Those of you who read have no doubt been reading about the trend of people having concerts in their…read morehomes for small groups of people. I attended one of these recently, and had an out of body experience, while listening to one of my favorite SF-based jazz groups, the Lost Trio. This particular show took place in the living room, but the home's owner, Jack Hanny, is in the process of preparing a basement rec room as the site for future shows; he refers to it as the "naughty pine rec room". Because you are in someone's home, the vibe is very homey, and all attendees are expected to bring food or drink to share with the band and the other patrons. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, hear some great music, and be home before dark.

Super cute, really cozy and wonderfully friendly karaoke bar…read more We came to the Lucky Horseshoe for a friend's going away party and for our first time, it was a pretty awesome place. Neither of us are into karaoke so we stayed back and were happy to encourage and cheer on others who were performing. There's also pool tables if you prefer games to singing. Standard beer and well drinks, it's a neat dive bar with an alternative/punk feel. Bartenders were quick and attentive as well as friendly. This would definitely be location to stop at in our regular dive bar rotation if it was closer to where we live, it's definitely a neat place to stop in for a quick drink or stay for a few hours and chat with others.

We've come here a few times on a Friday night for karaoke.People and staff are always really…read morefriendly. They also have a pool table in the back. It never gets super crowded so it's easy to find a place to sit. And street parking is usually easy to find too. The drinks are strong and plenty of beers to choose from. The place is fun and divey, just a chill time.

Too crowded. Music on the lower level needs to be more upbeat and mix . No food but the drinks were…read moredecent expensive

Primero hablamos de los precios. $20 por una Modelo y agua es un robo total. El servicio, pésimo…read more El grupo que fuimos a ver estaba casi 3 horas tarde y seguían poniendo música que era tan alto que te podía romper los oídos . Se nota la saperia de este lugar cuando pagas VIP y te dan lo que les da la gana. Deben evitar este lugar totalmente. First let's talk about the prices, $20 for a modelo and water. The service, awful. The group we came to see was almost 3 hours late and they kept playing music that was so loud it could leave you deaf. You can tell the lack of respect this place has when you pay for VIP and you get seated wherever they want. Avoid this place at all costs.

I came for the Take A Dance On Me event on Feb. 20th, 2026. I can't lie, the DJ didn't disappoint…read morewith the ABBA music. I even heard songs such as The Winner Takes It All, Under Attack, When All Is Said and Done, Slipping Through My Fingers, Don't Shut Me Down (new album 2021). However, the last 1.5 was dedicated to EDM and House music which ruined the mood for me. I left earlier than I had expected. The staff was very friendly and it got super-crowded in the room where the event was taking place. If they ever do another one, I plan to return.

0 STARS DUE TO THE RUDEST BARTENDING STAFF IN SF…read more It's always a great time partying at El Rio -- the energy, music, and vibe are unmatched. Unfortunately, my most recent experience at the bar left a sour taste. My friend ordered two mixed drinks and was served in plastic cups with no ice. When I asked a different bartender for just a scoop of ice and explained that my friend hadn't received any, the response from his co-worker -- loud enough for us to hear -- was, "NO TIP, NO ICE." The other bartender simply shrugged and apologized before moving on without offering any ice. As someone who has worked in the service industry and bartended for 5 years, I understand bar etiquette, customer flow, and the tipping culture. Tipping is appreciated, but it's never guaranteed -- and it should never determine whether a customer receives a properly made drink. Serving a room-temperature cocktail without ice out of spite is unprofessional, unnecessary, and frankly spiteful. To be clear: tips are a bonus, not a requirement -- they're not taxes. Respect, quality service, and basic hospitality should be the standard, not something customers have to earn. I hope management takes this seriously. A place as legendary as El Rio deserves bartenders who contribute to the good vibes, not tear them down.

A True Mission Gem -- Gritty, Loud, and Full of Heart…read more Caught Star Belly Bug here recently and had an absolute blast. If you're looking for a venue with soul, personality, and a healthy dose of weird -- The Knockout is it. The Scene: This place screams underground SF in the best way. The walls are plastered with stickers from hundreds of bands, artists, and regulars that have come through -- it's like a living punk flyer wall. Dim neon lighting and vintage touches give it a divey charm, but not in a try-hard way. The Virgin Mary painting above the bar and eclectic photo strips tucked in every corner add a little extra mystique to the already vibrant decor. The Music: Star Belly Bug was killer -- great sound for a small venue, and the energy was contagious. The stage is super intimate, so you're right up close with the band, no matter where you're standing. The Knockout clearly supports local and underground talent, and it shows in the diverse lineup and passionate crowd. The Bar: Drinks were strong and reasonably priced (especially for SF), and the bartenders were cool and efficient even when things got packed. There's a solid cocktail list on the board, but also plenty of cheap beer and no-nonsense options. Vibe: Inclusive, weird in the best way, and 100% authentic. This is the kind of place where you can dance, lose yourself in the music, and just enjoy being part of the scene. Zero pretension. Lots of regulars. Great people-watching. Whether you're coming to catch a band, dance your face off on theme nights, or just grab a stiff drink, The Knockout delivers the goods. A Mission must-stop.

Nice place to play - very cool people, sound man knew what he was doing, helpful and got a good…read moretone. small place - but 40 people feels like 100 so I don't mind. Place was clean, I don't drink alcohol but some folks loved the drinks and they had some new alcohol-free options which I appreciated. Than you guys! one thing to consider if your'e a band playing here, parking is tough and unloading becomes a little dicy when double parking. Ended up having to park 4 blocks away.... that said, would play it again. cheers!

This was the last weekend the San Francisco Shakespeare festival coterie will perform the Tempest…read moreat the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. Their next stop will be at the Sue Bierman park September 14 - September 22. The tempest is a play seeped in rich shakespearean prose. Each actor's interpretation of the characters they played were remarkable , the costumes and fabrics were beautifully tailored and the music was outstanding, especially that of the percussionist, Phoebe Chow, who interwove her single Conga drum rhythmically throughout each Act. And the pre-recorded music scores were exquisite as well.

Cool place, pretty heady for sure! Check it out if you can, some good JGB gets played!read more

Got the kamikaze which was balanced with the alcohol and flavor, not too sweet. Loved the lychee…read moremojito too! Tasted pretty good but also can still taste the alcohol. Music choices were nice. You can join and play your own song when you download the app! Our server was kind and quick.

Unprofessional. Lacks detail and quality service. If you are not a regular, good luck.read more

Fun place to grab a beer and hang with friends. Came here on a Tuesday and stayed for trivia. Had a…read moreblast with my group. They have a small arcade with fun games inside. Place is spacious with lots of seating inside and out. Parking is a hassle because this is located in the middle of a neighborhood While I was there they had a chicken sandwich place set up outside and some delicious options. I'll def be back to play more trivia and try more drinks

Loved the Saturday day time vibe at this brewery - especially as a parent with kids! Love that this…read moreplace is kid friendly with games, and lots of people bringing their little ones to hang out. I tried their non alcoholic ginger hibiscus soda (3.5/5) and my husband got their Muir Woods hazy IPA (4/5). You're able to bring outside food and drink which is a major plus, and shout out to Spinning Dough right next door that can deliver pizzas right to your table. You can also reserve tables and spaces in the brewery which seems nice for parties and events. Parking is kinda tough (street parking) on a busy street, but you can park under the overpass.

This is an interesting queer owned spot. The unique decor and garden out the back was the biggest…read moredraw for me. I loved all the intimate spots you could bring a date or a friend group. The crowd here was very quiet on a Saturday night. No one at the bar spoke to each other, only looked out into the ether- kinda creepy. There's one pool table by the front and that's about all the entertainment in there.

This is a really cool bar. I went with a friend who lived in the neighborhood. It is a lesbian bar,…read morebut it's welcome to everyone. It has a very whimsical backyard that you just don't expect from a San Francisco bar. When the bar first opened, the owners were greeted with trash left on their doorstep. The owners then turned that trash into art. Now, you can find an old toilet that's very transformed into a lush planter that is surrounded by tons of plants. The garden feels like an hidden oasis. On chillier days, you can cozy up inside; there's even a fireplace. I really dig the vibe in this bar. It's a place I enjoyed hanging out.

Dr. Ko represents the highest standard of musical professionalism and artistry in the Bay Area. His…read moreplaying is elegant, sophisticated, and emotionally resonant. From the moment he began performing, it was clear we were experiencing the work of a truly exceptional musician. His presence carries a quiet refinement and care that elevated our entire event. Words cannot adequately describe what it meant to have him perform at my 40th birthday celebration. It was an honor for our family and guests to experience such beautiful music. Thank you, Dr. Ko. We are deeply grateful and will certainly be looking for reasons to invite you to perform for us again.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ko for a wedding, and as a planner (Parker & Paloma…read moreEvents), I cannot recommend him highly enough. He is a consummate professional who brings an incredible sense of warmth and elegance to the day. Dr. Ko's adaptability is seamless; he knows exactly how to read a room and adjust his performance to fit the moment perfectly. What impressed me most was his ability to learn new music specifically for the couple. He took their unique requests and performed them with such soul and precision, making the ceremony feel deeply personal. Beyond his technical skill, Dr. Ko has a wonderful collaborative spirit. He is a true team player who is easy to coordinate with, and he has a natural way of making couples feel comfortable and at home. In the whirlwind of a wedding day, his calm and kind presence is a gift. If you are looking for a musician who is as talented as he is easy to work with, Dr. Ko is the best in the business!