Old-time blues spot and other San Francisco, CA Nightlife Tips

Nightlife Spot: Saloon

The oldest bar in town, it survived the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires (rumor has it, because the fire brigades made sure protect the hookers who worked upstairs).
Saloon offers $2.50 beers and live music that draws all types of people, from rough-looking characters to tourists and North Beach residents.

NOTE: No cover on weeknights for live music. On weekends expect a $5 charge.

Monthly schedule of blues performers.

HOURS: 12pm -2am daily.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Live Music
Phone: (415) 989-7666
Address: 1232 Grant avenue.
Directions: North Beach.
Website: http://www.sfblues.net/Saloon.html

Nightlife Spot: Specs

SPECS (which is the nickname for the owner, Richard) is the original Bohemian poet, artists' bar.
Located in a tiny alley, it has its own vibe and atmosphere that make it special.. There is not much space there, but the crowd is interesting, the furnishings are old and original (since 1968), the draft beer tastes good and the piano player rocks! What else do you need to have a good time?
Oh, and poetry readings are sometimes held here.

HOURS: 5pm- 2am.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Live Music
Dress Code: None.
Phone: 415-421-4112
Address: 12 Saroyan Place at 250 Columbus
Directions: It is located in a tiny alley across the street from Vesuvio saloon at 255 Columbus.

Nightlife Spot: Boom Boom Room

Discovered this place on a Sunday night after watching a movie in a nearby Kabuki theater. It was cozy, not crowded and very, very cool. If you are in a neighborhood, drop by for some live performance.

Calendar of shows.
DAYS: All week except Mondays. Bands start playing at 9.30pm.
HOURS: Tue-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri 4pm-2.30am; Sat 3pm-2.30am; Sun 3pm-1.30am.
PRICES: $5-$15 cover charge. Alcohol: $5 for a bottle of beer.
To Get There: Bus #38 (runs from East to West on Geary Blvd all the way from downtown) or bus #22 (runs from North to South on Fillmore Street) will get you right there.
PARKING: Street or at Kabuki center across the street (on Fillmore).
NOTE: No cover charge on Sundays.

HISTORY:
This nightclub was opened by famous blues singer John Lee Hooker in 1997. It was intended to be an informal place for people to hang out and listen to some blues.
The name Boom Boom was chosen after his 1961 song. The song is now listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Live Music
Dress Code: Casual.
Phone: (415) 673-8000
Address: 1601 Fillmore Street at Geary Blvd
Directions: Lower Pacific Heights.
Website: http://www.boomboomblues.com/