I've seen several shows here now and I really like the venue. It's located near some of the best bars in Nashville--places that serve great bar food, cheap but quality drinks and even allow cigar smoking. The venue itself is a good size with mostly standing room well suited for getting up close to enjoy the show. The drinks are fairly priced here as well. The only downside is that parking is pretty non-existent for the venue itself though there is an overpriced lot behind it, but if you get here early there is plenty of free weekend and evening parking on the street further down. read more

This place was awful - management and door staff were so so rude! venue isn't that great compared to others in town. i have tickets to a future show here in 2 weeks... selling my tickets asap bc i refuse to go back to this place!! read more

The Exit/In is a great rock music club in Nashville, TN. The put on a lot of good shows for national bands here. I last saw The Lemonheads who played to a pretty packed house. The sound quality is really good and well managed for the size of the room. There is no seating just a floor space for standing. There is a small balcony as well. The lighting isn't as exciting as it is at 12th and Porter, but the stage is a good size so the show seems professional without the huge lighting rig. They hold shows for local and regional bands during the week, too for a cheaper door charge. So, you can enjoy the room, and support local music without paying a lot. My one gruff with the Exit/In is the bathroom situation. The bathrooms are in the weirdest location ever. They are at the front of the room to the side of the stage. This is strange because you basically have to walk almost on stage to go to the restroom. They also have bathroom attendants here at the Exit/In which is rather strange, since the bathrooms are always pretty dirty, small, and poorly lit. Bathroom attendants always seem pretty pathetic in general, but having to be a bathroom attendant at a dirty rock club seems pretty lame. Let the bathroom attendants go, and the club will instantly be cooler. read more

EXIT/IN - Exit/In sign - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Ever since I saw the movie Nashville, I've been a little bitter that somewhere along the line the Exit/In painted over the giant green guitar that wrapped around the interior of the building. Sad. But the modern Exit/In has a lot to offer as well. There's a lot more space than some of the other venues in town so it attracts bigger acts. I came to the Exit/In for the first time when Cursive toured through freshman year. It's a great place to see local and touring acts. They feature a variety of music genres so check the calendar because there's sure to be something for you. One negative note: I had friends come in town for an obscure metal band once with prepaid tickets. We arrived to locked doors, no lights, and no answer to our phone calls. The show must have been cancelled due to lack of interest or God knows what. Fine. That happens. But at least put a sign on the door, guys. read more

EXIT/IN - MeeMaw during Next Big Nashville - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Embarrassment of an establishment. I sprinted there after class to catch my roommates performance. I naturally didn't have my wallet on me so they allowed me to buy a ticket but then wouldn't let me in. I showed them my school ID which shows I'm 19 (over there 18+ age limit) but they still refused me entry. Bouncer was a complete jerk throughout the whole interaction and even refused me a refund on my ticket. Stay away!!!! read more

The EXIT/IN was a great place to catch a show! I went here on a Wednesday night to see the awesome band Superorganism. Tickets were cheap which I always appreciate. It kills me to go to a big venue like Bridgestone, spend $150+ on tickets, and be up so far you can barely even see the performer. The EXIT/IN allows you to get up close and personal with the band performing. Parking can be a little tricky but we were able to find free parking on a side street close by. The check-in process was quick and easy. Have your IDs with you, even if you bought tickets online. I did see security around but they didn't say anything or bother me the whole night. Maybe they have listened to the feedback or maybe this was a smaller show so they didn't have to be on such high alert? The feel of the place is a classic dive music venue. I loved it. Behind the bar, they have a list of names of people who have performed at the venue before. Cool touch. I didn't check out their drink menu too much because I had a sore throat, but they had a good selection of beers and mixed drinks. The stage is raised so you can have a good view from anywhere in the room. There is also a balcony if you really want the bird's eye view. We were pretty close to the stage because it wasn't a super packed show and we arrived on time. The opener ended up cancelling so the band performed a little earlier than expected. I felt bad for people who came later because they probably missed half the show. That's why I'm always on time! The sound was awesome. The band was of course great. One thing that kind of put a damper on the concert was the video stopped working. The band had really cool video work for their background and for about 4 songs it didn't work. The venue had to shut off all of the lights and reboot everything it looked like. At one point the band was almost playing in the dark. I get it, these things happen. The band was cool with it and cracked jokes with the audience. Overall, it was a fun venue that lets you really experience the band for an unbeatable price. I would 100% go back to check out another show! read more

Ticketfly's online ticketing was completely down for an extended period, and whoever manages this venue seems to very rarely answer the phone, so I went to Exit-In when another show was going on in hopes that the venue would be able to sell a ticket to a show held the next day (thus also avoiding the huge percentage-wise fee for purchasing online, so I was ok with the inconvenience of making a trip over there). But the box office couldn't even sell a ticket to their own venue for a show held the next night. I was referred to two other locations which apparently can't even sell tickets while the Ticketfly website remains down. Have been to one of more concerts at this venue previously and found it sort of so-so in terms of layout and sound quality, but had never heard of a concert venue unable to sell tickets to its own shows held the next evening, was kind of annoying as a customer as this information is not made clear from the website and this is a very unusual policy for a music venue - if someone from Exit-In reads this, please note in your FAQ or elsewhere on your website that tickets for future shows are not sold at the ticket window, as I think the common understanding is that the selling of tickets to current and future events is a core feature of most venues' ticket window or box office if they have one. *** Update: Thank you to Jeremy for the fast response to this (below). I still think it's sort of lame that there isn't a way to buy tickets in advance of showdate at venue without relying on a web interface which as I recall regularly charges over 20% in fees not even displayed to customer until checkout, and that same interface now appears to have suffered a pretty massive hack and presumably/possibly may have exposed customer payment data in the process (not sure of this but it seems to very often end up being the case in these situations). But you and other staff I have interacted with there have always been professional and courteous on the venue's behalf. Thanks for taking the time to respond and for doing it in a professional manner. **** Annnnnd update yet again. Can we talk about how stupid I was with this previous review? Venue I had gone to to try to buy tickets was Mercy Lounge/The Cannery, not Exit-In; related venues, I think, but not the same. Sounds like I might have run into the same problem regardless, but Exit In is a way better venue than this previous review allowed for. I think 5 stars in terms of actual venue quality is fair, and again I appreciate that someone from the venue replied with such class. Still of a fan of the online ticketing interface used, but 5 stars for the venue itself (and for its staff!). read more

I love this venue. There are a lot of fancier and bigger places to see shows in the area, but this is just the right size for me. It's no frills but nothing missing either. The bar has a good selection and you can get to it quickly easily without missing any of the show. There isn't a long wait for the bathrooms. You can see the show really well from just about everywhere. On top of all that the staff is really friendly. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot more shows here in the future. read more

The Exit / In the quintessential Nashville music venue. A small, non-chalant building suggests an average experience but could you be more wrong. This location is as historic to Nashville as the AT&T building or the Parthenon. Albeit relatively small, the Exit / In is the kind of intimate venue where memories are made. The main floor is open and extends about 25 feet from the small stage in front. Stairs lead up to a small mezzanine that gives a great view for early birds willing to stake out a spot. The alcohol is typically priced for a concert setting so expect to spend a bit of money on booze. Probably the most intriguing element about the Exit / In is its rich history. Great artists from the 60's onward have graced the stage. In the 70's, Steve Martin famously invited the crowd for a late dinner at McDonald's. After leading the entire crowd down Broadway to the Gold Arches, Steve promptly jumped behind the counter and took everyone's order. While I can't promise this memorable of an experience - I can say that you are likely to have a damn good time at the Exit / In. read more

It's pretty simple why I love this place. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. I've seen them here twice and their show is phenomenal. Grace's voice and songs are soulful and amazing, and the musicians are incredible. The energy of the entire band cannot be beat. This past Sunday (Halloween), they dressed up as country stars, stayed in character all night, and brought up a couple on stage so that the guy could propose to his girlfriend. SO adorable. Exit In only charges $15 for their show, and based on the other shows I have seen here their prices are never high. The place is standing room only, unless you count the balcony. There's nothing pretty about it, but it's authentic and it's so Nashville, that I'm glad they don't change their ways. Bouncer was really friendly at this past show. Drinks are tiny and overpriced (in my opinion) but nowhere near what you'd pay at a show at Bridgestone or some other venues. For after the shows, Goldrush across the street serves up late night eats. read more

Ditto what Brian R.'s review said. That's really all you need to know. T-shirts, which I've wanted since college, will set you back like $20, and the bartender was kind enough to let me try on a couple sizes in the bathroom to make sure I got the right fit. read more

I know its not just me that is disappointed with Exit/In and all its hype. I've actually not gone to see bands I really like because they were playing there and I didn't feel like dealing with whatever 'fill in the blank' crappy issue you'll come across there. I've found most of the people that work there to be unfriendly, and if you ever find yourself on the guest list there's typically always a problem getting in. They have updated the venue with an addition of a large balcony which is nice, except you can't see the stage from 90% of it. I don't really understand what the logic behind that is, do a lot of people pay to come to shows that they don't want to see and then just sit in a dark corner listening? The Exit/In does have a very rich history, it's a shame it can't stay as one of Nashville's top venues. They seem to have constant issues running the joint, I'm not sure if its a managerial problem or what but every year I hear about how they're about to shut down for one various problem or another. Has anyone seen David Cross' DVD Let America Laugh? If you haven't you should, he has an infamous run in with the manager at Exit/In that is both hilarious and shameful. One great thing about the Exit/In is its location. It's placement on Elliston is very convenient if you don't have transportation or just don't like driving to multiple parts of town in an evening. With lots of late night hang outs across the street like Gold Rush, Corner Bar and Cafe Coco right around its an easy place to make a night of it with friends or visiting out of towners. As a Nashville 'landmark' I'd recommend everyone visit the venue at least once, but I think its lacking in a lot of areas to be listed as a regular hang out. read more

Best rock venue in town. Hands down. read more

EXIT/IN - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This place is small and perfect for an intimate concert. I've seen some amazing line-ups there that I was shocked didn't pack the place, like the Stills. They have the best shows in town if you're into rock and indie and all that good stuff... read more

4 stars doesn't seem enough but 5 stars seems too much? As the Russian judge, I will raise my score card and award a solid 4. I have seen many different types of shows here that included last Saturday night's J.P. Chrissie + the Fairground Boys (Chrissie Hynde's newest project). I personally think that the sound was very good and it always has been when I have been in the audience. This place isn't for anyone who digs pop music and who craves a frilly concert going experience. The Exit In has been around for over 35 years clearly for a reason.They don't try to reinvent the wheel by adding trendy touches but instead they opt to book, promote, and produce solid shows. If you take a look at the Wall of Fame, you can see the long list of musicians who have made pitstops here. Some months don't offer as many great shows (in my opinion) but I am salivating at the mouth for the upcoming month that includes: The Hold Steady BRMC Devendra Banhart Shooter Jennings Electric Six Margot + the Nuclear So and So's The Thermals w/Cymbals Eat Guitars Grace Potter + the Nocturnals Solid, right? Ticket prices are always more than reasonable and can be purchased from their website. This can be dangerous as my Visa took a beating the other night when I got a little Penny Lane and bought most of the tickets from my list. Guess I won't be eating for the next few weeks. Well. Shit. The only real snafus for Exit In are the cruddy bathrooms that are literally assaulted throughout the night and the sometimes tough parking situation. I guess it wouldn't really be a rock club without those issues though, right? read more

The Exit/In is a step up from the ubiquitous Nashville small venues without losing the small venue vibe. They regularly book pretty significant national acts but also remain the first big must-play venue for local acts hoping to get a little more attention. The Exit/In is right across the street from the End and the Goldrush, so it makes for a good West Side hub if you're planning on hitting more than one spot. Drinks are moderately priced, and there's a decent amount of room. Sound is sometimes hit and miss, but more often than not it isn't bad. The Exit/In has recently added a tier-like upstairs area, though I haven't gotten the guts to go up and check it out yet. It seems relatively neat, but I like watching shows at this joint from the very front. Otherwise there are often visibility issues. There seems to be something going down at the Exit/In nearly every night, and they update their website and Myspace regularly. Ticket prices for big shows are reasonable, though they might be a couple bucks more expensive than that of the 5 Spot and the End for smaller shows. Either way, it's one of the better medium-sized venues in the city, and if an act that you enjoy is booked there, I say it's worth it. read more

I mean its a dive. But the sound system is amazing. Not the best drinks, varied from bartender to bartender. The guy poured heavy and the girl poured light. See the guy. Drinks are CHEAP. Merch table is in the back, and if you can make it upstairs its quite a sight. If you get there early and the line is out the wazzoo have a drink at the mexican place next door. ;) read more

I love this venue. It's dark, dirty, and small and spacious at the same time. I've never been disappointed in a show here. The sound surrounds you. The crowds here are always fun, energetic and wild. I've seen acts ranging from Matt Wertz, Will Hoge, and Gavin DeGraw to the Delta Saints and an all-girl Rage Against the Machine cover band (Take the Power Back, PS, was AWESOME). The bartenders are attentive and fast. If its a popular act in any way tickets sell out, as its not a big place. But this venue seems to specialize in up and comers, and in a town full of them its a great chance to see someone before they end up at the Arena. They have the names of people who have played there before on the wall and it would blow your mind. Check it out during intermission. (Note: There's no parking so come early enough to get parking on Elliston. Elliston is a great place to get some grub too before the show.) If you're looking for something fun to do, this is a great place to have an adventure. Ticket prices are VERY reasonable to take advantage of this local gem and see a great show here. You'll find yourself leaving with new favorites. read more

Bands/performers: Security and staff was kind of weird and a bit rude. I was doing merch for a well known band and they made it complicated for the band members to get back stage. Make sure to bring your contract, they misplaced out & it was a bit complicated to get our buyouts before they found the contract. Also make sure to do sound check because things got complicated when request where made to have the musicians sound like the band wanted to. read more

Good booking Good sound Smoke free They book the Melvins frequently Upstairs balcony helps short people see Bathrooms aren't horrible - bonus! read more

There's one in every college town. An empty room with cement floors and walls, but it hosts incredible bands and is an active part of the music scene. In Nashville that place is Exit Inn. The times I have been there the music has been amazing. It does have a cozy feeling and everyone really gets into it. Believe it or not, it's not hard to get a drink once the show gets going. The bartenders really know how to move the line quickly, which is something I have found to be very rare. The upper level has some chairs, but they need more. Once when I went it was a more low key band and I really wanted to sit and chill, but all twenty or so seats were taken. I guess that's just what you sign up for, but when they know it's a more mellow band they could create more seating. If a band you know and like is coming to Nashville and playing at Exit Inn - go! You will like the intimate setting. But, get there early because it can be really crowded! All things considered, you're in for a great night of music! read more

You've just gotta love a place like this. And that people "get" it. It's authentic as hell, just a good bar with great sound. We saw GPN here on Halloween night a few years back and, as others have mentioned, the crowd is a blast at this place. GPN dressed up as some old country stars and did a few tributes which were well received. EXIT/IN isn't fancy, isn't expensive, and isn't really touristy although if you dig live music and happened into this place on a trip I doubt you would be disappointed. It's a little out of the way and not smashed in between other bars, parking isn't great, but despite the dark and somewhat sinister vibe, you just know it's safe. There's only one reason to come here and it's for the music. They take it seriously and get it right. So for that, and the love the locals have for the place, 4 stars. read more

The girlfriend and I finally made it to Exit/In for a show. We have been driving past this venue for almost a year, and seeing the lines of people that wrap the building on any given night, I knew this place had to be cool. We went a few months back to see White Rabbit. The band put on a really great show, but the place was more or less empty. But, the energy was still top notch. The setup inside is actually really great, compared to the other venues in Nashville. Downstairs is huge, with a bar and an elevated platform in the back for those who are not as tall as the rest of us. There is also a second floor balcony with high tops. Overall Exit/In delivers the goods! read more

Great small venue! It has everything you need to put on a great show. And they have a wide range of artists that come through. A few I've seen are Cursive, Save Ferris and Ingrid Michaelson. read more

EXIT/IN - Save Ferris put on a great show! - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Great venue. Wish they had more credible acts there these days. It's a shame for such a good space to be put to waste. It's a great space, sound guys definitely know what they're doing. There's lots of room to pack people in . And when you're done rocking you can go around the corner to Cafe Coco! read more

This is without apology a very basic music venue. The size is perfect - big enough for a crowd to generate a lot of energy, small enough for everyone to feel up close and personal. Big enough bar to keep the drinks flowing. Perfect spot to resurrect the college experience with the White Animals. Pro tip: I'm reliably informed that they not only offer the finest selection of Hot Pockets in Tennessee, but selections also include White Castle sliders. I did not validate this myself, your mileage may vary, offer good while supplies last. From the band list overt the bar - would to have seen the Hoodoo Gurus here. Doh! read more

Great place to see a show we sage plain white tees and beta play and it was awesome. Jessica the bartender made everything easy and fun. Good prices too! read more

EXIT/IN - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I like this place. I saw GbV do a great show at Exit / In on their farewell tour. The venue was basically perfect for a bunch of over-the-hill rockers. The sound was great, and the room was the right size for a popular, but indie again, act. Plus, there was plenty of room on stage for all the surplus players and huge equipment cache, not to mention the siblings, ex-wives, cooler of Miller, handle of Jack and other close family members. The bar staff made it easy for the patrons' collective consumption to rival the band's. Good effort. It's probably too big for some bands and not big enough for some others. Like another reviewer mentioned, it's not the ideal "intimate" space for an acoustic set. And I could see how it would be hard to get a beer if it was overly crowded. But it could be great for a band like the Hold Steady that plays loud and has a few fans. I think Tom Petty likes to do three night stands here too. That could be pretty great. read more

Saw the Airborne Toxic Event here and the venue was awesome. I showed up an hour early and stood 2 feet from the center stage, so its kind of hard not to love a place for that. This venue is really small compared to other places I have been, so you'll have a great view no matter where you are I feel. Definitely coming back here next time a great band like TATE shows up. read more

Saw an artist named matt Sperrazza past Thursday. He was one of the best acts I've ever seen. Def coming back.

Yes! My favorite venue! They constantly bring in great acts ranging from just about every genre and popularity. I've seen some wonderful shows here, some of the best being Mac DeMarco, Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks, and Slow Magic. It is an intimate venue with a lot of history and chill atmosphere.They have a small balcony and even a smoking area just outside by the stage that you can use to escape a hot and heavy crowd. If you're in Nashville, your Music City experience is not complete until a visit to the Exit/In. read more

Better than the End across the street, not as good as Mercy Lounge. Less homey than the Basement. But: PBR in cans for cheap - yesss! And get there on time (aka early) for a good spot upstairs away from the surging crowds. read more

Great live music venue. Friendly staff. Reasonable cover and drink prices. read more

If you're short like me, get there early to get a spot on the small raised platform. It helps!

Great Venue. I did get a refund for the past show that was cancelled. Thanks!!! Will see another show here.

My boy How to Dress Well played at the Exit/In on Tuesday for only $12! Can't believe more people didn't take advantage of this amazing deal. Speaking of amazing deals, the Exit/In does not have any that apply to either Shiner Bock or PBR beers, since I spent over $11 on just two beers (that includes a generous tip for the bar man). First How to Dress Well played "A Power", and then he played "Face Again". Following this tune, How to Dress Well played "Repeat Pleasure" and then he dropped "Cold Nites". The next tune was called "Very Best Friend", and after this one was done How to Dress Well played "Childhood Faith in Love (Everything Must Change, Everything Must Stay the Same)". "Suicide Dream 1" was the song that came next, and "Precious Love" of course followed that one up. We're not done yet, so hold on there are still a couple more! The next tune to be played was called "Set It Right", and the next one after that was "Words I Don't Remember". Now, clearly How to Dress Well chose some good songs to play during Tuesday's Exit/In show, however I can't help but feel that there were a few songs missing that could have given this venue more of a wow factor. For example, I thought "2 Years On (Shame Dream)" would have made a good addition to the song list. I also wanted to hear "& It Was You", which would have sounded good inserted between "Cold Nites" and "Very Best Friend". Most importantly though, I thought How to Dress Well should have played their song "What You Wanted". Even more importantly I would have enjoyed hearing "World I Need You, Won't Be Without You (Proem)", which would have been a good opening track that would come in before the other track that ended up being used. Despite these minor complaints, the Exit/In still gets my certified approval. Next time How to Dress Well or another good band is in town be sure to head on over to this cool venue, where the music is good and the beer is better! read more

i don't generally like live music or rock bands, but exit/in also has electronic shows, so in my months in nashville, i've been here probably six or seven times to see acts like infected mushroom and pretty lights. it's my kind of place. parking isn't bad, i've never had to park more than a block away. the line can get crazy with a sold out show, since there is no line management at all, just a crush to get to the door, where an imposing but easygoing guy will quickly check your i.d. and mark you off for your presale, and you're in. the bar is reasonably priced, and the bartenders are pros, so i've never had that will-i-ever-get-served feeling there. as some have mentioned, the bathrooms are weird. the women's room is up some stairs on the side, very funky, but hey, i don't go out for the bathroom, i go out for the music. someone mentioned having attendants in the bathroom... i have never seen that, and can't imagine where one would stand in that shrinky-dink toilet. the main room is big, black, plain and simple, just like i like it. there is some seating in the back, and apparently upstairs, where i've never bothered to venture. the stage is big enough for the special effects of a show like pretty lights, or the 20-foot-tall inflatable psycho mushroom the infected mushroom guys use for their shows. along the wall, just like on the front of the building, is a huge list of all of the incredibly famous and diverse people who have played there. awesome. basically, it's just what you need -- a big dark plain box of a room with good sound and good vibes, so you get get down and dance. like i said, it's my kind of place. read more

Recently visited the Exit/In with Sarah P. and other friends and we had WAY MUCH FUN at a concert of Mockingbird Sun and Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. (You should also most definitely check out both of those bands, I've been playing their tunes nonstop since the concert!). Tickets were really affordable, though I'm sure that depends on the band that you're seeing. I also really enjoy that it's nonsmoking. Maybe one downside is that a majority of the space is standing room only-if you want to make a run for the tables and chairs in the upstairs area (highly recommend) then you'll want to get to the venue early and stand outside until they open the doors so that you can be first. Sound is great here and I think the atmosphere is just perfect for a more intimate concert than, say, Bridgestone Arena. Can't wait to return. read more

The rudest door staff/ security I've ever encountered. Spent more time talking with each other than anything, and then ignorantly kicked out a whole group of people who had been in line to pay for merchandise since the show had ended, claiming that he'd already said something when that wasn't the case. Another staff member chimed in to accuse our group of also being racist as a joke with each other, while talking over our attempt to tell them we'd been waiting patiently with money in hand. Bar staff also didn't seem to know what they were doing. Had to explain the description of a well known drink, and both times I received it, there was a huge difference in the amount of alcohol served... I can get over the long wait time to get in and the inconsistent cocktails, but the staff there has no right to talk down to it's paying customers solely out of arrogance and I will not be returning unless there is a staff change. read more

Exit In is the kind of small-scale music venue you just have to love. Just when you think that your favorite not so mainstream band is never going to be around you, they end up at the Exit In. I always wondered why there were always long lines wrapping around Elliston on weekends, and then finally got to be part of all the excitement. I saw Uh Huh Her perform there, and had a fantastic time. Unlike the more established Ryman and company, Exit In has a more basement party feel to it. A great big room with a stage, some small tables, and a bar, you'll be physically and emotionally much closer to your favorite acts. If your lucky, they will stick around after the show and you'll get a chance to take the cheesy photo with the band you had been hoping for. read more