The Academy SF

Designer Castro Cocktail Lounge for Swanky Private Parties

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. **Members of our social club receive up to 50% off private rentals in addition to many other perks. Inquire with the host for more information and how to apply. ——————— 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. The space is located within a LGBTQ+ social club, and has additional areas available including a gorgeous outdoor garden terrace. To view other listings, click on host's profile. All listings are located within the same facility. ——————— INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING: 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). ——————— INCLUDED IN BOOKING RATE ❧ All required venue staff (additional may be necessary for special requests) ❧ Exclusive private access to all spaces listed ❧ One private gender-neutral restroom 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) ——————— ***NOT INCLUDED*** IN BOOKING RATE (inquire w/ host for full pricing & options) FOOD & BEVERAGE ❧ BEVERAGES: The venue has an exclusive contract with a beverage caterer for bar services & bartenders. Guests are *not* permitted to provide their own beverages or staff. Different package levels 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. ——————— 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 ❧ Learn How to Make Your Own Signature Cocktail ❧ Barber Services (main floor barber salon) ——————— CONVENIENCE We are located less than a block from Church St. MUNI station, with easy street parking available nearby. ——————— 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 alcohol? A: Our licensing and insurance do not allow for “BYOB” and therefore this is not allowed. ​ 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. Dancing is not allowed in the Main Level (the area included with this specific listing). 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. ​ 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.