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Ruby Skye

3 star rating
based on 636 reviews

Category: Dance Clubs  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Civic Center/Tenderloin, Nob Hill, Union Square
420 Mason St
(between Derby St & Geary St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 693-0777
Hours:

Thu-Sat. 9:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$$$
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
DJ, Live
Best Nights:
Thu, Fri, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Yes
Coat Check:
Yes

636 reviews for Ruby Skye

Review Highlights   

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"The music of course is awesome with excellent sound system." (in 94 reviews)
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"Word Class DJs, Great Ambiance, Amazing Interior Design/Architect." (in 92 reviews)
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"I've seen Darude, Benny Benassi, and Armin Van Buuren there." (in 14 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Brent W.

 

9

11

Brent W.

San Rafael, CA

4 star rating
11/22/2009

Love this place get headlines Great sound!

Pros- in and out and no dress code Trance and House music!

cons- needs general seating area. Drinks are decent.

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Photo of phil h.

Elite '09

697

829

phil h.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
11/15/2009

Based on the large number of ugly people making out on the dance floor at Ruby Skye on Friday night, the ecstasy industry is alive and well.

My friends warned me that the crowd is pretty horrible (they used the terms "douchey" and "B&T sausagefest" and other terms containing the words "douche" and "B&T" and "sausagefest" but I digress) and while I dismissed all the advice, saying that I was there to hear one of my favorite DJ's spin (ironically enough, BT) I just couldn't get past the fact that the crowd was a B&T douchebag sausagefest. Oh yeah, and a weak ass Jack & Coke was $10. No bueno.

Two stars for the awesome sound system and the relatively friendly staff but unless the Smiths get back together and decide to play Ruby Skye, I doubt I'd ever return.

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Photo of raquel t.

 

7

27

raquel t.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
11/19/2009

3.5 stars.

Ruby is one of the bigger dance clubs in the city. They have an upstairs where you could scope out the crowd below. I've been here a handful of times and have a good time. The music is good and always have good dj's. I've seen Darude, Benny Benassi, and Armin Van Buuren there. Enough said.

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Photo of Jon D.

 

0

19

Jon D.

Davis, CA

4 star rating
11/23/2009

They do a lot of things right here. I've read a lot of the reviews and it seems that peoples beefs are random or lacking substance or just plain nitpicky.

If you want some good Trance, Dance and House music you shouldn't be disappointed with this place.
Most nights you have to pay a 20.00 cover to get in, but they do have cheaper and free nights and you can usually pay for events online at a discount. Most people don't bother to look at their website for these pre-paid options. Sometimes you have to get in prior to 11 to take advantage of that.
The sound system is amazing and they have a good setup for dancers and light shows.
I've been here several times and haven't been disappointed.
My bar service has almost always been quick and the great thing was that the bartender would always close out my tab right after, which is what you want in a loud place, trust me! That way you don't have to go back and shout and scream telling them who you are, waiting for them to find your card and then finally getting your bill.

My only knocks (and this may not be a knock to some) would be that there is almost no seating anywhere in the club and they do not allow in-and-out ability. So you are basically forced to stand the entire night with almost no breaks.
A minor knock (but one I didn't de-star with) is an apparent lack of dress-code. I wasn't expecting to see people with sneakers, but then, if you are going to dance around and what not all night what the hell else are you going to wear comfortably? So maybe that isn't a big deal.
Another ire, and not one with the club itself, is the almost-always infestation of sidewalk freaks and bums that scatter the area on busy nights. My suggestion is to not wonder around, act like you know what y ou are doing and where you are going and get inside! Don't loiter around.

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Photo of Jen B.

 

5

39

Jen B.

San Jose, CA

1 star rating
11/16/2009

I have heard great things about this place and was really excited to go but ended up being really disappointed!  When arriving and after paying a $20.00 cover we walk up to the bar downstairs and notice that apparently, its 18+ night because they are serving juice and redbull. Ok, on a serious note not everyone that goes here is a local. I'm not a local and I had no clue it was an 18+night. One, I don't party with 18 year olds, Two, a $20.00 cover to be forced to drink upstairs where you can hear the music but its totally dead up there, Three, get  bartenders that aren't so full of themselves and aren't so rude. That guy was a serious douche bag. We left 10 minutes after being there.

Needless to say I hated this place. I won't ever go back.

I

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Photo of Sarah L.

 

3

36

Sarah L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/21/2009

I have been to Ruby Skye a lot since 2004. The amount of money i have spent here can probably run a small town in Ghana. It's worth it because Ruby Skye helps me stay in shape by playing the best music in San Francisco. "Dance4Life" people! (i had to put it in, if it's good enough for Kofi Annan, it's good enough for me.)

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Photo of olivia s.

 

19

8

olivia s.

Sunnyvale, CA

4 star rating
11/21/2009

Okay, so first of all, Annie A. (previous review) is my partner and we went together to see KASKADE.  Just so you know, in case our points of analysis are similar.

I just want to say, before you complain about a venue, DO YOUR RESEARCH.

I looked on here to do my research, and I knew before going to Ruby Skye that people are dressed fancy and the people can be douchebags and a-holes.  So, when I got there and the douchebags and drunkards were dancing on the floor spilling their drinks on me and bumping into me, I knew that would happen.  I didn't let it ruin my night, I stood my ground and pushed back.  Reminded me of a mosh pit full of well dressed people...not as violent, of course.  

I knew that the entrance fee would be expensive because I went specifically for KASKADE.  I don't know about other nights, but if you want to know, CHECK THE EVENT CALENDAR. You'll find out if it's an 18+ night, you'll know what type of music is being played, etc.  And from looking at the EVENT CALENDAR, you just gotta know it's an electronica club.  I'm sure there are other genres of music to dance to at Ruby Skye, but you gotta research.  You can't complain if you don't research.

Also, remember that sometimes it's expensive because there are WORLD CLASS DJs who play there.

I knew this was a fancy club with expensive drinks, so, I was prepared to pay.  I got a highly alcoholic zombie for 10 dollars and my partner got a dirty martini in a cocktail glass for 11 dollars.  Not actually too bad, given the alcohol content.  The upstairs bar poured heavy in the beginning of the night, so I was good to go.  This was the first time I went to a fancy night club to see electronica music (I usually am in a warehouse, in a less fancy venue, or in the desert), and frankly, I still don't understand why you would wear stillettos to a dance club.  I'm there to dance, but I understand people want to look good,  so whatever makes them happy, good for them.

That being said, I had a good time.  Even though douchebags and drunkards were everywhere and I felt like I wanted to punch, elbow, and knee people in the head and other places at times, the goods outweighed the bad.  KASKADE was AMAZING!!!  The sound system is AMAZING and the lighting trusses are sweet too (I did technical theatre so that's me nerding out).  If you're going to be dancing on the battlefield that is the lower level dance floor, I suggest ear plugs because it gets loud.

I am coming to an abrupt end of this review, because I don't really have anymore to say.  So, a summary:

1.) Do your research before going to the club on a given night
2.) Be prepared for douchebags and drunkards
3.) Be prepared to dress fancy-ish and pay a premium for drinks
4.) Don't complain if you don't do your research before going

I'll be going back there in December to see Fedde Le Grande.  This time I'll bring my earplugs.

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Photo of Annie A.

 

0

3

Annie A.

Sunnyvale, CA

4 star rating
11/21/2009

This was the first time I went to a club instead of a rave to go hear my electronica (Nov. 20th's Kaskade set) and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. I'd read the reviews about people who had a horrific time and I'd just like to clarify that this club is probably best for special event nights, it just seems far too fancy/pricey (unless you have a trust fund) for weekly clubbing.

We got in at 9pm because that was the opening event time, and we were pretty much alone in the club except for the barbacks and sound/lighting guys doing setup. Bouncer was polite and didn't even search us, but none of us were stupid enough to carry in backpacks or large purses. Didn't have an issue with the dress code or lack thereof (I was dressed in black cargo slacks, black police boots and a button down, my partner and her friend were in low cut tops, tight pants and a skirt, respectively). Oh yes, there is a private parking lot open all night literally across the street, they had a special flat rate fee of $15 for the night, which was a steal since I had two others in the car and I'm used to paying $20 for parking at concert venues, they even had in/out privileges so we could stash our bags after getting coffee at the diner on the corner before going into the club, also eliminated the need for coatcheck, which probably would have been $15 for three of us anyway.

When you go get a cocktail, don't get it from the bar downstairs halfway through the headliner's set when it's busiest, of Course you're going to get a small glass without much booze or personal attention, these bartenders are multitasking with 4-7 other people. We got our first round of drinks from the upstairs bar at around 930/10 from Finley, who poured me the damned largest martini I have ever consumed for $11, and not well vodka either, I got Ketel One, mustof been 8oz of vodka in that cocktail. My partner got a Red Zombie that was equally stiff and tasty and her friend got herself a strong Dirty Shirley, so not only was he a generous pourer, but he was knowledgeable t'boot and even demonstrated a bit of flair with his bottle work. But we went back later to the same bar and tender when it was busier and the cocktails definitely came in smaller glasses, so get your buzz going early.

For those reviewers who didn't like the venue's music choice, THIS IS AN ELECTRONICA CLUB SO IF YOU DON'T LIKE ELECTRONICA, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. I for one was relieved to not have to watch people grind up against one another to hip hop house remixes or reggaeton. I've been looking for a great trance/house club for awhile and this is definitely the best (and costs about as much). Their in house DJ (little Taiwanese or Filipino guy, couldn't tell) played until midnight when Kaskade came on, and his set was almost as good as the headliner's, I definitely danced for about six hours last night with no other intoxicants other than alcohol. Oh, I almost forgot their lighting and sound systems. Full moving light setup and (I think award winning) sound setup that made every hair on my head vibrate with the bass. Very Nice.

Wait for the women's bathroom was not unreasonable (at least for the upstairs one) max of ten minutes rather than 30, even at max capacity.

Still don't know how I feel about the crowd. A lot of gay men, since it Was Kaskade and we Were in the City. For some reason everyone last night seemed to be about six feet tall, which was okay until they started getting Really drunk and falling on me (5'4") and my partner (5'1"). I had a scary moment where the gay guys dancing next to us started pawing at each others' belts and I thought they were gonna blow each other on the dance floor, but other than that it was pretty tame, as I'm used to being surrounded by teenagers on E mostly naked and trying to eat each one anothers' faces. There were a few ravers last night, a little smattering of LED based toys and glow sticks, but to be honest, if I didn't know what I was looking for it would have looked like a normal club.

In regards to scary predatory men, we went with a pseudo poly married friend (very visibly wearing her ring) who picked up a burly male dance partner halfway through the night, he was chatty, sorta polite (helped me when one of the 6' drunkards fell on me), definitely made out with her pretty heavily, and didn't do anything stupid like demand to come home with us or kidnap her when it was time to go. I guess if you go alone or something male predators might be a problem, but I didn't encounter it last night, and their 7' security guard was always pretty visible if you needed help, and that guy is HUGE.

All in all, a good night, I already have tickets for my next event/concert in December

In essence, huge name DJs mean huge drink prices, so buy your tickets early online, because most of the negative reviews were people who didn't know what they were getting in

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Photo of Jason B.

Elite '09

90

1215

Jason B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 11/3/2009

Armin Van Buuren. Tiesto. Deadmau5. Ferry Corsten. Markus Schulz. Gareth Emery. Sander Van Doorn.

What do these DJs have in common? They all were voted in DJ Mag's Top 10 for 2009. And they all have graced the Ruby Skye decks at least once during the past year.

The past few weeks have been simply epic. Gareth set the dance floor on fire with Metropolis. Markus took us past 4am with a soaring set. Ferry brought the house down with a stirring and euphoric celebration of music. And Armin, named #1 for the third year in a row, was simply outstanding last night. I don't think I've ever seen a crowd so ravenous and explosive with each and every beat. Armin fed off that energy, delivering anthem after anthem until the early morning hours.

Is Ruby perfect? Not quite. You get plenty of characters, people can be a little pushy, and the dance floor is quickly at capacity.

But I'll take it. Between the talent (incredible), staff (very friendly) and audio + visual (outstanding), I'm continually reminded of just how good we have it. Never was that more clear than early this morning, Armin with his hands up, crowd doing the same, all of us together on a fantastic audible journey with the world's #1 DJ in the world's #1 city.

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10 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    7/19/2009

    Markus Schulz last night was quintessential Ruby Skye:

    12:00am - 1:59am: Packed. Lots of pushy… Read more »

Photo of K D.

 

151

391

K D.

Orange County, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 10/29/2009

Apparently, it's 18+ on a Thursday.  We came here to check out Dave Dresden.  There was a comp list for 21+ list but we found out they didn't allow people to smoke when it's 18+ over.  No smoking  means no in-n-outs.  

So yeah, apparently they're way of thinking is that if you allow in-n-outs, under 21 year olds will go drink in the car?

The last thing Ruby needs to worry about is kids DRINKING.. I mean, come on..we're in the bay..home of E-40.. "thizz face..thizz face! put your stunna shades on!"

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    7/7/2009

    Came back here for Sander K this past weekend and I will say, I love the place!

    Only downside was… Read more »

Photo of Alys D.

Elite '09

32

133

Alys D.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 11/15/2009

From previous review: "...I'll probably never go back to Ruby Skye unless they have a big name headlining."

Well, this is exactly what happened, and suffice it to say that my experience was not as horrendous as with my previous visit. I'll give it to Ruby Skye for keeping up a swank vibe, for simply having a gorgeous space, and for bringing in some of the top DJs around--like BT, whose wonderful set prompted this review, and Kaskade, whom I hope to catch next weekend. They'll get you dancing with their good sound, seduce you with that one dancer with the glow-in-the-dark hula hoop, and make you smile while they shower you with confetti at the height of a song. So fleetingly happy that you'll momentarily forget that the bouncer was a dick, that they for some reason won't check purses in coat check, the redic drink prices, and the fact that they got rid of the chill smoking lounge. My main issue previously was not as much with the club, but more with the predatory sleazeball men there. They seemed to once again be in full attack mode, but this time I had the pleasure of flouncing by and stepping on their toes while finding my boyfriend, a.k.a. guardian against douchebags.

I still think it's silly that this is the prime destination for out-of-town visitors, but now I'll consider myself more Ruby Skye-neutral rather than completely anti. As long as they know what they're getting into.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    1/16/2009

    Title:
    "Night at the Roxbury: Self-Esteem Boost, or Just Depressing?"

    Some friends from out of town… Read more »

Photo of Christina C.

Elite '09

175

236

Christina C.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 10/20/2009 1 photo

The upstairs room is open again!

The upstairs room is really nice and has been open for about a month after being remodeled- it used to be a smoking room with windows. Now, it is windowless but has drapes, new speakers, a bangin' large sub-woofer, couches all around the room, and a top-shelf bar. FYI, the Asian bartender up there pours really, really stiff drinks so tip her well.

So far, the events in the upstairs room has been completely separate from the rest of Ruby Skye- meaning different guestlist and entry price.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/15/2009

    untz untz untz untz *riiiiiiffff* untz untz untz untz

    Ruby Skye is a decent sized venue with 2… Read more »

Photo of Samantha R.

 

35

47

Samantha R.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
10/26/2009

NOT a fan! This place is for the outdated raver. The hip hop room is cool cause you can smoke in it.. well if you are a smoker.. other than that.. the music is techno, the venue is huge and the wait is long. Oh did i mention the $20 cover..

Have fun! You wont find me there. Haha

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Photo of Jon F.

Elite '09

25

58

Jon F.

Palo Alto, CA

1 star rating
10/24/2009

1015 and Ruby Skye have a near lock on the top DJs visiting SF -- and they all do. (The late AM, perhaps the best party DJ of his time, did 330 Ritch.) That alone would typically be worth 3 stars.

But, be vigilant! Ruby Skye seems to play its own special version of credit card roulette. Give them your card at the beginning of the night, they'll give you someone else's at the end of the night.

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Photo of Tiffany W.

Elite '09

279

543

Tiffany W.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
10/8/2009

Seeing a lot of mixed reviews, I feel like you gotta be a true fan of trance/house/electro/etc to love Ruby Skye. First off, as a club itself, I would give them 3 stars. Yeah, the security can be kinda shitty sometimes, and the drinks are really pricey. However, the old theater decor and upstairs balcony is unique, and I love being able to migrate up and down the stairs so that I can chill up above, and dance down below.

Anyhow, like I said before, I feel as if you gotta be a true fan of the main type of music that Ruby Skye caters to love it here. I've never been here on a regular night or anything, only to see DJ's that I wanna hear spin. So I can't comment on the nights that they don't have a good DJ here.

Ruby Skye is doing something right, because they bring in the best lineup of DJ's here. You're almost guaranteed to have an awesome DJ here at least once a month. There are also other trance clubs in SF such as 1015, but there's more talent that comes to Ruby Skye. Being a trance addict, I find myself at Ruby Skye quite often. I feel like we are actually very lucky to have the amount of DJs that come and spin at Ruby Skye, SF. We are definitely privileged compared to most places in the country. Just like Christina G. says, unless I'm in Ibiza, Ruby Skye is one of the few places near home I can see all my favorite DJ's. These two months alone, Oct '09-Nov '09, just shows how amazing the lineups can be.

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Photo of Miss D.

 

5

6

Miss D.

Novato, CA

4 star rating
10/19/2009

Ruby Skye is a great club, they always have amazing DJ's.  BUT.... the price to get into this place keeps CLIMBING.  It's so expensive.

The drinks are overpriced but then again, when are they not, right?
The crowd seems pretty versatile, upscale attire is a necessity.  

If you are visiting the area or a club regular, you can't go wrong with Ruby Skye.

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Photo of David C.

 

20

4

David C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/9/2009

The best DJ's on the planet every weekend on top of the most beautiful venue in San Francisco...I love Ruby Skye!

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Photo of Smitcha B.

 

61

243

Smitcha B.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
10/13/2009

$20 cover, dress to impress, mixed older crowd, and house/trance music (even though I prefer hip hop). Drinks are about $9 a hit. This venue reminds me of Mansion in South Beach, Miami, Florida. It has a theatre feel to it. Upstairs is like the balcony area which overlooks the main dancefloor and stage where the dj is set up. Downstairs is where all the action is going on.

Lots of random types of people in this crowd and lots of substance abuse. Good thing they had good ol' Johnnie Walker because he's my savior. There's really not much else to say about this place. It was an mediocre venue and experience. From what I can remember, the female bartender upstairs was friendly.

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Photo of Jack L.

 

4

13

Jack L.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
10/26/2009

Only been here three times, twice for TORQ and once for thrillseekers. The venue has a nice feel to it, but sometimes it lacks lighting. First time I went was for Gareth Emerym this previous summer. The lighting was below par, the back screen was barley light and sometimes went out. The other two time I went, I had a lot of fun.

-The vibe was nice
-Drinks were a bit overpriced
-Mixed variety of people
-Bouncers weren't nice
-Price was a bit high, if your not on the guestlist

Overall I had great times at ruby skye and hoping to go to more events in the future.

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Photo of zu w.

 

7

70

zu w.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
9/20/2009

I came here for my birthday. I spent $450 for a vip booth.  AND I AM NEVER COMING BACK!

-The $450 included 10 entry, 1 dinky bottle, and a $40 tip for our server.

-So I was supposed to get 1 bottle of champagne comped and I ordered another bottle for $50 bucks.

-The waitress pretty much that's all she had to "SERVE" us.  She straight up got fussy because she said we didn't tip her all night....

-first of all, wasn't there a $40 tip included in that price?  Secondly we weren't really leaving yet...and I just can't believe the lack of service quality for the "SUPPOSED CLASSINESS" that this place really doesn't have.  Have you ever been to a nice restaurant where you're half way through your meal and the server brings you a check? You'd be f*cking pissed if that happened!!!

-We ended up getting kicked out and the owner is the rudest M*ther F*cker I've ever met.  He just said " I WANT MY MONEY, I DON"T CARE WHO IS PAYING IT, BUT SOMEONE NEEDS TO PAY ME!" (direct quote).

Who the HELL SAYS THAT SHIT TO YOUR PAYING CUSTOMERS?!  Is he some kind of mobster? does he think he's tony soprano? I think so...Maybe even more gangster. Like Don Corleone himself was demanding for his money.  WOW.....I really don't mind paying for it, but I'm appalled at how rude he was.  He was UNREASONABLE, and just plain rude.  I would never come back because I refuse to put money into the pockets of someone like that.  

And really even if it didn't happen, this place really isn't worth the $20 cover charge.  Only go if all the dance clubs in the city suddenly closed down and you really need to dance your ass off.  Or the owner and the service staff learn some manners and actually live up to the kind of customer service that a club like this should have.

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Photo of Hauwei L.

 

17

27

Hauwei L.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
9/29/2009

Went here on a Saturday and heard they were charging something ridiculous like $50 cover that night because will.i.am was spinning. I had a stamp on my wrist from Slide next door (free cover) and found that the two stamps actually look quite similar. We flashed our Slide stamps at the bouncer and we were in.

The place is huge with a large stage and a sizable balcony area overlooking the main dance floor. I had a good time (will.i.am did a good job that night), but I would say the vibe there makes it a place that's good to go with a group of friends, rather than a place to make new friends.

They are supposed to have some good acts bc it's one of the largest venues in SF. I definitely wouldn't go for $50, but $20 or free? Probably worth checking out...

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Photo of Peter L.

Elite '09

266

274

Peter L.

Daly City, CA

4 star rating
9/24/2009 3 photos

A favorite place to go clubbing to Eurotrance, house and high-bpm music. For its layout, what with a large balcony and overhang, the sound sound system is really good. There's a large stage for performances, be it famous acts or amazing contortionist performers. There's large bars on both sides of the dance floor so a drink is never far away.

Usually, it's a Gen-X and surburban crowd. Most of the time, there are the foreign tourist crowd (my guess is those who are used to this type of clubbing atmosphere back home). However, the middle-aged clubbers - while normal overseas - are kind of a buzz kill here. But overall, this club's decor and layout reminds me of the Asia clubbing scene, hence the rating.

Parking is tough for the area given its proximity to the touristy spots around Union Square. The nearby Mason/O'Farrell garage (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) is a pretty safe bet if don't want to look.

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Photo of Christina G.

Elite '09

83

121

Christina G.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
9/13/2009 5 photos

Alright, two truths and a lie about Ruby Skye... see if you can spot the faker...

A.  I've never been DD to Ruby Skye  
B.  I met my husband at Ruby Skye
C.  I once saw someone steal a tube of caulk out of the janitorial closet in the women's bathroom

If you picked "A," you are correct.  I actually prefer to maintain sobriety to, from, and in this place because there is a lot of shady stuff going on.  Also, the security people kind of give me the creeps- and some of them have anger-management issues.

Still... this is one of the few places in SF that features all the big house names.  I will continue to go here because how else am I going to see Carl Cox, John Digweed, or Steve Lawler unless I travel to Ibiza? :)

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Photo of Mikael J.

 

9

11

Mikael J.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
11/2/2009

Love the decor personally, the sound system is good and how can I hate on a club that books Dave Dresden who is 1/2 of my band (Dresden and Johnston) 4 times a year, and always to a packed house! Seriously though, this is one of the only places to go in SF and see the big name DJs and producers in the dance music genre. It's also in a decent neighborhood that has plenty of late night food options, hotels and decent parking within a block or two of the club. The only downside is the drinks are a bit pricey, but I guess they have to make their money somehow.

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Photo of Georgia W.

 

3

16

Georgia W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/27/2009

probably most of these stars come from the fact that i went there last night and saw mos def and rakim, mos being one of my favorite artists. i'm actually surprised it wasn't a bit more crowded and that the tickets weren't more expensive. drinks weren't exactly cheap but i was enjoying the show too much to care.

pretty cool venue actually, like the decoration of the place. i'd definitely go back if someone as ill as mos was coming...

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Photo of Em A.

 

1

8

Em A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/14/2009

Ahh Ruby Skye, how you bring up some fond memories! I have not been to Ruby Skye in over 2 years, but the time I went was an eventful night!
*A beautiful girl came up to me and we danced the NIGHT away
*We have been friends ever since that night
*Great Trance music
* Expensive-but good cocktails
* Cover charge
* Some nights are bridge and tunnel nights (so I think I was just lucky that evening!)

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0

8

andrea k.

Sacramento, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 9/24/2009

Okay, I just went back to Ruby Skye last weekend (on a Friday night to be precise).  My feelings about the place were pretty much the same.
 
- The cover charge was steep ($20), especially in this damn economy.
- Drinks are pretty expensive (two drinks cost $20).
- The sound system is dope!  But the music was VERY repetitive.
- There's NOWHERE to sit!  I really wish there were places to park my ass.  There's nothing worse than standing in heels for hours on end and then trying to dance on top of that.  The only seating available was for VIP's which is kind of silly.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    9/17/2009

    - Beautiful building and decor
    - Talented go-go dancers
    - Really great music & DJ's
    - Strong… Read more »

Photo of Merri L.

 

163

726

Merri L.

Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 11/16/2009

Ive been to ruby skye once in a while on sundays (used 2 be a regular but stopped) but went on a Saturday night for the first time this past Saturday. Cover was $20 but you could easily get free guestlist before midnight.  This is a good deal, even for $20 because the club is open till 4am and has great, highly respected djs.  I had no trouble getting to the front of the line before midnite, it was super short. The doorguy was surprisingly gracious and nice. He at first said I didn't have a plus one, but when I showed him an email saying I did, he quickly let me bring one. AND my friend's plus one was late, but he let her come in anyway! I'd heard dress on a Saturday night was strict, but it was not. They enforced no hats, but other than that I saw everything from shoes to sneakers, dress pants to jeans, dress shirts to t shirts, and dresses or not dresses. My friend said she saw someone there once with a fanny pack. Also, t shirt and sneakers can be way cuter than a badly put together outfit made up of other things. Some people really can't dress. But whatever, just don't worry that you cant get in is all I'm saying. Lots of drunk, pushy, falling down girls in the club, perhaps too many, but what can you do? Awesome music by dirty south! A guy danced with fire on the stage.. A weird guy but theres ALWAYS a weird guy at any club. Bathrooms were clean this time, and floors fairly clean as well. Good soundsystem, cool costumes on the go go dancers. Couldn't find fault with anything.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    9/4/2007

    UPDATE 9/4/07:
    I've gone to ruby skye almost every month for fresh...  ive never gone on a regular… Read more »

Photo of Ray n.

 

13

17

Ray n.

San Mateo, CA

2 star rating
9/8/2009

- Huge venue
- Great light & sound system

- 75% Bridge & tunnel crowd.
- Expensive drinks.
- Rude staff (door & bar).
- Same music genre played here for decades.

This place was "cool" when it first opened, it's more of a tourist destination now. Try 330Ritch or Fluid if you're looking for something with a more local scene.

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41

14

Lynette M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/27/2009

DJ performance itself was pretty great.The atmosphere is alright.  drinks are a little overpriced .Any way I feel like the current Ruby Skye is no longer the Ruby Skye that I use to love years ago! Do u think I am getting old?;-)

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12

96

Courtney Y.

Concord, CA

3 star rating
9/17/2009

This place is kind of cool on the inside. The night I went they had performances that were similar to Cirque Du Soleil which I love.
      However, I am not much of a club person. I hate crowds and creepy men. So this is a place that would feel safer to me to go with a guy.
    I went with a group of my girlfriends. I doubt I would go back again.

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1

49

teo t.

Daly City, CA

3 star rating
9/14/2009

I first came here for KMEL House of Soul to see my ex flame, Ashanti, along with some other random KMEL artists.  I really enjoyed the layout for concerts!  When I felt like not looking like a loser who went alone to the show, it was easy to hide kinda near the bathrooms but not really, so it looked like I was waiting for a friend in there, while still in sight of the stage.  (People probably pitied me!)  On a side note, I was only 20 and a "New York resident" at the time...shh.  It's OK, I didn't even drink that night.  I really came for the music!

Second time I came for Torq.  No, Trevor, no!  Trevor Simpson let me down big time that night.  I almost didn't forgive him for playing the most uneventful electronic music ever (to the point where I got so tired of it that I just gradually slowed down dancing with friend 'til we were bumping and grinding instead of actually dancing).  But all my love for Mr. Simpson was restored next time I heard one of his mixshows on 92.7 (R.I.P.) later that week.  Why couldn't he be as good live on the turntables?

And something was up with those tequila shots.  3 (pricey!) shots went down like water, and I still couldn't get myself into the zone to dance to that borefest a.k.a. Simpson's Torq playlist.  Either their shots are weak, or I was in a bad state in my life at the time!

But who knows, I only went to the Torq debut at Ruby Skye.  Maybe it's better now.  I don't know, I won't be back to find out.  But maybe another night!

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161

165

Lubs Y.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 8/16/2009

There are a ton of frisky tourists here looking to get laid (mostly Italians).

I ain't complaining.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    8/28/2007

    I had an interesting time at Ruby Skye. Not sure if I'd pay $20 to come here again though.  The… Read more »

Photo of Hex I.

 

5

169

Hex I.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/27/2009

Rakim & Mos Def absolutely KILLED it here! $10 for both was a great deal, the venue has a very unique atmosphere (I just wish they killed the lights a bit). Overall a very pleasurable experience (unlike all the hype heard othewise). Hip-Hop shows here a different than raves i guess. Haha.

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0

74

Gen M.

Lafayette, CA

3 star rating
10/30/2009

This place is rocking when I see an Act that I really want to see! Otherwise it's a meat market for weirdos/druggies. The sound system is really loud & that could be good if you like what's coming out of them. It is probably a little nicer then any other SF clubbing establishment.

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16

9

Alma C.

Redwood City, CA

4 star rating
8/30/2009

This is by far the best club I've been to in San Francisco.  It is housed in what was originally an old theater. They used to play Hitchcock movies there!!! On some nights they have trapezist performing while you dance the night away.

They play some of the best techno beats and bring some of the best DJs in like...Tiesto, Kaskade and Darude.

They have 3 bars. 2 on the first floor and a small one on the second floor.

Cover is $20 but free if on the guest list....worth checking out.

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14

41

Jackie D.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
8/17/2009

I'm glad I went because now I know unequivocally that I don't want to go back.  Unless Benny Benassi decides to return.

The guy to girl ratio in the club, first of all, was 85:1 I swear to god.  If you love getting groped from all angles, this is the place for you.  Second of all, although the decor is very striking, I wouldn't say it was worth the cost of admission.  The VIP was nothing but a roped off balcony with two apparently underaged boys in it, trying to woo older women, and in the bathroom there was a girl who had sliced her foot open on a broken glass on the dance floor.  I had heard mixed reviews of Ruby Skye, ranging from the underwhelmed to the awed.  I would say I fall soundly on the underwhelmed side of the spectrum.

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Photo of chris c.

Elite '09

76

227

chris c.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
7/20/2009

This is where are all the candy kids go when they grow up to be yuppies. Still in it for the music, but just got older. They trade in their neon t-shirts for striped  button up ones. Rainbow leggings are replaced  by tight skirts.

The music is still good though. Go if you like that kinda music. There is no pop, rock, hip hop anywhere in sight. If you want to dance, you go here. However sometimes people forget about that, too many people standing around on the dance floor with their drinks in there hand, trying to hold a conversation. We just bump into them continuously until they finish it and start to dance :) I did have this one girl step on me like a million times. Good thing she was small and wearing those ballerina flats instead of heals.

To the first bartender who hooked us up thank you. Its been a while since I got served a shot in a martini glass. Its been even longer since I had to take 2 sips from the glass to finish it. Too bad their mixed drinks are shorts and are still 9-10 bucks. Oh its reasonable since I got the sting from paying $20 bucks each for cover. My gf was freezing and didn't want to wait in line for the guestlist. Straight through gen admin line with no hassle.

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Elite '09

130

460

Ed L.

Foster City, CA

3 star rating
7/19/2009

I think 364/365 days in the year, I would have absolutely 0 interest in hitting up Ruby Skye because:

1. they charge outrageous covers (like they got strippers inside?)
2. 3 hours of house music makes me more disoriented than a bottle of vodka
3. Slide (right next door) is free, legit, and totally awesome

But for the 1 single day, the White Party lives. I don't mean all white people party even though that might be true most of the time, but where everyone is dressed in white. It's a must-go party, one of the best ones I have been to where everyone is just amped up and raging to the max. The place is like an auditorium / theater-like, so you can be on stage and see the huge sea of glow from the black light on white. Hard to put into words but its wildout.

Then there's nothing to look forward to at Ruby for another year...

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2

4

Zee L.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
9/21/2009

Before i came to this club, all i kept hearing about it was that it was the classiest, most pretigious club in SF. Now i know that SF doesn't have THE best club scene in the world, but this club doesn't fall in the classy SF category. I have been there 2 times, and my second time there only confirmed my earlier suspicions.

The first time, i came with a well known DJ, so our treatment was exceptional. We came after 2 am, and danced a bit... but i just wasn't impressed. The one star is for the sound system, because my body was pounding from it - but honestly, i've heard better. The atmopsphere was bland. I almost wanna say that it feels quiet there (despite the music...) There isn't much socializing there.. just awkward bystanders and swaying dancers. But since it was late that night, i decided i would come back for an earlier night and maybe change my opinion on it.

Last friday, it was my best friends birthday, and his uncle got him a suite in Ruby skye. I saw a quick flash of the paperwork, and it looked like it was over $400 for the room, bottle, and service. When we got there we were escorted into a room overlooking the club, which we thought was great! Nothing was said to us about any kind of rules or regulations. After drinking about half of the Grey Goose bottle that came with the service, we all went out to dance, smoke, bathroom, etc. About 45 minutes later (at 1:40am) we came back to the suite to find that the table had been cleared! No waitress, or anyone around either. The birthday boy had to walk around looking for a security guard to ask for our waitress. When she came, she told us that last call was at 1:30am and since we werent in the suite, they couldn't let us know that they were taking away the alcohol. My confusion lies in the "last call" phrase, because as far as i know, that means that it is the last chance to BUY a drink - Not the time they TAKE AWAY your drink. Legally, i am allowed to have my drink in my hand til 2:00am. I would, however, understand them taking away alcohol at 1:30 if they closed at 2am, but they dont - they are open till 4 am!!! She also told us that next time we come to Ruby Skye, we can buy another table, and they will bring us the half of a bottle that we didn't finish. OH THANKYOU SWEETHEART, the next thing i wanna do is COME BACK HERE and pay for the thing that i already bought - AGAIN!

So, us not wanting to stress the waitress out too much, we said that we understood that it was out of her hands, so we would just like to speak to a manager instead, which she said she would get. Sober from the commotion, our moods ruined, we were stuck in the room, watching the umpa-lumpa go-go swayers (im sorry, i just can't give then enough credit to call them dancers). 20 minutes later (and of course, after 2 am) there was no one in our room. Again, we had to go outside, get another security guard to deal with it. A female security came into our room and was extremely rude to us. She said it wasn't "their problem" that we weren't in the room for last call, and it wasn't "their responsibility" to find us. I didn't realize that reserving a suite at a club means you are bound to it for the whole night.. I thought i was at a club..  She then started sayin some shit about the CA state law, which we had to remind her was at 2am, not 1:30.

the conclusion wasn't conclusive. The manager ended up tellin us that he can't reimberse us for the bottle, can't give it to us, can't give us a discount. He gave us his business card and promised free entry and "maybe" a couple of drinks. Maybe. He also refused to write that on the business card, which shows how committed he is to his promise.
Never coming again. Making sure the credit company desputes the charge.

oh and i really wish i could give NO stars. damn

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