The Knockout is a well-known nightclub and dive bar situated in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, California, United States. Established in the early 2000s, the venue occupies a cozy, no-frills space at 3223 Mission Street and quickly became a mainstay in the city’s nightlife scene. The Knockout is celebrated for its eclectic programming, encompassing live music, themed dance parties, karaoke nights, trivia contests, and pop culture gatherings.

Known as much for its warm, inclusive atmosphere as for its raucous energy, The Knockout has carved out a unique identity amidst the rapidly evolving landscape of San Francisco’s music and nightlife venues, appealing strongly to local musicians, artists, and subculture enthusiasts. Unlike many venues in the Bay Area that have succumbed to gentrification pressures, The Knockout has remained in its original location and has preserved its characteristically casual, retro-inspired interior. This consistency over time has contributed to its reputation as a reliable anchor for alternative and underground culture, especially at a time when other legendary spots have closed or changed fundamentally.

The venue is also lauded for providing a platform for both emerging local acts and established touring artists, often within genres such as punk, garage rock, indie, hip hop, and electronic music. Its spirited dance nights are a fixture of San Francisco’s social calendar and have become an important space for queer and DIY communities. While The Knockout has not undergone significant structural changes or location moves, it continues to adapt its programming to reflect broader cultural shifts while maintaining its foundational community-oriented ethos, making it emblematic of the resilience and creativity of the city’s artistic underground.

Notable artists who have performed at The Knockout include Ty Segall, Shannon and the Clams, Thee Oh Sees (now Osees), Nobunny, Hunx and His Punx, King Tuff, John Dwyer, Mikal Cronin, Hanni El Khatib, and Peacers, as well as DJ sets by local legends and appearances from international acts such as Guitar Wolf and The Spits.