"18+ Nightlife in San Francisco: A Guide to the Best Clubs"

12/3/22 by Zack Saadioui

Are you looking for a night out on the town in San Francisco? San Francisco offers a wide variety of nightlife options, from chic lounges to bustling dance clubs. In this blog, we'll be exploring the best clubs in the city for those 18 and older. We'll discuss the hottest spots, the best drinks, and some tips for having the most memorable night out. So, if you're ready to explore San Francisco's nightlife, let's jump in!

Public Works – San Francisco's premier nightlife destination

Public Works is San Francisco’s premier nightlife destination and is one of the most popular clubs in the city. Located in the heart of the Mission District, Public Works is a two-story club and music venue that hosts a wide variety of events, including live DJs, themed parties, and special events. With a capacity of up to 700 people, the venue features two full bars and a large dance floor, as well as an outdoor area with a garden and a patio. The club also features two VIP rooms, a full restaurant, and a bar offering craft cocktails. With its expansive design and expansive lineup of DJs, Public Works is the perfect place to party all night long.

The EndUp – San Francisco's longest running dance club and late night hangout

The EndUp is a San Francisco institution, having been open since 1973. It is the longest running dance club and late night hangout in the city. Located in the SOMA district of San Francisco, The EndUp offers a unique nightlife experience with its eclectic mix of music and its energetic atmosphere. This club is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is known for its all-night dance parties. The music includes everything from hip-hop to house, and the club features a variety of DJs and live performances. The EndUp is one of the best places to go for a night out in San Francisco, and it has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or just have a few drinks and meet new people, The EndUp is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

The Great Northern – a 21+ club with world-class DJs and live music

The Great Northern is a 21+ club located in the heart of San Francisco. This popular hotspot is known for its world-class DJs and live music, offering a unique experience that appeals to nightlife lovers of all ages. The venue features two full-service bars and a large dance floor, making it an ideal spot to take in some of the best music in the city. The Great Northern also hosts regular events, including their popular “Cocktail & Conversation” nights and a variety of DJ events. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing, live music, or something a little more relaxed, The Great Northern is the perfect place to let loose and have a great time.

Temple Nightclub – the premier destination for electronic music, featuring state-of-the-art lighting and sound

Temple Nightclub is an electrifying nightlife destination in the heart of San Francisco. Housed in a historic building in the SoMa district, the venue features state-of-the-art audio, visuals, and lighting systems. Temple Nightclub is dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience for electronic music lovers of all ages. Every week, the club features world-class DJs and live performances from some of the biggest names in the industry. With its unique design, innovative production, and top-notch music, Temple Nightclub is the perfect place for a night of dancing and fun.

Monarch – an underground, multi-level club with a variety of dancefloors, bars and lounges

Monarch is a popular nightlife destination in San Francisco. This multi-level club is a great spot for those looking to experience the underground clubbing scene. With a variety of dancefloors, bars, and lounges, Monarch offers a unique atmosphere for everyone. The club has two levels, each one offering a different experience. The main floor features a dancefloor with a great selection of music and a bar, while the upper level is a lounge area with comfortable seating, a bar, and a DJ booth. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a place to dance the night away, Monarch is sure to deliver.

The Cat Club – a lively club with live music, DJs and themed nights

The Cat Club is one of the most popular and vibrant nightlife spots in San Francisco. Located on Folsom Street, this club offers a wide variety of entertainment for its visitors. With live music, DJs and themed nights, The Cat Club is the perfect spot for a night out. In addition to the music, you can enjoy delicious cocktails, intimate seating and an upbeat atmosphere. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or just hang out with friends, The Cat Club is the perfect place to do it.

DNA Lounge – a unique combination of nightclub, live music venue and restaurant

DNA Lounge is an iconic San Francisco nightlife destination that offers something for everyone. Located in the city's SOMA district, it is a unique combination of nightclub, live music venue, and restaurant. With its two levels of entertainment, the venue provides a wide range of experiences from live music to DJ sets, as well as an extensive drink menu. The restaurant, located on the second floor, is open for dinner and brunch, serving up a variety of comfort food and craft cocktails. The main dance floor is complete with a state-of-the-art light and sound system, making it the perfect place to let loose and dance the night away. With its prime location, and its diverse offerings, DNA Lounge is a must-visit destination for any San Francisco nightlife enthusiast.

The Independent – a live music venue with two levels, a full bar and a hangout area

The Independent is a popular live music venue in San Francisco that offers two levels of entertainment. The first level has a full bar and a hangout area that is perfect for socializing, while the second level has a stage and can accommodate up to 500 guests. The Independent is well known for its diverse range of music genres, from rock to hip hop and everything in between. It has also hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Metallica, The Roots, and Bjork. With its vibrant atmosphere and great music, The Independent is one of the best spots to experience San Francisco's nightlife.

F8 – an intimate and stylish club that features international and local DJs

F8 is an intimate and stylish club located in the heart of San Francisco's SOMA district. This club features international and local DJs spinning an eclectic mix of the latest tunes and classic favorites. The club's layout is designed to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating, a full bar, and plenty of room to dance. The club also has a state-of-the-art light and sound system to ensure an immersive audio experience. F8 also hosts special events throughout the year, including live music and art shows. There's something for everyone at F8, making it one of the most popular nightlife destinations in the city.

The Stud – a legendary San Francisco nightlife destination for over 40 years

The Stud is a legendary LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife destination in San Francisco that has welcomed revelers for over 40 years. Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, The Stud is an iconic space that has been a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife scene. The club regularly hosts themed events, dance parties, and live music, and features a rotating roster of renowned DJs and performers. Along with their famous drag shows, The Stud is known to host regular events such as Bingo with BeBe Sweetbriar, Karaoke with Honey Mahogany, and Queer Hip Hop with DJs Kool Karlo and Kool Aid. With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and vibrant nightlife atmosphere, The Stud is a must-visit destination for night owls in San Francisco.

Conclusion

This guide to the best San Francisco nightlife should help you plan a night out that is sure to be a hit. With the city's bustling nightlife, it's easy to find a club or venue that suits your taste. Whether you're looking for a place to dance and drink, or a more relaxed atmosphere with dinner and drinks, San Francisco has something for everyone. With the city's diverse array of clubs, you can find a place that's perfect for your night, no matter what you're looking for. So grab your friends, pick a spot and head out for a night on the town - you won't be disappointed.