Icon Ultra Lounge

Standing apart as a place to drink, groove and mingle VIP-style can be challenging in a city where nightclubs get lost in the heavy fog of hip dive spots, classy wine bars and legendary music venues. Well aware of its challenges, Icon Ultra Lounge has taken a sophisticated and distinctive approach to providing a spot where young professionals can gleefully see and be seen. Neon and nightlife clash for a posh sense of Vegas-style clubbing and Icon's proclamation as "San Francisco's ultra sexy, upscale and intimate club atmosphere" is not far from believable. Even if clubbing is not quite your thing, it's worth checking out Charles Doell's (Avalon, Blush, Red Room) prodigal design concept, which features a stimulating light setup, a mirrored glass bar, a state-of-the-art sound system, VIP rooms, two dance floors and lavish seating areas. Guest DJs often load the club with modern hip-hop, R&B and house while Rewind Thursdays attract dance fans of '70s and '80s pop and soul. -- Stephanie Benson (Photo: Courtesy of Icon Ultra Lounge)