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Categories: Dance Clubs, Venues & Event Spaces, Music Venues
Neighborhood: SOMAMon. 9:30 p.m. - 2:30 a.m.
Thu. 9:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
"We hired the SF conservatory to play the ceremony music for our wedding as well as a jazz trio to play at our cocktail hour. All I can say…" read more »
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I'd give it 3.5 stars.
I've been here for their Bootie event which happens bi-monthly on saturdays. This place is great if your looking for a different scene. (I usually have to dress up for clubs). DNA is big and the music is good. They even have strong drinks and open late.
I'm not sure if I've ever gone out with a group as large as we had last night, but somehow, about 20 of us managed to arrive at DNA and make it inside for the Halloween Booootie. Of course the line was ridiculous since it was Halloween, and the $15 cover is questionable, but otherwise, I think everyone had a good time and I would like to come back.
The layout is interesting; there are two floors and the second one seems to be divided into a couple of rooms. The music up and downstairs was different but you are only listening to one dj at a time, so there's no weird echos or background noises.
The djs last night were pretty legit; I liked that they were mixing music and not just pushing play on a CD. That's a good dj.
It was a Halloween Night and I had no plans. A couple of friends and I decided to hit up DNA Lounge. None of us had been there before so we wanted to give it a try.
We got there at 10pm and the line was ridiculous. The line moved pretty quick and we got in at 1045pm. The cover charge was $10 and most of us were happy since we are used to paying $20 for a club cover charge.
The DJS were exceptional. The mixes they dolled out were impressive. The had the Thriller background music mixed into a No Doubt song. There was non stop dancing for 4 hours.
The bartenders were pretty cool. The prices were not too expensive. The disappointment was the club ran out of Jack Daniels at around midnight and we were stuck drinking Jim Bean.
Overall, I had a fun time. Music was great and so were the people. There were no fights which I'm used to in San Jose.
twice a month Sat. Bootie Nights with mashups $12 cover after 10 i guess, line moves fast, pretty crowded.
combined gay and straight scene, has the alternative SF performance vibe.
I love this club and it is my intention to come more often.
I've seen some really good bands here on the same bill as some really bad bands. No other club seems to do this but at DNA I kind of enjoy it. I enjoy watching the shows from the second level so much better and the cute goths dancing. It always makes me giggle.
I'm also in love with the idea of having two bars. This is the only place where no matter how crowded it gets you can still get a drink. More venues should have this. They know how to stay in business---
Or not!
Apparently a lot's been going on against DNA. Even when I've heard some nasty stuff about the owner and the employees (but haven't seen any horrible stuff myself) I hope this place doesn't close. It's the only one of its kind in the city and it would ruin it for everyone.
It's definitely uncomfortable/unusual for me to surrounded myself with a n 18- younger crowd, but even with this, I would hate to see the club go. The employees are really good about keeping empty glasses in the trash so the young ones don't come and steal them. Hah. I haven't tried the food, but I can assure that even these youngsters are looking forward to buying their first legal drinks here.
Imagine what a waste of space if would be if DNA closed. There are tons of clubs of every other type of music in the city (none of which I would go to) and only one goth club.
Dammit, please don't close it!
People who go here, go here to dance. Whether they have groove, can pop, breakdance, tecktonik, or just jumping up and down, people go here to dance. On Asian nights, the music tended to be hip-hoppy Wild94.9 stuff. But, BootieSF with its live mashup of different musics and genres, is where it's at. No judging, no fronting, no dress code, and many different ethnics and age groups all get along for the night. An extra star for that.
For so many clubs in the same couple of blocks, street parking in the area is not too bad. Sweet.
Aside from Nation in D.C., DNA Lounge is the best venue I have enjoyed that caters to the dark wave community. My experience of this venue is limited to industrial concerts and MEAT - mmm BBQ...
Aesthetic:
Dark, loud, appropriate lighting and exposed metal. I love it!
Music:
Hosts incredible industrial bands monthly, epic crowd-pleasers are played between sets - which produces optimal hype. I love going to a venue and hearing tons of my favorite songs. The sound system is decent-ish, although the left channel cut out for the majority of one of my favorite songs performed by Apoptygma Berzerk.
Crowd:
Although this group hardly seems welcoming, it is surprisingly diverse and always manages to cheer me up with silly antics or expressive dancing. I always run into computer programmers and nerds of all sorts, which makes me pretty happy. But most of all, they're into the music and that's what counts at a club like this.
Overall, I love DNA Lounge and highly recommend it!
Went on Saturday night with a group of friends, one of which was celebrating a birthday! It was so much fun!! I always need to drink a little before i have the courage to get up and dance, and this place made that very easy. My first drink was so super strong that all the other drinks were easy to get through. Also they were cheap!! I paid $7 for a vodka, cranberry with redbull!
Requested some Gang of Four and the dj had it and played it!!! That's the first time that's ever happened!!! And that alone is enough for me to love this place!
The DNA Lounge is my favorite club in the city.
Burlesque Shows, Rockabilly Shows, Punk Shows, Goth Nights, etc.
Tends to draw the more alternative crowd instead of the ghetto hip hop crowd.
Nice, strong drinks too...
My favorite club in SF. All kinds of fun with a chill, excited, happy party crowd. Great place to dance.
Nothing like paying $20 to get into a show (Bohemian Carnival), paying for multiple drinks for oneself and friends (and tipping a dollar per drink) and then being VERY rudely told by the bartender that you can't have a cup of water (or even a cup to get water from the bathroom sink)!! I didn't even know this was legal??? An email to the manager to complain was not acknowledged.
I used to regularly attend shows here. No matter how good the show though, I will NOT be back after this rude treatment. Apparently they don't give a shit about their patrons once they get their 20 bucks at the door.
Wow -- did I just have fun after paying a $12 cover? When's the last time that happened? I went here for 80's night last night. Arrived around 11PM to no lines and a very cheerful bouncer. The crowd was a ton of fun -- lots of folks (a touch older than most clubs) looking to dance. No packs of dudes, no dress code, no drunk girls falling on the floors. Great times.
Also, they played Blade Runner on the screen over the very-reasonably loud music. Nice touch.
Date & Time: Friday July 17, 2009 @ 10pm
Crowd: Hipsters Dressed as Angels or Devils
Event: Hubba Hubba Revue
Vibe: Fun
Music: Gospel, Swing, Funk
Decor: Loft. Bar, Stage & Dance Floor on Main Level. Taco Stand w/ Cube Seating & Coat Check Upper-Level.
Service: Friendly
Imbibe: GreyHounds
Devour: Super Nachos
Admission: $15
Note: Save DNA Lounge
Went on Saturday night for a straight friend's birthday for the Bootie SF event here. $6 before 10PM, $12 after 10PM. We paid $12.
No one sent me the memo that even though this club is in SOMA, it's pretty much half gay (thought all those venues were reserved for The Castro). So we ended up seeing half naked gay guys with no shirts on making out with each other and licking each others nipples on the dance floor. Hopefully I don't have too many nightmares from this night or have this night contribute to any future psychotherapist bills.
But yeah, had 1 unisex bathroom upstairs, and a guy and girl bathroom downstairs. 1 bar downstairs, 2 bars upstairs. All bars were cash only I believe.
And I thought it was kinda funny that my friend's reserved table section upstairs was located next to a bunch of 6' tall gay bald white biker guys.
Music for the night consisted of 80s music, mash-up, electro, and a live band.
Not really my type of crowd, but was an interesting experience.
Too bad I didn't get to taste the hype of that Crepe place (food truck) across the street from here that everyone kept talking about (Crepes A Go Go).
This place is also located within walking distance to Holy Cow, Slim's, Club Icon, Mist (formerly Loft 11), and some other spots.
Thought it was funny that when I was smoking outside I saw one of my friend's gay guy friends get carried out the club by the bouncers for being too damn drunk.
The club itself is nice and I was a fan until my last visit at the Combichrist show. Two songs into the headliner's set the security suddenly decided they needed to remove someone for no reason other than the person is friends with someone not allowed at the club (who wasn't even there in the first place). That is a BAD BUSINESS PRACTICE if I've ever seen one. Needless to say the person being ejected wasn't happy about being treated this way and the bonehead bouncer felt it necessary to follow us into the street, grab the girl by her arm, and slam her against a car. This was all uncalled for and I will no longer support the place. If you go there it can be fun but better hope you're not associated with someone they don't like.
Alright DNA Lounge, you win. You're kind of awesome. I've been hating on DNA Lounge for a while for no real reason but I finally came here by happenstance on one of the Bootie mashup nights and had a great time. Fun music, good vibe to the crowd and friendly bartenders.
The only real fault I have with DNA is that the drinks are expensive. I guess that's just how it goes at a lot of clubs. At least it's nowhere near as bad as Vanguard in Hollywood which charges an unbelievable $6 for a bottled water!
I like DNA Lounge. Theres really not much of a dress code there. Boyfriend like that because he can wear his dark jeans still looked sexy. The staff there was really nice to us. My Boyfriend had a call had to take it in the bathroom. At the sametime the lady came to my table with the drinks she waited until my Boyfriend cameback to pay for it. She was so understanding and nice. To bad I didnt get her name. I attended Hubba Hubba Revue Hell show there. They also serve mexican food. Next time I'll order some. My Grey Goose Vodka and Cranberry drink cameout tasting really good not too strong.
Oh yeah
Save DNA Lounge ya'll.
Okay, let me say right up front that I'm not really into clubbing, but my wife really started to miss going out and dancing. She really likes New Wave, so we went to the "New Wave City" event they had on July 4th.
It was really great. I didn't last that long on the dance floor, but I had a lot of fun with my wife. The Mexican food that they served was surprisingly good--you get a lot of food also for your dollar.
The only bad thing occurred after we left for the night. Somebody broke into our car (which was parked on the street) and stole my aging satellite radio. The radio I really didn't care about, but paying $225 to get my window replaced was a pain in the keester. We also almost got mugged. My advice? Go to DNA--they rock. But, don't take your car because this neighborhood sucks at night. Use BART and take a taxi or the bus for the go between.
Just a delightful little venue. I don't know why I haven't written about until now....oh wait, I was was bit tipsy, and don't remember half of what I do there. (+1 star from the get-go!)
First off I like the area, quiet and relatively safe. A fact more appreciated when you and yours are leaving rather than going. But nonetheless a quality point.
Depending on what's happening, the cover is reasonable. The ambiance is fun too. Lots of clever lighting, feels very industrial with the fun 2nd floor/balcony/perch thing going. Kinda reminds me of a campaign in Starcraft. ;)
Bootie plays mashups there a couple of times a month, which are always fun mix of hip and nostalgia. I highly recommend.
So if you're down in that area of SOMA some evening, why not give it a whirl.
...oh and to the two ladies who tried to "take me home" that one evening, capital effort! Maybe next time! Ha! What a night!
This review is based soley on my lone experience seeing EARTH CRISIS, the kings of vegan straightedge metal hardcore. I had no idea this place could be such a great venue,with good sound, and pretty small layout.
Didn't expect to enjoy the venue since I always see gothic/industrial people sprawled out being weird and making bizarre poses, whenever I am headed to a show at Slim's.
I will say this, this place is much better than Slim's. I like the balcony that let's you watch the band perform. It's similar to the Fillmore layout, but so much smaller that the band is no more than 15 feet away from where you are standing. If you are on the floor, the stage is pretty high...not since Club Boomerang on Haight ( now known as Milk ) have I seen such a high stage, kind of takes away when you are tryin to shout back lyrics at the lead vocalist...
Can't speak on the dance nights, I'll stay away since it seems like a weirdo fest.
Hopefully more hardcore/punk shows get booked here. This was better than Bottom of the Hill , dare I say one of the best SF venues I have been to overall.
And the vegan goth staff was polite so I gotta throw that in too...
DNA Lounge treats their customers like shit. i have seen several accounts of mistreatment of the staff towards their customers being rude and use of excessive force towards people they do not like. just the other week i saw several young girls being treated poorly and rough outside of the club, thank god police showed up not long after. i have seen use of drugs in the bathroom and have experienced myself of buying one drink from one bar and buying the same exact drink at another for different prices 8-10 dollars! as though 8 isn't expensive enough for a small mix drink they will charge you more at one bar than another and from what it seemed was how "hot" you look according to that specific bartender. i do not recommend going to DNA Lounge as it seems very petty and overpriced.
I felt like I was back in high school when we walked in here
It reminded me of 18 and over clubs (I had a fake ID) we used to go to that didn't quite know what they wanted to be
We came for Depeche Mode Night when DNA is host to New Wave City
The music was GREAT
the club mediocre
It looked like it was trying on a goth costume that didnt quite fit
It was too light, and too light with harsh greenish bulbs and black light
It was cavernous although I imagine its great to see a show here
although i wasnt a big fan of the layout or the crowd it still was OK
Honestly I hated the club when I walked in. It was, I think Bootie Night and the music was MashUp. I am not a big fan of MashUp in general so I will not speak to the music too much.
However around 11ish they had a DragQueen Show going on and that was super fun! It was hilarious and the crowd played very well along.
All in all i had a good time, mainly because my friends were there and we had quite a few drinks. The place, hmm I am still not sure about. It is low key which I like but at the same time I think it is a bit too low key for me. Especially when i want to go our clubbing on the weekend. For drinking nights however - I would probably recommend that place....
I love the DNA Lounge!
First of all it is close to the freeway and there is tons of free parking all around the venue. This is a big plus for anywhere in the city in my opinion.
The venue is not to big but deffinitly not small and crowded. They have an upstairs balcony and depending on the night an upstairs room as well. I really enjoy the types of events they have going on here. They do a lot of industrial conerts and clubs, Burlesque shows, freak shows, Mash-ups, gay & lesbian clubs, they have it all. A really good run of alternative events. Even after the Folsom Street Fair they had a Fetish Party!
If I want to go out on any night of the week and I don't know what is going on I always check out the DNA Lounge.
The down side to this venue is the Security and staff are exteremly rude! Even the bartenders are hit or miss but they more then make up for it with the strength of their drinks. Watch out as they do make strong drinks here and are well worth the normal club price. It is easy to over drink here because again they make really strong drinks. The classic mistake to make at this venue is to drink in the car to save money and then have a drink inside. I have seen many people overdrink this way so watch out.
One other good thing about this venue is there is food around when you need to sober up! DNA serves mexican food which I have never had but then there is pizza next door as well as crepe's a go-go across the street.
You get me every time. I never figure out you make me quite this drunk, or get me on the dancefloor - although last night it was to Hedwig & the Angry Inch, so that does actually make sense. It makes me sad that there is a challenge to close you down, as that would remove the only club I go to in this town. I wouldn't be able to wobble along to New Wave City, or watch other types of wobble at Hubba Hubba, dance like a crazy harpy at Bootie etc. Too much fun.
M: "SO, so... soo! Was it great? I'm sorry I bailed, but I was asleep by 10:30. Tell all."
A: "It was very cool! We went to the DNA Lounge around 8:30 pm and there were crazy lines. We didn't wait outside too long though. H wisely got us some earplugs from the coat check lady and then we staked out a spot upstairs. This was awesome because 1) short people like me can see everything and 2) you can avoid the mosh pit and crowd surfing on the ground floor. (I am WAY too old for that crap.)
Downstairs was a sea of mostly white dudes and some squealing teenybopper type girls in the front row. H was especially taken by one with bright pink hair. ;)
FINALLY Green Day comes on at 10:30. They put on a great show! Lots of energy and interacting with the crowd, etc. The lead singer pulled random people onstage to sing lyrics. The drummer was flinging his drumsticks in the air. First, they played their new album which had some really good stuff. A quick break and then they played a bunch of oldies, taking requests, etc. The crowd was all singing along but I only sort of knew the words to one song because I am an uncool dork.
We'll probably be back to DNA for "Bootie" (awesome all-mashup dance night). If you're interested, let us know!"
[This yelp is dedicated to my buddy H. Thanks for letting me ride on your coattails o' coolness.]
Great club, great sound, lots of space and a good, mixed crowd. Definitely check out mashup DJs at Bootie every other Saturday.
Not many bars can boat successful gay and straight scenes on the same night, but DNA can!
It's a Fairly un-night club-y night club. I simply adore it.
Yes there is low lighting and loud music, but somehow it manages to avoid a lot of the typical night club problems. I've been to several events and have never been disappointed. Two levels lend themselves to large events, but it's never overwheliming. The upstairs room usually has places open for some sitting. The Mexican food they serve isn't special, but is more than fantastic when you are a few drinks deep. The drinks are priced normally for an SF venue but never cease to amaze with 80% gin/20% tonic.
Probably by virtue of the events they have, there is also a low ratio of creepy guys. I really like the scene. Everyone is just there to have a good time. People are generally courteous and don't want to start a scene.
Refreshing given SF's OTHER nightclubs.
Spent a nice Saturday afternoon here enjoying the SF Classic Scooter Rally Custom Show.... Admission was free... Coronas were ice cold, and the upstairs area was the perfect escape from the masses below, complete with a ledge for your beverage while you are enjoying the view of the action on stage below... I especially loved the fact that the sound guys are perched above the ground floor, but a bit below the balcony area... Super cool little set up!
-I went to see the Hubba, Hubba! Review show HELL. I was set to review the show for one of the website publications I write for & a friend was performing in it.
-Got to DNA around 10, had a drink, then my companion & I decided we want to go outside for a smoke before the show started.
-Came back in, I had drink #2 & tried to teach my (hippy) companion how to swing dance.
-We went outside to smoke another cigarette.
-The bouncer at the back door gave us a funny look.
-We went back in & I went to the bar, my companion went to the bathroom. At the bar, I ordered a soda water for myself & my companion.
-At that time, I got a phone call so I went to step outside (again) & take the call.
-Companion & I stepped away from the door - he lit a cigarette, I finished my conversation.
-When done we walked back to the door & started to go inside. I was actually in the door when the bouncer grabbed me by the shoulder & said "Hey sweetie, I need you to come outside & sober up."
I didn't want to argue with a bouncer, it's the surest way to get 86'd from someplace. So I stepped out & the bouncer us each a bottle of water and said "Drink these then you can go back in."
I am 35 years old, my companion is 41. We both have at least 16 years age wise on the bouncer. Everyone knows that I like my vodka cranberries. I know I have often appeared in public WAY FUCKING DRUNKER than I should have. I was also bartender for seven years. I know drunk. Know it well. I was not - I repeat - NOT drunk enough to be asked to leave.
Not wanting to cause trouble we stood outside for quite a while - at least 25 minutes. I then said "we have to go back in to watch performing friend."
Finished waterbottles in hand, we approached the door & were again denied entry. At this point I got pissed. I said , "What is the problem? We drank the water, we stood out here for 25 minutes - I need to get back in, I'm reviewing this show & my friend is performing."
He said, "Reviewing like on Yelp?"
I said, "Reviewing like in reviewing it for a publication - here is my business card - please let me in."
No go. I tried to call both of my friends inside to get them to come out & talk some sense into this guy. I couldn't get through.
The dude denying me entry traded spots with another bouncer & left to take a break.
I looked at bouncer #2 & asked, "Do I seem too drunk to you?"
"No, " said bouncer #2, "But he made the decision, I can't override it."
"Sure you can," I said.
The bouncer then got up & asked his breaking bouncer friend what the problem was. When bouncer #2 came back he said, "Apparently your friend is too drunk."
I looked down the street at my companion who was standing, smoking a cigarette & playing with his iPhone quietly. "Him?" I said, "He said that that guy over there was too drunk & that's why you're not letting me in?"
"Yes." he said.
"That's funny b/c the bouncer told ME I was too drunk to go back in. Regardless, does he look drunk to you?"
"No."
"So explain to me why we can't go back in?"
"I'm really sorry, you can ask my boss to over rule him," bouncer #2 said.
At this point I was just done. "No, that's okay," I said, "We're just going to leave, I'll just tell my editor what happened so she knows why I couldn't review the show. I would like to go in to get my jacket & the camera I left with my friend so he could take pictures of the show."
"I can't let you do that," bouncer #2 said.
"What, even if you watch me?" I was perplexed, "I'm just going to go up to him say goodbye, get my stuff then come right back out. He's not that far from the door."
"No, but I can go in to find him."
I just stood there & stared at him like he was speaking French or something. He could leave the door, go find my friend and get my stuff; but, he couldn't let me do it myself? WTF?!?
I said okay then told him what his name was, what he looked like & where he was standing. I then stood back & waited while I told my companion what the deal was. My friend's boyfriend came out & I told him we were leaving, could he apologize to performing friend. He said "Sure, are you okay?"
Pissed, yes; but, okay.
He gave me my camera back & said that he'd set my sweater down inside but someone took it (damn it I was COLD.) Companion & I grabbed a cab to head back to his place. I texted my performing friend (who both I & her boyfriend missed performing b/c of this shit) to say "Can't get back in, sorry."
About an hour later she texted me "Why?"
"Don't know." I texted back from my companion's back porch. She texted me back at 2am, "Apparently you were too drunk, boo boo."
Um. No I wasn't. But, OKAY, now I'm known to one of my BFFs as the friend go got thrown out of DNA for being a lush. I've never been axed from a bar before, there's a first time for everything... But, I'm not heading back to DNA soon as they fucked my story, took my $15 for the show & caused my sista from anotha motha's boyfriend to miss her show b/c of it. L-A-M-
My friends and I went here for the Bootie night and the music mashup was OK. Nothing spectacular. There were times when I was thinking... "Why are they playing this music" but then I see people dancing so maybe they're drunk already. LOL. We didn't get to drink a lot because the ATM machine is broken and they don't take plastic. I'm ok with a cover charge of $12. The crowd is OK too, it's a mix of straight and gay people. The stage, which they use for a dance floor, gets full really quick. There's a lounge upstairs which plays a different music.... nice place to chill a little bit.
The bathroom is kind of a puke. Which reminds me, I have to wash my jeans tomorrow coz the bottom part is soaked from the bathroom's spills (ew).
On our way out, I wanna give kudos to a staff who called the police because there was some drama going on between a couple. The night was quite exciting. I think I should think twice before I go back here again.
DNA Lounge is a great venue for both concerts and club events. I always have a good time when I go. All the big international goth/industrial acts play live shows here. Great dark decor and quality sound & lighting. Security is tight and the staff works well.
2 levels, 3 full bars, 2 dance floors, coat-check, mexican grill, and booming sound system. cash only, but they do have ATMs inside.
for the goth/industrial crowd I recommend Death Guild (monday nights 18+) and MEAT. Lots of regulars come out to these events every week and the turn out is usually very good and consistent.
If your looking for an hip dark alternative spot in the city where they spin some great music, with a full bars and dance floors... I would totally recommend DNA Lounge.
It's not very fancy ... it's actually kind of dumpy. And the fact that they have a mexican kitchen upstairs serving quesadillas and what not is sort of odd. Much as I love mexican food, the smell of that mixed with the funk of dancing sweaty bodies is not a perfume I'll be dabbing on my neck anytime soon. Still, as long as you don't show up with expectations of bouncers in suits, you won't be too surprised when a guy asks if he can lick your wrists to try to transfer the stamp.
Bootie is a great party and the V-day one hit the spot. Despite the long line, I appreciated that they didn't increase cover. The bartenders are fast and efficient and multiple bars scattered throughout the club (and being cash only), keeps things moving. Also, I have yet to encounter a line in the ladies room.
Oh how I hate writing bad reviews, but I hate this place even more!
Bouncers were my biggest problem. I was treated like a suspicious freak just trying to get in, almost bullying me. I don't know who they were trying to impress, but there weren't enough long islands to make me forget.
My drinks were 10 bucks each and were ok, not worth 10 bucks though. Thank goodness I didn't pay to get in, otherwise I would've been way more upset than I still am. I wouldn't go back.
My favorite part about this place is the music. They have "mashup" nights twice a month, and it's a ton of fun. Drinks are priced ok i guess, and cover is like $12 after 10PM
The club itself is decent. Nothing fancy, but not run down. They small back rooms where they usually put other DJ's spinning some weird music, but it's fun to check out.
Crappy neighborhood, I recommend taxi.
After nearly a year of hype, a recent visit to friends living in San Francisco meant we had to hit DNA. I could only hope it might come close to my expectations. (Slimelight in London has left all clubs a hard-pressed for a good comparison.) Luckily I can say it did and more. The layout is nicely done with a main stage and dance floor and two stairways up to the lofted level, chill-out rooms and second dance floor. Meat Vs. Death Guild gave me everything I needed in dance-y glee. It's the type of club and club goers I'd really love to see in Chicago. Especially the chill-out room which seems to be rare in my big mid-west town.
I need to give big kudos to a number of the staff at DNA as well. The coat check guy saved my life... ok, our coats, as I managed to run off without either of my check tickets in order to dance to a song. It was probably about an hour later before I realized and went back in fear. Luckily he'd kept them nice and safe and handed the tickets to me without my even having to ask, the hat might have made me recognizable... but still... nice considering the sign said tough wait till we close. The Absinthe bar was superbly accommodating and the bartender didn't judge when I told him I preferred to have Absinthe luged with Red Bull. Yes. Instead he ran and got me one, and not just faux Red Bull (If your energy drink is on tap, it's not Bull) and not just regular Red Bull, the have Sugar Free RB. Paying a completely reasonable price just made him and my drink even better.
I can't wait to visit SF again and I will be at DNA when I do. Hopefully next time I'll be there for the Hubba Hubba Review. I've seen plenty of photos and video for and can't wait to see one of their great shows.
This place has a really surprising variety of shows. This diversity does make it dicey to just drop in on, but SF has so damn many other options that I can't imagine just "going to DNA to see what it's about". Who visits a random performance venue, pays a cover charge and then is all, "Boo Hoo! It is pudding wrestling night. I'm going home to whine on Yelp!"?
Serves you right. Proper use of the DNA Lounge is simple:
If pudding wrestling/Gothnefs/Burlesque/Metal/Mashups/HipHop/ Circuses/Bears are your thing, then it is heaven. On one to four nights a month, that is. The rest of the time, go to one of those 400 other bars in your town.
On those nights, revel in your awesome, diverse city and the great layout of this club (no bad views, decent sound, nooks aplenty). Bring cash. Don't be an ass.
I'm really happy I brought a video camera with me to Bohemian Carnival last night because wow was my memory fuzzy this morning.
After pre-gaming heavily at my place (a good call since well drinks run you $7 a pop...ouch!), we started searching for DNA lounge. Its a tough sign to see, but look for the weirdly dressed people on the street...then you are sniffing really close :).
The acrobatic and sideshow acts really were top notch. It was super easy to get the crowd involved too since all the acts were happening about 5-10 feet from me. As I was staring intently at a performer's pasties, I noticed that my friend had started talking to two girls - one was a 5 or so out of 10, the other was a 3. Wow. Had we really had this much to drink?
I was trying to dodge my friend with all my might so I wouldn't get stuck in some awkward situation with the 3 (like "uhhhh...you're nice and all, but you're probably only a 3 out of 10" [insert Sean getting slapped here]), but this did *not* work. Thanks friend for your persistence (ass). Thankfully, around this time, some crazy pop-pom girls starting going to town, then an awesome clown band came on stage, then a chick started doing some crazy acrobatics on sheer fabric, then a crazy tantric hula hooper went to town, then a couple of chicks were suspended above the ground in a hula hoop. Needless to say, there was no shortage of really amazing distractions while I in vain tried to shrug off the 3/10, who appeared to be sticking to me like stink sticks to shit.
The more I drank, the more of an ass I made of myself: dancing on big tall boxes, getting girls to do some pole dance after I demoed it, and complimenting nearly everyone in the place on their amazing costumes. It was a very burning man like feel the whole night, and wouldn't recommend heading to this place unless you are cool with that.
Thankfully, the night ended up well. The 3/10 starting hitting on this cool dude in a wheelchair instead of me. My friend found a bad ass Indiana Jones hat on our way back to the Muni, and I got to break into my own apartment after realizing that I left my keys inside. Totally a night for the record books.
I loved DNA lounge, and will be back...Hubba Hubba Revue looks interesting, especially based on my experience with the awesome Bohemian Circus. It narrowly misses 5 stars for floating some spendy drinks (though, they were really good pours).
Who doesn't love Bootie SF? Great music, tons of dancing, & one of the few places in SF you can escape the popped collar (oy Marina...).
The cover is lame & the drinks were equally expensive, however for such a fun night & great company, it's worth it.
Wear crappy shoes... you'll walk out w/ a good layer of sticky ooz on your shoes & perhaps may want to toss them.
Went here last night for the Hubba Hubba Revue, and it was...okay. Venue was passably cute and spacious, staff was pleasant and accomodating - the girl who checked us in actually walked us up to our seats, which was very nice. Drinks were all right and we had some chips and guac from the taco bar, which was a bit odd, but nice to have if you're hungry.
Seating at the side and back was comfortable, but not much view of the downstairs or stage. That was okay, since the go-go dancers and other performers didn't seem to be the most attractive. The New Orleans style band was great.
2 for 1 drinks
Neighborhood: SOMA
Monday Burger Special
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Dance Clubs
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