Anthology is music venue that has a history of hosting a wide range of musical acts, from indie bands to metal legends. It initially opened in September 2015, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reopened by new management company, SCN Hospitalty. The venue is known for its capacity of around 1,000 people and its ability to accommodate diverse musical genres. Recently went to my first concert here. Nice space, nicely decorated up top. Great sound quality, lighting was great. However, I'd probably never come here again during the summer months. It was 96 degrees outside, this is an indoor venue, it was a sold out show of over 700 people, and there is no A/C in the venue. People were absolutely miserable, I watched multiple people leave the show early because they passed out or were having some other medical issue from the intense heat. It was difficult to even breathe during the event. 3 bands went on stage and every one of them mentioned how ridiculously hot it was. How this is even allowed and not a health risk is crazy to me. Wasn't enough bar staff to keep up with the amount of people, especially cause everyone wanted/needed water, merch stands were set up in spots that made it even more difficult to move around the space. Just poorly set up. Only a few tables and chairs, so people who were having issues with the heat either needed to go downstairs to where the bathrooms were or leave the venue just to get some relief. It's too bad cause it really is a nice venue, but there's no way I'd go again during the warm months. read more

This is an awesome indoor music venue and probably the nicest one in Rochester. I love the look and feel of the venue. There are some tables in the bar area and less crowded standing room with TVs showing the stage if you dont want to be in the main stage area. The main floor has some limited seating on bleachers on either side which is a nice touch. I also like that there is a coat check downstairs by the bathrooms for no additional cost (with a tip jar). The capacity is probably around 1000 people. However, as much as I enjoy my time here whenever I come, I do have some legitimate concerns. This is a very warm venue with seemingly no central air and minimal ventilation, so it gets hot quickly and I can't imagine how much worse it must feel in the summer. There is a small gated area you can access outside for some freah air if there is space. I also have observed security staff turning a blind eye to issues and accepting bribes from patrons, so concert safety could absolutely be improved at this venue. read more

Now THIS is what an indoor venue should be like. I was bummed when I heard they closed, but they've opened up, and it's just as good as I remembered. Friendly staff, security, and patrons. The live sound is the best out of any indoor venue I've been to. If any bands see this, please pay Anthology! read more

Was here for a concert recently and found the layout and ambience of the venue to be extremely nice... it worked to make what otherwise could have had a cold an mechanical look (which if retained could be aesthetically pleasing as well) into a bit of a sophisticated suave feel... like going to a basement club but without the dingy dank of that whole thing. The acoustics of the venue were very well suited toward the style of music played, which was live band electronic music. I was right up front, where there are three massive subwoofers, and the bass generated reverberated throughout my body for the whole show... but at the same time, it didn't prevent the other sounds from getting through, so I was awash in a sea of superior sound... one of the loudest concerts I've attended, but was still not too harsh on the ears. I took some video, but the high level of bass was too much for my phone to handle (which was expected, but oh well). In terms of service at the bar, unlike other reviews, on this evening everything seemed to be moving fairly smoothly. People seemed to line up orderly in front of each bartender, and drinks were served out efficiently. My limited experience with security was pleasant, with them being courteous in directing me where to go for a smoke break. I definitely would love to see another show at this venue sometime soon! read more

Great music venue. Attended a show here last night and the entire experience was fantastic. The venue is intimate and no bad seats in the house. Going through security was painless. There's a nice looking bar, but I didn't drink any water/alcohol, so I am not sure what the costs are during shows, but I imagine they charge a premium. As far as shows go, security was laid back and the acoustics were good. I'd recommend here as a live music venue! read more

This was my first time visiting Rochester for a musical event. The spot is like in a side street. The venue has friendly security. Drinks were decent priced. I got a shot of patron and Corona for like $14-$15. Pretty average for a venue like this. The acoustics were spot on. Plenty of bathrooms downstairs. Overall a good place for live music. read more

Anthology - Bonobo - Fragments Tour - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

Rating based only on venue = 5 stars. Rating based on service = 2 stars. Overall rating = 3 stars. While I'm a fan of the space and the names Anthology books, I am unimpressed by the service and attitudes of the employees. I've been to Anthology a dozen or so times for various events and each time I'm loving the space and wishing for new staff to be working there. You'll find bathrooms in the basement, an empty space where a bar could be but isn't and a "coat check" with noone there to actually check your coat so you're leaving it up to trust. If they can find friendly employees who stay friendly through chaos, and a good use of the basement space, I'd increase my rating by at least one star. read more

Anthology - Bachelor auction!! Bachelor #9 - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

Went to Anthology recently for rock show and was overall impressed by the venue. Parking was confusing as the website said to park behind the location but without signage, it was unclear where it was safe to park so that you wouldn't get towed/ticketed. We ended up paying for parking in the near-by lot which wasn't far or really a big deal. Entrance to event was simple at door, where they ID. I was surprised there was no bag check of any kind. The décor is open, trendy and very clean. Bars on both sides of area on platform near entrance with pleasant bartenders and really reasonable drink prices $5 and $7 dollars for our drinks, which is a steal at a concert. If you get there early there are some areas to sit kind of bleacher style but otherwise mainly standing room on floor by stage. Sound was great and given overall smaller venue size no matter where you are, you get a decent view. Other than what appeared to be minimal security the only thing I didn't enjoy was the constant tobacco smoke coming from mid venue exit door where everyone was smoking just outside the door. Overall this is a great venue and addition to Rochester area! read more

I visited Anthology for the first time recently, and I can say that I am a fan! Four stars for sure. I like the set up of the place because there is a decent sized area for dancing and an equally nice sized area for the bar and hanging around with people at tables. I like that these areas are relatively separate because it makes the dancing experience more enjoyable. Some places the bar is right next to the dance floor and it just doesn't work. Anthology works. Bar service was a little slow on the night I was there. I would say they could afford to have two more bartenders on hand for busy nights. A couple of them weren't that friendly, and while I completely understand that dealing with people can be a pain, I wish that they would reciprocate when someone is dealing pleasantries. The real reason I came was for music and dancing, so I can overlook the service a little. And for dancing I was perfectly pleased. :) read more

Anthology - Bar - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Came here to see Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People and had an amazing time! This venue is wide and open allowing a nice flow from the moment you step into the door! Bathrooms and a coat room are available downstairs and are easy to access even with a full house! Will definitely be coming back soon. Excited rochester finally has a nice venue to see great musicians! read more

Anthology - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Anthology is an enormous venue, a mega bar made up of three former bar spaces. All three of which I visited in my 20's. It houses a stage, a bar and many seating options. I recently went to see a country rock act with my parents so the crowd skewed slightly older than I'm used to, and additional seating was added for the occasion. The drink selection is decent and will run you between $8 and $10 per drink. A handful of beers and a full bar provide plenty of variety. I would only put one thing on my Anthology improvement wish list and that would be better acoustics. This is a huge space with a high ceiling and the sound near the stage often gets lost. We moved, mid show, to the bar area where two TVs show the artist. There are speakers here too. The sound was significantly better when balanced and at a distance. I will say this, it's nice to have a large concert venue in the East End, it's nice to see a decent show within walking distance of home. read more

Since Anthology is a newer venue, I am hoping that some kinks get worked out. Like some of the former reviews have mentioned, the acoustics are sub-par. Since the place isn't very wide and open, the crowd just travels backwards and it is really hard to see the bands on stage. They need to be lifted up on a higher level for more viewing potential. As of October, they wouldn't sell liquor, only beer and wine. The beers were Pabst Blue Ribbon, Heineken, Corona Cans, etc. When I go to a concert that is local, they should be serving local beers on tap. I am not sure if it is that they just didn't have their lines installed yet.Smokers can go outside in a small gated off area on the side of the building. The downstairs of the place is pretty open, and there were no lines for the bathroom. I was pretty shocked by that. Parking can be challenging. There is a pay lot about a block down, or you can drive all the way down to the parking garage. Some people paid for parking in front of ONE night club. Luckily I was in walking distance, but I wouldn't try to arrive just before the concert starts or you will be wasting time trying to find a spot. All in all, Anthology is just okay. Get some liquor on the bar and then we will be talking. read more

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Air conditioned, nice bar area and nice stage area. Can't speak on how it is during regular events since we were here for a daytime thing. But, it's in a good area and seems to be a good set up! read more

Anthology - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

Anthology is a very cool small rock venue and I loved my experience there last night when Atreyu came to town. Parking is street only and can be a challenge, but luckily I was able to find some around the block. The interior is very cool, modern and industrial looking with a large bar, merch area and wide floor area for viewing along with a couple of smaller upper terrace like sections. There really wasn't a bad spot in the house unless you stood directly behind a pillar or something. Acoustics and sound were pretty solid throughout and it was easy to get in and out of the building. Bathrooms and coat check downstairs were nice and allowed people to get to that without having to walk through huge crowds of people. Cool venue I enjoyed it! read more

Very cool place to see a show. Small intimate atmosphere Very limited seating but you're here for a show get up and stand. Two big screen TVs show the bands pretty well. Would go again and would highly recommend. Parking could be kind of an issue but I parked on union a couple blocks up and walked for free. So free parking for an awesome show is great. The only down fall would be the bugs and the cigarette smoke coming in from the side door. I am amazed on where I need, actually need bug spray. I would have never thought a concert inside under a roof that I would need some deep woods off. I guess I come more prepared next time. All in all the bugs weren't that bad. Go and have fun read more

Last night was my second time at Anthology. The first to see Yonder Mountain and the second for Andrew McMahon. The bar is nice, but a bit pricey. It was honestly super overcrowded in there and difficult to see if you weren't up close. So crowded that you're inevitably touching the people standing next to you. If you can't handle the tightness, this place is not for you with a popular artist. They have 2 tv screens in the bar area to let viewers in the back catch a glimpse, but honestly whomever is in charge of the camera should be fired. They weren't paying attention to the show and the cameras were rarely focused on the artist playing. It seemed useless a good chunk if the time. With it being so crowded, the people in the back couldn't see anything. Perhaps more seating in the upper area would be something to consider to make it more enjoyable for all. The restrooms are downstairs, but aren't clearly labeled so I had to ask. With so may people packed in there, lots of them were standing on the stairs to the lower floor lever, which seems like a safety concern. They should really designate a walkway from the floor to the upper bar area (that is open/no standing in) so people aren't constantly stepping on you to get through. Another suggestion would be to get some fans in there! It was so hot with that many people crammed in there and no circulating air. The concerts on both occasions were amazing and worth dealing with the annoying things. I like Anthology and am sure I'll be back but hopefully they will make some changes to better accommodate their crowds. read more

Upon entering I thought this place was really cool with high top tables, a long bar , and really cool circular lighting hanging from the ceiling. I should have known from the line that stretched outdoors in a rainy day. They should have moved the ticket takers further in to accommodate the line. They didn't check our bags or anything for security purposes. The bar was easy to get to and the bartenders seemed nice. We were there for the Guster concert. There was a huge crowd which was great for Guster, but honestly probably a bigger crowd than they really should have had. There were a few security guards that I saw, but honestly they did not maintain the audience very well, of course, the audience for a Guster concerts is pretty polite, but it was extremely crowded, there were people standing on the stairs which I imagine it's a safety hazard, about every twenty minutes or so, the floor area smelled of jet fuel engine which I'm assuming was from a tour bus or truck outside the door because there was a door open. The sound was pretty crappy. I would say this would be a great place to hang out with friends and get a drink, but for this concert, it was way too crowded and the sound wasn't great. But of course it was great to see Guster! The look of the venue was very nice and it was nicely decorated. The bathrooms were downstairs, had a lot of stalls which was great and was clean. read more

Anthology - Stage - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Great music venue. Nice ambiance. Not too big that it's overwhelming or too small that you can count all the people in the room, but just the right size and that it still feels intimate. The bar makes a good effort not to keep people waiting to order too long. Coat check available in the basement. No food and parking can be a big pain. read more

My fiancé and I went here for a concert. I asked him before we got there what the set-up was like. It is a tiny venue with a bar in the back, limited seating, amd standing room to enjoy the concert. I was a little turned off because having a bar that close to the stage worried me about overly intoxicated individuals. This place is way too upscale for that. It has a gorgeous interior with nicely kept wood floors and clean tables and seating. There isn't a bad view of the stage anywhere you go. It is small so every concert seems intimate. Definitely would recommend going to a show here. read more

Nice venue, glad they remodeled so I have heard made it a little bigger, place is really nice, went to Yonder Moutain String band and it was amazing. The drinks are a little pricy and the bathrooms in the basement so kind of the only downfall. Had a great time though. read more

Anthology - a group of people standing in the rain - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

Anthology is relatively new considering it's only been open for 2 months. There is some free parking in the back after 6pm which is hard to find in the city sometimes. Security is very apparent but also quite courteous. The room is long and narrow which isn't ideal for acoustics but it still sounded pretty decent. There is a very nice area with tables and chairs however there is a small step up to get to this area and I saw at least 15 people trip and fall on that step. Considering it was at the beginning of the night this should probably be changed. Overall it's a nice venue to see a concert. I'm glad we have a new place in town to go to. read more

Anthology - Mastodon setting up - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

The first time attending a concert here was to see Matt Nathanson on Mar 1, 2019. Overall, I was very impressed with the beautiful remodeling that was apparently done to this facility. Being an acoustic concert, I also loved the intimacy offered by the venue with the ability to get up close and personal with the artist. What was a bit troublesome for the concert attendee, was that there was very limited seating. Benches lined the perimeter and there were a few step-style seats along the left side. Other than that, everyone stood. Doors opened at 7 pm for an opening act performer who didn't start his 30 minute set until 8:00 p.m. Then Matt Nathanson took the stage for his show, which lasted easily a full TWO HOURS. It was an amazing show and he was engaging, and fun and interactive with the audience. No one budged for the full two hour + SOLD OUT SHOW. It was great, and worth every bit the price of admission. But I have to say, that my feet were burning and being that most everyone had taken off their winter coats, it still was a bit warm and uncomfortable at times. To the owner of the venue, I don't know for sure what the real answer might be in resolving this, but I would offer this suggestion: Strategically placing several high top tables/chairs around the upper level might help alleviate some of the crowding down near the stage, or offer relief for those that don't wish to stand the entire time. Maybe some high top tables/chairs around the sides as well. If not tables./chairs, perhaps some tables alone where patrons can place their drinks or purses and relax a bit. If we left the front, our place in the front would most certainly be gone. I would definitely go see another artist for a concert of this type here again. And I hope that more artists do come to Rochester to play for us. I know Matt Nathanson seemed very impressed with the Rochester audience and everyone sure loved him!! read more

Attended a concert- Get The Led Out- at Anthology last night. The venue is nicely laid out- and well suited for a concert. Good sight lines and acoustics for the show were surprisingly decent. Large bar with many bartenders to take care of the capacity crowd(400 or so people?).A few folks in the crowd had commented how Anthology had opened about a year ago - but seemed to be growing in popularity. Staff was friendly; drinks were reasonably priced. Large parking lot and on street parking nearby. Venue supports many live acts and offers several as "all ages" shows. This worked out great as I was able to attend GTLO with my teenage son. Great band- good venue- will definitely check out Anthology's calendar and look towards returning! read more

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Anthology is where Daisy Duke's/Whiskey River used to be, near Cam's, on Lawrence Street. I really like what they've done with the place! It has a sleek, modern look with gray paint, and several circular chandeliers with white lights, while keeping the industrial warehouse style with massive windows and concrete brick everywhere. They are still giving the venue a face-lift and I can't wait to see how it looks when the stairs/floors and other misc conversion construction is finished. Parking is the East End hunger games so I recommend carpooling or taking a nice walk if you live nearby. I dig the PBR only bar on the back left of the crowd as an addition to their full bar on the next level. It's genius. The bar service is great and everyone that works for the venue is really nice. The bathrooms are downstairs and lead into a huge room that definitely has the potential to be a lounge area with a second bar. Some cool mismatched chairs and tables would be nice for people who want to get away from the crowd for a little and enjoy their drinks/company. Acoustics do need some work - my best suggestion is to bring all of your fleshy friends and fill the room up so there's something for the sound to resonate off, until they finish everything. I can't wait to see who they bring in! This place has a lot of potential and our little city could always use a kick in its music scene pants. read more

Great place for music, but highway robbery for beer prices. $6 for a 16 oz Labatt Light or Genesee Light? Get out of here. That's just absurd. read more

Wow what a beautiful cozy venue. I don't feel like the floor is going to collapse like Waterstreet which is a shame because that just adds character. In all seriousness, there are also benefits to the small bathroom line and the $5 wells. They have a small selection of tall craft beers in a can as well. read more

I was here with 2 friends for an electric/indie-rock music fest on a Friday night. The queue to get in was long but it moved at a reasonable pace. On entry, cover was $5, we had some ticket reservations. I believe it was $10 without ticket reservations after 9. Music was great (had us on our feet all night) and the few drinks I had were good too, at least I didn't get a headache after (please don't cheapen them over time, lol). They have a bar area and a stage area, the interior design is modern/trendy. Bathrooms are downstairs. The crowd was relatively cosmopolitan. I'm in the area from NYC & I think the place is worth a try. We had a good time and we stayed till around 1:30a. Then went next door for pizza, lol, as anthology didn't have food. Overall a great experience! read more

The decor and ambiance are super cool, the coat check is fabulous, the bar is great, and the staff is all wonderful, but they oversell shows and leave no way to see the band for the majority of people who paid to see the band. The lone monitor is a cute start, but the camera is so zoomed in you can only see the center of the stage. The sound gets distorted near the bar. Huge disappointment. I doubt I'll be back. read more

Small and intimate venue. Beautiful bar and a nice sitting area. Drinks weren't super expensive like other places I've been to (came to $9 for a soda and a double jack and coke). Coat check and bathrooms were downstairs and uncrowded. Coat check was free and for tips only. Many bathroom stalls and no wait even in a full house. They were also very clean! There were a decent number of places to sit. I was never not able to find a sit if I wanted one. Very pleasant experience! read more

Caught the Bleachers show at Anthology in October (2017) and was left smitten with this venue. First and foremost the house system is probably the best I've heard in CNY; the sound is incredibly crisp. The aesthetic throughout the venue is modern and higher end, it has a great feel to it, a venue that would feel at home in NYC. They have a very large and open bar area that was well staffed. This was a sold out show and my wait for a drink (reasonably priced!) was minimal. Security was friendly. Overall I was impressed with this venue. I drove in from Syracuse and would happily make a another trip to Anthology. Great venue all around. read more

I love this space for an intimate concert setting. I've also been very impressed by the acts that they've been getting - Jana Kramer, Brothers Osborne, really awesome to see these people in such a small place! My only complaint is that it's still partially the East/Alexander-type crowd, and there was some kind of girl fight in the middle of the show. We are going back at the end of the month for another show! read more

I think this is a really awesome venue! The layout is great, because you can see the stage from anywhere in the place. It would be great if they had more seating options, but it seems like they're still working out a few kinks since they just recently opened. read more

My girlfriend and I went to The Rochester Revival March 4th&5th. I love this place! It has an upscale funky Brooklyn vibe while still being really comfortable and friendly. It's really big but it still felt cozy for lack of a better word. The sound was great, and people were polite and having a really great time in general. This is the kind of crowd I like being around when I go out at night. We will definitely be back to see more shows because it was easily the nicest bar we have been to downtown. read more

Anthology - Music Venues Near Me - Rochester, New York

Security needs to be less aggressive. Way too aggressive even to sober people. Other than that, its alright. Bartenders would fail to do a reasonable order and they will skip you.... mad hard for no reason while sober. Probably best to go elsewhere read more

I wasn't really sure what to expect from an old warehouse club, but upon going to Father John Misty at the new space it is...a newer warehouse club. Pretty good-sized bar area (and the ability to take cards), but a large, flat floor space that isn't conducive to actually seeing the show. We stood on the ramp down to the floor (which improved viewing a bit, but would suggest some movie theater lights along the edge of ramp?) Granted seeing is secondary to hearing the show (but if you missed FJM's sensual Jagger-esque hip swinging due to a blocked view, you missed out). The sound is exactly that of a warehouse. Totally muddy, could not hear a word he said between songs above the banter of the crowd. From what I could tell, I couldn't find any sound absorbing panels/covering anywhere. I am going to give this place some time to work out the kinks and try again, because I am so excited to have an alternative to the old favorites. But if I'm coming out to hear a band and I can't hear the band... read more

I have seen concerts all across the country in every type of venue. Anthology is a class act place. There is not a bad seat in the house (3 levels) and the sound is amazing. The bar is large enough so you don't have to stand in line all night. If you are looking for a great place to see a show in Rochester this is it. read more

This place is something that the city has always needed. I am so happy about the free parking, the great staff and the venue itself. The city needed something else, besides your old boring clubs with the same DJ's. I mean when you look at this place and then go to an event, its like you are totally in a different scene. They have some great beers and the drinks are cold and inviting as well. I want my 40th birthday party to be there on the roof top. I am excited about the bands and the other events they are going to book. All I can say is look out old, lame, and non creative bar owners!!!!!!!!!!!! read more