Harlot

Harlot lives up to its name, maybe not in the, uh, carnal sense (that’s dependent on you), but definitely in a visual sense.  The boutique lounge is a seductive, sexy-ass kaleidoscope of dark woods, ornate sculptures, tasteful animal pelts & antlers, industrial chic, and a kind of opulent richness.  We gush, but the design is really well done.

Not the largest club in the city, Harlot prides itself on atmosphere, and it delivers in spades.  The small dance floor is lined with plenty of seating (black leather chairs and crocodile skin benches), a few bottle service tables and an elegant 24-foot black quartz bar. Of particular note is the mini burlesque stage, with a distinct and sexy take on go-go dancing.  The walls, and some of the tables, are covered in odd and beautiful art. The 16 foot ceilings also house an upstairs VIP lounge, done in all white, with the same attention to detail as the main floor.

The decks are manned by a range talented DJs, from underground heroes like Walden and Mess Kid, to San Francisco staples like Lucky Date, to some of the best – Miguel Migs, Hernan Cattaneo, Derrick Carter – in the business.  Sexy house, energetic house, indie house, tech house…Harlot is about house music.

Harlot also pays attention the little things.  Like free snacks, and not just bar peanuts and Fritos.  Tasty treats like naan and sushi have been known to make appearances at the bar.  Details like the food, along with it’s intimate, not-a-meat-market vibe were rewarded when Harlot was voted the Best Overall Club by the SF Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay 2012.

Style is trendy and chic, though not necessarily dress to impress.  It’s about style, not labels.  Fair warning, the door at Harlot is notorious for being fickle, choosy and sort of exclusive.

Dress Code: Club Attire

Website: http://www.harlotsf.com/