Motown on Mondays @ Madrone Art Bar: SF’s Cultural Hotspot
This famed groovy early week dance-off has been a mecca for dancers and soul lovers for years. Boasting a modest selection of modern art and a rich blend of musical genres, it’s sure to keep you entertained all night long. Madrone may be one of the last cultural hold-outs in the city.
THE CROWD: diverse and funky
THE MUSIC: Motown and other oldies
DRESS: casual
AMBIANCE: dive bar meets disco club
GREAT FOR:
Dancing
Week-night fun
Large groups
NOT GREAT FOR:
Quiet dates
Clients or meetings
High-end cocktails
THE BAR
Nestled into the corner unit of a classic San Francisco Victorian building, Madrone Art Bar has been serving up a heavy dose of culture to the residents of NoPa for many years. Just passing by, you get a taste with the month’s showcase piece in the glass display.
Currently on exhibition– cement blocks with the word “RESIST” spray-painted on, only to be knocked over and crushed to bits. From the foyer, you can hear the soulful and beat-heavy jams wafting through the doorway.
Stepping inside feels like you’ve entered a time machine. Madrone straddles the line between dive bar, disco club, and modern art gallery. The wall decor changes regularly. The night our group attended, we spotted photography of tropical scenes, a geometric color block show by Sofia Shu, a bedazzled torpedo, and a trumpet chandelier. Needless to say, it’s a one-of-a-kind place.
Madrone is a cultural hotspot. On any given week, it hosts everything from epic 90s themed dance parties to poetry open mics. Monday nights, however, put this small bar on the map.
THE MUSIC
DJ Gordo Cabeza is a legend here for spinning fresh, exclusive remixes and close relatives of your favorite Motown classics. While the dance floor is small and narrow, Cabeza gets the crowd bouncing and swaying with ease. Every few songs, dance circle opens up giving way to freestyle solos.
CW TIP: ARRIVE BEFORE 9 AM TO AVOID THE LINE AND GAIN FREE ENTRY
The party starts early, and you’ll find a sizable group inside by this hour. You’ll also avoid the cover charge and (sometimes) a line. On holiday weekends, Madrone’s can get pretty busy and you may end up waiting up to 15 minutes outside. Don’t get caught bare in the NoPa wind– bring a jacket for the wait.
If you do plan to arrive after 9 pm, you’ll have to pay cash. Don’t worry though– if you’re in a bind, you can take advantage of their in-house ATM machine.
CW: BRING THE WHOLE FRIEND GROUP
It’s hard to find group-friendly bars in San Francisco. Madrone’s is the exception. Large groups of friends and birthday parties are usually amongst the crowd of solo dancers. The bar is small, but it is broken up well. The back is generally empty for those in your group who prefer to stand aside and watch. All the action happens up on the dance floor.
CW TIP: BEWARE OF THE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
During the day, the southside wall has benches running across it to provide more seating. However, if you look at the fine print at the base of the benches, it says they are folded up at 9 PM once the party starts. If you linger too long, you may be asked to vacate the area. If you absolutely must have a seat, arrive early to snag the one booth in the back.
CW TIP: BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES
Seating is tough, and the jams are great. You’ll be on your feet for the majority of your stay, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Even though the dancefloor is small and narrow, there’s plenty of space for spinning, shuffling and bouncing. Don’t be intimidated by the regulars and pro dancers! The crowd is fun and supportive.
CW TIP: UTILIZE THE BACK EXIT WHEN YOU NEED SOME AIR
When the night starts to heat up, you’ll inevitably want to catch your breath and get some air. We recommend making your way to the back of the bar and utilizing the back exit.
CW TIP: NO LAST MINUTE BATHROOM BREAKS
You might almost miss the two unisex bathrooms if you don’t know where to look. Located just to the left of the main entrance, the doors and walls are covered in old posters that make them camouflage into the artsy background. Because they’re just off the dancefloor, the area around the bathroom doors gets crowded. It may be hard to tell who is waiting in line and who is just waiting around. Be assertive to get your turn.
CW TIP: STICK TO CLASSIC COCKTAILS
Madrone’s is not famed for their cocktails. While they do offer a wide selection of beers and liquors, you’ll want to stick your classic drinks. Look up to find their offerings scratched onto the walls in chalk. If you want an extra bang for your buck, opt for one of their combos, which serves a beer and a shot for around $11.00. The bartenders work quickly and efficiently to keep the bar area clear. No dilly-dallying here.
On the walls, you’ll find other interesting art pieces and a running loop of oldie music videos like James Brown and the Temptations.
Be sure to check out their calendar online if you’re looking to visit during one of their other themed nights. While Motown is a fan favorite, there are genre nights for every kind of music lover.
