Verdi Club

Verdi Club is a San Francisco institution established in 1916, housed in an Art Deco building that has hosted generations of dancers, diners and celebrants. What began as an Italian American social club has evolved into a vital venue for dance, live music, and community gatherings—yet it retains its distinctive old-world charm and vintage atmosphere.

The club occupies a beautifully maintained 2500 square foot ballroom with an additional 400 square foot lounge and 170 square foot stage. The space features 18 foot ceilings, sconce lights, and dimming chandeliers that preserve its 1930s aesthetic. This is one of San Francisco's finest historical dance floors, beloved by swing dancers, bachata enthusiasts, tango dancers, and line dancers alike.

The calendar pulses with social dance events: The Woodchopper's Ball runs weekly on Tuesdays as a swing dance night with live music and drop-in lessons; Scuff hosts queer line dancing and two-stepping; Milonga Malevaje brings tango dancers; Hello! Bachata, Mucha Salsa+, and iHeartMambo serve the Latin dance community; and SF Daytime Social offers afternoon salsa and bachata. The club also hosts themed dinner dances—the Lindy in the Park 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance and Roaring 20s Dinner Dance Party with Halsey & the Hi-Hats showcase live bands performing swing, jazz, and Great American Songbook standards alongside multi-course meals prepared by Executive Chef Sean Gawel.

Executive Chef Sean Gawel brings 24 years of restaurant industry experience, including pastry training under French chef Stephan Gregoire at Chapeau! and work as pastry chef at Michelin-starred Frances. He combines fine dining expertise with family-influenced Italian and Irish cooking to create high-end catering for events large and small. The club's house band, Halsey & the Hi-Hats, specializes in jazz, swing, rock, and dance music from the 20s–60s. General Manager Jason Mulvaney, who has managed the venue since 2013, oversees event logistics alongside a professional staff known for attentive, friendly service.

Verdi Club is available for private event rentals from 9am to midnight seven days a week, with standing capacity of 299 and dining capacity of 185. Rentals include tables, chairs, full bar staff, on-site manager, event planning support, and cleaning. The in-house sound system includes monitors, microphones, and a piano. Wedding ceremonies carry a $750 fee for setup and cleanup.

First-time visitors should check the current schedule or contact the studio before attending. Ask whether the class requires advance registration, whether a partner is needed, and what shoes or clothing are recommended.

The Woodchopper's Ball is brought by Hep Jen and Ken Watanabe, long-time regular instructors and organizers at San Francisco's Lindy in the Park. The Woodchopper's Ball also features monthly classes alongside its weekly Tuesday night swing events.

The Woodchopper's Ball offers drop-in lessons as part of its weekly Tuesday swing event; other events vary in structure and may cater to experienced dancers.