5 Fun Sized Music Venues In San Francisco

Huge music festivals and concerts featuring big artists are fun, but let’s not forget where some of those people started out. In addition to introducing potentially big musicians only recently emerging, some of the smallest venues provide the best, most fun settings to enjoy live entertainment. Luckily, the San Francisco area is chock full of unique and stimulating music venues filled with a lot of character, despite their being more compact.

Slim’s

Arguably the most popular venue on the list, Slim’s has been known to accommodate many amazing artists and bands ranging from Radiohead to Prince to San Cisco to the Bay Area’s own Finish Ticket. It offers a rustic vibe with its wooden ceilings, brick walls, and cozy balcony level. The stage’s dropdown projector screen allows for some visual stimulation during those usually long and otherwise boring set changes. Along with the rest of the places on this list, Slim’s provides a bar, which hugs a back corner of the main level.Slim’s 333 11th Street San Francisco CA, USA +1 415.255.0333

On the other side of an exterior vibrant purple mural depicting an octopus-like creature, Rickshaw Stop provides an intimate and eccentric environment for all comers and goers. The space is decorated with large red velvet curtains lining the walls, actual rickshaws about the floor, and hanging lights crossing the ceiling. Visit a Thursday or Friday Popscene club night to enjoy DJs including the usual Aaron Axelsen of the Bay Area’s Live 105, or visit one Wednesday each month for Nerd Nite to hear lectures on a variety of subjects.Rickshaw Stop 155 Fell Street San Francisco CA, USA +1 415.861.2011

The Chapel

As a recently renovated historical establishment, The Chapel’s interior aesthetic—including gothic arched wooden beams—turns nearly any musical performance into a religious experience. Like Slim’s and Rickshaw Stop, The Chapel provides a mezzanine level that fits particularly well under its high ceiling. Located in the thriving and edgy Mission District, it sits close enough to many restaurants and bars one can visit before or after a show; although, the building does include its own delicious full sized dining and bar accommodations, The Vestry Restaurant and Chapel Bar, both of which are open seven nights a week.The Chapel 777 Valencia Street San Francisco CA, USA +1 415.551.5157

Bottom of the Hill

Literally at the bottom of a hill, this venue is a popular site for a variety of musical performers, ranging from a friend’s cousin’s band to Bowling for Soup (scheduled to perform on September 18). The space probably equates to a decently sized living room, which almost makes shows feel like the most fun house party ever. Bottom of the Hill is fully equipped with a kitchen that opens when the doors do and remains open throughout the rest of the performance(s). Anyone in need of some fresh air may also enjoy himself/herself on the outdoor patio.Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th Street San Francisco CA, USA +1 415.626.4455

Sweetwater Music Hall

Beyond San Francisco, just north of the city in the town of Mill Valley, resides Sweetwater Music Hall and Café. Adjacent to the dining area of the building, the Music Hall emits a unique sense of intimacy and familiarity. Seating is available all along the perimeter. Guests can easily become acquainted with those close to them, since the Music Hall is filled with amicable patrons. Servers lap the floor offering great food and beverages. One of the best parts is the Sweetwater crowd is not a tight, claustrophobia inducing mob. Live music has never been more comfortable.Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley CA, USA +1 415.388.3850 By Blanche Minoza

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.