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San Francisco Dance Clubs: Discover Details of the 8 Hottest SF Nightclubs

Jill on a windy day at the Golden Gate Bridge

by Jill Loeffler  •

Updated: October 6, 2022

Let your hair down and dance the night away at one of these San Francisco dance clubs. SF night clubs are popular and a great option if you are looking for a fun, energy-filled night out on the town.

Dance clubs are a great entertainment option, but it can be hard to choose from the many you'll find around the city. Below are some recommendations for the best ones to check out during your stay.

Most of the clubs in the city charge a cover, sometimes up to around $20. They also usually have pretty expensive drinks. If you plan on heading to any club in the city, plan on these additional expenses since they're just part of the club scene.

Dance clubs around San Francisco

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1. Temple Nightclub: Colorful & Unique

If you are looking for one of the best, and most original, clubs around, then Temple is a must visit while you are in the City by the Bay. Decorated with more than 50,000 LED bulbs, you will have your mind blown by both the quality of the sound system and also the immersive experience through the night.

There are numerous levels with different styles of music playing. If you want to be out in the crowds, they've got dance floors for that; if you want more privacy, they have booths for that.

Temple has something for everyone and is famous for getting the best DJs to play here as they travel through the Bay Area.

Temple is only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays so make sure to check their calendar.

The venue is 21 and over with an upscale fashionable dress code.

Temple is located at 540 Howard Street in the SOMA district.

2. F8

F8 Nightclub in San Francisco

The reason I love F8 is because they offer two rooms of dance music in a more casual dance club environment. Whenever I go, the people tend to be friendly and the music is always great.

The DJ selection changes by the day, and they always do a great job of playing what the crowd loves. They also focus on art, so you will see several great pieces hanging throughout the club.

You will also find some decent happy hour specials from Tuesday to Friday, from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Address: 1192 Folsom Street

District: SOMA

3. 1015 Folsom: Large Dance Area

Another recommendation for San Francisco dance clubs is 1015 Folsom. If you want great music and space to dance, then this option is for you. It is spacious with several levels and different types of music. It gets a little crowded, but not as crowded as many of the other options in the city.

This place also does an amazing job of getting great DJs. They bring in some of the best and they never seem to disappoint.

One of the other things you'll notice about this club is the diversity. You'll find everything from a younger crowd wanting to get some drinks in them to more sophisticated music fans excited to listen to their favorite DJ. Overall, it's an interesting place for a night of dancing.

This club does have a cover charge and the drinks are expensive (as with most clubs). You will also want to head over a little earlier in the evening, so you don't have to wait in line too long to get in.

This club is (of course!) at 1015 Folsom Street in the SOMA area. It's easy to access by bus and cab. Parking is a little tough in this neighborhood, so you'll want to take public transportation.

4. Bootie Mashup SF

DNA Lounge in SF's Soma District

Bootie Mashup hosts some of the largest bootleg dance parties in the US. They have a few more events planned for 2022 at DNA Lounge, where they have been DJing every Saturday night in four rooms for the price of one.

After that, they plan on going "polycluberous," hosting these events at other venues.

These themed parties—including Retro Remix, Indie Dance & Electro, Dragon Con, Lovers Ball, and more—are an experience you will never forget.

Address: 375 11th Street (DNA Lounge location)

District: SOMA

5. Monroe

If you want to check out the nightlife in a different part of town, head over to Monroe in North Beach. The classy decor in this club is inspired by 1920s Hollywood.

Although it might get a little crowded, there is plenty of space on the dance floor and in the booths and tables, depending what you're in the mood for. Enjoy happy hour specials on Fridays.

Address: 473 Broadway Street

District: North Beach

6. Raven Bar

Raven Bar SF

Raven Bar is one of the best SF dance clubs offering throwback music that will lift your mood and get your feet moving. Groove to your favorite R&B, hip-hop, and pop hits.

They have some tasty signature cocktails, and also offer some great happy hour specials if you arrive before 8 pm. 

Address: 1151 Folsom Street

District: SOMA

7. Hawthorn

At this night club, you'll step into a cool, elegant brick basement with luxurious lounge seating, making it a great place to chill for cocktail hour before the dance crowd. The place is pretty spacious, with another room in the back that has more of a 1930s Hollywood feel.

Hawthorn offers delicious craft drinks with great service, and the DJs on Friday and Saturday nights are always popular. 

Address: 46 Geary Street

District: Financial District near Union Square

8. Make-Out Room

I know the name sounds a little questionable, but this quirky retro place in the Mission District is so much fun. It's got a 70s vibe with a disco ball, and it's open every night of the week except Monday.

The music is awesome if you love soul, rock and roll, Latin, and anything oldies. The Make-Out Room also stands out from other San Francisco dance clubs because they often host live bands, too. 

Address: 3225 22nd Street

District: Mission

Other Fun San Francisco Nightlife Options

San Francisco dance clubs are a fun way to spend an evening in the city, but if you're looking for something different, there are many other San Francisco nightlife options:

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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Two dance clubs in San Francisco

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