Full Club at The Academy

Thank you for viewing our listing! Please be sure to read our FAQ, which will answer most common questions, before reaching out with an inquiry or booking request.

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In the heart of the Castro District, this gorgeous, one-of-a-kind private club location is perfect for receptions, client events, fundraisers, cocktail parties, off-sites, presentations, luxury activations, and much more.

Featuring: a luxurious, newly-remodeled top floor club lounge with wine bar and secret champagne room; a one-of-a-kind basement-level speakeasy with full bar and cocktail seating; a fabulously-designed main floor with custom blackjack table and plush lounge seating; and a gorgeous heated outdoor garden terrace with deck, featuring fire pits and designer outdoor furniture.

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SPACES INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING:

TOP FLOOR "CLUB LEVEL"
This newly-renovated top floor lounge has three distinct rooms (tasting room / bar with a hidden champagne nook; game room featuring a custom-made poker table; club room / piano lounge) which are connected by a hallway with glittering crystal and brass cage pendants, complete with trim details on the walls, ravishing local artwork, traditional herringbone flooring, and crown moulding throughout.

MAIN FLOOR
Our gorgeous 1,200 sqft main floor has 3 distinct rooms plus a service kitchen, a custom blackjack table, hardwood floors, rotating artwork by distinguished local artists, multiple seating areas, designer furniture, 12-foot ceilings, A/V system and sound, and access to an outdoor patio/yard plus basement speakeasy (additional cost, inquire with host for availability).

BASEMENT SPEAKEASY
A few words to the host gets you escorted downstairs through a secret bookshelf door. The 700 sqft Speakeasy features a cool "underground" atmosphere filled with games, Sonos sound system, and a private bar area with direct access to the Outdoor Garden Terrace.

OUTDOOR GARDEN TERRACE
This newly-renovated, private outdoor oasis features a gorgeous Brazilian Ipe deck, two fire pits, overhead electric heaters, warm outdoor cafe lighting, speakers for background music, and plenty of space for your group to enjoy a beautiful San Francisco evening.

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INCLUDED IN BOOKING RATE

❧ All required venue staff (additional may be necessary for special requests)
❧ Exclusive private access to all spaces listed
❧ Three private all-gender restrooms

Full use of the Main Floor

❧ Standing up to 50
❧ Seating up to 25
❧ 70" Television in Parlor-Lounge
❧ Mounted roll down projection screen/mounted projector
❧ Sonos sound system
❧ Custom blackjack table (staffed w/ professional dealer upon request, $100/hr; availability not guaranteed)

Full use of the Basement Speakeasy

❧ Accessed through a hidden bookshelf
❧ Standing up to 25
❧ Seating up to 15
❧ Custom-made Bar (bartender & beverage packages additional cost)
❧ Fireplace sitting area
❧ Sonos sound system
❧ Unique seating and lighting
❧ Cool "underground" atmosphere
❧ Private 700 square feet
❧ Outdoor side patio (w/ additional cost, before 10pm)
❧ Cozy ceilings
❧ Industrial concrete & hardwood floors
❧ Wood beams
❧ Reclaimed wood feature wall
❧ One-of-a-kind local artwork
❧ Dart board
❧ Cocktail seating / tables

Full use of the Outdoor Terrace

❧ Standing up to 50
❧ Seating up to 30
❧ 2 Fire pit sitting areas
❧ 2 Heated deck sitting areas
❧ Overhead cafe lights
❧ Designer outdoor furniture
❧ Brazilian Ipe deck
❧ Mounted electric heaters
❧ Restroom access indoors (main or lower level depending on other events)

Full use of the Top Floor Club Level

❧ Standing up to 50
❧ Seating up to 30
❧ Sonos sound system throughout (works great with Spotify)
❧ (1) all-gender restroom

The Tasting Room
❧ Plush emerald velvet banquette seating
❧ Stunning antique bar w/ black marble top
❧ Access to a secret room (seating for 6)

The Game Room
❧ Seating for up to 8
❧ Custom Dining / Poker Table (staffed w/ professional dealer upon request, $100/hr)

The Club Room
❧ Seating for up to 15
❧ Vintage 1902 Estey upright piano (live music upon request, pricing varies)
❧ Views overlooking Market Street in the heart of The Castro
❧ Leather sofa and club chairs
❧ Vintage balloon loveseat
❧ Bar cabinet / pass through nook w/ black stone tile & brass inlay

Back of House (staff & vendors only)
❧ Prep area for caterers w/ sink & ample counter space
❧ No on-site kitchen

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***NOT INCLUDED*** IN BOOKING RATE (inquire w/ host for full pricing & options)

FOOD & BEVERAGE

❧ BEVERAGES: Guests are *not* permitted to provide their own beverages or bar staff. Different packages are available; please inquire w/ host.

❧ FOOD: Preferred vendor food catering options available. Any caterer not on the preferred list will incur an additional fee and require a separately-scheduled walk through.

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ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED UPON REQUEST (availability not guaranteed and must be booked well in advance):

❧ Beverage catering (w/ additional required staffing)
❧ Food catering
❧ Blackjack / card dealer
❧ Drag entertainment
❧ Outdoor Garden Terrace
❧ DJ or Karaoke
❧ Photo Booth
❧ Whiskey Tastings
❧ Wine Tastings
❧ Cocktail making classes
❧ Barber Services (main floor barber salon)

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CONVENIENCE

We are located less than a block from Church St. MUNI station, with easy street parking available nearby.

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EXPECTATIONS PRIOR TO YOUR BOOKING

Guest will set expectations w/ Host 2-weeks prior to booking. *PLEASE NOTE* due to the pandemic we have received a ton of last-minute requests. Please understand that within 1 week we will need to charge a 15% late booking fee which helps with last-minute staff scheduling, etc.

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FAQ

Q: What are the cost components involved in hosting a private event at this space?​

A: We will provide you with a detailed, itemized proposal for your review prior to booking. Cost components are: space rental (hourly), cleaning fee, required beverage package (per person, per hour - details & options provided by host), sales tax, gratuity, plus any add-ons or entertainment provided in-house. We may also charge additional fees for outside food vendors, last-minute bookings, or other requests outside our typical offerings.


Q: Can we bring our own drinks?

A: Our licensing and insurance do not allow for “BYOB” and therefore this is not allowed.
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Q: Can we provide our own staff / bartender?

A: We provide all event staff including bartender, barback, front of house host, etc. If you have a friend or volunteer who would like to assist with check-in (e.g. handing out door prizes, welcoming guests, etc.) that is okay but please inform the event manager. Only venue staff and management are allowed in any back-of-house areas labeled "staff only" or "employees only".


Q: Can we have our guests pay for their own drinks?

A: For larger private events of more than 10 people, we are not able to allow individual drink tabs or orders. This is to ensure smooth service and a successful event for both our staff, you, and your guests. We are happy to work with you on a beverage package that suits your needs and your budget.


Q: What if some of my guests do not drink alcohol?

A: Not to worry! Our staff is fully prepared with options and substitutes for your alcohol-free (or low-ABV preferring) guests. During the planning process, ask about non-alcoholic beer options, zero-proof spirits, "mocktails" and more to keep all of your guests happy. Please note: all guests will be charged at the same rate as the beverage package you select.
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Q: How about food? Do you have preferred catering vendors that you work with? 

A: We have some in-house food items, as well as preferred vendors who can give you a separate quote and take care of all food-related needs. Please inquire for our preferred vendors list.

If you work with an outside caterer not on our preferred vendors list or bring in outside food, we charge a $10 per person fee. We include high-end compostable disposables (plates, utensils, napkins) as part of this fee upon request.

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Q: What about security or door staff? Do we need to provide this?​

A: We provide all necessary venue staff, including a front receptionist who will greet your guests, verify their name on the guest list, check their coat or bag (complimentary), and direct them to the space where your event is being held. If you feel for any reason that your event requires additional professional security, please let us know and we can refer you to an appropriate contractor.
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Q:  Is there parking included, or a garage nearby?​

A: There are no included parking spots with the venue, and unfortunately, The Castro does not have a parking garage. We are located right on Market Street, and there is generally street parking available within 1-2 block radius. Of course, for any guests who will be consuming alcoholic beverages, we strongly advise taking a car service or public transportation, which is readily available outside our venue.


Q:  How do vendors or personnel load-in to the venue? Is there a loading dock or designated area?​

A: There is no loading dock or designated loading zone, however, we do have a side gate on Market Street that goes to the lower level (Speakeasy or Outdoor Terrace). This can often be the easiest way to load in, depending on which space you have reserved. Street parking is available or you may temporarily double park on Market Street for quick drop-offs. Please coordinate specific arrival times with venue management, and be advised that all set-up time must be part of the hourly rentals. Your event contact can go over these requirements to ensure a smooth experience.


Q:  Can I arrive early to set up for my event?​

A: Yes! Please include any needed setup time when planning your event with us, and we can be sure to have the venue ready for your arrival. Please note: all time in the venue is charged an hourly rental fee. Depending on the scope of your setup needs, this time may be at a discounted rate.

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Q: What about music / playlist?

A: We have a Sonos system that covers the whole venue. If you have a Spotify playlist you can email to us as a link, that is ideal. Please make sure it is set to public, and send to the host. Then we can load it into our system and have it ready for when you arrive. Please be aware that you will not be able to "control" the music during the event. You may work with the event manager to set an appropriate volume, shuffle or other settings, prior to the start of the event.


Q: Can we have a DJ? ​

A: It depends on which space you are renting, and which other events are happening at the venue. We have an old building where sound can bleed through to each floor. Also, outdoor amplified music is not allowed. Please ask your host for details on what is possible for your event.
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Q: Do you allow dancing?

A: Only in certain areas of the venue, including the outdoor terrace (keep in mind music and volume constraints), and the Speakeasy. Generally, we are more of a cocktail lounge space, not a dance club, so please consider this when planning your event. If we are not the most suitable venue, we can definitely recommend great alternatives.
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Q: Do you allow guests under the age of 21?

A: Our licensing does permit guests under age 21, however, they will not be served alcoholic beverages per state law. Any minors (guests under age 18) must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian at all times. Our venue is not suitable for young children, and we strongly recommend childcare services in lieu of bringing kids to the venue.