Club Deluxe

True to its name, this jazz lounge has all the fixin's for a luxurious evening -- Haight Street style, that is. Live jazz, top-shelf spirits, and gourmet pizza are at your fingertips in this cozy jazz club. Low-lit and cozied up near the kitchen, the bar is as warm and embracing as a good scotch. Speaking of scotch, you can find a range of libations between $5 and $20 per shot. If you spring for one of the pricier drinks, your bartender is likely to chat with you about its character for a few minutes while pouring your drink. In my experience, Club Deluxe bartenders are patient and amiable. If the music hasn't started yet, snag a seat and order a pizza. No slices here, folks: you've no choice but to order an entire pie. Trust me -- after some strong drinks from the bar, you'll be impatiently awaiting your thin crust pizza, generously adorned with toppings like ricotta and herbed sausage. If sippin' your drink, nibblin' your pizza, and kissin' your date isn't enough, wait for warm jazz tones to start waftin' into your ears. The music changes nightly, but it's always lively and authentic. If you frequent Club Deluxe enough, you're likely to experience moments of true artistry in the intimate, unpretentious lounge. Overall, Club Deluxe is a perfect choice for a classy-yet-inexpensive night out in the city. Take a date -- whether it's your boyfriend, girlfriend, or yourself -- to this classic Haight Street haunt.

Some of the best jazz musicians in the Bay Area call this spot home. Because of its cozy quarters — the stage barely elevates the drummer and bass player above the audience, while other members of the band often stand on the ground — even the fans feel like a part of what makes the music so enticing. I have never heard a bad musician step through those doors, and with often times no cover charge, this place is a live music bargain that can’t be found many other places in San Francisco. Music aside, the food and drinks are also a reason for visiting this Haight Street nook. Their greyhounds are made from real grapefruits, freshly squeezed at the bar. And for a place without a ton of space, there’s plenty of seating. My favorite: one of the booths at the front, where you can squeeze in with some friends and allow the music to distract you until close.

Club Deluxe has a classy vibe that hit me the first time I pulled back the drape at the front door. One is immediately struck by the neon lighting and mirror behind the bar, which gives off a night-clubby feel. There are no distracting televisions mounted on the wall, and the music tends to be quiet enough that you can have a conversation without having to yell. Long lines and mad crowds are rare, and Deluxe features quality live music (jazz, bossa nova, roots) for a mere five dollar cover several nights a week. To get the full experience, you can sit in one of the VIP booths directly across from the stage, or in one of the tables off to the side. Or you can sit on the other side of the venue near the bar, while pleasant music plays in the background. Club Deluxe is a great place to bring friends from out of town who like their bars subtle, tasteful, and relaxing.

I like this place because it's cheap and has good foo, but this isn't one of my favorite places to go. It's right next to Crossroads where I use to work on Haight street. We use to go there after work for some drinks and food, but it's never been anything particularly special for me. Another bust is there is a cover charge, but we never paid since we knew everyone that worked there. One thing I do like about this place is the live music. No matter what the music is I love being around live music and bands. That is what makes the atmosphere here great, the live music.