Entertainment in California
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Dixon's Café & Grill
The freshly made food ain't bad but it's the 15 microbrews on tap that lure everyone, from ski bunnies to couch potatoes, to this convivial hangout. Happy hour is 16:00 to 18:00 daily.
reviewed
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A
Antonio's Nut House
The Nut House stands out in orderly, gentrified Palo Alto. It's a down-to-earth, beer-and-peanuts sort of place. Said nuts are dispensed from a huge mechanical gorilla, so watch out.
reviewed
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Sofa Lounge
In a cool loft space above the Eulipia Restaurant, Sofa is a relaxed club that puts on live music and DJs. The space has anchored the 1st St scene and attracts a savvy, mixed crowd.
reviewed
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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.'
reviewed
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B
Gordon Biersch
Palo Alto is home to the original link in the Gordon Biersch chain of brewpubs. The German-style lagers are good, while the thick crowds are more stockbroker-geek than hipster-chic.
reviewed
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C
Planet Gemini
All done up in red walls and purple velvet curtains, Planet Gemini draws a youthful crowd with its comedy shows (Friday and Saturday) and Latin dance nights (Wednesday and Sunday).
reviewed
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Ahmanson Theatre
Much larger than the Taper, this grand space is another Center Theatre Group venue in the Music Center. It's used primarily for big-time musicals on their way to or from Broadway.
reviewed
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McCabe's Guitar Shop
This mecca of musicianship sells guitars and other instruments, and the likes of Jackson Browne, Liz Phair and Michelle Shocked have performed live in the postage-stamp-sized back room.
reviewed
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Forest Theatre & Outdoor Stage
This venue was founded in 1910. Musicals, drama and comedies, as well as movie screenings, take place in a lovely setting surrounded by trees and anchored by two large fire pits.
reviewed
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Palo Alto Bowl
This is the real deal if you hanker to knock a few back (meaning pins). Adding a trendy twist, on Friday and Saturday nights students and singles take over the lanes until 01:00.
reviewed
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Rage
Buff bods and the boys who love them groove to the music on DJ-driven dance floors at this high-energy club, while scenesters check each other out on the sizzling sidewalk patio.
reviewed
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Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Rock stars would be jealous of art stars at YBCA openings, which draw overflow crowds of impeccably hip art groupies coat-checking their skateboards and shaggy faux furs to see live hip-hop by Mos Def, 1960s smut film festivals, spontaneous light shows set to the music of unrehearsed bands, and Vik Muniz' documentary on making art from trash. Most touring dance and jazz companies perform at YBCA's main theater (across the sidewalk from the gallery).
reviewed
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H
Lone Star Saloon
Like bears to a honeycomb, big guys with fur are drawn to Lone Star. There's a huge back patio with a friendly bar, a highly competitive pool table, and so you don't have to wait, a trough urinal – plus a lone outhouse stall for shy cubs. There's no women's bathroom, because this is a guys' scene, with the rare exception of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fanboy nights. Busiest Thursday through Sunday.
reviewed
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House of Blues
Despite a Disneyfied ‘Mississippi blues shack’ exterior, this center-of-the-strip music hall books quality, sometimes quirky, small-venue bands from all over the US and abroad.
reviewed
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J
Ice House
Dana Carvey, Lily Tomlin and Billy Crystal have honed their chops at this former ice warehouse. Drinks are disappointing, the show – usually – not. Over 18s only.
reviewed
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K
City Beer Store & Tasting Room
Sample exceptional local and Belgian microbrewed beer from the 300-brew menu (6oz to 22oz, depending how thirsty you are) at SF's top beer store. Create your own tastings of stouts or red ales, or pick a point on the globe at random and drink your way home via unknown artisan brews. Line your stomach with cheese and salami plates, and assemble your own six-pack to go. Check the website for bottle release parties and tapping events.
reviewed
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L
Fillmore Auditorium
Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Doors – they all played the Fillmore. Now you might catch the Indigo Girls, Duran Duran or Tracy Chapman in the historic 1250-capacity standing-room theater (if you're polite and lead with the hip, you might squeeze up to the stage). Don't miss the priceless collection of psychedelic posters in the upstairs gallery.
reviewed
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M
Actors' Gang Theater
Cofounded by Tim Robbins, this socially mindful troupe has won many awards for its bold and offbeat interpretations of classics and new works pulled from ensemble workshops.
reviewed
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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
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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).
reviewed
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O
Humboldt Brewing Company
Humboldt has 15 brews on tap (including Hemp Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Hefeweizen), fab fish tacos and bitchin' buffalo wings. There's live music Wednesday to Saturday nights.
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P
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
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Q
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
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R
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
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Roosterfish
The ̉Fish has been serving the men of Venice for over three decades, but still feels current and chill, with a pool table and back patio. Friday nights are busiest.
reviewed