San Francisco is known for its active nightlife, hip crowds, and awesome music scene. The Mission District in particular is home to some of the best San Francisco concert venues, ranging from tiny, hidden alleyway secrets to sweeping concert halls. Whether you’re looking for an intimate experience or a crazy night out, there’s a music venue perfect for you. Check out our top five suggestions below for the best concert venues in the Mission:
1. The Lost Church
65 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
If you’re looking for a unique, historic venue that has stayed true to itself over the years, you can find it in The Lost Church. This humble haven has been the center of many an artsy endeavor in the San Francisco area. Originally built in 1904 and refurbished in the late ’70s, this intimate venue is also a multimedia production studio; it features a very small stage under low lighting with a simple red curtain backdrop, and just a few rows of chairs, where audiences enjoy acts of both local and national notoriety.
2. Brick & Mortar Music Hall
1710 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
This classy little venue features old-school decor, including a breathtaking chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Conveniently within walking distance from BART, the Brick & Mortar Music Hall is an especially comfortable space for a new concertgoer. This old venue features fantastic sound and an eclectic but well-niched taste in mostly indie and singer-songwriter acts, making it a great place to catch an acoustic set. The drinks and cover costs are notably inexpensive for the area, and lines inside are kept short thanks to the multiple bars.
3. Amnesia
853 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Amnesia offers a versatile and worthwhile concert experience. Regular DJs fill the time between themed sets on various nights of the week, including jazz open jams on Wednesdays, bluegrass on Mondays, and comedy open mic nights on Tuesdays. Known for showcasing eclectic and unusual acts, Amnesia is the kind of place where you’ll find unusual instruments, dance, theater, and other interesting variations on your typical bar entertainment. The crowd it attracts is diverse and laid-back, less rowdy than your typical bar – notice the sign on their wall that reads “BE NICE OR LEAVE – THIS IS A GROWN FOLKS’ ESTABLISHMENT” – so if you’re looking for a night on the town that feels more post-college than college, this is a great hangout for you.
4. Mighty
119 Utah Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
This somewhat-hidden venue is a cross between a dive bar and a club, featuring predominantly guest DJs rather than full bands. The two full bars in two separate rooms minimize the lines and allow crowds to take in two atmospheres for one cheap cover charge. The audience is often “regulars” in the area, as the venue has a strong vibe of community. Unlike other San Francisco concert venues, Mighty boasts a reasonable amount of free parking nearby.
5. Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
This friendly neighborhood venue exemplifies the best of San Francisco, featuring original music every night of the week, a great food menu, and exceptional sound thanks to the room’s ideal acoustics. Bands and performers represent sounds across indie, alternative, folk, funk, punk, pop, and rock genres, and the venue invites performers to mingle with the crowd between and after their sets. Also, this is a rare venue that hosts 18+ shows, so your younger friends don’t have to miss out!
When you’re close to the Mission, there’s something exciting to do every night of the week. Break out of your shell and try a new experience, explore some new music, and have a great night at one of these San Francisco concert venues. You won’t regret it!
Photos by cherrilakey, potential past, Brett L.
Suzy S.