San Francisco - Alison Bing [152]
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LIVE MUSIC
Anything goes on SF’s music scene. A single club may host funk, reggae, gospel and hardcore all in the same week. We’ve done our best to subdivide venues by category, but some clubs could fall under both Jazz and Rock, so if a particular place sounds appealing, check its online calendar.
We especially love SF’s small, intimate venues, such as the Red Poppy Art House (opposite), Red Devil Lounge and Bottom of the Hill; these places put you up close and personal with the performers. Of the big halls, we can’t get enough of Yoshi’s (opposite), and we love the Fillmore and Bimbo’s 365 Club for their ghosts of musicians past. For classical music, Click here.
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JAZZ, BLUES & FUNK
AMNESIA
Map
415-970-0012; www.amnesiathebar.com; 853 Valencia St; admission free-$10; 5:30pm-2am; 16th St Mission
Amnesia’s swinging scene is reminiscent of the jazz era, but in ragtag-hipster style. Red-hot jazz plays half the time in the dim, red-walled dive, attracting a boho crowd looking the part. Other nights run the gamut from bluegrass and burlesque to Argentinean gypsy guitar and psychedelic rock (the latter every Thursday).
BISCUITS & BLUES
Map
415-292-2583; www.biscuitsandblues.com; 401 Mason St; admission $5-20; music 8-11:30pm Wed-Sat; & Powell St
With a steady lineup of top-notch blues and jazz talent, Biscuits & Blues has rightly earned a reputation as one of America’s best blues clubs. And the name isn’t a gimmick – the joint serves hot biscuits, catfish and chicken for the full Southern experience. Acts sometimes perform Tuesdays; big names fetch up to $35.
BOOM BOOM ROOM
Map
415-673-8000; www.boomboomblues.com; 1601 Fillmore St; admission $5-15; 4pm-2am Tue-Sun; 22, 38
Cooking continuously since the ’30s, the Boom Boom Room is an authentic relic from the jumping post-WWII years of Fillmore St. Blues, soul and New Orleans funk (and sometimes even gospel) are performed six nights a week, and top touring talent makes frequent stops here. A large dance floor, killer cocktails and cool old photos lining the walls may encourage lingering until 2am. Shows usually start at 9pm.
ENRICO’S
Map
415-982-6223; www.enricossf.com; 504 Broadway; admission free; music 7:30-10:30pm; 12, 20, 30, 45
The last old-school swank joint on Broadway has a big, heated sidewalk patio (ideal for smokers) opening into a white-tablecloth restaurant and bar with swoop-back booths, high cocktail tables, and a baby grand piano. Musical bookings run the gamut from classical guitar to R&B, with local chanteuses singing the Great American Songbook other nights. Shine your shoes.
LOU’S PIER 47
Map
415-771-5687; www.louspier47.com; 300 Jefferson St; admission $5-10; shows 4pm-midnight Sun-Thu, 4pm-1am Fri, noon-1am Sat; F
Though we generally avoid the touristy Wharf in the evening, we’re glad for stalwart Lou’s, which presents live blues seven nights a week and on Saturday afternoon (when there’s no cover). Good backup if you’re staying nearby and don’t want to travel.
PIER 23
Map
415-362-5125; www.pier23cafe.com; Pier 23; admission free-$10; shows 5-7pm Tue, 6-8pm Wed, 7-10pm Thu, 10pm-midnight Fri & Sat, 4-8pm Sun; F
It looks like a surf shack, but this old waterfront restaurant on Pier 23 regularly features R&B, reggae, Latin bands, mellow rock and the occasional jazz pianist. Wander out to the bayside patio to soak in views. The dinner menu features pier-worthy options like batter-fried oysters and whole roasted crab.
RASELLA’S
Map
415-346-8696; www.rasellasjazzclub.com; 1534 Fillmore St; 2-drink minimum; 8pm-midnight Sun-Thu, to 1am Fri & Sat; 22, 38
Doubling as an Ethiopian restaurant, Rasella’s big storefront windows let you look inside to see (and hear) who’s playing before you commit. Live jazz seven nights a week (and