by Hosea Beyers on Dear Bootie, thank you for the best time I have EVER HAD on my birthday. You da you da best. We missed the 10 PM reduced cover cutoff ($6 before, $12 after), but my friends tell me the place was completely empty when they arrived around 9:30. It was probably a good thing we got there a little later because we stayed until closing (they stop serving alcohol at 2 AM and someone comes around to collect all the cups, but they stay open another hour til 3). I am not usually one for dancing for five hours straight, but something about this place (a combination of strong drinks, awesome mashups and a really fun crowd) just makes you want to shake it on elevated platforms all night long. In fact, after the live band, Smashup Derby, performs at 11, half the dance floor clambers on stage to dance. Speaking of Smashup Derby - I was a little skeptical at the idea of a band performing mashups live, but THEY ARE AMAZING. The singers have awesome voices and plenty of attitude, and if it's really not your thing, I think they're only onstage for about half an hour. Agree with all other reviewers about the crowd here. Very laid back with minimal grabby creepers - everyone is just here to get down and have a good time. I was there with a pretty diverse group, and everyone had fun. Shamelessly played the birthday card and got a mix CD at the end of the night. I will definitely be listening to it all week long and reliving the best birthday ever.
by Chris G. on A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...Sidetracks was a crazy Thursday night dance party. Hookups were inevitable. Flash forward to today. Renovations made this place a glitzy, fru-fru restaurant/ bar / lounge. No cabaret license for a year killed them. But now the crowd is returning to their Thursday night haunt to grind out the dance floor. Open Bar from 11:30 to 1:30. Just drink whatever they hand you. After 1:30, the dance floor is extra packed with a drunken mob (because no one wants to pay for drinks). Have a problem with personal space? Don't go here Thursday night. Get your freak on and hope for the best. Other nights... Friday and Saturday is hit or miss. The DJ ruins these nights from becoming a die hard party night. The rest of the week, it masqurades as a restaurant. Sunday brunch is tasty.
by Dorsey Fagerstrom on Two things I really love here: the marinated carrots and the sourdough bread. Yum! Plus they can end up on nearly every sandwich you choose. And there are the pastries, and the cream of asparagus soup. I love the veggie sandwich on sourdough or the Santa Clara - they are my go-to favs. I never get going early enough to try their breakfast options. The staff is low-key and always friendly. They do a great job at manning the counter, getting meals out, and cleaning off tables. The place always looks great. Not accepting credit cards is a bummer. Hopefully that will change soon, but it won't keep me from coming back. Their food is too good. I have been coming here off and on for more than 5 years. I just remember to make sure I have cash or my checkbook.
