Boom Boom Room

11/18/2006 Posted by dmenkes

I used to live down the street and became a regular here. I don't even remember what the cover is because the doorman got to know me and I could just walk in. After work, I would usually walk down here after dinner in Japantown, grab something at the bar, and chill out against the wall--sometimes I'd parouse the dance floor, but usually I would just sit back and chill out to the smooth Jazz sounds. Every once in a while, someone really different would arrive on stage and make me take notice. Latex Funk Machine, if they're still around, was one of my favorites. Almost a mix between funk and soul, they bring up undertones of Red Hot Chili Peppers, but with their own unique voice. I'd go back just to hear them again! The editorial review of BBR is accurate in that it is gritty, and homeless people have been known to get in on Monday nights when there is no cover. Sometimes they'd strike up interesting conversation or ask for a couple bucks to get a drink, but mostly they'd just sit at the back and try to keep warm. This place is definitely warm.

Pros: great bands

Cons: limited parking, sketchy area late at night

09/20/2006 Posted by mistaken

checked out 'vinyl' @ bbr recently & the venue couldn't be beat. the jamband tore it up, the drinks were stiff, the grrls were cute. the doormen & bartender were solid. no idea how i got home that night, but vividly remember shaken my butt with my date and another fox on the floor. shake that thinggg. holy damn - i mean boom boom; this is why i live here!

06/10/2006 Posted by kanrachan

I loved the spot and the music, but the service was absolutely horrible. I tried to buy tickets on the web as it states for $12, but it wouldn't go through. So, ended up paying $15 at the door. I ordered grey goose and vodka, but the bartender didn't hear me. So I ended up with some gasoline tasting vodka, & when I asked her to remake it saying I totally didn't mind paying the difference, she accused me of lying saying I didn't order grey goose. Of course the music was loud, & I'm sure she probably didn't hear me, but she would not admit or even make any gesture to rectify the situation. Would never go back again after that bad experience.

01/28/2006 Posted by ysarig

The place is nice with a long bar, several sitting tables, and a nice (but sticky) dance floor. The evenning we went there there was an excellent live music. The problem was the drinks. Our drinks were the worst I remember getting in the city with almost no alcohol. Our friend ordered a bottled beer that tasted flat (a second beer tasted OK). The drinks were also relatively expensive (8.5$ for a cocktail).

Pros: Good Music

Cons: Bad Drinks, Sticky Floor

11/17/2005 Posted by lnarachi

The Boom Boom Room has done so much for New Orleans musicians - showcasing them, bringing various people together and putting together unique ensembles. I applaud the effort HIGHLY and appreciate how we are so lucky to see acts so up close. I love dancing hard to real funk and boogaloo and this place is a treasure. The staff is also to be recognized for being so cool too... If you want to just chat and hang out - ignoring the magic happening on stage....go to a bar that isn't a live music house...this is a church of live music and ya gotta BRING IT to this place.... Shake it man - its the place for it.

Pros: Staff, Music choices, reasonable

Cons: gets sweaty

06/27/2005 Posted by slikhipy

I only live a couple block away. It's a cool bar with a few good happy hour deals. The atmosphere is what you think a "bar" should be (if only you could smoke inside). Be warned though, if you're just looking for a cool place to hang out and drink - this may or may not be for you. Since there is a band most every night, you will have to pay a cover to be there (regardless of how long you've already been there).

Pros: great atmosphere, drink specials

06/28/2004 Posted by lord_humongous

The Boom Boom Room is a great place to go see a local band play. It's a small venue so I'm sure it can get packed when a national act comes to town. The staff is always nice and they have about a dozen beers on tap. And there's a parking lot right across the street if you can't find a spot on the street. It's an enjoyable bar to spend an evening.

Pros: Nice atmosphere, Good Parking, Good Service

05/23/2003 Posted by sangeld

I am so thankful of the Boom Boom Room! Thank you for keeping REAL music in SF. Great Bands, nice staff, all around nice crowd, too!

12/14/2002 Posted by palerider40

I was impressed with the talent at the Boom Boom room. It was a very comfortable place to listen to the blues and hang out with someone special, Great Atmosphere

05/14/2002 Posted by EricRorer

This is a special place in San Francisco, where pretentiousness gives way to soulful music, where people can dance to the blues and just enjoy themselves.

Pros: Great music, Atmosphere, Crowd