DK Travel : San Francisco : Bars & Nightclubs

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Ten 15 Folsom

Perhaps the definitive SoMa club, with three levels of trance and techno spun by big-name DJs, complete with million-dollar light shows.
The Bar on Castro

A friendly gay mix of young and old make this dark, very central bar one of the most popular on the street. It’s only a bar – no food or music – and as such a great place to begin your evening’s revelries.
The Endup

Formerly exclusively gay, as famously featured in Tales of the City (see Allen Ginsberg), this classic is now thoroughly mixed, featuring house music, and an all-day Sunday “T” Dance.
The Irish Bank

Down a picturesque alley, this winning pub feels very Irish. Tip a Guinness before the 5pm yuppie rush to get the best taste of its friendly vibes.
The Lion

The city’s oldest gay bar is also its most upscale. It attracts the more yuppified denizens of the gay community who appreciate the stylish renovated Victorian in which it is housed. There’s interesting music, a great fireplace, free food at Happy Hour, and hobnobbing with a wealthier clientele.
The Midnight Sun

This popular, posy video bar fills up quickly after office hours and stays that way until the wee hours. Mostly good-looking 20- and 30-somethings, it’s more about being admired than making connections here, so it’s best to go with a friend or two, have a drink, and then move on to some livelier venue. The videos are a mix of cool music clips and camp TV sitcoms.
The Stud

Around for over 35 years, this formerly exclusive enclave of maleness is now popular with anybody who likes a rollicking lusty time. Theme nights include Trannyshack, a fabulous drag cabaret show.
Tonga Room

This Nob Hill tiki bar is almost Disneyesque in its tropical effects, including indoor monsoons and a floating band. Aimed at grown-ups of every age, it delivers kitschy Polynesian dazzlement, and is often chosen as the venue for birthday celebrations. Weekday Happy Hour (5–7pm) includes an Asian buffet at nominal cost.
Tosca

Dating back to 1919, this North Beach classic is a favorite with celebrities. The jukebox is full of opera arias.
Vesuvio

This landmark watering hole was a major Beat and hippie gathering place and attempts to carry on the alternative tradition amid the stained-glass, psychedelic décor. Check out the literary and other memorabilia on the walls and sit on the narrow balcony, from which you can survey the action below.