Yoshi’s Oakland and Yoshi’s San Francisco are two of the premier jazz clubs on the West Coast, boasting some of the most sophisticated acoustics to be found and a stellar lineup of contemporary jazz and pop.
The Oakland location began in 1973 in North Berkeley as a sushi bar that soon expanded into a world-class restaurant and jazz club that has hosted the likes of McCoy Tyner, Harry Connick, Jr., Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Dizzy Gillespie, and many more. The club moved to Jack London Square in 1997 as part of an effort to revitalize the arts in Oakland.
Yoshi’s San Francisco outpost maintains the world-class vibe of the original Yoshi’s Oakland. The music is a little more eclectic with more fusion and contemporary songwriters thrown into the mix. Located in the state-of-the-art Fillmore Heritage Center, the jazz club has seating for over 400 and spectacular sound design. Tickets can be a little expensive when you factor in dinner, but the caliber of talent is often worth it. For those of you with a little more change to throw around, Yoshi’s does have membership options, but the price tags on these start at around $500 per year.
Ticket prices are generally reasonable and many of the later shows are discounted to keep the club’s many fans coming back for more. Be sure to get there early, even with tickets, to snag that table near the stage. If you’re dining in the restaurant beforehand, your table in the club can be reserved to avoid the last-minute scramble to find seats.
Yoshi’s Oakland hosts a Sunday Kids’ Matinée with $5 admission for young jazz lovers 15 and under.
Yoshi’s, San Francisco and Yoshi’s, Oakland Information
- Public Transportation: Good for both. San Francisco location: a short walk from buses 22 and 31 at Fillmore Street/Eddy Street; a 3-minute walk from buses 38 and 38L at Geary Blvd./Fillmore Street; and a 5-minute walk from buses 2 and 3 at Fillmore Street/Sutter Street, and bus 5 at McAllister Street/Fillmore Street. Oakland Location: a 2-minute walk from AC Transit buses 58L, 72, and 72M at 3rd Street/Broadway, and bus 72R at 2nd Street/Clay Street; a 3-minute walk from the Oakland/Alameda Ferry at the Oakland Ferry Terminal; and a 10-minute walk from several Capitol Corridor trains at the Oakland Jack London station
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good for both
- Performances/Programs: San Francisco: 14 shows per week. Schedule of performances are Monday–Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m., Sunday at 7 and 9 p.m.; Oakland: 15 performances are given each week. Monday–Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday at 7 and 9 p.m.; Sunday kids’ matinée at 2 p.m.
- Ticket Prices: From $10 to $40 with a one-drink minimum. Admission is $5 for children 15 and under for the Sunday matinée at the Oakland location.
