Cafe International

This may be the most popular open mic around. As it used to be the only Friday night open mic, it's often standing room only at about 9 pm. Large, high-ceilinged room with a full dinner menu. Friendly staff, comfortable couches, limited table space. Lots of spoken word and politically/ethnically charged material. The first few weeks of 2008 have seen MTV shooting bits for their show, "True Life" here.

• Signup: 7pm First come, first served - watch for the signup notebook, as it is often placed inconspicuously at the back of the room and fill
• Legnth: 8 to 9.30pm
• MC: Simon
• Terms: 20 spots -- 1 or 2 songs
• Sound: Portable set-up the host brings in to make performers louder. It's not terrible, but it's not what you'd call
• Info: 508 Haight Street , San Francisco , | (415) 552-7390