SF is not a country music town, and for whiskey and boot scootin’, it’s generally worth the drive to the Saddle Rack in Fremont. But thankfully, Westwood rode into town in 2019, rolling in a mechanical bull. It’s a huge space with big leather booths and, as the song goes, cold beer and hot wings.

An Irish bar in an Italian neighborhood, Maggie McGarry’s could be exactly what the night needed — for anyone who’s into locking arms and singing along to ‘80s and ‘90s cover bands. On a back alley of North Beach, there are lots of other bars and clubs nearby, and better yet, cheap pizza by the slice at 2 a.m.

For sparkling pink champagne, exquisite oysters, and fabulous wallpaper, start the night at Leo’s. This stylish bar is a treat, from the old-school Louie salads and lobster rolls, to the over-the-top plateaus stacked with oysters, crab, shrimp, and caviar.

There are a number of karaoke options in SF, from big bars to private rooms, but not so many that combine food and drink with a chance to sing your heart out. YamaSho is a full service Japanese restaurant with sushi, sake, and 10 karaoke lounges with spinning disco balls. Even Kanye went once, and he was cool enough to take Mark Zuckerberg.

This speakeasy is reservations only, and guests are given a password to slide in through the unmarked entrance. Once inside, there’s a very clear set of house rules — no food, and definitely no cosmos. But the whiskey drinks are strong.

San Francisco doesn’t have a heavy club scene, but for old-school hip hop and 90s R&B, Raven is the place to be. As you stumble out onto the street at 2 a.m., the street vendors will be ready and waiting with bacon-wrapped hot dogs. 

Of course, SF is known for legendary gay bars and drag shows, though they don’t always love getting crashed by bachelorette parties, and understandably so. Asia SF, however, is a full dinner and show, featuring transgender women. Complete with a catwalk and poles in the basement, it’s intentionally set up for big parties.

DNA Lounge is a big club in a warehouse-style space, with two stages and four dance floors, and it’s probably best known for hosting Bootie Mashup, the monthly dance party. Even more titillating, the venue also hosts lots of sequin-dropping, tassel-swinging burlesque performers, as well as weekly goth nights. Next door, DNA Pizza sells slices and tots.