San Francisco Nightlife and Culture From Stage to Sanctuary

4.7 (6,093)

1192 Market St.

Clear stage views from virtually every seat define this 1926 Broadway house, where ornate historic architecture frames each touring production. Food and drinks can be ordered to the seat mid-show, and visitor reports describe a chaotic initial entry worth planning around.

1805 Geary Boulevard

Free apples handed to concertgoers carry on a longstanding tradition at this storied San Francisco music hall. A sprawling open dance floor defines the room, shows are typically standing room only, and ticketing runs through Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

3.6 (428)

Mon – Tue, 09:00 – 02:00 (+1); Wed – Sun, 21:00 – 02:00 (+1)

1351 Polk St

Polk Street nightlife splits two ways here, with a copper-topped sports bar and an upstairs lounge for Latin music, dancing and casual karaoke. Karaoke is free to join with DJ tips encouraged, entry is 21 and over, and doors open Thursday through Sunday at 9:00 PM.

4.6 (609)

Tue – Fri, 10:00 – 16:30; Sat, 11:30 – 18:00; Sun, 08:00 – 15:00

660 California St.

Built in 1854, this brick Chinatown landmark survived the 1906 earthquake and still hosts regular Mass, lunchtime concerts and quiet adoration. Stained glass windows sit alongside a Chinese sculpture and historical artifacts, offering a contemplative pause from the surrounding streets.