Cafe du Nord

Descend the stairs beneath the Swedish American Hall and you'll find yourself in one of San Francisco's most atmospheric music rooms. Cafe du Nord opened as a speakeasy during Prohibition and has operated in various forms ever since, with the current incarnation preserving the dark wood, low ceilings, and intimate vibe that made the original famous. The room holds about 320 people and books an eclectic mix of indie rock, folk, jazz, and experimental acts. The curved bar and candlelit tables create the feeling of a secret gathering place, which is exactly what it was a century ago. The venue underwent a major renovation in 2015 that preserved its historic character while upgrading the sound system. It remains one of the city's most romantic spots to catch a show, particularly for acoustic and singer-songwriter performances.