1550 California St, San Francisco, CA | Directions 94109
37.790800 -122.419901 View Website
view & uploadView More
Don't do it..
Let me begin by saying that I have been a long time and loyal customer of Encore. I love Karaoke, it's one of my favorite things to do on a night out, and Encore was my favorite spot to do it. However, after this weekend I will not be back.... ever. And I don't think you should visit either.
There was some confusion between a friend of mine and the bar tender over twenty dollars. He has written a review as well and I recommend you read his first hand account. I did not actually see the altercation or much of the aftermath that followed. What I do know is that many of my friends left the bar having been chocked, punched or pushed by the bouncers. My friend was trying to talk about what had happened and the bouncers/bartender decided it was appropriate to put their hands on him. The staff's actions were not only inappropriate but illegal.
It hurts my heart to write this, I loved this place and will be mourning the loss, but it's just not a safe place. If my friend, who is soft spoken and well mannered, can provoke violence from the staff I can only conclude that anyone could provoke violence from them. I'm not willing to risk my safety for a good song selection and cheep drinks.
Go to The Mint. They've got a Great song book too.
This bar extorts and beats their customers. These people beat and extort their patrons. I have gone there for over 5 years, was there with a group of friends who have all patronized this bar often. The bartender took my $20 and then told me to get out although I hadn't ordered and had his bouncers beat us all up. Check out their Yelp reviews by other people and our extended complaint on there...full of extortion and violence. You can join the FB group Boycott Encore if you have problems. We have contacted the police, the transgender law center, CUAV and are trying to spread the word about how bad these guys are.
Can't Get Enough!. My favorite SF secret. No attitude/ego here. Just relaxed and occasionally raucous (dare-say cheesy?) fun. Supportive crowd thin at times but often packed on the weekend. You never know who's going to drop by - or when. Lots of twenty- and thirty-somethings these days. Especially those of us who like to laugh with friends and AT OURSELVES. Friendly mix with the "regular" crowd. Family-away-from-family atmosphere. Great song selection. We love Jason and Glenn!
Great place to hang out.... I agree that the guy who had a bad experience probably deserved it. The staff is really wonderful and attentive. They have no problem with ANY song that singers choose. I don't drink, so I can't comment on the potency, but all my friends love them. It really is a fun place (when there's not TOO many sloppy drunks, like The Mint has). Check it out...
Karaoke takes center stage at this relaxed, Polk Gulch gin joint..
The Scene
Replete with blue pleather chairs on wheels and Formica-wood tabletops, Tango Tango oozes that particular brand of laid-back comfort typically reserved by interior decorators for Midwestern basements-turned-dens. Despite a parquet dance floor, the dancing-queen days are over. Nonetheless, a disco ball still provides ample mood lighting for those about to rock.
The Draw
The clientele tends toward an even split of 30-something karaoke lovers and gay-lounge goers. There are no drink specials, nor is there an extensive selection; however, the vibe is familial and uber-friendly. Some singers have the pipes to pump out Celine Dion hits or the weepy falsetto to match Roy Orbison; others simply sing their hearts out--and that's all that's important here.
drama hell. okay, so most bars have their fair share of drama amoungst the locals...but this bar wins hands down on drama...and its not even good drama. yeah they have a good karaoke selection to choose from but heaven forbid you want to sing a song that the owners don't like or think is too long. The drinks are weak and poorly made most of the time. If you want to karaoke without the drama try either the mint or silver clouds on lombard st.
Just drink and be mary. the owner is an extremely friendly person who remembers everyone's name. Drinks are potent and the karaoke selection is amazing, and many of the singers sound professional. If you want a fun evening were you can take a group of people and celebrate a birthday, wedding or divorce, this is the place. The club has avery diverse crowd and everyone has a great time. You'll leave with a smile on your face.
great drinks and great service. This place rocks! I on the whole do not enjoy karaoke bars but I must make an exception with this place. The people who come to this bar are wonderful and are there to have a fun time. The bartenders are nice and pour a great drink. I don't know what the other guy was talking about, if he was treated poorly perhaps he deserved it. I have never seen either the bartenders nor the owners give a customer bad service here. I highly recommend this place no matter if you enjoy karaoke or not, and or either gay or straight or somewhere inbetween. They are starting a happy hour starting in September and hopefully it is even more successful as the change from a drag bar to a karaoke bar has been.
A great gay kareoke bar. It was a nice surprise to discover this treasure. When it first opened it was a dance/techno bar but that has all changed. It has found the perfect niche as a kareoke bar. They have over 1000 song selections to choose from and every one is free to sing their hearts out to a very captivating audience. Jason and Glen are the owners and they make everyone feel welcome.
Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Facebook to see what your friends are up to!
Get the Citysearch Mobile app so you can spend less time searching for great places, and more time enjoying them.
