Union Square might be San Francisco’s shopping district by day, but by night, it turns into one of the city’s most dynamic hubs for private events.
From cocktail dens with vintage vinyl to multi-level spaces with bowling lanes and custom lighting, this neighborhood delivers venues that do more than just pour a great drink. They create unforgettable experiences.
So, whether you're planning a product launch, team happy hour, or Saturday birthday bash, these Union Square bars offer expertly crafted cocktails, crowd-pleasing menus, and smart layouts that make hosting easy.
Top 6 Union Square Bars in San Francisco for Hosting Your Next Event
From moody lounges to multi-level venues, these Union Square favorites make it easy to host private events with personality and polish.
1. Ironhorse Cocktails
Location: 25 Maiden Ln, San Francisco, CA
Iron Horse Cocktails brings vintage glamour to private events in San Francisco’s historic Maiden Lane. The space (originally opened in 1954 and frequented by icons like Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Joe DiMaggio) retains its old-Hollywood charm with exposed brick, stained glass windows, artful booths, and low-slung chandeliers that cast a warm, moody glow.
Today, the venue pairs that ambiance with modern mixology: a rotating lineup of expertly crafted cocktails, barrel-aged spirits, and customizable drink menus tailored to each gathering.
Planners can book the entire bar or reserve the upstairs mezzanine for more intimate groups, accommodating up to 70 seated or 75 standing guests.
With Powell and Montgomery BART stations nearby and multiple garages within a short walk, it’s a timeless, transit-friendly spot for any night worth celebrating.
2. August Hall
Location: 420 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
August Hall stands out for its size, style, and versatility. Originally a Victorian playhouse from the 1890s, it now houses three distinct spaces under one roof: the grand Assembly Hall with 32-foot ceilings and stained-glass windows; the stylish Green Room for smaller receptions; and Fifth Arrow, a downstairs lounge with craft cocktails, dining, and three boutique bowling lanes.
With capacity for up to 1,200 guests, this venue is built for scale, whether you’re planning a private concert, branded experience, or black-tie celebration. Event planners benefit from built-in AV systems, on-site production, and curated catering partners offering gourmet bites and custom menus.
Transit is seamless thanks to its proximity to Powell BART, and guest parking is easy with garages at Mason O’Farrell and Sutter Street. For large events that demand both ambiance and infrastructure, August Hall delivers.
3. Press Club
Location: 20 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco, CA
Tucked beneath the Four Seasons, Press Club offers a wine country experience in the heart of the city. With 9,000 square feet of richly designed space, it’s built for private events that prioritize both taste and atmosphere.
Warm wood finishes, cork walls, and industrial touches define the interior, which includes multiple semi-private lounges, a soaring wine library, and a dramatic central bar surrounded by U-shaped tasting bays.
Events range from intimate tastings for ten to full buyouts for 450, with optional outdoor expansion onto Yerba Buena Lane. The culinary focus includes seasonal small plates, artisan cheese boards, and farm-to-table stations, complemented by a biodynamic wine list and classic cocktails.
Well-lit and well-located, Press Club is ideal for post-conference receptions or stylish after-hours gatherings. Guests will appreciate its proximity to Moscone Center, multiple BART/Muni lines, and nearby parking.
4. Record Bar SF
Location: 163 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA
For planners seeking something bold and immersive, Record Bar SF offers a high-energy, underground vibe. The main lounge features a mapped video dance floor, advanced lighting, and projection systems designed for late-night parties and brand-forward activations.
Capacity stretches to 300, with full buyouts or modular setups possible. What truly sets this space apart, however, is the collection of 12 to 15 private karaoke rooms (each with its own theme, flat-screen TVs, and retro gaming systems), making it easy to design a multi-zone experience under one roof.
The cocktail menu leans fun and nostalgic, with light bar bites like fries and sliders available, plus the option to bring in outside catering. The retro-meets-modern vibe, inspired by 70s–90s record culture, creates a distinct energy that feels more like a curated night out than a conventional event.
Access is straightforward via Powell BART and Muni lines, with garages and rideshare zones nearby for guests arriving or staying late.
5. Harlan Records
Location: 18 Harlan Place, San Francisco, CA
Tucked in a quiet alley, Harlan Records reimagines the listening bar experience with San Francisco flair. Designed for music lovers and curated events, the venue combines Japanese audiophile influences with mid-century decor, centered around a vintage Thorens turntable, a McIntosh amp, and JBL speakers.
The sound system is the heart of the space. Guests sip cocktails while vinyl DJs spin from deep-cut collections, and the dim, amber-lit atmosphere adds warmth to every gathering. Indoors, plush lounge seating encourages intimate conversation.
Outside, a private patio provides extra space for breezy mingling under the city sky. The menu leans into elevated bar snacks and inventive drinks like the chai bourbon “Soulful Sip” or prosecco-based “Funkadelic Fizz,” perfect for a more laid-back but sophisticated event.
Just blocks from Powell Station, with garage parking nearby, Harlan Records is ideal for low-key celebrations, client appreciation nights, or listening-focused socials with a twist.
6. Hawthorn
Location: 46 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA
Hawthorn reveals a moody, opulent hideaway that merges the glamor of a speakeasy with the functionality of a full-service event space. Red brick, velvet drapes, gold finishes, and dramatic lighting define the space, while two distinct rooms give planners flexible layout options.
The main room includes a 30-foot black marble bar, a dance floor, and a Void Tri Motion sound system engineered for clarity at any volume. For smaller parties, the Bonaparte Room evokes 1930s Hollywood with plush seating, a photo booth, and elevator access. The venue accommodates up to 250 guests and partners with preferred caterers to serve light bites or full spreads.
Its central location makes logistics easy – just steps from Powell or Montgomery BART, with several garages offering evening and valet parking. For events that call for ambiance, music, and a distinctly after-dark vibe, Hawthorn delivers.
Conclusion
From vinyl lounges to historic cocktail dens, these Union Square bars deliver unforgettable private event experiences in the heart of San Francisco. With expertly crafted cocktails, inspired spaces, and flexible layouts, there’s a perfect place for every vibe, guest list, and Saturday night plan.
Event planning should feel simple. Browse vetted venues with upfront pricing and quick communication, all in one place. Explore the Perfect Venue Marketplace to book the perfect spot for your next event!
