Things to do in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Bars & Clubs

Fifth Arrow is where legendary players go to drink, dine and game. Located just outside of Union Square off of Mason and Geary, Fifth Arrow is centrally located in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

ust through the lobby of The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel is the famed Redwood Room. This intimate yet expansive bar has been at the center of the San Francisco social scene since it opened on the day after Prohibition was repealed. Luxuriate in the warmth from walls paneled from the wood of a single redwood tree. In addition to exquisite and artisanal cocktails you will find top shelf liquors, wines, beers, and gourmet small plates, some of which incorporate honey from the hotel’s rooftop bee sanctuary.

Royale is the venue for serious music lovers who don’t take themselves too seriously. Our dream is to provide a comfortable, affordable, and friendly space where everyone is welcome to enjoy top quality drinks and music. Located at 800 Post Street, Royale is in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Nob Hill neighborhood. We opened in 2012 and have become a neighborhood institution for San Francisco locals. We are a musician-owned and managed venue, with a passion for great live entertainment. Royale has come to be known as one of the best bars in San Francisco for classic cocktails, rotating local and craft beers on tap, and a lively afternoon happy hour. Join us to see some of the hottest jazz bands and the most underrated, untapped local talent San Francisco has to offer.

The Shelton Theater was founded in 1993 by Matt Shelton where plays, films, improvisation, musicals, standup comedy, solo performers, poetry slams, and fine art installations continue to inspire locals and tourists alike in the current downtown San Francisco location. The theater named after legendary actor/director/teacher Jean Shelton who came to San Francisco in 1961 from New York where she brought back an extensive knowledge of the art and craft of acting. Her husband, the late Robert Elross, was a leading arts figure having worked with Dave Brubeck, roomed with aspiring comic Woody Allen in the 50's in North Beach and directed and founded many local theaters here in the Bay Area.