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ShBoom Night Club
Categories: Nightlife Dance Clubs Nightlife Bars Dance Clubs, Bars [Edit]
2410 San Ramon Valley BlvdSte 130
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 837-9777
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 6 pm - 2 am
- Music:
- DJ
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
76 reviews for ShBoom Night Club
Review Highlights
"I have to say Shboom provides some great people watching."
(in 3 reviews)
"It was good to see everyone and we had a great time."
(in 6 reviews)
"My wife and I are big time old school soul (OS) fans."
(in 4 reviews)
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76 reviews in English
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Review from Roxy A.
Milpitas, CA
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went on a Friday night for my uncle's birthday bash, and at first felt like the place seemed sketch. The buffet looked small, place was empty, looked like there was no life to it.
But it got funky REAL quick. And the food was pretty good actually. They played top 40, funk, 70s, 80s, 90s...awesome. Uncle was getting down. Would be really fun to go with people who love to dance and don't care what they look like doing it. The bar looks loaded; didn't have a drink but the strawberry margarita I sipped was pretty tasty. Plus if yelpers check in, you have $5 off at the door for you and a friend! Sweet deal eh?
Give the place a shot before turning around :) -
Review from Nicole S.
San Mateo, CA
2/4/2012
Okay, I don't know how to rate it, so I gave it 3 stars because I cannot decide between being completely amused or being somewhat disturbed by some of the things I saw. So here we go:
Two of my girlfriends and I decided to check out this place. One of those two has been there before. She described the crowd as very diverse. We should have asked....diverse means ranging from 21 to maybe 80 or so, with the majority being somewhere in the 50s (hard to tell in the dim lights - however, when I saw some of the ladies in the restrooms in their "hot mama" outfits...well, you have to see for yourself). There is something to be said for women in their 50s and older dressing like strippers in their 20s with itty bitty outfits and sky high heels. Kudos to them because that takes some serious gumption and attitude. They were competing with the 20some year old Filipino girls who were stripping on the stage; sorry, I meant dancing. The things you do when you need attention..when you are older you dress like a stripper and when you are younger you dance like one, so I guess the universe is in balance.
Now back to the club:
1) The club is large; plenty of seating areas, dim lighting - even on the dance floor -casting every creature into a beautiful glow; good size dance floor; large bar and attentive bartenders.
2) $16 to get into the club - a bit steep considering where you are. I used to pay that in NYC and that is a big difference in location. Drinks are priced moderately. I paid $8 for a Captain Cod, but the drink was pretty strong.
3) Plenty of parking in front of the club which is something to be said for since we are in the Bay Area.
4) We got there around 9 pm which is early for a club. I expected it to be empty, but the place was hopping. Now that is crazy! However, when you take a closer look at the crowd, you know why. I thought I was in the twilight zone or that my watch stopped working.
5) Variety of music ranging from the 70s to today. They show the music videos of the artists playing and some of them looked like they were popular before I was born. Pretty wild, but really good to dance to. They play disco, R&B, old school hip hop, funk, peppered with a little bit of old school rock. So, not bad.
6) Some really unique people. Seeing a really old man...maybe in his 70s getting his "Sexy Back" to JT while trying to hump a young girl in front of him...wild! Seeing another really old man singing along to Lady Gaga - priceless! There was this old lady with a humped back wearing stiletto heels with rhinestones shaking her hips and putting her hand up to put a ring on it to Beyonce's Single Ladies. But it gets better, seeing an older white man get on the stage and dance like a hip hop artist, using hand signs and hitting his chest to Vanilla Ice's Ice Ice Baby...I almost fell off my chair. It then turned into Discovery Channel for me because that's when the mating call started and people were getting ready to be pounced. The later it got, the creepier it got. One of the old guys got on the stage and he stood there, just moving his hips back and forth - like he was virtually doing "something". It looked like he had Barry White's tunes in his head while he was humping away at his virtual lady. At some point it must have happened because he lifted his hands up and was racing to the finish line. If you like to people watch, this is the place for you!!!
7) If you like to dance and just have a blast with your friends, this is a good place for it. You can dance by yourself or with your friends. The men are generally polite and ask you to dance and if you say No...they are still polite and leave you alone and if you need a dance partner, you will definitely find one. If you are an older couple who wants to go on a date and enjoy some good dancing, then check this place out. It is perfect for older couples to just have fun like they did in the 80s before all the responsibility kicked in. If you are an older single lady, this seems to be the place as well because you will fit right in with your hot self- just beware, there are many cougars on the prowl and not that many cubs to choose from.
I hope this helps. :) -
Review from Miss D.
Novato, CA
2/3/2012
I wanna give 5 stars based on entertainment value alone but...
My friend and I renamed this club " The Wrinkle Room"
She and I were invited by 4 guys to check out this club.
Let me start by saying we live in Marin County so a trek out to San Ramon...this better be worth my drive ;)
I was blown away at the cover charge $15-20 ( I can't remember exactly)
The line was out the door so I am thinking...yeeeeeeah girl! It's gotta be good if these people are standing their asses out here in the freezing cold.
We get to the front, give out money and I start looking around. I feel like I am in the gah-damn twilight zone! Not even kidding there's a 90 year old man asleep in the corner, women twice my age wearing half my clothing and behaving like 19 year old girls ( not that there's anything wrong with that...WHEN you're 19!)
The music was the selling point. We got our drink on and made the most of it. I gotta give this place credit for the music. They played old school and plenty of it.
Note to the ladies: Go get your own drinks!!! Don't let a dude get it for you. They pour heavier for the ladies ;)
My over all experience:
I was over dressed, under wrinkled and I felt like I was at a "people of walmart" after hours situation.
If you want a lil fun, get your drink, sit back and enjoy the show! -
Review from Sonya C.
Antioch, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I celebrated my birthday here with 20 friends. I had a great time, but my friends told me that the liquor prices were outrageous. One of my girlfriends also got kicked out, because she had a drink on the dance floor. I don't understand why the bouncer just didn't take away her drink.
The food was good, but I had to go back a couple of times because they ran out of certain dishes quickly, and it took awhile for them to replace the missing food.
The music was good, but I was disappointed that they didn't play recent songs later in the night. They were supposed to play 5 decades of music, but didn't play music from the current decade.
I liked that the crowd was older, that it was packed on a Saturday night, and that the coat check was free. I also liked that the crowd was diverse.
I didn't like their fees for reserving tables. Their fees were outrageous, so we came as soon as the doors opened to grab our spot. However, we were told that we couldn't save any seats so one couple sat in our area during dinner but then left.
Our server was great! She regularly came to check on us and our guests. Overall, it was good but they should lower the price of their drinks. $10 for a drink is ridiculous! -
Review from Ann R.
Vallejo, CA
2/3/2012
I have been to this club twice. The first time was for a relative's b-day and a group of us all met here. The buffet was good and the we all had fun dancing and socializing. The second time I went here with 2 friends and it was just okay. I do notice that a lot of the men and women try to dress and act younger like they are in their 20's again though. I wish they had bands too. Some of the songs are good and some, not so good. When I go out dancing though, this is not the place for me. It is only good if I come with friends or for special occasions.
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Review from Foodie F.
Santa Clara, CA
1/28/2012
If there was a negative star rating, I'd give this place the worst negative rating possible. Went out there after a long time to go dancing with some friends. Got to the entrance and the freaks wanted $16 cover just to get in. $16 Freaking dollars, are you kidding me!!!! This is not NYC or Las Vegas.
From the entrance, I could see that the place was empty. No surprise there. The owners must really think they are hot stuff to wanna charge that much of a cover. Anyway, I do not recommend this place to anybody. Owners suck! -
Review from Alexis M.
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Walked in with my 2 girlfriends for a night of fun dancing and to partake in the free buffet before 8pm.... we walked in, looked around..
me: *sniff, sniff* Do you smell that?
friend: What?
me: That smell...
friend: What smell?
me: The smell of desperation...
Seriously, it was like being at a wedding. People were walking up to get their buffets and sitting back down...by themselves....both men and women, were there by them selves just eating their free buffet, waiting for the lights to dim and the fishbowl to open.
Oh, and it was a fishbowl...the music started and all the ladies came out to the dance floor while all the mean stood around it just watching. Checking out who they would cast a line at. It.was.creepy.
One woman had to be in her 80's. In a skin tight dress, stiletto heals, dyed red hair and she couldn't even stand up straight. She was hunched over, looking at the floor, dancing by herself, trying to find herself a man....
We didn't last more than an hour in there before heading out to dance at The Crown in Danville.
Maybe we're too young, which is kind of a good thing because I'm finding I'm not too young for most places these days, but it just wasn't what we were looking for. -
Review from Drew A.
Danville, CA
12/9/2011
2 Stars for the Cover Charge.
It was $15 which is outrageous if you are not getting the buffet. This is a "club" in the burbs away from anything else if you feeling like hopping around. Now the cover is $16...
It is clean and nice inside, however, I feel they should have a discounted cover if you are not eating the buffett...After all, there are many places to choose from in Walnut Creek for half the price, and just as much fun.
I assume their target audience of nuevo rich suburbanites do not mind coughing up that much to get in. After living in major cities, for me, I think not! (It is out of principle, not an inability to pay) -
Review from Tiffany N.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
SHA SHA SHABOOYA; ShBoom night club.... aren't you a cutie!
CHECK IN ON YELP & GET 5$ OFF
Man, I swear, every club should host a AYCE Buffet included in their Cover charge cause I'd be there early!
**Buffet is from 6-8pm**
It's a starch buffet ie., tuna pasta, pesto pasta, fluffy bread & butter, chicken Caesar salad, yummy crispy chicken and meat but it was still pretty good for being an unexpected thing (for me).
Very nice, clean, sophisticated environment. Well lit and presentable full bar with flat screen TVs on top playing old music videos!
It definitely suits the crowd they cater towards. It is as described - a club for the older crowd. Quite frankly, I really enjoyed it :
A GOOD MIX OF OLD SCHOOL MEETS NEW SCHOOL.
We came here for the boyf dad's birthday: seriously, how cute is it to have a family event at a disco? TOO COOL. I'd recommend this place to put some groove back into your parents life, your aunts and uncles or even for a random night of fun.Listed in: Toasting the Good Life
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Review from Julie H.
San Ramon, CA
Updated - 1/12/2012
Okay, so this time I did come back with a group and for a Friday night the place was pretty dead. I think the cover charge is way too expensive - especially if it is after 8:00pm and food is no longer included. I don't get why the high cover, strict dress code and I honestly don't get how this place survives.......the only place to dance in San Ramon I suppose. I found it to be a little creepy.....too many men hanging around alone looking for some action. As I said in my previous review - I would never come here with just a girlfriend as this is not a place I would want to meet a man. I will only come with a date or a group and if i am really, really, really wanting to stay in San Ramon. Personally, I think they should reduce the cover charge after 8:00pm and they need to do some sort of promotion to attract a higher-quality clientele. It really was a bit on the creepy side. It is definitely an experience and great for some entertaining people watching though.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2011
I went here last night with my date and we had a really good time. The best part about the evening… Read more »
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Review from Jonnalyn B.
Vallejo, CA
12/18/2011
Nice and safe PLACE...Waiter is good server,,,DJ's is 100% friendly especially dj ben and the music is so cool...Maneger and security, NO COMMENT...thanks
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Review from Nathan H.
Pleasant Hill, CA
1/21/2012
Just spent last Friday night at this club for a friend's B-Day (my first time there) and it was great. It's definitely more of a mature crowd, but that's fine by me as I'm done hanging out with drunk 20-somethings. The $16 cover pinched a bit, as did the pricey drinks, but the atmosphere, bartenders and clientele are so much higher class that I didn't care at all by the end of the night. Ultimately, the high price tag works well to keep the riff-raff out. The music sounded great thanks to the high quality equipment. A nice touch was the music videos playing on about a dozen large flat screens throughout the place. My wife and I will definitely be returning.
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Review from Amanda P.
Mill Valley, CA
9/11/2011
We have gone to Shbooms a couple of times. Yeah, we had fun, but it hasn't been great. The music is ok at best, reminiscent of a fire-hall wedding. Any minute you expect the Chicken Dance or to see your Aunt Pearl dancing in her stocking feet. The crowd, young and old, is pretty much a sideshow freak festival. But, we have gone before, had some fun and made the best of it. It is definitely something one plans to do, because this isnt the type of place where anyone with any self-respect would become a regular.
The reason only one star when it otherwise would have been two and a half, MAYBE three, was that the last time we went we felt VERY ripped off. Their website was advertising NO COVER. When we all drove out there to meet, dressed in stupid Shbooms-quality cheezy attire, they told us that that "yeah, the website was advertising FREE COVER but that it was a mistake. That will be $15 each please." There was a group of us, as I said we were planning on a Shbooms evening so we dressed like prom night in rural Wyoming. We would have had to all go home and change into something more stylish and find another location, Schbooms is convenient to NOWHERE . Rather than ruin our evening together, we coughed up their $15.
It WILL be the last time we go. Ripped off to hang out with unattractive people and skeezy Czechoslovakian Brother types hitting on you all night.
If you're old, proud of your cellulite and want to show it...this is your place. And be prepared to be ripped off. There is no shortage of weird, lonely creepy people willing to pay $15 to wear their gold shoes and sequined tube tops, so Shbooms wins on that front. They can do their false advertising to someone else. Let the gold chains and chest-hair brigade have this place. I will be elsewhere. -
Review from Ann D.
Dublin, CA
11/20/2011
I can't believe Shaboom does not serve the hot tea!
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Review from Nathaniel C.
Milpitas, CA
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
For Dad's Birthday
Friday night music: 70's to Top40
Tip: Check in with yelp and receive $5 off $15 cover charge.
Value with buffet - 5 stars
From 6-8pm (strictly I might add) serve a satisfying buffet. The night I went they served breaded chicken, roast beef, caesar's salad, bread, pasta (both bowtie and penne), cookies (oatmeal and peanut butter). The food was perfect as I was starving.
Value without buffet - 2 stars
Medium sized random club in San Ramon. Music video mixing was enjoyable. IMO they let each song play for too long. They played a variety of music like Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Prince, Bee Gee's, etc.. Long bar is impressive looking but useless with only one bartender. Quality and price of drinks is standard.
Overall satisfaction due to "age" profiling - 1 star
This is where they get marked down. Besides thinking they can get away with being a $15 dollar club in "San Ramon," I felt we were profiled by our age. The buffet closes at 8pm. My cousins and I (all under 30) decided to get one last plate before they put the buffet away. Back at our table picking away slowly at our food, the lights went out for dance and the music volume was raised. Perfectly fine. However, what wasn't fine was that we were interrupted 3 times within 15 minutes by different staff members making us aware that if we don't "eat faster" then they are going to have to take our food away. One waitress came by and even had the audacity to tell my cousin "5 minutes left!" A few minutes later, a few older relatives came by and sat with us and we gave the plates to them. When staff came by and asked what happened to our plates we simply pointed to the table over. Not ONCE did they approach our elders and ask them for the food that they would throw away anyway. Please SH Boom, let me finish the buffet meal I paid for in peace. -
Review from Gary E.
It was my uncle's birthday and a handful of us family members met up at ShBoom. When we got there around twenty to eight, the outside parking lot was full but the underground had plenty of space.
After the 21 and over ID check, we dished out fifteen bucks each for the cover. We chilled out for a while then quickly made our way and grabbed a plate for a taste of their complimentary full course dinner buffet, which is offered Wednesday through Saturday from 6pm to 8pm. The pork loin, pasta, salad, and rolls were pretty decent tummy stuffers. A few minutes later, staff cleared the buffet tables for a wide open dance floor.
There were several lounge areas which can be reserved for a private party or function and party packages are available for your needs. Otherwise, it's on a first come first serve basis. Old school posters hung on the walls and there's a nice good sized full bar for your drinking pleasure plus a live DJ rocked the house complete with lights and music videos.
By around ten o'clock the place was super packed and it was standing room only. This however, did not discourage club goers from pouring in and dance party animals from getting their groove on!
The music brought back nostalgic moments from my 80's clubbing days in SF. It was like Club Mirage, City Nights, Townsend and DV8 all rolled up into one but without the chick hunting and binge drinking of course. It was a trip and kinda scary to see dance moves I haven't seen in decades like The Time - (Morris Day) Jungle Love and the good old Electric Slide. We danced to a few tunes and got rid of some unwanted calories thanks to Vanilla Ice, MJ, and Cha-Cha.
This club was a mixed crowd and I'd say predominantly thirty and beyond. I've seen folks who appeared to be overqualified for social security benefits boogie on down which was awesome.
It was good to see everyone and we had a great time!
If you love old school jams and love to dance your pants off this club is for you baby... -
Review from Louise M.
San Ramon, CA
3/3/2011
I'm apparently one of the 'old ladies' (shock to me that a 40-year-old is, well, OLD) that many of the other Yelpers have pointed out frequent ShBoom.
Not a cougar - I'm married and the last thing I'd put up with is a young guy. But I do dress up to go out and have been know to have a few drinks - so I guess I could confuse those younger than me.
Cover charge is high. Wine is disgusting - just order a mixed drink. Music is great for dancing. Crowd is entertaining.
I think it's amusing that there are so many reviews pointing out the age group of the club, but people in their 20's still go to ShBoom and they seem to quite often have a good time. Yep, it's your moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas - but even 'old' people want to have fun. Will you stay home once you pass the age of 30? No, you won't - you'll be one of US!
So enjoy - live and let live! -
Review from Christine C.
Dublin, CA
10/5/2011
My husband would disagree with me on this review be cause he likes to go dancing with the younger crowd. Me, on the other hand, couldn't care less about the ages of those dancing around me. I love the fact that I could have a decent dinner at a cheap price then dancing afterwards? Its also nice that I can get my dinner, drinking and dancing finished at a decent hour. I mean come on...who doesn't like sleep?
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Review from David R.
Antelope, CA
5/9/2011
My wife and I are big time old school soul (OS) fans. We LOVE to dance and have been looking for a good OS club anywhere between Sac and San Jose.
Our aunt recently told us about Shboom. She enjoys the same type of music and previously had a great time. Word spread to our brother who was about to turn 45 and decide to celebrate here.
We arrived about 6:30pm We had about 18 people in our party.
Quick impressions: EASY to find. Lots of parking. Friendly staff (yes even the bouncers). Decent OS Music w/Videos. BIG dance floor. Not too crowded. Food was 8.5 of 10 considering the price. Watchout for the gravy for the beef (horseradish) was separate though.
Final word: We danced our asses off. Soul Train Line and all.
Its been so long since we had a chance to dance and our party was really into it. We danced to a few top 40 type OS songs we normally wouldn't.
Drinks were good, not great. $9 shot of Patron. Top Shelf / Cadillac Patron Margarita (family's favorite drink) $10, Bottled beer only: $5 Decent variety.
Food was surprisingly good. Everyone was happy. I had LOTS of veggies and chicken breast. Others enjoyed the Prime Rib minus the horseradish gravy. Chocolate Truffles were great, but I was jonesing for walnuts as I was eating them.
I definitely recommend this place if your are taking a group. Go early to get a good sport. DJ sets up on the back end of the dance floor, so sitting in the back has an obstructed view of the dancing.
We are mostly 40 somethings, but had a few 20 somethings in our group. Our nephew, 22, had groups of asian girls dancing with him most of the night. I guess it helps to have good looks, good dancing, be well dressed and good "game". Oh to be that young again!
We left about 11:30pm after a long night. 1/2 the party remained and told us the next day music transitioned to mostly hip hop and the party continued at least another hour.
If you love to dance and don't mind going early, you'll have a great time. Go with a group.
We'll definitely be back. -
Review from Bruce A.
Dublin, CA
12/17/2011
Shboon "could be" a great place to go have a fun time dancing, socializing, and drinking if desired. But for Friday nights, in my opinion it is not worth going unless Ben E the deejay is playing the music. Otherwise the music is bits and pieces of songs all thrown together weird odd unknown "techno" tunes that are really hard to dance to. They really need better deejays like Ben, who is outstanding. "Space" music never caught on, really! LOL
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Review from Eva I.
Concord, CA
9/25/2011
Negative : rossmore people- I am sorry but if you are in your 60 do not try to dance around youngsters it's nasty!!!
I went to ask the DJ for a song , he was ignoring me until I said HI HOW ARE YOU!?Can i ask if you could play ... polite yea?What I was answered was - I do not take requests but I have more songs coming up f , he said the song must of been new he need to check if he have it wooow what DJ do not keep up with what's new? He was old too , probably the owner is old too.It's all about the business you want to keep your costumers happy and your pocket full.You need young people to be there too yea?
The waitress was fussy , no smile , not in a mood.
A drink was 7$ wow
To get in you pay 15$ -too much for what it's offered.
at one point oldies - music is good but after a while you want to hear something that came up this week or a month ago not a era ago! -
Review from Jay B.
1/30/2011
Highly recommend this place for the "older crowd"
Our family comes here to celebrate our aunties birthdays. They are young at heart and they dance like they are in their early 20's...
ALL YOU CAN EAT and Admission for 15$ - SO WORTH IT...
They play awesome music and with good company, the dance floor is amazingly full on a good night... -
Review from Elly G.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/13/2011
We all had fun! Great club for 30 -40+ young at heart people.
Drinks are from 4-8 dollars per order.
Nice music too especially after 11pm. -
Review from Tina D.
Mountain View, CA
9/15/2011
I had a blast hear with a few friends a couple of months back... however there are the locals who probably hang out every week... you can just tell!! But it was fun and there is lots of dancing!!!
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Review from Anthony L.
Castro Valley, CA
6/12/2011
I'm only 21 and came here with my dad last night. To be honest, I had an awesome time. This place was such a blast with a very fun crowd. I can't wait to go back!
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Review from Staci H.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/16/2011
I went to shabooms last Sat night for my best friends 30th bday. She wanted to go dancing but not have to go all the way to the city. I went in with low expectations, but we had a great time.
The Dj was playing current music like Usher,Pink and Pitbull, great for dancing.
We went to the bar often and never had to wait more than a minute or two to grab a bartenders attention.
Bathrooms were clean and good.sized so us ladies didn't have a long wait.
Overall we had a good time . Yes its an older.crowd but that just means we didn't have to see 21 year olds drinking too much and acting stupid. No drama, good music, and on this side of the.Bay! -
Review from Ruthie M.
Antioch, CA
4/19/2010
I was so excited when my friend called me up on Monday and told me we HAD to go out on Saturday, that I didn't ask where/with whom we were going, and I didn't care. She informed me that we were going to meet a group of her coworkers at a night club called "ShBoom", that was described as "a place for adults", and the best part was she was offering to drive! Yes! I could drink!
So, she picked me up on Saturday at about 6 pm, which is when I started to wonder, what kind of club were we going to?! We met up with here friends, and by 7 o'clock, away we went. We arrived at the club at around 7:30 pm, and I was surprised to see a line at the door. ( Again I wondered, what kind of club were we about to enter?) They checked our IDs (ALL of our IDs, and some of our group were well above 40) and we paid $15 to get it. This seemed like a steep cover charge to me, but my friend assured me that it would be worth the price.
This place is nice looking inside-I saw that there is a dance floor, which was a pretty good size. The bar was pretty long and looked nice as well. The seating consisted of tables and chairs and a couple of booths. We grabbed a large booth (which were filling up) and headed to...THE BUFFET! This place has a buffet, which I thought was AWESOME! The food was prime rib, salad, a cold pasta dish and potatoes and rolls. All of the food was very good, and worth more than $15.
After the buffet (which they took away around 8pm), we started ordering drinks. The drinks were pretty strong, my friend and I were drinking Long Island Iced Teas with cranberry juice instead of coke. They were great. Her coworker didn't like her Adios so she sent it back., but they sent her another and it was much better.
Around 9 pm the DJ started playing. It was typical hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's. They probably played like 3 songs from the recent top 40's in the 5 hours that we were there, but still, the music was enjoyable, and good to dance to. We danced the night away.
I had a lot of fun, probably mostly because of the people I was with and the drinks, and I'd go back, but I will say that a lot of what the other posters said was correct, I was the youngest person in that place by at least 10-15 years, my friend being the next youngest at 35 years old, which is saying something. There was a noticeable amount of older people there, but I didn't let that bother me, because no one bothered me and I had a lot of fun with my friend and her coworkers. -
Review from Joe G.
Vallejo, CA
11/7/2008
I'm giving this 5 stars only because if you're an older lady looking for a younger man..or maybe a man just as old as you..then go here.
4 stars for Kiss FM playlist and cheesy DJ.
Weird stars for dude dancing on platform and some lady putting her fingers down his pants.
Geritol for the ladies celebrating a woman's 50th while JT's Sexyback was playing. Thinking about it that was the newest song they played that night.
Word of advice..sit by the bathrooms later in the night and watch all the trashed cougars and milfs stumble in and out of the bathroom with their 4 inch heels. I know some of these women had to be married. Some of these guys had to have hair plugs.
Oh at the end of the night as me and my friends are exiting stage surrealness this guy shouts out from the balcony of the club "oh the Asian persuasion is out tonight." Lovely. Lovely night. Watch out when the lights come on though. -
Review from Julia G.
11/25/2009 1 Check-in Here
This is quite the happening spot that caters to an older crowd. ShBoom, or as my friend likes to call it, The Wrinkle Room, is definitely a unique one. I've never seen so many cougars in one room looking to score! Then there were the older men that hit on the handful of young women there. And lastly the cougar hunters looking to get them some hot rich mama's. It was pure comedy and fun.
If you're going on a Friday or Saturday night, you must order drinks from Melanie. She's one hot bitch... and while you're at it, leave her a hefty tip. ;) -
Review from Mike K.
6/15/2009
Text Message Transcript : 05/09
M: You have to see this place.
F: Where are you?
M: I have no idea. The crew shoved me in a car and drove through the blackness to bring me here.
F: Where are you?!
M: Some club - place... I haven't seen anything like this since Galveston.
F: Are you going to be ok?
M: I feel cold. Despair.
F: That place... is strong with the dark side of the East Bay. A domain of evil it is. In you must go.
M: They better have decent music.
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I can't divulge too much of what happened inside. All you need to know is that the place is nice, spacious and if you're younger than 45, completely unlike anything your mind can completely comprehend.
Imagine gatecrashing a prom but instead of a mob of awkward 18 year olds, you find their parents instead... still awkward but more drunk.
At least the DJ was awesome. I was shocked beyond belief (or very drunk) to notice the seriousness in which the DJ took care of business. The choon selection was quality and his mixing skills were top notch. I would have imagined a DJ would be inclined to take the piss at a venue like this but he kept it professional all night long.
Cheers to you, sir. Well played. -
Review from Michelle B.
Concord, CA
2/28/2008
Ever wonder how those old asian ladies (most likely filipina) find old white men? Here! Here! Here!
Def not my scene - We were here for SO's xmas party last year and boy did I feel out of place. . I wanted to drink my butt off so I'd forget that night, but their drinks were not as strong as I was hoping they would be. I wanted to get so wasted so I won't remember the sight of mom like figures on top of the speakers grinding to an older man that's lovin it. . . that type of stuff needs to be tucked away somewhere else! I'd go further in detail, but I think that night was just a night I wanted to block off my mind. Seriously. But I do have to comend them for getting the YMCA in sync.
Music was okay, it was literally a mixture of everything. From the couple of hours we were there, they probably played 5 of the songs that play on 94.9. It wasn't salsa night, so x-nay on salsa dancing. It was way too crouded to do any turns anyway.
The facility was pretty big, but was just way to cramped for me.
2 stars for the nice location and a new swing to mail order brides. -
Review from Eddie H.
New York, NY
2/14/2008
Not sure if it's an East Bay thing or what but having clubs in a strip mall (Aura?) seems to be the latest thing these days. Whatever...
The venue itself is pretty nice I may add and the dance floor is one of the better ones in the bay area for a salsa venue. The wooden dance floor is about 20ft by 15ft Facilities are clean and well-kept and the ventilation here is adequate. The bar spans the back wall (about 25-30 feet or so) so you won't have to worry too much about cramming for drinks around a small bar.
With a $12 charge for 2 lessons dancing and dinner, it's seems like a good deal. You can skip the lessons/food and get in after 9pm for a $5 cover charge.
The music is 70% salsa on Wednesdays with the remaining 30% consisting of merengue, cha-cha, and bachata (nice to have things mixed up). The crowds are a little older here but you can manage to find a couple people here under 35 year olds here and there. Capacity is at about 150 or so for this place, but when I went, there were about 40-50 people at the peak time (9pm-10pm).
As Jessica R. pointed out about the bottled waters, I ordered three that night and got looks everytime.
Would I go back? Perhaps - only if I knew there would be more people next time as this place has no reason not to draw bigger crowds than it does. This place has potential of reaching four stars...
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For more salsa recommendations:
http://www.yelp.com/li...
For more salsa info:
http://www.facebook.co...Listed in: San Francisco Salsa Dancing
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Review from Jessica O.
San Ramon, CA
7/9/2009
It was the night Michael Jackson died, last Thursday. It was late, and a couple older members of my crew wanted to hit this place up. We had a few drinks at my place and then headed out around 11'ish. Paid our $12 and walked behind the big, dark curtains into a world I do not care to be a part of. It changed my life. I am now more determined then ever to get my life back on track and get away from the bar scene. I do not want to be 40+, single and still hanging out at bars. I saw my dad, mom, and gma on the dance floor.
I can't do it. -
Review from L.A. W.
Tracy, CA
7/3/2007
Sh-Boom has been around forever!
Although I may be considered biased (I had my first date with my husband there) I am fairly objective about this bar.
The crowd is usually 40-50 somethings, with several 30 somethings, and occasionally an unwary 20 something will get sucked in. (There are a smattering of patrons over 50, too.) What's good about that is, there are less fights, and most people are courteous.
If you are out looking for an evening companion, you'll have to compete with the masses of silent, beady eyed men lining the dance floor. Some of the women are your usual tri-valley cougar or bar flies. There are A LOT of regulars that frequent here. There are the occasional groups of girls or guys out, and they add variety to the mix. Also, couples tend to come here. It's comfortable, because you aren't usually surrounded by bar babies or overly aggressive people.
The DJ's used to play better music at the other location. Since they've moved, it's been fairly crappy. Just when they start a good set, they throw a wrench in the works with some obscure song. It is laid out fairly well, the bar is usually accessible with a minimal wait. There is a dress code. NO jeans, tshirts, sports gear or tennis shoes/sneakers. It's fairly strictly enforced. There is a balcony for smoking, and a coat check area. Cover is usually around $15. A bit steep for a place with so-so music. Drinks are your average bar prices, they do carry higher end liquors and they aren't usually watered down.
In all, it's a good, unpretentious, and safe place to go if you are a people watcher, and don't mind hit-or-miss music and other people watchers.Listed in: Cocktail, my lovah?
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Review from Marie V.
Livermore, CA
3/19/2009
ShBoom...what can I say? Well, thank goodness for the people watching! This place looks like an AARP convention. The dance floor is always packed and the music is pumping. Where else can you jam to Sister Sledge these days? I often wonder why there is a tampon dispenser in the ladies room as 99% of the women there are menopausal. If you want to get hit on by someone your Dad's age by all means, this is the place for you.
This is a great night out for pure laughs in the Cougar Den! Grrr. -
Review from Bill C.
San Ramon, CA
8/3/2006
Sh-Boom has relocated to San Ramon. It used to be tucked away in Pleasanton, but I think the town folk gathered up with torches and pitchforks and drove this bar out of town.
This night club has the dubious distinction as the place I first heard "Hey Macarena." (Yes, say it a few times, now it's stuck in your head too!)
If you want to get a good feel for what this place is about, it's a meat market for newly divorced 40 somethings.
They do serve drinks there, so I guess that's worth 2 stars.Listed in: Drinking - a sport everyone…
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Review from Jim K.
Long Beach, CA
3/10/2009
Warning! Cougar activity in the area. They are unpredictable and attack without warning.
Shboom is without a doubt, the Grand Poobah of Cougardom in the east bay area. I was visiting a friend in Dublin and I asked him what type of nightlife is happening on a Friday night in Dublin. His answer, Shboom, but it's in San Ramon about 15 minutes away. He says, "we have to get there around 7:30, so we can hit up the buffet and stake out a spot." Okay.
After paying a $15 cover, we get seated and mosey up to the buffet. Not bad, it's the standard prime rib, potatoes, assorted veggies and some salads. At 8 PM, they pack up the buffet and the DJ kicks in.
Cougars and some regulars have already staked out there spot next to the dance floor and are ready to bounce. I have to say Shboom provides some great people watching. The music at Shboom is mainly dance tracks from the 70-80s and the dance floor is never empty. People were even line dancing to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." The age group ranges from 20-70s and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
That's the thing about Shboom, it's all about having fun no matter what age, race or gender you are. -
Review from Michele M.
Pleasanton, CA
11/5/2008
I came, I danced, I have painful feet
I came to a Salsa class one night. It went from super beginner to super "holy crap I can't do that!"
It was fun tho. It's a pretty small place. Have not come on a "clubbin" night so not sure what it would be like.
But my main thing, I just can not get over that it used to be TGIFridays when I worked at Tommy T's upstairs! Weird. I feel old. -
Review from On A Lil' Rampag e.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2008
Décor: Classy bar love it. Simple yet chic seating arrangement, plenty of seating available. Though the mini stage/ go-go dance box, is a bit frightening in the sense it is really just a hollow thin-wooden box and I seriously doubt how securely it is nailed down and there is a total chance that it could cave in.
People: Great mix of people for sure, your average age group there, the one time I went is late 20's all the way to the 60's, with the major concentration being 30-40's. The guys are wallflowers all the way. I went with my girlfriend who is a total 5'10" model hottie in her late 30's. She had to approach every single guy herself! Even when she was practically doing staring contest, winking with a suggestive finger (you over here!) move, they still would not budge. Just an FYI to the ladies, not ideal place for bf material or even Mr. Right Now pick-up. Though once you approach them, beware it becomes a stale green light and they will hand you their real estate business card from some unknown company and chat you up all the way until your in your car, seatbelt on, omfg, dance was over an hour ago stunt.
Music: The music, I could give it the benefit of the doubt and say it fits the age group there...but I am giving that age group a little more credit in taste of music. THE DJ IS AWEFUL!! There were no turntables just a laptop computer hooked to some speakers, is that how they do it now a days? I do not know I do not club that much. Not only did he refused my request, when I asked for something a little more recently like, Go-Girl by Pitbull (which is not even recent anymore!!) he gave me a wtf is that look and shunned me off the stage like the smelly kid in class. Needless to say, after that I wanted to spill my drink on his laptop. -
Review from Diane E.
11/14/2008
After reading many of the reviews for this place, I was prepared for a cheesy experience and as far as the crowd and venue is concerned, I wasn't disappointed :-)
Last night I went with a friend to celebrate her birthday along with several of her other friends. She chose this place only because of the band that was featured -- Pride and Joy.
Pride and Joy -- a bay area local band -- was absolutely fabulous! Definitely a 5 star experience for the band (a 2 star experience for the venue). Pride and Joy performed all the Motown hits, and the dance floor was constantly jammed. I don't think I've danced this much since my 20s :-)
Bottom line, get on this bands' mailing list to see where they are playing and go enjoy the experience for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
