San Francisco Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in San Francisco.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for San Francisco! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that San Francisco has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in San Francisco. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- San Francisco offers over 76 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Smuggler's Cove
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.6 stars from 3218 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Cityscape
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 1980 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 333 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The View Lounge
Highly rated American in San Francisco with 4.4 stars from 3121 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Holy Water
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 605 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 309 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Alchemist Bar & Lounge
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.3 stars from 1041 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 679 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Stookey's Club Moderne
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 427 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 895 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Blackbird
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 695 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2124 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Lost Resort
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 374 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2736 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Devil's Acre
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 464 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 256 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Pacific Cocktail Haven
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.6 stars from 981 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 550 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Trick Dog
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 1311 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The House Of Shields
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 528 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 39 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
The Valencia Room
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 3.9 stars from 925 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 647 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Temple Nightclub San Francisco
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 3 stars from 683 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 540 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The View Lounge
Highly rated American in San Francisco with 4.4 stars from 3121 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Shelby’s Rooftop
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.1 stars from 530 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 250 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Monarch
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.1 stars from 482 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Hawthorn SF Nightclub and Lounge
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.2 stars from 475 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 46 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
DNA Lounge
Highly rated Pizza in San Francisco with 4.1 stars from 1614 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 375 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Pizza cuisine
Cat Club
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 852 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1190 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Smuggler's Cove
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.6 stars from 3218 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Monroe SF
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.4 stars from 753 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 473 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
The Fillmore
Highly rated International in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 2822 reviews.
📍 1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
The Chapel
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 608 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 777 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bottom of the Hill
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 1025 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1233 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Great American Music Hall
Highly rated International in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 1627 reviews.
📍 859 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
SFJAZZ
Highly rated International in San Francisco with 4.8 stars from 1507 reviews.
📍 201 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Music City Starfactory (formerly Music City San Francisco)
Highly rated Bar in San Francisco with 4.8 stars from 196 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1355 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Independent
Highly rated International in San Francisco with 4.7 stars from 1452 reviews.
📍 628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Warfield
Highly rated International in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 3624 reviews.
📍 982 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Delancey Street Restaurant
Highly rated American in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 1587 reviews.
📍 600 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Bix
Highly rated American in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 1268 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 56 Gold St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Bottega
Highly rated Italian in San Francisco with 4.4 stars from 1030 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1132 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Italian cuisine
Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar
Highly rated Mediterranean in San Francisco with 4.2 stars from 471 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 450 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Mediterranean cuisine
MKT Restaurant and Bar
Highly rated American in San Francisco with 4.5 stars from 509 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 757 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Cha Cha Cha
Highly rated Restaurant in San Francisco with 4.4 stars from 2087 reviews.
📍 1801 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
La Société Bar & Café
Highly rated French in San Francisco with 4.4 stars from 194 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 50 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic French cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Punch Line San Francisco
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this San Francisco venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Cobb's Comedy Club
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this San Francisco venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Cheaper Than Therapy
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this San Francisco venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Shelton Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this San Francisco venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Secret Improv Society
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this San Francisco venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Club Fugazi Experiences
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this San Francisco venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
The Valencia Room
Explore San Francisco's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Cat Club
Explore San Francisco's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Smuggler's Cove
Explore San Francisco's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Public Works
Explore San Francisco's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Make-Out Room
Explore San Francisco's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Raven Bar
Explore San Francisco's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in San Francisco varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in San Francisco range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Francisco offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in San Francisco cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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