It is nothing like the bars in San Francisco, I don't know where you people went. I'm not enough of a scenester to appreciate Shadow Lounge to the fullest, I don't care for poetry slams or open mic. The night I visited, they had a live band playing an early set, it ended at 9pm.
I was intrigued by the sandwiches they make on one side of the bar - whatever it was smelled amazing and no doubt smells even better after you've had a couple beers. Speaking of beers, on tap selection is small - 4-5 beers and even the fridge wasn't impressing me. They do have full bar however.
There was also another room with couches and big TV and another club (?) linked to Shadow Lounge that looked more hip-hop and danceclubby. There was no dancing going on though and the room was rather empty.