I love the Blind Pig. It's the best venue to see indie acts before they go on to bigger venues. My biggest regret was not seeing Feist there; it would've been amazing. It is smoky, but most venues with bars are. My biggest problem is how they deal with letting people in. Is it really the best way? You have one guy check ids and stamp you. One guy checks your ticket, and another guy gives you a wristband. So ridiculous. They should definitely separate those who have tickets and those who do not. Their local band showcases include some of my favorites, and they usually have national acts that I love. read more

First off, The Blind Pilot played a great show and really fed off the crowd but I don't think I would come back for another show if this place is sold out. The line to get in was slow and then we were packed in like sardines. I can live with the dive atmosphere, it definitely doesn't lack character. But maybe at 34 i'm just gettin to old to be elbowed for 2 hrs. straight. read more

My friends and I went to the Bang two nights ago for new years. I was inside with my group waiting for the last two who were in line. Those two are both boys and they're dating. While they were in line they were holding hands and they kissed, then when they got to the door the bouncer told one he needed to smell his breath and said he was too drunk to come in. But he wasn't drunk. My friends were rejected from this bar for being gay. I've been calling the bar to make a complaint since that night but no one answers. So, beware, if you're going to the Blind Pig and the bouncer thinks you're gay, you probably won't get in. read more

The Blind Pig is a great venue to see indie bands at a reasonable price. I have seen Yeasayer, Frightened Rabbit, Ra Ra Riot and Chairlift here along with a few local acts, too. It's small and intimate, which is what I like about it. They also have a raised area to the side of the stage so if you're a shorty (like me) you can still have a great view of the stage. The bar usually has decent prices and they are on top of serving people. read more

Bouncers were very rude and vulgar. They profile customers and kick them out based on their own biases. I have never experienced such disrespect from an establishment and will never go back. The way they treat their customers is disgusting. read more

I've been here several times for their concerts (Flint Eastwood this past Saturday and Kina Grannis in the distant past), and I have to say that I've been really impressed by the space. The prices are fair ($10-$25 per person depending on how famous the leading artist is), it doesn't get too crowded (i.e. it's not burning hot inside), and you can get a pretty intimate experience with the performing artists. There are multiple places to sit and stand at varying closeness to the stage so if standing in front of the loud speakers isn't your thing you have other options. They do a pretty good job with acoustics, so even if I'm standing up close I don't go home with ringing in my ears. The staff also does a really good job finding opening bands that actually sound really good. For the most recent concert I went to, I was so happy with the opening bands (which included the awesome "The Timbre of Cedar") that I left before the night was over. Given my recent experience, I would definitely recommend checking out The Blind Pig if you're looking for a night out. Plus, you can check out their upcoming lineup on their website! read more

See all

The Blind Pig is a great place to catch a concert. I recently saw Donovan Frankenreiter play there and the stage is so close to the crowd you get an opportunity to really feel and experience the music. read more

I recently attended a concert at the Blind Pig and it was an unenjoyable experience to say the least. Four of my friends couldn't even get into the venue because their names did not match the name on the ticket. They bought the tickets from people who were not able to attend the show and we're being denied entry. The bouncer was not understanding at all and didn't let them come in. Dirty. Old. Terrible Staff. read more

I went to the Blind Pig tonight and witnessed the owner or manager (white red-haired female) push a performer, and prompt her security guards to act aggressively towards him, when discussing payment at the end of the night. If you plan to perform here i highly recommend preparing a contract read more

I've never really had a bad experience at the Blind Pig. It's a great place to see local and bigger bands, pretty intimate setting. The sound is alright, I know a lot of people who have played there numerous times and I never heard anything too bad about getting a gig there. The only real negatives are that when you're watching a band there isn't much room for sitting or standing, if there's a decent size crowd you probably won't have a great view of the stage, luckily you can watch it in the big mirror on the wall to catch what you can't quite see. Also the millenium club next door is a crack up when you're waiting to get in, sometimes they have dancers in the windows, and plus theres a parking garage right across the street which is great for um, parking, very convenient. read more

I've seen Nirvana, Man or Astroman, Umphrey's McGee and a host of others. I know people who claim that their dads saw Jimi play here, but their dads are old and liars! Oh well - I'll take their words for it. I came here once and ended up punching a dude in the face for pushing me into a urinal...I did it so that you won't have to! Come play! read more

The original dive bar and music venue. Gross bathrooms, affordable beers; pool and darts. Don't sleep on that Jukebox. Love this place. Smells funny. read more

ITs the most well known concert spot in all of ann arbor. of course it gets 5 stars!

Came here to see Matthew Dear (who was amazing of course)! The place is small enough that Matthew Dear was walking around and mingling with people, which was pretty cool. Two gripes: the music was insanely loud and the smoke was horrible. So bring ear plugs and prepare to inhale. read more

Ann Arbor's dive bar. Good place to hit after you're already liquored up or to see a show. Don't miss the 8 Ball downstairs.

Ahh, Blind Pig. Couldn't WAIT to be able to get in this place. Plus, it was the first home to the legendary Disco D (RIP Dave). Beyond that, it's not too much my scene, but I know that a lot of up-and-coming bands get their start here....It's an ok venue but know that the bands you see may just blow up. read more

This is probably the worst place I have ever been to. Terrible service. The bartender literally sneezed in my drink. But shout out to Medasin, he was great! He made up for the worst service of my entire life. read more

Somewhat of a hole in the wall, I feel like the Blind Pig is a classic A2 establishment. It's a bar, it plays loud music, there's a dance floor. What more do you really need? It's a great venue for intimate concerts, and I just went for a post-wedding celebration. I guess my rating may be different had I seen a band there, but I loved my reception experience. Keep your eyes peeled for the Lucas Paul Band, they play there sometimes and are fun to watch. read more

Great place to see talented artist for a reasonable price. The venue is small and old, but has mirrors on the walls. If you are going to be attending a popular show, leave your coat in the car. The place heats up very fast and you will be sweating in no time. They do a great job with booking a variety of bands and international artist. read more

THE place to see bands in A2...if memory serves...I was only there two years. But Medeski Martin and Wood came through and some other bands too. It's a medium-size club like Bottom of the Hill in SF with a decent sound system and good vibe. If you visit there, go catch a show. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. The staff was rude. The lady who was working downstairs last night was belligerent and nasty. I stepped outside with a friend, my husband and the rest of our group including some of my belongings were still inside. They locked the front door so I went to the entrance downstairs. I asked nicely if I could please get my husband and my belongings . The lady working the door was so belligerent and nasty. She refused to let me in to get my belongings. Luckily someone walked out and I slid in the side door. I'm not ever going back to a place that treats their customers like this! I have never in my life been spoken to in such a way! Stay away from this place! read more

Seen Russian Circles here. great show. sound was surprisingly good. drinks were super cheap. lots of pool tables. the basement bar part always smells like puke. they have free popcorn read more

Classic music venue, cool place to hang out below...ticket prices are always decent...you don't want to be too layered in there even in the winter because it gets hot really fast and you'll be searching for places to dump your coat or jacket. read more

Good venue to see smaller-named acts as they make the detour to Michigan...good crowds, dark, dank decor...but perfectly suitable for enjoying a show...tickets are reasonable in my view...not cheap, not pricey... read more

The service was extremely rude and irrational. They treated me as if i should not have been there. Heard good things about this place but after visiting, never going back again. If I could give it 0 stars I would. Many other better places in Ann Arbor to spend time with family and friends. read more

I've been to a couple different shows at the Blind Pig and it is no carnegie hall. It's really grungy but it kinda adds to the atmosphere if that's what you are looking for. For the most part I've had good experiences but i must say that when the place is crowded it gets really hot and almost unbearable if you are a non smoker breathing in the 2nd hand smoke. I will also warn you about the free popcorn they like to give out during the shows. It is tasty but it is also disgustingly SALTY which might lead to a couple trips to the bar for something to drink. read more

I went to the Blind Pig for the first time last month for a Brett Dennen concert. The atmosphere seemed pretty great probably because I'm a big Brett Dennen fan. Minus Brett Dennen it would probably just be an old, dirty bar. I think that description however is exactly what people love to hate about the Blind Pig. It has been around forever and is part of the A2 we know and love. They had free popcorn there which was super salty (probably so people would buy more drinks). The place was pretty small for the big crowd that was there but that made the concert seem a lot more intimate. The place is a lot better for small venues. A lot of people complain about its not so cleanly and somewhat run down atmosphere but I think it adds to the charm. I mean what can you expect, its a bar. read more

I used to go there every once in a while, but after last night I'm definitely not coming back. The bouncers were super mean and didn't let me and my friends in for absolutely no apparent reason. It seemed like they didn't like one of my friends, probably only for the way he looked like (and it was Halloween party...). Don't go there, the staff apparently has a huge ego problem and likes to give it a boost by treating customers like a shit... read more

The Blind Pig is noted as an Ann Arbor gem and a reason why the music scene there is well-noted. I have seen some really good performances there from underground hip hop performances to big performances from famous musicians to going to the BANG! events. The only thing that detracts from my experiences there would be that the sound system has a lot to be desired. It could have better acoustics even though I understand that the city is trying to limit the sound to 70 db or less. read more

This place stole $63 from me. I bought 3 tickets to a show and when I got to the jumper to check our tickets he wouldn't even give us a minute to explain how we bought tickets but on a friend's account. We spent 30 minutes waiting and re explaining it to him. When I calmly tried to tell him and showed him my bank account with $63 taken from ticket web he turned and screamed in my face. He told us we had to either buy 3 more tickets or leave. I called them to explain the complaint and they did nothing. I get no money back and not even an apology. I won't ever be going back and neither should you. read more

I've lived in Ann Arbor for 45 years and never went to the Blind Pig so I was very excited to go. Nirvana played there. Many great bands played there. I was all-in. I went during the day to watch some of the local kids from the Music Center school. My teenage son is forming a band so I took him along. I stayed 5 minutes. Do I need a tetanus shot now? John Taffer, where are you? What a dive! I would never allow my kid to play there. And I can't imagine anyone paying a cover charge. If Kurt Cobain came back from the dead and reformed Nirvana, I wouldn't go watch him there. I can't imagine that Nirvana was ever that hard up for a place to play. read more

STEER CLEAR OF THIS VENUE!! VERY RUDE MEATHEAD BOUNCER!! If I could give it no stars I would. My son was declined entry to a gig for not being 21 where the tickets stated 18+. He is 20 and had two forms of ID (inc photo) on him and stated that he did not want a wrist band for the bar (he is an athlete and doesn't drink anyway). These tickets were his Christmas present from us and the gig was one of his favourite artists (Noah Gundersen), so this was particularly disappointing not to mention expensive. The US has a fantastic reputation for customer service here in the UK, doesn't exist in this place. The ticket company forwarded the complaint to the venue and we haven't even had the courtesy of a response. PLEASE AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I've always had a great time at the Pig. This place has so much character and history, Nirvana said this was one of their favorite venues they've ever played. Be sure to check out the 8 Ball Saloon down stairs. read more

The staff is not friendly at all. I will goto a place where business is appriecated. Live music here is ok but the place just gets old fast. read more

this place is HORRIBLE! !! went there after the moth show next door and we were " greeted" by a bouncer that the first thing that came out of his mouth was" what the f*** is this a bunch of people that aren't regulars coming here " we were told if we had even a " buzz" we were not allowed in and we are a group of 30 - 50 year old women eying to get a drink on a Tuesday night! this place does not deserve business ! read more

went back for another show. smelled like vomit throughout the entire space. had to stand next to the popcorn maker the whole night.

everyone drags their heels on history and this place has it. sure, every place in this ol' world has some interesting prints left behind, but you best be going out for more than the stories. for such a small venue, it holds up well and always delivers in every event. there have been some shows where i've stood and swayed, others where i've listened with myself leaning on the bannister and there will always be those performances that get myself into a frenzy and grant me the ability to sweat through an entire jacket. so, in said, there's gonna be so many shows that the pig caters to. there have been many venues where the same sort of groups come to perform and the same crowd comes out. for such a hodgepodge of happenings, there's always a great mix of faces. the bar is reasonably priced and the staff has it all down pat; you won't be forgotten. however, if you just want to listen and have a moment to yourself and others, there's a great seating in the front for such. if none of this suits you, there's always that dungeon below to get yourself comfortable, toasted and tipsy; that place being the eight ball saloon. granted with history. adapting to everything. an experience for everyone. read more

its a cool place that is pretty small. i saw the ska band Mustard Plug they play there allot. most of the people are between 20-30. its cool on there wall you see picture of all the band that played there before they were famous like nirvana. read more

Only three words can really describe the Blind Pig: Hot As Hell. Seriously, every time I go there I leave out with a different hair style that's plastered on my face. It's super small in here, so once a promoter throws a party here it becomes almost unbearable. I have only came here on party nights, so I have no clue how it is when someone is actually performing. In the basement are a couple of pool tables, but I agree with another reviewer in that the ceilings are super low. Usually you can find someone sprawled out drunk down here tho, so that's always fun to look at (I guess) read more

Yeah...so the place is dark, dingy, cheap, smelly, sticky, divey, old, and memorable. What's not to love! Tell me that. There is not one thing wrong with the above description. I love it for all of those reasons. read more