Far from being a hipster, I like going to indie shows because of the intimate atmosphere, a product of music aficionados gathering together in a relatively small room with passionate artists and great acoustics. Not all locations are made equal, however, so take a look at the venues we put on our top five list for San Francisco and keep an eye out for your favorite indie band(s) dropping by.

1. Bottom of the Hill — True to its name, this spot rests at the bottom of a hill in the Potrero neighborhood and has the feel of a cozy bar, save for its tendency to feature emerging acts on a daily basis. In 1999, it even caught the attention of Rolling Stone magazine and was named “the best place to hear live music in San Francisco.”

2. The Independent — Unlike most other locales, The Independent has a raised stage that grants you a decent view of the band no matter where you’re standing, or even if you’re sitting on the sides. Unfortunately, the parking situation nearby requires a combination of extreme patience and luck, so word of advice: go by MUNI.

3. Great American Music Hall — How often do you admire the decor of a concert venue? Besides boasting an eclectic mix of performers, the Great American Music Hall is beautifully vintage with its elegant chandeliers, balconies, and intricately detailed walls.

Jenny Lewis at the Fillmore

4. The Fillmore — This place has some serious history and music cred, having played host to a wide variety of legendary artists, from Led Zeppelin to Aretha Franklin. Keeping with its 1960s traditions, The Fillmore has continued to hire greeters to welcome concert-goers as well as provide free posters for certain sold-out events post-show.

5. Cafe du Nord — The dimly lit Cafe du Nord is hidden below the Swedish American Hall and has a definite cool vibe, likely from its past existence as a speakeasy. If you can secure a spot in front of the stage, prepare for a fantastic auditory and visual experience.

Honorable Mention: Though technically an independent record store (with quite the vinyl collection), Amoeba often presents early evening performances from up-and-coming artists. The shows are simultaneously easier and harder to get into, as they’re free, but can quickly result in a packed house, so don’t expect to get in if you’re running late.

[Photos courtesy of itselea/flickr]

Tags: concerts, indie rock, live shows, san francisco nightlife, top indie venues