Aeg Warfield Theater   

In the 1920s, the Warfield was a vaudeville house where audiences watched entertainers such as Al Jolson. Today it plays host to pop, rock and comedy acts. For music events, the theater clears the gigantic dance floor in front of the stage, where you can shake your thing and watch the action at the same time. The main theater area is general seating. Get there early, because the acts that pass through here -- everything from Phil Lesh to Nick Cave to Kids in the Hall -- are immensely popular. If crowds aren't your scene, retreat to the cocktail tables and chairs in back. You can also purchase a reserved balcony seat in advance, which will guarantee not only a comfortable seat but also a jaw-dropping view of the theater's art deco splendor and old-time performance-theater charm. It can be trippy to see a band like Slayer in such a beautifully styled venue, but that's part of the allure. -- Lewis Tice