Kilowatt takes private events for 300 guests or more when both floors are booked together, and up to 250 in the main bar alone. Company parties, wedding receptions, birthdays, after parties and video shoots are the formats the bar lists. Kilowatt is a neighborhood bar on 16th Street in the Mission District of San Francisco, set in a former firehouse.
Seminars and company events
The company event here is an evening party rather than a working day. Teams book the whole building for a holiday party, a team celebration or an after party following a conference elsewhere in the city. A semi-private option reserves the upstairs room while the main bar stays open to the public, which suits a smaller group that still wants the energy of a bar downstairs. Hourly bookings are also available for photo and video shoots.
Weddings and receptions
Wedding receptions are part of the program, along with after parties. Couples can bring decorations, add tables and chairs, and choose their own caterer. Entertainment can be arranged as an add-on: a DJ, a live band, karaoke or custom work by a local artist. Guest list checking, coat check and security can also be added to the booking.
Rooms and capacities
The main bar has its own stage with sound access, a dance floor, a pool table and darts. It holds up to 250 guests when booked on its own. Upstairs, a lounge in mid-century modern style has a full bar, a dance floor and a vintage hi-fi system that plays vinyl and connects by Bluetooth. A 1960s jukebox completes the room. Booking both levels exclusively gives the full building, for 300 guests or more.
Catering
Kilowatt does not run a kitchen for events. Organizers bring in the caterer of their choice, in any style and to fit their budget, and the bar can supply a full open bar on request. The upstairs lounge has its own bar, so drinks are served on both floors during a full buyout.
History and setting
Kilowatt opened in 1994 in an old San Francisco firehouse. For its first years it was a showcase for punk, rock and indie bands and the original home of the Noise Pop Festival. It later became a neighborhood bar with pool tables, darts and sports on television. Under new owners, live music and DJ nights have returned, and the space has been renovated for events. The bar sits at the corner of 16th and Albion streets, among the restaurants and bars of the Mission.
Getting there
The address is 3160 16th Street, at Albion Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. The 16th Street Mission BART station is a few blocks east along 16th Street, and San Francisco International Airport is about 30 minutes away by BART. Street parking in the Mission is limited, so guests are better off arriving by public transport or ride share.
