Cafe du Nord, Upper Market / CastroPhoto: Ritwik Dey · CC BY 2.0

Cafe du Nord

A historic former speakeasy in the basement of the 1907 Swedish American Hall — an intimate, atmospheric ~300-cap room that hosts 170+ shows a year.

Upper Market / Castro~300–330Varies by show: All ages (6+) or 21+ Official site

2174 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Upcoming shows at Cafe du Nord

Cafe du Nord — know before you go

Is Cafe du Nord wheelchair accessible (ADA access)?+

This is a historic below-street (basement) venue reached by a flight of stairs from the Market St entrance. The official site states the venue is 'ADA accessible' and provides a Google Form to reserve accommodations in advance, and Yelp lists it as wheelchair accessible — but the official accessibility page only covers website accessibility and does NOT confirm an elevator/ramp bypassing the stairs, accessible restrooms, or an accessible viewing area. Do not assume step-free access: contact the venue (415-471-2969) and submit the accommodations form well ahead to confirm before buying tickets.

Does Cafe du Nord have seating, or is it standing room?+

General admission, standing-room, with a few first-come seats (some banquette/bistro seating and barstools). Arrive early for a seat. 'Preferred viewing' / riser access is available for select shows by contacting jarratt@cafedunord.com.

Is Cafe du Nord all ages?+

Varies by show: each event is labeled all ages (6+) or 21+. Check the event page. Outside of all-ages ticketed shows the bar operates as a 21+ space.

What time do shows start and end at Cafe du Nord?+

Typically the first act goes on about an hour after doors; exact door and set times are on the event page and your ticket confirmation. The bar generally stays open until around 2am, so headliners usually finish well before last call, but no fixed curfew is published.

Can I avoid ticket fees at the Cafe du Nord box office?+

Box office at 2174 Market St opens about an hour after doors on show nights (no daytime/advance box office). Buying tickets at the door avoids online service fees; advance tickets are via TicketWeb.

What are the bar, drink, and re-entry policies at Cafe du Nord?+

Full-service bar (a historic former speakeasy), with pizza available to order. There is NO coat check or bag storage. No published re-entry policy — typically at door staff's discretion, so confirm for your show.

Where can I park near Cafe du Nord, and how do I get there?+

Metered street parking on Market St out front, free after 6pm (but street sweeping starts strictly at 2am — move your car). Nearest Muni is Church St Station and Castro Station, plus the historic F-line streetcar along Market St; rideshare and taxis are easy to get on Market.

Are there VIP or premium seating options at Cafe du Nord?+

No standard VIP package. The closest is 'Preferred viewing' (riser access) for select shows by contacting jarratt@cafedunord.com.

Previews via Apple Music