Been here more than a handful of times as guests of members over the years for public events,…read moreprivate events, dinners, meetings, drinks, comedy nights, etc Staff is always on point, cocktails are strong and well done, friendly, personable, etc This is the type of place where you can get "lost" / privacy, hidden rooms, larger hang out spots, phone booths, social areas, working spots, etc

Battery is always a treat with it beautiful venue and glorious decor. Each of the floor and venue…read morehas its own unique feel and design but with consistent level of luxury and touch of care. The drinks and food were fabulous. I was here for a function on the penthouse floor. Oddly enough it's the least decorated but I enjoy the rooftop view of downtown.

No democrats, no women, no reporters basically sums it up. This is a very private mens club, but…read morewives are allowed to accompany their husbands by invitation and within specific constraints/conditions. Women are also allowed for specific parties/receptions, but again conditions apply. Meaning there are some places they are never allowed or only at specific times and they often are required to use the building's back door instead of the grand California Street entrance. Membership is strictly by invitation only and quite a grueling, long process (some people wait for 20 years to be considered and approved). If you are invited, you'll be among the very elite including business magnates, dignitaries, presidents, and some who just earned their money the really old fashioned way... they inherited it. As for the dues, you know what they say about having to ask how much things cost. The building itself is grand, opulent, and ornate. It even smells like history. It survived the 1906 earthquake but, the interior did burn so everything you see dates from then. An interesting architectural fact it that when the Flood family did give it over to the respective Pacific Club and Union Club that then became the Pacific Union Club of today, the east and west wings on the ground floor were added. Prior to that the structure was square. The west wing contains the dining room with one of the largest wood carved ceilings I've ever seen. Very Bavarian castle like. The beams are massive, dark, and crammed with details. The east wing contains the lounge. It has multiple seating arrangements/piano/two fireplaces and another wood carved ceiling bordering a central fresco reminiscent of the NYC public library reading rooms. Both wings are the same size, enormous, and completely open without any interior floor to ceiling support beams/columns so one has a completely unobstructed view of everyone in the place. Around 350 were present for the reception I attended and you could see everyone. From the street it is deceiving just how long these rooms are because they actually start from the center hall and have only two windows that face California Street. Anterooms off each wing in the front of the house are connected to the center hall which is part of the original design. For as dark as the woodwork, fireplaces, and furnishings are in the wings, the anterooms walls were light, had floor to ceiling mirrors, enormous windows, and contain lighter furnishings. The marble center hall/entrance from the front door leads to a large open marble center room (I'm sure used for dancing/parties at one time) with niches in each corner containing enormous urns holding palm trees. The ceiling is a massive glass skylight (partially stained, but mostly opaque) that acts as the central light source for all of the interior rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The hall continues to the back of the house to the very grand central staircase which leads to a landing with palladium windows and then splits to either side and continues to the 2nd floor. Bathrooms were small and obscurely positioned, but clearly this is due to the age of the building and design aesthetics of the time. They were nice and contained individual cubicles with proper wood doors and hand towels, but certainly not the nicest indoor outhouses I've come across. The only thing that did surprise me a little was the lack of paintings/art on the walls. There were none. However, this house is full of massive windows and in between each window were wall mounted chandeliers so empty wall space was really unavailable. It still looked a little odd like something was missing. Service from the staff is exactly what you would expect. Men (some women) in variations of tuxedos and morning suits with gold and red waistcoats, tails, and white gloves. No idle chit chat from them, rather all business. The reception I was attending was only cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, but the food was plentiful, fresh, and good. You never had to wait for anything or even move to get it yourself. They were right there at all times anticipating your every need. Cameras and cell phones are strictly prohibited so if you get invited in, don't think you are going to be able to wander around freely taking photos and posting them on Facebook. You will be watched and not every nook and cranny of the place is available once you do get inside. This also explains why you can never find any pictures of the inside anywhere on the Internet. Don't push it with trying to sneak a photo or wandering where you shouldn't be. Just enjoy it while you can. They don't make places like this anymore. It's like stepping back in time and a real treat so if you get the chance to attend an event, forget whatever else may be an option and just do it. Dress appropriately... your hoodie and sneakers ain't gonna fly with these people.

This place is beautiful and the staff are very professional.the other night I was watching as one…read moreof there employees were attacked by 2 homeless guys after he left from work at this location.they had to take this man to the hospital and he was in very bad shape with a broken arm and his face was bleeding.I found his wallet with his ID in it and I gave it to the police officer that was investigating the situation.the police opened his wallet and gave me his first name.Jamie is his name I don't know his last name but I know he was a new employee at this place because he kept on saying he just started working there.. please keep your employees safe from these homeless people in San Francisco.

The Francisca Club is gorgeous and a great piece of San Francisco history!…read more We were lucky enough to host our annual mother-daughter event here for Spinsters of San Francisco. I believe that you can only hold event here if you know someone who is a member of this all-ladies club. We enjoyed a high-tea with amazing tea, champagne, and "tea bites." We also had the chance to explore the building a little bit and there seemed to be beauty around every corner; I especially loved the library! If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Francisca Club, I'd recommend saying a resounding "YES!!!"

I've driven past this place countless times and never really paid too much attention to it…read more Apparently it's owned by an elite women's social club that brings in literary giants and does a lot of philanthropic work... so when I went to a holiday party here, it looked like you'd expect. Gorgeous ceilings, tall bookcases, heavy drapes... we even had a little old piano player in the corner. After cocktails we headed upstairs for dinner, and the room seated our 80-person party quite nicely. It'd be a great place to have future events, but I'm sure it costs a pretty penny.

Although I'm not a member, I had the opportunity to visit The Amador Club, and I was genuinely…read moreimpressed. From the moment you walk through the doors, the club has a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. The décor is elegant, the space is impeccably maintained, and the overall environment is both professional and sophisticated--exactly what you'd expect from a premier private club in San Francisco. A special shout-out to Jessey, the bartender, who made the experience exceptional. Jessey was friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. The cocktails were perfectly crafted, and the level of hospitality made me feel like I belonged, even as a guest. It's clear that providing outstanding service is a priority here. Whether you're meeting clients, enjoying a drink with friends, or simply looking for an upscale place to unwind, The Amador Club delivers. The combination of a refined atmosphere, exceptional service, and outstanding staff makes it a place I would happily visit again. If this is the experience as a guest, I can only imagine how great it is to be a member. Highly recommended!

Went here to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday and I have to say the service was great, staff was…read morehelpful, and the drinks were delicous. Honestly, I'd come back just for the views! The space feels very upscale and it's in a very nice location.

Gorgeous venue. I attended a friend's wedding here on a weekend. If you're attending or hosting an…read moreevent, I recommend researching where to park and have a back up parking lot in mind as well. The venue does not have a parking lot, and the closest parking lot was full. So definitely have a back up just in case Honestly, I knocked off a star because the receptionist yelled at us for walking towards the elevator as we were waiting in a line for it. Instead of telling us while we were waiting that only 4 people can go in at a time, she yells "ONLY 4 PEOPLE!" as you walk towards the elevator when it arrives. I suggest to print a sign that says 4 people at a time instead of obnoxiously yelling it

Went to listen to Ron Sfarzo and the Taylor St. Stop band. Great music, great cocktails and great…read morefood. I'd highly recommend the University Club events to others.

Most fun I've had at a spa or sauna ever. By FAR the most fun I've had in a cold plunge (It really…read morehelps that you're alongside a friend or new acquaintance who is toughing through it to 5 minutes with you!) Gorgeous, humongous, proper hot, and dare I say social sauna? Loved it. And the selection of hot teas? (Insert chefs kiss gesture). Perfect for a cool day, even better for a rainy one. And this is just the beginning. The expansion plans are impressive and well laid out on the website and in the inner entryway. Can't wait to go back. Met more likeminded and fun people in two hours here than over the last two months. What a pleasant and unpretentious take of social spa-going. PS: as photographed, also learned about karma. And not in some enlightened sense, but the simple fact that if you beg the proprietress to up the heat in the sauna with a splash of water in hour one... she might come back while you're four minutes into your cold plunge with a three to five pound bag of ice.

Alchemy Springs has become one of my favorite places. I didn't expect that much from a sauna - but…read morewow does it have a noticeable effect on my mood. Every time I leave I feel incredible--almost euphoric. For us American's who are just learning that the rest of world does this - and not home alone but with other people. It's too little too late and all the more reason to go. The space itself is beautiful, peaceful, and unbelievably clean. Every detail feels intentional, and you immediately sense that the owners care deeply about the experience they're creating. One of the biggest surprises has been the people. The staff and guests are warm, interesting, and genuinely kind. It feels more like a community than a business, and I've had some unexpectedly great conversations there.

The event coordinators are amazing to work with and they provide an affordable price to nonprofits…read more They are really straightforward to work with and are always looking for ways they can accommodate the needs of your event. They are located on the 3rd floor of the Kensington Hotel and their decor is very woodsy, cabin-y vibes. While they might not be the most communicative six months out from your event, by the time your event is 2-3 months away, their communications typically get more frequent and regular.

Hard to get food at the bar. No one knew when food orders could be taken. Just a drinkin…read moreestablishment. Service poor

I came here for my friend's birthday party, and this venue did not disappoint! Felt like a mix…read morebetween Great Gatsby and Vegas vibes! They had a pretty amazing DJ which definitely set the tone of the night. The lounges and seating areas are so chic and modern! Definitely felt more like a luxury cocktail lounge than an average bar. My friends and I really enjoyed ourselves. It's a huge space upstairs and downstairs! You also need to show your invite at the door or else security will not let you in. And if it's too crowded they won't let you in. I actually like that safety aspect.

San Francisco has welcomed ModX Modernist Exchange with spectacular fanfare. This storied space and…read moreprivate membership club joins the elite ranks of California's influential clubs and impressive membership roles. Nestled in the Financial District, ModX's energy and member engagement is as palpable as their delicious cuisine, outstanding staff, and passion of the owner/operators that have created something very special. I belong to many private organizations and private membership clubs. Each club enjoys a distinct and nuanced uniqueness. ModX hosts a young, vibrant, innovative membership with events that appeal to a host of interests and pleasures. From succulent dinner parties and influential speaker events to elegant evening gatherings and engaging nightlife dancing - the offerings are plentiful. Membership is taken very seriously here as with several of the best private clubs in the FiDi. The waitlist has grown to six months. Pro Tip: Accompany a friend who is a member and will invite you to one of the many functions at this elegant yet unpretentious club. Observe and learn how special the membership is and how meaningful relationships flourish here with hosts and operators that value quality over quantity. Fun facts: This stunning venue has hosted many notable events & gatherings, from when Peter Thiel owned the spot (Frisson) and hosted Facebook's early 1M & 5M user parties and our 5A5 'Influencer' dinners & events with Elon, Naval, Airbnb/ Paypal/ Youtube/ Coinbase cofounders & more. (credit for last note from their site)

Warm, friendly atmosphere with great jukebox and excellent pours…read more We went there on a whim whilst walking down the street after dinner this past weekend Sunday. Somehow the place drew us in. I think it may have been the old style, blinking, neon cocktail glass sign, which we all loved! Rena (spelling?) the bartender made everyone feel welcome and she was a genuine host for us strangers to the bar, indeed to the neighborhood. We noticed her style with everyone, not just us. I've gone to a lot of this type of bar - the so-called dive bar. I don't refer to them as dive bars, just cozy, unpretentious places where no one has their noses up in the air. I've met a lot of bartenders working in these types of bars, and I have to say Rena is the best I've ever had the satisfaction of talking to and ordering a drink from. Keep on doin' what you're doin' Rena and the Ha-Ra Club!

I've been here more than a handful of times because it honestly feels like an old shoe on Geary…read morenear Polk next to A La Turca, the old-school Turkish restaurant (review: https://yelp.to/xS0Qk2QTtO). Like all good dive bars, it has a cool history that started with a wrestler named Hank and a boxer named Ralph who decided to open a bar together back in 1947. The bar's name is an amalgam of their names, and they kept a loaded pistol under the register. It still has a roughhewn quality that would make you think an arm wrestling match would break out between two drunk customers like a scene from "Barfly". The difference though is that the bartenders have always been friendly to non-regulars like me. Certainly no complaints from me on the prices. Whether it was a Makers Mark & Ginger (photo: https://yelp.to/soyaYncjP7) or a Tequila Sunrise (photo: https://yelp.to/cb6ipQ7wBz), it's always $7. Now I haven't gone as far as racking up the balls and playing pool here. I leave that to the regulars who seem to know each other very well. Don't let the red metal gate scare you off. It's a friendly spot. DRINKS - 4 stars...cheap and not watered down AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...still in relatively good shape after their renovation SERVICE - 4 stars...great bartenders here TOTAL - 4 stars...a really solid vintage dive bar RELATED - Exploring the Tenderloin? Here's my collection of places I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NIQ0tw

Best private clubs in town. Gets you into some of the most amazing events in the city.read more

From the owner: Private Events for Club Members & Guestsread more