This venue is nice because of its intimacy. The only major problem I have with this venue is that I ordered drinks from the bar and asked them to close my tab instantly. My tab was $20 with tip which was the minimum but they still charged my card $50 (twice on accident) which held $80 out of my account for several days. If I had paid all my regular bills not knowing these people "accidentally" or overcharged my account I would have been very angry. If I am closing my tab of $20 immediately, why was my card charged $50 twice? This place is terribly inconvenient with this from what I heard in the past. I don't plan on returning to this venue. There are far better venues in the city that won't "hold" money I didn't spend. read more

I went here for the Digable Planets concert and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is a beautiful place with great views all around of the room and balcony. Weak drinks though. I stuck with Coronas most of the night to ensure quality. read more

went there recently. there were a lot of people, yes, and it is august, yes, but I would expect a venue of this capacity to still have decent air conditioning. it was hot as hades! unbearably hot. and I wasn't in a crowd or anything, it was just hot. Cheapest drink is gonna be a $6-7/beer this place would probably be cooler if it isn't packed, or so hot, and if I had lots more money to throw away at the bar. if you are going here to see a concert that will be popular and want to be drunk, keep this in mind... read more

Great venue to see a concert, only downfall is they don't serve food which is always nice to grab some grub right before watching a favorite artist. Still a great hidden gem, and will be back. read more

The times I've seen shows at Park West, I've been impressed at the intimacy of the venue. You have a good view of the stage from almost anywhere yourself. My only quibble is with the way they arrange the seats ... the booths don't face the stage, and when they put seats out they make it impossible to get into them because they're crammed seat-to-back. Still, one of the more pleasant places to enjoy a concert. Oh ... parking is, as you might expect, a joke. Take the bus! read more

Good venue. It's intimate and if you get there not last minute you can get a pretty good seat. Great if you don't like to be packed in a crowd. Excellent view of the band! Security is fairly relaxed...no one acted like a jerk or put out about being there. Sound was good. Lighting was good. Venue seemed clean, especially bathrooms. read more

I came here about 3 years ago for an Amos Lee concert. Parking was a little tricky around here. But the actual venue was great. We were seated at a little "booth" and a waitress brought us drinks. All views of the stage were fantastic. The place isn't huge, so it's really pretty intimate, no matter what. It was clean, tidy and I'd say if you get a change to see a show or attend an event here- please go ahead. read more

I am a music junkie and see lots of shows. I recently saw my favorite band here. A band I LOVE and have probably seen 50-60 times in the last 18 years! This venue ruined it for me. The sound was horrible, I moved locations several times and it was no better anywhere. I ended up leaving early. For my all time favorite band! I also thought the bartenders were rude. I've seen another show there, but a band I didn't know so didn't really notice the sound being off then. But I do recall the service being poor. I will not but tickets at this venue again. read more

Park West is a great venue where I've been to many fun parties and seen some great live music. I agree with Michelle that you should cab here because I made the mistake of driving here last time and it was impossible to find parking...I ended up being so late to the event! Besides the parking issue it is a great place once you are inside- plenty of room to move around! read more

First of all, my boyfriend receives 10 billion stars for attending a Mandy Moore concert here with me. Yes, I went to see Mandy Moore. No, I am not ashamed. Yes, I am a mature & professional adult. Moving on! I thought the venue was fabulous. It didn't look like there was a bad "seat" in the house. I use the term "seat" loosely because, obviously, most people were standing since it is a GA venue. I did notice that most of the tables were reserved, and I wondered how to become a special person who has a table reserved, but I didn't wonder too long, because I like standing at concerts better anyhow. Even when I'm in uncomfortable shoes that I have to take off halfway through the concert! (Yes, I really did take them off. Props to the security guy for not caring that I was shoe-less.) At first, the boy and I were confused about our "Balcony" tickets. Where is the balcony? we mused. Turns out there is really no balcony, and "Balcony" tickets are the same as "Floor" tickets. Awesome! We arrived right on time for the 8pm show and were able to stand very near the stage, with a good view. The show started 30 minutes late (bad) but there was no opening act (good!), and whether those things reflect more on the performer than they do on the venue or not, it doesn't really matter, because they cancel each other out in terms of star-giving. So where does the 1 star get taken away, then? The bar. That's right, the bar. I was headed nicely on my way to drunkenness when we arrived at the Park West from Sushi O Sushi and its yummy plum-tinis next door. But, 30 minutes and 2 vodka-crans into the experience, I told the boy, "I think these drinks are actually sobering me up." Seriously, they tasted exactly like cranberry juice. I asked the boy if he had actually WITNESSED the bartender putting any alcohol in the drinks, and he said he had, but that each bartender was very strict about measuring EXACTLY one shot of vodka into each drink. When he went up for my 3rd drink (I asked for a double this time), he asked the bartender what the deal was and the bartender explained that the management is very strict about drink mixing, and they don't allow free pouring. That's lame, yo. The only thing that accomplishes, as far as I'm concerned, is the poor bartenders getting stiffed on tips because people assume they're just being jerks about the alcohol. But I digress. The double was MORE than double as good than the first two, but it did NOT cost double the price, so they won back some of my favor there. All in all, a fantastic evening. I'd come back for another show here in a heartbeat. read more

Park West is one of my favorite venues in the city. I recently went and saw Tea Leaf Green (who rocked it). The acoustics were great and I like how you can actually sit around the "dance pit" up front. You can also sit in the back of the theater and catch a money view. My one complaint would be those pricey bud light bottles and LUDICROUSLY priced jager bombs (red bull is becoming more expensive than gas for some reason). Still, an awesome place to catch a show- woo-hoo! read more

I've always been a fan of Park West, even back when I was skipping high school swim practice and lying to my dad to go see Better Than Ezra, but it had been a while since I'd been back so I was waiting to write my review after a fresh experience. My companion and I came here to see Jose Gonzalez last night and the entire experience was wonderful. We arrived a bit early and were rewarded by a comfy little booth where we could play footsie... oh and watch the show. I love the little dome with the disco ball and every seat in the house is a good one. Our server was friendly, attentive, and honestly as far as drinks at a show go, $6 for a Tanqueray and tonic isn't too horrible. I always have a great time at Park West, and my companion really enjoyed his first time. We'll definitely be back. read more

I went to a Devotchka show here in February, and it was the best live show I've been to in quite a while. The Park West is a very small and intimate venue; there was no bad seat in the house. The sound quality was amazing. I look forward to going to other shows here in the future. read more

You know, over all the yeras that I have lived in Chicago, I have only been here once and never played here. I was really impressed. The sound is great and you have a great vantage point to the stage everywhere in the room. The low lighting gives it a great vibe, as well. I really wish that more bands that I am a fan of would play here. read more

If you drive, please find some parking garages which probably will on average take you 15 mins to walk. After you deal with your car, you need to find a spot to fit in. Super crowded and a lot of people have no seat. read more

Most of the reviews seem to cover everything, but since I just visited here, I'll add my two cents. It has great sightlines and sound, drink prices are moderate and the place runs efficiently (at least when I've been there) I guess my only complaint is the RSVP-ing that is necessary for the tables and booths. Since it is billed as a general admission venue, it would be nice to not have to do this in advance. Also, it's been my experience that sometimes they charge extra for this. (New Year's eve concert, for example) Beyond that, this place is great and you'd be foolish to miss a band you liked if they came through this place when they were in town. read more

WOW! I would have thought Park West was more of a swanky strip club than a concert venue based on the interior. With tables and chairs directly in front of the stage, Park West provides an extremely comfortable and pleasurable concert experience. A very interesting setup! read more

This is my favorite venue in Chicago (next to Hot House). One reason is I live right next door. But the real reason is they bring in the best musicians/artists and fundraisers. There's no smoking so it's not annoyingly smokey. There are several bars and servers (you can wait for server or get up and get a drink at several different bars). It's not a large venue and there is seating so it doesn't get annoyingly crowded either. If you like indie, folk, jamband, 70's, 80's and fundraisers you will definitely find something you like at Park West. I have never been disappointed with a show there. www.parkwestchicago.com read more

I wanted to give Park West a 5 star rating, but I really can't. As much as I love the venue, there are just a few things that I really dislike. First - The whole parking situation. We parked in the parking garage (i will review it under separate title) right around the corner. They charged us $20 to park on the roof in the elements. Trying to get out in last nights snow and cold was quite the challenge. Ridiculous! Why not have valet parking? It makes so much more sense. Second - When we walked in, every table had a reserved table-tent on it. When we inquired about it, the woman asked how many in our party (2) and sat us at one of the "reserved" tables. About 30 minutes later, I asked if we could move more toward the center(not closer), so that I didn't have to completely turn my head to see the show. I was told that those were for groups of 4. Those seats remained empty until after the show began and then, each one had only 2 people in them. Unfortunately, I had to watch the entire show with my head turned at an odd angle and I'm paying the price this morning. The seating should be first come, first serve. Why did those couples, who arrived late get better seats than I? Third - (this is just a suggestion) Perhaps more(less expensive) beer choices. Other than the above dislikes, the venue is great. Small and intimate. Just the way a performer should be seen. read more

Nice small venue. Took the kids to see tapeface, great show in a great environment. Only down side is parking but after driving around the block looking for the pizza place valet in other reviews, I realized they were talking about Geja's cafe which is fondue not pizza lol. read more

wow. this venue is really cool. it feels so intimate and relaxed. we were there for a girl who does only acoustic, and i felt like we were in a big living room just listening to her sing. it's basically made of tables and booths - a lounge-y, restaurant type of set up sans the food. there was seating right in front of the bar (to the right, when you walk in). super nice dudes. we sat in those seats. we could have sat in one of the booths, but we were perfectly fine where we were. the sound is great. clear and beautiful. i think the only thing i have to complain about the parking situation. we drove around for 20-30 minutes AT LEAST. nightmare. but that's lincoln park for ya. better off taking a cab or pub tranzy. read more

Park West is an intimate venue which makes it almost seem like you're friends with the people on stage! Nothing beats that. Well, great acoustics do, and Park West was a little off on that note (or maybe the sound guy was having an off day. who knows). The layout of the standing area is pretty good so that you won't have to worry much about tall people with hats, and the surrounding tables/seats also provide a good view. Drinks and coat check are both reasonably priced. The outside bar only takes cash, but you can use credit cards at the main bar ($20 minimum). read more

Bravo and encores for this music venue. The seating arrangements are ideally jazz club like, and you never find yourself having to squint or crane your neck to see the performer. The drink servers were attentive and the fans around me have been respectful and rapt with attention. read more

I went to Park West for the first time this weekend to see Adam Carolla. This is such a good venue; not a bad seat in the house! It is such an intimate setting. I hope many more people that I want to see come to this venue! read more

I go to a lot of concerts. It's what I do. This is one of my favorite venues in Chicago. The sound quality is great (at least at every show I've seen), there is ample seating if you want to sit, and the stage is large and visible from just about everywhere in the place. If your favorite sort-of-well-known indie rockers are coming to town here, I recommend you check it out. It's a way better venue than the Metro, and unlike the Metro, they aren't cheap with air conditioning when the venue starts to get too hot. Check it out! read more

Shows I've seen here: Yoko Ono, The Roches, Over The Rhine. Every time, it was like seeing the performer give a private show in your living room. Even got to meet Yoko after her gig. Wow. That's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.... read more

I have seen concerts, danced at Halloween parties, and relaxed in a VIP booth for the annual Cinema Chicago Oscar party at the Park West. The best thing about Park West is the large vestibule area where patrons can wait before doors openespecially on nights when the weather is below freezing. Two stairs lead to the main floor that opens onto a pentagon shaped room with a bar on each side of the entry. Two rows of booths separate the bar from an open spaced main floor. The stage is only three feet above the floor, which makes any concert experience feel like sitting in the performers' laps. There are a few seats in the balcony along with the audio and lighting booth and a meet and greet room that performers use after concerts. read more

My family and myself visited Park West last Christmas time for a show. It was top notch and truly put us in the Christmas spirit. We did have to wait a bit before entering but it was so much worth it. read more

At Park West for the Adam Carolla show. Got a seat with a table in the center just behind the main crossing walkway. The venue was decent enough for a stand-up comedy show, and my seat wasn't nearly as cramped as it looked like it would be (then again, I was along the edge of an aisle so it was probably worse for others). Servers come around pretty frequently during the show, which is a plus. The downside is that they are selling $10.50 little plastic cups of vodka and (whatever) that are definitely light on the vodka. read more

Great space for a concert. Unlike many venues of similar, or larger size, Park West has a lot of seating if you don't feel like being on your feet through the whole show. Booths and cocktail tables curve around the stage, so all seats have great views. The downside is that of the couple of times I have been here, the sound was terribly mixed, and the last time I was there, the lead microphone only sounded good if the singer was yelling, which he didn't do much of. I love the room, but feel they could take better advantage of it by cleaning up the sound. read more

Venue is great, but the staff is extremely rude. My niece and I were threatened with ejection for taking a picture together inside a full hour before the Concrete Blonde concert on 12/21/12. read more

Agreeing with the people in shock over the $100 hold on my checking account just to buy two drinks. It should be illegal that they don't warn you about that. When I sign a bill for $13 that's exactly what I expect deducted from my account. In addition to the high prices and weak pour, they put triple sec in my whiskey sour. Their bar needs to get its shit together. Stupid yuppie venue. read more

Went to see Dresden Dolls and Count Zero a few years back and must say this is one of my favorite venues of all time! Please let more bands im interested in play here! read more

Overall, this is a good place to see some live music or attend a charity event. It has never proven to be a disappointment for anything I have attended here. It is a nice, intimate venue with good sound! Parking is a bit difficult around this area, so I would take a cab. I would go back here again and again! read more

I love this place for shows. Tip: GET THERE EARLY. There are these awesome tables and if you show up early you can snag one. There's a balcony, drinks are not too weak, and the sound is great. read more

I saw the Secret Machines here and it was unbelievable. Got there early enough to secure a table and was just wowed by the venue. This is the way to see a show. I would jump at a chance to see a show here again. read more

This is my favorite small-scale venue for concerts. It is really unlike most other places, in my opinion! It can be easily converted from low-key lounge-y, to crazy dance floor. I've experienced the bartenders/waitresses as being very friendly and fast. I'm going back on Thursday for a show and I'm so excited! read more

Based on the neon sign, I had this place figured for a ravy/clubby spot with a surplus of sneakers and gold chains. Couldn't have been more wrong. Fantastic sightlines & acoustics. Really not a bad seat in the house, and very cool that there are a number of seating areas both upstairs and downstairs. Very intimate venue, would go out of my way to come back here. read more

Can't believe I've never been here before. I really like the venue. I saw Jess Ross roasts Chicago and it was an awesome venue for a comedy show. I'd like to check out a music show here... I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for upcoming shows. No balcony it's all "main floor" type seating, very loungy, and a couple bars to get boozed up... read more

awesome place to see live music....great interior..not gloomy or depression. You'll have fun...the place is huge.