Vibe: Mid-Century Speakeasy | Film Noir Aesthetics | Subterranean Jazz Lounge
The History
Located in the basement of the historic Hearst Building, Local Edition occupies the cavernous space that once served as the printing and assembling room for The San Francisco Examiner. During the heyday of the “press wars,” this subterranean hall was filled with the clatter of linotype machines and the scent of fresh ink. The venue was brought to life by the Future Bars group (the team behind Bourbon & Branch) in collaboration with the Hearst family. In a nod to its tycoon lineage, the marble used for the bar top and table surfaces was actually sourced from the surplus stock intended for Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
The Vibe
Walking down the marble staircase from Market Street feels like descending into a 1950s cinematic thriller.
The Museum of Media: The decor is a curated archive of San Francisco’s journalistic past. Vintage typewriters are perched on nearly every surface, and the walls are lined with vitrines displaying original newspapers from the city’s most historic moments (from the 1906 Earthquake to the moon landing).
The Atmosphere: The space is massive but feels intimate, thanks to low-slung velvet banquettes, heavy crimson curtains, and warm, dim lighting. It successfully captures the “Mad Men” era glamour where editors and reporters might have ducked away for a stiff drink between deadlines.
Music & Craft Cocktails
Local Edition is one of the city’s premier destinations for live jazz, offering a sophisticated soundtrack that perfectly matches the “black-and-white film” mood.
The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra: This is the venue’s crown jewel. Every Tuesday night, a rotating ensemble of world-class musicians (varying from a nonet to a full 16-piece big band) performs classic and contemporary jazz.
Nightly Sets: Beyond Tuesdays, the stage features a constant stream of jazz trios, bossa nova, funk-jazz quartets, and soul singers. The music usually begins around 8:00 PM.
The Menu: The cocktails are inspired by the era, often named after newspaper terms or figures like The Ava Gardner or the Yellow Kid. They are known for “decanted cocktails”—pre-mixed, large-format drinks served in vintage carafes for groups—and a top-tier selection of rare whiskies.
Know Before You Go
Reservations Highly Recommended: While there is standing room for walk-ins, the best seats (especially those with a view of the stage) are snapped up by reservation. It is a popular spot for both Financial District happy hours and late-night dates.
The Entrance: It is easy to miss—look for the small glass door and the “Local Edition” sign next to the T-Mobile store at Third and Market Streets.
The Sound: Unlike some quiet speakeasies, Local Edition can get loud and lively, especially on big band nights. It is a place for social energy and hushed secrets.
Closed Sundays: Like much of the Financial District, the bar usually takes a breather on Sundays.
Wobbly World members are distinguished musicians from around the world who left their country for the American dream, became citizens, and fully embraced the spirit of freedom and American traditions. We believe in the power of collaboration, unity, and equality and live and breathe it in our daily lives. We are musicians and singers from...
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Arthur Khu is a world-renowned pianist whose remarkable virtuosity and artistry draw inspiration from jazz legends like Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea, as well as classical composers such as Chopin and Debussy. He's also a prolific composer whose style blends Wayne Shorter's post-bop sensibilities with elements of Brahms and Rachmaninoff. Collaborating with some...
Hella Fitzgerald x Honor Brass Band Hella Fitzgerald From Bebop to Hip Hop, a dance band collective based in California, featuring Soul, Jazz, Funk, R&B, 90's, Hip Hop, Latin, Pop, Top 40, and more. Honor Brass Band New Orleans Style 5-piece brass band with NOLA classics and modern R&B renditions.
This is a high-energy quartet known for blending traditional jazz with funk, soul, and Latin rhythms. The Band: Fronted by tenor saxophonist and vocalist Scotty Silver (Scott Silverberg). The lineup typically includes John Watson (Guitar), Craig Kleinman (Bass), and Chris Gamper (Drums).
Come dance to live Cumbia and Salsa rhythms!
Magic School Busk is a hard hitting dance band performing original arrangements of both classic and contemporary hits. The band plays Funk, R&B, Neo Soul and also sprinkles in a dash of Afrocuban zest in their set. When they’re not playing music, you can catch the band playing football in the middle of the street...
Barbary Coast Jazz Band performs every other Monday! Bob Schulz - Lead/Cornet Don Neely - Reeds Clint Baker - Trombone Bill Reinhart - Tuba Scott Anthony - Banjo Marty Eggers - Piano
Live every Tuesday exclusively at Local Edition! The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra is a diverse group of long-time friends that have played alongside one another for years. The ensemble ranges from having as little as 8 to as many as 18 participants performing with occasional guest singers such as Billy Valentine, Bud E. Luv (aka...
Various young Bay Area musicians come together for live Jazz at Local Edition!
Jazz Trio, Jason Movrich & Friends playing their Blues, Soul and Funk tunes. Jason Movrich vocals and guitar Joe Carusi on drums Eric Goodwill on bass
Wobbly World members are distinguished musicians from around the world who left their country for the American dream, became citizens, and fully embraced the spirit of freedom and American traditions. We believe in the power of collaboration, unity, and equality and live and breathe it in our daily lives. We are musicians and singers from...
