Comments (0) Best Dance Club Revival - 2009
Paradise Lounge
1501 Folsom (at 11th St.)
San Francisco, CA
415-252-5017
It may seem insane to open a nightclub during the current economic freefall, but that just makes the people behind the newly refurbished Paradise Lounge that much cooler. The venerable SOMA venue's latest incarnation is similar to its last one — as a dance club. (Locals with long memories might miss the '90s version, with its all-live music format, but hey, those times are long gone.) And while there are still plenty of electro and techno DJ nights, including some that feature internationally known talent like German minimalist Michael Mayer and Brazilian techno-popper Gui Boratto, the Lounge's bookers seem refreshingly open-minded. The three regular retro nights on the books all rule: "Ooh La La," a '60s garage dance party; "Sugar Shack," a burlesque and go-go night; and "Club Leisure," a Britpop night from the "Popscene" guys. Plus, the venue is open till 4 a.m., and often features no cover charge. Talk about a recession buster.
foam order.com
