If you want to have a successful night out in this town, you need a plan—and it better be a good one. Since it's not always easy to strike that perfect balance between pre-dinner drink, food and a show, we bring you the Triple Threat series — a block-by-block guide to nights out that only require one parking space. Today a little holiday helper the Mission.

See: Just when the stress of December gifting and excessive family time is starting to make an insane asylum look like a nice place to escape for a bit, San Francisco comedy troupe Killing My Lobstercomes to the rescue this weekend with Holidaze at Z Space. Making light of everything from dad's weird Christmas sweater to the spelling of Chanukah, the one-night-only comedy show will set you back a mere $15-25 a head—a small price to pay for your sanity. Tickets here. 

Eat: If you catch the early 7 pm showing, you could sneak into nearby Coffee Bar for an affordable pre-show bite to eat. (They close at 7 pm on Saturdays.) You can't go wrong with their pepper Jack and cheddar grilled cheese sandwich, washed down with an Anchor Steam. Later 10 pm show goers have a few options. For less commitment, there's Asiento, serving upscalish bar bites like sauteed shrimp with grilled bread and Angus meatballs in a cocktail bar atmosphere.

If you want to go big, arrive at local darlingFlour + Water around 6:30 pm and try to score a walk-in seat at the communal tables (not reccommended with more than 2 people). If you're feeling clean California flavors like fresh ricotta ravioli (and you want a surer bet) make a reservation at Universal Cafe. Craving sushi? Blowfish is the way to go. 

Drink: For a post-show pool game and surprisingly powerful pint glass margaritas, mosey over to the Jay'n Bee at 20th and Hampshire. It's the right kind of dive bar: friendly tenders, juke box and decent pizza if you need it. If you're the DJ-dancing type, you can always head back to Asiento too.

Got another great night out to suggest? Write us a note or tell us about it in the comments.