Entertainment in San Francisco
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A
Yoshi's
San Francisco's definitive jazz club draws the world's top talent and hosts appearances by the likes of Leon Redbone and Nancy Wilson, along with occasional classical and gospel acts. We suggest buying tickets in advance – if you're with a group, we like the round, high-back booths (table numbers 30 to 40), but there's not a bad seat. Make a night of it with great sushi in the swingin' restaurant up front.
reviewed
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B
Boom Boom Room
Cooking continuously since the '30s, this place is an authentic relic from the jumping post–WWII years of Fillmore St. Blues, soul and New Orleans funk, by top touring talent, play six nights a week. A large dance floor, killer cocktails and cool photos lining the walls may have you lingering till 2am. Shows start around 9pm.
reviewed
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C
Sundance Kabuki Cinema
Cinema-going at its best. Reserve a stadium seat, belly up to the bar and order from the bistro, which serves everything from rib-eye steak to mac-n-cheese. A multiplex initiative by Robert Redford's Sundance Institute, Kabuki features big-name flicks and festivals – and it's green, with recycled-fiber seating, reclaimed-wood decor and local chocolates and booze. Note: expect a $1 to $3 surcharge to see a movie not preceded by commercials. Validated parking available.
reviewed
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D
Café du Nord
The historic speakeasy in the basement of the Swedish-American Hall with glam-rock, afrobeats, retro-rockabilly and indie-record-release parties almost nightly.
reviewed
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E
Cafe Flore
You haven't done the Castro till you've lollygagged on the sun-drenched patio at the Flore – everyone winds up here sooner or later. Weekdays present the best chance to meet neighborhood regulars, who colonize the tables outside. Weekends get packed. Great happy hour drink specials, like two-for-one margaritas. Pretty good food, too. Wi-fi weekdays only.
reviewed
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F
Toronado
Glory hallelujah, beer lovers: your prayers have been heard. Be humbled before the chalkboard altar that lists 50-plus beers on tap and hundreds more bottled, including spectacular seasonal microbrews. Bring cash, come early and stay late, with a sausage from Rosamunde next door to accompany ale made by Trappist monks.
reviewed
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G
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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H
Hôtel Biron
An oenologist's dream walk-in closet that serves as a wine bar, with standout Californian, Provençal and Tuscan vintages, and a ceiling made of corks. The vibe is French underground, with exposed-brick walls, surreally romantic art, a leather couch and just a few tables for two. Barkeeps let you keep tasting until you find what you like; pair with decadent cheese plates.
reviewed
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I
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
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J
Cat Club
You'll never really know your friends until you've seen them belt out A-ha's 'Take on Me' at 1984, Cat Club's Thursday-night retro dance party, where the euphoric bi/straight/gay/undefinable scene is like some surreal John Hughes movie. Come back to belt at karaoke Tuesdays, jump to '90s power pop at Saturday's Club Vogue, and shuffle winsomely at Friday and Sunday goth/new wave nights. The two small rooms get sweaty fast at special theme nights like Bondage-a-Go-Go and queer-stripcore Blowpony; check the online calendar.
reviewed
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K
Counterpulse
Check what’s on at Counterpulse, a performance space for cultural innovators.
reviewed
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Opera in the Park
This noncostumed concert heralds the start of opera season, drawing close to 50,000. Arrive early.
reviewed
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L
Milk
Get down to hip-hop at this tufted-white-vinyl Upper Haight club. There is no cover before 9pm.
reviewed
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M
Club Fugazi
Home of ribald, satirical Beach Blanket Babylon, featuring giant hats and belly laughs.
reviewed
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N
Levi's Plaza Park
Presents jazz styles from post-bebop jazz to blues and sometimes a little klezmer.
reviewed
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O
Old St Mary's Noontime Concerts
Features a varied repertoire of free classical performances (sometimes indoors).
reviewed
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P
Davies Symphony Hall
Home of nine-time Grammy-winning SF Symphony, conducted with verve by Michael Tilson Thomas. The season runs September to July.
reviewed
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Q
Honey Soundsystem
Kick-ass dance party - from obscure disco b-sides to German techno.
reviewed
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R
San Francisco 49ers
For NFL football, beer and garlic fries, head to Candlestick Park.
reviewed
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SHN
SHN hosts touring Broadway shows.
reviewed
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S
Lexington Club
SF's all-grrrrl bar can be cliquish at first, so be strategic: compliment someone on her skirt (she made it herself) or tattoo (she designed it herself) and casually mention you're undefeated at pinball, pool or thumb-wrestling. When she wins (because she's no stranger to the Lex), pout just a little and maybe she'll buy you a $4 beer.
reviewed
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Gold Star Events
reviewed
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Fresh
Sunday-night circuit party at Ruby Skye.
reviewed
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Femina Potens
reviewed
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Dolores Park Movie Night
reviewed