Vibe: Mid-Century Speakeasy | Film Noir Aesthetics | Subterranean Jazz Lounge
The History
Located in the basement of the historic Hearst Building, Local Edition occupies the cavernous space that once served as the printing and assembling room for The San Francisco Examiner. During the heyday of the “press wars,” this subterranean hall was filled with the clatter of linotype machines and the scent of fresh ink. The venue was brought to life by the Future Bars group (the team behind Bourbon & Branch) in collaboration with the Hearst family. In a nod to its tycoon lineage, the marble used for the bar top and table surfaces was actually sourced from the surplus stock intended for Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
The Vibe
Walking down the marble staircase from Market Street feels like descending into a 1950s cinematic thriller.
The Museum of Media: The decor is a curated archive of San Francisco’s journalistic past. Vintage typewriters are perched on nearly every surface, and the walls are lined with vitrines displaying original newspapers from the city’s most historic moments (from the 1906 Earthquake to the moon landing).
The Atmosphere: The space is massive but feels intimate, thanks to low-slung velvet banquettes, heavy crimson curtains, and warm, dim lighting. It successfully captures the “Mad Men” era glamour where editors and reporters might have ducked away for a stiff drink between deadlines.
Music & Craft Cocktails
Local Edition is one of the city’s premier destinations for live jazz, offering a sophisticated soundtrack that perfectly matches the “black-and-white film” mood.
The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra: This is the venue’s crown jewel. Every Tuesday night, a rotating ensemble of world-class musicians (varying from a nonet to a full 16-piece big band) performs classic and contemporary jazz.
Nightly Sets: Beyond Tuesdays, the stage features a constant stream of jazz trios, bossa nova, funk-jazz quartets, and soul singers. The music usually begins around 8:00 PM.
The Menu: The cocktails are inspired by the era, often named after newspaper terms or figures like The Ava Gardner or the Yellow Kid. They are known for “decanted cocktails”—pre-mixed, large-format drinks served in vintage carafes for groups—and a top-tier selection of rare whiskies.
Know Before You Go
Reservations Highly Recommended: While there is standing room for walk-ins, the best seats (especially those with a view of the stage) are snapped up by reservation. It is a popular spot for both Financial District happy hours and late-night dates.
The Entrance: It is easy to miss—look for the small glass door and the “Local Edition” sign next to the T-Mobile store at Third and Market Streets.
The Sound: Unlike some quiet speakeasies, Local Edition can get loud and lively, especially on big band nights. It is a place for social energy and hushed secrets.
Closed Sundays: Like much of the Financial District, the bar usually takes a breather on Sundays.
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