12 Galaxies   

Named for San Francisco's beloved Frank Chu and his ever-present conspiracy sign, the spiffed up former Club Galia is a virtual hive of trucker-hatted hipsterdom. A long, wide-open floor greets you at the front door and continues right to the low-ceilinged, minimal stage. To see any of the eclectic band members, you'll have to be in the front three rows, or hanging on the stairs that border the stage. Even better, get an early start and head up stairs. It's almost a separate venue up there, with tables, chairs, a second bar and subdued lighting glancing off wood floors. Much of the space is wrapped around an open spot in the floor, so the upstairs can also operate as a sort of mezzanine from which you peer at the band. The second floor is also a safe place to slither if you've dared to come dressed in Banana Republic or anything featuring natural fibers. There's a pool table, and a touch more social interaction. Where Galia never even opened up both levels at the same time, 12 Galaxies makes you feel like there's a virtual universe of hipster happenings. 12 Galaxies is a one-of-a-kind space, and the owners have done a beautiful job of restoring it.