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DNA Lounge
Categories: Nightlife Dance Clubs Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Dance Clubs, Venues & Event Spaces, Music Venues [Edit]
375 11th St(between Folsom St & Harrison St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 626-1409
- Hours:
Mon 9:30 pm - 2:30 am
Thu 9:30 pm - 3 am
Fri-Sat 9 pm - 3 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
458 reviews for DNA Lounge
Review Highlights
"I miss going to Death Guild once a month though."
(in 20 reviews)
"Bootie is a great party and the V-day one hit the spot."
(in 96 reviews)
"New Wave city has been the perfect blend of nostalgia for..."
(in 26 reviews)
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458 reviews in English
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Review from Julia L.
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
DNA Lounge is EPIC
I came here for an event called DAMSF and it was honestly amazing. The Venue was perfect for the occasion with awesome DJ's, cool hosts, drinks and a 24 hr food service.
The security was top notch and kept everything cool and clean for everyone to enjoy a good eventful night. They had an upstairs area so when the downstairs got too packed you could go upstairs to lounge and hang with pals. The upstairs is also open so you can still see the awesome show thats going on on the stage.
I worked in the back as a back stage manager assistant so i didn't get to see much of what was going on in the front, but what I could see were a ton of smiling faces. Lots of dancing. People getting down on the floor and lots of artsy cool funky things that kept the night absolutely awesome!
I would love to go back and see a show here from the audience than back stage because even from the back stage the front looked amazing.
Lets get it -
Review from Allison M.
Palo Alto, CA
2/5/2012
Had a great night here at Bootie last night!
It's funny, it gives off this vibe of being hip-to-death, but when you get inside ($8 cover before 10 pm, $15 after), it's really a hodgepodge group of misfits who just want to dance.
The DJs are all right, their mashup transitions could be improved, they had an overhyped aerial hoop show by a drag queen at midnight, their drinks are expensive ($6 for 10 oz of cheap beer, $8 for little rail drinks)... but honestly, you get a chance to dance onstage and not feel at all uncomfortable from the sober moment you walk in.
Cash only for the cover (and, I guess, the bar!)-- if you don't have it, you use this weirdo ATM around the corner that gives you anarchic messages and charges a $3 fee that goes to the lounge.
For an unpretentious dance club, hit it up. Just maybe set your expectations low and fill your wallet up before you get there. -
Review from Catherine L.
Palo Alto, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a blast! Came here for Le Castle Vania and he was absolutely awesome. My friend saw him on the 2nd floor and he was nice enough to take a photo with me.. actually two photos!
Love how there were tons of dancers-- both men and women and it was just an upbeat, wonderful, carefree time. One thing to change: get rid of the fog machine and accept credit card at the bar! Otherwise, love it! -
Review from Caleb D M.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
A secret about this place is that's not just a club it's also a 24 coffee place with awesome pizza. I hate to give it such high ratings because then people will check it out and then it will be crowded and I'll have to find another place but they deserve it. Best latte in the city.
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Review from Siobhan F.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Maybe this place is awesome on a normal night, but I went with my friend to see her friends band play at a battle of the bands and the staff was rude (I mean I was annoyed by all the high school aged kids too, but why take it out on everyone?) and the WELL drinks were super over priced. On a normal night I've heard this place can be a pretty interesting scene, but I won't be back, I can't stand the better than everyone else attitude this place exuded.
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Review from Dan P.
12/30/2011
Pizza here is OK tasting at best. For the price, it just can't be justified. 6 bocks for slice of very mediocre pizza? Yeah, maybe if I get super drunk in the area. They do have a lunch special where basically you get a free soda with your pizza slice purchase. Otherwise, I feel you could do better. And I don't even know you! But I know.
Bootie is cool tho. I've never been to Bootie at this location but should that ever happen, perhaps I'll bump up these ratings on that alone. -
Review from Joey S.
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very professional management staff, but the DJs are horrible. I don't even think they are playing music on the CD turntables, it's just someones mp3 player.
Bootie is a cool concept, but the DJs, especially Murdoch are horrible. -
Review from Christa A.
San Mateo, CA
12/17/2011
As a concert space DNA gets a solid 4, as a club space it's a 2, on average that makes a 3. So, the good first:
As a concert space DNA is great - depending on how crowded it is the floor is either great for dancing or great for crowding up to the stage in a press of people shoulder to shoulder. If you like a more top-down approach there's a lot of space around the balcony that has a truly excellent view down towards the stage. If you just want to listen and not see there are benches and chairs around the perimeter (though in the upstairs they often reserve a bunch of them for VIP service). I really really love concerts at DNA Lounge.
However, for club nights, my desires are different. I want the spacious dance floor to spin on where the music is loud and I also want a slightly quieter bar area where I can have a drink and catch up with my friends without shouting myself hoarse. They have the former but not the latter. The only place you can go to talk to folks and actually hear a word they're saying is outside where all the smokers are. And I don't smoke. And that doesn't work so well in the winter when it's cool and/or rainy. So I don't much go to DNA for club nights anymore. It's disappointing. -
Review from John B.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
This place has a great sound system and a great vibe on the right night.
I have played shows at this venue and I love the crew and the lighting is incredible!! -
Review from Bree P.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011
I'm really on the fence about this place.
I liked the venue and the hilarious doorman, but what the fuck is up with some of their staff?! My friend bought a beer before last call and barely took one sip before some bitchy worker stormed by and grabbed it without saying anything to us and threw away his full beer. Mind you, it was about 1:15 when she pulled this weirdo stunt. If you're going to be a bitch, at least give us a little warning!
But I will say this--a couple of their drinks can knock you on your ASS, my friends. They pour those bad boys with a strong hand and I like it...so strong I didn't even see the drunk coming until it was too late (which resulted in some interesting cart shenanigans outside afterwards..sorry residents of SOMA).
Not my favorite, but not my least favorite either. -
Review from Miss Kae O.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/17/2011 10 photos
DNA has changed quite a bit. Not esthetically, but the type of clubs it throws. It is more popular than ever and I couldn't care less. No more clowns or acrobats or burlesque. Just the same-o same-o dance remixes of the same 5-10 songs over and over while guys in their long sleeved, button up stripe shirts get wild by unbuttoning the top few buttons on those shirts and grind on chicks in fashionably tiny dresses to ear-bleedingly loud music .
There are people who love this kind of this and have a great time and the staff here is still one of the all time nicest club staffs in San Francisco. It is just not for me anymore.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2009
SAVE DNA LOUNGE!
"A DISORDERLY HOUSE INJURIOUS TO THE PUBLIC WELFARE AND MORALS."
… Read more »
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Review from Alison W.
11/3/2011
BEST CLUBBING NIGHT EVER! That's all I have to say.
Hahaha, a group of 5 of us came for our friend's bachelorette party. And it just so happened to be Michael Jackson night so there was a live band, an MJ impersonator, and most of the songs were mashed up with MJ songs. It was awesome. We got there a little before 11 and luckily no line but there was the $15 cover. That's not too pricey for SF and after the wonderful night, I realized it's worth it. I heard it's less if you're in before 10 so that's cool.
This is one of best places to just dance. Carefree, no guys trying to get up on you after you've ignored them, singing along to the music at the top of your lungs, no guys leering at you from the sidelines, jumping up and down, anti self conscious dancing. And after the band played, the stage was also open for dancing. It's amazing to get up there and see the whole dance floor from the higher spot. The place can get super crowded - it's so hot and sweaty but fun and people are very nice. It's also so casual - some people get dressed up but I didn't feel so out of place in my cute dress and flats. And I totally suggest wearing flats so you can dance freely without killing your feet.
Additional info - Drinks are ok. They are priced at what I expected SF prices to be but not sure if they're that strong. We had quite a few drinks and we didn't really get drunk at all. It also could've been all the dancing too. There's an upstairs with a smaller dance floor but people are much more chill up there. It's mostly just people hanging out and people watching at the dance floor below. Very few places to sit - it's mostly along the wall. Coat check is also upstairs and cost $3. Oh and they'll occasionally give out free CDs - love free stuff.
We almost left at around 2 when they had last call but ended up staying till almost 4, just dancing. I'm glad we stayed - it was such a memorable experience. I really want to go back but not sure the experience will live up to my very expectations. -
Review from Eric B.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2011
I realize this place has issues with the ABC. Terrible story that we're all familiar with and we're all sympathetic. But is it really necessary to send a female staff member into the male bathroom during a slow Monday to steal my $10 (excluding tip) Rumpleminz/Redbull while I'm taking a leak? Can you at least give us a common courtesy heads up so I can squeeze it off and grab my drink before you throw my money away? It wasn't even 1am. I repeat the girl below me:
"I can't help but feel that there is a complete lack of respect for their customers and an overpowering need to squeeze as much money out of them as possible." -
Review from Madame A.
San Jose, CA
11/16/2011
When will you Yelp idiots figure out the difference between rating a club and rating a club night, hence the reason both are represented-oh yeah, probably when you stop eating at restaurants and then knocking them stars for prices you don't like, but you still chose to eat there. I.E, if you didn't have a nice time at Bootie, go talk about it on the Bootie Yelp page, leave DNA out of it, they're not to blame because you felt out of place on a certain night.
Now to the review. I've been coming to DNA for nearly 20 years, so long in fact that the first time I was too young to get in and simply sat outside the venue during a Legendary Pink Dots concert, being that close to them was close enough for me. Once I was old enough to get in I had fun but loathed the mishmashed metal dance floor, the horrid sound system and the bar that took up part of the dance floor-all of these glitches have been remedied and DNA is in better condition (and better hands) than ever before. The sound system is amazing and provides adequate range to best serve any genre of music. The bar staff is generous and chatty but always professional. The Security staff looks out for all well behaved patrons and has prevented more than just a few DUI's by ordering cabs for wasted patrons weaving toward their vehicles with keys in hand. The owner has a sense of humour as well as a sense of community and you feel it when you are at the club. They serve edible food in DNA and stellar eats at the newly acquired pizza spot next door. The bathrooms are actually clean though the black interiors and metal fixtures might totally freak out the pretty people, its about design, take note.
All in all, San Francisco wouldn't be quite as much fun without DNA, its a tenacious, unapologetic, energetic and diverse place to hang out. If you are a Yelp idiot, please do yourself (and those of us reading your misdirected reviews), a favour and research what night you'll be hanging out here, therefore knowing the price, dress code and music to expect. You will enjoy yourself, unless you're just a miserable fuck to begin with. -
Review from Liss D.
San Leandro, CA
8/8/2011
Dear DNA Lounge:
What, on God's green earth, is wrong with you? Why would you decide to put seat-less toilets in your women's restroom? I don't get it. Does forcing drunk chicks to hover in a lake of urine and toilet paper over a clogged toilet make you smile? Your restroom is the single worst restroom I've ever seen and I've peed in many a crappy dive bar. This is a real question. I'm actually curious.
Dear everyone else:
I've been to the DNA on many, many occasions. I've even had fun there. But overall, I can't help but feel that there is a complete lack of respect for their customers and an overpowering need to squeeze as much money out of them as possible. The cover is high, the coat check charges you per item, they charge for water, there isn't a single place to sit unless you've paid for a table, their bouncers and bartenders are rude, and if you happen to be there at closing, prepare to feel like vermin being exterminated. On big nights, the place is sardine-can packed and loud as hell. There doesn't appear to be any ventilation, so it gets hot and humid pretty quickly. The place also feels incredibly dirty.
I guess class and respect is what's missing at the DNA. You don't get what you paid for here, and that's why I won't be returning. -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always a good show, no matter what you come to see. One night, my date suggested a show at the DNA lounge. I love trying out new things original and when it was suggested that we go to see this type of video game music called chip tunes, I was down.
Yeah so what, sometimes I like them nerdy boys. Old School game graphics and fun music. Pretty fun in my opinion. Crashfaster was one of the bands that night. I will always remember that as a great night. Always fun doing something new in the same ol' city. -
Review from Falynn A.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2011
This place isn't really that hip. There are way more interesting & fun places located in Soma. Its pretty boring and the music is mediocre at best. The staff is not welcoming at all. I don't think they have enough seating, and the dance floor is alot smaller than the pictures make it out to be. meh.
Listed in: Nightclub
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Review from Katherine T.
Berkeley, CA
10/10/2011
Hooray for BOOTIE SF!!! But boo to the house band...the guy with the intense beard rocks hard to Nirvana and the Metallica remixes but please, stop that girl from singing!
Great that the cover charge before 10 is only $8 and that a dress code doesn't exist!!! I didn't come here to drink hard like the guy who decided to puke on the sidelines instead of a toilet...but I came to dance and I did. Remixes were really well done since I expected some live version of a youtube remix but the lyrics were overlaid to another song's beats with an electro bass/beat. Whatever, I'm not a musician but it was fantastic.
Plus, there's a mini cafe if you're hungry and the upper level has a squrrl room for trance. This ain't your average "temple" club. It's funner and you can be ridiculous without fear of judgment or some douche grinding on you :) -
Review from Adam D.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'd been hearing about Bootie for literally years and finally decided to check it out on a whim with some friends.
Oh yea, on Pride weekend -- Gaga vs Madonna.
As a straight guy, I had a few reservations for that reason. Quickly dispelled -- the ladies were out in droves, the beats were bumpin', and the cash-only drinks were overpriced. Okay, so two outta three ain't bad! Seriously though, I've got a very high bar for live DJs and usually don't put up with anything less than Deadmau5 or Girl Talk, but I was very, very pleasantly surprised with DNA Lounge. They act like they care about music, and I care about them for that. Reasonable cover too, at least, cheaper than the aforementioned DJs. -
Review from Matt B.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011
Booty on Saturday nights is a great time. Plenty of good music and good drinks.
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Review from Brendan L.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty chill place...I don't mind the cover if I don't have to dress up...Jeans CHECK! T-SHIRT CHECK! TENNIS SHOES CHECK!
It was Michael Jackson Tribute night and it was pretty awesome with a live band but it was kinda repetitive that the band played the same music as a the club...maybe they should have worked this out before hand....
CASH only..but there is an ATM..Bathrooms are kinda hidden...Once you get in...the mens is straight ahead...womens on the same side but to the right...so it sucked for me and my friend to go to the bathroom and then i had to weave through the whole club to go wait with her.
Beer and shots are reasonably priced..BUT when i asked for water..they only SELL water....if i wanted TAP they said use the fountain near the bathroom...PASS! i just went to my car....had 2 delicious bottles of costco water! (same as the ones they were trying to sell me) -
Review from mary ann c.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/15/2011
so i had a lot of hate for this place
A LOT
a lot for how brightly i thought it was lit
a lot for how lame the crowd was
and I digress
i mustve went on a bad night
this place is awesome (sorry DNA for my previously lame review)
blood wrestling = too good1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2009
I felt like I was back in high school when we walked in here
It reminded me of 18 and over clubs (I… Read more »
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Review from Michelangelo S.
Seattle, WA
DIVE! DIVE! DIVE! [NO. That is not a command with the KLAXON HORN alert indicating that a SUB is SUBMERGING, but rather the heads-up that we have entered the "DIVE BAR" ZONE!]
SITREP
You know how a high school gymnasium can fulfill so many different venue-purposes, from homecoming events, PTA meetings, student assemblies, the veritable basketball & volley game matches, and, yea, even bake sales? Think of DNA LOUNGE as a big multipurpose venue for GROWN-UPS fulfilling a lot of really fun, outrageous, sometimes kinky, sometimes eccentric, fun awesome events in San Francisco! A giant bake-sale of "goodies" for the truly twisted!
From DEATH GUILD, to DARK ART EXHIBITIONS, to BOOTIE, to NEW WAVE CITY, to HUBBA HUBBA, to MEAT, this venue has seen a lot of activity since I've first been coming here 10 years ago.
DEATH GUILD
A HUGE shout out to DJ-Promoter DAVID KING (aka DJ DECAY) for making Death Guild what it was in the beginning and what it continues to be: an exciting alternative scene for those sick of the crap put out by mainstream pop culture.
David firmly has his foot in the alternative scenes of San Francisco, and as one other expression of this passion, the Death Guild music scene also manifests itself as the "THUNDERDOME Camp" at BURNING MAN every year. So the energy from Burning Man in a very real & tangible way is also expressed and experienced at Death Guild.
Two additional VIPs in the Death Guild music-arsenal are DJ JOE RADIO and DJ MELTING GIRL. These two stalwart music professionals provide the MUSIC BACKBONE of the club and it is their energy that brings hundreds and thousands of frantic club dancers back ever year, every month AND EVERY WEEK!
DARK ART
I LOVE the gallery exhibitions that are featured here! Sometimes they have been featured along with DEATH GUILD or MEAT or some other event. Sometimes, the exhibitions - if enough artists are in the cooperative - will pull in an event just for themselves. Then the whole 2nd Floor tier is festooned with the beautiful creations of these artists. One of my favorites was when my sweet friends Kristine Katalyst and Susan had their art featured. Made for a special night!
NEW WAVE CITY
New Wave City has had a long standing residency here at DNA Lounge, and even though it currently is residing at the Mezzanine, it could just as easily host another event here. As long as I've been coming to NWC @ DNA LOUNGE these last several years, and as a venue for this 80s Dance / New Wave Wunderfest, it has acquitted itself very well!
The upstairs lounge presented wonderfully eclectic dance tracks with the likes of DJ Sage and DJ Melting Girl. Often the awesome guest DJ talents of DJ Kenny Heggem and DJ Low Life and others would add to the eclectic & exciting dance fun.
CONCERTS / MUSIC EVENTS
Where do I begin? COVENANT, VNV NATION, FUNKER VOGT, AYRIA, THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE, FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY, IRIS, SEABOUND, SAVI0R, and so many other concert shows. The DNA Lounge lends itself to a more intimate music performance too.
HUBBA HUBBA / SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR
The Burlesque / Vaudevillian styling of KINGFISH (aka Jim Sweeney) and his eclectic company of dancers, comics, musicians, etc., have graced many a night at DNA Lounge. What was accomplished with the Spectacular Spectacular in the earlier part of this century has been maintained with the Hubba Hubba Reviews!
My hats off to Kingfish & Co.'s achievement in keeping Vaudeville and Burlesque alive on the West Coast. But it doesn't stop there! There are specially THEMED parties and events that take hold of the imagination and include BUCCANEERS, DICTATORS and ALIENSI Truly amazing fun! I ALWAYS have a fantastic time at these events if I don't say so myself.
Kingfish's Halloween events at DNA are also 2nd to none and I always love participating in these events every year. I even had the chance to attend Kingfish's 40th bday extravaganza and meet his parents when it was hosted at DNA Lounge. TRULY a fun time!
THE BAR CREW
Very special shout out to CHUPA and RON in the upstairs lounge! This dynamic duo really know how to take care of you and make the most AMAZING drinks for the most reasonable cost you'll find in San Francisco. Also another kudo to JARED who works the Absinthe Bar downstairs.
And if you want to go on a wonderful flight of fancy with "The Green Faerie", Jared is definitely your man, and a true bartending institution: I have been a fan of this gentleman since I first met him performing these thirst-quenching responsibilities more than 12 years ago at the legendary (and profoundly missed!) JEZEBEL'S JOINT.
THE LOWDOWN
The DNA LOUNGE continues to be the premiere venue in San Francisco for the darker / alternative club scene! You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Aasim K.
6/15/2011
Came here at 1 to hang out with some friends. No one was in line and the bouncer still decided to shamefully charge an unreasonable cover to this crap hole.
Anyhow, I walk in and am immediately confronted by the weirdest scene I have experienced in SF. Imagine pirate flags, nets, a sea of people on two large dance floors, a leaf blower guy - wtf??...it was just really odd.
I spotted my friends on the upper dance floor and began my unwilling odyssey to get to them. I tiptoed my way around some folks and found a small opening near the edge of the stage to plot my next move. This was probably the best part of the night, seeing everyone dancing, having a good time, music blasting...then I heard her from behind me (she still haunts my nightmares) - THAT"S MY AREA!? WTF!.
This, lets not mince words here, fat chick starts yelling at me, she shoves a couple out of the way and gets up in my face. I politely point that I am on my way to my friends, but in her drunken stupor she couldn't understand me. She decides to push me hard....right off the effing stage.
I fell hard and ended up tumbling over a guy who was putting in work on a very cute girl. He was pissed but when I pointed to the glowing monstrosity on stage he understood and let me be.
Anyhow - if you've read this far you've probably realized I wont be back. -
Review from Sam S.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2011
What a crowded, loud, piece of shit. Not a single place to lounge.
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Review from Mariel F.
Alameda, CA
7/14/2011
I was always told that if I had nothing nice to say then I shouldn't say anything at all.
Therefore, I'm just not going to say anything about this place. -
Review from Mona W.
Casual and non-pretentious dance club with a pretty diverse crowd. There are no dress code and you can wear anything you want in there. Great for people who really just want to come and dance.
The club is small with a very simple layout - A decent size dance floor on the main floor and balcony upstairs. The dance floor could get rather crowded but ventilation is good and it didn't feel too stuffy unlike many other places.
Came here for BOOTIE and it was good. Still like it better at Mezzaine but this place will do. The neighborhood could be a bit sketchy. Not exactly the safest place to park on street. Do use the parking lot if you are worried. -
Review from Jim R.
San Diego, CA
11/30/2011
Very cool place. I like the way they post the archives on their site so you can go there and listen to the music again the next day. Some very interesting tech concepts in this club. I like the Death Guild night the best.
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Review from Kevin F.
Brooklyn, NY
6/28/2011
Love this place...
- Great layout - 2 floors/rooms with lots of balcony space to view the main floor
- Plenty of bar real estate - never have to wait long for a drink
- Friendly bouncers/bar staff
- Good parties: Bootie, Blow Up, Trannyshack
The only downside is the potential line wait to get in, but it's usually not too bad and they keep it moving. It also gets very crowded inside, but if you have the stamina they usually stay open til 3am which allows for plenty of post-crowd dancing later in the evening. -
Review from Amy J.
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've never been to a show here but this seems like a decent small club for a dance night, a band or even a gathering for friends.
Going here during the day seemed a bit odd, but it served its purpose as a the meeting point for the end of one of the weekend scooter rally points. The Mexican food upstairs is really good too.
The bartenders are friendly. I'll have to check out something else here some other time. -
Review from Liz C.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2011
I've been here for a Bootie SF night...fine event, crappy venue. I'll no longer go here due to the fact that my friend Chris got kicked out for having a service animal (see below). The attitude and comments made by management when they illegally and ill-advisedly kicked him and his pug out have ensured that I'll never go back. No dice. Only terrible people could allow this to go on at their establishment.
Shame, as they host a decent party...but the way they act is more shameful, sadly. -
Review from Annie C.
6/26/2011
Came here for a Bootie Event with my girls last night - SOOO much fun!!
I got a little skeptical after reading some or well, many of the 2 star reviews on here. Got to the place and I had actually been there before. Big dance area, center stage and two smaller platform stages to each side along with an upper level that traces around the perimeter of the place. The place wasn't too packed yet but the music was POPPIN! So good that I was down to dance once I got in there.
The place got packed pretty quick and our friend that was outside said the line was wrapping around the corner. Craziness! The music just continued to get better and better, all these bomb ass mash ups. Americano + BSB, say wha?? I was dancing on the side platforms... SOBER! I think that says enough about the place.
Super fun, stop by for a Bootie Event, I'll for sure be back.
Side notes: $8 Admission fee before 10, $15 after. No dress code, I'd recommend NOT busting out them freak'um heels that you'd usually wear with your freak'um dress. My feet were TIRED by the end of the night from all the dancing. -
Review from Yingjue C.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2011
Always pretty fun, the half off before 10 is great for cover, gives me time to get properly buzzed.
Bootie Mash-Up is always great, crowd is decent, and live bands. Always have a ton of fun, place is two levels and easy to lose friends in but time flies. -
Review from Michael R.
Walnut Creek, CA
11/10/2011
I have been going to the DNA lounge so long that it's changed ownership at least 3 times and in that time I've seen and heard all sorts of levels of quality -- from the staff to the layout to the sound system. It's pretty good if not generally great now.
The staff is just about as nice and as cool as you can get as long as you're not being a douche or jerk and causing problems. I've seen security handle overly drunk or obnoxious people extremely professionally and politely no matter how stupid some people get. They also look out for their patrons as well.
The layout is pretty good (great considering when I first set foot in there), but there are some "traffic flow" bottle necks on busier nights. I've talked with friends about what they could do to improve it and we know the current owner could if zoning permitted. It's just a matter of caring about the little things.
The sound system fluctuates between okay and great depending on the last time they replaced drivers and who the sound guy is that night.
It's not my favorite spot in the city to go see a show or have a night out dancing because of the layout and the crap shoot of a sound system, but all in all I like the place and the staff is what makes it shine oddly enough.
A few years back the ABC and other city cronies tried to shut down the venue claiming all sorts of "public safety" violations, which are bull. The ABC claimed underage drinking, and evne though I KNOW some of the security there and the guys at the door often greet me either by name or recognize me, if I don't bring my ID I can't get in on a 18+ or 21+ night! I've seen them swoop down on someone trying to get away with drinking when they're not supposed to be. One security person telling me, "I love catching them!" So, their heads are in the right space.
Recently, the owner bought the pizza place next door which has improved eats available on non-standard nights.
Drinks? getting more expensive (~$5-6 beer/~$8 for mixed/~$10+ for top shelf), but it's like that at every night club.
Dance floor: good condition with good amount of room.
Bartenders: a few awesome ones. Kit (?) and Ron rock: they're very friendly and will chat intelligently with people if there's not people waiting on drinks. -
Review from David H.
8/2/2011
I came here for Blow Up, and it was fun as fuck. They played some electro all night, and even threw in some dubstep! The upstairs stage is pretty cute too for when the headliners are throwing down some off-songs.
The crowd that comes here is pretty Asian, but I guess that's assumed in SOMA. -
Review from Mindy S.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2011
One of the bouncers here deserves a timeout and a spanking from his mom or sister.
I'm a tough girl, but when a guy at this club wouldn't leave my group alone, I went to get some help.....otherwise I was going to handle the situation and I wasn't looking forward to getting a tour of SF correctional facilities.
The bouncer's reaction when I told him that a guy was harassing and intimidating our group (by pointing out the guy who was an inch from my girlfriend)? "What's he doing wrong?" "Hitting on girls isn't illegal" Maybe not, but the guy in question was a total creep and uncomfortable weirdo who totally got off on doing this.
Don't waste your time here, they're obviously not looking out for any patron. -
Review from Casey S.
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a club kind of guy, but I approve of DNA Lounge.
Perhaps it's the clientele, or the vibe, or the more random acts (New Wave, 8BitSF), but something about this place is making me give this scene a second shot.
I'm still not paying $4 for a Pabst though. -
Review from Stefani W.
Livermore, CA
3/27/2011
The bouncers here are AWFUL! I've been here a few times and had a terrible experience while celebrating my sister's birthday.
In the past I had raved about this place and this time I brought a BIG group of people. I paid $8 in cover and so did the 10-12 others who were with me. After being in the club for about 45 min and spending about $30 at the bar my girlfriends and I went to the ladies room. When we walked out the bouncers asked us to leave because we had been accused of having a flask. We definitely did NOT have a flask and even offered to let them check our bags. They were incredibly rude and had absolutely NO logical reason for kicking us out.
Besides the bouncers I thought this place was alright. However, I definitely would NOT return and do not think the place is worth dealing with unintelligent and disrespectful men who get their power fix by pushing around girls. -
Review from Layla A.
4/28/2011
the most fun i've ever had in a club in SF!!! such a huge mix of people, music, hella different rooms and strong drinks. i'm obsessed with hello kitty, and the bartender upstairs makes a cocktail called "the hello kitty" cocktail, complete with lemon ears on the side of the cup, and cherry eyes. LOVE!
you know it's a great night when a tranny with a british accent asks you where you got your stilettos. love this place! -
Review from Annie T.
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have a lot of fun here every single time I come. People seem to get here really early - is it perhaps the result of their pricing strategy of half off instead of free before 10 or 11?
Drinks are a heavy pour and the music is great. Also, they book really amazing dj's.
