Former Location –
Opened in 1952, this basement venue became a launching pad for some of the biggest names in comedy, folk music, and popular culture during the Beat Generation era. With seating for only about 80 people, the club offered audiences an up-close experience with performers who would later become household names.

Some Popular Performers At The Purple Onion Include:

  • Lenny Bruce
  • Woody Allen
  • Richard Pryor
  • Maya Angelou
  • The Kingston Trio
  • The Smothers Brothers
  • The Irish Rovers
  • Jim Nabors

After approximately sixty years of operation, the Purple Onion closed in September 2012 when its lease expired.

The Purple Onion
140 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco CA 94133