Young and Restless: Underage Nightlife in SF

Updated: July 02, 2007

There's no two ways about it: SF is a tough place to be under 21 on a Saturday night. If you're sick of movies, late-night diners and brown-bagging it in Dolores Park, try these venues for an evening of all-ages live music or 18-and-older clubbing.

All-ages Nightlife

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Cobb's Comedy Club
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    915 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)

    North Beach's joke haven hosts some of the nation's top yucksters (think big names like Sarah Silverman, Robin Williams and the occasional spontaneous Dave Chappelle act). Ages 18 and older can get in with ID, but they still need to abide by the two-drink minimum, with non-alcoholic choices of course.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average Yoshi's Jazz Club & Japanese
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    510 Embarcadero W, Oakland, CA 94607 (map)

    This world-class jazz venue is an elegant step up from the standard underage clubs and makes for a family-friendly night out. They pride themselves on being all-ages, all-the-time, so don't worry when you buy tickets.

  3. 3 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average 924 Gilman Street
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    924 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94710 (map)

    This graffiti-covered punk oasis offers an alcohol-free atmosphere for all ages, where the local mohawked-and-pierced set can check out aspiring bands. Keep an eye out: big bands like Green Day cut their teeth here.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Family Billiards
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    2807 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)

    Despite its name, this is by no means a family establishment. Family Billiards is 18+ and serves drinks for the older pool sharks and bar food for all. Go with a group of friends and avoid the regular tournaments unless you can seriously throw down.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Great American Music Hall
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    859 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (map)

    The surrounding neighborhood isn't the best place to have your kids wandering around at night, but this old-timey Tenderloin club features cutting-edge bands and welcomes everyone over the age of six.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended 330 Ritch
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    330 Ritch St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)

    This red-hot SoMa live music and dance venue is the place to see upcoming indie bands and world-famous DJs in an intimate space. It's particularly busy on Thursdays' Popscene nights, when anyone 18 and older can dance to top indie/Brit pop/new wave tunes.

  7. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Rickshaw Stop
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    155 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    Electro-indie-grrrl-pop bands, amateur burlesque groups and greasy haired hipster kids pounding corn dogs and Fat Tires? Just an average night at this all-age Civic Center club. The few 21-and-over shows are very clearly marked.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Fillmore
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    1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    If you want to party where your parents did in the '60s, stop by this legendary concert hall that boasts some of the best acts to come through the Bay Area. All shows are all ages--no babies (but that should be obvious).

  9. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Slim's
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    333 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    Somewhat grungy SoMa music venue features a variety of bands big and small and holds both all-ages and 21-and-over shows. The best part for out-of-town youth? Fairly easy parking.

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