by Dorthea Meeuwsen on I had a good time at the aquarium however, I was highly surprised and a little disappointed. After hearing sooo much about it and since it is the largest aquarium (I think in the world), I expected so much more from it. The Tennessee Aquarium is 10x better. I'm very glad that I have free 3 month passes and didn't have to pay. They also charge too much for the "special" exhibits. With the amount you pay to get in, those "special" exhibits should be included since the entrance fee is definitely not worth it, something else needs to be included in that price! A free meal, picture, exhibit...SOMETHING! I bet those exhibits aren't even worth the extra they charge. I did however really enjoy the huge tanks. They were really, really cool! Now that's something the TN aquarium doesn't have! If you've never been to the GA Aquarium, definitely go. You may really enjoy it, especially if you've never been to the TN aquarium. Or if you have kids I know you all will enjoy it! However, I would never pay to go back there, it is definitely overpriced. I do want to go 1 more time before my passes expire just to get the use out of them but I can't get my other half to go with me again. He says he's been there 3x's too many. I kept telling him, baby we missed 1 of the free exhibits, we've go to go back! But he keeps telling me we saw everything free that there was to see. Just unbelievable. I give it 3 stars for the huge tanks that were so cool and for the areas where you can touch the sea animals. I liked that :). Oh yeah and because I didn't have to pay. If I would have payed it would get 2 stars.
by Antonia Viessman on This is a great, small place to see amazing musicians (usually jazz but often from all genres; I saw Steve Earle, Mos Def, and McCoy Tyner all in the last year). I advise the following to get the most out of visiting the Blue Note: 1) arrive early to get a good seat; they save a few seats here for VIPs but if you come when the doors open you can usually sit two feet from the stage. 2) food is better than you'd expect. not cheap, but good. great fruit & cheese plate for $12 or so. 3) the wine list is amazing! ask to see the full list, there are some great wines at reasonable prices. cocktails are creative and, while not cheap at $8 for well drinks and $12 for specialty cocktails, they are usually well-made and potent. 4) ask about the "second show" - sometimes if you pay for the 8m show you can stay for free for the second set if it's not sold out, just ask. Usually on weeknights not on fridays and saturdays. Yes seating can be tight. The shows usually run 75 to 90 minutes, but the minimum is only $5 per person (the posts here that say it is more are just plain wrong) which is cheaper than most NYC jazz clubs, and the setting is so intimate is it unbelievable. Highly recommended.
by Kelly H. on The only time I went to this lounge was to hear DJ Peter and Mita. To find the place you will probably end up passing it a few times. There isn't a huge sign that can help you really locate it. It's pretty much just painted black with a tiny sign on it that has the name of the lounge. Parking can be a hassle but any parking in SF to me is a hassle. When you walk in the DJ's booth is to the right where the dance floor is and ahead are seats. Since I only went for my friend's collaboration I don't know how busy it really gets during the weekends. If I were to start going out to lounge and clubs (which I don't) I would say that Shine is a great start. It feels more comfortable and homey than just a usually loud club with drunk people everywhere. The best part about it for me is the free photo booth. You can take your picture and it'll later get posted on line in Shine's Flickr album. It does take a 2-3 weeks for them to posted it but it's nice to not always have your camera with you. Be prepared to see body parts of people you don't want to see.
