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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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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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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.