"The Alley, Grand Lake Lake Merritt by Huge. Founded in 1933, this is the last remaining example of a series of open mic piano bars that were scattered around the city. The singing talent level is extremely variable, but the applause is always warm and polite. Local icon pianist Rod Dibble has played there since 1960, knows 4000 songs by heart and still shows up several times a week. The decor is "haunted house" supplemented by thousands of business cards stapled to the walls."
Oakland
