10 Best Hip Hop Bars & Clubs In San Francisco, California

hip hop bars in san francisco
Sumit
Sumit 
Updated
| 4 min read

The vibrant Californian city of San Francisco is known for its eclectic and happening nightlife. The charming city is a popular haven for tourists who not only enjoy taking a tram ride and posing against the Golden Gate Bridge, but also exploring the hidden nuggets of the scenic city. About a mile away from the San Francisco Bay is Alcatraz Island, a popular tourist stop. The Fisherman’s Wharf with the F Market streetcar running through the area also attracts tourists. Walk along the pier as you soak in the city’s incredible vibe and indulge in some soul searching! San Francisco is not only known for its popular landmarks but it also draws tourists who want to experience some of the best hip hop bars and clubs The city has a strong hip hop culture and it is only natural that this has seeped into its very soul and is synonymous with the nightlife. Check out our list of some of the best hip hop bars and clubs in San Francisco, California.

1. Harlot


With dramatic red lighting, this hip hop bar sets the mood for the perfect night out. The place has burlesque art and a welcoming vibe. The music played is often innovative with a mix of old school hip hop to top-ten hits. Bartenders here are professional as well as fun and they make the guests feel at home. The club is quite popular over the weekend and it draws locals and tourists alike, looking to experience authentic hop hop.

Harlot

Address: 46 Minna St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Website: Harlot

Opening hours: Wed: 5pm - 9pm; Thu & Fri: 5pm - 2pm; Sat: 9pm - 2am; Sun: 10pm - 2am, (closed on Mon & Tue)

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2. Hue


If you’re looking for an upscale nightclub, this should be your pick! The place caters to a VIP crowd in the most extravagant and lavish manner. The atmosphere is modern and chic, keeping in mind the taste of the young generation. The place also caters to bachelorette and birthday parties with professional hosts, stellar bartenders and soulful DJs. The bottle service in the VIP lounge is high end. The security at Hue is amazing and guests will have a gala time here!

Hue

Address: 447 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

Website: Hue

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 8pm - 2am (closed from Mon - Thu)

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3. Temple Nightclub San Francisco


If you are near The Bay, Temple Nightclub is the place to be. With its exquisite live dance music, this nightclub offers the best nightlife experience in San Francisco. This hip hop bar also caters to private and corporate events. Its chic yet eco-conscious ambiance is a winner and guests love the club’s vibe. This multiroom club offers varied music and decor to please the diverse crowd. Hit the dance floor to shake off the weekday blues and unwind.

Temple Nightclub San Francisco

Address: 540 Howard St 1st floor, San Francisco, CA 94105

Website: Temple Nightclub San Francisco

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10pm - 3am (closed from Sun - Wed)

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4. The Grand

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This upscale hip hop bar is styled with the sin city theme. The state-of-the-art lighting and sound add to this club’s glam quotient. It also has a VIP seating zone in the roof area. This club hosts a variety of events to lure people, such as Latino Fridays and Grand Saturdays. The crowd is more on the grown-up side with a mix of Asian-American and international communities. The dress code is strictly enforced and the Vegas theme is well executed with confetti, bubbles, fog, and exotic dancers.

The Grand

Address: 520 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Website: The Grand

Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 5pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Thu)

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5. The EndUp


Known as the official after-hours club among the party hoppers, this hip hop bar at the 6th Street hosts crazy events like Substance with Mr. V on Fridays, Rhythm Method on Saturdays and the substance got salted on Sundays. The crowd here loves reggaeton and Salsa, along with great house music ranging from funky, deep, disco to vocal and electro. The place goes insane after 2 am. The bouncers and staff are professional, and this hip hop spot is perfect for the night owls.

The EndUp

Address: 401 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Website: The EndUp

Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 10pm - 10am; Sun & Thu: 10pm - 4am, (closed from Mon - Wed)

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6. DNA Lounge

Trannyshack - Kylie vs Lady Gaga 2013
Source: Photo by Flickr user joped used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Throwing some of the most lavish Burlesque and drag shows and private parties, this club is home to a variety of DJ theme nights with live acts. The bar is great here and the pizza makes the lounge dope! The place caters to an eclectic crowd, boasting an upstairs bar and outdoor seating area. The club hosts mash-up parties. The electronic dance music played here is amazing.

DNA Lounge

Address: 375 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Website: DNA Lounge

Opening hours: Fri & Mon: 9pm - 2:30am; Sat: 9pm - 3:30am; Sun, Tue, Wed & Thur: 9pm - 1am

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7. Cat Club


This huge SoMa club is known for offering the best ambiance and affordable drinks in Folsom Street. With rustic exposed brick walls setting the tone, the club hosts theme nights ranging from 80’s hits and 90’s pop to Bondage a GoGo and Strange Love. Goth music is celebrated here in its truest sense, along with Hip hop, and RnB. The place also hosts karaoke nights. The crowd here is diverse.

Cat Club

Address: 1190 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Website: Cat Club

Opening hours: Fri, Sat, Tue & Thu: 9pm - 3am; Sun: 9pm - 12am; Wed: 9:30pm - 2:30am (closed on Mon)

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8. Monarch

DJ Celeste at Monarch
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ed Schipul used under CC BY 2.0

Said to be the hidden nightlife gem on 6th Street, the Monarch’s main floor has a vintage-themed bar while the basement area has the DJ and dance space. The sound system is great and it’s known to be the best in town, with a vintage vibe. Fridays and Saturdays here are totally legit with a decent crowd. Though entry is free, the basement is charged for. The place serves the most authentic cocktails and taco Tuesday here is the best.

Monarch

Address: 101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Website: Monarch

Opening hours: Tue: 5:30pm - 2am; Wed: 5:30pm - 12am; Thu: 5:30pm - 2am; Fri: 5:30pm - 2:30am; Sat: 9pm - 2:30am; Sun: 9pm - 2am (closed on Mon)

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9. Hawthorn

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

What is your favorite craft cocktail?

Posted by Hawthorn on Sunday, March 8, 2020

This place has got the most luxe ambiance on Geary Street, with gold accents and chandeliers, and it is famed for the craft cocktails. It is arguably the best cocktail bar with amazing bartenders in downtown San Francisco. It has got its very own signature-style parties. The area inside is huge with seating areas both near the bar and the dance floor. Catering to a huge and lavish crowd, the place is best known for the DJ playing hip hop and EDM mashups complementing the theme of the place.

Hawthorn

Address: 46 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Website: Hawthorn

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 5pm - 12am; Thu - Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 9pm - 2am (closed on Sun & Mon)

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10. The Holy Cow


This one is a long-standing dance club, insanely popular at Folsom for its authentic DJs spin Top 40 and hip hop hits to serve a groovy audience. Fat Mackin Fridays are best hosted here. You can expect special discount deals at this club with friendly staff and bartenders at your service. The mood is quite laid back with an in-house billiard table to play. The patio outside is great and they also facilitate private events in a pretty plush manner.

The Holy Cow

Address: 1535 Folsom St, San Francisco

Website: The Holy Cow

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Thu)

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Experience the lively nightlife of San Francisco

San Francisco Bay Bridge Western Span at night
Source: Photo by user Dllu used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The city of San Francisco is well-known for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, museums and cable cars. However, the city doesn’t lag behind in nightlife. Visit one of the hip hop bars and clubs in San Francisco and dance the night away.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sumit lived in the UK for 10 years and experienced the hustle and bustle of the urban life. However, the serene Scottish country side is where his heart lies. He is still unable to understand Welsh...Read more

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