This is possibly my least favorite bar in SF. Girls twirling from hoola hoops hanging from the ceiling? No thanks. Also, a $20 cover downstairs? This isn't Vegas, and even if it was, no thanks. read more

Right off the bat, there's no way you can beat a free photo booth with FREE print outs! How can you not help going in there like 20 thousand times (especially under the influence of some delish bevvies!). But aside from the awesome photobooth the whole atmosphere is pretty neat. The place reminds me of the haunted mansion in Disney (or any other haunted mansion you've ever wandered into... It's really dark with lots of Victorian looking furniture and really cool looking chandeliers. The whole vibe is just really cool. Mix that with some uber friendly bartenders and some sta-rong drinks and you've got a good night ahead of you! I had two different drinks. The Paloma Brazilia and the Brass Tiki. I really liked the Paloma Brazilia, with grapefruit and tequila but once I moved on to the Brass Tiki I was a little over having so much sweet in my drinks. I think I would have stuck to one specialty drink and moved on to beer. While they're well made, i was past my sweet limit (surprising, I know!). There's also a club downstairs with a totally different atmosphere. They play house music, which I'm not really into, but it's a pretty cool space. They have a wide open dance area with little corners where there's lounge areas. I wish they played better music (in my definition = booty shaking music) but it's still fun to lounge around for a bit. I will mention the upstairs music was awesome though! The first night I went (I know, we went twice in one week!) it was 90's rock, which was RIGHT up my alley. It was awesome to sing along to Smashing Pumpkins, Gin Blossoms and Flaming Lips. The second night was more 70's Rock, not my fave, but still fun regardless and way better than the house music downstairs. I need to come back for more photos again alone, bar glamour shots here I come! read more

I recently spent President's Day weekend in SF and Monarch made our weekend! The dancing was fun and there was a warehouse-like party downstairs. For those who are from LA, it's very much like The Townhouse in Venice. There is a cover ($10) to get into the dance floor downstairs. Both upstairs and downstairs have a DJ so if you don't want to pay you can still have a good time. Water is very readily available which I think is really smart of Monarch! There are little coolers on the corner of the bar with cups so you can pour your own water whenever you need it. Great crowd! read more

On my way to the Monarch, I had to walk a couple of blocks up Sixth from Howard past porn shops, hotels that looked like they hadn't changed since the 1970's, the worst smelling pizza place ever (it smelled like a gym sock), and a variety of folks who didn't seem to like me for some reason. Was it my new glasses? My cardigan? When I got to the door of the Monarch, I felt like I'd reached a nice, little oasis in the middle of a neighborhood that was trying really hard not to give a ****. The inside of the Monarch looks like a dark, Victorian mansion upstairs and a little Space Mountain'ish downstairs. It wasn't crowded the night I was there, so I was able to get a drink quickly and cruise around looking at the place. I really liked the different areas to hang out in and appreciated all the couches and comfy chairs. I was there to see a couple of DJ's I like, so I'd bought a ticket for $18 ($15 + service fee). It honestly took me a little while to figure out what I was supposed to do because the stairs to the lower area were kind of blocked by a rope, but there was nobody around for a Will Call and the doorman didn't seem to know anything. I eventually just walked around the rope and went downstairs. I'm happy to support the local music scene, but I could've just come to this event without paying just as easily. Kinda weird. It would have been nice to have somebody at the top of the stairs by the rope. The crowd at Monarch the night I was there was a little mixed. There were some really friendly folks, some random people spacing out, and a bunch of other guys and girls who were a little douche-y. Lots of cutting and pushing at the bar by guys in suits and girls massed up in groups who would pull their friends in like some sort of amoeba. However, once I got my drink, I was able to find a place to hang out that was comfortable without dealing with those people again. The Monarch has a cool space, a great sound system, some really nice people behind the bar, and an almost laid-back vibe that I liked a lot. I'll definitely be back in the near future! read more

Brand new club in the newly happening (and still quite sketchy) Market/6th street neighborhood. This club looks like a typical LA hotel bar/ultra lounge on the top floor and the basement is a small, but pounding electronic music venue with a sick sound system that will give Function 1 a run for its money. The bartenders upstairs mix a mean drink, door service is extremely friendly, and so far I haven't had a bad time here. If you like house and techno, you should definitely check this place out. If you like to be seen and lounge, stay upstairs :) read more

This bar had two faces--one I like, and the other I could pass on. But one thing I can say I don't like about both faces is the $12 shots. I'm from Cleveland and that price is just redonkulous! You can get a hand-crafted, incredible cocktail for $15 at home, so maybe you can see why I think $12 for a shot of tequila is a little much. (Just my personal opinion, here...) The upstairs won me over with its vibe and *gasp* free Photobooth! How much fun is that? We pretty much dominated that thing for at least 30 minutes straight. I also loved the ring swing hung above the bar for the dancers. There weren't any while we were there, but it would have been amazing to see one. Then we walked downstairs and it was dark, cold and damp. The vibe was just off. Don't get me wrong--I love dive bars. This place was just trying to hard to make a basement seem trendy. I would have much rather stayed upstairs and skipped the weird, trance music and weird people dancing in circles. I will say the bouncers here are awesome. As we were waiting for our Uber Cab outside, he stayed around us and made sure no one messed with us. I guess this isn't the best area of town and knowing that, he made sure no creepsters walked up to us for any reason. He did not go inside until we were safe in our cab. Love that! read more

I bought tickets online to see whoever was playing that Friday night for $25 and they only charged $10 at the door. I felt ripped off. Two stars because the bartender who served me downstairs was nice. read more

This bar has 2 personalities. #1- the top floor bar area. Very chic. A nod to a speakeasy, old dark bar. Very classy with nice couches and a gorgeous bar. The lighting is very nice and this is a good area to sip on a glass of champagne or whiskey and talk with a small group. This is definitely more of my scene. #1- The "club". Downstairs, has a cover and is a dark basement with a loud sound system. They have a nice big dance floor and a few tables, but this area is much more of a "club" feel than upstairs. You almost forget that you are in the same place. Overall, it was a fun experience and I'd definitely come back. To the top floor bar. read more

Came here for a drink a little after 8 in the lounge area. It wasn't super busy, which was good. The decor is pretty cool & the vibe/music spot on. But I couldn't help but be annoyed by one of the bartenders (tall, muscular white dude, chin-strap beard with a baby face). There were only a few people at the bar and he was so busy flirting with some chick that I eventually had to rudely interject to get the check. Sure, she was cute but that's just bad service. I might consider coming back but I suggest the one bartender reconsider his priorities. FYI: There's a $20 minimum for credit cards. read more

Went there for happy hour mid- week. It was empty and great for about an hour, until they turned the music up so loud that the 10 people in the place were all yelling at one another to be heard. Their specialty cocktails are delish, but detour away from them and the drinks are not. I might go back to check out the free Jazz on Monday's but I don't suggest it for a night out otherwise. read more

The owners of Monarch have definitely brought a space to the City that is a step above. Intimate, moody and chic, the club has made a name for itself as THE prime spot to go for quality sound, top-notch DJ's, and shoulder-rubbing with the beautiful people of SF. On the occasions that you get a crowd of genuine music lovers, or just cool people here for more than getting wasted and laid, it's a really great time. Monarch sports a world-class sound system, friendly bartenders, wonderfully eclectic and inspiring decor, a photo boof!, and fantastic drinks. No, they aren't cheap, but that's simply the price you pay for a visit to one of the top clubs in any city. But... I have to knock a star off for the douchebag factor that overruns Monarch on weekends. The club has blown up, lately attracting Marina & Bridge-and-Tunnel types with some seriously entitled attitudes; I've experienced so much pushing/shoving (with no excuse me or sorry), sexual harassment, and other generally belligerent behavior that it's a huge turnoff--to the point where I've stopping coming at peak times. This is to be expected of any great establishment, but it is what it is. You've been warned. If you're friendly, love to dance, and respectful of people around you, come out on a weeknight, and toast to the awesomeness of our city and those who add to it with places like Monarch! read more

Big fan of Monarch over here. Maybe it's the interesting, varied craft cocktail offerings. Maybe it's because the guys behind the bar really seem to know what they're doing, and really seem to care. Maybe it's the vibe, the decor, and the faint yet noticeable scent of Nagchampa wafting through the air. Maybe it's all of it. It is. I loved my drink... something something "darkness" which involved Buffalo Trace -- you had me at Buffalo Trace! -- as well as a few other interesting ingredients. (Perhaps some vermouth-y type deal? I can't recall, folks. Sorry.) As Monica S noted, contortionists and aerial performers behind the bar during select times. How awesome is that? (I only wish they would've been there when I was there. Maybe next time, because I'm most certainly coming back.) read more

I was here for a get together last night and there was a fair little group of us enjoying the bar. The atmosphere on a Sunday night is calm with good music and not much of a crowd, so you can really enjoy each other's company without feeling as though you've been packed into a sardine can. The two bartenders were great; they were quick with the drinks, had big smiles, and a fun sense of humor. The bar is pretty well stocked and should be able to make most patrons quite happy with the varied selections. Above the bar is an eight foot (roughly) circular hole in the wall, and hanging inside the circular hole is an acrobat's hoop on a secure lanyard with carabiners. I asked the gal behind the bar if it's ever used and she said "Yeah, all the time on the really busy nights". I think I'll come back to see that on a Friday or Saturday :-D The bar, the tables, and the bathrooms were all clean and well kept; always a good sign. There's a back room with a large projection screen, a couch, some chairs, and a small bit of dancing space. There's also a downstairs, but I didn't venture in that direction and can't speak to what you'll find. It's a good spot, we had a lot of fun, the drinks were good, and the bartenders were friendly/funny. I recommend dropping in for a drink with friends. read more

I was here for learning about CouchSurfing and meeting folks who do. So I can't rate the experience as a customer only to note that this place is not exactly a high end club or lounge, but it is a decent bar. There is no dance area I see upstairs. Just a bar, and a place to "lounge" in another room. DJs appear to be building their skills in the craft and you see their electronics out in the open, as oppose to usually they are high on a podium jamming. The place is small, so the point seems to be just to mingle. Downstairs is where the club dancing is more capable. There is a DJ and bar there as well. The dance floor is more like your downstairs garage or basement with pillars in the way. They have a crystal ball and light works to jam the night with appropriate loud sound system. I would say Monarch is good if you don't like large crowds and huge event scenery clubs. The beer(Heinekein was $4.00 a bottle). The worst part about this place is the location. 6th and Mission is not exactly a safe place to be in San Francisco especially at night which is likely the times open for this place to meet people. So go with friends. read more

This place is A-Ok. It's not for locals. Definitely for out of town (eastbay/southbay) club rats, and the bouncers cater to just that style of dress shoes on trashy feet kind of patrons. But other than the bouncers, I really like this place for dancing. read more

This is really 2 venues: Upstairs is a bar scene and the downstairs is the club scene that'll take you back to the era of disco minus the sequins and leotards: Body slamming and no room to breath, love it. Why not 5 stars? Drinks, the bar part upstairs, nice but the drinks are priced high but quality of a dive bar. Since I have a HUGE alcohol tolerance despite my size, I am still a connoisseur at heart for good booze. But, let's face it, by the time one gets to Monarch around 11:30pm, are you really still tasting anything? read more

Great bar and Great drinks.......really fun specialty cocktails with top notch spirits, fresh ingredients, and even better cost! Lounge area is great, old fashioned looking with a spunky DJ buzzing beats in the background. Has a downstairs, that has one of the best sound systems in the city!! Awesome place to party, and the staff is quick and wonderful, or will at least acknowledge you if they are busy. Love it :D read more

Fit for a king. Modern design with retro accents. The speakers are incredible. Clear and crisp sound system commands you to dance. Groovy and soulful beats by the likes of Marques Wyatt. Sophisticated and well-behaved crowd radiates positive energy. Exquisite taste proven by the bartender offering me an alternative beer when he discovered the last Bud Light was in a blue bottle. No one wants that. First time could have been an aberration. Until proven wrong Monarch is on the list of favorites nightlight spots in the city. read more

This review is based on renting Monarch as an event space - not as a club patron (although, based on my experience as an event planner, I feel like it would be awesome to go to as a regular customer too). I worked with Michael for special events booking. I threw a nonprofit fundraiser cocktail party for 150 in the space - renting out the entire venue. Michael was a HUGE help and very accommodating from start to finish. The night of the event, Michael made sure everything was smooth and it was flawless for us! The staff were all extremely friendly - from the doormen to bartenders, and my guests had a wonderful time. The venue's layout allows for some tailoring and crowd flow - with the downstairs dance floor making for a great space to get a group together. My guests loved it, and as a planner, it was so easy to work with Michael and Monarch for the event. Highly recommend! read more

Monarch is one of my favorite places in SF. Its a hidden gem on 6th Street. Mostly its know as a club, but the bar upstairs is cover free almost all the time and has a great drink selections. There is great happy hour food and drinks that won't break the bank. A rare find in SF these days. The club downstairs gets cracking later in the evening and if you're wearing you dancing shoes you will be guaranteed to find some music to make you move. read more

This is a review of the HAPPY HOUR. Manny, the owner, worked amazingly well with me to put together a wonderful Happy Hour and fundraiser to raise money for a nonprofit that provides solutions to homelessness. The staff at Monarch are professionals- Pooky, the mixologist/bartender, made delicious drinks that satisfied our crowd of 60+ for two nonstop hours. I rarely saw anyone waiting for a drink at the bar- I don't know how she did it! I can't wait to come back and see what kind of holiday drink concoctions Pooky and the Monarch team come up with! Thank you for giving back to the community MONARCH! read more

If you're into house music with a local vibe this is the place to go! They bring in both international and local talent to their small and cozy club. As mentioned in other reviews, they have an amazing Void sound system that'll move your booty on the dancefloor. Another great thing about this place is that its open till 4am! I've had some amazing times here and this will always be one of my favorite clubs in the city. For popular acts, I highly recommend you buy presale tickets as the club is not that big. This will guarantee you access and not leaving you waiting at the door. read more

Pretty fun! Was a little dead when we arrived at 10 on a Friday night but by the time it was 12 there were lots of people dancing upstairs. The acrobatic lady was fun to watch! The downstairs cover was $15, surprisingly expensive for how dead it was and the music wasn't great. Bartender was nice. read more

When did this place open and why did I not know about it? First of all, there is no cover. One of the prettiest and nicest cocktail waitresses I've met in a long time served me a tall Makers ($8). People cycle in and out rather quickly, so if you are patient a seat opens up rather quickly. For entertainment, a scantily clad girl makes her way onto a suspended hoop to do some circus tricks for the crowd, The music is upbeat, but all over the place, like a crazy ipod list. I definitely heard Hall & Oates and Herbie Hancock's "Rock It "at one point during the evening- groovy. The crowd was a melting pot of contradictions. No one looked pretty enough to be from the Marina, nor hip enough to be from the Mission. However, everyone was pleasantly good looking, laid back, and more than one gentleman apologized for bumping into me. If I had one complaint, I would say that the bartenders need to look up and make eye contact more often. Also, hold the bottle at a reasonable distance from the glass when pouring drinks. Holding the bottle over your head and the glass at your waist is not sexy. There is a reason why the movie "Cocktail" was forgotten 20 years ago. read more

I decided to take a solo trip to San Francisco this past weekend to satisfy the curiosity I have had about this city for a while now. Traveling to new places I always try to experience all aspects of the city life, including nightlife. After reading reviews about Monarch I was a little hesitant to go to that part of town by myself but I had a pepper spray handy and decided to check it out after all. This place was nothing but awesome! And the surrounding did not look as bad as some yelpers say. Bartenders were very friendly and did their job very well with serving drinks that were mixed just right. The dancer in the bar upstairs had some legit skills! I ended up spending most of the night downstairs, which had a cool underground feel to it, with a dance floor that could have been just a tiny bigger but I didn't feel to squeezed. I really like the free self-serve water on the side of both bars upstairs and downstairs, it contributed to no hangover the next day! I met at least 10 people when I was there, anywhere from locals to visitors like me. The music was great, very chill progressive electro or something in that matter, not annoying at all. Everybody was dancing and had a great time! I will definitely come back here next time Im visiting! read more

We came here on pride weekend so it's very different but one of the owners came out to invite us in. Had a drink upstairs first with a great DJ playing. House music or deep house would be how I'd describe the place. Upstairsx lounges and regal feeling mirrors with great bartenders. Downstairs is Monarch and it was packed with serious underground deep house music going. read more

Great bar and ambiance, but oftentimes sketchy crowd - especially in the basement. I was sober, and wasn't even there an hour an had my phone stolen out of my cross-body bag as I danced. I noticed it was gone about 10 minutes later, went to use "find my iphone" and it was already turned offline. Scumbags knew exactly what they were doing. The people that worked there were pretty clear that this wasn't their problem, despite being a girl not wanting to walk home through the tenderloin late at night. Won't be back. Keeping things close to your body isn't enough to spare your belongings from being stolen. read more

This place is incredible! With the dance club downstairs and the bar upstairs, it feels like you have two different experiences in the same location :) The bar is very upscale (even acrobatic women who swing from a gigantic steel ring hanging from the ceiling). No, it's not "stripper-ish." It's classy and invigorating! Drinks are expensive but worth the experience. The club is a blast. Techno music literally vibrates the floors upstairs, that's how strong the sound system is there! Unreal. For a fun night out, albeit a little pricey, it's very worth it! read more

Great Cocktails WITHOUT the suspenders, curled mustaches, 30 minute prep time and general indifferent attitude of the bartenders? What more could you want from a bar? The place is stylish without being uncomfortably chic, has creative and friendly bartenders as well as crafted made to order concoctions. Great! i went with some friends for a mid week happy hour cocktail. My co-workers started to complain about the neighborhood but i pointed out that he lives in the Mission and never complains about 16th street BART station. Come on, people in street are as SF as fog and the Giants! We enter into a stylish bar with tunes planing and a few people chatting away at the bar. The first thing i noticed was the huge selection of booze! i like to think i am experienced in the world of spirits, but i was dumbfounded by the selections. We bellied up to the bar and cruised the menu. Lots of beer in the bottle and a good selection of cocktails that sounded good! Make a long story short because it starts to get a little fuzzy from here on out. we ended up staying past 11:00pm! An happy hour drink turned into many cocktails! Anyways, great cocktails, fun bartenders, and near the office makes for a 5 star review from me! Will be back! read more

This is an extraordinary location for having fun with friends and dancing until your feet hurt! More than one dance floor and music playing on different levels AND a free photo booth!!! What! There's also a private green room downstairs if you go to the left of the bar and wait until someone opens the unmarked door~lots of fun to be had in there! read more

This is a great, underrated spot. Upstairs is great post-work watering hole or an great place to socialize or lightly boogie. The bar manager (if he's still there) trained with Bourbon and Branch guys, has won mixology competitions, and is a really cool guy who makes great drinks. I don't think he works the crazy weekend night shift scene, but hopefully you're not going to a techno club expecting to get top-quality drinks. The drinks are still fine upstairs on Friday/Saturday night, but they will be rushing to serve the high demand. Downstairs is a bit of another story. I've paid to visit one of the top speaker set ups in San Francisco (here) and... well while the music is definitely enjoyable the crowd is sparse and eclectic. Drinks downstairs are definitely overpriced and alcohol-and-soda/beer only. I'd say that unless there's a performer you really want to check out, the real party is upstairs! read more

Monarch, sadly, is lost to most of us now, as it's been overrun with the Ruby Skye types. The bar upstairs is till enjoyable to me, but the downstairs music venue has had an intolerably bad crowd the last few times I've gone. read more

So I finally got to go to an official party at Monarch last Friday evening. I had only gone there previously for a pre-opening party and the place was a lot nicer than I had remembered. The bar upstairs had some nice cocktails at $12 a piece (not terrible as this is the typical price in SF), but the Honor among Thieves was excellent (I had two). Beer was only $5-6. The dance floor downstairs was taken up by the party, which was why I was there and the space is not huge, but pretty roomy for a DJ/house party thrown by Space Cowboys. Staff was friendly and attentive and I had a great time. Fantastic space and a great staff that made my Friday evening a fun one. read more

They say "location! location! location!" and unfortunately, this place doesn't fall into the best one. Which is probably why I just stumbled on it. But I'm glad I did, because it is definitely what you'd call a "diamond in the rough" (and boy is 6th/Mission rough)... Also, not too pricey for drinks, they know how to make some good cocktails like real mixologists should. I'm pretty sure the bartender I saw working last night (Thursday) has arms of steel from crushing all that fruit and mint. He crushed like he meant it, which I had to applaud with a nice tip. As for the music/club venue: it's in the "basement"--which usually isn't the best sign (I've been to LiPo, that place is where you go to leave part of your soul.) We came here to see MoshiAudio's free show with Loquat playing a live set. And at first, you're taken aback: will the lead singer's voice even carry in this basement venue? But then the first note is hit and you realize, "holy shit. this place has badass sound!" As it should, since it was just voted by 7x7 as the best sound. It holds up to its rep. Anyway...with good drinks, and bartenders that serve without attitude, and a decent sound and venue to shake my ass, I'll definitely be stumbling back (and out of) this place again. read more

I went to LIGHTS DOWN LOW HALLOWEEN PARTY WITH L-VIS 1990, SFV ACID, URULU that was supposed to run until 4. People cleared out after 2:30 and they just cut the music. it sux to pay 20 bucks for only 5 minutes of a headliner. read more

Monarch is as good as it gets in terms of bar-tastic action. Classy, cool, sophisticated, those are all adjectives that would be used when describing Monarch. Mix the amazing sound system, with out of this world drinks, friendly staff and beautiful ladies spinning in the hoop/ random performers with the kind of SF kookiness we've come to love and adore and you have yourself the best cocktail in town. From here on out, Monarch is my boyfriend and I like it like that. read more

I've been coming to this club for 7+ years now, and it is still my favorite place to go in San Francisco! The upstairs bars have great cocktails and the decor of the rooms provide for an unique experience like no other! The downstairs is legit the best sound still for a club of this size and my favorite part is the circus performances on Friday and Saturday! If you like to dress up be sure to check out the theme parties! (Especially The Garden Party!!) read more

This was the last stop for a 21st birthday party I planned, and my group of 28 absolutely loved the venue. Christy is in charge of the group events and VIP bottle services. She's so nice and extremely organized. I had a great time planning and reserving a spot for my group with her. All you have to do is either call or even e-mail her and she'll get back to you asap. If you are planning an event at this venue, make sure to inform them about a party bus (if you are using one) or have your party bus drop you off a few blocks away. The bouncers wouldn't even talk to me or any of my group members when we first arrived because our bus was there. However, when I was emailing Christy, I let her know that we did have a large vehicle and had permission to enter despite this! This is a HUGE TIP for any event planners out there. The club up top was pretty crowded (this is around 10-11 pm), but the club was pretty spaced out. There were a lot of people there, don't get me wrong, but the lights were cool and everyone was just kinda jammin' out on their own. The band that played (... Valentine?) was awesome. The sound system, as expected, was amazing (I read reviews on it beforehand). Overall, the night turned out great and I am so happy I chose Monarch as a stop. I found it on the site: http://sosh.com. Hope this was helpful! read more

I am sure most of the girls would not have passed the Turing test. Too many international families gather at the tables. Alcohol is reasonably priced but no one actually drinks. Chicken in waffle had no chicken in it. read more

Monarch is THE place to go if you like deep house/underground music. Awesome vibes and great sound system. Not known for its drinks but by far have the best time ever here. I visit SF just to spend a night out at Monarch! read more