Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [172]
Al Gore gets the Beach Blanket Babylon treatment.
Cobb’s Comedy Club Cobb’s features such national headliners as Joe Rogan, Brian Regan, Tracy Morgan, Roseanne Barr, and Jake Johannsen. Comedy reigns Wednesday through Sunday, including a 15-comedian All-Pro Wednesday showcase (a 3-hr. marathon). Cobb’s is open to those 18 and over, and occasionally to kids 16 and 17 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (call ahead). Shows are held Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 8pm, Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:15pm. 915 Columbus Ave. (at Lombard St.). 415/928-4320.www.cobbscomedy.com. Cover $10–$35. 2-beverage minimum.
Punch Line Comedy Club Adjacent to the Embarcadero One office building, this is the largest comedy nightclub in the city. Three-person shows with top national and local talent are featured here Tuesday through Saturday. Showcase night is Sunday, when 15 comics take the mic. There’s an all-star showcase or a special event on Monday. Doors always open at 7pm and shows are Sunday through Thursday at 8pm, Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10pm (18 and over; two-drink minimum). They serve a full menu—think wings, chicken sandwiches, ravioli, pizzas, appetizers, and salads. 444 Battery St. (btw. Washington and Clay sts.), plaza level. 415/397-4337 or 397-7573 for recorded information. www.punchlinecomedyclub.com. Cover Mon $7.50; Tues–Thurs $13–$15; Fri–Sat $18–$20; Sun $12. Prices are subject to change for more popular comics, maxing out at a price of $45. 2-beverage minimum.
THE CLUB & MUSIC SCENE
The greatest legacy from the 1960s is the city’s continued tradition of live entertainment and music, which explains the great variety of clubs and music enjoyed by San Francisco. The hippest dance places are south of Market Street (SoMa), in former warehouses; the artsy bohemian scene centers are in the Mission; and the most popular cafe culture is still in North Beach.
Note: The club and music scene is always changing, often outdating recommendations before the ink can dry on a page. Most of the venues below are promoted as different clubs on various nights of the week, each with its own look, sound, and style. Discount passes and club announcements are often available at clothing stores and other shops along upper Haight Street.
Drinks at most bars, clubs, and cafes follow most big-city prices, ranging from about $5 to $10, unless otherwise noted.
Rock & Blues Clubs
In addition to the following listings, see “Dance Clubs,” below, for (usually) live, danceable rock.
Bimbo’s 365 Club ★★ Originally located on Market Street when it opened in 1931, this North Beach destination is a swank Ricky Ricardo–style spot to catch outstanding live rock, jazz, and smaller, eclectic acts like Flight of the Conchords. Amid glamorous leather banquettes, audiences dance and sip grown-up cocktails. Grab tickets in advance at the box office, which is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm. 1025 Columbus Ave. (at Chestnut St.). 415/474-0365.www.bimbos365club.com.
Biscuits and Blues With a crisp, blow-your-eardrums-out sound system, New Orleans–speakeasy (albeit commercial) appeal, and a nightly lineup of live, national acts, there’s no better place to muse the blues than this basement-cum-nightclub. From 7pm on, they serve drink specials, along with their signature fried chicken; namesake moist, flaky biscuits; some new small-plate entrees dubbed “Southern tapas”; and a newly expanded wine list. Menu items range from $8 to $17. 401 Mason (at Geary St.). 415/292-2583.www.biscuitsandblues.com. Cover (during performances) $15–$22.
Club-Hopping Tour
If you prefer to let someone else take the lead (and the driver’s seat) for a night out, contact 3 Babes and a Bus