San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is a drinkin’ city and there are more bars here than I would know how to count (of course, that’s partly because of the 1 drink, 2 drink, 3 drink, floor problem). There are bars for your ritzy side and bars for your dive needs and bars for everything in between that you might want to act out on any given day. But there are only a handful of bars that are more than just bars … meaning that there are some spots that you can go to for drinking and dancing PLUS something else. Here’s some info on eight of those more-than-just-a-bar bars in San Francisco:

1. Beauty Bar – Based off of a New York concept (and probably something European before that although I haven’t done my research), this spot is both a salon and a bar. So, yes, you can go for a night out with the girls and really treat yourself to something special. Just remember that things always look better when you’ve got the blurry eyes of three-cosmos-down so you might want to hold off on any serious style changes while you’re here.

2. Foreign Cinema – I’m the first to admit that I haven’t been here so my review is biased, based only on what I’ve read. But it’s on my last of places that I should check out because they apparently screen foreign and independent films on the back wall of the restaurant that this bar is affiliated with. And if I understand correctly, it’s also an art gallery.

3. Bar None – It’s still technically just a bar, but it’s a beer pong bar. And it’s got pool tables and darts as well, so it’s a sports bar but it’s a bit more filled with stuff to actually engage in than with just plain old sports on TV.

4. Space Gallery – It’s primarily an art space. But they have so many openings and other special events that you’ll readily find the alcohol flowing away.

5. Double Dutch – Again, I’m going off of hearsay here so you’ll get a better update whenever I get a chance to get over there. But in the meantime, what I’ve heard is that it’s a hip hop spot where you can show off your break dancing in competition-like style. It’s dance first, drink later – the reverse of the standard bar.

6. Madrone Lounge – They offer different activities on different nights, but if you’re looking for a spot that’s as much like going to a house party as it is like going to a bar, this is it. They’ve got free pizza on Sundays and board game night (plus other goodies) on Mondays. But they’ve also got DJs, live music, release events, and all that other jazz, plus drink specials. Half bar, half home.

7. 111 Minna Gallery – It’s an art gallery and a bar with lots of events and other kinds of stuff. You might see a fashion show taking place here or you might find some other indie event going on. There’s always drinking.

8. Brainwash Cafe – It’s a Laundromat. And a bar. Yes, really. There’s also live music almost every night of the week. And sometimes stand-up comedy.