CASH ONLY which is why its 4 stars. Along with the fact that I asked about food, and the bartender said nothing about the kitchen closing... but when i went to order it was closed. The service was decent. Nothing special. The music is GREAT. And Its in a good location. Lots of cool people. Id come back again.
Review Source:My friend was visiting from the south, and we decided to explore the Haight Ashbury neighborhood together. That's when we stumbled upon this gem. Â I am not usually one for bars, but this place had a cool vibe, with a super sweet bartender who was kind enough to charge my friend's iphone for her!
We had their specialty drink (see pics that I posted). It's called the "Deluxe 'Spa' Collins." Â I had mine as a virgin, and my friend went for hers with vodka (you can choose between vodka and gin). Â It was DELICIOUS and refreshing -- it was out on the counter in a punch bowl and was made with fresh singer, cucumber, lemon, and club soda. Â It was garnished beautifully with a wedge of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint.
Locals were coming in ordering this drink left and right. Â They had an interesting jazz band, and if I heard the bartender correctly, they have music every night -- including a band that she plays in. Â
We felt welcomed, comfortable, and didn't get a "divey" feel from this place. Â Would definitely like to visit again when I have an excuse to be in the neighborhood.
Note: They only accept cash and do have an ATM inside.
I was not expecting such great pizza from a dive like this. My expectations were admittedly fairly low, but the pies here blew it out of the water. We ordered the meat pie, the mushroom and kale pie. Man, it was soooo good!! The crush was super thin and the cheese is high quality. They make up for the small selection of pizzas with sheer quality.
Review Source:I didn't try the pizza, but it looked good, so I can only imagine what it was like before when people raved about it.
Nope, I just hung out at the bar, had a few beers and enjoyed some good jazz. The bartender, Dave, is a good guy, matter fact he's a f#cking champ.
I tried the famous concoction they serve and could see myself on a really drunken night slurping these down until I forgot my first name. Alas, on this night, it was just beer and I was cool with that. The selection was not quite up to what I'd hope for, especially in San Francisco, but they did have Anchor Steam on tap and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in bottles. Good enough.
The music was good, the lighting about right, and ambiance in general just pleasant. A good little spot.
I'm so torn about this place these days. If I'd written this back in December, it would have been five stars, even six or seven if Yelp would let me. Nowadays it's an even three, but I'm bumping it up to a four in return for all the good times over the years.
I used to come here at least once a week, and there's no arguing that there are many, many awesome things about this place... The mood, the low lighting, the soundtrack (and live music half of the week), the proximity to home (for me at least) and the pleasantly snarky and beautiful bartenders, but there's just no getting over the pizza these days. I see a lot of other reviewers saying you can't discount it for the change in pizza--it IS a bar and not a pizzeria, after all--but you can't give a kid a lollipop, take it a way, and be surprised when she starts crying. This is me crying:
It's hard to accept this place just as a bar when it used to be a bar that also happened to serve the city's best pizza. The new pizza is okay... You can tell that they're using high quality ingredients, and I appreciate that, but it tastes like pizza your friend would make if your friend was good at making pizza--it doesn't taste like delicious pizza from an awesome restaurant (or bar that serves food). The biggest handicap is the crust. It kind of reminds me flavor- and crunchiness-wise of those little breadsticks that some Italian restaurants put on their tables. Not really what I'm looking for.
Maybe they've gotten better at it in the last couple months since I tried it, but I don't think I'm going to give it another go.
For now, I'm just going to appreciate their greyhounds and plan to go with a full stomach. I suggest you do the same.
What is up with all the Pizza comments? Been going to the Deluxe since Jay opened it VG was living in the kitchen, and Betty Page videos played on a VCR near the DJ booth. It is the last real hip bar on Haight Street. Aaron C is exactly right this place was the nesting ground of the swing revival (documented in many books including V.Vale Retro-Renaissance). The music there is great, Lavay Smith, Paula West, Kim Nalley, Â and many others got there start at that Deluxe and right now the amazing Quinn Deveaux is playing there and he is on the cusp of breaking out so be sure to catch him before he blows up. For those you who don't have ears enough to recognize diamonds in the rough for $5 Â they are welcome to pay $40 elsewhere to see a polished act, but I dig the casual intimate atmophshere of Deluxe. People come here to drink (it is an excellent daytime bar) and listen and dance to music. The bartenders rock. For a while Dutch used to see me coming through the door and before I got through the bouncer he would be amking my drink and pushing a dry vodka martini with a twist to me the second I got to the bar. When I stopped drinking martinis I hadn't the heart to tell him because I enjoyed the game of seeing if he could get the drink to me before I asked. Â Deluxe rocks! Pizza freaks can go to a restaurant or to Orbit (which I believe Jay owns) I hate music and food together. Give me stiff drink anyday. Â There are very few music bars left in the city and tons of pizza joints get over go it.
Yes it does get busy so get there early if you want a seat.
Listen for the faint sound of the smooth sax and let it lead you to this Haight x Ashbury gem. Sure you'll probably come across some ratchet people enjoying a night of debauchery out on the sidewalk, but that's Haight's charm for you and don't let that steer you away from heading over to Club Deluxe. Seriously, this place is nothing short of amazing.
There's a $5 cover charge and it does get packed around 9:30-10:00 pm so I suggest coming early to land a good seat by the bar, or at a booth near the jazz performers. Bask in the music's intensity and do yourself a favor and order Deluxe's signature drink, the Spa Colins. Enjoy.
Giovanni's gone, the new pizza is crap and there are few, if any, reasons to go to Deluxe any more. Haven't seen an exciting band here in a while, the bartenders are mediocre in all respects, and there's one beer on tap. The comedy nights are absolutely the worst, too.
Really disappointed that they screwed up the kitchen situation, because that pizza and the folks making it were the only reason to venture out the Haight and Ashbury.
Just want to chime in here regarding Club DeLuxe. The current reviews here are why Yelp can be dubious at best in figuring out what a place is all about, and whether it's worth going.
"Club DeLuxe is a nightclub located on Haight Street in San Francisco. Opened by Jay Johnson in 1989, it was (purportedly) the nesting ground for the swing revival of the 1990s, and hosts a wide array of jazz bands as well as a monthly burlesque show. The bar was designed in 1949."
In other words, this is not a pizza parlor and never was intended to be. Sure the old pizza could be good some nights, other nights it was just ok, but that's not the original focus of this business. To be honest if a few obnoxious hipsters don't show up anymore since they don't like the new pizza, (haven't tried it yet to be honest), maybe now the rest of us can enjoy the great local music they've been putting on here for years without having to listen to some shrill voiced 20-30 something screaming about Facebook/latest Iphone version/USF finals bs over top of the piano solos.
To enjoy the place for what it was intended for I suggest arriving at 10pm when the "pizzster" crowd goes home early to get some sleep before catching the Google shuttle to work in the morning. You can even dance to some good Bossa Nova and no one will get in the way!
Long live local Jazz and those few neighborhood venues that still support it!
Ahh, finally one of my favorite spots in the Haight has refreshed its kitchen! Definitely needed a revamp; everything from the premium, local ingredients to the presentation andtasteis soo much better.
Oh, and it's actually a good thing that Giovanni and his pizza are no longer there. The truth came out and his ingredients were not organic which is really disappointing. How can you deceive your customers? If he cared so much about his pizza and clientele, he would be truthful about the origins of his ingredients.
Throw in those epic Greyhounds and some live music, and you have yourself a dandy night at Club Deluxe...perfect for a date ;)
Club Deluxe is truly better than ever! Give it a shot.
Yayyy!!! Â The same people who do the pizza at my favorite bar, The Orbit Room, now do the pizza here!!! Â Best news :) Â I'm so glad!! Â Not only do I get to see some familiar faces on upper Haight, I also get to extend my bar hopping and late-night pizza eating there too. Â
The drinks:
I love the signature cocktail on the menu, the Spa Collins (and they make a mean Greyhound). Â They also have red wine that goes great with the pizza!!
Sunday night jazz is my favorite night.
Their website: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pizza-deluxe.com%2F&s=830fa87b73785041b10ca9ffd19db49f12a3f363d65448ec2cf97d22b2e971c1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.pizza-deluxe.…</a>
Sister bar to my favorite haunt, The Orbit Room, Club Deluxe delivers a solid offering for dinner, drinks, and music - all under one roof.
Perfect to stroll in early and catch up with some friends over food... and then stay late to catch up on some Jazz over drinks ;)
The Pizza is the same that's served up at Orbit, and there's some additional options like lasagna (actually quite good), salads, and desert specials.
Now, I know what you're all thinking (I've been reading your reviews)
Giovanni! Giovanni! Giovanni! Â ...But I must say, the pizza here is still fierce! And the new staff is A++.
Lighting is soft, and there's plenty of options on seating (bar, high tops, booths, that cozy little alcove in the corner .... ) It's the perfect mix of dive meets lounge.
Cocktails are obviously not their specialty (go to Orbit for that), but Deluxe is the place for an honest Whiskey Ginger, or a surprisingly good White Russian, or just a simple IPA.
A few familiar faces from Orbit now round out the shifts, but I'm always happy to chat up whoever is working when I round the corner of that red curtain.
Cheers!
Giovanni's amazing pizza creations were the only reason that I went to Club Deluxe. Â Each pizza was made with care, expertise, and quality ingredients. Â
Without Giovanni's wonderful pizza artistry, club deluxe is just a slightly above mediocre bar & lounge that serves mediocre pizza.
I'm not going to spend another dime in this place ever again.
I've been coming here for over a decade.
It was my first welcome drink when I moved to San Francisco in 2001.
Great cabaret acts. Solid Greyhouds.
When Giovanni's pizza was added, it made this place perfect.
I traveled from the East Bay for it. I brought out of town friends to try it too.
I created a following and increased their patronage.
It was the best darned pizza, period. Quality ingredients. Perfectly baked pizza crust. Friendly interesting staff serving it. Worth the wait.
Now Giovanni's is gone and so am I. Sorry to see Club Deluxe make such a huge mistake. Now they serve mediocre pizza just like every other place in the Haight.
I've lived in the neighborhood for ten years and only started going to Club Deluxe because of the pizza after friends kept telling me how amazing it was. Damn if they weren't right; hands down the best pizza I've ever had in my life. Ever.
After the sudden switch to mediocre pizza I mourn the loss and don't know what to do with myself. All I can hope for is that Giovanni opens up again somewhere else. Like others here, one star for the Jazz, and one star for the drinks, but otherwise no reason to go there anymore.
This was a solid 4 star place, maybe even 5 stars.. until 2013. They have decent cocktails, live jazz (often free!), and a cool vibe, but the real reason to come here was because you could also get some of the best pizza in the city.
They recently split ways with Giovanni's pizza. I'm pretty picky when it comes to pizza, but Giovanni's was what kept me coming back here. Now, they're calling the kitchen "Pizza Deluxe" and still serving pies of a similar style (and price point), but the quality doesn't hold a candle to what it used to be. The new sauce is too sweet & bland, and the crust pretty much couldn't be worse (gooey in the center, flaky and cracker-like at the edges). The new pizza isn't just disappointing compared to the old pizza, at $20 it's strictly a waste of money.
Now that I've ranted about the change in pizza, here are a few other thoughts:
- First off, if you like Jazz, you should definitely check this place out. They often have a cover on the weekends (and maybe Thursdays?), but there's good live music even when there isn't a cover.
- Their signature drink is called the "Spa Collins", and it's pretty good. Get it with gin.
- If you're ordering a cocktail, it's worth your while to ask for specific liquor (at least for the first couple). Otherwise they'll use the bottom-shelf stuff under the bar, which is low enough quality to ruin most cocktails.
- I've had reasonable success bring a group of 4-8 people here. I wouldn't try it on a Friday or Saturday, but earlier in the week you can pull it off.
We'd been coming here for the last year or so for the music, cocktails, lack of sports-on-tv and always served up with at least one of Giovanni's amazing pizzas... Â But we walked in last week and it's.. all different. The PIZZA light was glowing its welcoming purple glow at us, but.. what happened? where are the regular menus? Â
The bar is cold and empty and we're handed the 'new pizza' menu - an ominous "Giovanni has Gone" is all we can discover from the bar staff. They almost made it sound like he'd taken a long walk off a short pier... tell me he's not sleeping with the fishes?
Goodness knows what happened - but it's a crying shame because the new pizza sure ain't worth the walk up the hill. Â
Doh, another thing that used to rock now sucks. Â Ok where's good now?
I just love this place. I've been popping in and out of Club Deluxe for the past three years and it's never anything less than fantastic.
Whether I 'm in the mood for some music, need a cool spot to take visitors, or just need fun spot  with cool people, good drinks, delicious pizzas, and jazz... it's always Club Deluxe.
The jazz is great and always feels intimate as the space is cozy (perfectly small). They often do not have a cover and the Sunday night Bossa Nova is awesome. The only thing that elevates this already delightful experience is indulging in one of Giovanni's succulent pizza's. I have to say these are my favorite pizzas in SF. They have so many options (vegetarian and meat), and you can taste the quality of the fresh greens and cheeses. Â
A Â friendly spot with live jazz and amazing pizza. Certainly enough to keep me happy any night of the week.
*Note: a good time to go for music is around 9:30pm.
I've been to Club Deluxe before, but last Saturday was my first experience during their Saturday Night Jazz nights. Great time.
We were lucky enough to grab a seat at Giovanni's which put us right in front of the stage. I thought it might be too loud but the volume was perfect--and the band were on fire.
As usual the drinks at CD are great--including their signature gin cocktail. I like the mix of people here was well: hipsters, homeless well dressed haight guys, a few marina girls, random tourists. Definitely a Haight vibe.
Do you like jazz music?
Do you like delicious cocktails?
Do you like a mellow atmosphere for dinner and/or a drink?
Do you enjoy handmade specialty pizzas?
Yes to all of these? Club Deluxe is your spot
This places has been a frequent favorite of mine since moving to SF 8 months ago and it will forever be my spot. I love there selection of specialty pizzas and they are incredibly delicious mind you. The cocktails are spot on and they have a handful of good beers on tap. The mood is always set right at club deluxe and almost every night there is something going on inside. Jazz music is typical, with local musicians often taking the stage and playing for hours. Comedy night, every 3rd monday and much more.
In the mood for a chill evening, delicious pizza, and a drink? This is your spot.
Enjoy!
**CASH only!**
I enjoyed some delicious pizza at Club Deluxe yesterday evening! Â The ingredients are fresh, the dough is divine, and the sauce is flavorful. Â There are innovation combinations of toppings, and many varieties of pizzas to choose from! I opted for the house specialty, the Murder at Midnight, with fresh arugula, prosciutto, shaved parmesan, and a healthy drizzle of extra virgin olive oil!
The dim lighting makes it perfect for a date, and a jazz band was setting up just as I wrapped up dinner. Â Unfortunately I left before the entertainment began, but I believe it starts at 10 PM, and is a nightly occurrence! Â
I knocked off a star for the fact that you cannot order beverages through the waitress...She is literally there to take your order, and bring your food--nothing else. Â Even water must be obtained at the bar. Â Preposterous! Â Also, the menu is strictly pizzas, and a few salads. Â This place is not for the carb-conscious!
Aside from that, and the lengthy time it took for our pizza to arrive (order an app or a salad so you're not famished), Club Deluxe is a solid 4 stars.
To know me is to know about my severe and palpable dislike of the American art form known as Jazz. I have very little patience for the aesthetic, and if I had my druthers scatting and bopping would be outlawed and punishable by Skrillex. (I'd better not get started.) I mention this only to explain that for a place positively slathered in jazziness, I didn't hate Club Deluxe.
The steel door out front is deceptive. You're not walking into a safe; it's quite roomy inside. The bar is partitioned in two, with one side flanked by a long and aqua-lit bar and other side a seating area where you can eat and "enjoy" the nightly live music on a small stage near the back. If you're into that sort of thing. If I hadn't mentioned it before, I am not.
It's worth talking about the pizza. It's a thin-crust Neopolitan style pie that could serve two, but it's better to eat it yourself. I'm not an idiot so I ordered the "Friggin' Meatball" which is about as much fun to say as it is to eat. Pretty tasty, though at $20 it's a bit on the pricy side. Pies there are in the $15-20 range. Maybe I'd feel better about the whole enterprise if I wasn't listening to godawful jazz. There is a $5-10 cover at a certain point, and you will never be able to convince me to pay it.
Obligatory Title Pun: Do you also hate jazz? Join the CLUB.
Menu Readability: The sandwich board out front promising pizza always stands, but they don't serve food after 10pm.
Need to mention: You'll want to drink their cocktails.
What this place teaches me about myself: I hate jazz.
This is the BEST PIZZA I've had in SF!
Being an East Coaster, I have yet to find really good pizza in SF. Â There is good, but not really good. Â My friend from NY also agreed it was great pizza.
Also, try the truffle parmesan popcorn.
The place is dive bar that you wouldn't suspect to have great food. Â They have jazz and it's just mellow feeling. Â The jazz was not too loud that we couldn't talk or too quiet that we couldn't hear it.
Desperately in need of marketing.
most people still think of this place as what it used to be.
I was shocked when my brother who lives down the street told me it was fun (we also grew up around the corner).
went there on a Saturday, and go figure, my favorite live local singer (Emily Anne, see Rickshaw reviews) was there.
Had a great time. would easily go back. but you really need to get a promoter or just start a weekly event. Â Wednesdays are lacking (Mondays at Rickhouse or Q-bar, Tuesday Tacos, Thirsty Thursdays or Cat Club 80's or Popscene, and weekends are well covered)
Get a fun themed event going that ISN'T a pub quiz on Wednesday and I'll be there.
I enjoy being that person that people turn to - when they're trying to figure out what to do with friends or family in San Francisco.
And so when I received a text asking what would be the best course of action  - to take one's dad and step-mom, both of whom aren't big drinkers, and both of whom - had already eaten -  on a weekday night after 9:00pm  - I didn't hesitate in suggesting Club Deluxe.
Club Deluxe is bursting with charm. With strong superbly made drinks, a warm vibe, live jazz on Wednesday nights, cozy seating, and phenomenal pizza - it was a no- brainer. It's a solid place that you can take parents, catch up, and just bask in a unique San Francisco venue.
And wouldn't you know - I got a text not that much longer. A big Thank you followed by a classic smiley face emoticon.
Trust.
Dang. I don't know what I can say about Club Deluxe that hasn't been said already.
Most of all I was blown away by the pizza. I mean, who expects one of SF's best pies to be served out of a grungy-looking jazz joint on Haight's most notorious block? There's a more standard-looking pizza joint a few doors down, and boy do I feel sorry for anyone who was getting food there. Suckers.
We tried out the Bianca Bella (white pizza, prosciutto, parmigiana, roasted garlic, and truffle oil) and the Rico-Tina (I think... tomatoes, mozzarella, sausage, basil, spinach, and more of that divine creamy ricotta). I was totally unprepared for the delicious flavors going on in my mouth. A++. I'll come back just for this circular delight.
Cocktails: solid. Had a Manhattan, an old fashioned, and their specialty Spa Collins (a gin Collins with cucumber and ginger). The last was quite refreshing; I was annoyed with myself for not doing what everyone else did and ordering it straight off the bat. Next time.
Jazz: I totally didn't get the name of the band that played but they were good. Great technique and the horn players that showed up midway through the set really spiced things up with some awesome showmanship.
I've been telling myself for a long time now that I need to spend more time in the Haight. Last night's visit to Club Deluxe made me realize just how much I need to do that. I see myself spending many a Saturday evening here...
This pizza is the jam, folks.
Drinks: According to Abby S, this place is known for the greyhounds, and after watching 'em make hers, I could see why.
Vodka + half of grapefruit squeezed into said vodka right then and there by some big, industrial looking manual juicer type deal behind the bar = pretty solid. Simple, and solid.
And the pizza. Yes, yes, the pizza. Our "Rico-tina" was delightful: tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, sausage, and more, and my only regret? Not being hungrier.
Totally diggin' the vibe here, too. Small, old-school, jazz. Totally up my alley... I only wish I could've packed this place up and taken it back to MKE with me! (Would loved to have been there later in the evening, as well, and in fact, I almost went back later in the weekend, save for the fact that there are simply too many new spots to try when traveling.)
As Annie noted... cash only, so come prepared!
Midday on a chilly Friday afternoon and Club Deluxe was empty, but for two travelers (myself and Rachel F) and our trusty guide (Abby S).
The first thing you should know is that it's cash only. So bring cash or forever be complain about your inability to get a drink or pizza. And trust me, you want the pizza.
The second thing is that you pay for your drinks at the bar and then order pizza with someone else. It's a little different, but it is what it is.
The third thing is that all of the pizzas sound really good, so it's going to be a difficult decision. We got the Rico-tina, with tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, Italian brandy sausage, basil and olive oil. I also ate all of the roasted garlic that came in the middle (yum x 2). For $20, it was enough food for the three of us so it made for a pretty inexpensive meal.
I enjoyed the big vinyl booths and classic soundtrack (we heard Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, etc.) and would be interested to see this place at night with some live jazz.
Though I doubt my experience was telling of the typical experience at Club Deluxe, I was nonetheless super impressed with the pizza pie.
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