San Francisco Improv Theater
965 Mission Street. SF, CA
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415-896-6477
Theatre, performance, music, art and comedy
Events at upcoming.org

Armory 
1800 Mission 
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Possibly the largest entertainment venue in the Mission
Site of one of the more memorable dot.com dot.gone battles in 2000. The Armory has been empty for decades. Consisting of 52 classrooms on Mission Street, a large gym suitable for college games and two huge floors underground which are often filled with water. Bob Kruezberger, local Mission historian, is frustrated that no would be developers ever discuss the Armory's history as a surgeon's college pre -UCSF. This structure, a historic landmark, is one of the most challenging development projects in the Bay Area. 
The redevelopment of the 1914 brick structure at 1800 Mission St. has frustrated many over the years. David Bracker, the executive director of Arriba Juntos, a job-training program for low-income residents located next door to the Armory left the Mission in 2000 partly due to his frustration with those who rather keep it empty in the name of neighborhood preservation.  more by sfbg.com

El Teatro de la Esperanza || map
2940 16 St., 2nd Fl. (16th @ Mission) San Francisco, CA 94103
phone: 415.255.2320
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Mission Neighborhood Centers Inc. (MNC)  search google
365 Capp Street & 8 other locations south of Market Street 
Small auditoriums with stages at 365 Capp (near 18th St) and Precita Youth Center 
534 Precita Avenue in Bernal Heights
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producers of Carnaval SF, the greatest multicultural show ever celebrated and the pride of the Mission carnavalsf.com

Victoria theatre  
2961 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
415-863-7576 voice 415-863-8551 fax
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The Victoria theatre, built in 1908 as a vaudeville house, is now a city landmark and the oldest operating theatre in San Francisco. Stages plays, shows 16 & 35 MM films and hosts lectures seats 500. Originally called Brown's Opera House, it was operated as a vaudeville showcase by the ancestors of two California governors Locally produced original plays, concerts, film festivals (the theatre has 16mm and 35mm capability), musicals, international performing companies and many other kinds of performances.
  the Victoria has been home to some of the most original and outlandish performances that I can remember... it felt as though I was in a family room during a neighborhood party or something.

Mission High School
3750 18^th Street (at Dolores) across the street from Dolores Park
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Mission High School is ideally situated in the Mission District across the street from Dolores Park, a beautifully maintained urban open space.  Mission High boasts a 2,000 person auditorium, a dance studio, theater space, numerous classrooms for workshops, and more.  

New College     
776 Valencia St. (Theater), 766 Valencia St. (Cultural Center)
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two halls which could handle small crowds of less than 200

Roxie Film Center    
3117 16th Street, San Francisco (415)863-1087  
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300-seat main auditorium and upcoming 60 seat 2nd theatre next door The only regularly operating movie theatre in the Mission District is  San Francisco's oldest operating movie house. Opened in 1913 as The Poppy, then The Rex and finally The Roxie. Since 1976 the venue has served as a screening room for cult, classic, independent underground feature films. documentaries and offbeat repertory programming.  

Since 1984 Bill Banning, has been the CEO  of both the theatre and film distribution company.Roxie Releasing was born in 1985 and is always looking for something great overlooked by the big boys. Among its notable successes are  KURT AND COURTNEY (complete with lawsuit threats from Courtney Love) and VINCENT, a documentary on painter Vincent Van Gogh, In April 2002 the showing of the Last Picture Show announced as a fundraiser to prevent eviction but a long running hit did the trick much better. Still other challenges remain such as the possibility of competition from a theatre showing similar fare at the Presidio possibly operated Sundance Films and maybe the SF film festival and (Robert Redford has a home in Tiburon).

In late 2005, the Roxie Cinema was acquired by New College of California and renamed Roxie Film Center. In addition to continuing its operations as an innovative cinema, the Roxie now doubles as a classroom for New College's Media Studies Department, as well as a place to hold special events. Through the relationship with New College, the Roxie is evolving into an educational institution for film-lovers and the film business, and will help perpetuate the future of independent film by nurturing film students. The theater's long-time programmer, Bill Banning, continues as artistic director 
Nice indie cinema with a lively crowd.... This is a great example of substance over style. A bastion for small, independent films. This tiny, decrepit theater features the most daring and edgy films and documentaries in the whole of San Francisco... Proof positive that you don't need fancy pants surroundings when you have something worthwile to project onto the screen.

Everett Middle School  google search
450 Church Street, San Francisco, California 94114 ph 415 241 6344
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Everett has a very nice wide auditorium with elegant entry on the J-Church metro, plush seating and good sight lines.

LGBT Center  
1800 Market Street at Octavia 
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At the entry to the Mission from Market Street 
The country's only Lesbian Gay Bi Transgender Center built from the ground up. A mix of low-rent meeting rooms, large assembly spaces, performance venues, exhibition areas, and non-profit offices. You can find dozens of space options available for rental including the 400 person capacity Rainbow Room.

Locus Arts
180 Capp Street
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A Traveling Jewish Theatre | map 
470 Florida St. (between 17th & Mariposa) San Francisco, CA 94110
phone: 415.399.1809
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In the polyglot tradition of Jewish culture, ATJT speaks many languages. It speaks poetry and it speaks story. It speaks secular Yiddish humanism and ecstatic mysticism. It speaks world history and women's wisdom. It speaks jazz and sacred chant. It speaks Jewish and it speaks American.

ODC Theatre  | map

3153 17th St @ Shotwell St San Francisco, CA 94117
Box Office: 415-863-9834
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ODC was the first modern dance company in America to build its own home facility in 1979, from which it operates the ODC School, the ODC Theater, and the ODC Gallery. In September 2005, ODC opened its new 23,000 square foot performing arts center, the ODC Dance Commons, increasing its studio and performing space to 33,000 square feet. Through their various programs ODC strives to inspire audiences, cultivate artists, engage community, and foster diversity and inclusion through dance performance, training, and mentorship. There are plans to create five additional studios, the largest of which will measure 54 by 60 feet, with ceiling heights of 25 feet. five large studios, lockers, showers, a "Healthy Dancers" clinic, a community lounge, a pilates center, gallery spaces, and more.

In March 2006, the Rhythm and Motion Dance Center, with its global dance and dance workout programs, to the ODC Dance Commons. Great space to see dance- intimate seating, but the performance space is surprisingly big.  Terrific lighting work

Theatre or Project Artaud Theatre

450 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94110
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google search   
For most of the nineties, this was the premier modern dance forum on the West Coast. Owned by artist cooperative housing group in the same complex. Using the seats hold 280; with seats collapsed will do 420. For significant expense can move the stage back into the backstage area.
It's a cozy gathering place for people of all types to watch good, cutting-edge artsy theater.  If you want to get a feel for the arts scene in San Francisco at its most primal level (art for arts sake and artists doing anything to do what they love) . . . Project Artaud is a place to take you there.

Theatre of Yugen/Noh Space  map

2840 Mariposa St. (between Florida & Alabama) box office: 415.621.7978
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Founded in 1978 to bring traditional Japanese aesthetics to American audiences, Yugen also works with modern Japanese and experimental fusion works. Noh Space, an  intimate & inviting 65-seat theater 

Mission/SOMA Border

Timkin Hall - California College of Arts

1111 Eighth Street
(415) 703-9500
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Venue 9  map
252 Ninth St. (Ninth @ Folsom)San Francisco, CA 94103
phone: 415.626.2169info/reservations: 415.289.2000
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Footloose produces new and original work with emphasis on emerging artists  The company also often co-produces making its affordable, rental facility (Venue 9) and a rehearsal, class and low-tech performance space (Shotwell Studios) available for the entire arts community.  

Dalva
Night Life, Art

3121 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 252-7740
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there's something beautiful and intriguing about the dark and unrefined interior of Dalva. After a few drinks, you'll find your eyes lingering on the latest artwork that adorn the walls and the strange, artsy films that play silently in the background ... Good live DJ most nights, and the best part for me: a proper wine selection. They have nonstandard beers on tap as well. I love this sweet little Mission institution.

Delirium
Night Life, Dive
3139 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 552-5525
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ill ass dive. narrow ass hallway when you walk in. the drinks were not soooo cheap, but they were well priced. crowd was indie type o' style... Funky corner Mission bar with cheap drinks. Nothing special but the best in the area ... Friday and Saturday nights are crowded and crazy, with lots shaggy-haired, coked-out, 20-something kids spilling out onto the sidewalk.  
The scene kinda feels like a reenactment of Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield" video.

Kilowatt
Night Life, Dive, Pool
3160 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 861-2595
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great place, hot bartenders, nice pool tables. on sunday night they have free pool so you need to be good in order to actually play more than one game. There is a good jukebox, a few pool tables, pinball machines, darts, and it never fails that any conversation can suddenly be interrupted by someone wanting to talk about Metallica. 

Elixir
Night Life

3200 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 552-1633
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Completely chill and low-key atmosphere. It's not all that unlike a tiny little modern-day saloon that draws a very down-to-earth crowd. The owner will explain that it's a historic spot, located on a corner where the first saloons in SF opened, right next to the Mission... Impressive rum and tequila selection! Comfortably downmarket without actually entering (too far into) the realm of divey.  

Zeitgeist
Night Life

199 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 255-7505
Notorious Mission hangout for bike messengers and hipsters.
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I hate sunshine, and yet somehow a sunny afternoon on the patio at Zeitgeist is ok by me... This place is nifty (yeah I said nifty), not only for the smart assy allure of their stickers and sayings above the bar ("TIP YOU BASTARDS" being my personal fave), but the people are really friendly and approachable. 

Elbo Room
Night Life, Dive

647 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 552-7788
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It's good place to go with some work friends or on a date, but if you're looking for a classic "Mission dive bar", this isn't it.  It's pretty clean-cut.  One of my friends even took her parents here... I've never had a bad time at the Elbo. Whether I'm upstairs rockin' it or downstairs for a super chill happy hour during the week, I'm digging this place. ...  the interior is dim and lit red to red orange, and is mostly wooden.  each pillar upstairs has a nifty spot for you to set down your drink.  the wall to the left facing the stage has a large mirror, just perfect for those who can't dance so that they can witness themselves and realize in embarrasment how visually disturbing their uncoordinated body gyrations are.

500 Club
Night Life, Dive
500 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, CA 94101
(415) 861-2500
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If you want strong drinks, a very strong jukebox, and a strong dose of hipsters, then the 500 club is your spot... I have photos from the booth that should be burned, but they are essential, harsh reminders about the dangers of excess. The barstaff are sexy even when they're surly. Dog friendly makes it a bonus...
What a bar! Excellent jukebox-- "everybody was kung fu fighting!"

Wilde Oscar's
Night Life, Pub

1900 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 621-7145
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I've always met some interesting folks here, good bartenders, good food too. Very accomodating about doing a private event as well... The fish and chips are off the hook!!!  The best place in town as far as I know... I came to regard Wilde Oscar's as a haven.  It's an Irish Pub with very Irish, female owners, and the vibe is kind of gay, in a good way.

Rite  Spot Cafe
Night Life, Restaurant, Art

2099 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 552-6066
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I still think of it as a bar but I guess it is technically a restaurant.  Excellent crunchy-on-the-edges-fried ravioli;  eat'em while they're hot! When the live act isn't going they play good music, the crowd is anything from local contractor to first date, and I think Sheri pointed out it feels like you're in a David Lynch movie... As my grandma says, "Always remember who you are," so it's good to drink $3.50 house chianti now and then to keep it real. I'd go back, but maybe not for dinner."... Definitely a dive, but one with ambitions.  Some mighty strange artwork, both permanent and on exhibit.

Pink
Night Life, DJ, Dance Club

2925 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 431-8889
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One of the best places to dance or just lounge out in san francisco. Very upscale decor as well as clientel. The grooves are hypnotic and the vibes good... t has transformed into a hot, upscale, sexy club.  The music is always incredible, and so are the hosts and all the crew at Pink... The club PINK is the standout club in the Bay Area for one main reason, the music! It draws the most amazing DJ's from all over to spin in this sexy, unique and all together original venue in SF's Mission District.

Circolo

Restaurant, Lounge
500 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 553-8521
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I fell in love with everything on their menu. The setting, the service, the drinks, and the food all combine to make a great dinner experience. Bonus: if you have a late dinner here, you can just stay and party too ... The bar is sleek - this was after all the old Gordon's space redone in black - and the food is actually really good. Try the appetizer trio so you can select from some fun small plates like shrimp chile rellenos and beef empanadas. One of their siganture entrees is a rack of lamb, which is fantastic. Get some fried rice and arepas on the side and you are good to go. There is also the new 'wa' room on the side, which is cool for private events, but also gets hot and heavy on the weekends.

Portrero Brewing Company
Night Life, Brewery
535 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 552-1967
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I found this little Brewery tucked away in a rather industrial looking building. Great home Brews, a fun atmosphere in an unlikely place. It's worth a look-see!

Whisper

Night Life, Patio, DJ, Dance Club
535 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 252-9442
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Whisper has a really big smoking area with a mini-bar outside.  I personally don't smoke, but going outside to get air in their patio is pretty cool... i like the fact that there are two floors, two dancefloors to spread the traffic around and that there is a outdoor patio with small bar so you can get some fresh air or a smoke (i don't but it's convenient for friends that do).

Cort Jr Robert
Night Life
1890 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 437-2337
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Verdi Club

Night Life, Dancing, DJ
2424 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 861-9199
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On Thursday nights, one of the most well-known milongas in the bay area happens here. Dress to the nines, don't forget your dancing shoes, and Tango your little heart out... Tuesday nights have never been this fun. Stompy Jones is a perfect match for the decor of the Verdi Club, and when people dress up, swing dancing is even MORE fun!

Sadie's Flying Elephant
Night Life, Pool
491 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 551-7988
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Sadie's is a true dive bar (popcorn machine, some sketchy furniture, tagged walls, a jukebox, pool, and peanut shells on the floor).  Word on the street is that the "tamale lady" stops by here frequently, which means the place must be doing alright... It's very clean. Possibly one of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen in a bar. The crowd is generally well-dressed (very hip) and they have all the top shelf liquor you could want. I think to be a "dive" bar you have to have some crusty old dudes permafixed to some stools at the end of the bar, and a pervasive smell of beer vomit... The jukebox has Peaches, Cibo Matto, lots of old school punk, Jesus and Mary Chain, and lots more goodies.

Mighty
Night Life, DJ, Dance Club

119 Utah Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 762-0151
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Don't go on a lark, but if you know a good DJ is throwing down, it's the pefect space. It's a "club" space without the clad in all black and wearing sunglasses at night crowd atmosphere.  If you want a VIP room, go to LA... The crowds are chill for the most part and in the my experience the bartenders not only pour well, they are actually surprisingly courteous, which is far too rare in venue like this one.

Slim's
Night Life, Live Music, Dining

333 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 255-0333
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I can't remember the sound ever sucking here, and the size and feel of this venue is great. It's a cool place to catch your favorite up-and-coming band before they blow up! ... The tickets tend to be a lot cheaper than other venues and they have all different levels of artists, big or small... I also like the fact that under-age kids can also come here to watch a good act.  Now I have a place I can bring my little bro!!

Butter
Night Life, DJ, Dining

354 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 863-5964
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They have a drink named 'Bitchin Camaro' (Dr. Pepper and Cap Morgan.. should be a Mr. Pibb instead of Dr. Pepper, but nobody here would know what that is huh).  The tater tots a few nights back were perhaps the best I have ever had.  And where else can you order spaghetti-o's in a paper bowl? ... I must admit that was pretty surprised by the quality of their tater tots-- hot, crispy, salty, and deliciously greasy! The deep fried Twinkie wasn't nearly as bad as it sounds and you should really try one at least once... I'm a big fan of any place that sells 40s.  The tater tots and fried twinkies definitely complete the cycle for me, and I'll look forward to heading back again soon.

DNA Lounge
Night Life, DJ, Dance Club

375 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 626-1409
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I can't decide if I like DNA or not. Pluses include nice bartenders, intense bass from the soundsystem, nice lighting, cool layout, adequate ventilation, and tons of bouncers that throw out assholes. Minuses include stainless steel toilets without seats (um, and no toilet seat covers=ew!), overhead pipes that were dripping water onto the benches (and onto me), and $3 bottles of water...  The DNA lounge is my favorite place to go for a club event or concert. Its very professionally run, always tidy and the drinks are always good. They're big on technology so they've got a blog and a live video & audio stream from the club, which I reccomend that you check out.

Eagle Tavern
Night Life, Gay Bar

398 12th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 626-0880
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A leather bar, mostly. But what makes the Eagle great is that it became a great, not-necessarily gay, live music venue when the dot-com boom f***ed all that up... i recommend getting really drunk and rolling over the fire pit. another one of those great bars where depravity is acceptable and nobody ever gets in your face about anything... I'm straight, but I love coming here for a show on Thursdays when the bear scene invites the indie-music scene to cross-pollenate.

Powerhouse
Night Life, Gay Bar
1347 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 552-8689
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The Powerhouse, is not a leather bar, but some leather men go there. It is not an S&M bar, but you can catch a good flogging there now and then.  The beers are cheap at happy hour, just a $1 for a high life.  On a good night there are at least 5 porn stars there. The bartenders and bar-backs are hot and nice guys.  The porn is tame, but hey at least there's porn.  the wrestling nights are hot and steamy, and testosterone fills the room.... Yeah it's shady! Yeah it's dark and seedy and a leather bar! Yes that's vintage porn playing on the tvs behind the bar!

WISH
Night Life, DJ
1539 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 431-1661
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i WISH the bartendress hadn't made such delicious manhattans so that i might have arrived at work sober this morning. god help me, i can't see the keyboard...  i really dig this place.  low lighting, chill music, stiff drinks, and hot bartenders.  yeah, i might be a straight girl, but i still appreciate a pretty face behind the bar! ... Small and dark, with a couple of *very* skilled bartenders and a beautiful selection of the sauce. It's refreshingly clean and chic, without being too lounge-y. Also, not overpriced for what they serve. All around, a classy bar.

The Stud
Night Life, Gay Bar

399 9th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 863-6623
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The music and crowd is always FUN FUN FUN.  Trannyshack on Tuesdays is ALWAYS good times and they sure pack em in!  Both, quite the institution and worth the visit.  LOVE this place... trannyshack* alone would earn the stud 5 stars but everytime i have been here (more times than i can count on one hand okay two hands!) i am welcomed with open arms by some of the nicest bartenders and patrons this city has to offer and i don't even have a penis! ... This is the place you want to go if you want to dance dance dance and only dance.  The men are hot and plentiful, but are all gay gay gay.  So if you're a gay man, then by all means, this is where you want to be and if you are a