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The 16 Best Clubs in 1990s San Francisco

Travel back in time to the vibrant club scene of 1990s San Francisco, where the music was booming, the dance floors were packed, and the energy was palpable. From legendary nightclubs to underground hotspots, the city was alive with endless possibilities for a night out on the town.

Whether you were into techno, hip hop, house, or indie rock, there was a club catering to your music taste and style. The 1990s was a golden era for nightlife in San Francisco, and those who experienced it firsthand will never forget the unique energy and sense of community that thrived in the club scene.

Explore the list below to discover some of the best clubs that defined the nightlife of 1990s San Francisco.

How this guide is ordered

Our San Francisco editors picked these businesses citywide, giving priority to a reputation earned over time, details we have verified and strong, consistent work. Lists are revisited regularly, and we act on readers' notes about closures and moves.

Featured businesses may pay for a more visible position within the guide.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

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Featured options

Select an option to see its summary.

#1
Cat Club
4.5744 reviews
#2
DNA Lounge
4.11,449 reviews
#3
Raven Bar
4.1558 reviews

Full list

Compare 16 local options

Cat Club#1
What stands out

  • Super fun place to dance and listen to new-wave!

  • Great club with alternative, 80s, and goth vibes!

  • Kink-friendly environment with strong drinks and friendly staff.

  • Best club in SF for non-pretentious 80s, new wave, and goth nights.

Cat Club

4.5744 reviews
1190 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Cat Club is a vibrant Bar located in San Francisco, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse crowd. This establishment offers a range of services and amenities to ensure a memorable experience for its patrons. With a rating of 4.5 stars, Cat Club has garnered positive feedback from numerous customers.

Customers have praised the fast service, great beer selection, cocktails, and karaoke at this establishment. The inclusive and welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. If you're looking for a memorable night out in San Francisco, Cat Club is a must-visit destination.

DNA Lounge#2
What stands out

  • Fun atmosphere with friendly staff

  • Great music, drinks, and food

  • Spacious layout with multiple rooms for different events

DNA Lounge

4.11,449 reviews
375 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

DNA Lounge is a popular nightclub located in San Francisco, CA. Known for its fast service, great bar food, beer selection, and live music and performances, this venue offers a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere for its patrons. With services like outdoor seating and dining options, including a variety of alcohol and food choices, customers can enjoy a night out with friends or colleagues.

Raven Bar#3
What stands out

  • Customers praise the club for its fun and lively atmosphere, with a mix of hip hop and pop music that keeps the dance floor packed.

  • Many guests appreciate the friendly staff and quick service at the bar, ensuring that everyone has a great time.

  • The club offers free water, a great plus for those looking to stay hydrated while dancing the night away.

Raven Bar

4.1558 reviews
1151 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Raven Bar is a vibrant dance club located in San Francisco, US. Known for its inclusive atmosphere, it welcomes all partygoers, especially the LGBTQ+ community. The club plays a mix of 90s and early 2000s music, creating a nostalgic vibe that keeps guests coming back for more.

Whether you're looking for a night of dancing, socializing, or just enjoying good music, Raven Bar is the place to be in San Francisco. So gather your friends and get ready for a night to remember!

Monroe SF#4
What stands out

  • One customer enjoyed hosting a company party at Monroe SF, praising the owner's personal touches and reasonable pricing for a buyout event.

  • Another customer shared their love for the Sunday morning electronic club experience, highlighting the friendly bartenders and eclectic crowd.

  • One reviewer expressed disappointment with weak drinks, high prices, and an underwhelming music selection on a Saturday night.

  • A group rented the space for a private event, raving about the amazing sound system, delicious drinks, and helpful staff, recommending Monroe SF for special occasions.

Monroe SF

4.2325 reviews
473 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Monroe SF is a popular nightclub located in San Francisco, offering a range of service options such as outdoor seating, dine-in, and live performances. The venue is known for its highlights like fast service, great cocktails, and live music. Accessibility is a priority with options for wheelchair-accessible entrances and toilets. Customers can enjoy various offerings including alcohol, beer, cocktails, dancing, food, and happy-hour drinks.

Monarch#5
What stands out

  • The free photo machine adds a fun element to the experience

  • Their selection of drinks, particularly the Thai tea, is excellent

  • The live music and cozy atmosphere create a unique and enjoyable night out

Monarch

4.1433 reviews
101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Monarch is a vibrant night club located in San Francisco, offering an array of services and amenities to ensure an unforgettable experience for its patrons. From fast service to a great beer selection and live performances, Monarch has something for everyone. The venue boasts a casual and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for groups and tourists alike.

Customers have left glowing reviews about Monarch, highlighting key points such as:

Whether you're looking for a night of dancing, great cocktails, or live music, Monarch is the place to be in San Francisco. Join the many satisfied customers who have enjoyed the dynamic and entertaining ambiance of this popular night club.

The Great Northern#6
What stands out

  • Customers appreciate the open floor design and spacious layout of the club.

  • The friendly staff and fantastic bartenders provide excellent service.

  • Guests enjoy the range of DJs and music events hosted at the venue.

The Great Northern

4.2178 reviews
119 Utah St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

The Great Northern is a vibrant nightclub located in San Francisco, CA, known for its fast service, great cocktails, and live music and performances. The venue offers various alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for its groups and tourist clientele.

Some reviews mention the need for improvements in restroom facilities and parking safety, but overall, The Great Northern remains a popular choice for those looking for a fun and exciting nightlife experience.

The Valencia Room#7
What stands out

  • Good location and excellent service.

  • Bartenders mentioned to be rude and unprofessional.

  • Empty on a late Saturday night with full admission charged.

  • Amazing Halloween decor and vibing music.

The Valencia Room

3.9855 reviews
647 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

The Valencia Room is a vibrant nightclub located in the heart of San Francisco. Offering a range of service options like dine-in and an array of highlights such as great beer selection and live musiccasual and trendy, making it the perfect spot for a fun night out.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

With a rating of 3.9 from 855 reviews, The Valencia Room continues to attract a diverse crowd and provides a range of options for an entertaining night out.

F8 Nightclub & Bar#8
What stands out

  • Layout and coziness, with a suggestion to use a Hazer instead of a fog machine

  • Best SF EDM club with separate rooms for different music genres, LGBTQ+ friendly, and nearby food options

  • A negative experience with a rude ID checker and disappointment with limited access despite paying a cover

  • A welcoming and inclusive experience, particularly praised for the DNB party and Sunday night vibes

F8 Nightclub & Bar

4.1213 reviews
1192 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

F8 Nightclub & Bar is a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a vibrant nightlife in San Francisco. With a rating of 4.1 stars, this establishment offers a range of services to its patrons. From delivery to takeaway, customers have the convenience of choosing how they want to enjoy their experience.

The highlights of this club include fast service, great cocktails, live music, and live performances, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. The venue is wheelchair-accessible and provides gender-neutral toilets, ensuring that everyone feels welcome.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Overall, F8 Nightclub & Bar provides a diverse range of offerings, including alcohol, beer, cocktails, dancing, food, and more. With a trendy and casual atmosphere, this venue caters to groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and tourists. If you're looking for a fun night out with great music and drinks, F8 Nightclub & Bar is the place to be!

Pura Club#9
What stands out

  • The club has 4 floors with different music genres, offering a unique and diverse experience.

  • The drink prices are considered a bit expensive, leading many to pregame before entering.

  • Cleanliness is a priority at Pura Club, with cleaning staff present throughout the venue.

  • Customers appreciate the variety of dance floors, reasonable drink prices, and energetic atmosphere.

Pura Club

3.8542 reviews
1015 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Pura Club is a trendy night club located in San Francisco, offering a great selection of beer, cocktails, and other spirits for its diverse crowd. With four different dance floors featuring various music genres, visitors can enjoy a night of dancing and fun. The club is also known for its fast service and accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible toilet available.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

ALocal option
#10
What stands out

  • This nightclub is small and simple, with a basic bar lacking variety.

  • Some customers find the venue disorganized and not the best place to visit.

  • Othres have praised the professional and friendly staff who create a laser-fueled atmosphere for electronic music lovers.

  • However, some guests have noted high entry fees, expensive drinks, and security issues as drawbacks.

Audio Nightclub

3.8272 reviews
316 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Audio Nightclub in San Francisco is known for its live music and live performances, making it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a great night out. The venue offers a trendy atmosphere, perfect for groups and tourists alike. Customers have highlighted the fast service, great cocktails, and intimate setting as some of the key features of this nightclub.

If you're looking for a place with a unique atmosphere and up-close musical experiences, Audio Nightclub might just be the spot for you in San Francisco.

Providence Night Club#11
What stands out

  • Karaoke available on the 2nd floor

  • Expansive drink options

  • Friendly and accommodating customer service

  • Great place to watch games

Providence Night Club

3.7417 reviews
1351 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Providence Night Club is a popular spot in San Francisco offering a variety of services and features that cater to different tastes. Known for its fast service and great beer selection, this club also stands out for its live music and performances that create an energetic atmosphere. Customers have praised the club for its friendly staff and perfect drinks, making it a must-visit place.

City Nights#12
What stands out

  • Amazing music and vibes

  • Positive energy with great prices

  • Well-attended with good DJ sets

City Nights

3.5146 reviews
715 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

City Nights is a well-known night club in San Francisco that offers a range of services and features to its customers. The club is renowned for its live music and performances, making it a hotspot for those looking to have a great time. With a great beer selection and cocktails, City Nights ensures that your night out is enjoyable and memorable.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Experience the trendy atmosphere of City Nights and enjoy a night out with your group of friends. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply relax with a drink, City Nights provides an unforgettable experience.

The EndUp#13
What stands out

  • Customers have mentioned that the music can sometimes be disappointing but appreciate the spacious room and sound system.

  • Although the club has improved in screening guests, some have reported incidents of unprofessional behavior from staff members.

  • Positive reviews highlight the welcoming and accommodating staff, delicious food options, and overall enjoyable experience.

The EndUp

3.4249 reviews
401 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

The EndUp is a popular night club located in San Francisco, offering a variety of services and features to its customers. With great cocktails, live music, and live performances, this club is known for its vibrant atmosphere and fast service.

If you're looking for a place to party until the early hours of the morning with open-minded people, The EndUp might just be the spot for you.

Temple Nightclub San Francisco#14
What stands out

  • Great cocktails and fast service

  • Impressive sound system and killer lineup

  • Cool LED screens and awesome dance parties

  • Well-kept facilities and unique space

Temple Nightclub San Francisco

3.1623 reviews
540 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Temple Nightclub San Francisco is a vibrant spot in downtown San Francisco offering a range of services and amenities for a fun night out. With options like Outdoor seating and Rooftop seating, guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere with a view. The club is known for its Fast service, Great cocktails, and Live music, making it a go-to destination for party enthusiasts. Customers have praised the club for its fantastic staff, impressive sound system, and killer lineup. Reviews highlight the cool LED screens, awesome dance parties, and well-kept facilities. While some have experienced issues with entry rules and customer service, most visitors appreciate the unique space and welcoming environment. If you're looking for a trendy and upbeat nightclub experience in San Francisco, Temple Nightclub is the place to be.

The Grand#15
What stands out

  • Guests loved the ambience and interior design.

  • One customer appreciated the venue for hosting a successful corporate party with excellent service.

  • Some customers cautioned others about discrepancies in tipping and charges at the bar.

  • Another guest mentioned the music quality and high cocktail prices.

The Grand

3.1157 reviews
520 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

The Grand Night Club is a popular spot in San Francisco offering a variety of service options like fast service and great beer and cocktails. Customers can enjoy live music and performances in a trendy and upmarket atmosphere. This nightclub caters to groups and tourists, making it a versatile choice for diverse crowds. The venue is wheelchair-accessible and offers amenities like clean toilets. Customers praise the quick service and the wide selection of drinks available.

Eve Nightclub & Lounge#16
What stands out

  • Drinks are overpriced and poorly made, with minimal alcohol content.

  • The atmosphere is lively with good music but can get crowded quickly. Entry fees are steep, and the quality of drinks may not be to everyone's taste.

  • The venue has a unique exterior but can get very crowded with a diverse crowd. It is not recommended for those looking for a more upscale experience.

  • There have been reports of discrimination at the door and poor treatment by staff, leading to a negative experience overall.

Eve Nightclub & Lounge

3.066 reviews
1535 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Eve Nightclub & Lounge is a vibrant night club located in San Francisco. They offer a range of services and features to ensure a memorable night out for their customers. Enjoy outdoor seating and the option for fast service while reveling in live music and live performances. Indulge in their selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, dancing, happy-hour drinks, spirits, and wine.

Here are some summarized customer reviews:

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Cat Club 4.5744
#2DNA Lounge 4.11,449
#3Raven Bar 4.1558
#4Monroe SF 4.2325
#5Monarch 4.1433
#6The Great Northern 4.2178
#7The Valencia Room 3.9855
#8F8 Nightclub & Bar 4.1213
#9Pura Club 3.8542
#10Audio Nightclub 3.8272
#11Providence Night Club 3.7417
#12City Nights 3.5146
#13The EndUp 3.4249
#14Temple Nightclub San Francisco 3.1623
#15The Grand 3.1157
#16Eve Nightclub & Lounge 3.066

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Map and areas

Map of Clubs in 1990s San Francisco

San Francisco in the 1990s was a vibrant hub of nightlife and culture, with a plethora of clubs catering to various tastes and styles. From underground rave parties to iconic live music venues, the city was buzzing with energy and creativity. Explore the map below to rediscover the legendary clubs that defined this era in San Francisco.

How to choose Clubs in San Francisco

  1. Live performances.
  2. Drink specials.
  3. Themed nights.
  4. Crowd atmosphere.
  5. Location and accessibility.

Frequently asked questions

What were some popular clubs in San Francisco in the 1990s?

The 1990s in San Francisco were a vibrant time for nightlife, with numerous clubs catering to different music scenes and subcultures. Some of the most popular clubs during this era included: These clubs played a key role in shaping the city's music and nightlife scene during the 1990s. The EndUp. 1015 Folsom. Club DV8.

How did the club scene in San Francisco change in the 1990s?

The 1990s saw a shift in the club scene in San Francisco, with the rise of electronic music and the emergence of rave culture. Clubs that played house, techno, and trance music became increasingly popular, attracting a new generation of club-goers. Additionally, the city saw an influx of LGBTQ+ clubs and events, further diversifying the nightlife landscape in San Francisco.

Were there any iconic events or moments in the club scene in San Francisco in the 1990s?

Yes, the 1990s in San Francisco were marked by several iconic events and moments in the club scene. One of the most famous events was the Love Parade, a large-scale electronic music festival that attracted thousands of attendees each year. Additionally, the city hosted numerous underground raves and parties, contributing to San Francisco's reputation as a hub for electronic music and counterculture.

How did the club scene in San Francisco contribute to the city's cultural identity in the 1990s?

The club scene in San Francisco played a significant role in shaping the city's cultural identity in the 1990s. Clubs were not only places to dance and socialize but also served as community hubs for different subcultures and music scenes. Many clubs in San Francisco in the 1990s were known for their inclusive and diverse atmospheres, creating spaces where people from all walks of life could come together to enjoy music and art.

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