Where to Dance in San Francisco: A Guide to the City’s Best Clubs and Lounges

San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its diverse nightlife, including a multitude of venues perfect for dancing. Whether you are looking for an electronic slanted club, a casual dance night, or a trendy lounge, this guide will help you find the perfect spot to groove to the beat.

Popular Venues in San Francisco

Based on popular opinion and my own experiences, some of the most frequented venues for dancing in San Francisco are:

Mayes – Located on Polk Street, Mayes is a must-visit for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. Vessel – Situated in Union Square, Vessel is a popular spot for its innovative concept and diverse crowd. DNA Lounge – Known as Bootie SF Somerset, this venue offers a unique blend of music and ambiance, perfect for dancers. Ruby Skye – With two locations, Union Square and Polk Street, Ruby Skye is a go-to place for electronic music enthusiasts. Manor West – Located in the SOMA district, Manor West is known for its trendy vibe and smooth music. Swig – Situated in Nob Hill, Swig offers a sophisticated environment and great drinks to complement the dance floor. The Endup – This venue in SoMa is a favorite among dancers who want a lively, energetic atmosphere. Mezzanine SF – A cozy lounge with an eclectic mix of music, Mezzanine SF is great for a laid-back evening of dancing. 1015 Folsom – Known for its trendy vibe, this venue is a great choice for a night out on Folsom Street. Audio – This venue in the Mission District offers a sophisticated setting with great music. Elbo Room – A hidden gem in the Mission, Elbo Room is a must-visit for fans of live music and dancing. The Saloon – Located in North Beach, The Saloon offers a classic bar and lounge atmosphere with a lively dancing scene. Kels – Also in North Beach, Kels is known for its cozy, intimate atmosphere and great music. Maggie McGerrys – Another favorite in North Beach, Maggie McGerrys offers a diverse crowd and great DJs. Buckshot – Situated in the Inner Richmond, Buckshot is a popular spot for dancing with a laid-back vibe. Swig – Known for its trendy drinks and DJ sets, Swig is a top choice for dancers in Nob Hill. Playland – A popular spot in Polk Street, Playland is known for its diverse crowd and great music. Eastside – Located in West Marin, Eastside is a trendy venue with a charming setting and great music. Bullit – Situated in Russian Hill, Bullit offers a sophisticated atmosphere with great cocktails. KTs – Known for its laid-back vibe, KTs is a top choice for dancers in Marin. Fiddlers Green – Another favorite in North Beach, Fiddlers Green offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere and great music.

These are typical dance spots for the straight, twentysomething crowd. However, San Francisco also has a variety of venues catering to different tastes and preferences.

Additional Venues

Some additional venues that I have enjoyed include:

Underground SF – Located in the Haight, Underground SF often hosts unique events and nights, including my own monthly event, Loves Company. Public Works – Another venue with a focus on electronic music, Public Works offers a diverse lineup and a fun atmosphere. Legionnaire – While not exclusively a dance venue, Legionnaire in Oakland has a great dance floor and hosts various events.

These venues are particularly popular on Fridays and Saturdays, so make sure to check the night’s schedule.

Dance Neighborhoods in San Francisco

For a more casual dance experience, you might want to head to Oakland – particularly the Uptown area. The Legionnaire is a standout venue in Oakland, offering a fun and diverse dance scene.

One of my favorite combinations of venues to explore is Little Baobab and Beauty Bar, both located in the Mission. Little Baobab is primarily a restaurant but doubles as a great place to dance with a diverse and friendly crowd. Beauty Bar, located just a short distance away, offers a hipster fix and a change of scenery.

Final Thoughts

If you have additional venues to add or recommendations, please share in the comments. I am always looking to expand my knowledge of the dance scene in San Francisco and would love to include any missing spots in this guide.