Bimbo’s 365 Club

What you need to know

Bimbo’s 365 Club has been operating in North Beach since 1951. The interior hasn’t changed much: red velvet booths, a big dance floor, Art Deco details, and a small window behind the bar where a woman appears to swim in a fishbowl. (It’s a mirror trick. She’s actually in a tank below the bar.) The room holds about 700 and still feels like the kind of place where you should have dressed up a little.

What to Expect

The booking covers rock, indie, soul, country, jazz, and the occasional comedy or burlesque night. The room attracts artists who specifically want to play a venue with character rather than a generic club. Sound is good. Sightlines are good from most of the room thanks to a slightly elevated stage and a gently sloped floor.

Most shows are general admission standing with some booth seating around the perimeter. The booths are first come, first served unless specifically reserved for VIP. The bar is well stocked and reasonably priced by San Francisco standards.

Visiting

1025 Columbus Avenue, North Beach. Shows typically start between 8 and 9 PM. Tickets range from $25 to $60 depending on the act. The venue’s website and calendar is straightforward. Some shows sell out, especially nostalgia or genre acts with loyal followings.

North Beach has no shortage of places to eat before a show. Walk down Columbus Avenue in either direction and you’ll find Italian restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Getting There

The 30 Stockton and 45 Union buses both run near Columbus Avenue. From BART, it’s a 15 minute walk from Montgomery station through North Beach, or a short rideshare. Street parking is possible but challenging at night. The Vallejo Street Garage and North Beach Garage are both within a few blocks.

Skip this if you want a modern, no frills club. This is a time capsule, and that’s the draw.

📍 Location: This activity is in North Beach. Explore the neighborhood →