A Slice of San Francisco Nightlife
By Kat Firme
In a city as hip and energetic as San Francisco, nightlife often functions as a means for meeting friends and social networking. The city offers plenty to entertain, from mellow lounges to hip nightclubs, to that quintessential northern California establishment, the wine bar. Following are some highlights by neighborhood.
Union Square/Financial District/Nob Hill
111 Minna The gallery showcases a unique blend of local and international artists, world class DJs, live performances, and film screenings in an elegantly urban and ever-changing 4,000 square foot space. $$. (415) 974-1719. 111 Minna Street. Thu–Sat, 12 p.m.–2 a.m. www.111minnagallery.com
Bourbon & Branch A glamorous glimpse back on the 1920s and the era of Prohibition. $$$. (415) 931-7292. 501 Jones Street. www.bourbonandbranch.com
Top of the Mark Landmark sky lounge. Intoxicating cocktails. Breathtaking views. And electrifying entertainment. Live music (e.g., jazz, rock, swing, six piece band, etc.) nightly. $$$. (415) 616 6916. 1 Nob Hill (between Mason St. & Pine St.). Hours vary. www.topofthemark.com
SOMA
DNA Lounge A huge late-night, allages San Francisco nightclub. Features DJ, dancing, live music, burlesque performances, and has something for everyone’s diverse taste. $$. (415) 626-1409. 375 11th Street. Mon–Fri 9:30 p.m.–3 a.m. http://www.dnalounge.com
Cat Club A longtime San Francisco nightlife staple, it plays host to an array of events and parties. The venue is mixed and includes everything from goth nights to the city’s longest running weekly eighties dance party (held on Thursday night). $$. (415) 703-8965. 1190 Folsom Street. www.sfcatclub.com
Fillmore
Yoshi’s Jazz Club and Restaurant This jazz club and Japanese restaurant is located in the heart of the Fillmore district. Discount tickets (sometimes free to half-off) can be purchased on www.goldstar.com. $$$. (415) 655-5600. 1330 Fillmore Street. 5:30–9:00 p.m. www.yoshis.com
Mission
Medjool With a seductive lounge, vibrant mezzanine, a hip hotel, and the city’s only sky terrace featuring 360° views of San Francisco, Medjool is truly an oasis in the city. $$$. (415) 550-9055. 2522 Mission Street. 5:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. www.medjoolsf.com
Elbo Room A main bar downstairs and a dance floor and stage upstairs. The music consists of jazz, funk, soul, Afro Cuban, and hip hop. $. (415) 552-7788. 647 Valencia Street. 5:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. www.elbo.com
Castro
The Café Wildly fun gay bar that plays standard house and hip-hop. One yelp reviewer described the inside of the club as resembling a Lady Gaga music video. (415) 534-5840. 2369 Market Street. www.cafesf.com
North Beach
Cobb’s Comedy Club San Francisco’s famous comedy club. Discount tickets can be found on www.goldstarevents.com. $$. (415) 928-4320. 915 Columbus Avenue. www.cobbscomedy.com
Vesuvio People-watching central. This saloon just across from the infamous City Lights Bookstore was first established in 1948. $$ (415) 362-3370. 255 Columbus Avenue. 6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m. www.vesuvio.com
Dell’uva Casual mellow wine bar with reasonable prices (prices start as low as $6). Happy Hour from 5:00–8:00 p.m. $. (415) 393-9930. 565 Green Street. 11:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m. www.delluvasf.com
Marina/Cow Hollow/ Russian Hill
The Tipsy Pig Affordably delicious food, good cocktails, large flat screen TVs, and outdoor heated patios. $$. (415) 292-2300. 2231 Chestnut Street. 5:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. www.thetipsypigsf.com
Amelie French-inspired restaurant and wine bar is modern but cozy. $$. (415) 292-6916. 1754 Polk Street. 5:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m. www.ameliesf.com
Kat Firme is the local arrangements cochair.