FRIDAY FIVE
Millennials are drinking less. It’s true—well, at least according to this Atlantic trend piece out this week. Sure, it only had anecdotal evidence, but it seems logical that the generation is no longer excessively drinking at bars every night since they’re mostly in their late 20s and 30s.
That being said, it is true that much of our social lives in the Bay Area revolves around dive bars and craft cocktails. Fortunately, though, there are plenty of ways to have fun on a Saturday night that don’t involve getting wasted.
1. Kava Lounge
If you’re craving a bar-like atmosphere on a weekend night but don’t want to be tempted by alcohol, hanging out at Kava Lounge on Divisadero Street is a great alternative. Unlike a sweaty and crowded bar, Kava Lounge has a calming and serene atmosphere, serving various kava and herbal tonics. For the unfamiliar, kava is a ceremonial drink used by many Pacific Islanders to calm anxiety, stress and restlessness. The lounge was opened by owner Alva Caple in 2016, and perhaps one of the most beloved parts about it is its mystical undertones. On any ledge, you’ll find books about spirituality or tarot cards, or a mindful coloring activity to keep you entertained while you sip.
901 Divisadero Street (NOPA) | kavaloungesf.com/
2. Church of 8 Wheels
Church of 8 Wheels gives a different meaning to Hozier’s famous song “Take Me to Church.” This disco roller-skating rink, located inside an abandoned church in the Lower Haight, makes for a great way to spend a sober Saturday night. D. Miles Jr., also known as the “Godfather of Skating in San Francisco,” founded this joint in 2013, but the tradition of disco roller skating has been alive for more than 40 years in Golden Gate Park. Church of 8 Wheels is just another way to bring the fun to San Franciscans. Disco-themed costumes are not required but are encouraged, especially on Saturday nights. The cost is $15 in cash per person, which includes roller-skates rental.
554 Fillmore Street (Lower Haight) | churchof8wheels.com/
3. Green Apple Bookstore
For San Francisco’s literati crowd, an author reading or an event at Green Apples books is always guaranteed to be a good time. While authors visit on nearly every night of the week, there is usually a reading to attend on either Friday or Saturday nights. This month on April 27, Independent Bookstore Day, Green Apple will be hosting an all-day event from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., which will include poetry on demand, book button making and a blind date with a book.
506 Clement Street (Inner Richmond) | greenapplebooks.com/
4. Urban Putt
Located in the Mission is a place where all your childhood dreams can come true. Urban Putt is a mini indoor golf course designed for adults. Each hole has a Bay Area–specific theme, making the entire experience very entertaining. For example, have you ever tried playing golf during a mini earthquake? Spoiler alert: it’s hard, but if you’re tempted, there’s an opportunity to do so at Urban Putt. While alcohol is served here, you can’t bring it on to the course, which means that you aren’t playing with a bunch of drunk people and that the game isn’t centered on booze.
1096 South Van Ness Avenue (Mission) | www.urbanputt.com/
5. Movie at the Castro Theatre
The Castro Theatre is a San Francisco landmark (it became official in 1976). Ever since 1922, it has been a beloved cinema for moviegoers around the world. The theatre used to be known for hosting private screenings but is now known for showing repertory movies — and the occasional sing-along, which is when the audience sings along to the music of the movie they’re watching. Each month, the Castro Theatre releases its schedule, which is usually a mix of classic movies and obscure ones. A night at the theatre brings a little spice to a night at the movies — especially on account of the dramatic pipe-organ performance before each show.
429 Castro Street (Castro) | castrotheatre.com
