City Guide: San Francisco
Bars und Clubs
Music
Bimbo's
San Francisco
Agostino Giuntoli left Tuscany, Italy in 1922 at the age of 19 and sailed to America. He spent five years working his way to San Francisco and found a job as janitor at the famed Palace Hotel. From there he became a cook at a nearby establishment where his boss, Monk Young, was unable to pronounce his name and dubbed him "Bimbo", the Italian word for boy. The name stuck for good. In 1931, he and Young, now his partner, opened the 365 Club at 365 Market Street. San Francisco was weary of the Depression, needed some fun, and the 365 Club was there to provide it. The club was crowded with celebrities and stars from across America who were there to see and be seen. On stage, lines of long-stemmed chorus girls kicked high to the music; one of whom was Rita Cansino. Later, we would all know her as Rita Hayworth. Gin was served in coffee cups while everybody puzzled over the optical illusion provided by Dolfina, The Girl in the Fishbowl: She appeared to swim nude in the fish tank behind the bar... you can still find her there today. dolfina When Bimbo's moved to Columbus Avenue in 1951, the scene got even more exciting. Herb Caen caught it all and recalled, "Jugglers, dance teams, stand-up comics, crooners chantootsies, Stage Door Johns, a proper band in proper uniforms... Multi-course dinners, Red Sparkling Burgundy in the silver bucket, and a nice-bucketed lady in a silver fox stole topped by a gardenia bought by a 'pro' in the men's room." Bimbo's is now busier than ever with private parties, special events, and concerts.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Bruno's
2389 Mission Street
94110 San Francisco
+1 415 643 52 00
Bruno's location, near the quick-beating heart of the Mission District, might be partially responsible for the distinct mix of players that crosses the club's stage. There's a little bit of everything- from slickly dressed scenesters and burned-out hepcats to boho music students and tenor-wielding street poets. Though the club has recently undergone a booking facelift, now presenting mostly fusion-minded groove bands, the open Monday night session has become one of the most compelling jazz jams in the city. Starting at 10:30 p.m., the free-for-all draws a crowd of talent both young and old. Musicians of all skill levels and all instruments are welcome to jump onstage for a song or two, and even though top-drawer players can dominate, those with less experience won't get left out in the cold. The assortment of styles is what makes the night great, and -- like the bustling sidewalks outside the club -- it's a different scene every time"
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Elbo Room
Valencia Street/between 17th/18th
San Francisco
The bar originally opened in 1935, as the Prohibition era closed, and has been a place of entertainment ever since. Over the years the spot has operated as a Spanish restaurant, a country-western bar, and one of the country s first all-women s night clubs. In 1991, Elbo Room was established as a full bar and place of entertainment. The club caters to a wide range of musical and cultural tastes. On any given night, live bands and DJs play jazz, funk, soul, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, rock, indie rock, or alternative music. Come join us for San Francisco s Longest Happy Hour every day from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featuring special $2 draft pints and $1 off all other drinks.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
The Hotel Utah Saloon
500 Fourth Street
94107 San Francisco
This is an old place. It was built in 1908, when the Barbary Coast was still going strong This bar was standing before, during, and after Prohibition. A place with a sketchy past. Gamblers, thieves, ladies up to no good, politicians, hustlers, friends of opium, goldseekers, godseekers, charlatans, police, fancy miscreants they all visited The Utah. And that was when South of Market was just a lonely section of the San Francisco waterfront. After the Bay Bridge was finished in 1936, SOMA came into its own. The saloon was home to longshoremen, merchants, metalsmiths, furniture makers, people from the neighborhood, traffic flowing back and forth between San Francisco and the East Bay. And good stories. In the 1950s, Al Opatz presided over the saloon. Al didn t like neckties. If someone wearing a tie got close enough, Al cut the tie off with scissors. His favorite way to greet someone was to offer them his hand and say Shake the hand that shook the world. His clientele were Beat Poets, gangsters, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Bing Crosby, the cocktail generation. He eventually bought the bar in 1966 and renamed it Al s Transbay Tavern. Al s Transbay gets a mention in Coppola s film, "The Conversation." In 1977, Paul Gaer, who co-wrote the story for the 1979 film "The Electric Horseman," bought the bar from Al. He renamed it The Utah and built a stage to support local music, experimental art, writers, comedy, and theater. Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, and the Pickle Family Circus broke it in. It got a reputation as one of the most generous stages in the city.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Various
Cafe du Nord
2170 Market Street
94114 San Francisco
+1415 861 5016
Caf Du Nord is a nightclub, restaurant and live music venue located in the landmark Swedish-American building in the Upper Market district of San Francisco. Although the Du Nord is known for the quality of the national music acts it showcases, the club retains the ambiance of a classic lounge. Built in 1907, it has maintained its Victorian interiors, featuring the original faux decorated paneling and wainscoting, and a forty-foot hand carved mahogany bar. Details throughout the club hearken back to its past life as a notorious speakeasy during Prohibition. The rich red walls and dark wood interior create the perfect environment to enjoy classic cocktails and the most eclectic live music in town seven nights a week.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Doc's Clock
2575 Mission St/ 21st St
94110 San Francisco
+1 415 824 3627
On foggy nights, Doc's sign stands out like a lighthouse in a storm. It's quite possibly the coolest bar sign of all time. Inside, pink neon lights and candles add to the slightly divey, laidback atmosphere. Even when it's crowded (often), Doc's feels sedate. It's the ultimate low-key joint; the perfect place for a casual drink and quiet conversation. The crowd consists of Mission hipsters and seasoned veterans of the bar scene. The staff is friendly but not in your face, rarely straying past "what can I get you?" Mixed drinks are strong enough to knock a horse down, so treat yourself and order top shelf. Be bold-explore the back area, where the people-watching gets more intense. Don t forget to play some shuffle board!
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
The Latin American Club
3286 22nd St/Valencia
94110 San Francisco
+1 415 647 2732
This is not a club, nor is it filled with Latin Americans. It's a simple space- a large, rectangular room with a wooden bar and places to sit. It's filled with 1950s-era Formica and chrome tables and a popular front pool table. The back wall is decorated with kitsch collections like cuckoo clocks, mailboxes and pi¤atas, but most of this high-ceilinged space is unadorned. The lack of context doesn't deter indie-rock hipsters from gathering here in groups. The crowd comes and goes throughout the night, so it is possible to land table seating. The few singles-this is no pickup scene-can stick it out at the barstools, while lucky couples may be able to score one of the coveted front booths that offer prime people-watching on busy 22nd Street. It used to bet the Red Man s favorite hangout spot- wonder whatever happened to him.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
The Make Out Room
3225 22nd St/ Mission
94110 San Francisco
The disco ball and silver streamers scream senior prom, but the sleek art-deco bar and what are probably the highest ceilings of any Mission bar make this club supremely classy. The live performances seem bigger and fancier, thanks to the red velvet curtain and two-tiered stage. Inquisitive patrons may ponder the stuffed deer head, adorned with over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder donations. Just like the eclectic decor, all types frequent the Make-Out. It depends a lot on if it's a night of funk and rare-grooves DJs, soulful indie folk bands or sexy cabaret performers. One night might find an older crowd getting down with a heel-stompin' jamboree; the next, some stiff-necked professionals conservatively step-touching. All drinkers will be impressed by the gargantuan margaritas, bursting with lime flavor (but not too sweet).
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Caf
Food
Dolores Park Caf
501 Dolores St/ 18th St
San Francisco
The perfect break for a cup of coffee and some cake. Right on the corner of Dolores Park- if you re lucky the sun is shining and you get to sit on the sidewalk and take it all in. Open Daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday Music Nights open til 9:30 p.m.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Various
Caf Macondo
31665 16th Street
San Francisco
This small coffee shop is located in a somewhat seedy part of the mission, and care should be taken if you plan on visiting it, especially at night. The furniture is all mismatched, posters of Che cover the walls, and there are bookshelves in every corner. You might think you have wandered into a revolutionary's living room upon first entering! The floors are wooden, old and bare, each table has a small lamp that might have come from your Aunt Thelma's living room, and for atmosphere, you can't beat the place. My first coffee shop upon moving to the city! Also, there are many independent bookstores in the area, so this place is a good spot to open your recent purchases. So if you are tired of the same old Yuppified, sparkling clean, sanitized for your protection corporate coffee shop, Macondo will cleanse your soul. Opens at 7:30 AM Mon-Fri, 11 AM on Weekends
recommended by: red or heard about
Caf Trieste
Grant Street/ North Beach
San Francisco
The Original Bohemian Coffee Shop. The screenplay to "The Godfather" was written over in that corner. Founded in 1956, the Trieste is a San Francisco Landmark, the mural on the wall, a scene of Trieste, Italy, says it all. Kind of touristy, especially on Saturdays when they pull out the microphones and the piano and the family sing Italian songs. Really crowded, so forget it during the afternoon. All the other days of the week you should usually find a seat. Expect to wait at least 5 minutes, sometimes 10 to get a coffee, there is always a line. 7 days a week, live Italian music on Saturdays
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Red's Coffee House
Embarcadero Pier 30/ Bryant Street
San Francisco
A San Francisco Institution since the early 1930's. If you are hankerin' for a cup'o Joe in a Sam Spade style coffee shack, this is the place. You'll be sitting next to burly longshoremen, dusty construction workers, and maybe a few bikers thrown in for a cool blend of old fashioned San Francisco. Visit it before the yuppies tear it down. they want to build some kind of yuppie sports complex / tourist trap thing on the site. Last I heard Red's won an exemption, and the neighbors in South Beach rose up to protect it. Cool. Also, the lunch special of a double cheeseburger and a long neck Budweiser for $3.50 is pretty cool. Try to find that anywhere else downtown. 5 am to 4 pm weekdays, 10 am to 3 pm weekends
recommended by: red or heard about
Diverse
Various
Baker Beach
Lincoln Blvd and Bowley St
94129 San Francisco
With its rip-you-to-shreds rip curls, this is a beach best suited for land sharks. When the weather is nice, this beach gets packed with sand lovers, kite flyers and nudists. When it's windy, gray and cold, it's still a popular spot to take in the sunset and amazing views of Golden Gate Bridge. The beach even offers grills and picnic tables in a cypress tree grove.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Brain Wash Caf and Laundromat
1122 folsom street
94103 San Francisco
+1 415 861 3663
Hate laundry? Well, don't- just take it to brainwash- caf and laundromat rolled into one. in the true style of great cafs, there's something going on almost every evening... be it a movie or live music... laundry and dry cleaning services available. Mishmash of interesting details: dryers that are named after rock stars, pinball machines and free internet access for the bored, t-shirts and laundry bags for sale at the laundry service counter and eclectic choice of airplay Products: surprisingly big menu for a er... laundromat or caf for that matter. includes salads, finger food, sandwiches, burgers, all-day breakfast, coffee and yes, beer and wine...
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
The Troll Window
18th Street/ Valencia
San Francisco
A first-floor apartment window on 18th Street near Valencia acts as showcase and stage for a cast of wild-haired troll dolls, which appear in monthly scenes reflecting upcoming holidays or current events in popular culture. 18th St., between Valencia and Mission streets. It's been eight years since I've left SF- still, whenever I'm in town I have to pass by the window- last year I actually got to meet the creator- and we had a talk through the window...
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Galerien
Various
111 Minna Gallery
111 minna street
94105 San Francisco
+1 415 974 1719
Hidden in a side alley, this very groovy experimental art gallery showcasing the best of local and international artists - doze etc. at night deejays take over, FULL BAR.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Kino
Various
The Castro Theatre
429 Castro Street
94114 San Francisco
The Castro Theatre was built in 1922 by pioneer San Francisco theatre entrepreneurs, the Nasser brothers, who started with a nickelodeon in 1908 in the Castro neighborhood. The Castro's designer was Timothy L. Pflueger (1894-1946) who went on to become a famous Bay Area architect. In 1977, the Castro was designated City of San Francisco registered landmark number 100. It is one of the few remaining movie palaces in the nation from the 1920s that is still in operation. Timothy Pfleuger chose an exterior design reminiscent of a Mexican cathedral. The large windows, the shape of the roof line of the front wall of the building and the plaster wall decorations all combine to convey a look of grandeur in keeping with the large scale of many theatres built in the 1920s. The marquee and the vertical neon sign are additions from the late 1930s, but the glazed tile street foyer, ornate tent-like box office and the wooden doors are all from the early 1920s. From 1922 until 1976 the Castro showed first and second run mainstream films. Then, in 1976, the theatre was leased to Surf Theatres and later to Blumenfeld Theatres. These two chains proceeded to change the exhibition format to repertory cinema, foreign films, film festivals and special first run presentations. A wonderful place- get there early so you don t miss the live Wurlitzer before the show.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Konzertlokal
Music
Bottom Of The Hill
1233 17th Street
94107 San Francisco
+1 415 626 4455
The Bottom of the Hill presents some of the finest original artists, seven nights a week. Featuring up and coming acts from around the globe as well as in their own backyard, the music spans the spectrum from alternative, rock-a-billy, punk, and hard rock, to folk and funk and pop. The Bottom comes fully -equipped. It offers a full bar, pool tables, a kitchen that stays open late and a patio area where guests can escape the crowd and have a smoke. The club is also available for private parties, showcases and other events. Whatever happened to the Sunday barbeques?
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
The Fillmore
1805 Geary Boulevard
94115 San Francisco
+1 415 346 6000
In the mid-1960s The Fillmore became the focal point for psychedelic music and counterculture in general, with acts such as The Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin getting their start. Besides rock, Graham also featured non-rock acts such as Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Otis Redding as well as poetry readings. After a few years there, because of a deteriorating neighborhood, in July 1968 Bill Graham moved from the original Fillmore at Fillmore Street and Geary Blvd to the Carousel Ballroom at the corner of Market and South Van Ness Avenue, which was called Fillmore West (in contrast with Graham's Fillmore East auditorium in New York City). The original Fillmore location became a private club called The Elite Club. For several years in the early 1980s, punk promoter Paul Rat booked punk rock shows at this venue. Punk bands that performed at The Elite Club include Black Flag, Bad Brains, The Dead Kennedys, T.S.O.L., Flipper, and Public Image Ltd. [1] After Bill Graham died in a helicopter crash in 1991, those close to him decided to carry out his final wish and reopen the original Fillmore. The Fillmore has once again become a San Francisco hotspot with shows almost every night. For a standard show, the capacity of the Fillmore is 1250 guests. The Fillmore is also well known for its psychedelic concert posters by designers including Wes Wilson and Rick Griffin. Copies of these posters are given to fans free of charge as they exit selected shows. A large collection of these posters dating back to the early days is on display in the upper level of the auditorium today. Other traditions are carried on to this day. One is a large tub of free apples for concertgoers positioned near the entrance. Another is a "greeter", a staff member who welcomes each guest as they enter ("Welcome to the Fillmore!").
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
The Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell Street
94109 San Francisco
San Francisco's oldest and grandest nightclub, the Great American Music Hall carries guests back to an earlier, more elegant era, with its ornate balconies, soaring marble columns and elaborate ceiling frescoes. The remarkable interior design came from an unlikely duo: a French architect who designed the building in 1907, and Chris Buckley, a political mover and shaker who wanted to erect a grand structure after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The result was Blanco's, characterized as one of the most popular entertainment spots during San Francisco's notorious Barbary Coast Era. The restaurant/bordello offered fine food, gambling and fast women right up until the dark days of the Great Depression in 1933.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Restaurants
Food
Caf Flore
2298 market street
94114 San Francisco
+1 415 621 8579
The gayest cafe in San Francisco with garden and sidewalk seating - famous for people-watching or to be watched but at the same time comfortable and relaxing (irony?). Looks like it was a greenhouse once upon a time ago... wood beams with glass panes. Very cozy inside. Garden seating is great for those who want to sit amongst plants. Located at the prominent corner of Market and Noe. Products: coffee, tea and pastries + full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus + select beer and wine + club flyers and other free gay reading material
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Dottie's True Blue Caf
522 jones street
94102 San Francisco
+1 415 885 2767
Charming and popular all-day breakfast place in the Tenderloin. Lunch served till 3 only during weekdays. Never mind the sketchy neighborhood, go for the great food! Cozy and rustic interior with tiled floors and interesting chandeliers made out of teapots and teacups, each of them different.
recommended by: Products: big portions of american breakfast: pancakes, sausages + bacon, omelettes etc... + excel
Suppenkueche
525 laguna street
94102 San Francisco
+1 415 252 9289
Eat sausage, sauerkraut and drink ice cold bavarian beer at this hip german wirthaus bar. Dark interior- totally illuminated by candle light, very strange dresses hanging as display? seating is on long communal tables [meet exciting new friends..?!] Products: big beer selection to wash down the hearty bavarian fare
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
We Be Sushi
1071 valencia street
94110 San Francisco
+1 415 826 0607
Reasonably-priced sushi bar in the mission- there's usually a waitlist during the weekends. Small space that seats no more than 25 people, a little cramped but cozy - feels like you're in a little neighborhood sushi place in japan.
recommended by: Products: nigiri sushi, sashimi, maki sushi and there's always teriyaki chicken dinner special fo
Shopping
Books
City Lights Bookstore
261 Columbus Avenue/Broadway
94133 San Francisco
Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, City Lights is one of the few truly great independent bookstores in the United States, a place where booklovers from across the country and around the world come to browse, read, and just soak in the ambiance of alternative culture's only "Literary Landmark." Although it has been more than forty years since tour buses with passengers eager to sight "beatniks" began pulling up in front of City Lights, the Beats' legacy of anti-authoritarian politics and insurgent thinking continues to be a strong influence in the store, most evident in the selection of titles. The City Lights masthead says A Literary Meetingplace since 1953, and this concept includes publishing books as well as selling them. In 1955, Ferlinghetti launched City Lights Publishers with the now-famous Pocket Poets Series; since then the press has gone on to publish a wide range of titles, both poetry and prose, fiction and nonfiction, international and local authors. Today, City Lights has well over a hundred titles in print, with a dozen new titles being published each year. The press is known and respected for its commitment to innovative and progressive ideas, and its resistance to forces of conservatism and censorship. All City Lights Publications that are currently available are proudly featured in the bookstore. City Lights has become world-famous, but it has retained an intimate, casual, anarchic charm. It's a completely unique San Francisco Open daily from 10 A.M. to Midnight.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Dog Eared Books
900 Valencia St. / 20th
94110 San Francisco
Reflective of the Mission district itself, Dog Eared is quite an ecclectic store you'll find anarchist magazines next to Vanity Fair, Nina Simone cds next to Joy Division and Michelle Tea poetry next to Chaucer. You can sell, trade or buy. Mon-Sat: 10am - 10pm, Sun: 10am - 8pm
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Fashion
Buffalo Exchange
1555 Haight Street/ Clayton
94117 San Francisco
Buffalo Exchange is unique because clothing and accessories are bought, sold and traded directly with store customers. Bring in your former favorites for trade or cash on the spot! Buffalo Exchange will buy quality items that can be resold. Their ever-changing inventory includes designer wear, vintage, jeans, leather, great basics, and irresistible one-of-a-kind items. You'll also find new merchandise and accessories to choose from. They offer great fashion finds at low prices at Buffalo Exchange...where recycling is always in style. Store Hours Monday Thursday 11 am 7 pm Friday Sunday 11 am 8 pm
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Rolo (on market)
2351 market street
94114 San Francisco
+1 415 4314545
A whole store in the gay area of San Francisco dedicated to vain men. Former stockist of more cutting edge labels like Raf Simons, Martin Margiela and Kostas Murkudis, the selection has now evolved to more accessible labels. Important note: they stock Aesop skincare...
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Upper Playground
220 fillmore street
94117 San Francisco
+1 415 255 1875
Great local streetwear/skatewear store. Upper Playground clothing line and T-shirt section, but what makes this store so phat is the vintage old skool vinyl record dept!!! hip hop-70s jazz fusion.
recommended by: red or heard about
Villains
1622 haight street
94117 San Francisco
+1 415 6265939
The nirvana of streetwear, all mega players sold here such as head to toe streetwear... Stussy, Freshjive, Volcom, Paul frank, Yum yum pop, and a really cool Mooks instore store, plus everyone else.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Wasteland
1660 haight street
94117 San Francisco
+1 415 863 3150
Take a protein shake and hook up an IV before heading into the waste - will suck the retail energy right out of you...nevertheless it is an absolute vintage trolls' heaven... If vintage rocker tees, levi's, studded leather michael jackson jackets, and gwen stefani 40s house dresses are your religion then make your pilgrimage to this mecca...great accessories, shoes, all vintage... some new stuff for sale too...packed to the gills for the fashion addict...motif tee shirts galore, levi's are picked over, leather and corduroy jackets were well stocked...good assortment of aviator sunglasses...You can sell, trade or buy. Beautiful window displays.
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Music
Amoeba Music
1855 haight street
94117 San Francisco
+1 415 831 1200
Indie record store of intergalactic proportion. 500,000 new and used CD's and very cool hard to find collectables section. Cd's, vinyl, videos, tapes, lasers and beta's...
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
Aquarius Records
1055 valencia street
94110 San Francisco
Coolest [and oldest] independent music store in the city. All music is hand-picked and hand-selected and the people who work here actually listen to and know all about the music they sell.
recommended by: Products: music that can be described as "weird," "fringe," "different" genres such as: indie/post
Various
Good Vibrations
603 Valencia Street/ 17th
94110 San Francisco
+1 415 522 5460
Working under the corporate name "Open Enterprises, Inc.", Good Vibrations is a well-established sexuality product retailer based in San Francisco, California. For almost 30 years, business has been driven by the Mission Statement: "Good Vibrations is a diverse, woman-focused retailer providing access to sex-positive products and accurate sex information through our clean and comfortable stores, catalog, and web site in order to enhance our customers' sex lives and to promote healthy attitudes about sex." The flagship store opened in 1977 and is now considered a San Francisco institution. Regular Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Thursday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
recommended by: Kitchener favourit
