The only reason to brave the shady neighborhood around the intersection of Sixth Street and Market used to be a cheap, delicious meal at famed Vietnamese restaurant Tu Lan. But today, the area has become host to a number of happening spots for dance music. The influx of regular club goers and a constant police presence (some say to keep an eye on the rough characters who live in nearby residential hotels) have made the Sixth Street corridor a much more welcoming place. Here's a list of places you might want to visit:

Club Six

The largest and most popular of the area's dance spots, Club Six hosts a number of regular events that feature legendary house DJs, booming hip hop and bouncing dancehall reggae.

Arrow

What used to be a pretty sketchy dive bar has become one of the epicenters for the "new" new-wave movement in SF. Be prepared for hipsters in retro outfits dancing to synthesizer-driven beats.

Pow!

This bar and dance club works its Japanese anime superhero theme to the hilt with its art displays, video games and a focus on modern electronica. Another popular spot for local house-music fanatics.

Anu

A bit fancier and mellower than the other Sixth Street bars, Anu is a popular high-end happy hour destination. The fact that the lounge's DJ events are always free definitely encourages early arrivals to fill up the limited space.

Mezzanine

Around the corner on Jessie Street adventurous clubbers will find Mezzanine, a gay hot spot that might make you feel like you've stumbled onto the set of the Showtime program 'Queer as Folk.' The converted printing plant has a cool industrial-chic vibe and an amazing sound system.