I've been out of the party scene for a while (okay okay, actually I was never really in it in the first place) and now am planning a bachelorette party for my sister in August. She lives in Sausalito, so we will be driving to the City that night. Any suggestions? We are 30-35, a mix of drinkers and non drinkers. I got a scavenger hunt thing so we have to be where there are people, but we don't want to go to any strip clubs or things like that. Someone suggested Poly-Esters, so we might end up there, but where should we go beforehand? Suggestions from hip people, please!

Polly Esther's is SOOOO Cheesy! Don't go there!

How about the bubble lounge?

How about salsa clubs? They are all the rage now.
How about a gay bar? (strange, maybe?) Those are lots of fun for straight women.

CP:

Polly Esters is cheesy how? My sister named that place specifically, so I need some ammo if I'm going to change her mind. Also, where is the bubble lounge?

Monica,

Why cheesey. Let's start with it's part of a chain....

a) the fact that the market themselves as the Bachelorette Party Headquarters makes seems contrived in and of itself.

b) the music is mostly bubblegum 70's and 80's with emphasis on the cheesiness of the 70's

c) they seem to be marketing to a young unsophisticated crowd from Contra Costa County. Think Brady Bunch...

d) THIS IS THE NON-CHEESY aspect, location. They are located in the Tenderloin, the very worst part at Taylor and Eddy

Bubble Lounge sprang to the top of my head because it is a new, fairly hip place. It is a champagne bar, which seemed appropriate in light of your festivities. However, you have lots of options. There are more bars here than you can shake a stick at. One thought is to rent a limo for the group of you. It'll probably cover the amount spent in parking, especially if you split the bill. This would also allow you to bar hop if you so desire.
Since you are a mixed group of drinkers and non, what about a cafe that also serves alcohol? Is dancing important?

I've found www.citysearch7 to be a really good resource for going out and about, I'd check there too.

Why not do something different than a club? I was on a plane to SF and there was a group of women going to Napa area to visit wineries and to go to the spas, for mudbaths, osmosis, massages, etc. It sounded like fun.

CP:
Thanks for the suggestions--Bubble Lounge sounds like just the place. I live in the South Bay and had heard nothing about Poly Esthers--ick, they advertise that they are the bachelorette party place? Just what I want, to be one of many parties there that night. I should check out City Search. One thing that would be great is if you could name three places you would go in your limo if you were me. Like a good place for dinner, then a mid-way stop, then ending up at the Bubble Lounge. Is the Triangle still worth a trip?

Phyllis: My sister wants a traditional bachelorette party. Napa, while fun, loses it's novelty when it's only an hour from your house.

CP: I looked at Citysearch and some of my old haunts are still kicking! How does the following sound for an itinerary: Bubble Lounge, Julie's supper club for dinner, and then on to the Holy Cow or Covered Wagon? Is there a place with similar atmosphere that's more happening?

Monica-
I'm having a scattered thoughts day.
The dinner place that occur to me are Yank Sing for Chinese, in the border area between China Town and North Beach. Otherwise, Caffe Sport is a zany place in North Beach serving up reasonably priced Sicilian food (incredibly busy, festive decor), or else for something on the same chi-chi level as Bubble lounge is Bix off Montgomery in the Financial Dist. Oh yeah, A "Chain" place, that I like quite a bit despite the fact that it is corporate, is Elroy's. I've never had bad food there and they have a long bench in the back that that is good for accomodating larger groups of people. My coworker had his b-day party there and we all had a pretty good time.
If you're willing to mix beer & liquor The Thirsty Bear is a popular Brewery/Bar/Tapas joint on uhh.... 2nd & Folsom, maybe Harrison I can't remember.
Parking for all these areas is hellacious, so for these sites particularly I would recommend the 1 car approach.

Monica-
How clever of us to post at the same time.
What you wrote looks like a fine plan. I must admit, I don't know much about the dancing scene, but there are clubs up and down Folsom. One of my girlfriends (she's 28) likes DNA quite a bit.

Have a great party whatever you decide on.

Thanks for all of the great info. Now here's a tip for you in return. I've been to Thirsty Bear, and I was quite underwhelmed, becuase for me the Tapas bar has been set quite high by Tazza in San Mateo, at 234 S. B Street. You enter through a cafe and go up the stairs. It's a little place, but they have some great tapas at very affordable prices. If you ever make it down the pennisula, you should check it out.

Hey Monica, for a great place to get rowdy and as drunk as you want check out the Cadillac Bar in the alley behind the Mission Street Garage. Close to Chevy's and across from the Moscone Center. Great drink including their famous Poppers. Food is so so but atmosphere, drinks and super long bar make it a good party stop. If you can get into Bimbo's on Columbus do it.

I read somewhere about 3 Babes and a Bus. Have you heard of it?. I guess they take people on Sat. nights to different clubs in town. It sounds like a good idea to not have to drive, etc. It costs $35.00. I am thinking of doing it when I'm in town in Sept. Is it still around?