Rocco
When you visit San Francisco, there are many things to see and do in this famous city.
But for music lovers, visiting the best live music bars in San Francisco should be at the top of your list.
Here are some of the most popular venues to get your groove on when you come to the Golden City.
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 626-4455
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Bottom of the Hill is a renowned live music venue in San Francisco in the vibrant Potrero Hill neighborhood.
The club attracts music lovers with diverse performances, from indie rock to hip-hop.
Along with its indoor space, Bottom of the Hill also offers outdoor seating, and a full bar, serving various drinks to complement the energetic performances.
Their kitchen remains open late, so you can satisfy your appetite while enjoying the music.
The Saloon
1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 989-7666
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Established around 1861, The Saloon stands in the heart of North Beach as one of the oldest bars in San Francisco and has become synonymous with the blues in the Bay Area.
It is known for its daily live music, showcasing talented blues artists in an intimate, relaxed setting.
The performances range from raw and gritty to top-notch.
The vibe is welcoming, drawing a diverse crowd of music enthusiasts.
They offer draft beer on tap and various bottled beer options to quench your thirst.
Bender’s Bar & Grill
806 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 824-1800
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Bender’s Bar & Grill in the Mission District is a haven for those seeking a lively atmosphere filled with heavy music and delicious greasy food.
The bar exudes a casual and laid back vibe, attracting a crowd that enjoys music and great company.
Bender’s is known for its rotating selection of draft beers, including popular brands like Anchor Steam and Death and Taxes.
They also offer a variety of canned and bottled beverages, whiskeys and bourbon, rums, gin, tequila, and other liqueurs, catering to different tastes.
Sheba Jazz Lounge
1419 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 440-7414
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Sheba Jazz Lounge in the Fillmore District offers an intimate and cozy setting for jazz enthusiasts.
The ambiance of this lounge resembles a welcoming living room.
The venue’s highlight is the captivating live music, with talented musicians gracing the stage.
I tried out two specialty cocktails, the Sheba and Selassie, crafted with precision and flair.
In addition to cocktails, you can enjoy wine, whiskey, and cognac.
The lounge also offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine to complement the musical experience.
The Royale
800 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 441-4099
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The Royale is a spacious Nob Hill neighborhood bar known for classic cocktails and regular live entertainment.
It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors. It has a dog-friendly policy. You can bring your furry friend along to enjoy the music.
You can enjoy a round of pool while waiting for the entertainment to start.
I loved the cocktail menu, which features creative drinks such as “A Fine Day” and “The Betty Boop.
SFJAZZ
201 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 788-7353
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SFJAZZ Center is a renowned all-ages music venue in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood.
This venue is dedicated to celebrating and exploring the rich tapestry of jazz music, from its roots in the African American and Afro-Caribbean communities to its contemporary and diverse expressions.
The venue features lobby bars that cater to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage preferences, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Guests can also enjoy food options at the B-Side Restaurant and Lounge.
The Fillmore
1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 346-6000
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The Fillmore is a legendary and historic music venue on the edge of the Fillmore District and Upper Fillmore neighborhood in San Francisco.
With a rich musical heritage, it has hosted countless iconic performances by renowned artists.
I enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and fantastic sound system, ensuring an exceptional live music experience.
Apart from the music, The Fillmore also caters to beverage preferences, serving various great cocktails and wines.
Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 885-0750
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Situated on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, the Great American Music Hall is a well-known concert hall that offers a unique and memorable live music experience.
It’s on the same block as the iconic Mitchell Brothers O’Farrell Theatre.
This historic venue is a renowned hub for live performances. Many famous musicians have graced the stage here.
The atmosphere is lively, with diverse acts. Enjoy a selection of beer, wine, and food options.
The Independent
628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 771-1421
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The Independent is an intimate and no-frills music venue located in the NOPA District of San Francisco.
Close by is the Alamo Square Park and the famous Painted Ladies.
This popular spot is known for showcasing indie and emerging acts, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to shine.
The venue offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The Independent boasts a full bar with a great wine collection and a diverse selection of beers.
My favorite was their “all you can drink” option, allowing you to enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the evening.
Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club
39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 384-9365
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Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club is a captivating venue in San Francisco that combines classic spirits, small plates of dumplings and dim sum, and live music to create a memorable experience.
The club emanates a blues-club vibe, adding to its unique charm.
Guests can enjoy an assortment of drinks, including a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Mr. Tipple’s also offers non-alcoholic CBD beer for those seeking an alternative option.
The Royal Cuckoo
3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 550-8667
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The Royal Cuckoo is a neighborhood bar near Bernal Heights Park that offers a unique and nostalgic experience.
This dark bar creates a throwback vibe with its vintage vinyl records played on a Lo-Fi sound system, immersing you in a retro atmosphere.
The Royal Cuckoo specializes in crafting fine cocktails. I liked the church pew seating adding to its distinctive ambiance.
The bar also features live music performances, adding an extra layer of entertainment.
The Chapel
777 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 551-5157
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Housed in a converted ex-chapel, The Chapel is a remarkable music venue in the Mission District of San Francisco.
The 40-ft. arched ceiling offers a unique and awe-inspiring setting for live music performances.
The venue showcases various acts, catering to diverse musical tastes, and offers outdoor seating—a delightful setting to enjoy the music.
The atmosphere inside this venue is intimate, cozy, and casual.
To complement the experience, the bar serves a range of cocktails and beers.
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
99 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 624-8900
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Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is a versatile and multi-purpose arena in the San Francisco Civic Center neighborhood.
The venue is named after the renowned music promoter Bill Graham and has a seating capacity of 8,500 people.
The auditorium offers a spacious and accommodating setting known for hosting a wide range of events, including concerts, conferences, and exhibitions.
Inside the venue, guests can find food and beverage options available for purchase.
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