SF has a long history of dinner theaters, cabarets, comedy shows, and other opportunities to enjoy great food and an incredible show. These locations range from extraordinary movie theaters to jazz clubs, magic shows to circus performances, and so much more. Here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy dinner and a show in San Francisco.
1. Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi
Club Fugazi’s extraordinary show Dear San Francisco is a 90-minute thrill ride of music, storytelling, acrobatics, juggling, trapeze, and other jaw-dropping circus acts. The underlying story told throughout the show serves as “a love letter to SF” that will resonate with locals and visitors alike. While not strictly “dinner,” Club Fugazi does offer a tasty menu of small plates and drinks served throughout the evening. With guests seated in the front of the stage and on the stage itself, it’s a truly immersive experience.
🌐 Learn more: Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi
📍 Location: North Beach • 678 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133
2. AsiaSF
For anyone who hasn’t attended an AsiaSF show, you’re in for a treat courtesy of the Ladies of AsiaSF. The all-transgender cast performs lip-synched, cabaret-style shows with choreographed dancing atop a dramatic red runway stage in the middle of the dining room. Each performer has her own unique style which ranges from popular dance songs to comedic numbers. This world-famous show is a feast for the senses.
After 26 years, the Ladies presented their final performance in AsiaSF’s original SoMa location in April of 2024. These days, they are continuing with intermittent pop-up performances with “bigger news on the horizon.”
🌐 Reservations: AsiaSF
📍 Location: Pop-up performances at locations around San Francisco
3. Jay Alexander at the Marrakech Magic Theater
Master magician, mentalist, and comic, Jay Alexander, is one of the top corporate and society entertainers in the country, but his home theater is right here in SF. When you attend a show you’re invited to enjoy cocktails and Moroccan-inspired dishes while Alexander performs pre-show sleight-of-hand at your table. The show features magic, mentalism, and intriguing psychological feats.
🌐 Reservations: Jay Alexander Mind Tricks Live Show
📍 Location: Tenderloin • 419 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
4. Tonga Room at The Fairmont
This historic tiki bar and restaurant, located in the basement of the Fairmont Hotel, never disappoints. The drinks and food are delicious, and the house band performs tropical and exotic tunes from a floating stage. The whole place is over the top, in the best way, and you’re bound to have an extraordinary night.
🌐 Learn more: Tonga Room
📍 Location: Nob Hill • Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
5. Foreign Cinema
This romantic restaurant in the Mission projects films on its lovely outdoor patio adorned with gently glowing string lights. Enjoy Californian-Mediterranean fare including exquisite oysters and shellfish, creative salads, and seasonal entrees. The vintage films change every few weeks and always add to the upscale ambiance.
🌐 Learn more: Foreign Cinema
📍 Location: Mission District • 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
6. The Black Cat
This jazz supper club evokes the energy and feel of New York City jazz clubs, featuring talented musicians from across the globe. They offer main-floor dining by the stage and dining tables/booths with partial views, as well as high-top/counter dining seats available downstairs. The food ranges from crab and caviar deviled eggs to an herb-crusted lamb chop, with plenty of variety to suit most tastes.
🌐 Reservations: Jay Alexander Mind Tricks Live Show
📍 Location: Tenderloin • 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109
7. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
This extraordinary movie theater offers a full menu of food and drinks during their showing, with servers discreetly checking in during the film. The menu ranges from bottomless popcorn bowls and boozy shakes to delicious burgers, pizzas, and more. The theater is known for its mix of blockbuster and first-run films, mixed with a healthy amount of arthouse, independent, and classic movies.
🌐 Reservations: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
📍 Location: Mission District • 2550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
8. The Punch Line
This famed SF comedy club also serves pretty tasty food. They host local and touring comedians and are considered “the best club in the U.S.A” by comedian Dave Chapelle, who has played here regularly since the early ’90s. The food is fairly standard pub fare ranging from nachos to flatbread pizzas and creative cocktails. As will most comedy clubs there is a two-drink minimum, but it’s a small price to pay for a night of laughter.
🌐 Reservations: Punch Line SF
📍 Location: Embarcadero • 444 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111
9. Cobb’s Comedy Club
Cobb’s Comedy Club is a 400-seat venue that offers a full dinner menu, bar, and extraordinary comedy talent from across the country. Since 1982 they’ve hosted such names as Dana Carvey, Jo Koy, Ron Funches, and Bill Burr. Keep in mind that admission is first-come, first-served.
🌐 Learn more: Cobb’s Comedy Club
📍 Location: Russian Hill • 915 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Edited by Jamie Ferrell