Misdirections Magic Shop Review

This is a REAL magic store for REAL magicians.

Sure, you'll find whoopie cusions and itch powder for the casual practical joker, but the emphasis is on the magic here.
Joe will set you up with the magic you need (and he's smart enough not to just send you home with the magic you WANT- there is a difference, trust me!)  and he'll help you learn how to do it.
My tastes in magic are quite esoteric (go figure) and in all but a few instances, Joe has had or been able to find what I need.
The quality and quantity of guest lecturers he's had is AMAZING!
This is a world class magic shop!!

1236 9th Ave
(between Irving St & Lincoln Way)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
(415) 566-2180

Isotope Comics Review

One of, if not the best comic shops in the Northern California area. In fact, I would have to say that this place shouldn't even be considered a comic shop. That would only make you think of some long box heavy location full of nerds and the stench of desperation.
No, this place is a new level of nerdom and enjoyment of the comic industry that if you're ever in the S.F. area and you're a fan of the medium, by all means come here. It will probably change the way you see comic shops forever more.
It's a hip comic shop, which I guess will be lumped together with being a Hipster comic shop. May I slap you across the face to get you out of that mindset?
Mainly because this place doesn't have any of the pretentiousness that comes with most comic shops in terms of their thumbing their nose upward when asked if something that is on the Marvel and DC label is in stock.
It's clean, it's roomy, it's a way to improve the comic going experience. This place is just that awesome. Go now.  This place makes comics fun again.

326 Fell St
(between Gough St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
(415) 621-6543

The Purple Onion Review

While bar hopping on a Wed night, we strolled upon this quaint, SF, semi-hidden comedy club and it was rather crowded. Using our natural charm, we got in free thanks to being friendly with one of the comedians who was taking a break outside. The comedians (forgot their names), all local acts, were fairly funny and had differing humors. I have no idea what cover / drink min is normally, but having a great time in return for drinks was great. I bought the comedian a beer for letting us in as a thank you.

The drinks are horrible though, as are the waitresses. They took 15 mins to get our tab despite the place being fairly empty after closing. Then they overcharged us. The menu said $5 and $7 for drinks (extremely watered down margarita - probably 1oz of tequila in it), but they charged $5.50 and $7.50 randomly. And then tax on top, what the. Who rounds up on a menu pricing? Stay away from the drinks here. They don't even make long islands! Horrible.
I'm being generous because the comedy was fun. The bar, 1 star.

140 Columbus Ave
(between Jackson St & Kearny St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 956-1653

The Punchline Review

I finally got to try the other big comedy club in SF. So now I can compare the two. I think Cobbs is more likely to have more well-known comedians, but has horrible service. Punchline has some really great, I'll-recognize-them-if-I-see-them-but-they're-not- quite-household-names comediens AND the service is awesome. I also like that you're not sitting in pitch blackness while sitting at your table and the drinks are mixed better and priced more reasonably.

So now on o the show... I went to see Amy Schumer, who was on the Charlie Sheen roast. The openers for the show was Steve Mazan and Jackie Monahan. All three were hilarious and more than once I was in danger of snorting the drink I was sipping because I was laughing so hard.

The only performer I didn't like was the host (a local SF comedienne whose name I don't remember). But I think that's because her comedy tended more towards female bathroom humor which I've never been a big fan of. And her delivery needs a little bit of work. I chuckled a few times but overall did not enjoy her jokes.

444 Battery St
(between Merchant St & Clay St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 397-7573

Cartoon Art Museum Bookstore Review

Sometimes I go to the Cartoon Art Museum just for the bookstore. This might be one of the closest comic bookstores to SF BART.

Months ago they just updated their bookstore to include a lot more items. The great thing about this place is that it feels like it caters to public while still having good taste. There are many things crammed into this shop including comic books, cartoons, hardcover books, trades, art books, history books, how to books, dvds, independent, toys, postcards, etc etc. If you can't find something here your standards might be too high. The only problem I had is that some of their merchandise is a little "used" because of the number of people who roam through the store; however, most of the stuff is in good condition.

They also do a good job of working directly with artists to get content into their shop. Most often you'll find work from resident artists or exhibitors which is a good thing if you happened to miss a show or want something autographed.

A great browsing store that is a destination shop in its own right. It could possibly exist without the aid of the Cartoon Art Museum. This shop is just as big as one of their gallery spaces.

655 Mission St
(between New Montgomery St & Annie St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 227-8666