San Francisco

DNA Lounge - on Folsom St.
South of Market

This is one of the more consistent clubs in the South of Market area.
Many others have come and gone, but DNA seems to be a perennial.
It's 2 floors, with the VIP room on the 3rd. The downstairs has a stage,
as well as a large bar with access from both sides. From the middle of
the room, the ceiling is 2 floors high. The second floor is basically an
indoor balcony along the inner wall which overlooks the first floor.
If you circle around to the rear, you enter into a full size room with
another bar. The crowd is usually straight, at least when I've been there.
And the ratio is usually pretty even with respect to guys/girls. The
drinks can be strong once you get to know the bartenders. Since there
are three bars spread out among the two floors, it's pretty easy to get
a drink. The quickest service is the back bar on the second floor. The
sound system is great, as most clubs are. This place is always crowded,
so either get there early, or get yourself on the guest list (good luck).

MC - 2/4/97

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Pier 23 - on Leavenworth St.
Waterfront, below Coit Tower

To me, the best time to go here is about 4 or 5 pm on a Friday. People
start showing up after work, looking to get the weekend started. Pier 23
is a casual restaurant on the waterfront near the Wharf. You can sit
inside with tables and a good size bar, or you can sit outside with patio
furniture and waitresses abound. There's also a small free-standing bar
outside, as well. It seems like most people go in larger groups, usually
straight from work. People like to party here. I'm not sure if it's the
Friday thing (the times I've been there), or what. Everyone is very
friendly, and it's not uncommon to meet a lot of people. The drinks
are average in both price and strength. The waitresses are usually pretty
good in coming around to serve you. On weekend evenings, there is
usually entertainment in the form of a live band. People have tied
one on at this point, so there's usually some dancing going on then.
The combination of an excellent view of the bay, good service, and
friendly people make this place an excellent choice to kick off the
weekend in San Francisco.

MC - 2/4/97

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Sam's
Tiburon, Marin County

Located on the waterfront in Tiburon, Sam's claim to fame is its large
outdoor patio deck. On weekends, people start showing up at 9AM to
have breakfast and stake a good table for the duration of the day. If
you're staying in San Francisco, you can take the ferry from Fisherman's
Wharf to Tiburon, which lets you out one door down from Sam's. Like
I said, get there early on weekends. This place gets packed. In Marin,
you don't get the clouds and fog that the city gets. It's great to sit out
on the deck with friends, having good cocktails and getting some sun.
The food is actually really good. The drinks are average strength, and
they don't get any better, since you're being served by waitresses. Of
course, you can go inside, where there is a small bar and dining area,
but the action is best outside. The prices are moderate, and the view is
great. So, get there early and enjoy a day at Sam's. And then head back
to the city for an evening out.

MC - 2/3/97

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Trad'r Sam
On Geary St., near Golden Gate Park

This place is a trip. From the outside, it looks like a seedy neighborhood
bar that only would be a scene out of Barfly. Yet, you step inside, and
any preconceptions change. The decor, like its name, is tropical.
Actually, it looks like a bar from an episode of M.A.S.H. The crowd
is barfly during the day, but by nightfall, the average age gets younger,
and the energy level picks up. People come here to party, as do the
bartenders. When the day-shift bartenders end their work, they usually
stay here and party with the customers they've been serving all day.
People usually come here as a starting point to go to other bars/clubs
that evening. One night I was there, a bachelorette party came in and
tore the place apart. Fun, fun, fun. The drinks start strong, and only
get stronger as you get to know the bartender. They're cheap, too.
Though Trad'r Sam is a bit out of the way, it may just be the right
place to get you going.

MC - 2/3/97

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