(See pics) Review #1260. I recently started salsa dancing and just could not keep my feet off the dance floor. While I still prefer the more traditional studio style of dancing, Impala has a fun place for dancing when you want to have fun, live music and demonstration. The evening I visited was also Mexican independence Day and how I love the band! This place also offers alcohol but I seldom drink when dancing as alcohol and spinning definitely do not mix. But dance away! read more

See all

Hot Bachata!!! I mean damn this joint makes me sweat!! I go the yelp deal and they had me sweating my ass off. Fun Place to try out . Great people and outstanding music. Get the yelp deal and try for yourself. read more

It's Sunday and you want to dance bachata. Welcome to church. The new decor isn't far from what you'd find in a swank new spot in Medellin, Colombia, which works in a strange way. After all, it's really about the dancers and music, and HBN brings the best of both. As Romeo would say, "You need this in your life." read more

I wish I knew how to dance! This place was pretty awesome. My friend and I went for her 21st birthday. So of course she was pretty intoxicated and assumed she was an amazing dancer, as we all do when the liquor hits us. (Insert chuckle here). They don't play just regular Bachata songs. Instead they remix some top 40 music with bachata beats. Surprisingly, about half of the people there were Asian! Good dancers too! The atmosphere was nice. It was very clean. Nice dim lighting, smoke -free, clean restrooms, large dance floors, open seating. Not a bad place to spend a Sunday night. (Trust me, we went to 4 other places before finding this one) There is a $5 cover charge, but they waive it if it's your birthday. The drinks are a bit pricey, but they are very strong, so you get your money's worth, for sure. I even had to ask the bartender to sweeten mine up a bit since I was the designated babysitter that night. (Don't worry, we took an Uber)... read more

The music is beautiful, sound system is rockin', and even the food is top notch. As a beginner and a man expected to lead, I can get intimidated if the atmosphere is too advanced or snooty. Fortunately, the instructor Corey Raynor is snoot-cryptonite. His teaching style is patient and inclusive, he develops each move gradually in a way that everyone understands the sequences by the end of the class. No one is lost and everyone ends up feeling they learned something solid. It's a rare teacher who can do that. I'm sure this is also why people are so friendly here. Also, it is usually well balanced women to men, and a good age range of 20's, 30's, and older. read more

Every 3rd Sunday of the month, our first time happened to be their anniversary and we had an amazing time. Come early at 8p are beginner lessons, then intermediate at 9p, open dance party starts at 10p. People of all ages, diverse, polite and fun crowd who just want to dance, have fun and possibly meet new friends. The instructors are also super cool, talented and keeps you motivated. Will definitely be back! read more

So I caved in and decided to go back and give it one more chance from being contacted by Corey, and decided to talk to him. So I went in on a three day weekend so of course was packed. One HUGE difference, the Instructors clique was not like it was before with taking over the stage. There was still some but not the way it was. but of course, the instructors still like to dance with each other, but thats their choice. Truthfully, none of the instructors i have seen here are even Dominican. but back to the review about the venue. The guys dancing have improved! I do agree with Corey creating a bachata scene takes time so they get a point for creating a scene. Corey also said from know on they will post it online, and that he is open to feedback from any customers also the salsa floor is still there as well So one point from improving the dancers another point for being open to feedback to improve and one point for breaking up the instructors clique for feedback, I do think it would be good to have a ladies night every now and then to encourage more new women to come and learn to dance As for closing, I will be going back to this venue to dance, as for serious bachata dancing ill wait for one of my trips to nyc, when waiting for that ill visit once in awhile read more

As a North Beach native, I have to say there weren't many great options for latin nights before Corey came to the neighborhood. Hot Bachata Nights really shook that up. The dance lessons early on in the night are good for beginners, or if you want a refresher. After about 8 or 9 the place really picks up and the novices start turning into pros. But my favorite things about this party is that everyone seems really open and approachable. Not sure if it's the dance or the atmosphere, but, it's really noticeable compared to other Latin nights I've been too. Also, the Salsa bar down stairs is really nice, with a spacious dance floor, DJ, private seating areas and of course a separate bar. I'm glad to see they've really transformed this place. Impala used to be a little sketchy, but Hot Bachata Nights is a bringing it back up to it's potential. Great job Corey! read more

I had a great night at Hot Bachata Nights at Atmosphere. Corey is a great instructor who makes you feel encouraged and makes you learn fast! He is very nice and authentic. His dancing partner was equally helpful. The salsa teacher left a little to be desired. I felt like he was a bit demeaning if you weren't catching on right away, which is not helpful or fun. The music was also great, but it was so loud, my ears were ringing afterward so loudly that I couldn't sleep. That can't be good for my hearing. read more

Sunday is now my favorite night of the week! I first went to Hot Bachata Nights at Impala at the suggestion of a friend, but I was scared to try this new dance and to be in a dancing scene where I thought people would judge me. But the instructor for the bachata classes was amazing, making everyone feel comfortable and I really felt like I could do this. Every once in awhile he'll make a joke or say, "Now turn and smile at your partner" He really keeps it light and fun and relaxed. I never felt like I had two left feet. I haven't taken the salsa classes that are on the downstairs dance floor, so I can't comment on them, but the space downstairs is nice, and when you walk down to go to the loo you can hear the great music. Some day I'll try salsa. The atmosphere on the main floor is great. I really feel like part of a family when I'm there. Everyone is open and friendly, dancing with everyone, even me, a beginner, got to dance with all kinds of leaders. I love the music that the DJ spins and his transitions from song to song are perfect and smooth. I've noticed at other clubs that some DJs are horrible at that. EVERY WEEK there's a different performance! How they keep finding great acts is beyond me! Last night was a Cuban salsa group who were fantastic dancers, great energy, smiled the whole time they were dancing. You could tell they were enjoying what they were doing, not just doing a stoic performance. Made me want to try that kind of salsa dancing. It was inspiring and a perfectly appropriate introduction to a new, related kind of dancing. The organizer encouraged us to embrace the Cuban salsa community, as we are both passionate about latin dancing and could help grow the latin dance community. He's very holistic in terms of everyone sharing and getting along. Makes you feel right at home. Oh, and he's a great dancer! I have recommended to many friends to come here and try dancing. It's not intimidating at all and it's a great new outlet for me! The only thing I don't like is the bartender and the door person. The bartender (female) is not outgoing or friendly, just kind of stands there. In a place where it's like family, that's kind of weird. And the door chick is not the sharpest tool in the shed. I have seen her question regulars and act like she's never seen them before. (Cuz she honestly doesn't remember people.) I don't feel any welcome from her. I guess they're fine for other nights of the week and the kind of crowd they get, but they are just a blip in the wonderfulness of Sunday night bachata. read more

Amazing venue! Had a great time, was planning on bar hopping and ended up staying here till it shut down! Loved the classes! They definitely helped! And the company you find here is also amazing! :) read more

This place closed already my BF and I went there drove one hour for nothing there is a Chinese restaurant there now...time to hit the strip clubs I guess read more

Every Sunday is bachata nights now! The place, Hue, is renovated and has cool vibe to it. At the entrance you have salsa floor and the bar. second/main floor is the bachata floor and also a full bar. DJ is amazing, it does change from time to time but overall is really good mix of both Dominican and sensual. Few Sundays back, I have left my dance shoes there. Two weeks after that I went back and asked if they had it. Miguel Z, literally went all over the place and actually found it for me. I was super happy and really surprised with the perfect customer service that they have. Definitely check them out if you are into salsa or bachata. read more

I came here for the first time on Sunday and I'll definitely be coming back. Corey is a great instructor - it's worth going just because of him. But I also really loved the vibe, the music... the food was far tastier than I'd anticipated (try the empanadas!). read more

The best bachata nights used to be on Tuesday at Glas Kat before closing last night. What set is apart from others 1) is DJ who knows and love the the music is playing and can tell what the crowd wants without them asking for it and that Dj El guapo is all that in my opinion 2) the host/promotor/instructor who makes everyone feel important and dance with everyone and engage in conversation with them 3) people who enjoy the musi as well as to dance, and the atmsphere around them. It looks like Impala and it Hot Bachata Night on Sundays with DJ El Guapo spining the music is like that to me. I have the most wonderful time everytime I go there. It's like big happy family!!!! read more

What's not to love??? Miguel hosts a wonderful event! The venue is classy and gorgeous; we always have fabulous DJs, 2 rooms for dancing (bachata in the larger for obvious reasons); great instructors, security staff, and front desk staff; fun party atmosphere. read more

So there is nothing short of giving this weekly event a five star rating. I may be biased but the atmosphere that Corey Raynor is creating is outstanding. For the past five weeks I have enjoyed diverse and crowd pleasing music by DJ El Guapo, jazz/samba/salsa/african/capoiera/ performances, diverse people, amazing dances and so much more. Every week I look forward to my night at Impala. Don't be intimidated by the area, we are trying to change the vibe in that part of town and Hot Bachata nights is really doing the trick. Every week you'll enjoy a new performance and social setting that is more like a community gathering of really fun people. And Yes as someone else mentioned the and Glas Kat are the best nights of combined Salsa and Bachata, and Corey has achieved that from day one! Come join our incredibly welcoming crowd for all levels of dancers and not alike! read more

Corey and his dance partner are great! I really love the classes, and the dancing after is great too. They always have something special that is going on, the music is solid and good dancers show up too. Really grateful for both the classes and the dance party afterwards, since there's not so much happening on the bachata scene in the city. Good stuff!! I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn, or dance bachata! read more

Loved this nightclub. We went on a Sunday the drinks prices are good. Loved the fact that it has two dance floors. One was bachata and the other one was a mixed latin songs read more

One of my favorite places in SF, awesome club, drinks & music. Great experience on a Sunday night. If you like dancing, this is the club for you! Totally recommend it! :) read more

If you want to sweat and dance with a good group of down to earth people, check out Impala on Sundays. There are a variety of cultural performances / special guests and most of the women are friendly and approachable for dancing. Salsa downstairs and they also play a little merengue and salsa upstairs to mix things up a little. Best Sunday night dancing spot I've been to in San Francisco. read more

This is definitely my first choice every time i go to San Francisco to dance Salsa and Bachata on a Sunday great environment Djs are amazing, friendly staff, i love the music and the decor in this place. Its a 2hours drive for me to get there but its always worth it!! Totally the place to be on a Sunday Night read more

This is my favorite dance night in the world. I came here only one month ago and stumbled into the Impala for some Bachata. But there's so much more to this then just a dance party. Corey brings this Bachata Community together and not only gives the night a great atmosphere, but also the opportunity to see really cool performances. I think the hot Bachata Nights is the most welcoming scene for every dancer. From beginner to advanced. read more

The teachers are very nice and approachable, and there are a variety of dance lessons to attend. The cost structure is a bit complicated to understand, and the Yelp deal should really be taken down as it applies to Hot Bachata Nights' former venue. Also, it's not entirely clear what the benefit is of being put on the guest list through Atmosphere's website. The cost of entry is a bit steep for DJs and a crowded space. The salsa room just inside on the ground floor is small to begin with and is made even smaller by people constantly entering/leaving , moving from one room to another, and getting drinks at the bar. Overall, expect knowledgeable and friendly teachers, friendly dancers at a variety of levels, and packed dance floors where you'll get a high heel in your foot at least once. I'd go again, but at most just once every two months or so. read more

Hot Bachata Nights is a classy, cultural treasure chest in the generic ocean of mediocrity that is North Beach. The 2 hours of classes are pretty fun, and great for a beginning or intermediate level person person exploring bachata. The dancing afterwards, amazing and the DJ, Guapo, definitely keeps it going. The people are beautiful, and the female:male ratio is high, but beyond that fact, everyone is super friendly, outgoing, and there to dance and have a good time. There are also live performances from time to time, such as Locura. Definitely a great event for locals and tourists alike. read more

A great place for Bachata dancing. One of the friendliest venues in the bay area. The promoters do a great job interacting with the community and bringing great live acts. The only minor quibble is that the front room is a little small after the renovation and not a great layout for the second dance room which makes this not the best place for your Salsa fix if you don't want to dance Bachata as well. read more

Initially I was reluctant to go because I'm intimidated by Salsa/latin dance. I'm glad I went anyway. Not only was it a fun challenge, but the instructor, Corey Raynor, broke things down in a way that made sense to all of us. He created an environment where stumbling was encouraged and accepted. After a couple of hours of class (first for beginners, second for intermediate), we applied what we learned to the dance floor and things just flowed. The music was great also. Another plus is the space its held at. There is plenty of room to get down. I would highly recommend anyone to check this out! read more

Thanks to Corey for making this such a fun spot for Sunday nights in SF!

This may seem dramatic, but this event kind of restores my faith in mankind, something that is needed on a weekly basis in a world that can feel a little interpersonally chilly. As someone who generally feels super awkward at partner dancing events, I think I am an ideal candidate to express how amazingly enjoyable this event is and different from most nights of this kind. Everyone was super warm, friendly, and non-judgmental. Corey Raynor is hysterical, a total fox and his body is basically made of liquid when he dances which gives everyone something to aspire to. I also want to mention that I am a Queer woman and found this event to be totally gay friendly and the teachers always said lead and follow versus male and female. I tried both parts and did not have anyone give me even a funny glance when I sought to spin other ladies around the floor. I only wish North Beach was easier to get to. Perhaps we need a hot bachata nights carpool or shuttle. Who is going tomorrow? read more