best concert venue

I didn't consider outdoor venues as they usually don't sound that great but I don't have a lot of experience here. Long ago I stumbled (literally) into Ahmad Jamal and a trio playing in a church courtyard in Perugia, Italy. The music and outdoor acoustic was memorable but I think the copious quantities of Montepulciano beforehand helped.

Although I have to second the vote for Yoshi's, it is missing one thing.

A few years back I was in London at a Jazz club (Can't remember name) and they had the perfect addition to any venue. Stenciled on the walls were the letters STFU. During the show (Hue & Cry from Scottland) a couple near me started talking and someone else in the audience pointed to the letters STFU and told them to Shut the F up.

My vote is for any venue that has and enforces this.

Yoshi's is also missing atmosphere IMHO. I've been there twice and it's just too clinical, too "corporate" - no smells, no rough edges and certainly no smoke. How can you have a jazz club without smoke - even dry ice fake smoke would be better - liven the place up a bit! My 2c.

I will 2nd the Sheldon, but the old Opera House is where it use to "happen".

Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA-- no question.