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Categories: Art Galleries, Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: SOMAMon. 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tue. 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wed. 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Thu-Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
"I coordinated a party for the organization I work for at Terra this past Saturday. This was the first time I had ever coordinated and…" read more »
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Went here last night for Club 1994 after reading the SF Weekly write-up and it did not disappoint! Having finally succeeded in transporting my South Bay crew up to the city for this event, I'm even more convinced that the 45-minute drive up is well worth it.
First off, the 111 Minna venue is a classy joint. Interesting artwork throughout the gallery, a comfortable seating area and a nice, open space make for a really enjoyable and stress-free experience. Drinks aren't exactly cheap, but what did you really expect? Plan ahead and drink before you come, grab a shot or two at the bar, and you'll be golden. Yes, there is a $10 cover, but for the eclectic mix of down-to-earth but party-ready folk (that make me endlessly thankful to call the Bay my home) and the solid music selection, it's a small price to pay. The venue didn't get too crowded, so there was ample room to dance and mingle and walk around. They also open up a second room with another DJ later in the evening, after the main room gets more crowded.
We opted for the main room for our endeavors, however. As expected, the DJ rolled through all our favorite 90s classics--everything from early 90s grunge to "Mmmbop," No Doubt to Ginuwine ("Pony," anyone?) and, of course, our beloved boy bands.
It was just one of those fabulously easy nights, where you make new friends with everyone in the place and life is just *good*. And girls--don't worry, you don't need to fret about running around and away from creepers here. I'd also recommend this event to anyone who may have friends that aren't exactly the "club type" of people--the music here is so accessible since it really is the music of our childhood and middle school dances...trust me, there wasn't a person in the place that wasn't belting their heart out to "I Want It That Way." Fists were shaking in the air recalling junior high love lost, while strangers turned to each other to join in a collective moment of nostalgia over 90s awesomeness.
Hands down, best night I've had out in awhile. Will definitely return to check out the other 111 Minna events.
Oct 26th - EAT @ 111 Minna: dining experience by chef Tommy Halvorson
I love it! Art. Music. Food. What a nice way to end those horrible Mondays.
Art: artists painting on site. Music: live DJ spinning. Food: lots of it! (menu of the night: http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Truffle chips (http://www.yelp.com/bi...): homemade chips with aioli. different types of potatoes, lightly seasoned. not bad.
Mahi taco (http://www.yelp.com/bi...): our favorite. generous piece of mahi, loaded with grilled onions, cabbage and cilantro. the fish was juicy and very flavorful.
Zucchini flatbread (http://www.yelp.com/bi...): i didn't try it. but my friend thought it was a bit bland.
Spicy pork sausage with roll (http://www.yelp.com/bi...): a fancy hot dog. the sausage was really good!
Kingdom cupcakes: (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) (http://www.yelp.com/bi...): chocolate spice and lemon cupcake. loved the chocolate spice. that spice gave the cupcake a nice kick! yum. the lemon reminded us of a lemon bar.
Rum shots (http://www.yelp.com/bi...): we were given complementary shots at the end. rum with sugar coated strawberries. that rum sure was strong.
Next EAT: Nov 16th.
Overall great event. Will definitely come back to see what chef Halvorson whips up next.
http://eatat111minna.b.../
When the SF Weekly started advertising a monthly party at 111 Minna called "Club 1994," I was highly intrigued. I admit to being a total sucker for '90's hip-hop, pop and dance music. Ok, so maybe I'm stuck in the high school nostalgia, but it sounded like a fun time. I began to tell anyone and everyone about the next party and quickly recruited a group of buddies to head out with me.
Upon arrival we were all slightly bummed that there was a 10 dollar cover charge (Bummer #1), but the prospect of an awesome dance party made it seem worth the cost. Once inside we had a good time messing with the photo booth and taking silly pictures. To our delight, they were then projected on the wall the entire night...however, they have never made their way to the Club 1994 website for purchase or down load. Bummer #2.
Bummer #3 came quickly with the sticker shock of our cocktails. Insanely weak and over priced well drinks come as quite the buzz kill after a lofty cover charge...plus, the barstaff are somewhat snotty and rude. I quickly decided not to have any more drinks as a private protest. However, truth be told, the drinks were not what brought me to this party...I was amped for the music.
To start off, they played some decent hip-hop and pop. My friends and I quickly took over the dance floor and began to forget about the previous bummer moments. That is, until the DJ began dropping horrible one hit wonders and alternative jams right at the height of great dance hits. The dance floor would literally stop in it's tracks and clear out in a matter of seconds. Bummer #4. Then, in the middle of everything, 111 Minna staff began herding us all off to the sides of the room so they could hold an impromtu fashion show. Wtf??
All in all, a night filled with bummers. I feel that I could hold a better 90's party in my apartment with my lap top and a strobe light. Hmmm, wait, this could be my next great house party...
If there's only one reason to visit 111 Minna (though in my opinion, there's more), it's to check out their monthly event, Sketch Tuesday. If you're a fan of art, sick beats, and cool vibes... you'll probably dig it.
For those who aren't aware, Sketch Tuesday is a monthly event (every last Tuesday of the month) where the crew at 111 assemble an insane group of big name artists to gather around a long table (think Last Supper with our homeboy, Jesus) to doodle and draw anything their arty hearts desire. Sometimes, their creations might be as simple as a stick figure on a Post-It note, and other times... it's bound to be a masterpiece that could potentially sell for upwards of $2,000. You never know.
The idea is that these artists (sometimes 20 deep) hang out for the evening with a pad and some artist utensils, and they bang out as many pieces as they'd like. Some catch fire and break out more chunks of canvas than a Kathy Lee sweatshop, while other artists take the conservative route and put some QT into one, maybe two works throughout the course of an evening. But no matter who's doing the art, nothing during Sketch Tuesday is over $30. After artists have completed their drawings, they tack them to a wall in the back. They range from $1, to $30, and you're almost certain to walk away with something much more valuable than the asking price. In fact, I saw one item that was up for grabs in exchange for two Budweisers. Not a bad deal, huh?
And again, these aren't total schmuck-poser artists... this is the real deal. In fact Mike Giant was at the table for the last installment, and if you know anything about him or his history, you'd probably geek out.
The space at 111 is pretty cool as well. I know it's a bit confusing (is it a bar? An art gallery?), but at this event at least, the lines aren't nearly as blurred. It turns into a bonafied art space with cool bartenders and cool people.
This is the stuff that makes San Francisco so darn nifty!
I got to see this place for myself, so now I understand. It is a BAR. It is a bar first. It happens to have some artwork on the walls. That's it. It's a bar with art on the walls, NOT an art gallery that serves alcohol.
Good thing about this place is that A. it's very close to Montgomery BART (important if you live on the Peninsula, as I do) and B. it was two big rooms, so it doesn't have that claustrophobic feel. Also, in the second room, it has some chairs and come couch bench things! Padded, so it's comfy and fun to sit there and relax with friends.
Bad thing about this place is the bouncer was a bit of a douche--serious, no personality (the guy with dark skin and a long black braid, and a mustache, I think).
Also, I was standing by the door inside waiting for someone so we could leave, when a guy walked past me from outside who I guess didn't pay or show his ID. So as he walked by me, the bouncer came running in and stopped the guy, and in doing so, one of them knocked a huge fake potted plant on the floor, hitting me first with it. This sucks because who puts a large fake plant in the middle of a bar entrance??! The bouncer asked me if I was okay, but clearly didn't care and even started to walk back outside as I started to answer. So that sucked.
But this is a cool little place to check out.
Chill spot. Music is on point, drink prices are reasonable, line can get a bit ridiculous but it's understandable.
My only suggestion, specifically for southbay heads-- don't come here on a night where all of SJ is in the house. It has happened to me. Sick of the home crowd and in need of a change of scene, run away to SF, come here, and see all the people you wanted to avoid? Uncool. Don't worry, Minna, I don't blame you guys for that one.
Wow, who knew I could recite entire N'Sync and Backstreet Boys songs. I really wish I hadn't known that these songs were tucked somewhere in the deep dark recesses of my mind. Too late now.
But it's 111 Minna's (and Angela's) fault really that I even had the opportunity to find this out. Spice girls too? Seriously? WTF is wrong with me. And yes, evidently I DO live La Vida Loca should anyone be curious. This fly little gallery had a 90s party which brought out all these deep dark pop memories I'd long forgotten. I'm scared. Someone hold me.
But what was I expecting at a 90s party? And as much as it's hard to admit... I was straight rockin' out to most of those songs. There is photo proof somewhere which should be destroyed. But the place knows how to throw a good party fo sho. Awesome 90's video montage with everything from Friends and Fresh Prince intros to Madonna and the good ol' OJ Simpson white Bronco chase.
Themed parties can be hit or miss for me, and while the night started off quiet all of a sudden I was drunk, feeling my inner PM Dawn, and dancing with everyone in a sea of people.
Oh yea, there's art here too, whoops. I think it was pretty rad stuff, but I should probably be back when I'm not so focused on my N'Sync lyrics. Plus 5 cool kid points for having $2 PBR since some bars even in the TL push it at $3. Until next time Minna
*heads to iTunes for "Best of Backstreet Boys"*
Finally got to this place. Caught the end of the Philippine Typhoon relief fundraiser event, but stuck around for the Listening Lounge: Autumn-Matic event.
This art gallery/bar is a pretty chill joint where the music is pretty good since it doesnt play top40 sounds. If you like old school hip-hop this place is cool, plus its got two big rooms that you chill in; either lounging lookin at the art or dancing to the sweet sounds comin from the DJs.
I do like how the two bars dont get overly swamped, at least when I was there last night. I also like how everyone is smoking blunts all over the place, good times.
Here's what you do though, hit up the spot when its $5 cover, go to another bar around the area and come back later and just walk in since you were already stamped earlier in the evening.
It's cute........................................ (?)
$10 cover for a 2 room small space dance, linger n' chit-chat. Low key. GoodR&B/Hip Hop. People just wrapping blunts out in the open, even in the small crowds. No dresscode, really. 90% of a chance you'll run into people you know.
Eh. Minna, I think your just worth a $5 cover. Haha.
I like the space! Love checking out the various art exhibits as well. The website is up-to-date so you know what's coming up and that's key for a busy gallery. It can get crowded and hot so wear layers that can be shed!
Last night we went to see the Indian Summer art exhibit featuring many (tattoo) artists. Unique and fun and scary pieces--all creative and interesting. There was another room where the bands performed that featured more art, mostly from the Neighborhood SF exhibit. Love it!
Three bands in the lineup--we were there for the last two but mainly to see Destroyer (KISS tribute band). Very fun and very loud. Bring your earplugs for sure because it's a small room with big speakers.
Drinks were a little pricey: $12 for a beer and a vodka/grapefruit juice.
Had a great time overall and would definitely check it out again.
i love this place! i've been here a number of times for different nights. every time the place has great music and PLENTY of elbow room. the times that i have been here the music ranged from old school hip hop, electronica, and 80's.
last night was 80's (their barracuda night) and the location of my birthday shindig. the night consisted of 2 rooms to dance, free hair and makeup stations, a free photo booth, and a dance competition...which my husband won!
After paying $5 for cover, I came into hipster central expecting hip hop and r&b music being played, especially since my friend looked up the even for the evening.
The moment I walk in, one room has an empty DJ booth and in the other room was some DJ trying to drum and and mix at the same time. Wasn't even coherent music.
Huhm. There goes my 5 bucks. Then again I was likely misinformed.
Some other time Minna. Some other time.
Place is pretty chill. Went here on Friday night to check out homeboy's band for a Reignforest Collective event and chill on some beer. $3 Newcastles on tap. Woo ha! Last time I was here almost 2 years ago, they had $2 Heinekens on tap. Art work on the walls over here is always dope too. Bar ain't super stocked, but they got a good amount of poison to do the work.
$20 minimum on your credit card.
Well here's some herbal artwork for you to enjoy:
http://photos-e.ak.fbc...
http://photos-f.ak.fbc...
http://photos-g.ak.fbc...
http://photos-h.ak.fbc...
http://photos-a.ak.fbc...
http://photos-b.ak.fbc...
http://photos-c.ak.fbc...
I've heard about this bar/club before, but never been there until this past Friday. The place has 2… Read more »
This is a very chill spot that is totally popping on a Wednesday night. So like if your having a bad week at work and need to blow it off then Wednesday is the day to go.
Always filled with funky art, one room really dancing hard and the other slightly quieter to drink in. The venue is just great as is the music usually. Plus total SF hipsters always flock there.
So we were feeling nostalgic and itching to dance to some 90s music and, well, what do you know... 111 Minna was hosting a "Class of 1994" event on the Saturday that we were planning to go out in SF. Talk about taking it back to the old school! "Back in the day when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore, but some day I sit and wish I was a kid again..." (Or something like that) It had a cool little photo area where you and your posse could vogue it out--all pics would be showing on a screen the whole night. Kinda reminds you of prom or the good ol' studio pic days.
Overall, the drinks were reasonably priced, the crowd was a good mix, and the music was super cool. Oh, but they couldn't make certain drinks, such as mojitos or red-headed sluts and sometimes the dj cut some of the songs too abruptly. Everyone would be getting into a song and then he'd switch it up. A little transitioning would help. Still, it's a fun place to be every second Saturday of the month. You know where I'll be on November 14th!! (And if you really want to get into the groove of things, you can start by getting all decked out in your plaid shirts or TLC sports bras and faded jeans!!)
Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1994!
I was at Blockbuster not too long ago with my sister and found myself singing along to the Spice Girls "Wannabe" as it blared through the store's speakers. One of the workers caught me singing, laughed, and said "catchy huh?" Yes, in fact it was embarrassing first of all that I got caught, but second of all, that I knew all the lyrics to this song.
I was here this past Saturday for the Club 1994 party and re-lived this Blockbuster moment for 4 glorious hours with other people who I'm sure were equally embarrassed to admit that they knew all the lyrics to all kinds of 90s pop hits circa "Wannabe." We got there pretty early and at first they were playing some 90s hip hop and R&B. As we waited for more people to show up (this place was pretty packed by the end of the night) I thought to myself, well ok, not too different - they play these jams at other bars/clubs in the city. So we proceeded to scope out the scene and got a few drinks. We even took pictures. The photographer there was not just any photographer but there was a cloud backdrop where you could strike your best poses a la 90s high school dance party. These pictures slide-showed throughout the night on the wall behind the bar - pretty awesome. On another wall was a slideshow montage of pop 90s culture video clips ranging from Princess Diana and Monica Lewinsky to Beverly Hills 90210 and Fresh Prince, you get the picture. By the time the drinks had settled in, the music got less and less "Notorious BIG"-like and more and more "Britney Spears"-like. And by then - we all didn't care - we were screaming out the lyrics to those jams and dancing like there was no tomorrow.
The crowd was surprisingly diverse - it was really nice to see so many of San Francisco's scenes singing and grooving together in unison to some Ace of Base. You need to check your shame at the door when you come to this party. Once you get that out of the way though - you're all set for fun!
It is a small bar and the music is deafening to the sober ear. Of course, no one here really is sober - so be prepared for some major ear ringing post-club. Strangely enough, if you want a break from the noise, the bathrooms are library quiet - my friend and I found ourselves whispering in there because it was so quiet. The main room gets really crowded and can be unbearable after a few hours of high energy screaming and grooving with other sweaty partygoers. If you need a break, or you somehow find yourself starting to sober up, kick off your shoes and relax your feet and party on down to the side room. The side room plays equally as awesome music, has a stage, and offers a more subdued (but still fun!) alternative to the main room.
Big thumbs up to the party promoters - they really excelled in putting together a cohesive and enjoyable themed night. Definitely can't wait to be back.
Small.
Cramped.
Meh.
It took me literally 20 minutes to flag down a bartender, another 5 minutes to order and another 10 minutes to get my drink. Geez Louise, how could you be so slow? By the time I drank my first drink, I was ready for my 2nd one. *shakes head*
thumbs down!
Club 1994, I love your jams. It was a dream come true hearing Hanson's "MMMBop" at a club. I felt like I was 13 again.
I love this gallery so much - not only do they host rad parties such as, Club 1994, and Barracuda - they also have really great exhibits that change monthly. The Exodus black and white photo collection that's up right now is friggen' amazing. Some insane shots to see.
On the last Tuesday of every month, 111 Minna host Sketch Tuesday, where local artists and art fans alike come to hangout, have some drinks, listen to music and draw. You then are invited to pin your creations on the flats provided, and sell them for whatever low cost you think is reasonable. It's seriously the most interactive, creative and welcoming event I've been to in a long time.
If you haven't yet been to this gallery/nightclub, do yourself a favor and check it out. All the crew who work there totally rule as well. Stay for a drink...or 7!
Came here for a birthday, 80s night. They had hair and make up artist waiting to make you over... 80s look for course.
They had separate rooms with different types of music. I just stayed in the 80s room, played all sorts of music. Classic to hear some lovely 80s music.
Crowd, was a little older with some young.
$5 at the door. Drinks weren't that costly either. Servers walking around are pretty busy and slow... so run to the bar instead.
I've been to this venue a few times for different art shows. The gallery is usually overcrowded depending on the popularity of the show and sometimes you'd have to wait 15-20 minutes in a line to get in. The line sometimes circulate around the block. When you walk into the gallery it has a very modern but casual and hip feel to it.
There is a small bar that usually consists of a very long line. I've never ordered a drink here before so I can't review the bar.
There are two rooms; the main room and the small room. There's usually a DJ that spins in the main room and the music is not too loud or obnoxious.
The issue that I have with this place is it gets overcrowded really easily depending on the show and there is no room to walk around and scope out certain pieces. What also bugs me is some people attend to just attend and they're not interested in the art show at all therefore taking up the viewing space for those who are really interested.
Overall, I really do enjoy this place and I think it's a great place to view some great artwork.
The parking here is a bit difficult --you probably have to park a few blocks away and walk to the gallery.
I wanna give Minna 3.5 stars for their 3rd Saturday of every night party. As I read in previous reviews and experienced if you want a drink you're going to have to flag down the bartender then wait, the wait some more, then possibly get mad, then flag him down again, then get mad at someone for trying to flag him down when you were clearly there first. Yeah that made me slightly annoyed.
What I really wanna go to and strut my stuff at is at their parties every 2nd Saturday of the month, "Club 1992."
+$5 cover before 11:00
+cool art (i love art)
+great feel good music. they brought some "boy you should know that.. i've got you on my mind secret admirer i've been watching youuuu.." SO GOOD! They also spun "it's driving me out of my mind that's why it's hard for me to find can't get it out of my head...." UGHHH good vibes man.
+threw in some classic MJ
-hella guys (unless u like that)
-i had to pay 10 dollars because i came later then 11 haha my fault
-u have to wait hella long to order then wait some more for ur draank
I've been to 111 Minna on a handful of occasions now, and for each time, it has been for some sort of group (typically Hyphen magazine parties). As such, this review may not truly reflect what this venue is like on a "regular" night.
For each time I have been, there have been two entirely different things going on in each room. In the front room with the main bar, there is typically a DJ spinning music and an open area near the front where people are dancing. In the side/back room, there have usually been live acts performing on stage, which is nice to take in should you be fortunate to grab a seat in the booths or along the wall. If you should happen to park yourself in the area between the two rooms, it makes it interesting to hear a guy playing a ukulele in one ear while hearing hip-hop beats in the other.
There are two bars, with the larger of the two situated in the front room. Drinks can be slow coming on busier nights, but they are generally well-made and well-priced. In fact, they even have the larger sized bottles of Newcastle for only $6, which is really good considering most other bars would charge $5 for the standard size.
Also, being an art gallery, they do tend to have a rotating collection/showing of art pieces on their walls to be viewed and appreciated. However, being that there is so much alcohol readily available, I do wonder how the artist would feel if some patron got really hammered and just took it out on the walls.
I don't know who threw this night, but it was the coolest night I have ever gone to in sf!!
There was a liquor sponsor that had a standing photographer that would take photos of us like it was prom, and it was all night long.. it was pretty fun after a couple of drinks hahaa... HAIRSTYLIST TO TOUCH UP YOUR HAIR! like how awesome was that, and like shot girls running around bringing you shots! it was totally awesome!!!!!
The music was 80's in one room, and top 40's in the other..and it was like yin and yang ..so cool, if you didn't like one song in that room, just walk over to the other one!!! LOVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! will come back, but I guess if I do I might have to come back during happy hour.. that's the word on the street from what I hear....
I heard some songs at this place that I hadn't heard in a minute! They were playing hip hop from the 90's. At the end they even played some reggae. yay! It was $10 to get in and has two bars. It's an art gallery as well so you could look at art on the wall and listen to music. It is more of a lounge spot, you go there to listen to old school music and chill with friends.
The drinks are horrible. No Mojitos (where in san fran can i get a good mojito!?!?! geesh), no Bacardi limon and when asked for an Adios, they didn't have the blue. He said "I can substitute it for something else and it'll be just as good". Got this supposed good drink and it looked like murky water. I couldn't even sip slowly on it....tasted like crap. I told the bartender it tasted like murky water and he gave me another drink for free. Thanks!
Crowd was interesting, Lots of different type of people. All in all I liked this place, minus the creepy stalker man who kept on following me around and the bad drinks. But you go to this place to chill, listen to good music,and to look at art.
This place is cute and arty, I dig the whole gallery/bar thing because it lets you feel intellectual instead of just a binge drinker. :)
Mixed crowd, fancy hipsterish without being douchey.
I'm gonna go old school and passe because I'm feeling nostalgic for Borat after watching Bruno: "Niiiiice! I liiiike!"
Minna was awesome.
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT FACTS/TIPS FIRST:
------------------
-If you're a dude, the bathroom stalls don't have doors/lock, so plan ahead if you haven't done your business
-$30 minimum at the bar if you use your credit card. If you order less, you'll just be charged $30, so bring cash or be prepared to exceed the 30 dollars.
-Drinks take 10-25 minutes to come out.
-Get on the guest list and get there by 10:30PM and you only pay $5 (I think this might be Fridays or Listening Lounge only, but not sure)
-----------------------------
The whole vibe, which could all be summarized by the word "chill," was so much different than the traditional dance club.
SCENE: 111 Minna is an art gallery! (See photo)
http://www.yelp.com/us...
Although the focus is mainly on drinks and music, the art was intriguing, sometimes beautiful, and sometimes hella frickin scary. They change artists from time to time, and when we went the theme was pretty dark: dolls being impaled into the wall, pictures of people vomiting blood, pictures of Jesus being half monster and people barfing rainbows, among other things... interesting. The art did attract a more eclectic crowd than just boppers and alcoholics, as I saw lots of people just admiring the art or discussing it with their friends. Most people there were in their early 20's and everyone was dressed nicely, despite the lack of dress code.
FEATURED ARTIST & SET: Skinner - Worship Thee Kindly The Dark Hand That Guides Me (intriguing / creepy art with 3-d glasses stringed to it so that the reds pop out at you!)
MUSIC: I liked how there were two separate rooms, each with their own bar and type of music. The first room had a new and 90's Hip-Hop (although it didn't abuse the Top-40 list and play all of the overly played out radio jams) along with some reggae towards the end. The DJ was awesome and was on point the whole night. The other room had live music consisting of funk and r&b.
DRINKS: The bartenders were a little slow, but that's because it was packed. It wasn't at full capacity which was a relief. I have to agree with the yelper before me that the bartenders were a little shady. When we couldn't hear one guy he says to my friend: *frowning "i SAID that i have a $30 DOLLAR MINIMUM, so if you're not going to ORDER MORE i'm just going to CHARGE you $30 DOLLARS!!" "Sorry, we couldn't hear you. We're getting more, shit." Most bartenders I've ordered from in the past were super friendly, so this was different.
PRICE: The average cost for a drink was around $8. Cover was $10 since it was the "Listening Lounge" event, but we got in for $5 since we were on the guest list. Although we got there after 10:30, we still got to pay $5, which I thought was pretty nice.
So, aside from the bartenders being a little shady, everything was super chill and fun for everybody. Good times at Minna.
111 Minna is a shining example of what makes this city, The City. It's a perfect blend of local art meeting everyone's love for drinking, dancing, and being "seen." You come in sober-ish and make an earnest effort to peruse what's being showcased. A few drinks later the social/political commentary rears its ugly head. By the end of the night you're shamelessly grindin' on some (hopefully) hottie or doing that "if I squint and close one eye I know I can read the time on my phone" face that we all know too well. Art? What art? Where am I? Get me home ...or to Mel's!
Why mami like:
1. The mixed crowd--from the hipster/ artsy-types to hip-hop boys and girls, and everyone in between. Basically, people who like art and love to dance.
2. No horrendous lines to get inside...or the pee pee room
3. $5 cover if you get on the guestlist (and can manage to get your butt there by 11 pm)
4. No dress code, but people definitely come looking sharp (it's what you make of it).
5. Ventilation--no sauna/ sweat-fest!
6. STAGE TO DANCE ON!
Just check it out--come to drink, see some kick-ass art on the cheap, and dance your ass off!
I've been here a few times and the first time I don't remember how I got home... Great artsy vibe and atmosphere and nice open space. I'm sure the drinks were delicious.
I also attended an event here with an old friend. I didn't care for the crowd there that evening but at least I was with good company. Decent place to host an event but felt bad getting rowdy at an art gallery.
Lot of friends in and out of this place. Great overpriced items. I pick one up every once in a while. =) Always fun to have a drink and just get in touch with your artistic side. =)
If you have a love for art, music & enjoy mingling with a beautiful, eclectic group of people with a drink in hand.. Minna is the spot.. One of my favorite spots to hit up.. 2 great rooms of art & music. Dope spot to mingle, lounge & check out artists & their work.
I've been here for several events & occasions on the weekends so I can't speak for the weekdays.. & their events update constantly so it's best to hit up their site to see what they've got crackin..
They do charge a cover depending on the event they are throwing or what night you go (though twice I was able to just walk in without anyone really noticing even though there was cover).. The bands that preform have been cool & they always have a good DJ spinnin'.. they make their drinks strong & the prices are reasonable.. even though they don't have a dress code, everyone there is dressed to impress..
This spot usually fills up real quick & probably the biggest minus is that they don't have enough room.. The main bar is spacious but is usually always packed so I usually find myself grabbing a drink from the smaller bar in the other room.. It gets even more packed when they have a private event & they close off the smaller room... If you're looking for a spot to have a good conversation &/or dance.. the main room might not be the best place to go due to how packed & loud it can get sometimes..
Great venue overall
I had a good time here on Saturday! I enjoyed the crazy-looking artwork, it reminded me of "Where the Wild Things Are" on shrooms. There were also some random accents here and there, like a giant twisted branch mounted on one wall, and a huge bug thingy hanging from the ceiling (wtf??). Besides that the decor is a little bland, but this is one of those places where it really depends on what sort of company you're with. I was with some people who I love to dance with, so we had a blast :-)
I had just bought some new Kim K-esque black suede platforms, possibly the highest heels I own, and after dancing for like 4 hours my feet still felt alright. I attribute this to the good time we were having, the music which was cool and fun to dance to (they played all the top hits everyone loves to sing/rap along with), and the super strong (for me at least) long island which really chilled me out. I also got a mini-bottle of champagne later that night, always so classy :-)
I might go back if there was a cool event going on, and although I'd just as soon try a new place, I really did enjoy 111 Minna. It's not really my style, but it's something different! I'm more of a lounge/reggae girl anyway, so I can't really judge...
the festivities really deserve 3 stars, the damn DJ would continuously cut songs right in the middle to proceed to the next one. nevertheless, i did enjoy dancing to NWA and then to joy division. fun. 5 stars for the staff that never made us wait, sweetly accommodating our requests. we ate good cake, drank some cheap champagne. we didn't stay too long as we had other diversions to explore. i like Minna, loved it more when it was just one room, folks would just start break dancing to gang of four, magic. I've seen some really good art shows at this space as well!
111 Minna was one of the first downtown night spots that I went to - when I first moved to the city.
I have to admit that many of my first experiences here were just kinda meh. The crowd just wasn't really my kind of crowd.The music just wasn't my kind of music. The lights were a little too bright. It just wasn't me.
But I've come to learn that a venue is more than 1 or 2 similar events which they may host. To really appreciate a venue you have to see it in a variety of different contexts (that being said I'm fully aware that first impressions are often a space's first shot with most).
I'm glad that I've been able to see 111 Minna's potential and capability as an event space, through a plethora of different events now; including everything from Spark's Blissful Sugary fundraiser to the SFIAAFF launch party. I was particularly impressed by 111 Minna as a event space when I attended the Suite Jesus event here this past Friday. It was my kind of scene. My kind of music. And though the lights were still a little too bright (which did allow you to see the art though) - it felt right.
What makes 111 Minna such a unique and great space: is their size, their gallery potential, their ability to host different music in their partitioned off areas, their accessible location, their bathroom layout, their free water stations, and their staff.
1.) In terms of space - 111 Minna is down to host a large amount of people pretty effortlessly, while still allowing people to breathe and move around.
2.) As far as their gallery - it's constantly rotating with unique art pieces. Some of the art is hit or miss depending on the event coming in, but it's always worth checking out, regardless.
3.) Their split space is impressive and innovative, and allows for those using the space to do so creatively. The sound system is great - and you can easily have two sets of head thumping, rump shaking music going on in the different spaces; without the sounds clashing. Their two bars also help divide up the pushy bar traffic.
4.) Their location is just so on point. Being able to walk to the N Owl/MUNI/BART late at night - is just plain choice. That is all.
5.) Bathroom layout - I love that there's a separate hallway for the bathrooms - where you can leave one party scene - and emerge out into a separate party scene through another door.
6.) Free water stations - especially when I don't have to ask for it - is always appreciated.
7.) Staff. I don't know the staff all too well here, but those that I've met have been laid-back, genuine, fun, and just nice people. Since I first came here (prob all the way back in 2005) the staff doesn't seem to have rotated too much as well, which is always a good sign about a place.
I'm sure there are plenty of events that go on at 111 Minna - which may not be your scene. Might even be far from it. But as far as an event venue goes - 111 Minna brings it. They have all of the important elements to make a successful event come into fruition.
I just vote for more dimmed lighting - and more reggae dance events.
Trust.
first time wednesday night at 111 Minna.. really chill, relaxing, the crowd seems to be good, not so many people!
I just especially like how they multi-use the space!
Music was good, could be a little better depending on which DJ, but you get different tastes.
a good after-work hang out place if I need to get something out of my mind! :-D
We went to 111 Minna Gallery because Flickr had their 5th anniversary party here on Sat 5/9/09. It was GREAT. They are located across from the coolest mural outside on Minna St. Close to Montgomery Bart Station.
They had a bouncer because they served alcohol and had to be 21+. There was a DJ there, too loud for me.
They have 2 bars inside. One on the Right of the entrance, One on the Left.
The art is cool & hip. Current exhibit is called "Berliner Unkraut": works from some of the top artists from Germany. Tina Zellmer, Johan Potma, Mateo, Pisa 73, Evol.
They have separate bathrooms. Women's had artwork inside.
Website:
http://www.111minnagal...
Recommended.
This place has a special qlich in my memory bank. This used to be a hip bar down an alley at the foot of SFMOMA. That used to encourage young art type kids to Tag or wheat paste their bathrooms. I remember a certain someone going right into the bathroom with paste and paper in hand- and not a word form the folks behind the bar. 111 was a hip bar that served tall - boys and played Drum & Bass and had great dances party - with art on its walls.
Now 111 is more of a grown up establishment where you can find office type's drinking and socializing amongst music and art. They still have tall-boy's at a decent price. I have to say that I only come here when a friend is having a show because they mostly have show that fall in too the pedestrian movement. Then again they do have some jewels of a show once in a while.
I think that the days of track bikes crowding the alley are gone...
On that note , I have to say that I enjoy coming here once in awhile because you can always chat it up with a depressed lawyer or an architect whose going through a divorce.
It's weird I always meet the most random people here...
I guess that's the best way I can sum up this place- Randomly cool at best...
This place was jam packed. The bartenders were a bit shady with the drinks.
MEH
Crackin. Arrive early because parking is especially a B in this neck of the woods in SF.
Dresscode is lenient from time to time. Kicks are ok, just not way too fresh or else they will get super smashed on.
Could use a bigger bar area because lines really interfere with traffic making it almost impossible to move from time to time.
I really like this venue. Came here for the Directions in Sound event for the SFIAAFF and really enjoyed it.
They have two separate rooms and two bars. Wasn't overly crowded and you could actually hear and see the person you were talking to. Lots of seating space.
Would definitely come back to check out another event here.
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