From bowling and mini golf to comedy and karaoke, here are San Francisco's most beloved haunts for after-dark revelers seeking a shot of quirky entertainment to go with their fernet.
A small dive bar — a real dive bar — that draws an eclectic crowd in the heart of Chinatown, they’ll bring out the karaoke for you and friends if you ask, Mama (the bartender), nicely. Songs are also available in Mandarin. // 1155 Grant (Chinatown)
Cobb’s Comedy Club SF
Cobb’s Comedy Club SF
This 400 seat comedy club in North Beach is the larger of the two main comedy venues in SF, but that doesn’t mean the shows are any less intimate. Seating is usually general admission so make sure to arrive early to grab a table up close to the stage. Everyone who's anyone in comedy stops by this local institution. // 915 Columbus (North Beach), cobbscomedyclub.com
Encore Karaoke Lounge
Encore Karaoke Lounge
Between Polk and Nob Hill lies this divier karaoke bar with cheap drinks that’s great for groups. Happy hour goes from 3-7pm every day, with singing starting early at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. // 1550 California, #2 (Nob Hill), encorekaraokesf.com
The Mint
The Mint
If you’re looking to sing karaoke on stage and with no cover, this is the perfect spot. With tables easily reserved for large parties and a full bar, this is a great place for you and your friends to showcase your talents amongst some of SF’s most seasoned karaoke performers. // 1942 Market (Duboce Triangle), themint.net
Mission Bowling Club
Mission Bowling Club
Strike it hot with chow by Front Porch’s Chris Kiyuna, nine beers on tap, and a host of specialty cocktails. The upstairs VIP area, complete with bar service and cateering, we strongly recommend for parties. // 3176 17th Street (Mission), missionbowlingclub.com
Punch Line Comedy Club
Punch Line Comedy Club
San Francisco’s longest running comedy club has hosted some of the greatest standups, and continues to have nightly shows from famous comedians along with highlighting rising stars in their SF Comedy Showcase nights. // 444 Battery (FiDi), punchlinecomedyclub.com
Red Hots Burlesque (El Rio)
Red Hots Burlesque (El Rio)
This burlesque/variety show takes place every Friday at El Rio in the Mission and you can expect something new every time including musical acts, comedy, drag, and, of course, the art of burlesque. // 3158 Mission (Mission), redhotsburlesque.com
Urban Putt
Urban Putt
A two-story bar, restaurant, and miniature golf course is perfect for adults (mercifully, no kids allowed on the course after 8pm) with fun holes designed by local artists, including a steampunk-esque submarine. // 1096 South Van Ness (Mission), urbanputt.com
Yamasho
Yamasho
This tucked-away karaoke lounge just off Polk offers private rooms for the shyer singers to keep vocal stylings amongst friends — really, is the world ready for your rendition of It's All Coming Back to Me Now? — along with discounted rates on rooms during any of their off-hours and weekdays. They also offer Japanese food and sushi to accompany any and all misguided renditions of Don’t Stop Believin’. // 1161 Post (TenderNob), yamasho-sf.com
Find the whole damn 2015 Nightlife Guide, from cocktail hour to late night party dens, here.