Best Nightlife in San Francisco, California

In such a large city as San Francisco, boredom doesn't come too easily. It can be overwhelming, though, when considering exactly where you want to spend your night out. Here's the lowdown on several of the hottest bars, comedy clubs, and theaters.

Bars and Clubs

12 Galaxies

This two-story venue is huge, with a full bar on each floor, two lounges on the second, and also a mezzanine. Dubbed as one of the best places to see live music, it's also a great place to eat and play - video games and a pool table also come along with this club.

Azul

A variety of unique music is always to be heard at this diverse club, and best of all - there's no cover fee to worry about.

Cafe Cocomo

The main feature of this venue is Salsa music. There are other clubs in San Francisco that play Salsa, but this is said to be the best. They also offer Salsa dance lessons a few nights a week.

Club NV

Two separate dance rooms accommodate Club NV, along with three fully-stocked bars and four VIP suites. Private rental is available for every section of this club.

Club Six

If you're looking for a party where you can also relax, be sure to check out this venue. The upstairs area is full of sofas to sit on while listening to great music flowing from the Bassment (Basement). Of course there's the option to get down and dance as well.

Dragon Bar

One of the most elegant establishments around, the Dragon Bar is very artsy in its Asian design. This club comes equipped with two bars and a huge dance floor.

The Endup

A fireplace, heated outdoor patio, and waterfall are just a few of the wonderful oddities at this long-standing club.

Fluid Ultra Lounge

At Fluid, you can start the evening in a relaxing environment at their serene bar and lounge, and eventually turn to dancing the rest of the night away. This club also provides a very comfy VIP lounge right off the dance floor.

The Gallery Lounge

San Francisco Magazine has deemed this the "best lounge" in the city. If you're the artsy type, then you will probably appreciate the decor. If you're not, the sights are still worth the looking.

Holy Cow

Another club that has no cover charge, the Holy Cow is great if you're looking for diversity - especially when it comes to the music. They play just about everything there is here.

Mezzanine

This huge club is hands-down one of the best ones around. One of their primary features is live music, which can include just about anything. Also inside the building are five full-service bars, an indoor and outdoor smoking lounge, and a very large cushioned dance floor (easy on the legs so you can dance for even longer!). Private reservations are available, as well.

Ruby Skye

One of the most popular joints in San Francisco, Ruby Skye is great for all kinds of entertainment. VIP lounges are scattered all over in this two-story venue. Live shows and DJ performances are provided every Friday and Saturday.

Comedy Clubs

Cobb's Comedy Club

If you're over 18 but under 21, this is the place for you. Of course you can come if you're over 21 as well; but most comedy clubs have purely or mainly 21 and over shows. You won't find the most headlining of comedians here, but that isn't to say they aren't great - those that have been seen on Saturday Night Live or David Letterman generally perform here.

The Green Room Comedy Club

This Cannery venue is both small and elegant, and offers some of the best comedy along with cocktails and delicious food from the Tre Fratelli Italian restaurant. Outdoor dining is also available.

Punchline Comedy Club

As the oldest comedy club in the city, some of the best comedians have been spotted here, and still appear here to date. The Punchline also comes with a full-service bar and restaurant.

Theater

American Conservatory Theater

Previously known as the Geary Theater, the A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theater) is the theater to go to for both classical and modern plays.

San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

Standing as one of the largest performing arts centers in the country, this building features just about everything to do with theater - Plays, recitals, dance, opera, symphony, and more. Lectures, meetings, receptions, and special screenings also take place here.