I have been to the Spanish Ballroom at the McMenamins Elks Temple several times now. The first few times was for lectures and I think I prefer this venue for occasions like that as opposed to concerts. There is always plenty of seating (metal chairs brought in) the two times we came here for events like this. There is some seating to the side against the wall too. But for a concert? Forget any kind of seating. While there is still seats against the wall they are quickly taken and you aren't likely to see who is performing on the stage anyway so you will need to stand. And there have been venues I have been to where there isn't any seating... and usually it's dive bars. Though the Spanish Ballroom isn't a dive bar. Lol! So wear good shoes. The concert I did go to the stage and acoustics weren't bad so it's a good place to do concerts aside from those who want to sit. Overall I like this place that is part of the Elks Temple... and it adds to this location as being one of my favorite McMenamins locations I have been to. read more

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Loved this place. Their drink specials are varied and reasonably priced. Staff was friendly and helpful - even through security. It's a beautiful venue with a good dance floor. Could use a little more air ventilation, but that's most dance venues. People had a great time with being obnoxious, which for a crowded dance experience with alcohol involved happens quite a bit. Everyone could just be themselves, which was great, too. Thank you McMenamins and thank you Tacoma for being Tacoma. read more

A beautiful venue! Even though we were at a dance party with a live band and the interior was mostly dark concert lighting, one could still see the beautiful columns and light fixtures throughout the ballroom were gorgeous. We were all dressed up for Halloween and the band was playing a wide range of spooky hit music and there were a lot of very cool costumes everywhere. People's creativity really shined at this event. The floor was super sticky which prevented me from doing my version of the Moonwalk dancing but there was plenty of room to move. There were lots of water jugs available for hydration for everyone in their hot costumes and great bar service. We had a good time and I would love to come back for their daily tour of this Spanish Ballroom with the lights on! read more

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What an absolutely amazing venue! We came for the Christmas Brew Fest and had the run of the place. Being McMenamin Passholders, there were lots of stamps to collect and things to occupy our day! We spent a full 6 hours here between bar hopping, beer tasting, dancing to a Christmas band and an 80s Cover band. We drank enough to make both even more enjoyable! SANTA WAS HERE! The vibes were jolly and the food was lights out (There was a Thanksgiving Pizza to boot!) Seriously one of the best events in one of the best venues I've been to this year! LOVED IT! I'm so into McMenamin properties and their histories...this one is no different! I can't wait to go back and enjoy another evening at the Spanish Ballroom! read more

All I can say is the drinks were overpriced, it's McMenamin's. What else can you say about it? It was beautiful great venue. I paid $36 for a vodka tonic and what appeared to be a half a glass of wine. read more

I like the in and out privileges, but the security every time is a drag. There is no where to sit unless you need Ada accommodations and then it is church pews bordering the walls that give no view. I'm really surprised there isn't bar stools and tables at least by the bar. read more

Mcmenamins Spanish Ballroom - Music Venues Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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This was a beautiful venue, I would have never guessed something this nice would house a ska concert. We arrived early and waited in line staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. We also sat upstairs in the ASA section. Didn't look like there was a bad seat in the house. We ordered pizza from the bar outside the venue, which was nice that we could bring it in and eat while we watched the show: the only negative was that there were speakers up in the ADA section that they had on only part of the time. For some reason they had them off when the headliner came on. The sound did not carry to the back of the venue up top, but I can't give negative feedback for that. I could have went downstairs and dealt with the GA but I decided not to. Overall great experience. There were also multiple places downstairs to buy drinks which were quick and easy as well. Wish more venues looked like this inside! read more

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It's really a stunning thing they've created in Tacoma, capturing the history of the building and surrounding area while bringing in local artists to create a fun place. I've gone to 5-6 events at the ballroom which have all been good experiences. Food can be hit or miss. My last burger was great and some of the other entrees have been great. The tots are often overcooked here tbh. they get 6 stars for the space, creativity and supporting local artists. They get 3.8 on food. 4 on pricing as I'll pay a little extra for the cool environment. Great place read more

I feel lucky to have a location like this where there is something always new happening. I love the events and how intimate it is. The service is great and a small perk is the bathroom location. The only downfall is the placement of tables blocks your view because of the building pillars. However, that is not always something that is controllable. I enjoy the free events and love coming to hear local bands. read more

Mcmenamins Spanish Ballroom - a group of men singing on stage - Music Venues Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Great venue to discover up and coming bands, local favs, dance nights and more. We came in from Oregon to stay a night at the Elks Temple and check out the concert on a Friday night. It wasn't a super crowded night but there were fun people and good music. If you want an inexpensive concert night out, with fun bands, this is the place to check out. The ballroom itself has the unique McMenamin's touches with awesome lighting, paintings/murals, and interesting decor. There's a full bar available with some light food offered. Seating is very limited so if you want a table with chairs you'll need to show up early. We'll be sure to stop in and check out the bands the next time we pass through town. read more

Mcmenamins Spanish Ballroom - a band performing on stage - Music Venues Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Came up for a birthday at Elks Temple, Tacoma and and ate in the Spanish Bar. Ordered steak bites& shrimp bites. Portions were ridiculously skimpy, about 5 pieces for about $20.00! Brussel sprouts sharables were o.k. and the Gyro was decent. Service was slow and mixed drinks were sub-par. Not impressed at all. The facility was beautiful to explore and found the hidden bar. I have been to a couple other places and had better experiences. The food and drinks are what drive my ratings. read more

My leather jacket was stolen at this venue by a woman that became confrontational with me. When I came in to speak to management and security, the manager was dismissive and two of the security guards asked me out while I was trying to ask for footage or any items left behind. DO NOT RECOMMEND coming to this establishment. According to the manager, there are no cameras at all, so enter at your own risk. read more

I tried to inquire on renting the ballroom for an event and the total lack of fks given (while honestly funny) is insane. They did not care to follow up or talk with me on any other alternatives or offer any information on cost, etc. they straight up told me my date wasn't available even after I stated my dates were flexible and gave multiple dates I was interested in. And that was that. I responded with okaaaaay what about this date I listed in my original email and was told VERBATIM "unfortunately no" that was it, that was the response, very odd way to communicate with someone when you've got a potential to make thousands of dollars, but clearly they did not care that much nor are they hurting for the money. I hope going forward who ever is responding to emails is able to respond a little more professionally and give maybe a single dash of a fk more. Cheers SBR for living up to being tacomacore! read more

What a great place to see a show! It's intimate enough that there's not a bad seat (or standing area) in the room. There's also a bar. Really, the ambiance of this entire hotel/venue is simply stunning! Even more so at night. The restaurant prices are a bit on the high side, but for an occasional visit it's worth it just to experience this amazing building. Just wish they had parking. I'll definitely be back! read more

Might be ok for regular people, but this place really sucks for ADA accessibility. Because they don't even care to accommodate. You have to pre request a seat on a wooden church pew along the back wall. I really want to like this place but I can't sit down where there's no seats. and standing for more than a couple songs just isn't possible for me. Next time I skip the tickets and hang out in the bar and listen for free from a nice comfy bar seat. read more

My son and I attended a Johnny Cash tribute night last evening and I'm sorry to give it mixed reviews. The opening act, a Gordon Lightfoot singer was young and talented. The second act. a Patsy Cline clone was amazing, and the headliner was not as good as the two opening performers. The major downfall of the who production was that the producer (who had his own act squeezed into the show) that was not only up to par with the other talent but had his video photographer constantly walking in front of the stage blocking people's views. It was a major distraction and spoiled peoples view of the performers. Even though several people complained to him, he continued. A very polite gentleman at our table had his view of the stage blocked about 30 per cent of the time. He finally got up and asked the man to move and he did for about twenty seconds before he came back and did it again. The bar manager was very sympathetic to the feedback, but in my opinion the show overall was less than professional because of the distraction. Great venue, just a poor producer decision. read more

So disappointed in our meal before seeing The Gothard Sisters perform.. Lamb burger dry as a desert and cool to the touch. Cheeseburger ordered came without cheese. Both fries and tots overcooked and cold. The chips and salsa were good and the only redeeming factor. Expensive. Once it got a touch busy the staff couldn't keep up. Not sure what it will take to find a great place to eat! read more

Worst venue ever for music performances. No seats. Flat floor. Guy in front of me kept stomping on my feet and acted like it was my fault.

My rating is primarily for the incredible security and staff who helped me during a medical emergency at a recent show there. Several people assisted with quickly bringing me to a safer location and did everything from expertly handling the urgency of the emergency to telling me jokes to help calm my nerves and following up several times afterward while I rested to make sure I was ok. It all added up to making a tremendous difference in the outcome. I can't thank them enough for being truly kind and attentive to help stabilize me and ease my mind during a scary situation. read more