San Francisco: Best Nightlife

Description:

San Francisco may not be the city that never sleeps, but it boasts an array of nightlife to keep locals and visitors entertained for hours on end. Teatro ZinZanni whets the appetites of diners and performing arts lovers alike. For classic cocktails served with a side of glittering city views, head to the Top of the Mark on Union Square. A rich rock-n-roll past meets a hip, mutli-genre present at the Fillmore, San Francisco’s most famous music venue. Catch an indie band at Great American Music Hall, or a set at Yoshi’s, a legendary jazz bar meets sushi restaurant (you can order sake and rolls while enjoying the show—how cool is that?). Mezzanine and DNA Lounge are two of the city’s finest (read: un-cheesiest) nightclubs and feature national and local acts. 111 Minna Street Gallery seamlessly blends local artists, DJ’s, and killer cocktails. Laid-back vibes on the bay, bar food with a maritime feel, and free music on weekends makes for fun times at Pier 23 Café.

Author: Jessica Mordo
Jessica has worked as a freelance travel writer for many years. A New York City native, she has called... view profile
  • Fillmore Auditorium

    Fillmore Auditorium - San Francisco
    • Contact:

    • (415) 346 6000
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 1805 Geary Boulevard
    • (at the corner of Fillmore Street)
    • San Francisco,CA94115
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    An architectural masterpiece, the Fillmore itself is as worth seeing as any band playing here. Stand on the main floor next to the historic stage and look up at soaring ceilings embellished with ornate carvings while the booming speakers rattle your bones. If you choose the tranquility of the balcony instead, sink into the loungy seats and sip cocktails. With posters representing almost every group that has ever played here, the history of American music is on full display.

  • Top of the Mark

    Top of the Mark - San Francisco
    • Contact:

    • 415/616-6916
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 1 Nob Hill
    • In the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, California and Mason Sts
    • San Francisco,CA94108
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    This is one of the most famous cocktail lounges in the world, and for good reason -- the spectacular glass-walled room features an unparalleled 19th-floor view. During World War II, Pacific-bound servicemen toasted their goodbyes to the States here. While less dramatic today than they were back then, evenings spent here are still sentimental, thanks to the romantic atmosphere. Live bands play throughout the week; a jazz pianist on Tuesdays starts at 7pm; salsa on Wednesdays begins with dance lessons at 8pm and the band starts up at 9pm; on Thursdays Stompy Jones brings a swing vibe from 7:30pm; and a dance band playing everything from '50s hits through contemporary music keeps the joint hopping Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9pm. Drinks range from $9 to $12. A $59 three-course fixed-price sunset dinner is served Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. Sunday brunch, served from 10am to 2pm, costs $59 for adults and includes a glass of champagne; for children 4 to 12, the brunch is $30.

  • Mezzanine

    Mezzanine - San Francisco
    • Contact:

    • (415) 820 9669
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 444 Jessie St
    • San Francisco,CA94103
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    With an industrial décor to match the neighborhood, it also features a VIP touch with an upstairs lounge area. You'll find everything from DJ's, blues, rock, jazz, up and comers, as well as big name artists performing here.

  • 111 Minna Gallery

    111 Minna Gallery - San Francisco
    • Contact:

    • (415) 974-1719
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 111 Minna St
    • (at the corner of Second St)
    • San Francisco,CA94105
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    An art gallery in which the entertainment and crowd are just as much a part of the effect as anything that might hang on the walls, you will find live music, DJ dancing, performance art, and film among your choices on a given night at this eclectic club. The small, intimate tables are perfect for discussing the art and those individuals who come to look at it. Cover varies.

  • Great American Music Hall

    Great American Music Hall - San Francisco
    • Contact:

    • 415/885-0750
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 859 O'Farrell
    • Between Polk and Larkin sts
    • San Francisco,CA94102
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Built in 1907 as a restaurant/bordello, the Great American Music Hall is likely one of the most gorgeous rock venues you'll encounter. With ornately carved balconies, frescoed ceilings, marble columns, and huge hanging light fixtures, you won't know whether to marvel at the structure or watch the acts, which have ranged from Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan to Arctic Monkeys, the Radiators, and She Wants Revenge. All shows are all ages (6 and up) so you can bring your family, too. You can buy a ticket for just the show and order bar snacks (such as nachos, black bean and cheese flautas, burgers, and sandwiches); or buy a ticket that includes a complete dinner (an extra $25), which changes nightly but always includes a salad and choice of meat, fish, or veggie entree. Alas, you can't buy your ticket via telephone, but you can download a form from their website and fax it to 415/885-5075 with your Visa or MasterCard info; there is a service charge of $2 per ticket. You can also stop by the box office to purchase tickets directly ($1 service charge), or buy them at Virtuous.com or Tickets.com (tel. 800/225-2277). Valet parking is available for selects shows; check website for additional...

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  • Teatro ZinZanni: Love, Chaos and Dinner

    Teatro ZinZanni: Love, Chaos and Dinner - San Francisco
    book it
    from $154

    Description:

    A full evening of entertainment and dining in San Francisco, Teatro ZinZanni combines some of the world's most renowned cirque artists, contortionists, aerial artists, jugglers and illusionists with live music from a five-piece band and a gourmet five-course meal.

    You will quickly discover that the entertainment is not confined to the stage as European clown characters engage and entertain the entire room. Teatro ZinZanni breaks new artistic territory with this intoxicating blend of interactive theater, spectacle, fine arts and fine dining, put together under the direction of One Reel's Norman Langill.

    The splendid antique spiegletent, named Le Palais Nostalgique, is one of the few remaining hand-crafted traveling tents built in the early 1920s in Europe. Owned by a Belgian family, Le Palais Nostalgique came to the United States for the first time in October 1998 for Teatro ZinZanni. Originally these spiegeltents served as wine tasting pavilions and dance halls, traveling to thousands of European locales for over 70 years.

    Your reservation includes all ticket handling fees, taxes and service charges. After being seated at your table, your server will ask you for a credit card to...

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  • Pier 23 Cafe

    Pier 23 Cafe - San Francisco
    • Contact:

    • (415) 362 5125
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Pier 23
    • On the Embarcadero
    • San Francisco,CA94111
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Hidden away from the slow moving throngs of Wharf tourists, this is a great place to relax and catch an early drink on the sunlit patio. During the daytime, the place fills up with yuppies looking for a burger or a steak that is a cut above standard cafe fare. At night, the unassuming cafe atmosphere becomes one of The City's top venues for live jazz, soul, reggae, and especially salsa. To get the best of both sides, watch for its Sunday afternoon musical events.

  • DNA Lounge

    DNA Lounge - San Francisco
    • Contact:

    • (415) 626 1409
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 375 Eleventh Street
    • (at the corner of Harrison Street)
    • San Francisco,CA94103
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    It's a familiar scene-long lines, steep cover. But that usually means you're in for a great party, and this is no exception. A hipster crowd dances the night away on the huge floor with a second-level terrace looking down on the action. Tunes are 70s disco and 90s hip-hop. Behind the bar, quiet rooms allow for a smaller party feel.

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