Double Dutch

Double Dutch exudes an old school hip-hop vibe. Eschewing the usual trappings of urban chic and avoiding many of the over-familiar hipster clichés, this funky little dance bar in the Mission boasts neon chandeliers, mirrored walls and a DJ booth made of stacked-up ghetto blasters. 1980s-inspired attire is not uncommon among the clientele, but other than that it’s strictly casual you don’t have to dress up for a night out at Double Dutch. The bar staff are friendly and the drinks reasonably priced for the city. Music tends to be 80s/90s hip hop and R&B, and it’s popular with an unpretentious crowd who are there to get down to great tunes rather than to see and be seen (lucky, in such a crowded venue, where it’s often hard to see anyone clearly). The venue can get silly on the weekends when the place tends to fill with a bridge-and-tunnel crowd; it’s possibly better sampled on a weeknight if you want to get a true taste of this place’s idiosyncratic atmosphere. It’s not a huge venue and the dance floor is very small so gets packed (and the venue loses major points for having seriously ill-located and limited toilet facilities, so you have to crush past the dancers to get to them, which can make it annoying when the venue is fuller). It has also suffered occasionally from a reputation for being slightly rough around the edges, though that never seems to repel a generally good natured clientele. There’s a cover charge for men (women get in for free) but it’s not that expensive, in-keeping with the slightly grubby ambiance you’re not here for high class luxury.