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California

Other entertainment in California

  1. 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.

    reviewed

  2. A

    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.

    reviewed

  3. 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.'

    reviewed

  4. B

    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.

    reviewed

  5. 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).

    reviewed

  6. C

    Egyptian Theater

    The exotic 1922 Egyptian Theatre is home to the American Cinematheque, which presents arty retrospectives and Q&As with directors, writers and actors.

    reviewed

  7. D

    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.

    reviewed

  8. E

    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.

    reviewed

  9. 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.

    reviewed

  10. 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.

    reviewed

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  12. 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.

    reviewed

  13. 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.

    reviewed

  14. F

    Geary Theater

    SF is home to the professional group and actor-training program American Conservatory Theater, which performs at the Geary Theater.

    reviewed

  15. G

    Mint

    Die-hard singers comb through giant books for the perfect song at this mixed-straight-gay karaoke bar, where show tunes are serious stuff. Best with a big posse.

    reviewed

  16. H

    War Memorial Opera House

    The glorious 1932 War Memorial Opera House is home to the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet.

    reviewed

  17. Soma

    This all-ages venue (no booze) spotlights up-and-coming local bands of the alterna-rock and punk persuasion. Electric and edgy, with fiercely loyal crowds.

    reviewed

  18. Bourbon Street

    This gay spot's warren of bars, courtyards and dancefloor makes for easy mingling. Look for bingo nights, guest DJs and wickedly cheap martini happy hours.

    reviewed

  19. Rio Theater

    Dinner and a movie awaits at Rio Theater, a converted 1940s Army shed featuring Oscar contenders and gourmet hot dogs ($7).

    reviewed

  20. Factory

    This giant double dance club has an edgy New York feel and sports different stripes nightly - from fashion-forward femmes to male hot bods.

    reviewed

  21. I

    Powerhouse

    Thursdays through Sundays are best at Powerhouse, an almost-rough-trade SoMa bar for leathermen, shirtless gym queens and the occasional porn star. Draft beer is cheap, and specials keep the crowd loose. Smokers grope on the (too-smoky) back patio, while oddballs lurk in the corners. Don't bring girls.

    reviewed

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  23. J

    El Capitan Theater

    Across Hollywood Blvd is the flamboyant 1926 El Capitan Theatre, which shows Disney blockbusters.

    reviewed

  24. K

    Dance Mission

    Step out and find your niche at this Mission institution, featuring contact improv, dance jams and classes. The 140-seat theater showcases women performers, dance troupes and choreographers.

    reviewed

  25. Maiden Publick House

    Maiden Publick House has an encyclopedic beer menu, decent pub grub and live-music jams.

    reviewed

  26. Fifty Fifty Brewing Co

    Down pints of 'Donner Party Porter' at Fifty Fifty Brewing Co across the tracks.

    reviewed

  27. L

    Milk

    Get down to hip-hop at this tufted-white-vinyl Upper Haight club. There is no cover before 9pm.

    reviewed