San Francisco's Five "Best" Dance Clubs of 2009

San Francisco thrives with nightlife, filled with bars, lounges, and dance clubs to cater to every pocket of life looking to partake. It's easy to find generic "best dance clubs" compilations on the Web that offer descriptive takes on the interior design and overall popularity, but what about the actual clubbing experience? Clubbers can't be lumped into one category, as there are different perspectives and motives that go into planning a night out. In an attempt to break down some of the common "clubber motives," I am naming the best dance clubs for each category:

"I'm young, outgoing, and want the full clubbing experience"
Temple (540 Howard) - Two floors with multiple rooms and DJs; it's big enough to get lost and easy enough to party the night away. Many different promoters throw parties at this venue, so check their calendar for information about nightly events.

"I want to go out, dress up, and dance, but I don't want the huge scene"
Fluid Ultra Lounge (662 Mission)- Conveniently located just south of Market, where it's easy enough to park because it's not within a cluster of other bars and clubs. Fluid is a sleek, dressed up lounge with a good sized dance floor and other areas to dance if you go for bottle service.

"I'm not 21 anymore, but want to go out and dance to some of the older music I appreciate"
The Cellar (685 Sutter)- Fridays typically offer a mix of people, because the weekly party features both 80s and hip hop, ranging from current mainstream to old school. The two rooms are big enough to separate the music, with a bar centrally located and enough seating areas to cater to most.

"I want to go clubbing on a weekday "
Starlight Room (450 Powell) - The Starlight Room atop the Sir Francis Drake Hotel always packs a crowd on Wednesday nights, and the view of the city is an added bonus. The crowd varies, ranging from twenty-somethings to grizzled out-of-towners, and everything in between.

"I just want to dance all night"
Slide (430 Mason) and Ruby Skye (420 Mason) - Slide and Ruby Skye are conveniently located right next door to each other and are open later than most dance clubs in San Francisco. Events vary depending on promoters, but Slide typically spins Top 40 mixed with Dance, and Ruby Skye is mainly House.