Nightlife

words by > Jeremy Dillahunt

From the neo-folk revival of the late 1950s to the psychedelic rock era of Jimi Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s to the disco boogie of the 1970s, San Francisco has always been a cradle of musical experimentation and innovation. Considering its history, this is no surprise. From its very inception as a trading-post turned gold rush town, San Francisco’s identity has always been in flux. The city’s engaging atmosphere fostered an exceptional appreciation of the arts—and music in particular.

Today, San Francisco’s nightlife scene is a thriving hodge-podge of cabarets, hip-hop parties hosted by the likes of Lyrics Born, indie rock dives jamming to Stephen Malkmus, and glitter clubs with flights of table service illuminated by strobe flashes. While other cities are often defined by their musical legacies, San Francisco has no single music trend that guides it and as a result embraces and cultivates all-comers—a boon for anyone looking to tap the hot pulse of jazz, sway to a rock ballad or dance until dawn.

Pink
2925 16th St
415-431-8889
www.pinksf.com
With a focus on European attitude, style and sound, Pink is a little slice of the Cote d’Azur on the Pacific Coast. The DJs are always top notch—Pink has 25 regulars and often hosts the likes of Louie Vega, Doc Martin and Derrick Carter. While the drinks are a bit pricey and there is a $50 minimum on credit cards, the sexy atmosphere makes up for it. Another plus is that Pink is one of the only clubs in The Mission District that stays open after 2am.

Mighty
119 Utah St
415-762-0151
www.mighty119.com
Mighty is set in a converted industrial space designed to look like Dracula’s gothic townhouse. Bands and DJs share the stage, and the club’s sound system is legendary enough to attract the likes of Mos Def and ?uestlove to partner up in impromptu “supergroup” jam sessions. Even hipper than the space’s design is the clientele: young and young at heart, fashionable and ready to throw their hands in the air.

Yoshi’s
510 Embarcadero West
510-238-9200
www.yoshis.com
When such jazz greats as Stanley Clarke, McCoy Tyner and Oscar Peterson call Yoshi’s one of the best jazz clubs in the world, you know you are in for a treat. Yoshi’s Jazz Club, housed in a Japanese restaurant of the same name, is one of the finest music venues, period. Built in the amphitheatre style, all seats have excellent views of the stage and the acoustics are the result of the famed architectural firm Morimoto. Yoshi’s upscale space is complimented by its relaxed attitude; jackets and ties are not required. Try their wide selection of imported sakes.