The Great Northern, San Francisco CA

If you like night clubs where DJs give absolutely no energy, make awful transitions/mixes, play the same song for 10 minutes straight, and straight up reuse songs MULTIPLE times within a few hours, then this place is for you.

The previous reviews got me confused about this place but from my experience, the club got a lot better. There was one security guy that could be a little nicer but oh well… They have coat checks there which is a super plus, 2 bars and the bathroom was very clean. The second floor though… not worth it. But the main floor was great.

Great atmosphere friendly staff and most importantly the use paper cups. No broken glass or disposable plastic.

Breakfast of Champions is one of the best events to start of the new year. It is a fundraiser to feed the less fortunate while dancing to known DJ’s killing it on the the turntable while other activities like the Chuck it Wagon releases your negativity and bringing in positive intention. This year was very energetic and super positive. Both from the worker bees making it happen and the guests enjoying the event. One of my favorite years to attend The New Years event Breakfast of Champions. Feeling so much friendly loving energy. I am so heart open to the next year of beautiful new days and new year beginnings. Thank you so much.

Not a bad place but door guy was aggressive and rude as hell. He snatched the ID out of my hand and didn’t say much to me, denied my girlfriend access, then seemed like he didn’t like me but talked to those around a lot differently. I don’t know if it’s because we were trans. Not something I see as much anymore in SF. The venue also didn’t check for tickets to the concert I went to at all, I could’ve snuck in with only a valid ID. I hope the bands got paid!

Best place to be for NYE, BOC! My Amorn and I have been coming here for the past 5 years! Never disappoints!

I love this venue, the sound system is top tier, the staff is nice, and it's always a good time

Ok space.the Dj in Rhonda 10/08 was so bad tho.like low low effort EDM.no buildup, no drop nothing.just the same soundtrack for 3 hours.spotify search for EDM would have done a better job.

Overly aggressive security, which is unfortunately not new (and see other reviews).

Tickets: Free entry before X time" or "discounted entry before X time", but even if you arrive in broad daylight, several hours before "X time", door charges $70, when online ticket sales are still at "$30-$60".

Easily one of the best sound systems in the city with high ceilings, hi tech lighting and artsy projection mapping. Great cocktails, even better staff. Always warm, friendly and welcoming. Big outdoor smoking area and though it's usually windy outside, the staff is warm and welcoming. It never disappoints.

Very physically and verbally aggressive security guard. Scary enough to make myself and a large group of people watching the scene leave. I already see there are plenty of reviews about him! Can’t wait to go back when he is no longer working there

Would be 0 stars if I could. The interior is nice, but the bouncer (self-proclaimed "head of security") on April 30 was the RUDEST, most absurd dude I have ever encountered. We got in, but I personally saw him fight 4 different parties who were treating him with utmost respect, who happened to be people in their 40s-50s. He screamed in their face, aggressively slammed doors in their face, shoved them several times, shouted "I hate working, don't make me work more", and other gems like "this is capitalism bro, deal with it". He was single-handedly the reason 30 people left the club within the hour I was there (and there weren't that many people inside, anyway). Never going back until that guy is gone, he has ruined the Great Northern.

P. S. This is not the only review about the ridiculous bouncer, see below.

If I could give zero stars I would! My friend is from Florida and they refused to even scan his ID, the security was extremely rude! He wouldn’t let us talk and kept saying “I’ve explained myself” but when prompted as to why, he would not give us any information. Save yourself some time and go somewhere better and kinder.

Aggressive bartender, grabbed my wrist violently and threatened to throw me out of the bar for grabbing a paper cup off the top of the bar when there were none next to the water fountain.

Honestly not sure if I came on a bad night or something, but the sheer density of 40 year old men in fedoras and graphic tees and 30 year old start up bros in suits ruined the vibe. It could have been a Reddit meet up. The music was ok, but the giant room and corny video Red Bull ads on the menus screens were not what I expected for what’s supposed to be a bohemian techno spot. NYC score: would last 3 weeks maybe.

This is definitely a venue worth checking out, but it's dependent upon the show you attend. Staff is friendly and helpful, there's lots of space to move around/explore, but it can get a bit overwhelming if you're at a big show.

I'd definitely recommend checking out their day parties, where they open things up into the street!