First time visit. Moderately impressed. Clean. Well put together. Good audio. Very professional establishment compared to other similar venues. I was expecting a dive to match the neighborhood but was pleasantly surprised. I love the tables and chairs- definitely a "lounge". Not sure what capacity is or how close it was to it on that night, but I appreciated it wasn't overcrowded and there was room to move. Beer was a little pricey but not totally outrageous. However, the food truck was a joke. Incredibly expensive for the quality and portion. Absolutely no sense of urgency or hustle, like the customer was an inconvenience and an interruption to their gossip session. Claimed they'll text you when it's ready, never got it. Checked 25 minutes later and they couldn't remember I had ordered- It wasn't exactly busy... Then they changed a very high card processing fee and ask for a tip. I'm still waiting on that text message 48+ hours later. Just go to the Arby's next door when you leave- they're open late, are cheaper and faster. I'll definitely make the hour drive back for another show, but probably skip on the food truck. read more

One of the best live music venues in the country. The entire staff is amazing, great sound, and the food is tits! Get there as fast as you can to see a show. read more

Best metal venue you've never been to! Love it and drive 2 hours to be here! Decent prices on drinks- unique bands. Chill vibe and trailer park Santa brings a special ambience. Never wait long for drinks. Underrated! read more

The Machine Shop - September mourning! - Music Venues Near Me - Flint, Michigan

I traveled all the way from Texas to Michigan just to witness *Like a Storm* perform at the Machine Shop, and it was absolutely worth the trip! The venue is fantastic--great place, great crowd, and the energy was off the charts. Every act, from the openers to the main event, delivered an unforgettable performance. The Machine Shop was reasonably priced, exceptionally clean, and fully staffed, which made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. Outside area with food trucks. Everything about this night was perfect. If you're a fan of live music and want an epic show in a top-notch venue, I highly recommend the Machine Shop. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Great place to see a show. I did not have any food so I can't comment on that. However, the wait staff, bartender, and T-shirt counter. We're all very real people happy to help out. It's a great space for bands lot of history along the walls of past shows and or just rock 'n' roll paraphernalia. read more

I was born and raised in Flint. I moved to metro Detroit in the 90's I do come up from time to time to this venue. it is pretty awesome read more

I've been there quite a few times and I always have a great time I talk a band into the building. I've taken highly suspect in their it has great owner he always treat us like kings ! And I've never had any problems with any staff at all . read more

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I have been up to The Machine Shop about 6 times in the last 4 years. I am SO GLAD they got rid of those germ-infested couches and chairs! It's a great venue to see your favorite B-list band. The crowd is livily, and drinks aren't too bad, though it's still a rip off for a bar on Strip Club row. There are a few fights and parking can be hell, but worth it when they have someone you really want to see. read more

This was a bucket list venue for me. I was not disappointed. It is a lot smaller than I pictured, making it intimate & leaving room for everyone to have visibility to the stage. The sound perfect. This place is legendary & I was in amazement from the moment of entry. I am unsure how it is during off hours on just being able to go into the venue and look around - if you are able to ... do it. There is so so much detail everywhere. I bought a VIP pack for the band I saw to have time to look around with no one there. They make their own beer now. They do have it on tap & you can take 6 packs to go. I recommend 1,000%. read more

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This was a small intimate venue and a great place to see a concert. I can't wait to go back.

Ive only been once but my experience was a 10/10. I went to see kidd g and i was right up at the barrier and no one was pushing or shoving. I also was allowed to stay after the concert which allowed me to meet kidd g so my whole life is complete. Also, not 100% on his name but Mark is the best and coolest security guard ive ever come across and he made sure that my friend and i were safe the entire night. read more

The Machine Shop - KIDD G - Music Venues Near Me - Flint, Michigan

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One of the best venues in the state regardless of the show you are seeing. Awesome acoustics, fast friendly staff and there is no shortage of great shows and fantastic artists that hit the Machine Shop when they want to put on a show. Always excellent, always rocking, The Machine Shop is a must track if you love live music in a setting designed to get you up close and personal with the artists. read more

Went there some young girls were at the door and they were very rude. In as being an older person this disrespectful behavior won't be tolerated. We will probably never go there again. Seems to be good and polite help is hard to find. Horrible ownership, Kevin is an unprofessional hack! Has patrons came up to his goons and explain in detailed circumstances and he does nothing to resolve the issue. Abysmal and atrocious management. Never again will I support this establishment and I recommend everyone else do the same. read more

Machine Shop Flint Unable to contact human at Machine Shop??? Website useless. Do not use Facebook so, also useless. Have specific questions about specific concert that website does not address. Such as what is difference between regular and reserved and what extra money for reserved mean or include for specific concert advertising extra cost for reserved seats when Machine Shop says no reserved seating???? More information is needed but no human will answer or cares where I spend my hard earned monies. read more

If you haven't been here, than what are you waiting for!! This place rocks!! Will keep going back n back!! Great shows, reasonable prices, love the environment, awesome staff n great spirits! read more

Will never go again . My God daughter and I went to go have a cigarette and we were talking minding our own business and security came up to us and told us we had to leave when we asked why they said they have the power to decide who they can make leave. I could see if we were doing something wrong but they singled us out. Never again . The one security guy even grabbed my God daughter hard by the arm . There was no reason for it at all. read more

I love the Machine Shop. Besides Harpos, its the only Metal and Hard Rock venue in the Detroit area. It gets an extra star for having a private free parking lot, unlike Harpos...Plus you get the same caliber band here as Harpos but at a venue that's easily a third the size. You really can't pick a bad spot to watch a band in the bar. Its a really up-close, intimate feel. Every time I go to the Machine Shop the bands seem to have fun. They often even hang out with the crowd after their set. Some examples of band's I've seen here are Evans Blue, Smile Empty Soul, Saliva, Trust Company, and more. They have national headliners playing here several times a week. The decor is awesome, it really looks like and probably once was a machine shop. They have an awesome logo and offer lot of clothing and memorabilia. Their clothing is catered to the heavy metal body type, which is nice for me haha. It's the typical metal scene, either really long or shaved hair cuts, black t-shirts, jeans, bobbing heads, and plenty devil horns (or sign of the horns). Beer prices were typical concert venue prices and were nothing special if I remember correctly. The staff were pretty friendly as well. One thing I like about metal crowds is that they aren't afraid to move around. I've gone to several shows at the Crofoot/Magic Stick and let's just say the indie hipsters really put the "gazing" into shoegazing. But moshing is prevalent at the Machine Shop and I find it fun to do once in a while. Like most things in Michigan, I would go to the Machine Shop more often if it wasn't over an hour away. Still, it is a really fun night out. ---Note: get there early because the Machine Shop's parking lot can fill up on busier nights and you'll have to park further down the street and walk which can be a bit scary at night. But I've never had a problem, safety-wise. read more

This place is amazing! It's a lot of your favorite bands at a very intimate level. I always have a blast here. The crowd the atmosphere it's so much fun. There is one thing it is very loud there. The floor is vibrating right underneath your feet. So if you don't like realllly loud music Id suggest go somewhere else. Personally I totally enjoy it! read more

The Machine Shop - Taproot December 2012 - Music Venues Near Me - Flint, Michigan

The Machine Shop rocks! The owner obviously gets what proper sound is - as the place has great acoustics! It is clean (for a bar) and the staff hustles. Double can beers are 6.75 so decently priced. Overall the atmosphere is what you look for when you go see a band. Pop Evil and Theory of a Deadman were both great here! We have been about 6 times and enjoyed each show. Yes it is in a grey neighborhood but we never incur any problems. read more

A great place to see your favorite bands UP CLOSE! I just wish there was more places to lean or sit as I can't last a whole show on my feet within close proximity to everyone else at the venue. The Machine Shop brings in great bands at a great price and continues to put on A+ shows each time I go! read more

The Machine Shop - From the back of the venue - Music Venues Near Me - Flint, Michigan

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I've been here a few times and each time I've been here my experiences have been awesome. The staff is helpful and incredibly friendly and the shows are well lighted and can be heard well. They offer the choice of standing to view shows or have a seat at one of the tables towards the back that still have an awesome view of the stage. The drinks are good both mixed cocktails and ice cold canned beers. Definitely don't mind coming here every once in awhile to catch a show. read more

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A bucket list for any music fan! Been there many times. Always killer! Iconic.........Audio is "good" but I'm an Audiophile. So I am very selective on my audio. I would rate the sound quality a 6.5 out of 10. read more

This is one place that almost defines flint, it's a place that everyone in michigan has to go to at least once and people from around the world come to for unique concerts, the biggest bands pay their dues by coming here and it's where a lot of them get their starts and breaks It's not particularly big and that's part of the appeal, you'll likely never get closer to a band than when they play here making every performance a stand out memory There have been several music videos shot here so don't be surprised to find yourself in one On top of all that they have contests and events outside of music with some regularity and even between bands sometimes This is the place to hang out any time they have anything going on read more

Machine shop ROCKS! Great staff, great music, good drink prices. It could only get better if they had food or a coat check! ;) read more

I've been going to concerts since I was 14. In my opinion the Machine Shop is the BEST (and my favorite) venue to see a show. The staff is fabulous! The sound is Rockin', and the atmosphere is perfect. Keep up the great work! I Always feel safe, I appreciate all the hard work that the staff does on a daily basis to make my live music experience memorable! You all Rock! Thank you! \m/ Kat, Fullmetalrock.com multimedia journalist. read more

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Don't be intimidated by the appearance of the people lurking in the parking lot, everybody from metal heads to hipsters to soccer moms on a night out can be found here. Great grungy atmosphere and the staff is super friendly (especially if you don't know what you want to drink). Typical bar food, nothing extraordinary but you come to the Machine Shop for the bands and the well-made drinks. Great place to bring out of towners for a taste of Flint. read more

I will never be back to this venue ever again. I attended the Acacia Strain show on 4/12/13 and was kicked out for moshing (not excessive moshing, or fighting). Along with me were many kids, one after another, who were getting kicked out for being rowdy to Acacia, which is regarded as one of the most violent unruly crowds around right now to begin with. Security/staff were extremely condescending to me outside the venue when I was trying to reason with them, while being absolutely polite (I wanted to get back in) and keeping my voice down. They asked me how old I was (21), told me "You'll grow up someday", "You're an idiot", and "Go to Harpos". Upon becoming very upset with him calling me an idiot, I exclaimed that "Yes I guess you're right, I must be an idiot, silly me for paying my hard earned money to come to your piece of sh*t venue for the first time only to be kicked out 2-songs-in by your overbearing condescending staff for having fun". Upon saying that he tells me to get the f*ck off the property or he's going to "beat my a$$", apparently just for talking to him. Worthless venue for meta/hardcore shows, you'll be hounded all night to stop moshing, or worse kicked out immediately. No refunds! And you'll be shoved all the way out the door. F*ck you, baldy at the Machine Shop! Hope your place has bad wiring! read more

Went there once to see David Allen Coe. Was the only dude in the place not affiliated with an MC. These two super tall chicks came in and this little drunk dude walks up to me and says, "Those are some big bitches." They were pretty big. read more

Psst...psst...guess what? REAL bands come to this place? Yes! This little place in Flint! Famous bands, like you see on TV and stuff! Don't tell anyone I told you. read more

The Machine Shop Concert Lounge is one of the few good remaining reasons to make the trip to Flint. If you're into rock shows, that is. I was beyond excited to see one of my newer favorite bands passing through town (Psychostick) a few weeks ago and the admission for 21+ was ONLY $5!!! Unbelievable. And that's that 3 other bands played along with them that night. I initially checked out their website and was surprised to see fairly recognizable names in the rock, metal, etc. world set to play at TMS as other reviewers had indicated. Depending on the band, tickets can run from $5 up to $30 or so. Although, I couldn't see readily paying $30 to see a band at a place like the Machine Shop unless there was some amazing artist I liked making a once in a lifetime appearance. But kudos to TMS for their band booking variety. I like that Flint is a little bit closer to us than Detroit which makes it nice for me to be able to catch more shows now that I know a place like the Machine Shop exists. We tried to hit the Torch Bar http://www.yelp.com/biz/torch-bar-and-grill-flint in the area before the show, but could not experience that part of the trip because there was nowhere to sit. Ended up at Wize Guys Pizza again http://www.yelp.com/biz/wize-guys-pizza-flint . The venue is medium-sized, has high ceilings and offers the opportunity for good views of the stage from many vantage points around the club. The guy who served us at the bar was amiable enough and seemed more friendly than the aging blond female bartender on duty. The drink prices were pretty okay. Drafts in 12 oz. plastic cups were $4 and we had 2 $4 shots which were Meh. We stuck with the drafts after the shots. They had no more than 4 or 5 selections on tap, 2 of which were Woodchuck (pretty funny and unusual to me for a rock club, don't personally like it, but the SO does) and Guinness (I stuck with that). They also had those mega tall cans of Budweiser products (I think I saw someone with a Coors too) that usually sell for $8 minimum at sports arenas these days and the Royal Oak Theatre. The were $6 (or so) at the Machine Shop. Not bad. The sound was pretty good for the first few bands, but kinda went to crap when Psychostick came on. I can usually find the music in the noise and screaming/shouting, but it was just more noise. I didn't even stay for Psychostick's full set because of that. When the sound was good, it sucked me in as a fan for the very entertaining Detroit band Downtown Brown (more loud, funky humorcore). The crowd at TMS for this show was surprisingly not as young as I'd expected. Definitely lots of tattoos, biker/metal gear, piercings, etc. There was actually a small crowd of very vanilla looking guys that looked to be from the suburbs. My man is more of a Collective Soul/Jason Mraz guy who was hot to buy the Sade's last CD when it came out last year (just to give you an idea), so I am glad it was not a rowdy scene. Otherwise it would be hard to drag him with me to see such entertainment in the future had we encountered as much there. Oh, and you definitely come to here for the music, because the cute, young chicks en masse (tattooed eye candy or otherwise) don't exist here. The layout of the place consists of open space by the front of the stage and a surprising amount of high top tables in the middle to sit and watch the band and a little open space between the high tops and the sound engineer area. Then behind that I believe are more high tops and space for merch tables. The overall atmosphere at the Machine Shop was cool, calm and collected. So much so that I was starting to become a little disappointed in the Flint, MI crowd. At least when the bands were playing. I wanted to see a good mosh pit develop. The crowd got it together for Psychostick, thank goodness. I was up by the stage at that point and got shoved a few times which made me giddy. :-) I would have to say it was a decent sized moshpit that was full of energy, but also had to be the friendliest one I have ever seen (considering I've seen individuals use chains to hit others in moshpits in NYC back in the day). Here at TMS people were duly thrown about, but if you fell someone readily picked you right back up and those in the throes were generally polite to people they fell into that were just standing there watching the show. The bathrooms at TMS are cool to semi-scary (why is it that females have the capacity to clog a toilet like no other?). Lots of band stickers, mini-posters for umpcoming shows (even on the mirrors) and writing everywhere (bring your sharpie). There is one toilet in a 'closet' with no light above that was tricky to use. I'm a weirdo that happens to like bathrooms with character (high or low end). This one fit the bill for the place it was in. The Machine Shop is definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of the rock/metal genre. Oh, cash only at the bar/ATM on site. read more

Never stellar, but, last time was the worst. The bouncer was walking past and yelled at me for saying something to him. I still have no idea what he thinks I said to him. Must have been bad because he said he can kick me out whenever he wants. My husband and friends saw all of this as well and thought it would be best for us to leave. It made for an uncomfortable situation. (we where there to see a friends band before the main band anyways) The unprofessionalism there is insane. Also, we had 3 drinks each and the prices where completely inconsistent. Maybe we are just too old for this place, or maybe they are just too burnt out. read more

Love this place. They always have an awesome concert going on. I can't count how many times I've been there. Great security, good people and good drinks. everyone should go here at least once! read more

Small venue, decent drink prices, always has Banana101.5 radio station doing broadcasts here, advertises like crazy all over town, hosts big name (national) acts with preference for the rock/alternative/metal genres, LOUD, mixed crowd (but mostly the younger 18-30ish). They often have "low dough" shows, where you can get tickets to GOOD national acts for $5... others are in the $18 range. fairly reasonable I'd say. I have seen better venues so I was going to rate it a 3, but unlike other venues they do bring in the best acts, so that earns them an extra brownie point for a total of 4 stars. head banging devil horns optional. read more

Great place to catch a concert. Very small (room for about 450 standing room). very loud but that's what you go for right! 24oz can of beer was $6.75 so not too over priced. Can't wait to go back read more

WOW!!! People watching galore!!! I thought there was good watchin' at Pine Knob... This place is in a very seedy neighborhood...but I never felt unsafe, just lots of strip clubs and stuff - lol!!! Back to the venue.....There are about 3 tables on the main floor area and then several in the back. If you want to be close to the stage, standing room only... I had no complaints about the sound - it was all good... Bartenders were great - able to make anything and at a fairly decent price.. The bathroom was a bit questionable, but I didn't get a disease or anything... ;) I'd see another show here if the price was right... read more

This place used to be just flat out awesome. Had huge name bands coming in from all over the world, seemed it was almost to cool to be in flint. Well it was. For whatever reason Kevin, the owner, more less quit booking big bands (maybe their too expensive), Stopped most fairly local bands that were really good, and went to almost all country crap music. Really too bad I think. Hopefully their still packing the house and slinging beers at warp speed cuz the wait staff was imo for a bar, second to none. I miss the metal shows! Bring them back! read more

Place is awesome. Great sound, great bands. The location is not bad. Ticket prices are super affordable. Going again next month. Every month if I can!! read more

I went on Friday night.. The venue itself is cool, but the bouncers are COMPLETE DICKS. Don't know who to politely ask someone to throw their drink out or move out of the way. They forcefully do it physically like they are above the law or something. They constantly swear and yell. Just a bunch of angry old dudes trying too hard to keep order. read more

Great place to go see a show, very intimate and beer selection is respectable. Kind of a dodgy neighborhood but never had problems there. Always a good time read more

One of the main things that I miss about Michigan is The Machine Shop. It's the best music venue I've been to (out of 9 different venues all over the country). THE GOOD: The Machine Shop owners and promoters are very good about getting bands with a varying degree of notoriety to come play, from local, to B-List, to nation wide known bands (Hollywood Undead, P.O.D., Kid Rock, Sick Puppies, etc.). If you're a rap fan, sorry but you're out of luck. 99% of their shows are rock and country. I've seen some complaints about the staff here but in my experience they were excellent to me. When I was moshing during a Love & Death song my iPhone got destroyed in my pocket and there's a sign clearly stating by the door that people who leave and come back will have to re-pay the entrance fee. I was upset about my phone and showed the door attendant and asked if I could place it in my car to avoid further damage and she was understanding and allowed me to return without paying the fee again. At that same show I managed to squeeze up front while my favorite band (RED) was playing and some drunk idiot kept trying to elbow me out of the way and take my spot. I elbowed him hard in the ribs to get him to back off but didn't want to full out deck him out of respect for the band playing and I didn't want to get thrown out as well. He continued to harass me and within about 2 minutes of the whole thing starting one of the bouncers grabbed him in a choke hold and dragged him so fast that the kid's heels were dragging on the ground. Good eye bouncers! My ABSOLUTE favorite thing about this venue is that they still allow moshing and walls of death, staples of metal concerts that so many venues now outlaw because they are afraid of lawsuits. The bouncers are cool with it and will kind of circle the mosh pit and allow you to have your fun and mosh as hard as you want as long as you're not punching, kicking, or trying to drag people into the pit who obviously don't want to be dragged into it. The crowd was also very considerate and followed the unofficial courtesies of moshing: they helped people up who fell down and shielded them to protect them from moshers who were unaware there was someone down. The venue itself is grungy and has a very rock and roll feel to it. It's dirty looking but on purpose. It's machine shop themed after all. It's a smaller more intimate venue, crowd of 250 is considered packing the venue. Lights and sound are good. The free parking lot is nice, just try and park in the light because it is a very sketchy area. Lots of crime (Flint is the nation's murder capital after all) THE BAD: I know this is nobody's fault but I'm 5'8" and the stage isn't elevated very high so I have to strategically place myself to see what's going on on stage. I would have liked it if the stage was maybe a foot taller. The drink prices are pretty outrageous, my buddy paid 9$ for a 16 oz. gin and tonic. Water was I think $3/bottle which is horrible considering how hot it gets in there. I have to make frequent trips to the bathroom to drink from the sink using my hands in order to not pass out from dehydration (moshing is a sweaty endevour). Those are really the only bad things I have to say about this place. I sat here for a good 3 minutes thinking about what else I could consider bad but I can't think of anything else. Overall, an amazing venue. Metal is a dying passion, but The Machine Shop keeps it alive within its walls. The staff, atmosphere, and bands all make it a wonderful experience each and every time. A few of my favorite artists have stated that this is one of their favorite venues to play. Former RED drummer Joe Rickard named The Machine Shop number 2 on a top 5 favorite venues to play list (only behind The Scout Bar in his hometown in Houston, TX), and Shimon Moore, lead singer of Sick Puppies said on Twitter that he was looking forward to playing at The Machine Shop 3 weeks before they were even scheduled to play here. read more