Listening to live music is one of life’s little pleasures, and what better way to enjoy some luxurious live tones than at a bar with a beer in hand? Whether you prefer jazz, blues, rock, hip hop or soul, you’ll always be able to find something to suit your style in San Francisco. This is a city with so many great venues where people come together to listen to some of the best live music on the West Coast. No matter what the occasion or who you are with, we have compiled a list of the best live music bars in all of San Fran to make your night one to remember.
Buddies’ Night Out – Club Deluxe
Assemble the squad and take them on a night they will all enjoy by heading over to Club Deluxe. This place simply oozes authenticity as it is tucked away in the historic neighbourhood on Haight Street, and what’s more is they still play live music every single night. Each night there are different styles of music playing so there is something to suit everyone’s tastes in the group. This place is the perfect spot to grab a drink and chill to some live music, whether it be jazz, bebop or bossa-nova, and they even host comedy and burlesque nights! What’s more, this place is renowned for the fantastic pizzas they serve, so grab a serving of the spicy Sinabaldo while listening to some live entertainment with some of your best pals and you are sure to have a memorable night.
Jazz Fans – Amnesia
For the jazz enthusiast in your life, make sure to take them over to Amnesia. This venue has been hosting some of the best live jazz nights the West Coast has ever seen for over 16 years now, along with some delicious craft beers and wines on tap which are definitely worth trying. This is a cosy venue where you should be prepared to get very close to strangers and it welcomes everyone who walks through the door, just don’t show up too drunk or with the intention of hooking up. Although not all events are free, Mondays and Wednesdays are, so come along to enjoy the bluegrass and jazz nights which are hosted here weekly. Any jazz fan will feel right at home here, so head over for a night of fun and allow yourself to feel moved by the sounds that fill the room.
That Someone Special – Make Out Room
Whether you are in a long-term relationship or just playing the field, going on dates is always an exciting time. The Make Out Room is the perfect venue to impress your partner or turn up the heat with a new date. If you’re flying solo but looking for someone to take along, hop onto Badoo and find yourself a date you can bring along! This live music venue is a classy and retro bar which is decked out in an almost prom-like fashion with tinsel and mood lighting. You’ll find that the drinks here are pretty cheap so there’s no need to break the bank, and you’ll find some great bands who play here along with literary events if your significant other is more of an academic. They also play some great slow jams which are perfect for a romantic slow dance to wind down the night.
The Hip Hop Enthusiast – Yoshi’s
We understand that jazz nights aren’t for everyone, so for the hip-hip and R&B fan in your life, make sure to take them along to Yoshi’s, a place that once upon a time was just a small room in an Oakland sushi restaurant, which has now expanded into two major urban nightclubs. Their Jack London Square and Fillmore Street venues remain true to their roots as they still serve top notch Japanese food, but their music nights are the reason people are still flocking there over twenty years on. They play genres such as soul, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and Latin music along with classic jazz nights. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the line-ups here, so make sure to check out their calendar beforehand to see who will be playing each night of the week.
The History Buff – The Saloon
For any out of towners or history buffs out there, The Saloon is the perfect spot which is sure to impress. This former brothel is over 150 years old and is still going strong, making it the oldest bar in all of San Fran. They host regular blues nights and it may be undoubtedly the best place in the West Coast to see live blues performances every single night. As the name suggests, this bar is in the style of a classic old Western saloon bar with wood panelling and an interior which is perfectly in keeping with days gone by. Drinks here are super cheap, though be warned it is a cash only bar, so make a stop at an ATM beforehand. Some of the big-name blues acts who have graced the stage of this bar include Tommy Castro, Johnny Nitro & The Doorslammers, Ron Hacker, Daniel Castro, and The Bachelors, to name just a few. Music nights are free every night aside from Fridays and Saturdays, which only charge a $5 cover, so a night here definitely won’t break the bank.
San Francisco is an eclectic city with entertainment everywhere and a story on every corner. There are so many venues which offer a unique experience and cater to people with all sorts of tastes. No matter who your company is, these bars are sure to provide you with some of the best live music nights you’ve ever had. So, whether you’re a newbie to the city or a born and bred West Coaster, these bars are sure to welcome you with open arms and turn you into a regular for the rest of your time here.
