A sleek, airy dining room plays host to luxurious Japanese dinners that transcend typical sushi rolls, while a bilevel, state-of-the-art theater draws some of the best jazz acts in the country.
After a massive renovation, this uptown theater retains its classic cool: Witness the gold detailing, opulent red curtains, and The Den, its very own bar serving specialty cocktails. It’s more old-school parlor than concert venue, and we like it that way.
Photo: Courtesy of Fox Theater
Pie Ranch, located in Pescadero, California, hosts a community work day, followed by a potluck dinner and barn dance complete with live music on the third Saturday of every month, beginning at 2 p.m. It’s a hoedown worth the road trip.
Rock out with your ’hawk out at this sweaty, sultry club where rockers, punk heads, and electronic fans merge. Thick red curtains envelop the dance floor downstairs, while a more mellow upstairs has a few couches to lounge on. (Tip: The sangria ain’t half bad, but consider yourself warned.)
Photo: Misha Vladimirskiy / Butchershop Creative
If you like your sushi with a side of jazz, the Oaktown institution has you covered. If chef Sho Kamaro’s innovative Japanese cuisine isn’t enough, some of the best jazz acts in the country make a pilgrimage to play in this 330-seat club.
Photo: Courtesy of Yoshi’s
As its name suggests, Davies is home to SF’s renowned symphony, led by the charismatic Michael Tilson Thomas, but the gorgeous theater also hosts many a visiting musical and performance act.
One of San Francisco’s best music venues, Bottom of the Hill features up-and-coming bands from all over the world.
With its opulent art deco interior, The Paramount is a magical place to see a show, be it the symphony, your favorite band, or a comedy showcase.
Photo: David Wakely / Courtesy of The Paramount Theatre
As music venues go, UC Berkeley’s Greek Theatre is something special. The outdoor amphitheater plays host to big names but always feels intimate and a bit magical.
Microbrewery pioneer Dean Biersch of Gordon Biersch opened this beer garden up north in a 105-year-old historic building featuring a 2,000-square-foot music venue.