Choose your location
Sun / Feb 28
Party Earth Review It began as The Stage Door, an 1890s-era playhouse whose long life included everything from entertaining soldiers during WWII to showcasing the premiere of Hitchcock’s Vertigo, but since 2000 the renamed Ruby... ... read full review
420 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
BART: Powell Street
MUNI F Line: 4th Street & Market Street
415-693-0777
Th 8pm–2am, F–Sa 8pm–4am
Frequently open other days for holidays, special events, and private functions
Downtown / Financial District, San Francisco –
It began as The Stage Door, an 1890s-era playhouse whose long life included everything from entertaining soldiers during WWII to showcasing the premiere of Hitchcock’s Vertigo, but since 2000 the renamed Ruby Skye has become synonymous with festive clubbing and world-class DJs in San Francisco.
The venue’s history is still evident inside, where large archways, draping chandeliers, and detailed cornices set the stage and Victorian portraits of uptight old farts stare down at the throngs of trendy ladies and Audigier-adoring dudes perpetually in attendance.
The vibe is definitely see-and-be-seen, yet while it’s normal to find perfectly tweezed models heading for the VIP suites overlooking the main dance floor, it’s just as common to spy boisterous groups of college kids who trucked in from suburbia and even a few attenuate hipsters who decry “bridge and tunnel” crowds – until they’ve got a few drinks in them.
Major DJs have graced the main stage, from Tiësto to Paul Oakenfold, but regular nights see up-and-coming DJs on both floors as revelers bounce between multiple bars, pack in along the balcony for the best views of the house dancers, or sneak up to the private Jungle Room to join the older set sipping cognac away from all the kiddies.
With frequent light shows, acrobatic acts, and even some live music thrown in the mix, Ruby Skye continues to be an easy choice for Bay Area clubbers who want a solid night out.
Want to drive but don’t want the hassle of parking in Union Square? Several sites let you make parking reservations in the area online. Park Whiz and Gotta Park are just two examples. No guarantee on a busy night but it sure beats driving around in circles for an hour.
Diverse collection of dance music lovers, college kids, birthday groups, trendy clubbers, fans of the night’s DJ, suburban partiers, young professionals, and tourists, 18 to mid-30s.
Constantly rotating lineup of local and international DJs, with an emphasis on techno, house, trance, and electronica. Two separate DJ booths and dance floors.
House dancers and large projection screen on the main floor most nights. Light shows most nights. Special events and themes can vary throughout the month.
A basic menu of finger foods and entrées including wings, chicken quesadillas, lamb “lollichops,” and spaghetti. Full catering services are available for private events. Thursdays usually 18+. Private booths and private Jungle Room lounge available.
Parking is usually difficult in this part of town. Guests should be aware of the weather, as lines outside Ruby Skye can be rather long after 11pm.
Cover charge $10–$40+; varies per event, but usually in the $20 range. Check venue website for details.
Food $6–$10. Beer $6-–$8+, wine $6+, cocktails and wells $6–$12, VIP booth/suite $340–$600+/includes a bottle of top shelf and mixer, $40 gratuity toward server, and cover charge for up to six people).
Dressy: button-downs, dark jeans, blazers, sexy dresses, khakis, flats.
Anytime a big-name DJ of interest is in town, Thursdays for the 18+ nights, or Fridays and Saturdays for a routinely hopping evening that bumps till the wee hours.
Hidden right next to and below Ruby Skye, Slide (430 Mason Street) is a swanky prohibition-style lounge that guests can actually choose to take a real slide down into. Donners of tiny dresses should consider themselves forewarned.
Ruby Skye User Reviews