By Nicole A. Williams
San Francisco Nightlife & Entertainment
Visiting the city by the bay? Want to get to know the real San Fransisco nightlife instead of visiting tourist definitions? San Fransisco is a place where immigrants migrated in search of wealth and beatnik poets got their start. Today, it's a location of diverse and vibrant cultures. When the sun is up, residents and tourists can be found biking over the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying chocolate at Ghirardelli, grabbing lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, browsing the shelves at City Lights, and shopping the small shops in Chinatown. San Fransisco has as much to offer when the sun sets. There is entertainment from dance clubs and live music venues to a variety of bars and restaurants with exceptional food. The key is knowing where to find all the fun.
Hot Spots to Dance the Night Away
Whether you are looking for a spot to showcase your moves, mingle with the city's best people, take in the latest beats or spend an exhilarating night out with your closest friends, these hot spots are the best San Fransisco has to offer.
Club 6ix
60 Sixth St. ( between Market/Mission)
San Francisco, California 94103
http://www.clubsix1.com/about.html
Club 6ix is one of San Francisco's hottest hip-hop and world music dance clubs. You might recognize the venue because it was featured in the film version of the hit Broadway musical "Rent." Club 6ix became such a smash that it opened an addition, The Dark Room, to provide more space for the crowds of San Francisco clubbers that frequent it.
Vessel
85 Campton Place
San Francisco, California
http://www.vesselsf.com
If you are looking for a more sophisticated spot to sip a martini and dance to the latest mixes, then Vessel is the spot to hit. Vessel is a boutique style lounge that features visiting DJs spinning the latest hits.
Mezzanine
444 Jessie Street @ Mint
San Francisco, California 94103
http://www.mezzaninesf.com/calendar.asp
Mezzanine is more than just a dance club. It features a variety of rock, dance, hip hop, soul and jazz music from both DJs and live performers. Some of the talent that has graced the stage of Mezzanine includes Nas, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Public Enemy, DJ AM and Adam Freeland. It is a San Francisco night spot that is sure to please all club-goers.
Cat Club
Address: 1190 Folsom St.
San Francisco, California 94103
http://catclubsf.com
The Cat Club features two dance floors that regularly feature multiple DJs each spinning a variety of beats from the 1980s to today. The club also holds theme nights, including '80s retro and other fetish events. The large space the Cat Club has to offer draws diverse clubbers from across San Francisco.
Best Bars of the Bay
If you are looking for a spot to kick back with friends and enjoy a round or two these San Francisco spots are a must.
Connecticut Yankee
415-552-4440
100 Connecticut St.
San Francisco, California 94107
If you are looking for a laid back and relaxing atmosphere to hang out with the guys, Connecticut Yankee is the place to be. A sports bar and restaurant, designed and decorated to pay tribute to the sports legends of Boston, features pub-style food, happy hour specials and regular live music events.
McTeague's Saloon
415-776-1237
1237 Polk St. (at Bush Street)
San Francisco, California 94109
If you are looking for a taste of good old country western fun, then this is the place to be. At McTeague's Saloon you will find yourself in a Western-decorated barn amid the classic country music roaring from the jukebox, friendly locals that no how to kick the whiskey back and low priced drafts.
Johnny Foley's Irish Pub and Restaurant
243 O'Farrell St.
San Francisco, California
http://www.johnnyfoleys.com/index.html
Johnny Foley's boasts traditional pub food, such as corn beef and cabbage, cottage pie and spinach salad, and features a fully stocked bar. At night, Foley's keeps that Irish traditions going with live music and entertainment while continuing to serve a full menu. A regular performer includes Nicole McRory, the actress, singer and impressionist who has performed with Robin Williams and The Drifters. Her upbeat personality and fun spirit will have you frequenting Foley's regularly.
Restaurants of Choice
If a rowdy bar or roaring dance club is not your style, than check these local restaurant hot spots where you can enjoy a sophisticated meal and, perhaps, a glass of wine from California wine country.
Café Tiramisu
28 Belden Pl (at Bush Street)
San Francisco, California 94104
510-768-7602
http://www.cafetiramisu.com/index.php
A romantic dining experience awaits you at this exquisite Italian café. Café Tiramisu serves large-portioned Italian dishes and has a notable wine list. It even has sidewalk dining area for those warm summer nights.
Marnee Thai Restaurant
1243 9th Ave.
San Francisco, California 94122
888-314-7694
If you are a fan of Thai food then Marnee Thai is a must. Marnee Thai serves traditional dishes and continuously brings in new specials to please the crowds that gather here. A reservation is a must on Friday and Saturday nights.
Café Troya
349 Clement St.
San Francisco, California 94118
415-379-6000
Café Troya transports guests to the Mediterranean with both their menu and decor. Guests find themselves wrapped in warm red-toned walls and Greco-Roman art work. The menu consists of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as calamari, moussaka and grilled meats. Be sure to order a bottle of wine from the extensive list with selections from around the globe.
Resources
About the Author:
Nicole A. Williams is from Boston, Mass. She currently teaches at Bridgewater State University and Massasoit Community College. Her research interests include web 2.0 technologies, multimodal composing, the construction of space in the composition classroom and political campaign rhetoric. Nicole holds a Master of Arts in rhetoric and composition from Ball State University.
Photo Credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlajeandavis/3030840428/
