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The 16 Best Live Music Bars in San Francisco

For those seeking an unforgettable live music experience in the vibrant city of San Francisco, look no further than the live music bars scattered throughout the area. From intimate venues to lively nightclubs, there is something for every music lover to enjoy in this bustling city.

Whether you're a local looking for a new spot to frequent or a visitor hoping to immerse yourself in the San Francisco music scene, these live music bars offer a unique atmosphere and top-notch performances that are sure to impress.

So, without further ado, explore the list below to discover the best live music bars in San Francisco and start planning your next night out filled with great music and good vibes.

How we chose and ordered them

To put together this guide to live music bars in San Francisco, we looked at what each business really focuses on, how its customers rate it over time and what it shows about its work on its own channels. The order is ours and we review it regularly.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Quick overview

Our top picks

Choose a business to go straight to its entry.

#1
The Independent
4.71,321 reviews
#2
Bottom of the Hill
4.7897 reviews
#3
The Chapel
4.7478 reviews

All options

Weigh 16 local options side by side

The Independent, San Francisco#1
What it does well

  • Customers praise the friendly staff and fast service at the bar. The reasonably priced drink specials make the experience even more enjoyable.

  • The venue's parking is convenient, with easy street parking and nearby garages available. In and out privileges are a plus for smokers.

  • Visitors appreciate the intimate setting of the venue, providing a great view and sound no matter where they stand. The staff is described as efficient, kind, and very helpful.

The Independent

4.71,321 reviews
628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

The Independent is a renowned live music venue located in San Francisco, CA. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, it is loved by many customers for its exceptional services and features.

Overall, The Independent stands out as a top choice for music enthusiasts looking for a memorable and immersive experience.

Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco#2
What it does well

  • Intimate venue with great sound and lighting

  • Chill patio for post-show hangouts

  • Delicious food options, including burgers and quesadillas

Bottom of the Hill

4.7897 reviews
1233 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

Bottom of the Hill is a renowned live music venue located in San Francisco that offers an array of services and amenities to enhance the customer experience. From live performances to a lively bar on-site, patrons can expect a memorable night filled with music, fun, and good vibes. The venue also boasts wheelchair-accessible facilities to ensure that everyone can enjoy the show.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Bottom of the Hill, highlighting a few key points:

With a remarkable rating of 4.7 based on 897 reviews, it's clear that Bottom of the Hill is a top choice for music enthusiasts in San Francisco. The venue's dedication to providing an exceptional experience for all guests shines through in the positive feedback from visitors.

The Chapel, San Francisco#3
What it does well

  • The Premier venue is the Bay area for big bands that want to play an intimate venue. Gorgeous lighting, amazing sound, and wonderful staff! (5 stars)

  • This place is amazing. Saw Big Sandy and his Flyrite Boys open for Los Straight Jackets. Great show! Can't wait to go back. (5 stars)

  • Gorgeous venue and kind staff. The sets had awesome lighting and there were earplugs for purchase in case you forget yours! (5 stars)

The Chapel

4.7478 reviews
777 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

The Chapel is a premier live music venue located in San Francisco, CA. This venue offers live performances in an intimate setting, making it a favorite spot for both musicians and fans alike.

Key customer reviews include:

With a rating of 4.7 based on 478 reviews, The Chapel is praised for its professional sound, cozy atmosphere, and unparalleled customer service. Experience top-notch live music and create unforgettable memories at The Chapel.

The Saloon, San Francisco#4
What it does well

  • Wonderful live music vibe with friendly customers

  • Great place for music lovers and those looking for a cozy atmosphere

  • Extensive bar menu and a bustling crowd on Saturdays

  • Cash-only policy with affordable drinks and a classic San Francisco scene

The Saloon

4.6926 reviews
1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Saloon is a popular establishment in San Francisco, offering a unique experience for those looking to enjoy great music and a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its live music and live performances, this bar is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The bar boasts a long history and spacious layout, making it an ideal spot for a fun night out.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

If you're in the mood for some blues music and a welcoming neighborhood bar experience, The Saloon is the place to be. Enjoy a night of dancing, good drinks, and memorable moments in the heart of North Beach.

Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club, San Francisco#5
What it does well

  • A visitor described the club as a cute little jazz club with good music, tasty drinks, and a delightful atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

  • Another patron emphasized the need to visit this cool place due to the amazing mixologists at the bar and the fantastic jazz ensemble that steals the show every night.

  • One customer highlighted the club's unique concept as a cocktail/jazz bar with professional musicians, a great ambiance, delicious drinks, and tasty food selections like dumplings and dim sum.

Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club

4.6897 reviews
39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club is a renowned live music venue located in San Francisco, CA. The club offers a variety of amenities including a bar, restaurant, and gender-neutral toilets. With a rating of 4.6, it is clear that customers love the unique experience this club provides.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience amazing live jazz music, great ambiance, and exceptional service at Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club. Make a reservation today for an unforgettable evening!

Sheba Jazz Lounge, San Francisco#6
What it does well

  • We chose Sheba Jazz randomly looking for good food with live music. The experience exceeded any expectations. The jazz band was fantastic, the pianist, saxophone, percussion, beautiful passionate music. The food experience was equally fantastic.

  • Enjoyed the mushroom sambussa and decor/smell/aesthetic. We sat in front of the fireplace which was nice on a rainy day. The communal space got a bit noisy and overwhelming when more people started coming in.

  • An education in jazz/blues and the culinary arts. Live jazz, Ethiopian food, unique craft cocktails. Phenomenal on every level.

  • One of the best Ethiopian Restaurants we have been to. The injera is delicious. The Chicken and beef tibs were flavorful and if course the honey wine was great. Great friendly service and delicious food.

Sheba Jazz Lounge

4.6570 reviews
1419 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Sheba Jazz Lounge offers a unique experience in San Francisco. With a rating of 4.6, this lounge is known for its live music, great cocktails, and wine list. Customers rave about the fantastic jazz bands, delicious African menu, and friendly service. Here are some key points from the reviews:

Guests also appreciate the cosy and trendy atmosphere, great for groups and LGBTQ+ friendly clientele. Whether you're looking for a night out with live music or a delicious Ethiopian meal, Sheba Jazz Lounge is the place to be.

Rite Spot Cafe, San Francisco#7
What it does well

  • Old fashioned and cozy atmosphere with good comfort food at reasonable prices.

  • A place to meet cool folks, listen to likable bands, and enjoy authentic drinks.

  • A great escape from the typical hip scene, with live music and an older-skewing crowd.

  • Relaxed pub with friendly staff, good drinks, and delicious food, often featuring local musicians.

Rite Spot Cafe

4.6227 reviews
2099 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Rite Spot Cafe is a lively music bar located in San Francisco. Known for its live music, great beer selection, and cocktails, this establishment offers a cozy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. With services like delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, Rite Spot Cafe caters to various customer preferences. The bar is recognized for its fast service and welcoming ambiance, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Thee Parkside, San Francisco#8
What it does well

  • Great local bar, with good burgers and excellent margaritas. Love the outdoor seating. Cash only.

  • Unique vibe, cool crowd, indie music atmosphere, and yummy snacks. Be kind and generous to the staff.

  • Delicious food, good drinks, friendly staff, and an excellent patio area. Highly recommended.

  • Exceptionally tasty food, refreshing IPA, and a great place to unwind after a long week of work.

Thee Parkside

4.5690 reviews
1600 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

Thee Parkside is a popular bar located in San Francisco, offering a variety of services and features to its customers. Some of the highlights of this establishment include outdoor seating, dine-in option, great beer selection, great cocktails, live music, and quiz night. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, catering to a diverse crowd, especially groups. The bar is wheelchair-accessible and welcomes dogs as well.

Customers have left positive reviews for Thee Parkside, praising the tasty food, refreshing drinks, and friendly staff. Here are some key points from the reviews:

If you are looking for a laid-back and fun spot to enjoy good food, drinks, and music in San Francisco, Thee Parkside is the place to be!

The Royale, San Francisco#9
What it does well

  • Customers enjoy the mixology sessions offered as team-building activities, praising the bartender's skills and the fun they had while learning about mixing ingredients and alcohol.

  • Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, good drinks, and great music at this jazz bar, making it a nice spot for a night out.

  • Many patrons have randomly discovered this bar and had a fantastic time enjoying the live music and delicious cocktails.

  • The atmosphere at The Royale is commended, with regular shows, a great selection of drinks, and a cozy ambiance that makes it ideal for a quiet evening.

The Royale

4.5250 reviews
800 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

The Royale is a popular bar located in San Francisco that offers a variety of services and features to its customers. With a rating of 4.5 stars based on 250 reviews, it is clear that customers love the experience they receive at this establishment.

Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy live music, delicious cocktails, or a casual hangout spot with great atmosphere, The Royale has something for everyone. So, gather your friends, head over to this neighborhood gem, and experience what makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Peacock Lounge, San Francisco#10
What it does well

  • Legendary venue with a rich history

  • Top-notch talent and vibrant community

  • Laid-back atmosphere with great drinks

  • Perfect setting for concerts and private events

Peacock Lounge

4.915 reviews
552 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Peacock Lounge is a renowned Live music venue located in San Francisco, CA. This hidden gem offers a unique experience for music enthusiasts and party-goers alike. The venue boasts a rich history tied to the Black Masons and is one of the oldest establishments on Haight Street.

Customers rave about the Friday night jazz series that kicked off recently, describing it as an amazing night of music and a special meeting place for Bay Area jazz musicians, especially Black artists. The talent showcased each week is top-notch, creating a palpable sense of community among patrons. The laid-back atmosphere allows guests to enjoy beers, cocktails, and sodas, while bringing their own dinner to savor during the show.

Here are some key points summarizing customer reviews:

Boom Boom Room, San Francisco#11
What it does well

  • Great drinks and unbeatable vibe

  • Fantastic room with killer sound and high-caliber musicians

  • Cozy and intimate venue with live, local entertainment

  • High calibre of jazz music and friendly clientele and staff

Boom Boom Room

4.4544 reviews
1601 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Boom Boom Room is a vibrant live music venue located in San Francisco. The venue offers a range of exciting services and features, including live performances and a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, being LGBTQ+ friendly.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Experience the unforgettable music scene and lively ambiance at Boom Boom Room that keeps guests coming back for more!

Biscuits & Blues, San Francisco#12
What it does well

  • One visitor praised the delicious food, great service, and exceptional music, although they found the prices a bit high.

  • Another guest raved about the fantastic time they had, emphasizing the delicious food, great drinks, and extraordinary energy of the place.

  • A patron expressed their love for the venue and its musicians, stating it was worth a visit for any blues fan.

  • One review mentioned the incredible experience of enjoying live music in an intimate setting and the must-try biscuits at Biscuits & Blues.

Biscuits & Blues

4.4441 reviews
401 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Biscuits & Blues is a renowned **live music venue** located in San Francisco, CA. They offer **live performances** that captivate audiences and create memorable experiences. With a **bar on site** and a **restaurant**, guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. The venue is **family-friendly** and provides **wheelchair-accessible entrance** and **toilet** for all patrons.

Customer reviews highlight several key points:

These reviews reflect the diverse and positive experiences that patrons have at **Biscuits & Blues**, making it a must-visit destination for music and food enthusiasts alike.

Jazz Chez Hanny, San Francisco#13
What it does well

  • Absolutely great! If you are a Bay Area jazz fan, this is the place to visit. Cool small format room in a larger house, seating for maybe 50 folks tops. Good acoustics, intimate setting with wine/snacks at the break. Great music, highly accomplished musicians - do you have a better way to spend your Sunday afternoons?!? $25 cash at the door, all monies go to musicians. Cheap at twice the price!

  • Intimate jazz venue with an awesome collection of vintage pinups and other sundry items

  • Great jazz in a laid back atmosphere in Frank's living room.

  • Great music, great musicians, great venue.

Jazz Chez Hanny

5.07 reviews
1300 Silver Ave, San Francisco, CA 94134, United States

Jazz Chez Hanny is a renowned live music venue in San Francisco that offers an intimate setting for jazz enthusiasts. The venue hosts live performances by highly accomplished musicians, creating a unique and memorable experience for guests. With seating for up to 50 people, the venue boasts good acoustics and a cozy atmosphere.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy great music in a laid-back atmosphere, Jazz Chez Hanny is the place to be. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or just looking for a unique experience, this venue promises a memorable night of live music entertainment.

Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, San Francisco#14

Black Cat Jazz Supper Club

4.3952 reviews
400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Black Cat Jazz Supper Club offers a unique experience combining fast service with live music in a cosy and trendy atmosphere. Customers have praised the great cocktails and excellent cocktail program as well as the delicious food, with the steak frites being a standout dish. The staff are accommodating and attentive, providing top-notch service. The club features top talent in the jazz genre, ensuring a memorable night out. Customers have highlighted the outstanding performances, superb ambience, and delicious food. While some have mentioned added fees, overall, patrons have enjoyed their time at Black Cat Jazz Supper Club.

Neck of the Woods, San Francisco#15
What it does well

  • Customers appreciate the impressive sound system and reasonable prices for drinks at the bar.

  • The staff is friendly and ensures a great experience for visitors.

  • Some patrons highlight the venue's diverse range of events, from comedy nights to live music performances.

  • However, parking in the area can be challenging at times.

Neck of the Woods

4.3566 reviews
406 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

Neck of the Woods is a vibrant live music venue located in San Francisco, offering a range of exciting events from live performances to comedy shows and trivia nights. The venue's intimate yet spacious setting provides a perfect space to enjoy great music and entertainment. With a diverse crowd and a reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly, Neck of the Woods ensures a welcoming environment for all guests.

Whether you're looking for a fun night out or a memorable live music experience, Neck of the Woods is a top choice in San Francisco's entertainment scene.

Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco#16
What it does well

  • The acoustics were fantastic, and the venue hosted a memorable concert.

  • The venue is intimate, with great sound quality and friendly staff.

  • The space supports live music in San Francisco and provides a safe and enjoyable experience for patrons.

  • Customers had a great time at the venue and appreciated the ease of access and parking in the area.

Cafe Du Nord

4.3369 reviews
2174 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Cafe Du Nord is a well-known live music venue located in San Francisco. The venue offers a range of amenities, including a bar, restaurant, and gender-neutral toilets. It is known for its live performances and welcoming atmosphere. Customers have left positive reviews, praising the venue for its fantastic acoustics, friendly bartenders, and support for up-and-coming talent. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Quick summary

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1The Independent 4.71,321
#2Bottom of the Hill 4.7897
#3The Chapel 4.7478
#4The Saloon 4.6926
#5Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club 4.6897
#6Sheba Jazz Lounge 4.6570
#7Rite Spot Cafe 4.6227
#8Thee Parkside 4.5690
#9The Royale 4.5250
#10Peacock Lounge 4.915
#11Boom Boom Room 4.4544
#12Biscuits & Blues 4.4441
#13Jazz Chez Hanny 5.07
#14Black Cat Jazz Supper Club 4.3952
#15Neck of the Woods 4.3566
#16Cafe Du Nord 4.3369

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On the map

Map of Live Music Bars in San Francisco

Discover the vibrant live music scene of San Francisco with this comprehensive map of all the top bars hosting live performances. From jazz clubs to intimate venues, this city has something for every music lover. Plan your night out and explore the diverse sounds of local and touring artists across the city.

How to pick Live Music Bars in San Francisco

  1. Varied musical genres and performances.
  2. Drink specials and happy hour deals.
  3. Cozy and intimate settings.
  4. Outdoor patio or rooftop options.
  5. Live music schedule and lineup information available online.

Common questions

What are the best live music bars in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its vibrant live music scene, with several bars offering fantastic performances. Some of the top live music bars in the city include: These bars feature a variety of musical genres and a lively atmosphere that is sure to make your night unforgettable. Tipsy Pig. Boom Boom Room. Amnesia. The Saloon.

What kind of music can I expect at live music bars in San Francisco?

Live music bars in San Francisco offer a diverse range of musical genres, catering to all tastes. From jazz and blues to rock and electronic music, you can expect to find a variety of performances at these venues. Whether you're a fan of classic tunes or looking to discover new artists, the live music scene in San Francisco has something for everyone.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for live music bars in San Francisco?

While some live music bars in San Francisco may require advance ticket purchases for certain performances or events, many venues allow guests to pay at the door. It's always a good idea to check the bar's website or social media pages for information on upcoming shows and ticketing options. Additionally, some bars may offer discounted or free entry on certain nights, so be sure to plan ahead to make the most of your live music experience.

Are live music bars in San Francisco accessible to all ages?

Most live music bars in San Francisco are restricted to patrons who are 21 years of age or older due to alcohol service regulations. However, there are some venues that host all-ages shows, allowing music lovers of all ages to enjoy live performances. Make sure to check the age restrictions of the bar you plan to visit before heading out for a night of live music in San Francisco.

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