San Francisco Nightlife Tips by SFHulaGIrl

Nightlife Spot: Voda

Brought to you by our favorite (former) waitstaff -- Thierry & David. Voda, which is Russian for water, is brand spanking new; it opened in mid-December, 2003. The interior is very modern and minimalist. There is a full bar, but no food on the premises. They are more than happy to get something for you from one of the adjoining restaurants, however. As you may have guessed from the name, vodka is their specialty with a HUGE assortment to choose from. They have many infused vodkas; try the fig, mint chocolate, or the bubble gum!! All vodka shots are $5.00. Welcome (and PATRONIZE) them!!

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: Wear anything you want!!
Phone: (415) 677-9242
Address: 56 Belden Lane; San Francisco, CA
Directions: Between Pine & Bush; Kearny & Montgomery. Financial District
Other Contact: voda@sbcglobal.net

Nightlife Spot: Vertigo

Vertigo is one of the newer neighborhood bars, but with a Trader Vic's type of vibe. The crowd is mixed (straight, gay, older, younger) and much friendlier than in most SF bars, the bartenders are attentive, and the DJs spin quite an eclectic mix of tunes. True to their tropical theme, many and varied exotic drinks are served. Try the Wicked Wahine or the Bora Bora Bomb!

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Extremely casual.
Phone: (415) 674-1278
Address: 1160 Polk Street (@ Post); San Francisco, CA 94109

Nightlife Spot: Jade

A very chill, tri-level bar with a 20-foot waterfall from the 2nd to the 1st floor. The mens room has a one-way mirror (or so I've heard) that looks out on the bar. Jade serves a small menu of Asian-inspired food, and have Happy Hour specials from 5:00-7:30 p.m.

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: Casual (i.e. San Francisco's pre-requisite black or other neutral colors, generally no prints!).
Phone: (415) 869-1900
Address: 650 Gough Street; San Francisco, CA 94102
Directions: Civic Center/Van Ness

Nightlife Spot: Royale

This cocktail lounge has a DJ booth in the back. It's small and the drinks are stiff, but the local crowd is lively and friendly; plenty of dancing goes on on the small dance floor. They are closed on Mondays.

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: Casual
Phone: (415) 433-4247
Address: 1326 Grant Avenue; San Francisco, CA 94133
Directions: Grant & Vallejo; North Beach area

Nightlife Spot: Azul

This cozy and intimate lounge has a nice blue decor, a pool table, and plenty of candles. If you don't want to sit at the bar, you can also go "upstairs" by the pool table where there are ample seats as well. There are live jazz and salsa bands on the weekends

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Theme: Live Music
Dress Code: Casual
Phone: (415) 362-9750
Address: 1 Tillman Place; San Francisco, CA 94108
Directions: Union Square area
Website: www.azul-sf.com

Nightlife Spot: Olive

A nice little artsy bar with lots of wood decor in the midst of the gritty Tenderloin. There is a limited light-fare menu.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: Casual
Phone: (415) 776-9814
Address: 743 Larkin Street; San Francisco, CA 94109
Directions: Tenderloin

Nightlife Spot: Tunnel Top

Extremely casual two-story bar with DJs nightly. All types of music played; lots of Europeans congregate here.

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: Extremely casual.
Phone: (415) 986-8900
Address: 601 Bush Street; San Francisco, CA 94108
Directions: Bush & Stockton; near the Stockton Tunnel

Nightlife Spot: Irish Bank

When you're ready for a change from the French places in the area, head over to the Irish Bank for an after-work drink or a bite to eat. (Drink Guinness & Harp, eat Shepherd's Pie without going all the way down to Geary.) My favorite place to sit inside is in the confessional! As you can imagine, this alleyway is PACKED on St. Patrick's Day.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: Extremely casual.
Phone: (415) 788-7152
Address: 10 Mark Lane; San Francisco, CA 94108
Directions: Financial District; Mark Lane & Bush

Nightlife Spot: 15 Romolo

This is another of those hidden San Francisco bars, tucked away in an alley. There are plenty of booths and tables, electic music. The crowd is very diverse. Strong drinks. Go on the weekend, as it's fairly quiet during the week.

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: Casual
Phone: (415) 398-1359
Address: 15 Romolo Place; San Francisco, CA 94133
Directions: North Beach; part of the Basque Hotel

Nightlife Spot: Cafe Bastille

This is actually more of a restaurant than a bar, but this is definitely my most-frequented spot for drinking! I've been a regular here for 7-8 years; Olivier, Pierre, & Pascal are like old friends!! There is an upstairs, a downstairs, and plenty of outdoor seating when the weather is nice. They have live music (i.e. jazz ensembles) on the weekends, but are closed on Sundays. The food is fine (crepes, quiche, hachis parmentier, croque monsier, etc.), but I'm all about drinking wine here!

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: Casual
Phone: (415) 986-5673
Address: 22 Belden Place; San Francisco, CA 94104
Directions: Financial District; between Pine & Bush Streets
Website: www.beldenplace.citysearch.com