San Francisco

Peacock Lounge: Channeling a sort of lodge/frat boy watering hole, with all its requisite joviality and excessive drinking, this Lower Haight anomaly seems to be open only when the good mood strikes. It's best to call before heading over. 552 Haight (at Fillmore), 621-9850.

Peña PachaMama: Latin rhythms and Cajun soul (and everything in between) soar here as listeners munch on savory Latin American food or head-bop at the bar. Moderate prices yield massive pleasures. 1630 Powell (between Union and Green), 646-0018.

The Pendulum: Nightly DJs give the gay male crowd what it wants -- in this case soul music (old and new) -- prompting swinging of all types on the dance floor inside and the patio outside. 4146 18th St. (at Collingwood), 863-4441.

Pier 23: This always-hoppin' waterfront spot bursts with a range of slick nightly bands -- rock, reggae, salsa, and jazz (and various combinations thereof). Usually crowded, always fun. Pier 23, Embarcadero & Filbert, 362-5125.

Pink: Although a wee bit unbefitting for a venue near the Mission District's coarse 16th and South Van Ness intersection, this new venue (replacing the admired Liquid) justifies its address with its bold elegance and nonintrusive French psychedelic and house beats. Decked out with an awesome chandelier, snappy seating, and lots of pink, DJ Franky Boissy's club brings a touch of class to an area in much need of it. 2925 16th St. (at South Van Ness), 431-8889.

Place Pigalle: This comfy Parisian-themed bar tucked away in Hayes Valley is a home away from home for many in the neighborhood. Listen to low-key DJs play mellow downtempo and breakbeats while you play pool, foosball, or board games. 520 Hayes (at Octavia), 552-2671.

Plough & Stars: Throwing back pints to a live soundtrack of traditional jigs and reels gives this Richmond watering hole a notably authentic Irish feel. Though P&S occasionally opens the stage to folk acts, the Emerald Isle crooners are the real treat -- whether offering tear-in-your-beer ballads or pint-swinging sing-alongs. 116 Clement (at Second Ave.), 751-1122.

Pound-SF: Tucked away (but worth the effort to find) is this edgy live concert venue, host to metal, rockabilly, and other branches of rock 'n' roll. 100 Cargo (at Pier 96), 826-9202.

Ramp: The musical tastes at this waterfront bar lean toward light jazz, pop, and easy listening most of the year, but in the summer a live salsa band accompanies the weekend brunch. When enjoying the Bloody Marys and boleros, remember to bring sunglasses and watch out for sea gulls. 855 China Basin (at Mission Rock), 621-2378.

Rasselas Jazz Club: This upscale urban spot in the heart of the Fillmore offers up nightly live jazz, blues, and R&B. Enjoy delicious Ethiopian food at the bar, fresh from the adjoining restaurant, and take in the scene in San Francisco's own "Jazz Preservation District." 1534 Fillmore (at Geary), 346-8696.

Rawhide II: This SOMA mainstay features a mixed bag of music, with different nights dedicated to goth, fetish, '80s, new wave, and more. A seafaring theme greets you in the front, but don't get stuck at the dock -- check out the three floors of dancing and the outside terrace upstairs. 280 Seventh St. (at Folsom), 621-1197.

Red Devil Lounge: A variety of independent rock bands performs in this intimate, sassy space (clad in comfy booths and red Chinese paper lanterns); on Sundays there's a movie in addition to the live show. 1695 Polk (at Clay), 921-1695.

Rick’s Restaurant & Bar: Quality local combos provide live jazz and blues during Rick’s popular Sunday brunch, but the best entertainment at this island-themed Sunset District bar ’n’ grill happens on the first Monday of every month, when Rick hosts a luau, replete with authentic fare and Hawaiian tunes. Grass skirts highly recommended. 1940 Taraval (at 29th Ave.), 731-8900.

Rickshaw Stop: Though the Rickshaw’s unmarked facade makes it a little difficult to find, you’ll receive ample rewards for the search. Here it’s possible to double-fist a Pabst and a corn dog while enjoying some of the most progressive DJs and bands in the city. Particular props to the biweekly “Loaded” party, a night dedicated to “bands that can actually play and DJs that can actually mix.” 155 Fell (at Van Ness), 861-2011.

Rite Spot Cafe: Folk and jazz dominate the Spot's ever-improving ambience. A perfect place to see live music and sit comfortably while noshing on a plate of your favorite carbohydrates. 2099 Folsom (at 17th St.), 552-6066.

Roccapulco: Salsa dancing is the featured attraction at this gigantic Mission District supper club, which loves nothing more than a great party (including annual extravaganzas for Mardi Gras and Carnaval). 3140 Mission (at Cesar Chavez), 648-6611.

RoHan Lounge: DJs spinning vintage funk and modern downtempo grooves in this cozy den valiantly compete for attention with smooth yet potent soju cocktails and a creative Korean take on tapas. 3809 Geary (at Second Ave.), 221-5095.

Rose Pistola: Call for the schedule of live jazz at this restaurant known for its hearty and decadent Italian family-style fare. 532 Columbus (at Stockton), 399-0499.

Ruby Skye: One of San Francisco's most well-heeled dance clubs, this multilevel bar is host to steamy house-music DJs (with several special guests and events each month), weekly concerts, and corporate parties. 420 Mason (at Geary), 693-0777.