Awesome venue, great sound, great stage. My main reason for writing a review here is because of this recurring issue of it being a long drive...REALLY ?? I live in Imperial Beach, which as far as San Diego goes is about as far South West as you can go. I have been to Ramona Mainstage 6 times and it takes me about 45 minutes. I have spoken to people who live in La Mesa who think Ramona is an hour away ? One time I was in Poway and a guy I was talking to thought Brick by Brick (Bay Park) was closer that Ramona Mainstage...wtf ? It's really not that far people. read more

I went to this barbecue joint about 2 weeks ago and there was nobody there but one other table and it was fantastic service. The food was great and so was our waiter. I just went there tonight and had the worst experience of my life at a restaurant / bar. The owner I believe told us to get the fuck out after we tried to discuss with him how our service was inappropriate. I do believe this establishment could be great but with a different management that treat their customers with respect. I myself have my own business and I would never talk to my customers in that way . I felt very disrespected when the owner told me and my friends to get the fuck out of his establishment. So yes I do write this as a zero if possible will not be ever going back there which is super sad because I looked forward to salsa dancing and more bbq. read more

Failed to issue refund and respond in anyway to multiple inquiries on refund status for a show cancelled by the artist due tour ending health issues. Contacted bank to dispute charges. Very unethical business pratice!! read more

We have seen two shows here and it is a great venue! You are close to the action, and you can dance or sit - both comfortably. Really nicely set up inside, and classy. It is such a nice place to have here in Ramona and bring top notch acts close to our home. It is worth a drive up the hill if you don't live in town too! They have a beer and wine type bar that has a good selection too. Not sure if all shows are all ages, but when we saw Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (AWESOME show!!) it was open to all. Top notch place to go and they seem to be attracting a good variety of performers. We will definitely be going again! read more

We showed up at 6:45 for the 7:00 PM show. It was raining. They did not open the doors before 7:20 leaving a out 50 people stood out in the rain. Meanwhile the staff were inside having pizza-right in front of us counting money, and other stuff. They had all day to get ready, yet the were not sympathetic to us standing in the rain. There is a small covered area next to the ticket booth, however that was chained off forcing us to stand in the rain. Other then the rude staff, the venue and music were great. read more

I actually found this to have sooooo much potential if they were NOT in Ramona. The place is big,roomy,clean, & has a great bar (which serves good food & Starbucks coffee drinks!). The stage is nice for all to enjoy(musician, photo, attendees). The downside is they can't get enough to fill it enough since it's way up & out there.(after a great show a few drinks who's driving?to& back) for this gal it makes a too late & long night. read more

Fantastic venue. Orrin Day did it right. Our first exposure to this fantastic establishment was last Saturday, 8,10,19, and Orrin and his staff left us with nothing more to ask for. Maincourse restaurant offered quality product at reasonable prices and the staff was very attentive and kind. EVERY STAFF MEMBER I MADE CONTACT WITH WAS HAPPY!!! My wife & I never stopped smiling. Mainstage venue was set up great in opinion and the acoustics were excellent. A great place with every reason for us to return. Keep up the great work! Tony & Kim Amato read more

Loved it X 2! Worth the trip out to Ramona. After my first show I learned the secret to the overnight stay; go out by San Diego County Estates and rent a condo. Clean, cheap and they have a restaurant for breakfast. I booked on line, but I'll bet you can just walk up in the golf clubhouse for registration. Back to Mainstage. if you are looking for the Gaslamp and a street scene, you will be bummed. Main street Ramona is kind of American Graffiti, Small town 1962. Kinda safe and cozy. I enjoy the vibe, you might too. read more

First times...attended Sophie B. Hawkins show last night...great venue...perfect for that up close intimate music experience. Great selection of Beer on tap, alcoholic softer beverages in the bottle and non alcoholic drinks. We did not eat there but we saw others eating nosh food...nachos, etc. The only thing that was strange was the fact that they did not sell glasses of wine...something about being a "non-restricted age" venue...but lets think about this...they sell beer...hello!! Anyway, when I asked one of the workers, they could not explain it either....No matter...most important excellent venue for music, beautiful renovation (very deco in design). If you have the op to go...definitely go and if you need to eat in town...several great choice...right next store is a great coffee shop/restaurant..(was featured on national food/restaurant shows) and like we found, Da Tuna Shack (look at their reviews here on YELP)...excellent evening...even the drive back down to Oside was not that bad.... read more

What a great place to catch a show. Small and intimate and they also offer meet and greets if the band is up to it. There was seating for the show I went to but I think there isn't always depending on the show and size of the audience, so check ahead of time. read more

This is an intimate venue with great sound. The place is a converted movie house. They've kept the same layout for a nice nostalgic feel. You buy your drinks at the concession stand. $13 for an enormous 32 oz. Craft beer which I thought was more than reasonable during a music performance. The concert goers were an older crowd so definitely a mellow vibe in the place. I saw John Anderson here last night. At one point he wasn't happy with the sound and walked off the stage waiting for it to be fixed which it was apparently a few minutes later so he came back on stage. I honestly couldn't detect what he was upset about and it appeared to me to be more of a diva moment that I'm not holding the venue accountable for. The rest of the concert was great and J.A. didn't complain again. read more

I called ahead to try to get an idea of what bands were going on when. It was cover band night, apparently. I just wanted to see the Iron Maidens, but my buddy wanted to catch the AC/DC cover band that was opening for them. There were two other bands performing that night. Unfortunately, I couldn't wrangle any answers out of the indecorous fellow who answered the phone. He could have just told me that the performance schedule wasn't definitive until a few hours before. Instead, he told me to come see all of them because they were all good, and then he decided the conversation was over and hung up. 1.) He lied. They were not all good. In fact, given the variety of music played that night, it was silly of him to think that the average person would enjoy all of the bands performing that night. I can dig a high voice like Bruce Dickinson's, but count me out of Brian Johnson's fan club. 2.) Not everyone has an infinite amount of time, energy or patience. In my opinion, knowing when each band is going to perform is basic information for anyone constrained by any of the three aforementioned factors. Case in point, my friend actually had to leave in the middle of the Maidens set because he had gotten tired from standing for so long. He has a few medical conditions that he picked up during his time in the Army. The venue itself is alright. There's enough standing room and some seating areas for large parties. The lobby where the beer is sold is too small, unfortunately. The lines often curl around the small space haphazardly as eager drunkards wait their turn for libations that they'll go on to clumsily spill on other people. I suppose there isn't too much to be done about that. Ramona is in the boonies but still considered North County. I'm going again in December to see Machine Head. Seriously, I'm glad there's a venue at all. I'd rather have it than not have it...let's see if this place can wow me in 3 months. EDIT: Machine Head was maybe the best show I've ever seen. And it wasn't happening without Ramona Mainstage, so, +1 star to this venue; I hope they keep getting quality acts. read more

One of the best Venues in San Diego North County to see a show, theater like setting very large ... lots of seating and standing room. A+ sound ... nice bar and excellent food . Very well ran establishement awesome place for music lovers to enjoy... live music. Local, National and World Class artist perform here, I have sang here half a dozen times, they treat bands well and you sound great on the system, all pro team. read more

As a venue, this place is comparable to elsewhere in San Diego county ( North County). As a bar-restaurant, very average smoked meats (that are clearly cooked during the day and kept warm) coupled with minuscule sides. Meat quality isn't up to the level of other smoked meats in Ramona. All sides are overpriced for the quality delivered; e.g. blue box Mac with extra milk, Jiffy cornbread, grocery market cole slaw. The bar is priced as a premium live music venue; $25 for 3 beers, but doesn't have premium acts. Hate to think what wine or spirits cost. We were here on "Line Dance" Friday. Better show cannot be had in Ramona! I/we wish them well but don't intend to return. UPDATE: One dinner came without ribs leading to a negotiation with the owner over the bill. Really!!.. Not ready for prime time. read more

bought 2 tickets to oz noy for a show back in august. show was cancelled the day before it was supposed to happen. had to fill out a request for a refund. seriously? i have to submit a request for a refund? no response to request. no response to phone calls. still waiting. never been to the venue but it can't suck as bad as their customer service. 2 thumbs down 2 middle fingers up! read more

Wow! Superb venue! All I have to say is being from Escondido, CA. (just 20 minutes west of Ramona)...why can't we have one too??? Clean outfit, nice ambiance, good seating, great sound...all around good time. Can see with some more money put into it by attendees (hint, hint), there is a lot of potential for this place to do great things. read more

Great Venue... nice to see bands at a smaller venue. All seats have a good view of the stage. Drink prices are reasonable for a concert venue. Second time I've gone and I will go again. read more

As a concert venue the Mainstage is a beautiful facility offering an up close and personal experience. If you're looking for good food great beverages and friendly service you've come to the wrong place. Pricing is high. Bar service is beyond slow. Food is ok if its available. If you're into overpaying for crappy service you'll love this place. read more

Great food, farm to table quality. Best restaurant in Ramona hands down and definitely the best venue. Me and my wife went to dinner there the first night and got the prime rib and it was fantastic then we went to the venue next door the next day for my wife's High School 10 year reunion. The customer service both nights was phenomenal and the beer selection was on point with many craft selections. read more

I went there last night to see the concert and eat early. Got there early to eat . ordered some of thier overpriced nasty wine .Order food and it was cold and at the price they are charging was terrible.Waited for what seemed like an hour to get service and a refill. I saw another couple eating there . Seemed like they were doing what I was going to do . Complaining about the service .Then I heard the waitress say to them the manager was coming . At a concert place I expect the food not to be that good but at least you get good service from the bar. The place looked ok and they have decent bands . What made me sick though is I saw and heard how the owner talked to the other couple . He looked like a Giant Lucky Charms man out of costume.He was not apologetic at all for bad service and very much acting like a asshole to Them Telling them to leave and throwing profanity and insults and told them to leave . I wanted to leave but had tickets. This guy thinks he's Trump and King Firecrotch.This was the worst place I've been to because of the service and over priced wine and food.I would never wish my worst enemy to go here . there are lots of better places to see bands . I would never play this place with my band Ever . Worst place in SanDiego .Hopefully someone buys this place out or changes management and workers .Just for the service if I could give it zero stars I would . Giving it one stars is being nice. I think the Alfred Neumann looking boss should take management classes and anger management classes. I see lots of other reviews on here saying the same thing. Don't go here. Bands don't make this jerk money at all or go eat somewhere else to eat and see a great band. I fell 1000 percent true to this review. Stay away as you see with many reviews they all say the same thing. Way better places to see shows and have a dinner and most importantly keep those GOOD drinks and food flowing without having to beg and flag down service . Wanna sell the place and get someone to run it right and make it what it should be I know some people that might enjoy it because this owner didn't deserve to run this . Hire a different staff read more

Do not go to this venue, unprofessional to say the least. Very disappointing. No refunds even after telling a band they can't perform after fans bought tickets. read more

A few of us had wanted to see Queen Nation Tribute band. We noticed that Ramona Main Stage was having them on May 11th. Our tickets said the doors open at 7:00pm. We got there around 6:30 and waited in line until 7:40. Finally they let us in. We noticed that there were no seats to sit in. We were ok with standing and found a good spot to stand. We waited again until 8:15 for a "opening band" to start. They were horrible. They ended up playing for a hour : ( They finally resumed at 9:20. Queen Nation finally came on at 9:40. The only good thing about this night was Queen Nation rocked! At 8:00 I went to speak to the owner asking when the opening band was going to finish. I told the owner that on the website it said nothing about the opening band. The owner was rude and ended up walking away from me. We ended up standing for 5 hours because of his lack of professionalism and being late opening the doors, and never mentioning the opening band. Because of Queen Nation starting so late most people were stupid drunk by the time they came on. There was alcohol spilled all over the floor. The restrooms were disgusting and were so dirty. They didn't send anyone to tidy up and replace toilet paper. The floor was soaking wet and there was paper &c sanitary pads all over the floor. It was gross. Needless to say we will NEVER be back to this venue for any event. We live in Temecula and will stay local for the tribute bands. They start on time and are always pleasant to attend and best of all they don't have crappy opening bands. Ramona Mainstage SUCKS!! The owner sucks too!! PS the saddest part of the night was a young boy (10 years) who was standing by us came to see Queen Nation and ended up having to leave because he was so tired. He only heard two songs before he left : ( read more

We discovered the fountain of dinner here in Ramona. Brand new BBQ place inside the Mainstage. We had the brisket and tri-tip tonight and all I can say is WOW! As someone who fancies himself a decent smoker of the meats, it's easy to see the love this place puts into their stuff. No shortcuts, no compromises on quality, a no BS BBQ place here in town. The slaw, beans, mac & cheese and corn on the cob were great too but let's be honest, that's easy... The meat... The smoke ring, the spicy sauce on the side... These guys nailed it. Great beer options, very reasonably priced, quick service... We'll absolutely be back. read more

The manager Oren was awesome in accommodating our party with music, and alcohol! I would completely recommend this place! Thank you Oren!

Went to buy tickets for the David Allen Coe show online at Ramona Mainstage.com when I clicked to purchase tickets it simply wouldn't open the page. I tried multiple times. We drove two hours to Ramona and arrived to fid out the show has been sold out for 3 days! I spoke to the person out front who I can ily assume is the owner by the way he was talking and told him about the website issue. He said it did that because the show was sold out. NO WHERE DID IT SAY ON THE WEBSITE THAT THE SHOW HAD BEEN SOLD OUT DAYS BEFORE HAND. NO WHERE. He said "yeah, I never post it when a show is sold out". Excuse me Mr. Owner but don't you think that would be useful information for for multiple reasons!!????? If you're wondering if I called yes I did and all I got was a recording with minimal information. Thanks alot read more

What a surprise! My husband and I were driving through Ramona and walked into a mom-and-pop restaurant which at the time was very chaotic so we decided to go next-door to Mainstage and have lunch there instead. A fabulous decision that played out to be! First step through the door it has a very stunning, warm and cozy vibe. But the biggest surprise of all was the most delicious lunch that my husband and I have had in a long time. We travel the world and are self-proclaimed foodies. We thought the lunch was extremely well prepared and just plain old "yumIness!" I had a what I call a Black and blue salad served with Blue cheese crumbles, a petite steak and garnished with a generous portion of onion rings! Never expected to find this amazing gourmet delight in Ramona. If that's not enough, there is a music venue directly next-door. Can't wait to go back for another fabulous time, dinner and go to the concert directly next-door. Needless to say we loved it and can't wait to return I love that I don't have to go all the way downtown San Diego to have a gourmet meal and then walk directly next-door and hear a wonderful variety of music. And an added bonus - the prices of the food and entertainment are surprisingly very reasonable! Don't miss this hidden gem hiding in Ramona. read more

clueless and selfish owner. One star because a negative isn't offered. We go for the talent and go home with disappointment with the owners attitude and lack of customer service everytime. Waited in line for Over priced drinks and the owner asked people behind me for their order several times before I walked away. Ordered food one and done. Cold bbq chicken wings and mac and cheese was in a small cup, over priced and awful bland taste. Dont bother eating next door, same owner and overpriced. Just grab a bite to eat and drinks at the local people friendly places nearby which are also wallet friendly places. Most recently the owner allowed UB40 to cancel a local opening band on the day of the venue after selling out. leaving the local band with nothing and patrons without a choice.The establishment refused refunds and did nothing for the local band. Note to the owner, our town is not in support of your actions and attitude towards our youth, businesses amd people of Ramona. i dont think i have even seen a smile from the owner and i have been there enough times to notice. Try learning some real people skills to retain customers Mr D and perhaps you won't be jealous of the successful establishments in our town. You had options to make things right but point fingers to keep the dollars. People talk and rally to support good local venues. Maybe the locals are not in support of yours. We notice where people locally hang out. It is obvious you noticr this as well. You should offer the local youth an exclusive night to support them and show the community that you care. By the way I am certain a good portion of sales were due to this up and coming talent. Easy for you to allow UB40 To be the bad guy but YOU had and have the ability to be the winner. Once again NOT a fan of your ethics. Multiple local families walking away from your business. congrats read more

Came here with a friend to see several metal bands. Hypocrisy headlining. The venue is small enough to get right up in there, but large enough to not feel crowded. I was able to get up to the 2nd row of peeps without having to throw any elbows. Similar to the Belly Up in Solona Beach. Super clean. GREAT beer selection. I was drinking Stone IPA all night. The people running the place were SUPER nice. It's strange when you show up in your metal gear, and these middle aged country folk welcome you with open arms. I was extremely tired (and a wee bit buzzed) and fell asleep a.k.a. passed out on a bench/booth inside the venue. Yes, slightly older drunk girl passing out. No one bothered me though. It's like they knew all I needed was ~20mins of shut eye. The only downside I'd say was that we purchased VIP tix and were told to listen to an announcement instructing VIP's to whatever treatment the extra $20 cost. Didn't hear anything until the end of the show. They were kicking everyone out, all except VIP ticket holders. You get to meet the band after the show. That's about it. I dunno. Isn't it normal for the band to stick around and meet their fans after the show? Well, smaller venues only, but this would fall into that category. I didn't feel rushed out or anything. As I said, it's like a mom and pop music venue. Definitely will revisit again. read more

This place was horrible. The security guard yelled at me and my child because someone took chairs from a reserved seating, which I saw a lady do and he made a huge scene and made my daughter who is 12 get up and give him our chairs that we came early just to get. We went to the restaurant next door and purchased terrible food at a high price just so we were one of the first people to be let inside and tgat was how we were treated. I would never go back. read more

First time ever coming here. Decent venue, good sound, cover is high. Thought it was ok but after the 2nd band's set, the owner turned on the lights and asked who keyed up the men's room. He said if no one fessed up to f*ing up his house (his exact words) then he would pull the plug on the entire show. Then accused the band that had just played of doing it. We left shortly after that. read more

Apparently they book shows and sell tickets - HOPING the band will sign a contract and come play. Was set to see the Zombies and found out by looking at the band's website that they are actually playing in a different city that night! I was not contacted by the venue when the gig fell through. Totally bummed as I have given up work to be there. If I hadn't happened to find this information for myself I guess I would have shown up to a dark theater. Also had trouble in purchasing tickets. No confirmation sent for online purchases. I will give them credit for quickly responding to my inquiries about each of the above issues, but that's about it. I won't buy tickets to a show here again, and that's a shame as I live in Poway, go to many shows, and this is the only venue of it's type in the area. read more

Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to stand for at least 5 hours. Total false advertising at this venue. If you don't pay for a booth (which is limited anyway), it's standing room only. The picture on their website showing the venue with tables and chairs is simply not true. No where on their web site does it state that general admission is standing room only. I went to see Eddie Money on 3-19-11 and he was great. A pretty down to earth guy, but he didn't appear till 10pm. Next time I'll be prepared. Order a booth (if any are available) and don't get to the venue till 9:45pm. read more

The owner or the restaurant knows nothing about service. The restaurant is terrible. Bread is stale and the crab cakes were under cooked. The service is horrible read more

This place was incredible, it was my first time there and I was blown away, the vibe was on point. I loved their full bar and the main room where the stage was. It was well ventilated with AC the sound for the band was great, the people were enjoying themselves, I totally recommend more concerts be here as well as any other engagements. Very good beer selection and the prices were awesome as well. I will definitely be coming back. It was also very clean read more

This place is great! The sound, the set up, the vibe. Great place to see live music. It's not as far away as people think. I live at the beach in Del Mar and drove there in about 30 minutes... which is the same or less time that it takes me to get to El Cajon. It would be really easy to get to from the El Cajon area because all you have to do is go north on 67. Travel isn't the issue... it's the perception of it being far away. It's not. they're getting great acts, have some food available and some great local craft beers on tap. Tables, chairs and a dance floor in front of the stage. Terrific live music club. One of the top music venues in San Diego County... read more

Very nice venue but went to see Coolio, he never showed up and then people were asking for refunds and the owner and another employee were loosing there temper and cursing. The people did get there money back but I could not belive how rude he was to paying customers. and they DO NOT have liquor which is lame read more

This place is so worth going to. Staff is really nice! The place is beautiful, I mean granite top bathrooms with marble flooring?! Wow! It is clean and the music was AMAZING! I had an awesome time. Good selection of beer and girly drinks too. The sound system is perfect as well. Looks like a lot of money was put into this place, I will surely be coming back! read more

First of all not worth the drive to hang out with a bunch of teenagers. I think slurpees come out of the draft handles. Last but not least..... THE SOUND SUCKS!!!! Many of the good local bands will not play here. Nice looking, but not a rock venue!! read more

Very charming place with a nice layout and great acoustics for concerts. Staff was attentive and did everything to my expectations. This was my first time here but i also am visiting from Seattle so unfortunately I won't be able to come here much. Others have told me about this place and I was not disappointed at the experience. I will make it a point to come here again when I am in town next. read more

This is my first visit to the Ramona Mainstage. What a great venue. Small, intimate, great seats, friendly staff. I truly love this place and look forward to coming back again and again. I would encourage anyone to come out and support this unique local business. read more