I can officially say I've been to a goth club. I went with a couple friends while out in SF for work and apparently the goth scene is big out there so it has a bunch. This spot is one of the better I was told, like I would really know lol. I always think of the South Park goth kids and this was definitely exactly that haha. I went in the bird cage and just sipped my beer and Whore Alley is a great place to hang! 2 dance spaces and the DJ was better in the front space. The back space is way different but it has the X thing you get handcuffed to or something haha. Either way, it was a fun place and great for entertainment. Also, the have Cali Squeeze Blood Orange. One of the best beers in the state. read more

Cat Club - Secret alley of whores - Dance Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Meow! Cat Club reminds me of my youth, back in the day when I would go clubbing in SF in SoMa. Fast forward to now and I found myself here dancing away to 80s tunes except my fellow dancing patrons and me have a few more gray hairs but we still have the moves. Non-judgmental, friendly crowd. On the smaller side, the DJ is easily accessible and the bar is next to the dance floor. The weekday night I was here, one of the back rooms was blocked off so it seemed more intimate. Definitely coming back for more -- this time in my 80s gear. read more

Cat Club - Dance floor scene - Dance Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went for a night out here it was lit. It was a great time here. The service was great and the girls know how to get it on. The drinks were really good. If you want to get your money's worth this is definitely the place to go. It's whole vibe here. Definitely will return again. read more

We were planning to go to a different bar but ended up here and it was a surprise but a ton of fun. Great vibes, everyone was enjoying it, though it's different than what I'm used to. Drinks were ok, my old fashioned had too much alcohol taste. Looks like everyone felt comfortable which is a great thing and a very inclusive bar. Would go again if my friend group wants to. read more

I can tell how this club can be a vibe. However, it was not the vibe for me :(. Came in for their 2010 night and the music and mix was mediocre. Their drinks were really good though. We had a couple of different options and the mangonada spritz was super yummy! The club was quite clean and staff were really friendly. Overall not my type of club because the main reason to go to a club is to have fun with your favorite music vibe! If you like gogo, or like older school vibes, it may be for you! Big LGBTQ+ supported community, so that was cool too. read more

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Worst club in SoMa as someone that lives here. I came for the first time and had the WORST service. Some dancer came up to me and literally physically shoved me and my friends off the dance floor even though we had paid for the cover and so many drinks. The dancers were so rude unfriendly, and did not make this feel like a safe space. I felt so embarrassed bringing them here because I had so high hopes after hearing my friends rave about how cool it is, only to be treated like literal trash and the dancer putting their hand on my back and shoving me to the side staying I'll be banned when I had JUST arrived for the first time. And I'm someone who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community and regular attends all the leather events. I will never come back and will just go to F8, raven bar, The Eagle, Jolene's, Driftwood etc where they're nicer and don't treat customers like this. Just because you're a performer doesn't give you the right to be so mean, rude, and unfriendly. I've been living in this area for a while and have never been treated this way. read more

Cat Club - a person using a vending machine - Dance Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went here on a Thursday - for 80's night - and had a great time. Good music and drinks. :)

Cat club is awesome it's kind of like a tea party where all are welcome here. Retro dj, local bands, good drinks dance club. Enjoy!

This is a really fun club. I really enjoyed both the 1984+Nightshift events I went to recently. The cat theme is fun and I appreciate the dance floors both near the front and in the back room. There's a good vibe and the music for the most part was awesome. They have some videos up for people like me who occasionally want to stare at the screen but I enjoy dancing and this was a very decent place for that. read more

First time i've been single in awhile and haven't really gone to club or gone dancing in 3 years (my partner wasn't a big dancing fan). I had been going through a period of insecurity and hiding myself away in my apartment. But I do love to dance in my apartment and listen to music. So I finally said fuck it lets go out and dance! I personally think goth music is the best type of music to dance to. There is just something about it that really gets your body moving. They had a Cure inspired tribute last night on Friday. I was so unsure of 1.) Is Cat club still as exciting as I last remembered? 2.)How many people are actually gonna be there and how late or early do people show up? I ended up getting there at like 10:30pm and there were lots of people inside luckily! The front was packed but definitely more chill. While the back area there was a little less people. Not a lot of dancing going on, like 2-3 people. With others just standing around. I downed 2 margaritas (The bartender was sooo nice! He complimented my purple hair) And by that point I was starting to get a lil tipsy and itching to dance. I was worried of how hard I could go, but thats the beauty of the culture of goth music. You can literally do WHATEVER you want and people are here for it! Also everyone is entranced in there own little world. There were so many beautiful nice women there and I loved becoming besties with them while dancing on the little stage. Not to say I got the party going, but eventually everyone was dancing and having a good time. Even though everyone was a stranger, everyone was super nice and caring. Some girls noticed I was walking to the bar with a guy and they grabbed me and asked if i was okay or felt safe. Which I gave them a thumbs up that I did. So the whole time I felt like I could release stress but feel super safe. But damn dancing is so therapeutic and really gave me a good sense of euphoria. I will definitely be coming back on the weekends. Because having that feeling of the music being so loud and you can feel the bass in your body is awesome. *Also big shout out to the staff!!!! By like 1am I was super out of it and needed air because I was sweating so much. I went out to the back alley (which I guess is kinda against the rules and not recommended by them). Totally valid!!! They don't want people sneaking in the back or people getting hurt. I told the guard that I think it was time for me to go home and he agreed. I asked if he could help me up and walk me to the front. And he was a gentleman and escorted me to the restaurant that was on the corner, so I could wait for my Lyft home. He came back at one point to check on me to see if my ride was almost here. All in all such a great time! Good music. Good lil make out sessions. Good staff. Good crowd. Good drinks! read more

1 million stars. I got hurt there on a Saturday night just before closing. It was nothing crazy just slipped and didn't fall but ended up hurting my knee so bad I couldn't walk. The security guards and bar tenders made me an ice pack, gave me a water bottle, helped me walk out, and gave me a place to sit while my ride took forever. one of the security guards (huge older white guy with a beard) stopped traffic and helped me into the car. It was all really sweet, and I felt extremely safe, seen and taken care of. Always loved this place, but will now be a forever customer because of this! read more

Got dressed up cute to go out for a friend's birthday party here at 10pm. Felt great. I was greeted by a chill door guy who checked my ID. So far, so good. I go to the window to get a stamp, the lady says it's $7 cash only, I asked again to clarify, and she AGGRESSIVELY jeers/yells (with hand gestures) "CASH ONLY MEANS CASH ONLY." I look taken aback, for obvious reasons, and she goes on to say "best I can do for you is offer the ATM inside." ........ um.... Ok?!?!? Why TF didn't you lead with that instead of attacking me? I'm shaking right now. How upsetting. God forbid I ask a simple question. Attached a pic to hopefully help people brace themselves (or back away slowly) if they see this person working here. read more

Cat Club - Dance Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Went here for emo night, but also caught a peek at S&M night too which looked better. This place reminds me of a spot we had way back in the Midwest, a dive bar that champions the shit that most bars don't want to mess with. I can definitely get behind that, so we had some drinks, relaxed for awhile and headed into our next location. For the time we were there seemed pretty laid back, couches were a little beat up. It wasn't too busy even though there was an event, but these types of spots perk up in the late hours I assume, so take my review with a grain of salt. My big let down was just the drinks, which were on the level of the type of thing a homey would make at the afterhours basement show at a renegade bar, not a full bar with real ingredients. Cheap liquor and too much ice. Second thing was those drinks weren't on the cheap side, so that's what kept us from hanging out longer. I gotta believe profit margin on those drinks are low could bring em down to cheap seats level and probably sell way more. Maybe you just pay for the ambiance, I just didn't see any at the time I was there. read more

Love this club but got kicked out for using the bathroom with my female friend at 3 am 10 minutes before close.... ridiculous, never seen them actually prioritize safety precautions lol read more

It's not what it used to be but the bouncer hasn't aged and still remembers everyone from years ago. Back room is open again. Come back, bring your friends, bring your instrument and play air base on the stage. Good fun. read more

Best Thursday Disco night in the city! I always recommend this place ! Music and speaker are great, plenty of room to dance, good drinks! Just bring your friends there and everyone will have a good time! read more

We love love love Cat Club, multiple decades of amazing memories. But last Thursday was a real disappointment. Their website and Facebook posts promised an 80s night with goth/industrial/synthpop in the back. Perfect, we made plans to travel there (were original flying to SF Friday but changed to Thursday for that night). Same day of that event however, it was completely changed and no longer had that dark dance floor. When I inquired over Messenger, I was again promised the darker stuff. But when we got there, it was a whole different feel, different people, and not music we expected. "Everybody dance now"??? Also, throw out the grapefruit juice-- it's rancid. read more

Would highly recommend it if you are looking for a queer friendly, fun night! Splendid vibe for a clubbing night out. Bar tenders are friendly and professional. read more

Last night I went to this place for the first time with a new friend. We both had a lot of fun there! We got there at 9p.m. There was no cover charge. Idk about other nights. Anyways, there was hardly anyone there at that time. There are two rooms there with two bars. There are three couches in the first room as well as a few tables with seats. There's also a cage for dancing in. The drinks here are strong. The bartenders are generous! Drinks are filled to the very top! I had to drink it right away to keep it from spilling, lol. We sat in one of the couches at first. We had to move after awhile because a guy behind us let out a SBD fart. I was like, someone farted, let's move please! My friend said that I'm right & we laughed. There were a few older people there in their 50's or 60's dancing by themselves or with other people. It was fun watching them. Goth & 80's people know how to dance better than anyone! This older guy was really getting into the music! One lady had a guitar that she was pretending to play. She later got up on stage. She was really cool! Another lady got up & danced on stage. She danced like she could be a professional dancer! Not everyone dressed up. A lot of people were wearing jeans & t-shirts or tank tops. People there were chill & everyone there looked like they were having a good time. Btw, bring cash as they only accept cash for drinks. A mixed drink costs anywhere from $16-20. If you prefer beer, I recommend the Tecate for $4. There's free parking on the street. I'll definitely go back there again sometime! read more

Absolutely love love this place. For the ones like me, still in love with 80s alt music & dark wave. 2 rooms. 1 with full bar and one style of music , more quite. You can enjoy the drink and get ready to shake your body:) and another one with dance floor and different style of music. I like this club because you can relax here, be and feel what ever. Had great times yesterday!!! read more

Have been here twice for Funky Town and I can't get enough. I live in Sacramento and drive out just for the night and it is always worth it. Bartenders awesome and friendly and the music is dope. The one change I think I'd make is to push for more 80s that we can dance to. I tend to spend most of my time is the 70s because...well it's the 70s! read more

First off, they let me in for free since it was my birthday! (10$ cover) it was "Emo Prom Night" and I was stoked to dance. The ambiance is super fun here and the staff were easy to talk to and friendly. The DJ was having so much fun but played really mainstream radio hit sort of stuff, like Stacy's Mom and Fall Out Boy. My friends were going crazy over it, but I kept waiting for more Taking Back Sunday, Panic! At the Disco, Paramore, etc kind of stuff. I wasn't a fan of the music choices. I wish I could've had access to the DJ to tip and request songs but he was super high up and unreachable. We were there for about an hour. People were really having fun, it was entertaining to watch! We got a Scooby snack shot the bartender improvised (since I don't even know what's in what I order apparently) and it was delicious. I would definitely come back here! read more

This is more a maybe. Great music. Easy to get to but crowded and not my scene. The staff was nice and the drinks were reasonable and good. So overall okay... read more

First time going out in a long time and Cat Club is where I ended up for the night. I showed up around 11ish and there was a short line at that point. It was Halloween weekend so everyone was dressed up in a variety of costumes. It didn't take too long to get to the front. They were checking vax cards with IDs for entry and there was a $10 cover charge. The first floor wasn't bad, I thought the music selection was interesting and they played older top 40 tracks. There is an upstairs that I didn't realize existed until after I left but the music sounded much better. I didn't get any drinks but I'd imagine they would be on par with whatever is normal. Overall it wasn't a bad experience. I'd head back if other people wanted to go. read more

Absolutely worst club. People just shirtless and run up on you. Disgusting never go there lll. I came in for 2 min or even less, wanted to leave and asked for a refund. No refund, but I don't care I still left and went to better club where there weren't people harassing me and had clothes on. Absolutely disgusting people in this club read more

A friend has been telling me about this place for years. He loves going on the 3rd Saturday of the month, when they play 70's/80's Top 40 in the front room and Disco/Funk in the back room. We finally went last weekend and I had the time of my life. I'd never been dancing in a place that played the music of my youth on a loud-ass boomin' system! Ran into a few people I know there too, and we had so much fun dancing. Got hit on a few times and enjoyed the buzz that gave me. The bartenders, door, security and staff were all nice, professional, and seemed like they enjoyed the vibe of the crowd. Only thing that I'd bring up is the back-room fog machine. I know they're there to create ambiance but (maybe because of the heavy breathing involved in shaking my ass) I'm still clearing my throat and sinuses a few days later. I used to date a dj and that fool love hitting that damn fog machine button! lol. Definitely going back for the Saturday night vibe and will check out other nights, as I'm an avid dancer. read more

Having had a few more years experience in the scene around here, I will tell you that I have probably never not enjoyed a drink here, and they've always been friendly. You know when you go to a bar and can't understand how they could mess up your simple drink? Yeah, can't say that's happened to me here. And there are no better classic goth vibes to be found that I know of than here; just can't be beat. There is just one club I like similarly, but 3000 miles away, because they play full music videos and stuff on the wall projectors. The video here is made of short clips. read more

FROM THE REARVIEW MIRROR This update has been a lonnnnnng time in coming since several factors have hit the San Francisco Club Scene: * SOMA IS DOWNSIZING There are far far fewer venues then there once were: starting with the destruction of the King Street Garage, the Townsend and Big Heart City, the closing of Maritime Hall, the "removal" of venues from the Gothic-Industrial scene such as City Lights, Glas Kat, The Mezzanine, and many more venues I'm too sad to count, it has come to reality that The Cat Club and the DNA Lounge are the two main anchors in the music traditions that I come to San Francisco for. * CAT CLUB VARIETY SHOW Now the club events I first came to SF for are now finding their home in the Cat Club: New Wave City on 3rd Saturdays and Bondage-A-Go-Go on Wednesdays. However, like it was reigned supreme on Friday Nights with Assimilate "back in the day", Cat Club once again reigns supreme with it's weekly Friday Night line-ups. First Fridays is STRANGELOVE, 2nd & 4th Fridays is DARK SHADOWS, and 3rd Fridays is WITCHING HOUR. So for me there is always a music & dance reason to be at Cat Club on a Friday night. I just noticed that the Cat Club business profile shows me responsible for 1417 pictures at those moment. Wow. I think Cat Club must have the record for me for having taken the most pictures at any one venue! THE LOWDOWN Cat Club still reigns supreme in the Night Sky of San Francisco. read more

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After a few disturbing experiences over the last few months... I will absolutely never return. (And I have been a religious attendee of Cat Club on Thursday's since 2005) From trying to charge us more than posted cover, to being rufied, to a disgruntled coat check girl banishing a friend who never called her back the next day.... yeah, this place has just gotten more and more high school (which was about how old i was when i started coming here... go figure) Last night at the anniversary we arrived just before 9:30 PM. First they told us we were too late for the free entry (it's not that it's expensive, $5-$6 usually is damn cheap, no doubt) but it was the principle of it. We've spend thousands of dollars here over the years. (I think I once bought the entire bar a round... albeit it was $1 drinks before 10PM... and tipped a bartender $19 on a $1 drink once.) Yes the drinks are strong. That's what happens. But not only did they lie to our faces and tells us it was "after" 9:30 (it wasn't according to anyone's cell phone) but the owner/manager stepped in and said it was EIGHT to get it. Note: the advertisements and the website say $6. When we objected, he said, I don't want that kind of attitude in my club. And this is on top of last week when someone slipped something into one of our group's drinks and I had to go to Kaiser all Friday. (I only went back because (a) I was the DD, and (b) that's not usually the bar's fault) Although it does speak volumes about the kind of people who have started invading what was a fantastic Thursday spot. PS: I won't even get into how a close friend of mine a year back "killed the bar" (see HIMYM, Season 3 Episode 11) by never calling back a coat check girl and we had to put him in a costume for 6 months so she wouldn't get him kicked out again. read more

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I read online that this was a great spot but it was honestly a huge letdown. Had to pay $15 cover charge just for a place that looked like a dead frat party. read more

Extremely rude lady at the entrance. She was so rude to us we decided to not enter and went across the street to Raven.

Fun place! My wife and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Music was great. Drinks were a little strong but not complaining Will be coming back soon! read more

It's Saturday night... Nah, more like Sunday morning, and it's "Old Skool" night! Music from the 80s and 90s was pumping, while the "older" crowd (like me) was having a blast. Don't be shy, "Get Down On It"! By Kool & The Gang. We came here for the heck of it after drinking at another nearby bar earlier. My two female friends actually knows the owner here, and we got in for free without waiting. Oh, did I say free?! Yes, something that never happens to a guy! Anyhow, it was so fun. We had a few more shots of Whiskey on the house, and that made my night even funner. Great Old Skool songs, good drinks, and awesome company blew my night away. I didn't quite black out, but I knew I was in good hands and was taken care of, so I didn't care where we went afterwards, or whatever happened inside the club. I was having fun. The crowd seemed more alive and the music sounded more energized at Cat as the night progressed. Maybe because I was from out of town. I admit, this experience could become a memorable moment. LOL. Yep, nice people everywhere, it's an older crowd, lots of cougars, free cover charge, and it can't get any better. A very enjoyable experience. read more

This place is practically a scam. The bouncer will lie about the price of entry, they will lie about the occupancy, and they will discriminate against those that don't fit their cultural norms. This bouncer in particular was very rude read more

Cat Club - Dance Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great sized old school 80's vibe night club with two perfect-sized dance floors. They're dark and kind of intimate - which I love for a night out. If you love new wave, goth, synth pop, anything synth - this is your place! Two bars, decent drinks, friendly alternative crowd spanning a couple generations which makes the place feel very open and real and you can just be yourself here! People love to dance here...Be free! :) read more

This is the best club in the city if want to dance, drink, and have a good time. Club 1984 on Thursdays seems to bring the youngest crowd, with the Karaoke Tuesdays being a great place to sing hard-to-find songs. Funkytown on certain Saturdays is also a mix of ages. Wednesday is Bondage-A-Go-Go, which features music in the front and - you guessed it - bondage shows in the back. The rotating goth, new wave, and industrial nights on Fridays and Saturdays are THE BEST in the city. I highly recommend checking out their website and calendar to find a night that interests you. Regulars tend to find the nights they prefer the most and come back often. You see the same faces, become friendly with the people and the bartenders, and enjoy an evening of frivolity without any pressing threat of drama or danger that other clubs can often harbor at the fringes. The Cat Club is an accepting place; just come as you are. read more

Would have loved this bar so much more if it wasn't so damn hot inside. Drinks are well priced, cover is only $10 and the music is fun. We went on 80s night and had a great time. They have a coat check for $2 which is nice, but the lady who works is kind of rude. Maybe she was just having an of night tho. Anyways, if a night club is not your thing and you like to get down to some 80s, or goth (saw some flyers for that) then I say check this place out. read more

Cat Club - Dance Clubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a long overdue review, and on my last weekend in San Francisco, it feels fitting that I write a love letter to my favorite spot in the entire city. I came upon the Cat Club my first weekend in SF, about a year ago, when my friend dragged me to a hip hop club next door. While we were in line I heard Depeche Mode coming through the walls and the clouds disappeared and leaving my apartment suddenly became worth it. I struck a deal with her that I'd come with her inside the other place if she'd walk with me to the ATM 5 blocks away afterward to get cover money and stay until closing at what I now knew to be the Cat Club's 80s night. The Cat Club is not a scene, it's not making a statement, it's not judging. It opens its doors to anyone who wants to enjoy good music, have a fun night out, and find their tribe in any given theme night. People of all ages and backgrounds come, some in costume, some alone. It feels like one of the last authentic havens in a city being overrun by bars and restaurants backed by investors attempting to impress a new monied generation. I've attended many Thursday nights (80s nights), and the 4th Saturday of each month (Funky Town) where you can find your favorite new wave music spinning in the front room and then get down to the funky sounds of MJ and Sly and the Family Stone in the back. Every city needs a bar/club like the Cat Club, and I'll forever be on the hunt for a new spot where I can jam out to New Order and Oingo Boingo. read more

I ended up getting dragged here on a Clockwork night. And while I wish my kidnappers had given me time to dress appropriately, it impressed me enough where I'd drop by again... hopefully this time of my own volition. It's a steampunk Neo-Victorian themed night, which means they're very Jesse Rose "Well Now" in the front (old timey music set to club beat) and industrial Deathguild in the back. Cat Club brags two bars, two separate D.J. booths and even has a creepy alleyway. It mixes the fun of Deathguild with extra costumes and different music. I like. read more

A friend told us there was 80's night every Thursdays at a club called Cat something. I assumed there was only one club in SF with the name cat in it: the Glas Kat. I was wrong. Imagine my embarrassment when I showed-up wearing black Z Cavaricci pants, Zodiac shoes (with white socks of course), a white turtleneck, a cardigan, and sporting a fresh fade. I think I even found some Drakkar for the night. I went all out and would've probably won the best dressed contest if they had one and I was at the right place. Instead, I came off looking like the fashion frozen old guy at the club. Anyways, the Cat Club looks kinda dinky outside but once you get inside it gets better. The crowd was a nice mix of guys and girls: meaning not too many drunken dudes leering, being douchebags, or trying to get into fights. And overall, it was an easy going group looking to do some drinking and dancing. The drinks/shots weren't overly priced and super generous at times. And the music had its moments. The only thing was the dance floor is way too close to the entrance/exit. It was difficult navigating to the bar, or other parts of the club, and also a pain trying to leave. I'd suggest hanging out in the back room because it's a lot more chill, it has its own bar, and is a lot easier walk to the bathroom. Overall, it was a enjoyably semi-drunken time. It's just too bad I'm not big on 80's music; otherwise, I think I might have appreciated more of the stuff they played. read more