Turning 21 in San Francisco and want an extraordinary place to have an unforgettable first night out? Our list here features all of the most incredibly fun venues that not only cater to college-age patrons, but are also still impressively swanky and have overall great vibes that will start you off knowing our nightlife with the best choices. These upbeat places are all genuinely remarkable in general, which makes it even more special for a first time.
See also: The 49 Best San Francisco Bars You Need To Visit In 2022
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616 Divisadero St / (773) 697-7922 / Website
Emporium is a fantastic birthday party location not only because of their whimsical drinks, but because of their humongous space filled with the most fun arcade games! This multi-level arcade bar has something for everyone- basketball hoops, air hockey and pool tables, several racing, dance, and shooting games, and so much more, all within their breathtaking converted theatre space.
They also throw other electrifying shows and DJ sets here, making for a night that will keep you engaged and entertained.
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3158 Mission St / (415) 282-3325 / Website
El Rio is another brilliant choice to both have a highly enjoyable party while also impressing your friends with the tucked away gem's spacious back patio and lively DJ sets. There's well-made and affordable drinks, irresistable music, and enough space both in and out to gather with your group, and dance the night away under their magical string lights.
Also look out for their fun themed nights so you can coordinate some Instagrammable costumes!
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500 Divisadero St / (415) 241-0202 / Website
For those more into the underground art and music scene who want a low-key but still highly entertaining venue, no-frills Madrone Art Bar will be your absolute go-to. This is a dim lounge with eye-catching wall art, along with historic decor and vintage-chic couches for an overall edgier and non-pretentious atmosphere that still feels clean and cozy.
They have an extensive inventive cocktail menu with kind bartenders to guide you through it, along with a stage and dance floor where musicians perform everything from hip-hop to house, chill jazz, and more.
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3138 Fillmore St / (415) 993-5399 / Website
The Marina District is the quintessential SF college nightlife hotspot, and out of all of the options, White Rabbit strikes the perfect balance of being fun and lively while still feeling classy and refined. White Rabbit boasts sleek and artistic decor, great drinks, and plenty of fashionable couches and space to dance to their thumping DJ sets. Just be sure to get here early as the lines instantly form for a coveted spot in this flirty lounge!
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473 Broadway / (415) 323-8515 / Website
Similarly, Monroe sits at the perfect level of being upscale and luxurious while still being a casual and trendy nightclub. Your group will instantly be enthralled by the dazzlingly stylish art-deco features here, along with the ample room to dance, and the outdoor patio with playful furniture for those who want a break from the high energy dancing in this ritzy masterpiece.
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2369 Market St / (415) 779-3171 / Website
The Castro is popular for its many clubs that all provide affordably strong drinks and the most dance-worthy pop hits, and The Cafe is a can't-miss contributor to this reputation. If you don't know where to start in this vibrant neighborhood, we recommend this thrilling upstairs club for the large dance floor, phenomenal music and drinks, and grand center stage for judgment-free dancing.
The Cafe will not only leave you with a remarkable first time at a queer club, but also an overall charming feeling knowing the talented DJs interact with the room to caringly maintain and match the mood.
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1901 Union St / (415) 567-6905 / Website
Our first-time sports bar pick is the Bus Stop Saloon just off of the Marina on Cow Hollow's Union Street. This is a bustling casual bar that has plenty of screens and space to hang out, play pool, and just have a casual dive experience among other college-aged patrons.
This is also a great starting or finishing point near the Marina where you can chat in a more chill atmosphere.
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316 11th St / (415) 255-9440 / Website
Classy, intimate, and fashionably trendy, Bergerac is tucked away among the bustle of the other bars in the Folsom, making it the ultimate swanky getaway! Decked out with catchy dj sets, comfy lounge seats, and an inventively upscale food and cocktail menu, this is a fabulously impressive place to celebrate your first cocktail at. You’ll come for their ritzy Braised Beef Poutine and Bone Marrow with black garlic, but stay for the music that ramps up gets you on your feet. Be sure to stay hydrated with their fun coconut-washed Gemini's Breakfast or Orchard Manhattan with Thai Chili bitters.
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316 11th St / Website
Similarly, continue your party up at Audio SF right upstairs from Bergerac! These two venues are the ultimate dynamic duo for an unbeatable night out, because if you thought Bergerac was a surprising hidden cove, walking up to Audio’s neon club will truly be magical. Affordable drinks, a packed calendar of big musical acts, and vividly futuristic decor are what awaits you up in this elevated dance floor.
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255 Columbus Ave / (415) 362-3370 / Website
For those who desire a more relaxed and casual celebration that also pays homage to San Francisco’s rich literary history, there’s nothing more iconic than saying you bought your first drink at this Beat Movement landmark. While not an upbeat club, this is a lively and esteemed choice for a more chill hangout, especially with the cozy view on their second floor just like luminaries Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg notably did before.
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119 Utah St / (415) 626-7001 / Website
For the ravers and dance party lovers, this Potrero favorite is the ideal home for you! Renowned for hosting neighborhood block parties and long holiday events, this Art Deco-inspired venue is equally ritzy as it is riveting, presenting an expansive artistic space electrified by the most popular names in house and EDM. Be sure to check their calendar and choose a fun, yet breathable outfit to dance all night long in!
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2001 Chestnut St / Website
If you need a spot to grab a glamorous dinner before heading out and partying in the Marina, The Dorian checks all the lavish boxes for delicious, youthful, and upbeat! From their decorated intimate alcoves, to their newly unveiled food and drinks menu, this classy cornerstone will set your night right while also fueling you with their nutritious Honeynut Squash with Double 8 Ricotta, fresh Tuna Tartare, and of course, their Hog Island Sweetwater oysters with umami mignonette. Also their espresso martinis come on tap from a ingeniously convenient cart, so if this is your first time indulging in one, this is the best place to fall in love with your new go-to favorite.
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547 Emerson St, Palo Alto / (650) 327-7673 / Website
Our added pick is something just for you Stanford University locals. Rose and Crown is one of the few only spots to drink for a night out on nearby University Avenue, and it continues to remain a comforting local favorite even long after you've graduated due to their friendly bartenders, wide beer selections, and entertaining dart boards. Bring friends here for a pitcher and a rousing game of darts, or just to escape campus and have a lively night with top-quality beers under their radiant cozy patio.
While the city boasts numerous lavish cocktail lounges and wine bars, these diverse atmospheres lean towards those in their early twenties to give those new to nightlife a memorable start!
See also: The Ultimate Guide To The Castro's Gay Bars & Clubs
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