I live in S.F. and am coming to Toronto/Montreal on vacation this weekend. I know the scene here well.
Some of the information given in this thread is misinformation.
The prices for one, are steeper than you'd think. You guys are spoiled here. However, the service in S.F. is outstanding and the girls, almost exclusively asian, are really, "really" nice-looking. It's a treat.
The door fee is usually 50.
If you're in one of the big places in the city you're wasting your time and the time of the girls if you're not interesting in everything. That's the deal here. And that will cost about 1.2. Basic release is better found in the burbs, ie Berkeley, etc (that's 60, she'll take her top off for nothing) or bj (that's 80) There's more heat from LE in the suburbs, although still, you can get whatever you want as long as you treat people with respect.
The routine is basically the same in all the parlours. A short massage, she'll ask (in broken english) what you're interested in, you say "everything", you might negotiate, she'll be satisfied with 120, and then you'll go thru the routine of cbj to cfs. You may be asked to pay in advance, maybe not, it depends on how she feels about you. During the massage it's ok to gently touch the girl, she'll feel safer with you if you do. It's a sign you're not LE and she can feel you out.
You'll be asked by the mamasan or the girl if you've ever been there before, some lie and say they have, but I've always told the truth and have never been let down. Just be yourself and be a gentleman with the women, you'll have no problems.
Most of the places are in the Tendeloin area - not the best of neighbourhoods, but nothing you should be worried about. Most close about midnight, best times are in the late afternoons and early evenings. Forget about Chinatown. It's an interesting part of the city but that's not where the action is...
Here's the places to check out:
Kings
Empire
Dragon
Golden Flower
Rainbow
You can find all the addresses in the yellow pages. Or ask a doorman, whatever, it's a fun town.
Unless you know what you're doing tho, I'd avoid other places because those mentioned above are the top tier at the moment and you'll leave happy. The people are nice, the service is almost always excellent, and it's safe.
Avoid the strip clubs. You'll get burned. Strip clubs in the US are different than in Canada. It's hustle-city and funky - don't bother.
The top place is Golden Flower, where you'll be treated to the best line-up in North America. But you'll need to be carrying about $220-$240, 50 for house, 170+ for her. But, it's a once in a lifetime thing.
The other places mentioned are standard - 50 for the house, 120 for her. This isn't considered expensive here. It's the norm.
Good luck, you won't be disappointed.
M
Oh, and by the way, there's no such thing as NR in SF - never heard of that until I read this site.