Entertainment in San Francisco
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Booksmith
SF is one of America's top three book markets, and authors who swing through town on tours make Booksmith's Author Series a literary destination. Recent readings include Sandman and Coraline author Neil Gaiman, legendary rock critic Greil Marcus and controversial 'tiger mother' Amy Chua. Check online calendar for book swaps and Saturday morning kids' story hour.
reviewed
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B
Bimbo's 365 Club
This vintage-1931 speakeasy still plays it fast and loose with strong drink, a polished parquet dance floor where Rita Hayworth once kicked up her heels in the chorus line, and live shows by the likes of Cibo Matto, Ben Harper and Coldplay. Cash only, and bring something extra to tip the ladies' powder room attendant – this is a classy joint.
reviewed
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C
Hole in the Wall
When the Hole moved here, it lost its legendary filthiness because it would otherwise have lost its license. It still has the best erotic posters in SF – not to mention a stained-glass window – and remains ground zero for sexy weirdos swinging from chains dangling over the bar.
reviewed
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D
Samovar Tea Lounge
Styled in soothing Zen-chic, Samovar's sunny Castro location specializes in organic, fair-trade teas and provides a cozy alternative to the neighborhood's ubiquitous bars. Sandwiches and cheese plates, designed to pair with tea, provide reason to linger.
reviewed
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E
AMC Loews Metreon 16
Housed in a mega-entertainment complex, the 16-screen Metreon has comfortable reclining stadium seats with clear views of digital projection screens, plus 3D screenings ($3 extra per ticket) and an IMAX theater ($6 extra per ticket, or $7 for 3D screenings). The cinema occupies the top floor of a notoriously failed mall complex, but if a Target megastore moves in as planned, the food court options downstairs should expand.
reviewed
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F
California Wine Merchant
Part wine store, part wine bar, this little shop on busy Chestnut St caters to grey-at-the-temples professionals and neighborhood wine aficionados, and serves half-glasses. Arrive early to score a table, or stand and gab with the locals.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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G
Plough & the Stars
Rumor has it the owners here are celebrities back in the Emerald Isle, which would explain how they manage to pull in top Celtic talent with little fanfare or advance warning. Other nights, shoot pool, throw darts and make merry with neighborhood locals.
reviewed
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Sugar Lounge
Cozy low-slung velvet snugs, chill down-tempo beats, red lights and rock-candy-like wall sconces set a sexy mood at this tiny Hayes Valley bar, ideal after the symphony or opera, or for catching a buzz after shopping for strappy sandals up the street.
reviewed
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I
Punch Line
Known for launching promising talent (think Robin Williams, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres and David Cross), this historic standup venue is small enough for you to see into performers' eyes. Strong drinks keep you laughing, even when jokes sometimes bomb.
reviewed
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Lou's Pier 47
The Wharf has little nightlife, which is why we're glad for stalwart Lou's, which presents live blues seven nights a week and Saturday afternoon (when there's no cover). Good backup if you're staying nearby and don't want to travel.
reviewed
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K
Club Havana at Jelly’s
Come to this club down on the docks for live-band salsa on Sundays. But be warned: if you can’t salsa, you’ll be snubbed on Jelly’s crowded floor. Console yourself with Cuban barbecue and mojitos on the bay-front patio.
reviewed
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Bar
Pretensions do not fly at Bar, which is as unremarkable as its name save the rough-edged clientele loudly comparing tattoos. Expect to feel like a distant cousin in this place, but eavesdrop and you'll be entertained. And don't ask about the name.
reviewed
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M
Curran Theater
The big spectaculars - like the Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals - show at the Curran, which opened in 1922 with Broadway-style opulence and crystal chandeliers all around. Avoid the balcony seats if possible, which are cramped with limited legroom.
reviewed
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N
Roccapulco Supper Club
Get your salsa, rumba and bachata (Dominican dance) on at this high-ceilinged, stadium-sized Latin venue that books sensational touring acts like El Grupo Niche. This is a straight bar, ripe with cologne and hormones; single women new to the scene may feel more comfortable in a group.
reviewed
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Make-Out Room
Velvet curtains and round booths help you settle in for the evening's entertainment, which ranges from punk-rock fiddle to '80s one-hit-wonder DJ mash-ups and the painfully funny Mortified readings, when the power of margaritas convinces grown men to read aloud from their own teenage journals. Booze is a bargain, but the bar is cash-only.
reviewed
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Argus Lounge
This young locals’ hangout named for a mythical monster that never slept supplies jukebox beats, occasional DJs and killer Bloodys in a moody-dark room festooned with peacocks and cattle skulls; there’s a competitive pool table.
reviewed
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Q
Cinch
The last of the old-guard Polk St gay bars still has an old-timey saloon vibe, with pool, pinball, free popcorn and a big smokers patio where you get yelled at if you spark a joint (but people do it anyway).
reviewed
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R
Cobb's Comedy Club
There's no room to be shy at Cobb's, where bumper-to-bumper shared tables make for an intimate (and vulnerable) audience. The venue is known for launching local talent and giving big-name acts from HBO's Dave Chapelle to NBC's Tracy Morgan a place to try risky new material. Check the website for shows.
reviewed
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S
Lumiere Theater
Right off Polk St, the rough-at-the-edges Lumiere has one large screening room and two smaller rooms, all with seats that need replacing. But we love the programming – a mix of first-run art-house, foreign and documentary films.
reviewed
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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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AMC Van Ness 14
An enormous multiplex (14 screens) in a former Cadillac dealership, 1000 Van Ness mostly shows mainstream Hollywood releases, and has state-of-the-art theaters with surround sound and incredibly comfy high-backed stadium seating.
reviewed
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DNA Lounge
One of SF's last mega clubs hosts live bands and big-name DJs, with two floors of late-night dance action just seedy enough to be interesting (the cops keep trying and failing to shut this rowdy joint down). Second-and-fourth Saturdays are Bootie, the kick-ass original mash-up party (now franchised worldwide); Monday's 18-and-over night is the goth dance party called (of course) Death Guild with free tea service. Choose your night from the website – events ranging from seriously silly PopRocks to major drag king competitions – and dress the part. Early arrivals may hear crickets.
reviewed
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Pilsner Inn
A fave of gay-softball leagues, the Pilsner is the classic neighborhood joint, with big smokers patio, pinball and pool. Good meeting point if your group is splitting in two directions, SoMa and the Castro.
reviewed
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Qoöl
SF’s coolest weekly dance party is a Wednesday-evening techno happy hour, with a progressive theme, inside a huge window-lined art gallery. It’s been going strong for over a decade, and never fails to attract the cool cats.
reviewed