In San Francisco, The Plough & Stars is really great.If you are in the area on September 24 - 26, try to get up to Sebastopol for the music festival. It is lovely. There is even a seisun tent. This year they are having Sharon Shannon, Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, & tons of others.
mian
p.s.Look for the Starry Plough in Berkeley instead of Oakland. 3101 Shadduck Avenue.