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 Killer cocktailing |
398 Hayes Street (at the corner of Gough Street) San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 551 1590 http://www.absinthe.com/ |
While the mythical and much-hyped liqueur after which this establishment is named is not served here, many equally potent concoctions are. Specialty drinks, such as the Perfect Pear and the Ginger Rogers, seem to contain pure alcohol, and even a standard margarita packs an unbelievable wallop. If you're looking for something to help mitigate the effects of a strong drink, forget the standard peanuts in an ashtray - Absinthe's bar snacks include bread with a smooth fig spread, croque monsieur, and more. Now, don't forget that Absinthe also functions as a sit-down dining establishment, and their contemporary fare is some of San Francisco's finest. The menu changes daily, but any antipasto platter of cured meats is sure to please, as will the particularly rich duck confit. You can enjoy your meal in the main room or at a cafe-style table on the sidewalk, but if you're looking for a quieter spot, book a table in the private dining room, which even has its own entrance. Notes: The bar is open until 2a F & Sa. See website for details regarding valet parking, brunch, and "Flight Nights." Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dennis Yang  |
 Photo: Nabeel Hyatt |
 Photo: Dennis Yang |
 Photo: Denise Czaja |
 Photo: William F Walker |
 Witness gender illusions |
201 Ninth Street (at the corner of Howard Street) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 255 2742 http://www.asiasf.com |
You will not be able to tell if the person serving you is a man or a woman. Welcome to the land of gender illusionists. It is essential to start off your experience here with one of their signature alcoholic drinks named after the ladies of Asia SF. And while the food here is not initially the main attraction, the menu offers great dishes that surprise with their creativity and balance. Start with an "Asia-dilla" - jack cheese, smoked duck and sun dried cherries in a grilled tortilla. Then for an impressive main course dish, try the Miso Glazed King Salmon on a bed of black rice and a tomato-edamame salad; this dish is delectable and surprisingly cohesive. After you eat, continue your night in the club, where DJs spin R&B/funk, house, as well as salsa and merengue. Cover: varies with event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Franklin |
 Photo: Josephine |
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Gender Bender |
201 Ninth Street San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 255 2742 http://www.asiasf.com/ |
AsiaSF is really popular for its 'Gender Illusionists' who along with serving you also perform. This restaurant/bar/club is very unique and is a must-see for tourists. AsiaSF is a testimonial to the large Asian community in San Francisco and their strong influence on the local culture. You can sample the typical Cal-Asian cusine here and sample some of California's finest wines and cocktails. The restaurant is usually open until around 10p though the opening hours vary. The club is open daily until 2a and is a great place to dance in a relaxing atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Men over 40 drink, too |
133 Turk Street (btwn Taylor & Jones) San Francisco, CA 94102-3914 United States +1 415 441 2922 http://www.auntcharlieslounge.com |
This is an unpretentious neighborhood kind of joint, which just happens to put on drag shows. It is a welcome refuge for older gay men seeking to escape the glitter and loud volume of trendier bars. It is an old-fashioned kind of place to get a drink and have conversation without the glitz, without the hype and without the hipper-than-thou attitude. The mood is friendly and the atmosphere is mellow, making it a great place to hang out and unwind. The place is famous for its 'Suicide Tuesdays', every Tuesday between 9p-2a. If you happen to come here on a Thursday, you can be a part of the 'Tubersteak Connection', which goes on till 2a. The admission is USD3 after 10p for the above mentioned special nights. Also check out the performances by The Hot Boxx Girls, every Friday and Saturday after 10p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian McConnell |
 Photo: Greg Lawler |
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SoMa cantina |
1198 Folsom Street (at the corner of Eighth Street) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 626 6043 |
This is a festive little Mexican restaurant in SoMa. Find a full bar and a menu packed with all your favorites. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing with a colorful decor and a friendly staff. After work, it is a great place to sit at the bar, drink margaritas, and share a plate of the house special, Supreme Nachos. It serves deli sandwiches with a side salad. Beyond the deli, the menu features the traditional Mexican fare like Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Fajitas, and Huevos Rancheros. Chimichangas and Crab Enchiladas are a couple of the house specialities. The margaritas are locally famous. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good ol' watering hole |
496 Eddy Street Hyde Street San Francisco, CA 94109-8110 United States +1 415 441 8404 |
A crowd of down to earth folks, mostly over 30, likes to gather here. The mood is always mellow and the interior is simple and, yes, brown. Good old American rock spills out of the jukebox, and there is both pool and pinball on hand for between-drink diversion. If you feel peckish, next door is the Layfayette Cafe, where you can eat yourself to capacity for a very resonable price. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Two Decades of History |
460 Larkin Street (between Turk and Golden Gate) San Francisco, CA 94102-3607 United States +1 415 775 1150 |
Neither trendy nor flashy, this place has been serving drinks for more than 20 years and it has not changed much during that time. It is still a blue-collar kind of place, quiet, and patronized by working people of all legal age. Loyal customers will tell you that this bar is just the same as it was the day it opened - they should know. Many of them were there that day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Not your ordinary place |
289 Eighth Street San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 431 4695 http://www.holeinthewallsaloon... |
City legend has it that shocking things go on here in the late night hours. Specific details are not available. However, what is known is that this is a popular bar, especially on the weekends. DJs spin an eclectic assortment of music that complements the equally eclectic crowd. Any further information you'll have to discover by making a visit yourself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wine Connoisseur's Paradise |
45 Rose Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 703 0403 http://www.hotelbiron.com/ |
If you love wine, consider yourself part of the sophisticated high society then Hotel Biron is a place you might want to visit. But when you get down to it Hotel Biron is a great wine bar you should go to even if you don't know much about wine. On offer is the widest selection of wines you will ever find in town and a variety of cheeses to go with them. The walls sport paintings of the artist of the month and function as a de facto art gallery. Biron is a great place with helpful, humble staff and a great ambiance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Trendy Singles Scene |
650 Gough Street (at McAllister Street) San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 869 1900 http://www.jadebar.com/ |
This is one of those rare bars that does not offer food or dancing, yet attracts nightly crowds. A 20-foot waterfall dominates the main floor, so yes, it exudes a trendy feel that attracts a well-to-do singles crowd of twenty- and thirty-year-olds. The upstairs loft bar, complete with shag carpeting, offers a more intimate setting, while the basement bar with its fusion of yellow and green colors provides the ideal setting for sipping martinis and making plans for scooting up to Napa. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home of the beer bust! |
1354 Harrison Street San Francisco, CA 94103-4310 United States +1 415 863 9999 http://www.lonestarsaloon.com/ |
This popular biker bar is not the scene some biker bars can be. Here you will find neither fashion police nor attitudes, just serious drinking and leather wearing. Check out the Sunday beer bust: all you can drink for just $6. It is a great place to hang out the rest of the week, too, with a vibrant leather scene on which to feast your eyes and bartenders with pizzazz. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean |
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Queen scene |
488 Hayes Street San Francisco, CA 94102-4309 United States +1 415 864 6672 |
Located the heart of a burgeoning and hip yuppie neighborhood, this bar is a hopping scene for drag queens and transvestites. Pool, live performances, a popular happy hour, and, of course, the reigning queen of the place, Marlena herself, draw in the crowds. The energy level is high and the exquisitely dressed crowd is always fun. Order your favorite drink from the witty bartender and settle back for an unforgettable evening (or afternoon) of people-watching and unwinding. Credit cards are not accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Piano and candlelight |
4 Valencia Street (at the corner of Market Street) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 241 0205 |
This is a post-theater nightcap hotspot whose charms are many. The interior is sophisticated and candlelit and includes both a main bar as well as a piano bar with live performances. Patrons are generally well-dressed and well-to-do, which contributes to the elegant ambiance. Wednesday is singles night for gay men (although it happens on just about any other night, too). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Goebel |
 Photo: Valentin Aguirre |
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Singing waiters, enormous portions |
601 Van Ness Avenue (At the corner of Golden Gate Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 771 7300 http://www.maxsworld.com/ |
The singing servers in this Opera Plaza eatery have made Max's a San Francisco legend. The food has inspired several smaller Max's (the Diner, Max's Eatz, Sweet Max's) to spring up all over the Bay Area. Besides opera, what can one expect at Max's? Chopped chicken liver and onions, hamburgers and fries, or pastrami on rye. Just about any calorie-packed deli-style temptation imaginable is on the menu. If you don't feel like a hamburger, order a dessert. They are all huge (including macaroons that seem to weigh half a pound) and delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Calling all party animals |
34 Seventh Street San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 355 9991 |
Mr. Smith's is the ideal place for party animals. It is packed with students, especially on Saturdays. Choose from the huge bar and spacious dance floor to spend your evening at. The DJs play a mixture of hip-hop, classic and rock music. Just make sure you're not dressed too casually, as this place is stylish and attracts a rather posh crowd. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Something for everyone |
466 Haight St (btwn Fillmore & Webster) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 621 6508 http://www.nickies.com |
A local favorite, every night brings a different theme and crowd. Mondays mean Grateful Dead jams and Fridays are themed. There is something for every taste. Lit only by candles and Christmas lights, you can dance, mingle, or just observe the scene (once your eyes adjust to the dark, that is). The expanding, and always changing music scene happens Thursday through Sunday after 10p. Also, the kitchen is now open every night till 10p, serving classic American food to the Lower Haight crowd. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Charles Muccia |
 Photo: Charles Muccia |
 Photo: megan w |
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New name, same great piano |
333 Fulton Street Inn at the Opera San Francisco, CA 94102-4423 United States +1 415 553 8400 |
Formerly known as Act IV, this restaurant and lounge (located inside the Opera Hotel) features a giant crackling fireplace and live piano, vocal and opera performances making it one of the most romantic night spots in town. Come for dinner (seafood lovers will thrill at the menu), then stay for nightcaps and let the ambiance of the evening romance your heart. The menu changes with the seasons. The wait staff, however, is consistently personable and efficient. Find a servicable wine list heavy on California vintages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A little Eiffel |
520 Hayes Street (between Octavia and Laguna streets) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 552 2671 http://www.place-pigalle.com/ |
Although the once frequent jazz and spoken-word performances happen here now only on occasion, the atmosphere of this French-owned wine bar and art gallery is entertainment in its own right. Come chat up the friendly, international staff while taking in the neighborhood, the most recent art exhibit adorning the walls, and the delicious selection of wines. The crowd is a mellow mix of artists, art lovers, and the usual bohemian types. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Walsh |
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Platform shoes and disco fun |
181 Eddy Street (at the corner of Taylor Street) San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 885 1977 http://www.pollyesthers.com |
As the name hints, you'll find a retro and groovy dance scene in this club. Disco, 70s and 80s tunes and style rule here. If you're a child of these decades, you'll enjoy the Madonna and Billy Idol murals and a unique Purple Rain dance stage. This is your opportunity to step into the time machine. Get on your funkiest duds and come "bust a move" on any of the crowded dance floors. The DJs here are known as the Gurus of Good Times - a well deserved title. Cover: varies, but expect $10 or more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Men in uniform |
1347 Folsom Street (between Ninth and Tenth streets) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 552 8689 http://www.powerhouse-sf.com/ |
You are now in the leather bar block of South of Market. And this is an excellent example of the genre. But there is more going on than just wearing leather here. Underwear parties, uniform night, 2-for-1 drinks and DJ dancing are all part of the fun as well as a crowd that really knows how to have a good time whatever the theme night. Cover: varies. Note: No credit cards, cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stop for Live Music |
155, Fell Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 861 2011 http://www.rickshawstop.com/ |
The Rickshaw Stop is one of the best-kept secrets in the San Francisco club scene. While the club has cheaper admission prices than most of its competitors, the Ricshaw Stop still manages to pull in an eccentric range of renowned musical acts, such as Jonathan Richman, The Mooney Suzuki, and The Pippettes. Even though the Rickshaw Stop has a full bar (and an impressive one at that), the club is still open to all ages. If you are interested in getting a bite to eat before a night at the rock show, look no further because the Rickshaw Stop also includes restaurant. What better way to enjoy live music than with a corn dog. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ultra trendy |
555 Golden Gate Avenue (at the corner of Van Ness Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 861 7827 |
Though he's no longer the chef-in-residence, when Jeremiah Tower opened this gourmet eatery, he began a San Francisco institution. Many of The City's most memorable citizens have graced this chic spot and are honored with a plaque at the bar. Start your meal with a specialty cocktail. Try an appetizer of Salmon Gravlax or Rock Shrimp Cocktail. Dine on such delicacies as Roasted Capon Breast or Grilled Fillet of Beef. Save room for one of the decadent dessert selections, especially the sinfully rich Creme Brulee. The service is as first-rate as the cuisine and the clientele. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Drag queens & blue jeans |
399 Ninth Street (at the corner of Harrison Street) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 863 6623 http://www.studsf.com/ |
This is one of The City's most renowned gay clubs. For over 35 years, it has unreservedly offered everyone a chance to have fun. Inside its walls, fully decked drag queens dance amicably alongside sloppily dressed heterosexuals. Each night finds a healthy mix of all orientations co-mingling in harmony. DJs provide a variety of groovy sounds on the dance floor. Don't miss Tuesday's "Midnight Cabaret" when the bar becomes "Trannyshack," or Saturdays "Sugar," both essential San Francisco experiences. Cover: varies. Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Boris Mann |
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Cocktails and more… |
377 Hayes Street Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 255 7144 |
Don't let the loud interiors, gaudy rooms and bright neon lights of this place mislead you. It's a whole lot of fun to hang out here. Sink your teeth into pastries, truffles and other delicious goodies and drinks that emphasize the season's treats! Gratify your palate with specialty cocktails like 'Mangopolitan' and other top notch liquor brands. The ambience is mellow with lit candles and velvet couches that encourage a cozy tête-à-tête. Keep your wallet loaded if you want to spend a lovely evening here with a few friends and don't be afraid to bend the rules. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Chatenay |
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Nocturnal Party Zone |
181 Eddy Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 345 9900 http://www.suite181.com/ |
This club is frequented by the nocturnal party animals which includes cool creatures like the sexy urbanites, suave muscular guys, pretty blondes and vampires. Suite One8One has some of the best DJs churning out hip hop, house and rock and roll. There is never a dull moment at Suite and you will find the dance floor packed into the wee hours of the morning. You can take a break in the VIP lounge area upstairs which has comfy sofas and Ottomans while sipping on cocktails before diving onto the dance floor again. Review © 2007, Wcities |