Nightlife and Clubs in San Francisco

The more options you have, the harder it is to choose — this rule definitely applies to the nightclubs of San Francisco. Every place is great, but there are many nuances to consider to ensure your night out is a success.

A Bit About San Francisco’s Nightlife

First, the good news — it exists and there's a lot of it. Almost every neighborhood has at least a dozen entertainment venues, often several dozen. But, as in any city in the world, there are unique rules to follow.

Where Not to Go

1. 01.Firstly, avoid strongly ethnic bars and clubs. We are not promoting xenophobia, but usually, these places aren't very welcoming to outsiders. In Chinatown, this might not be as noticeable, but local small clubs with Spanish-speaking patrons should be avoided. San Francisco has a significant population of Mexicans and Latin American immigrants. Many of them are tied to local gangs involved in drug trafficking, robbery, and prostitution. So, while they might be great people who cheerfully serve tequila, sudden aggression is a risk you don't want to take.
2. 02.Secondly, avoid places with hard-to-access entrances — in basements, backyards, behind residential buildings, etc. The reasons are similar: even if the price or location is tempting, the crowd might not be favorable. You probably don’t want to find yourself in the middle of a police raid.
3. 03.Thirdly, avoid venues far from your hotel if you plan to drink and have a limited budget. The night could end unpredictably, and you’ll need to get back to your bed eventually. Taxi fares at night can be steep, and public transportation is rare. Walking back isn’t an option — a drunk tourist is an easy target for troublemakers.

Where to Go

Just as one goes drinking in St. Petersburg, in San Francisco, you go club-hopping! Here’s a universal route through the city's clubs and bars that will ensure a good time without emptying your wallet.

Best Nightclubs in San Francisco

San Francisco is not just a city with breathtaking views and rich history, but also a hub of nightlife where everyone can find something to enjoy. The city's nightclubs offer a variety of music styles, atmospheres, and unique events that make every night unforgettable. In this guide, we’ll tell you about the best nightclubs in San Francisco to ensure your night is full of bright impressions.

Nightclubs with Top DJs

• Temple Nightclub
  Temple Nightclub is one of the most popular clubs in San Francisco, known for its top DJs and futuristic design. The club is divided into several zones, each offering a unique atmosphere and music genre. Here, you can enjoy dance hits, electronic music, and hip-hop. Temple Nightclub is famous for its parties, which often continue until dawn.
• Audio Discotech
  Audio Discotech combines modern sound with stylish design. Equipped with one of the best audio systems in the city, this club attracts lovers of high-quality electronic music. Top DJs regularly perform here, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Audio Discotech is also known for its visual effects and light shows, enhancing the musical experience.

Clubs with Unique Atmosphere

• The Great Northern
  The Great Northern is a nightclub that impresses with its retro design and cozy atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a variety of music, from disco and funk to house and techno. The club's interior evokes the golden age of nightlife, and the dance floors and bars create an ambiance of fun and comfort. The Great Northern often hosts themed parties and live music concerts.
• DNA Lounge
  DNA Lounge is a legendary club that has been delighting its guests with diverse music parties for over 30 years. Here, you can hear everything from gothic and industrial to EDM and Latin music. The club is also known for its themed parties, karaoke, and performances by local and international artists. DNA Lounge is a place where everyone can find something to their liking.

Lounge Bars and Clubs with Cocktails

• Monarch
  Monarch offers its guests not only great music but also exquisite cocktails. The club is divided into two levels: the ground floor features a cozy lounge bar where you can enjoy signature cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere, while the second floor hosts a dance floor with live music and DJ performances. Monarch is the perfect place for those who want to spend the evening in a stylish setting and enjoy excellent music.
• Hawthorn
  Hawthorn is a luxurious lounge club that offers its guests exquisite cocktails and a premium atmosphere. The club's interior is done in Art Deco style, creating a sense of luxury and comfort. Here, you can listen to live music, DJ performances, and enjoy the ambiance of refined relaxation. Hawthorn is a place for those who value style and quality in everything.

Clubs with Live Music

• The Independent
  The Independent specializes in live music. Local and international bands regularly perform here, representing various music genres: from rock and indie to jazz and blues. The club is known for its high-quality sound and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal place for live music lovers.
• Brick & Mortar Music Hall
  Brick & Mortar Music Hall is a place where you can enjoy live performances by talented musicians and bands. The club offers a diverse music program, including rock, jazz, blues, and folk. The club's interior is styled like an old hall, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Brick & Mortar Music Hall is an excellent place for those who want to spend the evening with good music.

Alternative Clubs and Bars

• Public Works
  Public Works is known for its experimental parties and diverse music program. Here, you can hear everything from techno and house to underground genres and avant-garde music. The club also hosts modern art exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events. Public Works is a place for those seeking unusual experiences and love to experiment.
• The EndUp
  The EndUp is a legendary club that has been around for over 40 years. Here, you can hear a variety of music, from disco and house to hip-hop and rap. The club is known for its long parties that start on Friday evening and continue until Sunday. The EndUp is a place where you can dance until you drop and enjoy the atmosphere of a real nightclub.

A Sample Night Out Plan

1. 01.Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
   To start your night, visit this place. The main attraction is the pool in the center. Essentially, the tables and lounge areas are arranged around a large pool, mimicking a bay — like several bungalows on a pier. In the center, musicians play in a covered gazebo, and all the thatched roofs are adorned with garlands. The cocktails complete the sensation of a warm evening at a tropical resort. This is the place to eat — affordable, exotic, and very tasty. But before you melt into this atmosphere, you need to move on.
2. 02.Novela
   A complete contrast — a sophisticated, high-end designer bar. Great design and atmosphere, a wide selection of drinks, books, and a super professional bartender. What more do you need for a great evening and pleasant conversations? Right, money. The pleasure here doesn’t come cheap — one cocktail averages $12. It’s perfect for those who value aesthetics. For everyone else, there’s an alternative.
3. 03.Cityscape Lounge
   As the name suggests, this lounge is on the 46th floor of the Hilton hotel. With a nearly 360-degree view, the bar has huge panoramic windows. The menu is pricey but not overly so, balanced by the breathtaking views. This place is one of the most popular spots in San Francisco for marriage proposals. No hints here, but if you’re visiting with a partner and the moment is right, the idea is more than good.
4. 04.The Chapel
   One of the best city venues for “listening to music and dancing.” Here, all worthy rock and jazz performers play, the stage sound is excellent, and there’s nothing superfluous. The crowd is usually local regulars who love to meet new people and invite them to other concerts of their favorite bands. There’s no wild frenzy where people turn into pumpkins or pigs at midnight. There are several lounge areas on the balconies, so you can take a break from the crowd. There are also happy hours and food promotions — if you’re lucky enough to catch these, you can save a lot on snacks without losing taste and quality. No matter how you look at it, a great choice.
5. 05.Oasis
   And if all the previous wasn’t enough and you need a final bang — welcome! If you love freaks, drag queen culture, and don’t mind various minorities, then you absolutely must not miss this place. Every evening, Oasis hosts staged shows with drag performers and show ballet. It’s fun, loud, absolutely crazy, and definitely memorable.