It was my first time being at this particular venue yesterday. I did like this venue and will be back. I have a few pros and cons of this venue. Pros: security in my opinion was great and respectful. Venue was a decent size and bathrooms were very clean. Ticket person was nice. Bartenders were nice and friendly. Very personal and great view of bands/ artist. No paid parking, there was plenty of parking available. They serve food (not sure on the quality though I didn't but any). Crowd was nice and made sure no one was getting trampled. There was seating available. Cons: the artist or band members seemed to have alot of technical issues. Like the vocalist's mic stopped working. The artists complained about not being able to hear themselves and seemed really frustrated at the sound guy in charge which caused a delay. Could use a better choice of music during intermission. read more

The Boardwalk - Attended the like moths to flames concert. - Bars Near Me - Orangevale, California

my aunt went to the boardwalk for a awareness event she was sitting in a high chair and had a seziure she has epilepsy . the owner of the boardwalk seen it happening and said you have to leave you can't be disabled in his establishment . after the seizure she was denied even a glass of water and told that shes a liability and needs to leave . the worst service I've ever seen from a business will not ever come back read more

We had a really good lunch here the other day. The tiki theme was fun and the restaurant was super clean. My husband had a pizza and I had the Loaded Surfer. Yum! We're going back for Slushie Sunday. read more

Thursday night YOU FRONT THE BAND is SO MUCH FUN! The staff are friendly, and well as the people that come to sing, or just hangout. The band is incredibly talented. The whole place including the bathrooms are very clean. I feel like I'm in church without the religion when I go there! read more

Went last night for the first time since the change in management. Really had high hopes that this place had been improved. The staff was generally good and seem to care about the guest experience. The downside here is that the sound is just never good. You could hardly hear the lead singer and it was really out of balance. Hard to enjoy a show when the sound isn't done well. I hope they fine tune that a bit, would love to see this place successful and thriving! Was great to see so many people there. read more

Not a bad venue. I enjoyed the show (Hawthorne Heights/Emery). Only a couple of things that kind of threw me off. One being the lack of air. I get that the venue has the policy that as long as you have your hand stamped, you can step out and cool off, which is nice, but it takes away from the moment if a band is playing. Also: I went to buy bottles of water from the food person and was told that since I am paying with card, I have to go to the bar to pay for my waters and then come back to get the waters. Not bothered by the fact I didnt get the water right away, but I guess I was a little annoyed with having to take a lot of extra steps to pay with a card. Also had a hard time finding parking, but I'm not sure if that's my fault. Not a bad venue though. It was a nice experience. read more

Mia Tia drink for 5.00 did not have the booze that was stated by the bartender a waste of money

The new regime has some significant kinks to work out in their ticketing and seating. Otherwise, overall good place to see good bands.

Came for the Boston tribute band Longtime and they were stellar. Aaron Leigh opened for them and he performed an amazing acoustic set. Super friendly staff. Seemed short of wait staff...a bit slow but I could probably use to drink a little slower anyway. Cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a bar. Split a personal pizza with the wife to soak up the booze and it was decent bar food. The only thing I didn't like is parking sucks having to park across the busy street in a dirt lot full of lakes in the rain. Still I will return. read more

The last two shows I've attended unfortunately had some bouts of brawling and general violence I'm not used to seeing. I was at a show last night and looked to be a few people were there lookong explicitly to cause a bit of a ruckus - they succeeded. What struck me as odd was that it didnt seem like security was doing much to control the situation other than observing the goings-on. The people involved did a better job at keeping their friends "calm" than the general staff, that was up until a larger brawl broke out and about half of the crowd vacated the building. Interesting. The time previous was at a show with Norma Jean as the headliner - some guy seemed to purposefully pick a smaller dude up and huck him over the guard rail/barrier into my little brother who is in a wheelchair. And i know moshing happens and it is what it is (i did that when i was younger too) but it seemed like the person who did it deliberately targeted the guy he threw, and the person he threw him into. The would be offender was eventually ejected for other things - however they were let back in after like.. 10 minutes and were back to the same actions. Am i getting old? I swear i never see this kind of stuff anywhere BUT the Boardwalk. Either they need to actually enforce crowd safety (esp for those who were deliberately straying AWAY from the mosh zones) or the repeated and uncontrolled violence loses them customers. I've been a loyal patron of the Boardwalk since 2002, but I'd seriously reconsider wanting to attend shows if this persists, and would rather leave the Boardwalk as a nostalgic memory than to be there as it digs itself a grave. read more

Cozy Venue | Good Metal Show $ I drove 2 hours to see The Contortionist here. It was a prog metal show on Easter Sunday, and I must say that I had a pretty good time. I paid $17 for the ticket. No line to get in, which was a plus. No line for the women's restroom either, another plus. (Probably because there's not very many females at metal shows anyway) No problems with security. The venue is small but cozy. I was dead wrong thinking there wasn't going to be any circle pits because of the limited amount of space, especially with wooden beams taking up some amount of space. Some people from UC Davis showed up and much of the crowd were locals. I will say that there was this guy and girl who started the pit a couple times, and the girl was incredibly rude. She would literally punch people on the edge of the circle. Some people would push her back. I've been to quite a few metal shows where people aren't dicks punching people who arent participating in the pit. I was a little shocked here. Sound was so-so, at least for the opening acts. One of the openers had the guitarist turned way up, which kind of drowned out every other instrument on stage. BUT, The Contortionist was amazing as usual! They reserve the front parking spaces for the bands. We parked across the street at the dirt lot. One thing to note is the air flow in this place. I stood underneath the air vent and was actually cold! :P A good thing when it's a packed venue. read more

Recently attended a memorial concert that was for my dad at The Boardwalk. I cant say enough how grateful I am to all of the staff that made the night perfect. The food was great and the overall atmosphere was amazing. My dad was definitely looking down smiling that night :) read more

On-point sound and responsive staff made The Boardwalk a venue I'd like to return to see some shows at, but they need more seating and promoter control. I came in for a reggae show back in April on a Tuesday night (weird scheduling due to a tour). While the promoter billed it as an early 8pm show, the bad didn't play until well after 10pm. Note that their license only goes until 11pm on weeknights. They did provide info when asked, but could have made announcements or otherwise called the show instead of the disaster of a concert. The bars seemed well-managed, but I was drinking water. I was stoked that they provided easy access to free water. Security was friendly and gave a good sense of control of the night. They quietly escorted a few too inebriated patrons out to get air. Lovely wall paper a-la-1800's. Very good sound, no echo or bleeding. I had wanted a seat and ended up on the floor for an hour or so, I think they should definitely add enough seating for at least all the ladies that show up. Overall the sound quality, free cold water and friendly staff and management make The Boardwalk a place I'm likely to want to see shows at in the future. read more

The Boardwalk still pretty much blows. But. It's one of the only places in the area that brings in good non-local acts on a consistent-ish basis. I would give zero stars, but I have to give at least one. And that star is only because of Claude the sound guy. He's rad. Everything else about this place is failcore. read more

Was there for a show this weekend. Show was great, but charged $8 for captain 7up. Not too fair considering we spent $20 on the show and nowhere to sit. They took all seats away. Also no Belvedere Vodka. If your going to charge, at least have good Vodka. read more

The bar is located in the middle of no where. I came here because I got free tickets from a friend to see the band Ludo perform that night. When I was driving and passed by the bar...I was already reluctant to go inside, since it looked abandoned and pretty...ghetto. We also had to park a street away at a random building's parking lot because there was really limited parking at the bar. Inside was alright, it wasn't as small as I thought it would be, but it was crazy crowded that night, probably because all the teeny boppers there that night to see the band (there were a lot of underaged kids, so Im guessing that night they were allowed to go inside as long as they were checked by the bouncer). There's a stage all the way inside the place, and to the left of the area is a small bar area to stand and watch the band from afar too. To see a band play here, it's pretty intimate and nice, so that was cool. The bartender was also super nice, from what I remember. I think my experience is rated a lot lower just because I was a bit peeved by all the teeny boppers around, screaming and jumping around. Haha. And the place was pretty run down, an the location was a bit sketchy too. I don't think I'd look too forward to coming here again, unless there was a band I liked a lot playing for the night. But for a place to drink with friends? Mmm...not really worth the 40 min drive for me. Sorry. read more

This venue is notable since a lot of punk/hardcore/indie groups skip the Bay Area altoghether and play here instead. Super intimate, not the best sound system But whoever does booking here gets a lot of up and coming /established groups that make www.boardwalkrocks.com a site to keep checking, in case your favorite group makes a stop here. read more

We went the night of the Fleetwood Mac cover band, the music was excellent! Service lacked and was super slow. Two bartenders for a packed house. Others around us were complaining about the same issues. The seating situation with this venue is haphazard at best. No organization, we pre bought seats, they had no record even with our receipt, sold our seats to others. Finally got different seats, went to sit and other people were in the seats, refused to move, said they bought them. Went to the front, they were less than helpful. Word to the wise, but the GA tickets, they obviously don't manage the seated 'VIP' areas. Free for all. Bizarre. Also they don't take card for additional seats at the door, cash only. Lame. ATM available but expensive. Owners seem like they are struggling with the management piece. Just my thoughts. But still a solid local venue to see some good bands, maybe just hit up a different bar before or after your event!!! read more

love the Boardwalk!!! great music! staff and bartenders are awesome!! looking forward to the Atomic Punks on October 14th!!!!

If you like to be told where to sit and stand ,then this is the place for you!! I have never been to a restaurant/bar and told I have to pay to stand or sit. If you want to sit by the band it's 20 bucks and 10 to stand. It's extra 5 if you want to sit near the bar and not see the band. I know places where you can buy a table, but this was over the top. I felt like I was in school and getting my assigned seat. The lady at the door wasn't the nicest person. She could not understand our concerns with their arrangements. We had no idea where ours friends were seated at. So to pick a table was not convenient for us ( they have a seating chart like the movies). I surely didn't want to sit with strangers I didn't know. I don't recommend this place. I don't know if they were trying to act like a concert hall with all these seating arrangements. I think they need to look around at other places and learn from their establishments. I'm not a kid !!!!!!! read more

The first time I came here it took almost an hour getting the band ready past estimated starting time because of sound issues, but it was an amazing show. However, this time (the second time I've been here) the girl in line in front of me started a fight with an obviously intoxicated bouncer. He didn't ask for my ID, but I had it ready, and he checked it before saying "you're not 21, why did you even show me your ID? See, that's the problem; if you were a guy you would've known better" followed by several sexist comments. I continued to stay as peaceful as possible, and began to hand him my ticket, before he told me (with an attitude) that I'd hand it to the woman inside. Then I tried to head inside, before he lo-and-behold got upset that I didn't give him my right hand (without him asking) to put an X to mark that I was too young to partake. He proceeded to get bothered that I didn't hand him my left hand, after he only demanded my right, and called my friend and I "little b*tches" as we speed-walked to the front desk. I might be young, but as I didn't say anything to the man and tried to be as polite as possible, I'm just unknowing of the policy, and I feel like I didn't deserve this. Some people have feelings and don't want a drunk bouncer yelling at them. If my boyfriend wasn't the bassist, I'd have left already. Thankfully, he got reprimanded, and then got sad and didn't check my 19 year old friend's ID (she got a "bar bracelet"). They said he's perfect for driving unwanted customers away, and it looks as if he is staying employed. I think they should find someone better, or I will seriously debate coming here again. read more

The bands that I go to see there are great, the sound is always good. It had been a while since I had been there since I was there for Frank Hannon and the price for draft beer was a little pricey. Frank had a new beer there named after him along with some other drafts that were $7.50 and that just kept me to 3 beers for that price. I could see 6.00 or 6.50 a beer but not 7.50. I would have had more than 3 at a lower price and the Boardwalk probably would have made more $ that way. Maybe the tips would be better too! read more

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Got to keep my sense of humor when it comes to this place. Located in BFE this place's vibe is reaks of good ol fashioned hick with a dash of deliverance (the staff). Freakishly skinny or grotesquely fat guys in shirts that said "SECURITY" I couldn't help but ponder at which one of em would actually keep me safe and "secure" in the event that I needed one of them to. Did they have all of their teeth? Hmmmm.... not quite sure. Bartenders- A much and I mean much older woman, who bore the looks of one who has fought the alcohol demon, late nights, beer brawls and cigarettes for way too many years with a bad attitude. Just think Black Hills gold, waterbed and Crosby Stills and Nash that should paint a pretty accurate description. LAME, LAME, LAME! Bar wasn't busy, service was a bare minimum. At first, I just chalked it up to maybe her havin a bad start, so I gave her a couple of chances. First Beer, gave her a tip of two bucks (FOR ONE BEER), no thank you, no smile. Second beer, I did the same thing, tried to smile and make eye contact, but nothin. Third time, she got the ol stiffy. Sheesh! Why tho therious? You know that slogan No shirt, No shoes, No service? Well I made up a new one.... No smile, No service, NO tipping. Ewwwww wa! There is a reason they call it the BORED WALK! read more

I will never, ever go to the Boardwalk again. The place is run by staph infections, ignorant bastards who forget that the staff's job is to be helpful. As other people have mentioned, you are packed like sardines into the bar area, which is narrow as can be with no way to easily get from one end of it to the other. I went to the Brett Dennen concert about a month ago, and other than the bouncers, everyone was extremely rude. A friend going to the concert with us is disabled, and when we called ahead to make sure they would have some kind of seating, the woman on the phone told me they make no special accommodations, and we would have to get there early. We did, and the line was already long and the first two people in line grabbed all the stools (of which there are maybe eight, for a bar area with about 70 people crammed in). This place is terrible. You're better off driving to the Bay to see anyone decent. read more

This place is absolutely terrible. I started to boycott it five or six years ago, but every few years a must-see band will come through Sacramento and I'll have to go and hope that The Boardwalk has changed for the better. Unfortunately they have not changed at all. Last night I went to go see a band called Earth Crisis and I can't even begin to explain how awful one of the bouncers was. He was rude and had the nerve to jokingly call me a "brat". We are not pals, you don't even know me. The people who attend shows there are not that awesome either. Ugh! I get upset just thinking about this place. I suggest you stay far, far away. read more

This place blows. I've never encountered such rude staff. They seem to forget that it is the CUSTOMERS who pay their salaries, and who are the reason for their existence! We traveled three hours from the bay area to see the Brett Dennen concert here (it was already sold out at the Fillmore, which is the exact opposite of this sh!thole of a place). During one of his more tender songs, one of the bouncers who was standing about 5 feet from us was loudly discussing the hot dog he'd eaten earlier that day with a co-worker. Another audience member motioned for him to "Shhh" and he replied really loudly and aggressively "Hey, it's a free country, I can do what the f*ck I want!" I'm sorry, but hey buddy, you are "staff" and you work here. You are not free to ruin the concert experience for paid audience members. So, I will add to the tirade that others have mentioned: No Chairs. No places to sit down and chill. Being packed into the bar area like sheep just so the 12 or so 18-year-olds can have free run of the place? WTF? My advice would be to pen the under-21-year-olds in a corner and let everyone else enjoy a drink while watching the performances. The other staff were extremely rude (especially the manager -- a real bitch of a gal who is power-mad), and the drinks were overpriced. I also think that the owners/managers need to acquaint themselves with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite calling in advance to secure accommodation for one of our disabled companions, they adamantly refused to offer any assistance whatsoever. If there is an organization we can report them to, please let me know. They need a wake-up call! A few more things: Crappy accoustics. Bad sight lines caused by a low ceiling. Inadequate ventilation. Oh, and did I mention extremely rude staff and management? I promise you I will never return, and will let everyone hear about my experience here. Based on other reviewers, it seems that my evening was par for the course. My bottom-line advice: STAY AWAY! No band is worth the drive and/or the abysmal experience of the Boardwalk. read more

I used to go here all the time when I was underage and better all-ages venues like Club Retro weren't around. Now I avoid it all costs. The Boardwalk does draw some cool touring bands (Living End, Anti-Flag, Ataris, Marky Ramone), but it's run like a prison and the crowd is pretty lame. Once you're 21, you're treated with a little more respect, but the security watches everyone like a hawk, and if you're under 18 and need some fresh air, too bad. If you're legal age, don't step off the patio or you can't come back in. Make sure you bring money for water. The place is hot and they don't give out free cups, only $2 bottled. The sound guys are nice and do a good job. The stage is decent and band's even get a litlte back room to themselves. Parking is limited, so park at the shopping center own the street. Many years ago (like 7) when I was a freshman journalism student, my first big story was on the safety issues of The Boardwalk because they were packing in loads of people past capacity and people were passing out from the heat. This was before the club fires. And I had sources attest to pot being allowed inside for certain shows. The owner actually bailed on our in person interview at the very last minute. He did an interview over the phone, but just fed me lines about how great the place was and wouldn't address any of my concerns. Lame. read more

- the usual crappy venue that makes me remember why it's so hard to get good bands to come to sacramento - acoustics aren't that good - neither are the drinks - nor were the people there. it's all ages. this is apparent when at 11:40, more than half the crowd leaves to get home for curfew. but the two bands i've heard there? both good. five stars for mewithoutyou and murder by death. two stars for boardwalk. read more

I was a little apprehensive about headed out after reading all of the bad review, not to mention that it's way out in BFE. I was attending a show with my daughter, making me even more nervous. The conclusions that I came to were: 1. The people that had trouble with security were probably being jerks. Jerks tend to get treated bad by security, and I tend to have minimal sympathy. 2. I am too old to go to club shows. The lack of seating and nearly unbearable heat really diminished my enjoyment of the show. Doors opened at 7, but the opening band didn't start playing until 8:30. Yikes. 3. The heat. Omg the heat. For a sold out show, people were packed in there wall to wall and it was nearly unbearable. There has to be something that can be improved in there. Even the artist made mention of it. I can imagine that some reviews were heavily influenced by how uncomfortable it can get in there. All that being said, I thought the staff was wonderful, and the sound quality was surprisingly good. The drinks were about on par with what I'd expect, 5$ bud in a bottle, 8$ simple mixed drinks. The bartenders were attentive, friendly, and quick. Even more importantly there were plenty of them to handle a sold out show. Even better, there are 3 stalls in the ladies room, and it was in decent condition. I remember far too many days standing in a line 10 ladies deep to use the ONE stall at the Press Club (never again). Tips: -Unless you're a front row junkie, don't bother going early. -Enjoy a good bar and VERY affordable snacks (no health food, but what you need at a bar, ex: 6$ for chicken strips and fries). -Parking is tricky, so don't anticipate pulling up in front, especially if you're read tip 1. -Standing in the back is going to get you access to fresh air, which you're going to need. -Remember that you're in a dive bar style club show venue, and adjust your expectations. read more

Seen a bunch of bands here over the years, the most recent being Halestorm back in August. It is the pretty much the only place in the Sac area where death metal bands stop and play, which is pretty much the only reason I can bare this place. Other than that, I really do not like this venue. It's really cramped, and I wouldn't call it cozy. I think I could spit across the main length of the floor. But, if your favorite band is playing that night, it's pretty awesome how close you can get. Yeah, like some people here have said, this place also does cater to the youngin's. It's always funny to see teenagers making out in the cover of the crowd. But whatever, they're just trying to have fun, so they don't bother me too much. Overall, it's an alright place. I just wish there was better around here. read more

Yes this place is a dive bar. So prepare yourself for that. The bartender, tall and blonde, was super nice. She memorized my boyfriend and mines order. Which is always a sweet gesture. However, for being a dive bar I expected much cheaper drinks. Drinks were 6-7 dollars each which might of been because a band was playing that night. I also got a beer on tap and it was super flat and disgusting. So maybe avoid on tap beers and stick to the bottles! I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but if a good band is playing I wouldn't keep the bad reviews from keeping you from coming. read more

I'm not a huge fan of this place but I'm giving and extra star since I have seen a whole lot of really good bands here. Nothing against the under 21ers, I wish I knew about this place when I was younger... but I hate that the whole scene feels so supervised because of thems youngsters!! I rather dislike being watched so closely by the staff... yes I know you have to do this so nothing personal to you guys. It just feels like I'm at amateur hour when I have bar staff saying things like "hey, stay behind the red line with that drink!!" and "I need to see your wrist band" every time I walk out of the bar area to use the restroom. I also hate that when I go I'm trapped in a little corral away from the music because I like to have me some drinkies. Anyway, overall the bar staff seems to be alright considering what they have to deal with on a regular basis (silly young folk who don't know how to behave in bars, older folks who are not drinking and are just there to make sure their kids don't get into mischief, over 21ers that are pissed that they are stuck in corral, and other such nonsense). A Few Key points: 1) As a note on parking, expect to park in the gravel lot across the street... don't even bother trying to park in the bar parking lot. 2) They pretty much always have a cover of at least $8... its usually more. You can get tickets ahead of time for a little discount. 3) Also, they have an ATM. They only accept cash at the bar. 4) Drink prices are average. read more

2-1/2 stars, are you kidding me?! HUGE fan of this place! Ask me why. Go ahead, ask me! From the outside, this place looks like a dump, and it's very VERY out of the way (for me, at least). The inside is completely different. The bathroom was SHOCKINGLY clean. They have a decent size bar that is set back from the floor, but positioned so you can still see the band while you drink. So far, I have yet to see another small venue that can make this claim. The ceiling is decorated with signed guitars, but incomplete, suggesting that they add more all the time. Shows are not overpriced, drinks are not overpriced. This place has some fantastic bands every single week. It is DEFINITELY a hidden gem. I took off one star for what I'm assuming is a regular problem...HORRIBLE light and sound crew. The down time between bands was practically doubled, while the sound guy tested every single mic and input for every single musician, between every single set. Suggestion: meet with the freakin' bands before the show starts so you know what levels everything should be at?! Other than that, great experience. I'll be back. read more

This venue is not a place I would suggest for promoters or patrons. Being that it is a far place for people to attend, it makes tickets sales a challenge to sell. This place also attracts a crowd that makes attending un pleasant, we watched a camera man get punched out of nowhere in the parking lot for no reason and security did nothing and ended up throwing the assaulted man out. Made absolutely no sense how they could operate a venue in this way. The staff is not friendly at all from what we've seen. This happened tonight right in front of us and 15 other people. They must have their own people writing their reviews for them. read more

Dive bar. Used to get all the concerts until their booking agent went to Ace of Spades. Used to see some great metal shows. Hardly any room on the tiny stage for bands. Bar off to side and alcohol must stay inside that area. Bathroom was quite horrible. One stall and one urinal. Bands I knew used to always complain about the sound tech guy. Lol. read more

What a piece of shit place!! Bartenders are straight tweekers & roided out!! I was standing @ the bar for 15 minutes and never got served 3 customers @ bar and 2 bartenders couldnt ever get to us!! .. Wouldnt give refund for our very short visit!! Will NEVER come here again.. Dont waste your time, music sucked, bartenders were awful & Staff all around rude! read more

The Boardwalk in itself probably only deserves 2 stars, but what the place does earns it another 2. The club in itself seems a bit worn like a good pair of jeans. The only bad thing about a good pair of worn jeans is that though it's usually comfortable to be in... it's just not very classy. It's a great place for local entertainment, also caters to the under 18 crowd, and has a pretty cool staff. Like I mentioned earlier, it's not a very classy place, but it has an intimate feel. The ceiling is covered with signed guitars from past performers, the sound system and stage broadcasts' good crowd interactions, and the bar size is decent considering the over all size of the club. It's not a place I would visit to simply grab drinks or spend a night with some friends at, but it is one of the only venues in the area that regularly supports local talent for rock and indie. The Boardwalk regularly has local performers playing, as well as groups from the bay area and other parts of California. You can check their website regularly for schedules. Security is pretty tight, but they have to be. They do allow the under 18 in to come check out the bands, so they have to be pretty tight about keeping the drinks and the kids separate. Despite the strict security they are pretty easy going to talk to and are more than friendly when I go here with friends. There are a lot of stupid people that try to do stupid things, so I guess as long as your not stupid and bring alcohol to where the minors are, your good. The sound guys are pretty good when it comes to helping the bands set up, and the stage is right there in front of the crowd so it gives you a close view of your favorite band. Location = 1 star since it's not near a lot of "good" places to hang out. Building = 2-1/2 stars for being in tact, but not very hip Staff = 5 for being cool and friendly despite the strict rules they follow. Venue= 5 for what it brings to Sacramento, the area, and the support it gives to the local scene. read more

Old staple of the north side for music. Review is because of how old and outdated the club is. Still cash only at the bar, etc. Don't touch anything in the bathroom. I have been here a hundred times and will probably go another hundred over the years, but it still makes me wonder why the haven't modernized and cleaned up over the times. I do find myself going less and less. Skipping shows to see them at a different venue somewhere else. CARRY CASH and wipes for your hands. They do book really good bands. read more

If you can bring yourself to look beyond the to' back neighborhood, parasitic bathrooms and gaggle of thirtysomething scene veterans who are sadly lightyears from retiring their gimmiky getups, the Boardwalk is actually a decent venue. There are amenities a-plenty, i.e. a so-so counter-service eatery, q fairly well-stocked bar, a novelroomscape that's wallpapered with [real] guitars, and best of all, a small floor with great proximity to the stage. I've gotta dock stars, though, first for the godawful acoustics. The cringeworthy sound engineering was all-too evident at last night's VNV Nation show, which, given the bombastic synth these guys are known for, was a cruel injustice. I should have been dancing along to the sounds of one my favorite artists, not surveying the room for a carpeted pillar to seek refuge beside. Second, the stringent drink rules for the grownups are just silly. Instead of barricading the 21-and-up crowd behind bar stools and obstructing their view of the stage with low-mounted LCDs broadcasting Bro-Vision, why not create an enclosed area near the stage for guests with drinks? Or just designate the show 21-and-up? BETTER YET, why not give people their cover charge-worth and trust their discretion? Wishful thinking I guess. read more

My boyfriend and I came here last night to see GBH - one of my fave punk bands of all time. Last time I came here I wasn't 21, which was annoying because I wasn't able to go with my boyfriend in the bar area while he was getting a drink and had to hang out on the floor the whole night. But this time I was able to go with him and we were able to snag a couple of good barstools facing the floor, so we had a great view. Luckily it wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be, so it wasn't too much of a pain. Of course you still have to deal with those annoying people who are extremely rowdy and are on the verge of being drunk. Something that happens at every bar show pretty much. A couple of people had to be thrown out by the end of the night, but that was to be expected. GBH came on and people just went wild, including myself. My circle pit days are pretty much over, but I was able to find a good standing spot close to the stage to enjoy the great music. GBH brought such a great show and seeing a band from Birmingham, UK made me feel right at home. A plus about this show is that it actually started on time. When I see shows at other venues sometimes they won't start for another half hour later than their scheduled starting time, so the show ends up running later and I'm too tired to enjoy myself. However, even with 4 bands playing at last night's show, I was still amped by the time GBH came on. I would come here to see another show - especially if it's another great band like GBH! read more