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Red Devil Lounge: A variety of independent rock bands performs in this intimate, sassy space (clad in comfy booths and red Chinese paper lanterns); on Sundays there's a movie in addition to the live show. 1695 Polk (at Clay), 921-1695.
Rick’s Restaurant & Bar: Quality local combos provide live jazz and blues during Rick’s popular Sunday brunch, but the best entertainment at this island-themed Sunset District bar ’n’ grill happens on the first Monday of every month, when Rick hosts a luau, replete with authentic fare and Hawaiian tunes. Grass skirts highly recommended. 1940 Taraval (at 29th Ave.), 731-8900.
Rickshaw Stop: Though the Rickshaw’s unmarked facade makes it a little difficult to find, you’ll receive ample rewards for the search. Here it’s possible to double-fist a Pabst and a corn dog while enjoying some of the most progressive DJs and bands in the city. Particular props to the biweekly “Loaded” party, a night dedicated to “bands that can actually play and DJs that can actually mix.” 155 Fell (at Van Ness), 861-2011.
Rite Spot Cafe: Folk and jazz dominate the Spot's ever-improving ambience. A perfect place to see live music and sit comfortably while noshing on a plate of your favorite carbohydrates. 2099 Folsom (at 17th St.), 552-6066.
Roccapulco: Salsa dancing is the featured attraction at this gigantic Mission District supper club, which loves nothing more than a great party (including annual extravaganzas for Mardi Gras and Carnaval). 3140 Mission (at Cesar Chavez), 648-6611.
RoHan Lounge: DJs spinning vintage funk and modern downtempo grooves in this cozy den valiantly compete for attention with smooth yet potent soju cocktails and a creative Korean take on tapas. 3809 Geary (at Second Ave.), 221-5095.
Rose Pistola: Call for the schedule of live jazz at this restaurant known for its hearty and decadent Italian family-style fare. 532 Columbus (at Stockton), 399-0499.
Ruby Skye: One of San Francisco's most well-heeled dance clubs, this multilevel bar is host to steamy house-music DJs (with several special guests and events each month), weekly concerts, and corporate parties. 420 Mason (at Geary), 693-0777.
Sacred Grounds Cafe: This Haight local claims to be S.F.'s oldest coffeehouse, which provides a clue to its musical tastes. It has an assortment of weekly comedy and poetry nights, but the pass-the-hat musical performances are mostly acoustic troubadours, open mike jam sessions, and, well, coffeehouse music. 2085 Hayes (at Cole), 387-3859.
Saloon: Revered for its daily live blues performances, the Saloon also has the rugged distinction of having survived the 1906 earthquake and standing as the oldest bar in San Francisco (opened in 1861). 1232 Grant (at Columbus), 989-7666.
San Francisco Brewing Co.: The ambience of Cheers if you replaced Norm and Cliff with tourists, plus live jazz and blues on varying weekday nights. What it lacks in elegance it makes up for with damn tasty beer. 155 Columbus (at Jackson), 434-3344.
Savanna Jazz Club: Formerly the Voodoo Lounge, Savanna stands out in its Outer Mission neighborhood. It's as if a North Beach jazz club dropped a spore on Valencia. Intimate and comfortable, with accents of fake plastic plants, Savanna presents live jazz nightly, along with dinner and drinks at a reasonable price. 2937 Mission (at 25th St.), 285-3369.
Shanghai 1930: Opulent and unique, Shanghai 1930 includes a Chinese restaurant, a jazz venue with nightly live performances from several local bands, and a members-only cigar lounge. 133 Steuart (at Mission), 896-5600.
Simple Pleasures Cafe: This low-key Outer Richmond mainstay has been a favorite of poets and folkie songwriters since it opened in the '70s. While people can take in a book and a pint in the quiet back room, the stage out front hosts low-volume sets of acoustic rock, folk, and the occasional plugged-in pop band. 3434 Balboa (at 35th Ave.), 387-4022.
Skip's Tavern: Skip's could have been plucked from the roadside of a flyover state by a huge tornado and dropped -- scruffy patrons and all -- into Bernal Heights. It's more heartland than highbrow. Despite a long legal battle with ASCAP, guitar heroes of the neighborhood parade across the corner stage every night for no cover, offering electric blues licks by the bushel. 453 Cortland (at Andover), 282-3456.
Skylark Lounge: A dandy DJ bar with grand, high ceilings (which must have looked even grander when smokers reigned supreme in our nightlife). During one visit, a group of elimiDATE-rs walked in and, with much dissatisfaction, walked out. Our point? We love and thank Skylark. 3089 16th St. (at Valencia), 621-9294.
Slim's: A midsize rock club hosting up-and-coming bands as well as established underground favorites. High ceilings and plenty of space mean less claustrophobia but also less intimacy. 333 11th St. (at Folsom), 255-0333.
Sno-drift: Bay Area snow bunnies delight in the décor of this kitschy, Alpine-themed destination. Whether throwing back highballs to the thump of house music in the front or grooving to hip hop in the back, upper-crust clubbers pack the place on the weekends. Though Sno-drift doesn't house the city's busiest dance floors, DJs in both rooms spin quality sets into the wee hours. 1830 Third St. (at 16th St.), 431-4766.
Soluna Café & Lounge: Nestled right in the bleeding heart of the Civic Center, it's the best place, next to City Hall, to have a good laugh and a good time. Funk and world beats dominate the popular club nights at this spacious restaurant and lounge. 272 McAllister (at Larkin), 621-2200.
Space 550: Uses for this 15,000-square-foot venue, with its multiple levels of dance floors and lounges, vary widely, from gay-centric house music sweat-downs to underground hip hop DJ contests and breakbeat/drum 'n' bass nights. 550 Barneveld (between Industrial and Oakdale), 550-8286.
The Stud: Although small and cramped when packed, the Stud rules over other gay clubs with some of the best local and national DJs, innovative club nights ("Trannyshack" and "Guilty," to name just two), and overall atmosphere. The "smoking lounge" outside the entrance is a club scene in and of itself. 399 Ninth St. (at Harrison), 252-7883.
