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Cafe Du Nord

3.6 (103 reviews)
Open 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

Cafe Du Nord Photos

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CAFE DU NORD ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Live music
Hipster
Classy
Casual

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Recommended Reviews - Cafe Du Nord

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Reviews With Photos

Sarah N.

We attended Eivør's concert on a Friday night, and luckily it wasn't raining; otherwise, we would have been stuck outside in the wet weather. I highly recommend arriving early--thanks to previous reviews, we got there at 6:15 PM for the 8 PM show, and there was already a line. The doors opened promptly at 7 PM. The venue is conveniently located off Market Street, so instead of driving, we opted for a car service. Upon entering, I was surprised to find that there were no seating areas except for the ADA section. I quickly made my way to the left side where we could see the stage, away from the crowd. Our standing area was spacious enough for 4-5 people, which was great since my mom could lean against the railing. As the club filled up, it got quite packed--so much so that someone even fainted! But the performers were incredible. Eivør was absolutely amazing, giving me chills even without her band. I'm glad we got there early since I've never stood for such a long time at a concert before. I noticed some parents brought their kids, who had trouble seeing over the adults. The bathrooms were clean, and the staff were very friendly. Would I come back? Absolutely!

Front stage
Nick G.

The lady at the front door giving out the cards was extremely nice and outgoing. The other people weren't so friendly at this business. The ambiance is nothing special the only thing that looks like effort, time, and money into was the bar. The stage lacked and so did the room. The audio equipment was exceptional. There was extremely poor air circulation and everybody was sweating. The artist that was playing even said multiple times that he was dying with how hot was in there (both of them had sweat dropping off their face the entire performance). They ended up turning a fan on towards the end which didn't do much. They should invest into A/C or figure out a way to keep people cool when every single person in there was complaining. Also the first artist that came up made multiple comments about the heat up on stage. It was quite shocking since everyone else was yelling about it. Make sure to dress with light clothing and do not wear any thick clothing otherwise you'll feel like you're in a sauna and you'll still probably feel that way but it won't be as bad as wearing a jacket or sweater. Also if you exit the building after the performance you are not allowed to return back inside, which was extremely unfortunate. The artist said he was going outside to meet everyone and we ended up having to wait about 45 minutes for him to come out because they wouldn't allow us back in due to the there were people inside still waiting to meet him. Only plus was tickets were a good price and it was a small cute venue.

Artist: 54 Ultra
Edwin Z.

Went to Cafe du Nord to see 54 Ultra, and even though I had an issue with my StubHub ticket, the security team--Rico Suave and Jonny Smooth--were incredibly helpful and understanding. They went above and beyond to sort things out and made sure I could still enter the venue to see the show. Seriously appreciate their help and great service! Cafe du Nord is a great spot with awesome staff. Hope I can see more of my favorite artist at this location in the future.

More seating in the room past the bar
EM H.

For many years now, CAFE DU NORD has been one of the coolest spots in San Franciso to catch a live show. Formerly a popular underground rock club (literally underground -- you walk down a flight of stairs to enter) that hosted local punk and indie bands before it shuttered in January, 2014, the music venue has undergone a couple of transitions to cocktail bar & restaurant, then reverting back to a music hall. With the changes, the basement space of the Swedish American Hall has undergone major remodelings, transitioning the subterranean area into a completely different look that appears almost unrecognizable from its earlier days. Wow! DU NORD replaced its old orange & yellow walls and dark wooden crown moldings & trims with rich burgundy tufted leather booth seating, vibrantly red stools, and colorful tiling, creating a swanky lounge aesthetic enhanced by colorful lighting. The new owners have definitely created a more sophisticated live music experience. CAFE DU NORD has also opened its doors to patrons age 6 years old and up to some shows and now offers pizza to order at the bar. The staff is professional and polite in conduct. The best concerts are held at small auditoriums, in my opinion. CAFE DU NORD is one of THE BEST in San Francisco, providing one of the most intimate settings for performances. Tip: Dress lightly - the temperature quickly rises from a hyped crowd.

Stage
Tara M.

This is one of my favorite music venues in the city! The tickets are always fairly priced, as are the drinks. They serve pizza which is just okay so I say eat before you arrive. The acoustics however are great! Definitely recommend catching a show here if you can.

Back area near the restroom/photobooth
Christian R.

Recently came here to see Kyle Gordon and was pleasantly surprised. This venue is rather small but it makes for a intimate concert experience. There was only one bartender but he was very friendly and fast. +1 star for the quick operating photo booth and clean bathrooms

Photo of an empty stage, almost an hour after the show was due to start
Ian M.

What a disaster - bought tickets for an 8pm show. Almost an hour later asked the security guy when it was going to start and he first lies to me, saying it was supposed to start at 9, then says basically "not my job", then threatens to kick me out for pointing out his BS. Steer clear!

Performers
Sumeet M.

Great venue to see bands very intimately in what is the Swedish American hall. Mostly standing room with few booths and one table or so on left hand side. Was a former a Speakeasy. Staff are great. They have like pizza and some other smaller food options. Only drawback is tickets are through everyone's favorite friend : Ticketmaster. So for a small venue and say $25 tickets there's the customary $8-10 surcharge.

a stage with a podium and chairs
Thomas D.

People are right--it's not the biggest space but it does have personality. We attended a private event there last night and were impressed by how well the space is managed. From the doorperson to the bartenders and waitstaff, everyone was accommodating. For those that are wondering, the single stall unisex bathrooms were clean as a whistle. There were about 80 of us there and it felt manageable. I think anything over 200 people might begin to feel a bit cramped?? They list their maximum capacity at 320 standing but much less for theater or classroom style set-ups. Their tech specs are pretty impressive. The sound was very good and they are capable of showing film. There's also a Green Room and a full kitchen. It's an iconic part of SF history with a cool list of past performers.

Matt Hansen

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Came here for the Ruby Waters concert. It was an awesome venue very intimate and the sound was great.

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2 years ago

teach your bouncers verbal communication rather than physically grabbing my shoulders over a cup of ice water. ruined my night

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Ask the Community - Cafe Du Nord

Is the area outside the venue safe?

For the music aspect- are people standing/dancing? Or is everyone seated?

Standing and dancing yes!

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Review Highlights - Cafe Du Nord

Absolutely love the Viking Room here, which is a separate room for sit down dinner service and live jazz.

Mentioned in 10 reviews

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Natoma Cabana - Fortaleza Blanco Neat | $16

Natoma Cabana

4.0(304 reviews)
2.3 miFinancial District, SoMa
$$

Where Love (and cocktails) Found Me…read more Natamo Cabana will always hold a special place in my heart not just for the incredible cocktails and dreamy ambiance, but because it's where I met my fiancé. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the warm, coastal charm of the space. The soft lighting, breezy decor, and gentle music created the perfect backdrop for what would become one of the most unforgettable nights of my life. I came in for cocktails with a friend, not knowing that fate had other plans. One cocktail, a few laughs, and a perfectly timed Old Fashioned later, I found myself deep in conversation with someone who would change my life. Beyond the magic of that night, Natamo Cabana truly delivers. The staff is attentive and kind, always making you feel like you're part of something special. Every time we return, it feels like coming home. We even celebrated our anniversary there, and the team went above and beyond to make it memorable. If you're looking for a place that has great cocktails, Natamo Cabana is it. Who knows you might just meet the love of your life too.

I've only been to Natoma Cabana during First Thursdays, and it's always a really lively spot during…read morethe event. The space has a fun indoor-outdoor party vibe with string lights, a big bar area, and a lot of people moving through throughout the night. Because it gets very crowded during First Thursdays, the energy feels more like a social event than a typical bar night. It's a good place to stop by if you're already out in the area and want somewhere with music and a busy atmosphere. The photo here was taken from their little loft area, which is actually really cute and a great spot for people watching since you can see the whole bar and crowd from above. One thing I wasn't sure about was the plastic cups. Every time I've gone they've served drinks in plastic cups, but since it's so busy during First Thursdays, I'm not sure if that's their normal setup or just something they do to keep things moving during the event. I ordered a rosé, which was perfectly fine and easy to drink while walking around.

Photos
Natoma Cabana
Natoma Cabana
Natoma Cabana - Taken from the loft area

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Taken from the loft area

Iron Horse Cocktails - Espresso martinis

Iron Horse Cocktails

4.7(271 reviews)
2.1 miUnion Square, Financial District
$$

Walking into Iron Horse Cocktails, I was surprised to find a speakeasy-style bar. I really liked…read morethe intimate bar seating downstairs, and there's also an upstairs area with more space that feels low-key and relaxed--great if you want to hang out without the crowd. The service from the bartenders was just okay. This is definitely the kind of place where you should know exactly what you want to order and stick to classic cocktails. Don't expect anything particularly creative or over-the-top--it's a straightforward, classic bar experience. That said, if you're looking for a true speakeasy vibe, I would recommend this spot. The espresso martini was delicious, and I would come back for the drinks alone. Just don't come in expecting exceptional service.

My friend and I were in the union square area around St. Patrick's Day and were initially going to…read morego to Harlan Records, but saw a massive rollicking crowd outside celebrating St. Patrick's Day, and wanted to go somewhere quieter instead. Luckily, my friend had already been to Iron Horse Cocktails, and suggested we go there instead. Walking down the alleyway it is located in was a nice getaway from the otherwise hectic union square atmosphere. Walking in was also a neat experience that felt like we were stepping out of the city into a tiny pub. We also really liked the atmosphere inside and the cozy upper floor that had an interesting mix of old paintings and woodwork, creating an eclectic feel. I got the We've Got the Beet cocktail with mezcal, beet reduction, ginger, fresh citrus, thyme and firewater bitters. I love mezcal's smoky flavors and was drawn to the combination of ginger, citrus and mezcal flavors in the drink. The cocktail was very good and had a nice smokiness from the mezcal, along with the kick from the ginger and zest from the citrus, creating a refreshing and tasty drink. My friend got the About Thyme, with gin, blackberry liquor, black pepper thyme syrup and fresh citrus. We both really liked his drink as well, which had an interesting kick from the black pepper thyme syrup that offset the gin and blackberry liquor nicely. While we only had time to grab a drink each, we were both very happy with the drinks and would definitely come back the next time we're in the area.

Photos
Iron Horse Cocktails - Montage of images from Iron Horse Cocktails

Montage of images from Iron Horse Cocktails

Iron Horse Cocktails - Bar top decor

Bar top decor

Iron Horse Cocktails

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Harlan Records - Monkey 47 Gin w/ lemon twist ($17) + Fernet Neat ($9)

Harlan Records

4.5(137 reviews)
2.1 miUnion Square, Financial District
$$

Tucked away in a quiet alley, Harlan Records is the kind of place you'd walk right past if you…read moredidn't know better. There's zero hint from the outside about what's waiting behind that door and that's part of the magic. Inside? Total vibe. Moody, trendy decor, shelves of great vinyl, solid drinks. It feels like the kind of spot you accidentally stay at way longer than you planned. Greg, our bartender, was fantastic. Friendly without being over the top, and he even gave us bar recommendations all over SF, which was a nice bonus. We ordered the Mi Sharona and the El Mariachi. The Mi Sharona leaned a little sweeter than I usually go for but it was still really good. The El Mariachi, though, was the winner: just the right amount of spice, subtle and balanced, not overpowering the drink at all. Love this spot.

Harlan Records is awesome, the kind of spot where you walk in for "just one record" and leave…read morequestioning your financial discipline. Great selection, curated taste, and that warm vinyl energy that hits different. Whether you're into deep cuts or 90s/2000s R&B bangers (yes please), they've got gems waiting to be discovered. Staff is knowledgeable without being pretentious, big win. Low key, it's the perfect pregame before heading to a cigar bar and grill. Grab a record, set the vibe, then go enjoy the night feeling cultured and slightly cooler than you were an hour ago. Support local. Spin vinyl. Repeat.

Photos
Harlan Records - Harlan Records Sundays Are Dead Grateful Funk Fest 8/31/25

Harlan Records Sundays Are Dead Grateful Funk Fest 8/31/25

Harlan Records - Mi sharona left. El mariachi right

Mi sharona left. El mariachi right

Harlan Records - Interior

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Interior

The St. Regis Bar - Grand Deluxe

The St. Regis Bar

4.1(178 reviews)
2.1 miSoMa, Financial District
$$$

I love a hotel bar and 15 extra points if its super fancy! I felt like the ultimate princess…read moresitting at the St. Regis bar. Arrived on a whim at around 6pm on a weekday and found a nice seat at the bar top. They have these little orb lights that can't be moved. Sitting in front of one takes some bar space away from you, so I changed seats to get a few more inches of space. Emilio the bartender was mega friendly and went over some items on the menu. He also told me I was right on time for the saber champagne presentation -more on that in a sec. For drinks, I ordered the Hibiscus Spice and the Paradise cocktail. Both were super fruity and delicious! I had a great time sipping on this while chatting it up with a few folks at the bar. To nibble, I can never say no to ahi tuna tartare and this one was great! The most interesting little wafers, ahi tuna with some avocado cream and a little spicy sauce. I absolutely devoured these! So good! Now for the best part, the champagne presentation! A gentleman gave a little info session on on how this process is done and at the end he took a giant to a bottle of champagne to open it. Really Cool! What made this even better was that everyone at the bar got to snag a complimentary glass. What a treat! Super cute little hour of so sitting at the bar at the St. Regis. Absolutely a little pricey, but i'ma girl who lives to spoil herself a bit. Because YOLO. Right?

Breakfast review here…read more. Food (4.5 star) + Truffle omelette comes with tasty sliced potatoes that are crispy on the edges and soft inside. There is a nice cheesy outer layer with a fluffy and somewhat yolky interior. Truffles are a nice touch but barely noticeable in taste. + Kids breakfast for $20 is nearly an adults portion. Their hash brown is a bigger slice of that tasty potato with a cheesy top. Service (2 stars) - Today is not a good day for the staff here. Either she's new or there is a lack of training, but I saw nearly every order going to the wrong table. Ambiance (4 stars) + It's St Regis so you get the posh everything - At the bar, I'm not a fan of the light that's situated on top of where I'm sitting

Photos
The St. Regis Bar
The St. Regis Bar - Inside

Inside

The St. Regis Bar

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Cafe Du Nord - venues - Updated May 2026

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