San Francisco is full of culture and diversity of styles. It’s nightlife reflects those differences making it an ideal destination for either enjoying an evening full of familiarity or one in which you search out a new adventure. Hip-hop, clubs, electronic music, artsy lounges, elegant nightclubs and so much more can be found every night of the week in San Francisco.
Rockit Room is an all rock bar and the place to go to see the latest new rock bands perform. Head up stairs where their excellent sound system blasts out the nightly rocker’s music. Downstairs it feels like the corner pub with pool tables, flat screen TV, foosball and jukebox. There is a cover charge on the upstairs level, but downstairs is always free entrance. It’s located in the Richmond District on Clements Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
photo credit: b_d_solis
Ruby Skye, located in Union Square on Mason Street, is famous for its top DJ lineup. The building was once the historic Stagecoach Theater. This high style club hosts bands, fashion shows, dance nights, hangouts and private events. There are two levels with four rooms and some private rooms that bring in celebrities to enjoy the evening without a lot of notoriety. Yet, Ruby Skye has become one of the most notable nightclubs in San Francisco.
Red Devil Lounge is another of San Francisco’s hot lounges housed in an original historic theater. Bands from around the world have performed in this convenient location on downtown’s Polk Street, near great restaurants and hotels which cover any level of luxury desired. Live music, genre varying from night to night. Pick your floor and enjoy the night. photo credit: rick
Hemlock Tavern is a golden find for hipsters looking for the unknown yet next up and coming band. If you’ve never heard of the Shipper Kids or the high class garage band, Flakes, then you haven’t been to Hemlock’s lately. They also have some great “free” DJ nights including a Sunday night country show. There’s never a dull moment with every night exciting and full of fun.
111 Minna Street Galery is your place if you’re into spending the evening at a fine disco emporium with some of the best electronic music around. Choose between a shaken Martini or Cosmo while you enjoy the unique and beautiful works by artists such as Captain and Commander, Keli Reule and Henry Lewis.
Marsh’s Mock Cafe will fill your night with laughs. The hottest comics in the city come here to listen to the audience’s laughter. Robin Williams and Will Franken have even dropped by. On off hours Marsh’s offers youth theater classes for ages 4 to 15 including dance, music, stagecraft and theater – later providing theater for the public.
The Albion is rundown and dark at first look, but then you notice the fun the night crowd brings to the place. Is it because it’s been around forever, a total comfort bar or is it the many pool tables that spar good clean games that bring them night after night.
Doctor Bombay, yes it’s named after Dr. Bombay of TV’s original Bewitched. It’s located right across the street from Roxie (old-time movie theater) on 16th Street. They play great music all night long in this mellow hang out. Their backroom’s filled with the usual pinball and pool tables.
The Kilowatt offers live music but with a low cover charge. It’s located on 16th and Valencia in an old firehouse. Instead of dogs being excluded from this nightclub, they are encouraged – what fun for pet lovers. If you’re so inclined sign up for their Hump Day Pool Tournament for the last Wednesday of the month. It’s just a $3.00 entrance fee and it includes a complimentary drink. First game starts at 7:30 PM sharp. photo credit: gwdexter
Jack’s Elixir has an Irish pub atmosphere and offers sixty different beers. It’s one of the oldest existing saloons in San Francisco, restored to it’s original look. Visit the original mahogany bar and fancy the roughriders that used to grace it’s presence in the wild west days. Order a pint and ask the historically knowledgeable bartender anything that comes to mind.
Vesuvio Café-Bar has an old-time atmosphere with a twinge of the ’60s thrown in. It’s a romantic little place right next to a great bookstore, City Lights Books, where you can have a coffee or a drink. It’s quite a change from the loud nightclubs you might find elsewhere in the city. They tout themselves as an historical monument to “jazz poetry, art and the good life of the Beat Generation.” photo credit: CommandZed
Savoy Tivoli is a great night spot with a European atmosphere. You’ll find a busy bar full of locals and newbies alike. It’s located in the North Beach area on Grant Avenue. It boasts a history back to 1906 and still has that old time feel to it. It has a huge covered patio, four pool tables and an occasional visit from an Elvis impersonator.
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MixxTags: bars, california, Night Life, Nightclubs, North America, san francisco, united states
Categories: Nightlife
{ 4 comments }
Looks like fun, will be visiting San Francisco in December.
Thanks Bob
“Jack’s ELixir” was the name of the previous bar in this location and THAT bar had over 60 taps (most of them stale). When I took over 5 years ago I put in a brand new tap system and we now keep 15 fresh and unique beers on tap. Plus a lot of other great cocktails and spirits.
Excellent content and style…keep up the good work!
Thanks for all the great comments – I do my best.
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