Vibe: Intimate Supper Club | Tropical Lounge | Cultural Gem
Sheba Jazz Lounge (also known as Sheba Piano Lounge) is a cornerstone of the modern Fillmore District, a neighborhood historically celebrated as the “Harlem of the West.” Founded by sisters Netsanet and Israel Alemayehu, the venue was designed to bridge the gap between their Ethiopian heritage and the area’s rich jazz legacy. While neighboring legends like Yoshi’s and Rasselas eventually closed their doors, Sheba has remained a resilient “flag bearer” for live music in the district for nearly two decades.
The Vibe
Entering Sheba feels less like a traditional nightclub and more like a warm, sultry living room.
The Ambiance: The interior is characterized by hand-painted walls in rich tropical tones, gauzy drapes, and a cozy alcove featuring black leather sofas.
The Layout: The space is designed for conversation and dining; there are no bad seats, but the arrangement favors an intimate “supper club” feel rather than a silent showroom.
The Atmosphere: Reviewers often describe it as a “stress-free zone” where the lighting is moody and candlelit, and the owners are frequently seen greeting regulars by name.
Live Music & Authentic Cuisine
Sheba is one of the few venues in the city that offers live music five nights a week (Wednesday through Sunday) with no cover charge.
The Sound: The musical palette is diverse, featuring everything from traditional and Latin jazz to blues, soul, R&B, and reggae. You might catch a solo pianist early in the evening or a full R&B-inflected jazz ensemble late at night.
The Food: The menu is authentically Ethiopian, featuring spices imported directly from the owners’ homeland. Signature items include Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) and various Sambussas (savory pastries), all served with the traditional sourdough flatbread, Injera.
The Drinks: The bar serves “African night-inspired” cocktails and specialty drinks like the Bourbon Glazed Sausage Sliders or cocktails infused with traditional Ethiopian spices.
Know Before You Go
Communal Dining: In keeping with Ethiopian tradition, many dishes are designed to be shared and eaten with your hands using Injera.
Music Schedule: Live sets typically begin around 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM. While there is no cover, the venue is a “supper club,” so ordering dinner or drinks is expected while enjoying the performers.
Reservations: While the lounge is casual, reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends when the space fills up quickly.
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays: The lounge currently operates from Wednesday through Sunday.
The Ian Alexander Trio brings a touch of refined elegance to the Sheba Piano Lounge on Wednesday, January 21st, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Known for his lyrical touch and tasteful arrangements, pianist Ian Alexander leads an ensemble that perfectly bridges the gap between classic jazz standards and contemporary exploration. Set within the warm,...
Immerse yourself in a sophisticated blend of smooth melodies and Latin-inspired rhythms as the Alexandra Rieloff Triotakes the stage at Sheba Piano Lounge on Thursday, January 22nd, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Known for her versatile background as a filmmaker and choreographer, Brooklyn-born Chilean vocalist Alexandra Rieloff brings a unique, cinematic elegance to her...
Get ready for an explosive night of music as the legendary Charles Unger Experience takes over Sheba Piano Lounge on Friday, January 23rd, from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Known for his infectious smile and high-energy stage presence, saxophonist Charles Unger is a San Francisco institution. His "Experience" is more than just a jazz set—it’s...
Experience a masterclass in American roots music as the incomparable Barbara Gainer takes the stage at Sheba Piano Lounge on Saturday, January 24th, from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. A beloved figure in the San Francisco creative community, Gainer is known for a voice that is as rich and expressive as the history of the...
Bohemian Knuckleboogie is a unique San Francisco band led by Mike Pitre, who brings a colorful and storied background from Port Arthur, Texas. Pitre is a versatile performer who moves between trumpet, guitar, harmonica, soulful lyrics, scatting, and even rapping on his original tunes. The band’s music is an eclectic and high-octane mix of Blues,...
Join Dennis Palmieri for an evening of melodic storytelling and "Pop Piano Cabaret" at Sheba Piano Lounge on Wednesday, January 28th, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Shifting away from the venue's traditional jazz and blues, Palmieri brings a warm, singer-songwriter sensibility to the Fillmore. His sets are a journey through the soundtracks of the...
Experience a stellar evening of world-class jazz as Eugene Pliner & Friends take the stage at Sheba Piano Lounge on Thursday, January 29th, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. A veteran of the international jazz circuit, pianist Eugene Pliner is known for his technical brilliance and "restless melodicism." This residency offers a dynamic, ever-changing musical...
Get ready for an explosive night of music as the legendary Charles Unger Experience takes over Sheba Piano Lounge on Friday, January 23rd, from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Known for his infectious smile and high-energy stage presence, saxophonist Charles Unger is a San Francisco institution. His "Experience" is more than just a jazz set—it’s...
Experience a soulful start to the new year as Barbara & Soul Bridge Band return to the Sheba Piano Lounge on Saturday, January 31st, from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. This ensemble is celebrated for their "bridge-building" approach to music, weaving together the threads of classic soul, rhythmic jazz, and contemporary R&B. Anchored by Barbara’s...
