Best Bars For Ladies' Night Out In San Francisco

Amber Dhara
680 Valenica St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 400-5699
www.amber-india.com

The everyday happy hour menu and prices here are the best, but be sure to sit in the bar area and not in the dining room, even if you are told to sit wherever you like, since happy hour prices do not extend beyond the bar area. That said, this is a top-notch place for ladies' night out, as beautiful décor with comfy seating, $5 each for just about anything and yummy drinks and food make for happy, tipsy best friends.

Café Meuse is described as a "little gem of a wine bar," and has lived up to its name since it opened in Russian Hill in 2006. Here is sheer perfection for a laid-back yet classy ladies' night out. Come for happy hour, everyday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($2 off any glass of wine, $3 draft beers), made even sweeter if you can grab one of the few outside tables, soak up the last bits of summer sun and hear the "ding-ding" of the cable car passing by while sipping a glass of wine or beer. The food gets high praise as well, with a changing seasonal menu offering a selection of small plates that include gourmet cheeses and meats, salads, soups and other delicious accompaniments.

(credit: California Academy of Scineces: Nightlife)

Nightlife
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-8000
www.calacademy.org/nightlife

A terrific spot for a ladies' night out that is different and offers intelligent fun at an affordable price ($12) is Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences. The Academy is a no-doubt-about-it uber amazing place that defies adequate description. The museum explores our universe in stunning ways. Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. brings Nightlife to the museum, a 21-and-over only event. With its clubby vibe, thanks to the night's DJ and live band, plus lots of adult food and drink, you know the evening is starting off right. Join in the Nightlife event, a different one each week –- cooking demo, art exhibit, dance performance and more -- or explore the exhibits and have fun with the ladies. You can also pre-buy a Nightlife VIP Tour ($59) for a one-hour behind-the-scenes tour with added party privileges, plus a reserved pass for the 8:30 p.m. Planetarium show. Visit the website to purchase tickets.

Que Syrah
230 W. Portal Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415) 731-7000
www.quesyrahsf.com

Que Syrah is a cozy West Portal neighborhood wine bar that is so inviting; it lures you in even if just passing by. This place is simply a lovely spot for ladies' night out, and with low noise levels so you can actually have a conversation and hear it. The global wine selection shows the attention owners Stephanie and Keith give to their selections, and the knowledge they bring is the best. Glasses are a bit on the pricey side, but the atmosphere is worth it and a small price to pay to indulge now and again. Weekly flights are featured too, plus special event wine tastings each month. Happy hour is, unfortunately, Tuesday only, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., but features $1 off glasses and 10-percent off premise bottles. Stop by on Thursday when delicious tapas appear.

This restaurant-lounge-dance club is a great place for ladies' night out for a dinner show and drinks. The highlight is the show with gorgeous "ladies," the transgender stars who strut their stuff, dance, sing a few songs and make you laugh. Beautiful divas serve the acclaimed Cal-Asian cuisine, and then hop atop the red runway bar for the hourly show that is truly an only-in-San Francisco experience. Although New York may be a close second for the show, the truth is that no city does San Francisco like the original City by the Bay. Dinner show packages start at up to five guests, and Gold, Platinum and Diamond packages are available for six or more guests. Visit the website for full details, package prices and to make reservations.