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The world’s coolest cities have live music scenes that come in all shapes and sizes. The common denominator is that they deliver an outstanding evening of great music—be it blues, Latin, soul, funk, jazz, rock, indie-pop, or something in between. These are our hands-down favorites.
Best Live Music in....
Best Live Music
San Francisco
The Fillmore Auditorium 1805 Geary Blvd., Western Addition, 415-346-6000
The Draw: It’s the Fillmore, man. This place is a rock institution. The Scene: Raise your glass to the memory of promoter Bill Graham. The Fillmore has a long history, but it really came into its own in the psychedelic ’60s, when Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and the Grateful Dead ruled the stage. Today, the Fillmore attracts up-and-coming bands and established acts alike. The stage is at the front of a bilevel ballroom, complete with hanging chandeliers. Who’s in the crowd depends on the act, but this red velvet–clad venue is always a classic. Hot Tip: It’s almost all standing room only, so wear comfortable shoes. Bring earplugs in case you end up next to a speaker.
Great American Music Hall 859 O’Farrell St., Russian Hill/Polk Gulch, 415-885-0750 musichallsf.com
The Draw: Not only is this a gorgeous spot for live music, but its history also lends a little something extra to the experience: Opened in 1907, it was once a bordello, a jazz club, and a French restaurant. The Scene: The Great American Music Hall is nothing if not ornate: Just check out the massive columns, the lavish balconies, and the frescoes that adorn the ceilings. Beneath them, concertgoers cut a rug on an oak dance floor to acts as varied as Gavin DeGraw, OK Go, and Dark Star Orchestra. Hot Tip: If you’re feeling exhausted from the dancing on the ground floor, retreat to one of the balconies for some food and space.
The Draw: Live jazz and blues may seem more suited to soul food than sushi, but at Yoshi’s, spicy maki, panko monkfish, and Berkshire pork prime rib are decidedly musical accompaniments. The Scene: The second act to Berkeley’s 35-year-old original, this Japanese restaurant and nightclub takes dinner and a show to a new octave. Lofty ceilings, massive sculptural art, and ambient light set a dramatic stage for a new breed of scenesters: decked-out and dressed-down jazz lovers of all ages who take their big-name acts (Chick Corea, the Count Basie Orchestra) with a sit-down dinner or just sake and snacks in one of two modern lounges. Hot Tip: For a different kind of live performance, groups of up to 14 should book the glass-enclosed omakase room. In these back-of-the-house private dining digs, you’re treated to a special nine- to 12-course tasting menu and a front-row view of Chef Kamio in action.
