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Our Favorite (And Safest) Bars In San Francisco According to SFSU Students 

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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at San Francisco chapter.

One of the biggest holidays is coming up and it is the scariest one of the year- Halloween. Of course, what is Halloween without dressing up and socializing with fellow costumed folks and an exciting  partying scene, so here is a list of fun bars and clubs to commemorate the spooky holiday with. 

Temple Nightclub 

Enjoy a riveting night in Temple Nightclub’s immersive venue featuring floor to ceiling lighting and visuals. Their Halloween event, titled Haunted Carnival, is headlined by rapper Rich the Kid’s quintessential performance homaged by his cities of inspiration, Atlanta and New York City. But the music isn’t the only fun that night, a costume contest rewarded with a $1000 cash prize. Tickets start at $23.18. (21+) 

https://www.instagram.com/temple_sf/

Madrone Art Bar 

With a motto “because the highest form of art is drinking with friends”, this bar located in the colorful Lower Haight district boasts a bright, maximalist interior featuring rotating art installations and plenty of seating. For the scariest night of the year they are hosting the Halloween Freak Fest with DJ’s Fox and Illborn. 

Phone Booth

If you’re in search of a kitschy dive bar that’s unlike a typical bar experience, Phone Booth in the Mission is the place to go. With a tiny interior of 700 square feet, you’ll find it packed with locals and classic beer options. Entertain yourself with the pool table and jukebox, it’ll be a unique bar experience to remember. 

DNA Lounge 

Popular amongst college students for their 18+ entry point, DNA Lounge is hosting All Hallow’s Eve on Halloween night featuring a mix of indie, pop, synthwave, gothic, and hip hop. Make sure to don your best costume, as a costume contest will be held at midnight with $1000 of cash prizes. Ticket prices are staggered based on the dates and times purchased, so make sure to visit their site to buy your spots in advance. https://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/2024/10-31.html 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA4EE_vKuV4/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Polk Street Bar Crawl 

If there’s something better than one bar, it’s multiple! Polk Street, located in the heart of downtown, offers a whole selection of bars to hop so you never have to settle for the lackluster crowd. Spend the spookiest night of the year jumping between Harper & Rye, Wreck Room, Shanghai Kelly’s, Buccaneer, and Greens. 

Cat Club 

Just because Halloween is over, doesn’t mean the festivities have to be. Cat Club is hosting a Bootie Mashup: Halloween Hangover on Saturday, November 2nd. Located in the SOMA district, this late night rendezvous offers dance floors, full bars, a drag performance and live DJs. Flaunt your worst makeshift and t-shirts in their worst costume contest where you can enter to win $100 if your costume is terrible enough. If you want to go on the actual holiday though, Halloween night will be their weekly Class of 1984 themed night boasting 80s pop, rock, and one hit wonders. General admission is $12.51. (21+) 

Halloween night can be exciting and fun, but don’t forget to take care of yourselves and your friends while having a great time wherever you go. Regardless if you’re keeping it simple or going all out, abiding by good judgment and a secure group of people to rely on can ensure your night goes as smoothly as possible. Remember to drink responsibly and try not to eat too much candy. Happy Halloween! 

Lindsey Tong

San Francisco '25

Writing for the greater good while encapsulating the mindset of an open minded individual.