Other entertainment in California
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Oakland A’s
When the Giants are away, the A’s are usually home, which expands the possibilities for those desperate for a summer baseball fix. BART stops just outside the ballpark. The A’s most recent championship came at the Giants’ expense in the quake-addled 1989 series, and they remain fierce contenders. If you want to catch them in an interleague-play game, get your tickets early.
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A
Kona Club
Despite the tiki bar’s return to vogue, there ain’t many around, which is why we love Kona. Think low-fi tiki – no pineapple-shaped glasses or torches, but rattan walls, a good pool table and paper cocktail umbrellas compensate.
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B
Uptown
Local rock bands and occasional celebs play this mammoth bar with a big outdoor smoking patio. You never know who might appear – Green Day came unannounced in 2009. Schedule varies; call ahead.
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C
Ruby Room
Two red floodlights are the only clues that this dive exists. Bartenders pour wicked-strong drinks, DJs spin pop to punk, and the red lighting makes everyone look hot.
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D
Shotgun Players
America's first solar-powered theater, it showcases classic works and innovative new plays.
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Oakland Raiders
With three Super Bowl championship wins, the notorious bad boys of the NFL have had their ups and downs over the years, but they have the staunchest, rowdiest fans in the western US. The team ungratefully moved to Los Angeles for 12 years, but returned in 1995, the prodigal football club, to Oakland’s open arms. It’s been football bliss in Oakland ever since, unlike in SF, where in 2009 the 49ers were in final negotiations with Santa Clara County to build a new stadium and leave SF behind. Given the choice between a 20-minute BART ride to Oakland and a 40-mile drive to Santa Clara…well, we wish the 49ers luck.
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San Gregorio General Store
For a flashback to the Old West, turn inland on Rte 84, and go 1 mile to the San Gregorio General Store on Stage Rd – watch carefully or you’ll miss it. It’s a classic old emporium catering to local farmers and ranchers, who drink booze at the counter. They’ll stare when you walk in, but endure their glances to peruse cowboy hats, flannel shirts, crockery, woodstoves, odd books and sewing notions. It’s also the local post office. The best reason to come is for local bluegrass and folk; call ahead for the schedule. (For food, head to Pescadero, below.)
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Golden State Warriors
If it’s hoops you must have, then it’s the Warriors for you. This team has a long history, starting in Philadelphia in 1947. In 1962 it moved to San Francisco and played in the Cow Palace as the San Francisco Warriors. In 1971 the team moved across the bay and has played at the Oakland Arena (next to the Coliseum) ever since, as the Golden State Warriors. After a decade-plus slump, the Warriors advanced to the playoffs in 2007 and caused quite a commotion when they beat the top-ranking Dallas Mavericks. Alas, still no trophy.
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Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
If you’re here on a weekend, don’t miss the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society and its stellar salon-style jazz, classical and world-music concerts at Douglas Beach House. This is where locals hang. Performances start in the late afternoon. Kids welcome, but if they’re fidgety sit outside. Drinks and finger foods are available, or bring a picnic.
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Moss Beach Distillery
During Prohibition illicit cargoes of whiskey were smuggled in here, and celebrities drank with local politicians, who ensured raids never happened. Today it’s still best for drinks: snuggle beneath blankets on the waterview deck, but skip the food.
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Qoöl at 111 Minna
[ourpick] Qoöl at 111 Minna SF's coolest weekly dance party is a Wednesday-evening techno happy hour in an art gallery. Afterward, follow the crowd to Satellite, at Anu (43 6th St), for techno-dance till 2am.
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Bitter End
The crowd wears khakis and drinks martinis at this former Gaslamp brothel that has been turned into an atmospheric watering hole. There's an extensive selection of beers on tap. Dancing is downstairs.
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Side Bar
Good vibrations accompany good libations - watermelon mojito, martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives - at this Gaslamp lounge, while you lounge on a long banquette beneath 'oh my'-enducing art.
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Nunu's Cocktail Lounge
Dark and divey, this hipster haven started pouring when JFK was president and still looks the part with its curvy booths, big bar and lovably kitsch decor. Smoking is permitted on the patio.
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Airport Lounge
The clientele is Euro-cool, the DJs hot, the design mod, the drinks strong and the servers dressed like flight attendants at this buzzy watering hole in the flight path of San Diego Airport.
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Casbah
Liz Phair, Alanis Morissette and the Smashing Pumpkins all rocked this funky Casbah on their way up the charts, and it's still a good place to catch local acts and tomorrow's headliners.
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Shout House
Dueling pianos entertain at this rowdy but innocent Gaslamp bar. Pianists have an amazing repertoire: standards, rock and more; we once heard the cult comedy number 'D*ck in a Box.'
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G
Aurora Theatre
The audience surrounds the stage on three sides, putting you close to the actors. Expect classics by playwrights such as Edward Albee and new works by up-and-coming artists.
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Karl Strauss Brewery & Grill
Local microbrewery serving surprisingly decent pub grub (most mains $10 to $19). Pints cost $3.50 and pitchers are $12.95 during happy hour (4pm to 6:30pm Monday to Friday).
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Headlands Coffeehouse
Free local folk and jazz performances set up nightly at the Headlands Coffeehouse, a coffee shop and café that's a godsend for idle Fort Bragg teens.
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H
Wine Exchange of Sonoma
Come for the wine, but stay for the four microbrews on draft in the speakeasy-style rear tasting bar, plus another 250 beers ‘at last count’ along the wall.
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Coaster Saloon
This old-fashioned neighborhood bar has front-row views of the Belmont Park roller coaster, and draws an unpretentious crowd with its beer selection and good margaritas.
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Sebastiani Theatre
Sonoma’s single-screen art deco movie palace spots Oscar contenders early and runs them longer than multiplexes, along with film festivals, concerts and musicals.
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Moss Beach Distillery
Five miles farther north, follow the signs to Moss Beach Distillery, a historic spot with good fish-and-chips and an ocean-view deck for sunset drinks.
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Iron Horse Vineyards
Enjoy nature while sipping bubbly served to US presidents at the outdoor hilltop tasting bar at Iron Horse Vineyards, 15 minutes south of Guerneville.
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