SF’s variety of nightlife extends well beyond its world-famous famous food, as city denizens are equally enthusiastic when it comes to the myriad lounges and bars and clubs in San Francisco. Happy Hour-happy hipsters flood the mixology hotspots, wine-centric lounges, and gastropubs that line Misson and Valencia Streets in the Mission and dive bar-lovers have plenty to play with in the lower Haight.

On the other end of the spectrum, post-grads prep it up in the upscale Marina meat-market or join bar-hoppers along Polk Street in Russian Hill, while in The Castro, a plethora of bars and pubs waving rainbow flags cater to a vibrant gay community, but are welcoming to all stripes.

And then of course there’s the wine culture, no doubt influenced by some of the greatest wineries in the world located a mere hour’s drive north in Napa Valley. Young professionals and discerning students dip into wine flights and straight-from-the-barrel glasses at cozy neighborhood dens all over town, while trendy ladies and wealthy finance executives sip sophisticated new varietals at swanky Downtown lounges and hotel bars.

When it comes to nightclubs, San Francisco nightlife isn’t exactly exploding with options, but there are still some dance-heavy bars and clubs Downtown and in the formerly industrial SoMa that cater to both the see-and-be-seen crowd and the electro DJ lovers...read less