The very best 12 nightlife spots in San Francisco, United States

Welcome to the City by the Bay, where the fog nestles in and the mischief begins after dark! As the sun sets over San Francisco, the city's vibrant nightlife comes alive, offering a plethora of groovy spots (not the Austin Powers kind) to shake your groove thing. From the eclectic bars of the Mission District where mixologists are pros at turning liquor into liquid gold, to the speakeasies hidden behind bookshelves in North Beach, the nightlife scene here will have you feeling like a disco diva or dashing debonair in no time. So step into your dancing shoes, leave your worries at the door, and get ready to paint the town red with memories that will make even Tony Bennett's heart skip a beat!

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1. Temple Nightclub

3.2 (592)

540 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

Welcome to Temple Nightclub in San Francisco, a place where even the shyest wallflowers transform into dancing divas faster than you can say "cha-cha-cha"! This vibrant hotspot redefines what it means to party with its mind-blowing audio-visual extravaganza that will leave your senses tingling like you've been playing electric bingo with a cat wearing wool socks. Prepare to get lost in a world where the beats are hotter than a jalapeño ice cream sandwich, and where glamorous creatures of the night come to release their inner disco unicorns and bust some dazzling moves that would make John Travolta green with envy.

www.templesf.com

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2. Mezzanine

4.2 (689)

444 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Ah, the charming Mezzanine in San Francisco, a hybrid creature that's part nightclub and part live music venue. Nestled in the heart of the city, this funky joint ensures good times and sore feet with its impressively loud speakers and a dance floor that could make even the smoothest mover stumble like a newborn giraffe. So whether you want to showcase your questionable dance moves or pretend you know the lyrics to all the songs, Mezzanine has got you covered, just remember to bring your earplugs and a stellar sense of humor.

mezzaninesf.com

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3. AsiaSF

4.4 (471)

201 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Welcome to AsiaSF, an eclectic and vibrant dining establishment located in the heart of San Francisco! Here, you can indulge in a feast for both your taste buds and your eyes, as drag queens double as your dinner entertainment. Prepare to be dazzled by the delicious fusion of Asian cuisine and gender-bending performances, leaving you questioning, "Is it the food or the fabulousness that's more irresistible?" Asian décor meets diva extravagance, creating an atmosphere that can only be described as chic and delightfully odd. As you step inside, be prepared to walk into a world where chopsticks become props and elegance mingles seamlessly with sass. This unique dining experience is one that truly celebrates diversity, serving up not only delectable Pan-Asian dishes but also a hefty portion of laughter and flamboyance.

asiasf.com

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4. Bootie SF at DNA Lounge

4.1 (1393)

375 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Welcome to Bootie SF, the wildest dance party in San Francisco, where you can shake your booty until the break of dawn! As you step foot into DNA Lounge, prepare yourself for a night of epic proportions, complete with mashups, dance-offs, and more eccentric outfits than you can shake a glowstick at. This energetic venue is notorious for its quirky blend of pop, indie, and hip-hop tunes that will have even the most reluctant dancers showing off their moves in no time.

www.dnalounge.com

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5. The Stud

4.3 (86)

399 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Welcome to The Stud in San Francisco - the "Stud-ly" sanctuary for all the fabulous souls out there! Get ready to be greeted by a flamboyant paradise, where glitter, glam, and disco reign supreme. This iconic LGBTQ+ nightclub has been serving up sass and shaking booties since the 1960s, promising a night full of unforgettable debaucheries and a dancefloor that will make you feel like a disco ball yourself.

www.studsf.com

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6. 1015 Folsom

3.5 (334)

1015 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Nestled in the quirky streets of San Francisco, 1015 Folsom is a hidden gem for all the night owls out there. This vibrant venue is like a disco ball on steroids - it radiates energy, pumping out beats that will make even the most rhythmically challenged among us bust a move. So, put on your dancing shoes and prepare for a night that will leave you wondering who let the dogs out, because this place is pawsitively wild!

1015.com

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7. The Great Northern

4.2 (155)

119 Utah St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Welcome to The Great Northern, San Francisco's hands down, hippest and most happening nightlife destination! This place embodies the perfect blend of trendy vibes and oh-so-cool retro décor. Expect a boisterous crowd, hilarious conversations and a dance floor that transforms even the most two-left-feet individuals into questionable Beyoncé impersonators. So, grab your dancing shoes and prepare for a night you'll vaguely remember but never stop talking about!

thegreatnorthernsf.com

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8. Harlot

3.8 (96)

46 Minna St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

Welcome to San Francisco, where even the city's notorious charm extends to the local drinking establishments. Harlot, the peculiarly named bar, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of this vibrant city. Don't let the name fool you; this swanky venue isn't the haunt of Victorian-era vices but rather a stylish cocktail lounge with an intoxicating blend of sophistication and cheeky charm.

www.harlotsf.com

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9. Q Bar

3.4 (98)

456 Castro St # B, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

Welcome to the Q Bar, where the “Q” in the name is rumored to stand for “Quality cocktails and Quirky characters!” Nestled amidst the bustling streets of San Francisco, this vibrant watering hole attracts a colorful blend of locals and tourists alike. Step inside and prepare to be whisked away on a whimsical adventure, where disco balls twinkle, dance beats pulse, and drinks flow aplenty! As you navigate through this eclectic den of debauchery, keep your eyes peeled for their signature disco ball chandelier, casting a dazzling light on all who dare to dance beneath it. The bartenders, with their impossibly stylish haircuts and hipster charm, mix concoctions that could make even the most stoic of souls let out a giggle or two. Sip on a vibrant cocktail that channels the spirit of the city itself, or opt for the timeless classics – just make sure you ask nicely, for the bartenders have been known to unleash their sass with a cheeky wink. With an ever-changing lineup of fabulous events, Q Bar is an experience that keeps on giving. Get ready to unleash your inner diva during karaoke nights, or sway to the rhythm of the heartbeat of the city during their renowned drag shows. Whether you're a wild party animal seeking a night to remember or a curious traveler eager to dabble in San Francisco's vibrant nightlife, Q Bar promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you raving to friends and strangers alike.

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10. Monarch

4.1 (421)

101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Nestled amidst the eccentric wonders of San Francisco, Monarch emerges as a dazzling gem in the city's nightlife scene. Step into this majestic den that combines old-world charm with a modern twist, resembling a secret hideaway for stylish misfits. With its dimly lit ambiance, creative cocktails flowing like liquid confidence, and beats that make your heart flutter like a tourist at the Golden Gate Bridge, Monarch effortlessly captures the essence of San Francisco's enchanting nightlife.

monarchsf.com

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11. Madrone Art Bar

4.4 (877)

500 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA

Nestled within the vibrant streets of San Francisco, Madrone Art Bar beckons you with its quirky charm and artistic flair. This eclectic hotspot prides itself on being a melting pot of creativity, where you can sip on expertly crafted cocktails while surrounded by whimsical artworks and vintage furniture that seem to have a life of their own. Prepare to be wooed by the nostalgic tunes of vinyl records as you ponder life's mysteries under the mesmerizing glow of kaleidoscopic lights.

www.madroneartbar.com

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12. Audio Nightclub

3.8 (242)

316 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Tucked away in the lively streets of San Francisco, lies the enchanting Audio Nightclub. With the shenanigans of a mischievous DJ and the magnetic ambience of dimmed lights, this place could leave even the most seasoned party animal awestruck. Prance into this underground paradise and surrender to the tantalizing beats that will make your soul groove like nobody's business.

www.audiosf.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to San Francisco by plane is to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) which has multiple direct flights from major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to San Francisco is a great option as it allows you to take scenic routes and make stops along the way. The most direct route is to take Interstate 580 West from Oakland or Interstate 101 North from Los Angeles.

Train

While there are no direct trains to San Francisco, you can take Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train from Sacramento and connect to a bus which will take you to San Francisco.

Boat

While it is not possible to take a boat directly to San Francisco, you can take a ferry from nearby cities such as Oakland, Alameda or Sausalito and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Area.

Bus

The best way to get to San Francisco by bus is to take Greyhound which has multiple daily departures from cities across California and the United States.

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