I was kicked out of here when I was 17 for being underage. So for a while I had the scary feeling they were going to be all "hey HEY! I REMEMBER YOU, GET OUT!" I like this place the more I go back. Although, you really need to go with people you know. Or you will end up being a person alone, watching oddly dressed hipsters dancing to the cure. read more

The reason I like Popscene, is mainly because of the music. I'm sure there's other, better clubs in SF that play indie rock, but this was the first and only one I went to. A friend of a friend works there, so that's where it started. Tiny bar, small dance space, hot and sweaty, but it's got a pool table area and has some wicked awesome bands. I saw and chatted up Muse way back in the day, and they're a big name and my favorite band to date. Good names that have already made it big also play, or if not, sometimes SPIN here! Recently The Bravery came and spun after they're Bay Area concert. I have friends that go to Popscene regularly, so I always feel welcome. I'm just glad to have a little regular place to go dance that doesn't play hip hop or house. I like the music, and I like that it's 18+, even though I'm 23 now. Cool little Indie club, hole in the wall, off-the-beaten-path place to go dance for a few hours and let it all out. read more

There aren't enough places like this. Great place to dance your heels away. I would recommend going in a little buzzed, or you will be sorry. There are two bars though, but in the meanwhile you are getting your drink and are done drinking it the young hipsters will get on your nerves! I trully wish people would just treat this spot as a place to dance and be social rather than a show off their new outfits from Urban Outfitters and their british accents. That can get lame. But if you can get past that and enjoy decent electro, alternative, pop give it a shot. ps. live bands here sound pretty good, but can get very hot and claustrophobic like. First time folks, i would recommend going on a dance night first. read more

This place is not my scene at all. But a couple weeks ago a buddy of mine is in town and is going to be there and we can get in free so I'll give it a shot. Two bands played that night - one of them was okay, one of them was really stellar. The sound system was pretty decent, and the dance floor is a good size. Now, most of the patrons look either ridiculous, skanky, or in a pissy mood (except for the creepy dudes in their 40s who I think were just there to people watch), but there are obviously a lot of people having a good time. The DJ before, between, and after the bands played pretty good music and I was amused by the video clips playing in the background. Doesn't sound too bad, does it? That's what I was thinking.... So I decide to get a drink. Everythings pricey, so I go with a Macallan 12 year, up, something to sip and savor for a while. It was $12, which I can handle. But this was the smallest pour I've EVER seen. For $12 I want more then two freaking swallows of whisky. Come on pretentious bartender, I'm ordering something decent, at least give me a taste of it. Ridiculous. Not like I'd ever come back anyway because it's not my scene, but I will talk shit about the place to anyone who will listen. read more

I'm surprised by the amount of unnecessary bullshit that people put up with at Popscene. 1. Unprofessional Asshole Bouncers. Sure, bouncers are a necessary evil, but I've seen these guys "intervene" totally unprovoked, unwarranted, and out-of-proportion. Basically, no dancing during a live show. 2. Doors open @ 9:00. They should clarify that this does not mean that they actually start letting people in at 9, but you can stand outside and look at the "open doors" till 10:00. Other reviewers have written about waiting in line for over an hour and a half, then... " when 20 people from the front, the show sells out. " I've seen other clubs at least attempt to address this issue by having an employee count back from the front of the line by the number of tickets left. Then tell those folks that they are out of luck. But then, it's awesome to see ( and have other people see ) the long line snaking outside of your bar. 3. The fucking back-bar pours [once] carbonated mixers out of plastic mixer bottles made for non-carbonated mixers. Then, they still charge $ 8 for a premium liquor that they have just ruined. 4. The huge poles center stage, just down in the audience. And what's up with all this 18-21 vs. 21+ vibe ? I actually don't pick-up on much of this at the club. But, I'm not out there crusin' 18 year old girls, (or boys for that matter.) You live in San Fran-fucking-cicso !!! lighten up, if you think an older guy or woman is hot, go for it. If not, don't worry they don't bite. Youth obsession makes everybody crazy. I actually think it's the "old farts" who are more hung-up at times. How does being around youngsters make you feel old ? And why does it make you devalue yourself ? Err, uhmm.... sorry for the social diatribe. Most of the non-bouncer staff are pretty cool, they should go work at a more professional establishment. After seeing the Horrors there on tuesday ( great show except that it was at Popscene and the show was really short ), I don't think I'll be going back unless it's someone I absolutely HAVE to see. Unfortunately, they do get a bunch of great bands. read more

I was gonna give 5 stars, but I just remember if there's a band performing live, the air ventilation and a/c sometimes just won't compansate with the crowds. Sometimes it gets too hot, and end it up ruin the moment of enjoying the show. One thing for sure, that this place is ROCKKSSssssssss...Yes, did I mention some famous band like Muse, the Killers, the Subway, Mew, Franz Ferdinand, etc, had been performing in this small venue? The crowd and the music always amusing...,is just so much fun...The crowd dress as an appreciation of the music indie. The music makes you grooving, and the crowd seems to ignore you. You'r totaly enjoying yourself dancing. If you get lucky, you could forget about time. Very recommended for those of you who like new Altenative music / Indie. You could check their wen at popscene-sf.com read more

Last time I be here, I almost got a great grind from a Cross-Dresser who reeked of the chronic. Best Night Ever.

I'll tell you what gives popscene an edge over other hipster dance night that I've been to.. 2 bars and lots of space. While it might be fun to go to 222 and dance in that basement, the bottleneck at the bar and 10 min wait times to get served while some a hole pushes their way in front of you gets old fast. Also, I think its great that popscene is able to have live bands play, sure djs are fun but djs that act like rockstars are annoying. anyway good times read more

Talk all the crap you want, but they still get the best new bands in here and it's always less than 12 bucks. One of the few nights that actually plays good music. read more

Best local bar - small concerts, indie rock, euro-pop, and alternative. Good dj's and bands!

The line outside is a fashion show for 18 year olds, and if there's a live band playing, you won't get any farther than that. Popscene is so OVER. read more

Aaron Axelsen books the greatest bands and throws an outfreakin'-standing dance party. You want deep cuts? He's got deep cuts. Stay after the shows and get your dance on. read more

sfo's best indie club? i think not really stingy bouncers(held us in line for no reason), HORRIBLE DJ(doesn't know how to mix, or what songs to play), and a $5 cover. waste of time and money. read more

The only times I ever had fun here was when I'm so wasted that I do the "helicopter". I love coming to see bands play here too but it's quite pricey most of the time. Usually it's like $15-20 an entry. Plus I can never really find people to actually come with me to these events and some of the people I've talked to aren't really into alternative/indie music. Which I adore. The crowd is always awesome though. Easy to make friends if you're willing to try. It's a mixed crowd (gay + straight) and I have to say that the events ARE fun. But like I said, it's not fun if you're by yourself (hasn't happened to me or else I'd be here all the time) or you're just with one person. The only dicks from this club are the bouncers. Maybe you have to wear revealing clothing, which I don't. Every Popscene and BlowUp, you'll find like at least 2 old guys wearing suspenders and hipster clothes always dancing by themselves here though. Which is cool I guess. I want to come here more often, honestly, but if there are people who actually want to go! =( read more

I'm 24, and feel old at this party. The 18+ crowd is part of the reality, but if you can get past that it's a damn fun party. The lines at the bar are always short, the dance floor is almost always full, and the kids trying way too hard to impress each other are amusing. Visit here if you're in the mood to dance to The Cure, The Smiths, Ladytron, and other obvious indie dance floor selections. It's a good time, just don't take yourself too seriously. read more

The party that took its name from a Blur song is a reputable place to see indie acts that are about to gain popularity. Props to Aaron Axelson and his posse for using his commercial radio connections to book some real class acts like Bloc Party and Graham Coxon. I've managed to see bands like The Bravery, Ambulance LTD, and Snow Patrol at 330 Rich before they climbed to Coachella caliber stardom. The party lost points in my book after the Muse overbooking in 2004 that left a many a fan (including myself) outside the club for hours without ever getting in. Also, the party is 18+ and if you think hanging out with a bunch of kids will make you feel old, then you are quite right. read more

i went to popscene on thursday. heres my conclusion:: its small. hardly anyone dances. they had delicious 'summer snacks'. lots of men will buy you a drank. theres a big outdoor smoking area. so... three stars to popscene. one of them being for the band Darker My Love, which was playing the night i went. and also for the many cute guys at this club. but if youre a (heterosexual) man and Darker My Love isnt playing, i wouldnt recommend this spot. read more

This is definitely a rad place to see live music of bands you love in an intimate setting. Other than that, its a high school party with 18-20 year olds mostly. There are few people I've ever seen that were 21+ and the bar is always empty. That could be a plus if you don't want to wait for a drink, but I'm not trying to have a good time with immature kids jumpin' around either. read more

I'm not gonna lie, I liked it a lot! It loses a star for being 18 and over, but it also keeps a star for being 18 and over. This was my first time being there in almost 10 years, it used to be where my freshman group of girlfriends and I used to go to, since it was the only place we could get drunk before, dress sexy and go out partying and that wouldn't get us completely molested by creepy men like City Nights did. I'll admit I was pretty drunk before I got there this time, but I do remember there were a lot of renovations, it is way bigger and way better than it used to be. The band they had was awesome, and the music was so much fun to dance to, I didn't really meet a lot of young under drinking aged people, so the 18 and over part wasn't much of an issue for me read more

This place is the spot for the too cool for school hipsters of SF age 18-21. It's a small venue where you can appreciate your favorite bands, like The Bravery for $10. They have a pool table and $3 PBRs. But let me just say I felt old. To keep myself in good spirits I just rocked out to the music. Probably an ultra cool spot in the eyes of an 18 year old hipster. p.s. don't forget to wear your skinny jeans (men and women alike) read more

OMG! It's an Indie Geek High School Dance party. First tip off was the peachy face hipsters waiting in line to get in. Next tip off was the spazstic guy dressed in a retro 'Bjorn Borg' style tennis outfit...slapping his knee and dancing off beat to the music (akin to offkey singing). The full load hits you when hear a Berlin or Joy Division song come on and realize that most of these folks weren't even born yet! If you ignore all that... and its not too crowded... this is a great place to see new bands before they hit it big. (BYO Earplugs) read more

Don't get me wrong - I love me some indie rock. In fact, that's what I listen to for the most part. But is it just me, or does dancing to the cure or belle & sebastian seem kinda silly? I prefer shakin my booty to hip hop. .. but I can't fault popscene for that. I just think it's past its hey-day. High school hipsters seem to be the only remaining patrons. read more

I am torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one... as I think this place is cooler than "A-OK" but I am not loving it enough to say that "I'm a fan". We checked this place out for the first time last Thursday night. Some definite positives: -They have interesting band line-up and for those following the indie trends and cult favorites, this place is pretty awesome. -They were not too crowded, but definitely not empty -People were enjoying themselves and the music -They have a couple of big fans blasting the dance floor, providing much needed ventilation which many clubs lack (but if you want wind, stay near the front of the club, near the bar. There are no fans around the back half of the dance floor near the bathrooms.) -They have some tables/sit down areas, and they apparently serve food too. Good to know when there's a cool band playing but their music isn't super danceable or you just don't feel like dancing. Some turn offs: -18+... nothing necessarily wrong with the young kids, but it's 18+ and SF hipsters. You know how strange that can get. You will get a better picture with some of the notes below. - I thought the guys in the club here actually had better dance floor manners than girls. I was shoved (sometimes literally) by girls I didn't know through the night. Some were either too drunk to notice that they are bumping into me or just plain obnoxious. Some were so ultra self indulgent that they kept flicking and tossing their hair while dancing, seemingly unaware of the fact that they are slapping my face with their hair. Some preferred to dance in large swinging motion and consequently kept rubbing their butts and arms onto me all night long. Usually when you bump into someone like that in the club, you move away slightly to avoid further accidental rubbing. Well, I kept inching away and for some reason she just kept getting closer. And she was totally straight, with a boyfriend too. She just seemed to not care, but I was a bit bothered by having to feel her flesh on my arms every other beat. - This one's not so much specifically about this club but an apparent unfortunate problem plaguing womens' bathrooms everywhere in USA. Why the heck do women in USA pee all over the f*cking toilet seats?!?! Isn't that what the toilet seat covers are provided for, so you can sit without worrying about germs and not have to "aim" and miss every time?!?! What is it, you can't spare an extra 5 seconds in the stall to lay down that piece of paper and also make sure you didn't pitter everywhere after you are done and wipe the seat if you have so you won't have to leave the toilet in a disgusting condition for the next person... I can't stand it when girls dress up and pretend to be pretty and clever and caring and yet oblivious to this embarrassing, lazy habit. I find them filthy... and there were plenty of those kind of girls here. - Another potty talk. Seconds after I am in the bathroom, a group of girls enter the bathroom, being extremely loud. "That BITCH! I asked for apple martini, and she gave me pear martini..." Oh, big f*cking deal... grow up and correct the bartender if there's a problem instead of calling her a bitch and freaking out in the bathroom. Neither positive or negative but just an observation: I've never seen so many chicks dance with their boyfriends in this specific manner: Euphoric smile, flinging hair left & right, dancing in a style I can only describe as a mash up of woodstock and Christian rock concerts lol. While grabbing the boyfriend by their hair. All night long. Is that a hipster trend or something?? Is grabbing him by the hair constantly supposed to be hot these days...I must be getting old... So yeah, some good stuff, some not so good stuff, and some just kinda surreal. Lol. Does that make this venue interesting? For sure. Definitely a SF nightlife experience. Would I come back? Probably won't be naggin my husband to take me back there, but definitely yes if my husband or our friends want to go again. I may cut back on the dancing and opt to enjoying music from the table instead next time though, unless I really really like the specific band. read more

After being asked (an hour before the show) to do merch at a show for some big name french electronic D.A.N.C.E. band I was asked by the bands to come out to their after party at The Popscene, 'cause I did a good job and all. So, I say, why not? Then I got there and despite being on the guest list they wouldn't let me in 'cause yadda yadda yadda. I guess I'm not used to the club scene, and I think I'm glad I'm not but I just wanted that extra nail in the "this night was totally surreal" coffin and I didn't get it at the Popscene! read more

Good place to see one of your fav bands should they choose to do a small "intimate" show there. Everyone is generally laid back, except for the loners and 30 year old pedophiles who seem to roam around wide eyed at all the youth about. But it's generally a good time and a good place where even the band can hang out and be casual before and after their show. read more

Don't expect much from this place. Just bring your butt over ... drink ... dance ... and have a good time.

boo. thumbs down. so my friends and i decided to have a girls' night out and drove up to the city, looking cute and ready to party. when we arrived, we didn't have to wait in line for very long, even though the bouncer was trying to talk us up and flirt. when we got through the door.... big disappointment. the dance floor was crowded by indies-who-do-not-know-how-to-dance-but-think-they're-so-hot and all the seats/tables were full. so we didn't have much of a choice except to just start dancing. the songs were okay (eh, could've been better) and the dance floor was pretty roomy. but into the night, i noticed that a lot of the guys who were creeping around looked 30+ ... they would try to strike up a conversation with lame pick-up lines and goofy grins on their faces.. uh need i say more? we tried to get out of there as fast as we could. read more

popscene is definitely meant to be enjoyed whenever the hot young bands are playing... so far i've seen the bravery, the mary onettes, and the ting tings play at 330 ritch through popscene, and they were all excellent shows! i also love the dance tunes they play here... always hip and danceable! i do have to say, and this is specific to 330 ritch i guess, is that they really need to figure out how to work a coat check properly. after the ting ting's concert in december, i waited in line for 45 minutes just to retrieve the jacket i checked in earlier in the night... that's almost as long as the ting ting's actually played on stage!! read more

If this club were 21+ instead of 18+ it would be the best club in town, Where else can you see bands like Hot hot heat, Bloc Party, Kasabian, and the Killers for 5 bucks. Not to mention a great place to hear classic indie / britpop music. read more

The perfect scene for Thursdays nights. Always packed, but you still can breathe Cool people Nice music most of the time (eighties style) I like the screen with vintage movies A place where you are sure to have fun with your friends. read more

Ok, so im under 21 and theres not much of a choice for nightlife in this city. Im usually into the hip-hop clubs, but i went here to just see what it was like and for something to do. I felt weird dancing to this kind of music. Its definitely a place where white boys can dance and where girls dont have to worry about guys hitting on them like crazy. I would go back, but not on a regular basis. read more

I went with a group of friends last night, TERRIBLE. it was my friends birthday and they thought he was too drunk to even go in, even though he wasnt even that drunk. we wanted to go for fake blood and have a good time for our friends birthday but they were being total douche bags, mostly the bouncers. if you want to go to popscene for the music and to have fun and dance the night away, dont waste your time. not even worth it. DONT GO. read more

Best DJs and music! This is the place where I discover new and talented, upcoming artists. I saw The Temper Trap, Foster the People, Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats, MNDR, DANGER, Bombay Bicycle Club, Shiny Toy Guns, etc. etc. etc. here. I love DJ Aaron Axelson and Miles the DJ! Definitely a very hipster scene at this place with a lot of good vibes. read more

Imagine a dance club with a DJ that plays your favorite compilation; back to back favorites and then a gem that you'd completely forgotten about and then something that everyone loves and can sing along to. That's Popscene. I had heard some bad things as this is an 18+ establishment, so I was apprehensive and anticipating a hip hop high school dance party. But I was pleasantly surprised by the crowd and especially the music (then again, it was a school night). Sure, the place was thick with hipsters, but I was there with my friends and I was there to dance so dance I did and I had a great time. read more

I just made a yelp account so I could rant about last night. I went to a Mumford & Sons show at the Popscene last night. The show was incredible, but the two hours leading up to the show were miserable. It took an hour and a half (I exaggerate not) to get everyone into the venue, and then an additional hour of waiting before the band actually came out. Apparently Popscene dropped the ball and never told the band that there was no opening act -- something they hadn't been expecting. So, the doors opened at 9:00pm, and the show started on at 11:30pm. Horrible management all around. Another thing I couldn't stand was the whole vibe. A bunch of pretentious indie hipster kids with glasses too big for their faces and goofy thrift store outfits. I guess you can only expect so much when a club labels itself as "indie." Luckily, Mumford & Sons turned the night around. They're one of the best live acts I've ever seen. Still, I won't be going to the Popscene again. Hell, I'll drive down to LA to see a band at a decently managed place before taking another chance with these guys. read more

There was a time in my life where every thursday night I got liquored up and headed to popscene to dance. I havent in a long while but ive seen some cool bands here , they brought me DJ AM! And there have been plenty of times where ive gone just to dance my little tush off---and i did. Ive yet to go now that i am of legal drinking age...and you know, i might get the itch one day. but until then...4 stars for the memories! read more

Haha I remember coming to popscene when I was underage. I used to come to popscene every Thursday and I met some interesting people. The last time I went to popscene when I saw the Villians two years ago when my friend Mike dragged me out on that night. But now I'm over 21, there are better clubs than this one. read more

This place is SCENE to the max. Boys with eyeliner adorn the walls while skinny, platinum and black hair (the skunk), striped tights wearing scenesluts line the dance floor. Most of these kids are bridge and tunnel and barely 18, if not 17... Once again, go back to danville bitches. read more

Popscene used to be a hotspot for me and my friends. The youngins don't bother me so much as the lamers who go there now. Just get ultra-drunk and you won't mind them so much. It's cool cuz bands sometimes hang out there after their shows. One time, my friends and I ran into Carlos from Interpol and played pool with him. I've seen some really cool, intimate acts go through there; The Sounds, Stellastarr* and a lot of guest DJ's. Now, I don't go there because the DJ's have been sucking lately and the crowd tends to be fratboy party-goer's. read more

I still love this party. It's still one of the most fun and energetic dance parties I can find in the city. I'm so tired of hip hop and candied pop/diva music that Popcene is a relief. Aaron Axelson and his team are awesome DJ's who know how to get the crowd jumping. WIth music ranging from the Beatles and Rolling Stones to Franz Ferdinand and La Roux, you can really rock out until you drop. The crowd is a lot of fun. People are there mostly just to dance and have fun- not to pose or grind until their groins are raw. Again, who the hell cares if it's 18 and over?! It's fun, energetic and the crowd is cool. read more