Element Lounge

I have been living in SF for over 10yrs and I wanted to check out a new club. I took a chance and was pleasantly surprised. I came early and chopped it up with 2 cool bartenders. As the evening progressed I discovered that the crowd represented what SF is all about diversity, meeting people from different places, and enjoying life. If you are a single straight 20-30 yr. old women looking to meet some straight men while listening to top 40 hip hop music, drinking, and dancing this is a good place (there was a lrger boy to girl ratio). I met a counselor from Hayward, Latino from the Yucatan, Contortionist from the city, club owner(s), entertainment producer from LA, dancer from Kenya, and some people from Oakland.The dance floor is small, but that's what made it so SF. There is plenty of street parking. What could make this place better is if someone took care of the bathrooms.

Pros: The crowd, parking, and service

Cons: Bathrooms

Posted 01/03/09

I have only been to Element lounge a few times and it is a really nice club. I had a blast. I would definetly recomend it. The staff is really nice.A band I represent called Artofficial is throwing a party their on Monday ,August 4th @ 9 PM it will be a blast so come out and join us for a night of fun. You can check them on myspace under Artofficial the band

Posted 07/08/08

I have been to Element countless times and everytime has been really fun. This is the place to go if you want to get together with friends and dance! The crowd isn't pretentious and the vibe is somewhat house-party like, which I like because it is easy to meet cool people. My favorite nights are when BlaQuest or Zhaldee are DJing...they are two of the best I have heard in SF. I would recommend arriving before 11 to take advantage of the free admission if you signup on their website.

Pros: great dancing spot, great place to have a party

Cons: the line can get long

Posted 07/01/08

5 stars for this one anyday! This is one of the best dance clubs/lounges in San Francisco. The crowd is pretty good. There isnt much of a line, which is really good. I hate waiting in line to get into clubs. The music is pretty refreshing and new. In all it is a great place to spend a night out in the city.

Pros: good drinks, good prices, nice bartenders

Posted 06/25/08

the place is kinda small and hot...the music aint that good ..dont know how sooo many people liked them..you can go there if you have a lot of patience..not recommended for people with short tempers..

Posted 02/16/08

Bad experience at this spot. For one, its not diversity and place just
STINKS! The music is alright, THE STAFF, THE SECURITYS BIG TIME MORONS One of the securities, which I will describe, BLACK AFRICAN AMERICAN, he
is about 5'0 JUST Picture the MUNCHKINS from THE WIZARD OF OZ, that
is how he looked. Well he tried to lean his body against mine and that
was the end of the show. I put him on a spot, the police and the
manager were told about this OZ MUNCHKIN. Please AVOID coming here, if you
can go somewhere you will have fun and deserve to enjoy your night out
CUZ This place 4show U wont be missing anything. ELEMENT LOUNGE stinks!
Peace!

Posted 01/29/08

Securitys think their all that, but their just sum short as migets, very rude and disrespectful.
I don't recommend. Theirs lots of asians. Crowd don't arrive until 12am or so.
The music is not all that great.
Theres a security standing outside of restrooms telling you when to go in and if you take longer than
two minutes in there they'll start banging the door telling you to open up. Very uncomfortable

Cons: hard to find parking arrive early if you can

Posted 01/26/08

Great place to hang out and dance. But the SECURITY guards are very very rude and mean....If they see that you are drunk and cant walk they will kick you out of the club.. I guess they dont tolerate it. I ask myself then what is the point of having a BAR at a club/lounge??? Most of the security guards there were short african american and short asian. i would not go or even reccomend this place to anyone that I know..... its a good thing that we didnt pay for the entrace due to we were on the guestlist... Worse worse experience with the GUards there at the front door and the ones guarding the bathrooms...

Posted 01/24/08

Went their on a friday night.... doesnt getting poppin till 11... (hint get there when its dead around 10 and get in free.. happen to me) ... drinks are pretty strong ..... trendy crowd..... girl guy ratio was pretty even (the night i was there) DJ plays Hip Hop/ pop... over all it was OK nothing to really brag about..except for nice setting

Pros: cost.. drinks prices.. the fans it gets hot

Cons: DJ (that night i was there) .... bigger drinks

Posted 09/02/07

Good on College Thursdays. First Thursday of each month, dollar beers. Everyone is usually blacked out when they there are there. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad.

Posted 05/21/07

San Francisco. I have lived here for about 6 years and seen a number of bars come and go...become popular spots and then degrade over time. Element is definitely breaking the mold. I was just at the 2-year anniversary party last wedensday and it had the same energy, diversity, and creativity that I have seen at Element from the beginning. Awesome DJs (my most recent favorite is this guy named Zaldee sp?), breakdancers, beatboxers, more...

Anyways I wanted to give kudos to this spot for retaining it's vibe and continuing to make the lounge better. Like air conditioning and an security attendant at the bathroom. It's not perfect...but every time I go, I have a great time, meet good people, and dance my tail off. Thanks Element and happy 2!

Posted 11/19/06

ive been here a couple of times and its always a disappointment. the venue is much too small for all the people they pack in and the line for the bathroom is ridiculous, it stretches along the lenght of the dancefloor. its tragic to watch people waiting in line to go to the bathroom when youre trying to get your groove on. and the staff is rude, rude, rude. the last time i was there we reserved tables 4 days in advance and when we arrived they told us that they had given them away and the only option was the vip room. we were told that we would be given a deal for the room but when the tab came they charged us regular price. and the crowd is not diverse. the only saving grace is the music.

Pros: hip hop music

Cons: everything else

Posted 11/11/06

My girlfriends and I always end up here. The music is great, crowd is fun. They stay open late and have breakdancers at like 2 or 3. It is crowed and HOT though.

Posted 11/10/06

We signed up for the guestlist online, which let us in before 11 for free. The music is great and there's actually some seating for people who aren't using the elite services. I suggest standing close to the fans, because it can be pretty hot in the middle of the dance floor. The lighting in the bathroom is as dark as the lounge, though. I really liked the saxaphone player who occasionally blasted out his tunes with the music. Overall, I highly recommend it.

Pros: Music, great people, polite staff

Cons: crowded, tiny, can't tell if bathroom is clean to use

Posted 10/21/06

I had a party here when all of m friends were in town for my wedding. We had a great time! Everyone said that it was one of the best parties ever. We rented out the back room, which was really cool. They supplied us with our own bouncer, so it was really a private party, but we weren't secluded from the rest of the place which is awesome. They have really good music and willt ake requests if you want em. There are two bars so its not too long of a line at the bar. You even get your own waitress but be careful not to get overcharged. Otherwise it was a great time. I highly recommend it.

Posted 09/01/06

They have great mash-up hip hop DJs playing with Sax, and breakdancers performing. It's hard not to be inspired to have a fun time and dance your a@# off. I was there last Saturday night. I have been on Fridays and Saturdays and the crowd is consistently cool, diverse, and the lounge is happening with a great vibe. definitely recommend this spot. not played out like so many in SF...aka. all of Broadway St.

Pros: Nice diverse professional crowd, great music, polite staff

Cons: bathroom line can get busy...but better than before.

Posted 06/26/06

I've been there a few times, beacause it's near where I live. Even though there are some good nights, it is not recomandable on a regular basis.

The music may be good, but for my taste it's often too empty to get the party started.

Pros: Good Hip Hop Music

Cons: Too Empty

Posted 06/20/06

Hiya all. I went to Element this past Saturday and the night was really great. We had a table reservation and a pretty big group of ppl with us. Everyone got in without a problem. Good door people. The music was a mix: primarily good hip hop, not rap or anything too hard, mixed in with rock, reggae, etc. The club had a really fun vibe from start to finish. You could tell people were there to party and have fun. All in all, a great experience. Oh, the breakdancers were a m a z i n g.

Pros: music, service, atmosphere

Posted 06/01/06

I don't know why these kids are saying it is a great old time. I've been twice, and each time regretted ever going. The drinks are cheap but the atmosphere is BAD. If grinding and bad music is what you consider a good time than this is the place. The music was AWFUL. The people were TERRIBLE. The atmosphere of the place had an awkward, drunk vibe to it. My friends who have gone did not enjoy themselves either. Like I said, if you enjoy bad rap/hip hop music and drunk hot and sweaty dancing. This is the place. eh. enough said.

Pros: cheap drinks

Cons: people, music, atmosphere

Posted 05/21/06

We just had our friend's bachelorette party at Element this last Saturday night. It was so fun! The staff is very friendly and they made it extra special for the bachelorette. The music was a perfect mix of hip hop and rock. The DJ had everyone dancing all night. We didn't get table service but I would probably go for that next time around...

Pros: Music, Ambiance, Fun Fun Fun

Posted 04/15/06

Its a nice scene and good music and crowd, but its just too crowded to enjoy and it ges really hot inside as well.

Pros: music, dancing, atmosphere

Cons: crowded

Posted 03/08/06

This place has a great atmosphere. The seating isnt all that comfortable but I guess that's the sacrifice for a cool look. They also often have local artist showings.

Posted 02/20/06

I am a student in san francisco without a lot of cash but I love to party. On Thursdays at Element the admission is free with a college ID and they have $1 Beer. It is a great night for students to party and the DJ Rocks with all kinds of hip hop and rock and roll. The bartender told me there is a Breakdancing competition on the 3rd thursday. I can't wait to check that out! Overall a great way to party for cheap!

Pros: $1 Beers, Great Music, Free for students

Posted 01/09/06

I was at the Element Lounge for NYE and I see why this place has so many loyal fans! The crowd was AMAZING. They had a beatboxer and the Element breakdancers perform and everyone just loved it. The crowd was beautiful, the music was ON, and the vibe was perfect. They were respectful of the people that paid $$ for tickets and didn't overpack the club. All in all, a perfect NYE, topped off with a great kiss. Thanks Element Lounge.

Pros: Music, Ambiance, Entertainment

Posted 01/02/06

I was at the Element Lounge on a Sat. night not too long ago and consider it to be the best party I have attended all year. I go out every weekend and rarely find a crowd that is so down and friendly. The music bumped all night long, the live sax man wailed, and at 2am a group of breakers tore it up right in the middle of the dance floor. It was awesome. I enjoyed checking out the art on the walls as well. The bartenders were a lot of fun and handled the crowd all while dancing behind the bar. I like it when the staff knows how to have a good time as well. Overall this party had all the Elements needed to be ABSOLUTELY BANGIN'.

Pros: Music, Crowd, Staff

Cons: Bathroom line

Posted 10/05/05

Oh my god! I was at Element last Friday and saw the coolest thing. The hottest guy was playing live sax with the DJ to hip hop. It was so sexy and sweet sounding. I have never seen anything like it. Overall the crowd was really cool and the music rocked all night long. This is definitly my new favorite club in the city. I would recommend getting there early because the line gets long. Oh, and By the way, I LOVE THE SAX MAN!!!!!

Pros: The sax man, The sax man, The sax man

Posted 10/05/05

They don't use promoters. The crowd is loyal and very hip. There is very little pretentiousness, everyone comes to party. Drinks are $6 - $9 but if you get to know a bartender, they'll take good care of you now and into the future! This is my new spot and I am very picky about the places I go to. Cool crowd, really fun music, AIR CONDITIONING (finally cause they needed it), and a great ambiance. Check it out!!!

Pros: Music, Crowd, Ambiance

Cons: No regular happyhours

Posted 09/26/05

I was liking the Element Lounge until one of the staff came over to take away the stool I was sitting on - apparently it was needed for the VIPs. Not the treatment I would expect from a place that charges $10 a cocktail. It seems that you're a nobody at Element unless you pay to be a VIP...

Posted 09/24/05

I was just at the Element Lounge this last Saturday. Definitely a night of great surprises. Just like the breakdancing crew that comes through at ~2 AM and performs. Everyone just loved it. Also, the lounge is open till 3 AM, which gives you that extra hour to dance and enjoy. Great crowd, amazing music. Busy night and there were lines outside, so get there early. Like most clubs in this city, they weren't just keeping people outside...for the sake of it. It was really busy.

Pros: music, breakdancers, people

Cons: lines to get in

Posted 09/11/05

I am a weekend regular at Element and I read negative review about the bar staff and I decided to speak up! The club is so much fun and part of the experience is that the bar staff, door staff, etc. make you feel so welcome...as if you are part of the family. The door staff is always checking in making sure that you're having a wonderful time. Anyways, I think that anyone who's been there on a weekend knows that the music is awesome, the crowd is mixed and very hip, and the staff is so welcoming.

Pros: music ROCKS!, ambiance is Inviting, staff is FUN

Posted 09/02/05

While this nightspot has a decent atmosphere and good music, the untrained and downright rude bartenders leave no desire for a return visit.

Pros: Music, Friendly door staff

Cons: Very rude bar service

Posted 08/28/05

The city needs more spots like this. The club has real flavor and attracts a great crowd that's interested in having fun and meeting people. Ratios are always near 50-50 which enhances the nightlife experience!

Pros: strong drinks, great security, ambiance

Posted 08/21/05

As the Maid of Honor, I planned my best girlfriends bachelorette party at this HOT! little spot last Saturday. What a great move. Super cute staff, awesome bouncers, and a dance floor that would not quit. Two of us went home with very "lucky" surprises, and I think the bride's postponed the wedding for one more nite of single life freedom. Thanks 2 all who could make it happen! Stay Rockin' Element

Pros: Cute Staff, Bouncers, Dance Floor

Cons: The nite ended

Posted 08/21/05

I was just at the Element for the first time last Saturday night. I am an avid nightlifer and I will say that this place is such a breath of fresh air. The DJs play amazing sets, the club is open till 3 AM, and the crowd is sophisticated, polite, beautiful, gregarious, and most of all...everyone comes to party! You can feel the energy from the moment you step into the dancefloor area. I will definitely be a regular.

Pros: Atmosphere, Music, Patrons

Posted 08/21/05

Bartenders are terrible, they can't handle the night time rush. Way too much attitide. $10 cover in this neighborhood is ridiculous. This place won't last.

Pros: DJs

Cons: Bar staff, Cover Charge, Drinks

Posted 08/13/05

With surprisingly friendly, fast service at the bars and a dance floor packed with a reasonably diverse crowd (who refreshingly don't all need to dress or dance identically), you'll have a great time. As long as you don't wait in line for the two bathrooms.

Pros: people, service, atmosphere

Cons: bathrooms

Posted 07/16/05

What a great time we had! I was in line for 10mins with my two best girlfriends, crossed the threshold and we never looked back. Since moving from NYC a few months ago I've been looking for a spot that can truly get your heart racing and I've found it. The only thing better than the service and DJ's was the dance floor. If you're ready for an all-night-long adrenaline rush then shoot-off to the Element. Highly Recommended!

Pros: Service, DJ's, Dance Floor

Posted 06/19/05

I have never in my life had more fun at a night club. From the beautiful urban murals on the walls to the art hung all around the club, to the ambiance set by a plethera of flickering candles, to the bumping sound system and body moving array of hip hop, funk, and soul, Element has got it going on. I met so many friendly, sexy, and interesting people there as well from all over the world. The ladies were down to dance as well which is a big plus for me. If you have not been yet, you NEED TO GO! Saturday nights are especially popping.

Pros: Great Music, Great Crowd, Great Staff and Secur

Cons: Bathroom line

Posted 06/18/05

So if you haven't been yet, this place is really wonderful. There's no sign outside, so either you know or you don't. Hopefully you *know*. The bouncers are very friendly and when you get inside, you have no idea what to expect, but what you find is an incredibly beautiful space with great people and some of the best DJs I have heard in SF. Always a really mixed crowd and the people are just not that uptight or pretentious. I think that stems from the whole atmosphere, the staff, management, etc...I met two of the owners (who i might add bartend at the lounge), and they are so friendly and accomodating. This is definitely going to be a new regular spot for me.

Posted 04/17/05

the high ceilings and decor give way to party-friendly ambiance. the editorial review here on citysearch denotes a "fruit-laden" elixir and when i had asked the bartender for a drink special, he said they had none...so that left me disappointed. the dance floor is large and accomodating but the line to the restroom more than spills into the dance floor and this is not only akward but questionable. i would definitely go here again if only for the atmosphere and great music.

Posted 04/09/05

This club will keep you dancing until the doors close at 2:00. I'm amazed at the talent they've had through their doors in such a short time. The bar tenders know how to keep the crowd happy and please the ladies. I loved this club and can't wait t go back!

Pros: good drinks, friendly people, artistic

Posted 03/13/05

We booked two tables at Element Last weekend and everything was great. The cocktail service was excellent and the place was rocking to great hip hop and soul. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to party down. There are lines...sometimes long as I have noticed so my best advice, from all of my adventures to Element is to get there early...or reserve tables. All in all, one of the most fun nights I have had at a nightclub/lounge.

Pros: Courteous Staff, Strong Drinks, Great music

Cons: Entry lines

Posted 03/05/05

The best part of my experience at the Element was the people that I met. Everyone is just...well, fashionable, but not pretentious. Everyone is down to party and ready to as well. It has a great vibe and the music was amazing. A lounge that becomes a nightclub...what a concept! Oh yah, great lighting too.

Pros: People, Music

Posted 03/05/05

...and i don't mean that in a good way! The place is usually overcrowded to the point of mayhem. If you're not getting a drink spilled on you, you're waiting awhile for the bathroom, an even longer while for a drink, and then getting it knocked over by some idiot on the dance floor. The staff is friendly especially the bouncers and the DJs are fun. But with too many people and too little ventilation...steer clear of this sweat pit.

Pros: friendly staff, good music

Cons: dodgy neighborhood, poor ventilation

Posted 03/03/05

What can I say...I had the BEST time last saturday night at Element. We had to wait in line for a bit cause the club was very busy but the door security (Brian & John) were so polite to everyone waiting. Once inside, the music was pumping and the vibe was very positive. Really good people having good cocktails shaking their booties to good music. Seems simple right? How come so many places get it so wrong.

Posted 02/21/05

This place was so much fun. We had a birthday party in the Akasha room and everyone had such a great time. The ambiance is really nice, not all bright and white like so many clubs, but quite a bit warmer. The staff was very courteous and treated all of our guests amazingly well. They made it a point to give the birthday girl a free shot as soon as she came in to the club. There was a good deal of street parking and $10 lots at Geary/Polk. Very nice bouncers as well...

Pros: Crowd, Music, Ambiance

Posted 02/01/05

- No air-conditioning. Left with only a couple of swamp coolers, it's sweltering in there.
- Two, single-occupancy bathrooms will keep you waiting in line.
- No parking.
- Dodgy characters running the place.

Posted 01/31/05

If you haven't been to Element, you are definitely missing out. Finally a club in the city that is sleek and elegant but not pretentious. The music is always rocking and the staff was very friendly, and pretty nice to look at too ;-)

Pros: Ambiance, Good Location, Great Crowd

Posted 01/29/05