How early should I arrive at Amoeba in San Francisco for a weeknight show?

January 26, 2011 8:22 PM

I want to attend a show for a fairly well known band at Amoeba Music in San Francisco. I've never been to the store. The show starts at 6:00 PM on a weeknight. How early should I get there to be able to see the band? I don't need to be in the front row, but I don't want to be out the door, either.
posted by cnc to Media & Arts (9 answers total)

30 minutes, I'd guess. I've never seen the store packed for a show. I am perfectly happy to shop during most shows I've stumbled upon there. Why not call the store to get their opinion as well?
posted by germdisco at 8:30 PM on January 26, 2011

The parking around there SUCKS.

Plan to park a few blocks away & walk.

(Unless the Parking Fairy happens to be your friend)
posted by armoir from antproof case at 8:57 PM on January 26, 2011

Best answer: I saw Robyn Hitchcock at Amoeba-Hollywood two years ago and managed to snag a decent spot by arriving about 45 minutes prior. I assume you're seeing Greg Dulli and the Twilight Singers on February 17, so you'd probably be okay with 30-45 minutes as well. I don't know how much residual popularity the Afghan Whigs (and their derivatives) have these days. (I also doubt any random store employee who answers is going to be able to give you a thoughtful answer on this. They'll probably just tell you to give yourself lots of time if you're anxious enough to call about it.)
posted by mykescipark at 9:15 PM on January 26, 2011

Plan to park a few blocks away & walk.

Better yet: take Muni. NJudah towards Ocean Beach, Cole & Carl stop. Walk 5 very pleasant blocks and you're there. $2 each way.
posted by hapax_legomenon at 9:30 PM on January 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

Also, if you arrive too early head over to the Alembic for a really well-made cocktail. One of the bartenders there turned me on to my current favorite drink: a vodka gimlet made with Hangar One Kaffir Lime vodka and fresh lime juice. Super delicious.
posted by hapax_legomenon at 9:33 PM on January 26, 2011

The Kezar Stadium parking lot (near Stanyan/Beulah) usually has space available unless a special event is happening. I believe parking rates were $2-3 an hour. Amoeba used to validate for a free hour of parking in that lot with a purchase (ask your cashier). They also used to discount purchases by a dollar when shown a MUNI transfer.
posted by germdisco at 10:18 PM on January 26, 2011

You might also like to do a Google image search to get an idea of the size of the store. It's very big for a record store. This location was formerly a bowling alley.
posted by germdisco at 10:25 PM on January 26, 2011

Yes parking suuucks. Plan for that.
posted by radioamy at 9:02 AM on January 27, 2011

Response by poster: Awesome answers. Thank you all very much. Mykescipark is right. I am going to see the Twilight Singers.
posted by cnc at 9:56 AM on January 27, 2011