columbus (at Pacific), Tel. 415.434.3344
Begin the evening in this heritage-rich Barbary Coast saloon (established 1907)
where Jack Dempsey was once employed as a bouncer and Baby Face Nelson was
apprehended by the FBI. The original mahogany-and-beveled-mirror bar is a fine
spot to sip the house-brewed Emperor Norton Lager or Alcatraz Stout.
Specs'
12 William Saroyan Alley (at Columbus), Tel. 415.421.4112
Up the alleyway across Columbus is this ancient, dimly lit seafarer's saloon
decorated with amazing and unearthly artifacts from around the world. Postcards
from homesick regulars are in a shoebox on the bar for your perusal, and huge
wedges of Monterey Jack (carved on some antique contraption out of Two Years
Before the Mast) are available for purchase. Beer No. 3, coming up.
The Saloon
1232 Grant (at Vallejo), Tel. 415.989.7666
Now head up Grant -- the Vieux Carré of the West Coast -- and settle in at San
Francisco's oldest watering hole (established 1861 or thereabouts). Live music
bounces off the well-worn walls and encourages the dancers who crowd the place
on weekends. Time to switch to bourbon.
Savoy Tivoli
1434 Grant (at Green), Tel. 415.362.7023
Grab a seat on the patio and watch the world amble by at this perpetually packed
landmark. Young urban professionals are the plat du jour, if you're into that
sort of thing. Yeah, I'll have another bourbon, on the rocks this time.
SUEDE
383 Bay St. (at Mason), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.399.9555
This weekend hotspot holds true to its name, featuring plush interior, rich
hardwood floors and subdued lighting. There are two sides to Suede, with one
room hosting a spacious dance floor and another for lounging and conversation.
Velvet Lounge
443 Broadway (at Montgomery), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.788.0228
Vesuvio
255 Columbus (at Kerouac), Tel. 415.362.3370
The glorious old bohemian bar, with its stained-glass windows, mezzanine
seating, and overwhelming, ever-evolving décor, is your next stop. Beatifically
located next to City Lights Bookstore. Give a listen to Charlie Parker on the
jukebox while you down a pint of Anchor Steam and discuss Rimbaud.
VXN
270 Columbus Ave (at Broadway), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.391.7530
Nibble, sip and flirt at VXN. This three-story building has been remodeled into
a state-of-the-art night club with two full bars, a spacious dance floor and
comfortable accomodations, plus DJs and food until 4am.
Haight
Club Deluxe
1511 Haight (at Ashbury), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.552.6949
Mad Dog in the Fog
530 Haight (at Fillmore), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.7279
Between football (that's soccer, you Wal-mart moron) and trivia nights, this
bangers and mash Irish bar dominates its Lower Haight rivals with rock, riots
and waitresses oddly unmoved by the man passed out in the corner. (Review:
Michael Stabile)
Milk
1840 Haight St. (at Stanyan), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.387.6455
A self-proclaimed DJ bar and lounge, Milk has a silky, intimate atmosphere with
a full bar and DJs spinning nightly.
Movida Lounge
200 Fillmore (at Waller), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.934.8637
Nickie's
460 Haight (at Fillmore), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.6508
Historic San Francisco dance club.
Peacock Lounge
552 Haight (at Fillmore), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.9850
Trax
1437 Haight (at Ashbury), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.864.4213
The Haight isn't so far from the Castro as one would think from their disparate
cultures. Trax is a good honest gay bar with a little mish mash of hipster,
troll, nice guy and heavy-handed bartender. Party nights attract a fitter,
faster crowd, but most nights you can count on a Bud Light, free popcorn and
some mighty fine tv-watching. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Underground SF
424 Haight (at Fillmore), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.864.7386
Marina
Eastside West
3154 Fillmore (at Greenwich), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.885.4000
HiFi Lounge
2125 Lombard (at Fillmore), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.345.8663
Hayes Valley
Place Pigalle
520 Hayes (at Octavia), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.552.2671
A pool room, a dance hall, an art space, a shabby wine lounge. Place Pigalle
attracts all manner of would-bes and wouldn't-care-to-bes all converging on
this, the tattered living room of Hayes Valley, serving up beer and an
impressive selection of wine to the newly disenfranchised. (Review: Michael
Stabile)
Rickshaw Stop
155 Fell St (at Van Ness), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.861.2011
The Rickshaw Stop hosts everything from themed DJ nights to indie rock shows
from Wednesday through Saturday with the occasional Sunday venture. Drinks are
aplenty and reasonably priced and the crowd is down to earth.
Japantown
Boom Boom Room
1601 Fillmore (at Geary), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.673.8000
Portrero Hill
42 Degrees
235 16th St. (at Third St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.777.5558
This swank restaurant on the far edge of the Bay not only regularly tops
foodies' "Best Of" lists, it also boasts a subtle chic bar where fur-collared
women gossip with columnists and debutantes. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th St. (at Missouri), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.4455
Located at the base of Potrero Hill, this San Francisco live music club doesn't
mess around. Local acts (from rock and punk to hip-hop and dance) jockey for
lead position amidst adoring fans, but the intimate setting and vocal crowd make
Bottom of the Hill a favorite for visiting headliners. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Cafe Cocomo
650 Indiana St. (at Mariposa), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.824.6910
There is one word that comes to mind when visiting Cafe Cocomo: salsa. This
venue features salsa dancing, salsa lessons and salsa musicians. They probably
also serve chips and salsa to keep things extra caliente.
Il Pirata
2007 16th St. (at Utah), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.2626
Il Pirata includes Italian and American menus, but also hosts a large dance
floor and an open-air side patio for maximum. Dancing begins after 9pm, but the
restaurant's bar area and dining facilities are open earlier for a different
sort of entertainment.
Lingba Lounge
1498 18th St. (at Connecticut), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.355.0001
Lingba (leeng-bah) is Thai for crazy monkey. With a lounge atmosphere spiced up
by Southeast Asian accents, Lingba is a unique nightlife destination. DJs spin
hypnotic grooves on a nightly basis and bartenders serve up exotic treats in a
lush setting.
Parkside
1600 17th St. (at Missouri), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.503.0393
This quirky Potrero hill bar caters to blue-collar locals and prose punks from
the San Francisco Bay Guardian, whose offices are a quick block away. Not
unexpectedly, weekday happy hours on the Parkside's back patio are more popular
and populous than the toned-downed weekends. (Review: Michael Stabile)
Sublounge
628 20th St. (at 3rd), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.552.3603
Sublounge does everything it can to avoid the "lounge" moniker, dumping the
leather and velvet couches and uber-trendy attitude in exchange for airplane
seats, Playstation 2 consoles and trippy light fixtures, creating a funky
alternative to the beaten path.
China Basin/Mission Rock
Kelly's Mission Rock
817 China Basin (off Third St.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.626.5355
Kelly's Mission Rock is a restaurant and nightclub with spectacular waterfront
views, two floors and four fully stocked bars.
Ramp
855 China Basin (at Mission Rock), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.2378
Western Addition
Justice League
628 Divisadero (at Hayes), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.440.0409
Piers/Waterfront
Pier 23
Pier 23, Embarcadero (at Filbert), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.362.5125
Richmond District
Ireland's 32
3920 Geary (at Third Ave.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.386.6173
Last Day Saloon
406 Clement (at Sixth Ave.), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.387.6343
Fillmore
Boom Boom Room
1601 Fillmore (at Geary), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.673.8000
Despite San Francisco's predilection toward non-confrontational jazz over
in-your-face blues, John Lee Hooker's Boom Boom Room is an unabashed purveyor of
the latter, offering stiff drinks in an even stiffer neighborhood and a
well-seasoned and world weary mix of local talent and touring headliners.
(Review: Michael Stabile)
Panhandle/USF
751 Social Club
1751 Fulton Ave. San Francisco, CA 94117; Tel. 415.441.1751
Located a stone's throw from University of San Francisco, 1751 Social Club hosts
a variety of dance nights, including jungle, R&B, downtempo, dancehall and
underground, and features a late-night dinner menu and fire-side lounge and
dining room.
Fisherman's Wharf
Dirty Martini
2801 Leavenworth (at Columbus), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.775.5110
Open until 2am every night, the Dirty Martini spills over with dancing, DJs,
billiards and live cover bands.
Embarcadero
The Cosmopolitan
121 Spear St. (at Mission), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.543.4001
The Cosmopolitan hosts an extensive wine list, as well as a piano lounge and bar
and dining room.
Tenderloin
Bambuddha Lounge
601 Eddy St. (at Larkin), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.885.5088
Located inside the Phoenix Hotel, Bambuddha Lounge exudes a rich ambiance that
draws on Filipino, Balinese and Thai influences to create a unique ethnic
environment. The venue includes two dance floors with weekend events including
rotating DJs.
RX Gallery
132 Eddy St (at Mason), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.474.7973
RX Gallery shows off its philosophical side by day and its party side by night,
with a gallery, wine and sake bar and lounge all under one roof.
Nob Hill
Bohemia Bar and Bistro
1624 California St. (at Polk), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.474.6968
A true lounge, Bohemia features multiple rooms for relaxing and visiting, plus
DJs spinning most nights of the week, unique game tables including dice,
backgammon, chess and ping-pong and a full drink menu.
Sunset
The Canvas
1200 Ninth Ave. (at Lincoln), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.504.0060
The Canvas is a triple threat, playing host to a nightclub, gallery and cafe all
in one location. Weekly nightlife events include an open mic, jazz night, speed
dating and a reggae dance party.
Civic Center
Soluna
272 McAllister St (at Larkin), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.621.2200
A restaurant first and foremost, Soluna serves creative California cuisine. The
cocktail lounge and nightclub are open until 2am on most nights with DJs and
live bands.
Bayview
Space 550
550 Barneveld (between Industrial and Oakdale), San Francisco CA; Tel.
415.550.8286
This club boasts 15,000 square feet of space with a mezzanine, five full-service
bars, four unique environments, and three dance floors on two levels, colored in
an aura of blues and greens. There is also a concert stage and Space 550 not
only holds DJ and dance nights but live acts, as well.
Russian Hill
Tonic
2360 Polk St (at Union), San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.771.5535
Tonic is a watering hole that's a cut above the rest with an upscale vibe, cool
drinks and many repeat visitors.
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