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You Never Know What to Expect At DNA Lounge
For a rambunctious good time head down to the DNA Lounge in the Mission. You never know what to expect at this funky and fun spot and there's something different every night of the week.
The Lounge hosts the monthly Hubba Hubba Revue burlesque show - a full stage production with musical acts, dancing and aerial artists that is not to be missed. They also have the monthly drag show, Trannyshack, which has a different theme every time and various bands perform throughout the month.
The club also hosts Bootie - the biggest mashup party in San Francisco. Trust us, there is never a dull moment at the DNA Lounge and you never known who you'll bump into or what you'll see. It's an SF original.
Cover charges vary depending on the show and you can buy tickets online through their website.
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MatrixFillmore: A Posh Lounge in the Marina
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Dance the Night Away at Madrone Art Bar
For an upscale time on a budget, head to Madrone Art Bar on Divisidero for fun drinks, a chill, friendly crowd and lots and lots of dancing.
Things really heat up Tuesday nights for Boogaloo $2 Tuesdays with the local band "Steppin" playing live music until closing and $2 Tecate beer and $4 Jameson all night long. Fridays and Saturdays also get going with drink specials and theme nights, including a Michael Jackson/Prince dance-off.
You also can't beat the decor. Madrone highlights different artists and their work - from photographs to paintings and mixed media - every month, making each visit feel like your first.
They also have a photo booth in the front of the bar so even if you forget your camera, you can still have memories of a great night.
Madrone Art Bar is located at 500 Divisadero Street in San Francisco.
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Gold Dust Lounge’s Music is Money
With the ceiling murals and walls lined with framed currency, the Gold Dust Lounge looked like a Wild West saloon. Don’t let the decor fool you, this historic Dixieland bar was famous for the many Jazz artists who have played there over the years. San Francisco's Gold Dust Lounge, in a fight for its life since octogenarian owners Jim and Tasios Bovis were hit with an eviction notice last year, served last call at its beloved Union Square digs and announced an upcoming move to the tourist heavy Fisherman's Wharf. The Gold Dust Lounge has reopened and you're invited! We packed up the pieces in Union Square and moved to Fisherman's Wharf on the Barbary Coast. We brought Bing Crosby's cherub mural on the ceiling, the antique brass lights, the Bovis Family paintings, the tables, the gold filigree mirrors, the old wood bar, the red velvet booths, Herb Caen's stool, his Vitamin V, the band, the bartenders, waitresses, the Miner 49er, the swinging saloon doors, that familiar marquee -all we're missing is you! Come have a drink as we kick off more good times for years to come! Help us make the new Gold Dust a home.
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Let It Rain, Because There’s Shine
party than SOMA, the “South of Market” district. Once home to the sea before the great earthquake filled in the landscape, this part of town is now home to a bit of the old, a lot of the modern, and many open spaces to get the diversity of the area mingling.
And that’s what Shine nightclub is all about, being in the perfect on-everyone’s-commute-home location and making sure everyone gets friendly once they’re here. With no VIP sections or $400 bottle service, Shine has figured out how to personalize the party within the party for everyone who enters – call ahead and they’ll stock your own booth with a customized mini-fridge. For $200, Shine provides you and your crew a choice of liquor and mixers, so you can have it your way and any way you like, while dancing the night away.
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In for a Swanky Night at Bimbo’s 365 Club
With nightclubs, jazz venues, bars, and its own Vegas-style light show, North Beach is where San Franciscans have always gone to party. And in the heart of this “Little Italy” lies Bimbo’s 365 Club, as much a favorite today as it was when Rita Hayworth was a high-kicking chorus line girl. Everyone who is anyone has since walked through these doors, including Chris Isaak, Robin Williams and Jill Scott.
When you walk into Bimbo’s, expect an evening of classic lounge acts, supper club entertainment and a dramatic art deco theme that is entirely reminiscent of the swankiest big band era nightspots. One of Bimbo’s famously plush events is its corporate and private parties for swanky Silicon Valley guests like Cellular One, Oracle, and Yahoo!. The venue offers tiered seating, dramatic lighting, fine dine table settings and a dance floor next to the concert stage.
Whether you’ve been a regular for years or it’s your first time here, Bimbo’s is the classic nightspot for the upscale traveler.
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Salsa is Smokin’ Hot at Cafe Cocomo
e the Copacabana in NYC and the Conga Room in LA, San Francisco offers one of its own.
There’s room for every salsa lover at Cafe Cocomo, with two levels of indoor and outdoor dancing. All levels from beginner to ballroom star are welcome here – it’s all about having fun! And with lots of seating in the outdoor patio that features waterfalls, tiki huts, and an island-style bar, you can take a rest from the crowd and enjoy the stars.
Cocomo even offers lessons for anyone who can’t get enough at the Thursday and Saturday dance parties. Whether you’re out to add some spice to your nightlife, or looking for a killer ballroom routine, be prepared, because this salsa party is HOT!
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Chic France Meets Exotic Vietnam Nights at Le Colonial
exotic Vietnam. As evenings go in this city, rarely sticking to the conventional, you’ll fall in love even as you enter from an alley that sparkles with fairy lights and soft neon signs. Relax in the palm and glass-canopied veranda while you wait for your party, or head inside to the downstairs lounge and order yourself an Emerald Buddha: Ciroc Vodka, House Lemongrass sour, and Barritt’s ginger beer on the rocks.
Le Colonial presents local DJ’s on Friday nights and the very popular Lotus Party on Saturdays. Spinning remixes from every generation until 2am with a “for the classy and chic only” dress code, there are no excuse to be a wallflower.
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Move Over E-Harmony, CAS Gets Sexy and Single
rip over strollers.
Featuring a four-story living rainforest, penguins, a floor-to-ceiling coral exhibit, and just about every other fascinating natural phenomenon, The California Academy of Sciences is the perfect setting for your social event ($60 for private VIP if you prefer), a great conversation starter for first dates, or just a great way to get out on the town without the crowded, dark bar scene.
Be sure to get to the Nightlife event early for the best experience and the least amount of wait times. Unless you had dinner prior to coming to the Academy, tapas-style plates are available, that is – if you can pull yourself away from how bizarre it is to watch a glowing jellyfish while drinking a cosmo.
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54 Mint Wine Bar’s Italian Charm
SOMA's new 54 Mint Wine Bar is technically a three-in-one punch of vineria (wine bar), ristorante, and alimentari (food store), but really it's all imported deliciousness. As the only distributor of some of its Italian fine wines to the straight-from-Italy sheep's milk cheese and handmade Italian plates, 54 Mint serves up an authentic Italian meal that tastes even better coming from the hand of the heavily accented servers.
This hotspot is the work of native Umbrian owners Alberto Avalle (of NYC's Il Buco fame) and Claudio Ricciolini- and 54 Mint can't be a better ode to their homeland. Even the famous Umbrian olive oil is sprinkled into nearly every dish and is even displayed beautifully for customers to buy.
During good weather, make sure to hit up the patio for some great people watching in the trendy SOMA district.
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Forget Postcards, Cantina Returns With Liquor
rink on the menu, making your experience at Cantina completely unique. It’s no wonder Cantina’s recipes have graced the pages of The New York Times, Food & Wine, Esquire, London’s Daily Telegraph, and even Vogue.
You’d assume such famous cocktails would have equally notorious prices, but Cantina offers drinks from $9-$11. Their most prized potion is on the market for $14: The Coca Leaf Sour- Pisco infused with coca leaves, egg white, yellow chartreuse, fresh-squeezed citrus, and sugar. Of course, their $9 cocktails are just as impressive. Try the St. Barth’s Daiquiri- rhum de batiste, fresh lime & key lime bitters, luxardo maraschino & fresh-grated nutmeg.
Just remember, quality takes time so no impatient tapping on the bar at Cantina, relax and enjoy the world through its spirits.
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Blackbird Bar: Not For the Birds
Oscar Wilde once said: “Work is the curse of the drinking class," and if you’ve been to The Castro’s newest and most popular neighborhood bar, Blackbird, you’ll completely understand. You’ll find a drink for everyone in your group with wines by the glass, artisan microbrews on draft, and proper classic cocktails- and none of them will drain your wallet, even after the 5-8pm happy hour is over.
For years the area has had only two choices when it comes to happy hour– dive bars for the straight community or pricey lounges for the gay crowd. Blackbird, with expert precision, has nailed the art of comfort and class for the mixed-crowd atmosphere.
To create a Blackbird: blend historical newsprints with local modern art, an old-world cherry wood bar with contemporary seating, and a top shelf drink list handwritten on 8 feet of butcher paper, and the neighborhood bar is ready. Do not garnish with a cover, fancy dress code, or water down with unemployed barflies- just a twist of chic will do.
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San Francisco From the Stars at The Starlight Room
e, the Starlight Room is a place to relax and enjoy the view. While the bar offers many ‘Million Dollar Cocktails’ such as the $200 Angels Share snifter of cognac, and 20 yr. old Tawny Port with walnut liqueur and Chartreuse, they also offer a drink called ‘The Recession’"– PBR in a brown paper bag for $4.
If you’ve done your research and made VIP reservations, a plush booth for six awaits you with your bottle of choice, where cocktails are mixed and served right at your table.
Expect to see it all at the Starlight room, from club-hopping 20-somethings and performing drag queens to convention-going doctors and lawyers. Everyone comes here because of the sophistication of the scene, and to dance amongst the stars.
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The Cafe That’s Not For The Day
The Cafe has been The Castro’s favorite venue for years, welcoming everyone gay and straight to enjoy a one-of-a-kind dancing and drinking experience. Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, The Cafe's makeover is like treating its faithful patrons to a thinner and more successful boyfriend.
Let the thump of The Café’s state of the art sound system lead you upstairs to any of the three bars for a two-for-one happy hour. Try not to spend the evening staring blindly at any of the 12 HD flat screens, because there’s a much better view on the dance floor. The Café also features an open-air atrium (complete with retractable glass awning should the weather get touchy) in the middle of the bar to help cool off after that Michael Jackson dance routine.
It's been a long-standing tradition in the Castro to meet any night of theweek for The Cafe's legendary happy hour. You'll see many familiar faces so don't be afraid to go alone. If all this isn't enough, the bartenders are appealing too.