This is a nice venue! They have a coat check upstairs, and lots of seating if you need it. The drinks at the bar are reasonably priced. It's in a sketchy part of town, but getting in and out felt safe! read more

I do believe when all else fails, music and/or food unites people. New to the underground/metal/rock scene. The three occasions in the last 2 months I've visited, I've had a blast! The lineups they have playing here was impressive (world renowned to locals). The venue itself is old school and intimate. The Pitt on how its setup has at least one bar to one side, and another bar in the coat check in the "dress circle". From entering to taking fresh air breaks in-between sets, the "bouncer, security, door person" has always been super nice and chatty. They've always enforced and the patrons replying were always polite "sorry, thanks for telling me" when they've ducked ropes exiting. Washroom: Clean for theatre standards and stocked with paper towels. Compared to some airport loos, this is above average for the ladies side. Bar: Beers, wine, sodas (!!! sodas were under $4!!!) were mid priced. TIP: BRING CASH (there is an atm, I've used it once and lost a finger jk), bring better earplugs (home depot has some great ones). read more

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I was actually pleasantly surprised by this venue. Don't let the outside and the neighborhood fool you, this place is pretty rocking and clean inside. My compliments to Darius the security guy and Jenn at the ticket booth for their welcoming service. The sound is pretty good here and they have a decent mosh pit. If you don't feel like standing around the front of the band the chairs are pretty comfy in the back as well. This is a pretty neat place to catch a show. If I remember correctly you can get a PBR for about $5 with most other beers at $8.00. Check out the website for showtimes and prices. read more

Not the classiest joint around, but it's on East Hastings and I'm there for a metal show, so what can I expect? ( this time I was there to see the Genitorturers, previously I had seen Death and guests) Staff was all friendly, and the line up to get in was quick. Service at the bar was also fine. It's quite small, and I only saw one. They had a limited drink selection, served in the finest plastic money can buy ! Fireball shots without glass is just strange .. but ok I understand the need to have drink wear that won't break and cause bloodshed. 2 shots, a vodka & OJ, and a beer were about 26$ -27$ so not too bad price wise. The bathrooms are fairly grim. Not as bad as the Astoria or the Cobalt ( my top 2 of the nastiest bathrooms in Vancouver ) The stage itself isn't huge, nor is the seating selection. I think that part of it was closed off - either due to renovation - or for lack of ticket sales ? The sound however was AMAZING! It was really good - no feedback and it sounded perfect on the video I recorded. It was an awesome show - too bad more people didn't attend. They certainly missed out! read more

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Great service, fun atmosphere. Does not pretend to be classy, and that is fine. Saw the Pointed Sticks show, acoustics were great. Wine could be better. read more

The Rickshaw Theatre - The Furniture, doing their thing - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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I've been to the Rickshaw a couple of times, and the experience is amazing. A beautiful vintage theatre, that is the perfect setting for local music acts and other events. Front lobby is a bit cramped, but not a dealbreaker. Seating has good sightlines/ acoustics throughout the venue (I tried a number of places in the theatre). No food - But beverages were a good deal, not over priced. Easily accessible via local public transit/ taxis. Parking options are available a few blocks over, or meter parking if you can find it. read more

The Good: Although this place still needs a little TLC, it sure does shine! the Rickshaw gives all the old punks who used to hang out at the Cobalt a new home. The Rickshaw constantly puts on live shows for young and underground people to check out. The ticket prices are totally decent, usually $20 or less, for a night full of bands and entertainment, how can you go wrong? The Bad: It does get cold in the Rickshaw before the shows start, but by the time everyone is jumping around, dancing, moshing or whatever, the room gets warm enough that you don't need to shotgun any more beers to stay warm. However, if you do get too hot after ripping it up on the floor, the coatcheck is all the way up three flights of stairs, so try to check your jacket before you finish all those shots of jager, so you can still make it up the stairs. The floor is kind of strange since it is on a slant, but keep in mind this place used to be an old movie theatre, and there are still a few rows of seats on the cement floor too. The Ugly: Beware! This place is not fully licensed, so it does carry a minimal selection of beer and coolers, and they can mix a few highball drinks, but not the variety that you would get at a normal bar. And the bouncers will check your bag, so no sneaking in flasks or road pops, not that I know from experience. read more

One of my favorite places to be!! I've been going here since day one, and holy shit, have the staff worked at fixing this place up! When they started out the paint was peeling, it smelled and... well, you don't even want to know what the bathroom was like. They've fixed it up but kept it's character! It's now my favorite live music venue in the city, and i've seen some incredible acts here like Skinny Puppy, Goat Whore, Isis and Russian Circles. The staff are great, and you can tell they have a lot of pride in the music scene and the venue. Go enough and you'll experience that great feeling of community you used to get from Cobalt (RIP!) Drink selection is limited as they only have basic high balls and a few shooters (Mmm, Jager) but the prices are good and they sure don't pour lightly, so i'm not complaining! I can also guarantee that they are a pretty clean venue. I know it looks dingy, but let me tell you, i once did a bar mat shot and survived to tell the tale. I don't REMEMBER doing the spot, but apparently it was spectacular... Don't know what a bar mat shot is? It's when the bartender pours whatever liquid has fallen onto the rubber bar mat he or she pours booze on into a shot glass. If i'm not at Club 23, this is where you'll find me!! read more

Finally made it here last night and now I definitely want to see more bands in this venue. My ticket was $20 for three bands of blistering rock. Hells yeah! The beer was cheap - $5.50 if you're splurging, $4.50 for PBR. The bar pours look minimalistic but whatevs - I'm not coming here for fancy tarbending. The venue was chilly which meant I could keep my jacket on and not worry about where to put it. The slanted floor/theatre seats make for good viewing in between bands. I didn't make it up to the balcony level to check out the view there. We slunk along the wall in about the fourth row and made the 'mistake' of getting up to dance. Some loser behind us was insistent on sitting throughout the show and told us in no uncertain terms that we should sit or move. Yeah ok buddy. I supressed the urge to flip him the middle finger 'cause really, I'm not that punk anymore. When the lead singer asked everyone to get up and dance I asked him if he wanted to dance with me. He didn't. Naturally we ended up front and centre for the main band. Overt thrashing and moshing seemed to be discouraged by security which surprised me but I didn't mind as I only got crushed a couple of times. The washrooms probably wouldn't stand up to forensic testing for bodily fluids but the seats were clean, the toilet paper rolls were full, the taps functioned and there were paper towels to dry your hands. What more do you need? A mirror? They have them too. We had fun and we'll be back! read more

I heard that the Rickshaw Theatre had been renovated not too long ago. However I think this place still needs a major overhaul and thorough cleaning. I made the mistake of needing to go to the washroom. I have seen better facilities in the third world. Seriously only two stalls out of four had doors. One stall looked like something had exploded in it. There was no paper towel, the floors were disgusting, and it was obvious no one cares about maintaining even a basic level of sanitation. Later on in the evening one of other women in our group went to use the washroom and simply couldn't bring herself to go. She was so disgusted she had to wait for us outsider. Seriously this place is a health threat. On top of all that the sound was terrible. read more

A new music venue is on the scene and its near perfect by my standards. Malice (of Pub340 fame) is at it again. Booking local and touring acts on decently priced bills (most shows under $10) in a newly renovated space. The Rickshaw Theatre has been out of commission since the earlier 80's (or so I'm told) which is hard to believe because its such a great space. Seating where you can actually see the band - check, space for standing room and dancing - check, a bar with decently priced drinks - check, good sound system and a sound guy who knows what he's doing - check. What more could a music lover ask for? Not much really. The Main and Hastings adjacent address does make it a bit sketchy to visit, but grab a buddy and go. You won't be sorry. read more

Amazing sound system, elevated seating and a stage front dance floor, in house light system and a bar during all-ages shows? How can you get a better concert experience than this? There's a smoking section right by the door "separated" from the street by some red dividers that the local addicts seem to respect. There's a door guy keeping watch of the street and from my conversation with him on the 1st he's not run in to any problems with the street people in the neighborhood. The venue also recently hosted 100 monkeys for a bunch of under age girls (with their chapperones, of course) that filled the stands. If they can deal with the junkie zombies to see a great show, so can you. My only complaints are on a case-by-case basis. The stage is a bit higher than most and on a night with 100 people the place still seems completely empty, the stage surreal. They recently figured out their lighting system and have been tinkering with it, but unfortunately aimed one of the spotlights directly in the eyes of the people at the theatre seats. The beer is a bit overpriced and the selection is poor, but liquor is not their main trade. If you have a problem with that you can always go next door to the savoy and deal with hastings street people drinking their cheap pints. read more

So, I LOVE The Rickshaw. It is a much needed venue for live music and culture. They show awesome bands, and the place has been fixed up amazingly by an extremely dedicated group of people who are passionate about what they do and who are integral to keeping Vancouver culturally diverse. It used to be a laid back place to grab a drink, with fun staff, and just a great atmosphere and comfortable place to be. It meshed well with the DTES - with both the rough edges and the heart. When The Rickshaw applied for a permanent liquor license, I (along with many others) wrote a long and detailed letter in their support. And to the delight of many, they got one. However, I went to see a show there a few weeks ago and something had changed. I spoke to some of the old staff that I know and love, and their morale had shifted. Some people had quit. It stopped feeling as much like a community. In I go. I grab a $20 to get my guy and I some drinks, but stopped dead at the bar. Doubles: $10.25 WHAT? Are we at a strip club? Are we on Granville? Nope, we're on the DTES, and suddenly a $20 is not more than enough for two doubles and a tip. I keep my $20 - for that price, I'm staying sober on principle. I will continue to frequent the Rickshaw, because I do still absolutely love the place. Bands are fabulous, ticket prices are fair, lights and sound are always stellar. But it is different, and I will likely not be making use of the bar unless those drink prices improve. Hello, drinking at another bar before I arrive. read more

Saw The Melvins here in July and thought the venue was pretty good. Like everyone says, it has lots of character and decently priced drinks. Although, I had wished there was more standing room and less seating, it's hard to move around being stuck between rows of theater seats. Also would have loved a bigger bar! The line up was never ending. read more

Now that the real Cobalt has closed its doors, the Rickshaw has taken over as home to many local and touring punk and metal shows. The ticket prices are usually good and the place is worn enough to have character. The main floor is usually insane to move through since the area in front of the stage turns into a massive mosh pit once a show starts. If thats not your idea of fun then the balcony offers a less packed spot to kick back and watch from, with a beer garden on hand to cut the heat. read more

The people who complain about the cleanliness and/or location obviously didn't go to clubs here in Vancouver in the '80s when this was pretty much the norm. Yes, the neighbourhood is sketchy, so what? The bathroom is dirty? Guess what? This isn't the Vancouver Club. It's a place to see great bands at a decent price and you can actually see them up close, not from hundreds of feet away on a screen. If it's too scary for you go back to the suburbs from whence you came. read more

The Rickshaw is one of my favourite concert venues now! It comes second after the Commodore. I love that it never gets hot, because I'd rather be chilly than overheated. I love that there is a ton of floor space and a ton of seating, so you can pick whichever you want. It's the perfect size for pretty much every band I've seen here. I've always been fairly impressed with the cleanliness of the washrooms as well, although it's been awhile since I've had to use it. The beers are cheap with a few carefully selected choices, I can't say much for the rest of the bar selection because I haven't really checked it out. The staff are super friendly and I've always felt welcome here! I'll obviously be returning. :) read more

Even though The Rickshaw has been open in it's reincarnated form for a while now, I only managed to make it out there for the first time last week. I have to say I was really impressed with it as a live music venue. We were here for a (blast from the past) Concrete Blonde show and the band certainly didn't disappoint. There was an incredible mix of patrons from groups of rockers much younger than me to those that have clearly been fans for years and everyone seemed to be enjoying getting their drink on until the performance started, albeit somewhat later than I had anticipated. I especially love the initerior set up with a half-open dance floor, half-seated area and a bar up by the stage. There never seemed to be a crazy lineup for drinks and the beer was definitely reasonably priced. I did think it was kind of highway robbery that they were charging over ten bux for double highballs, but maybe this has something to with the clientele on the night I was there? The sound was terrific - the cavernous space gave the show a really full sound, but of course this would depend on who you were seeing. It's great to have another small concert venue in the city, and now that I've experienced The Rickshaw, I will most definitely be returning. My only complaint is that it was downright frigid in this theatre. Bundle up before your show! read more

Compared to the Fortune Sound Club show back last year, this time the Rickshaw was an improvement but not by much. Normally I avoid the Rickshaw at all costs due to other logistics, however, sucked it up for one of the best performers of the 80's, Gary Numan. Unfortunately in true Rickshaw tradition the sound was compromised unless you had ear plugs than it was somewhat of a saving grace. Even through the rubble of the noise mix I was still motivated to find the core skeletal structure of the beats. Earplugs allowed you to hear the distinct keyboard parts. Thankfully the 80's pop tarts were few and far between and when "Cars" was performed 2/3rd into the show those few immediately left. There were a few core pop tarts that actually stayed for the whole show 'cause even though they weren't familiar with his industrial material they were sold on his performance. For someone of Gary's age and genre, shit can that guy move. Some of his moves resembled an awkward yet feminine ballerina at times and at others he invoked the spirit of a 1992 Pretty Mate Machine Trent Reznor. Even if you're not invested in the genre of music, he was addicting to watch. I've only seen a few "rock stars" fully emerged in their own character and display such addicting energy. Gary out raced his other band mates almost half is age and trumped his peers to the finish line. For someone who has made the career mistake of not touring the US since the 80's as frequently as he should've, solidifying his one album wonder status, his stage show made up for it. His presence proved that not only is he one of those rock and roll gems but there's a chance for a second wind mainstream success. He is an artist who takes care of himself and treats his craft like a job rather than being an entitled douche bag rock star who gets away with minimal effort and failure of their instrument. The set list displayed his more industrial tracks. The hits and album tracks from the 80's had new air breathed into them with the industrial make-over. Thankfully Gary was the entire entertainment package that it made up for the parts that the club failed. I find some of the electro stuff slightly outdated, therefore, the majority of the songs remixed worked more in his favor for today's audience. I like how re-invented himself musically to be more modern. His reinvention has allowed him to be more of a rock star. The chemistry between him and the other band members was addicting 'cause they were into their own performance. Some of the band members were left overs from Nine Inch Nails past tours as well as heavy weights in the industrial music scene. The audience who were aware of the program were very into the showman ship and the industrial sound of the show, however, I could tell that their patience was running out of steam at 75 minute mark. This had less to do with Gary and more to do with the sound issues of the venue. Gary tried to remix Cars, however, it was just cake walked the number. He didn't seem to care. He more or less did it as a favor for the 80's crowd but they even seemed less than impressed. Gary sang slightly more than half live. The chorus on the new material seemed lip synched. I suspect such simply 'cause his face was more than 13" away from the mic yet his vocals were too perfect and clear. Technically when you're singing, regardless of the genre, you're supposed to be kissing the mic. There was a very clear distinction between his live voice and his pre-recorded studio voice. Either way it worked with the mood and the whole package. He got away with this whereas other artists would be heavily chastised for this. read more

How can you possibly go wrong with a venue that used to be a movie theatre built specifically to show kung-fu movies? This is a fantastic live music venue that has lots of character including theatre seating on the floor level and a balcony (which, while normally not important proved to be a lifesaver when I attended a show on an injured knee and couldn't stand nevermind dance around like I really, REALLY wanted to). According to the Rickshaw's website, their sound system was purchased for cheap from Richard's on Richards (RIP) so it's decent. I did, however, think that it was way too loud, in that way where I couldn't really hear the music for the noise. But! Not to fear! Just head on up to the coat check (which is on the third level? how very odd) and pick up some earplugs for the low low price of $3/pair. The staff were all really awesome, especially the bartender that let me buy a bottle of water for $1.25 (instead of $2) because it was literally all I had in my wallet. They should probably offer free glasses of water, though, rather than making you buy a bottle. Don't let the location deter you, if your favourite or soon-to-be-favourite band is making an appearance at the Rickshaw, make sure you check it out! read more

Great venue off the beaten path in Chinatown/DTES. This place gave me flashbacks to when I was a kid and my folks took me to watch kung-fu movies. I believe it was called the Shaw theatre back in the day. I came here a few nights ago for a a show called the Main Event-Hip Hop, RnB, urban variety dance event. The place definitely has some character and is a decent replacement for the Waldorf. My only complaint is the place gets really HOT fast! read more

The Rickshaw Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The shows here are good... and the sound is very much improved when they have the seats curtained off. drinks are cheap which is good as the shows are pretty reasonably priced as well. read more

I visited the Rickshaw for the first time in November 2012 and again in December. The performers were incredible on both counts. The audience was respectful but not very excited for one show, and a furious and awesome energy storm for the other. The venue is just fine. It didn't strike me in any way as being particularly outstanding for any one thing, the lighting was just ok, and the sound was just ok, and the temperature goes up and down (the bathrooms were frigid, but that's better than stankin' hot) But the experience over all? Very positive. Really great open atmosphere and just looking around the place gave me a feeling of the world being a lot more interesting than I am all by myself, A respectful crowd made for an easy evening my first time at this venue, but an energized and enthused crowd made my second experience at Rickshaw insanely fun and very memorable. I would definitely come back for the right performance/performers/audience. NOTE: HEEL HAZARD! The main concert floor in the Rickshaw is slanted towards the theater seats, and a potential hazard for anyone who feels the need to wear stilletos or platforms, so if you're planning on rocking out at a show at this venue you'd be wise to plan your outfit to include low-hazard footwear. read more

It is a giant, dirty, concrete theatre with a stage. The sound is reasonably good considering that there is very little sound insulation in the room. I would recommend earplugs so you can actually hear the band. Something I really like about this venue is that there are seats as well as a floor. Because it was a theatre once upon a time, there are good views from all over the venue, and old fogeys like me can rest their legs on torn grey vinyl seats. There's also an upstairs balcony section. When I went it wasn't open but I imagine they open it up for bigger shows. Great view from up there, if you're standing or at the front, but you get slightly less of the stage if you're back a few rows. Liquor is not as cheap as I would have liked it to be, but I guess it discourages locals from using The Rickshaw as a drinking establishment - there's cheaper beer in the several other bars on the same block - which means that everyone who's there is there for the show. Don't expect anything other than a fairly cool but still dirty punk rock venue. It's better than the community centres I saw punk shows in when I was young, that's for sure. read more

The bouncer here. Nobody at the venue would report his name but it was for a special event, disqualified me from entering an event I had already paid for. He hit me in the nose and made me bleed when I objected and asked his name and on what qualifications he was excluding me on. Wasted 20 dollars on a ticket will not do again because bouncers are on a power trip and think they can hit you with no consequence. All in all I walked away from here asking for someone to complain to about getting hit in the face and bleeding for a reason nobody at the venue would explain to me. read more

This place is terrific! Funky, full of character, with a cement floor for close-up band viewing as well as staggered theatre seating so you can rest and watch. Washrooms are large, clean, three floors up. Temperatures have been reported as chilly to start but it warms up quickly when you get bodies in there so dress in layers. It's near the DTES ground zero just east of Main and Hastings across from the Ovaltine. Some people might feel intimidated by the neighborhood but it seems to me that the local denizens are respectful (though they'll no doubt try to sell you... things); the door guys keep a watchful eye. I saw the Redd Kross show on September 6, 2012. The drummer was doing all kinds of aerial acrobatics with his drumsticks like tossing them up 20 feet in the air and catching them again. After the show he said that this is the sort of venue that allows for drumstick acrobatics: "Super high ceilings, no crosswind, good lighting." Good sound. Loud but clear. They sell earplugs at the bar as well as a reasonable selection of beer from low-cost PBR to a few domestic and international brands. For smaller shows (under 200-300), they open the first floor which has the stage pit plus side and back seating. It's slanted so there's still a really good view. For larger shows, they open the upper tiers which have an AWESOME view. Music venues have a hard time surviving in Vancouver. I still mourn Richard's on Richards and The Cobalt. This has the best aspects of both those places - view, size, character, and a great selection of acts. read more

This is a cool, small theatre to see a show. I like the open front area and minimal seating in the back. It's a relaxed, easygoing place and they always book interesting acts. It's a nice, loose theatre located in a developing entertainment area in the Downtown Eastside. read more

The inside of this venue is cool, but I don't know of any path walking out from here at night time I would EVER want to do alone again.

I come here once every two or three months or so. Tickets are usually quite affordable, entertainment is great, the staff are friendly and helpful. The venue itself isn't "classy", but I don't mind. The crowd this place attracts seems way less uptight than other theatres I've been to in the area. Those are the only reasons this place gets 2 stars from me. The deal breaker is the location. Normally, it's a pretty uncomfortable walk from the car to the theatre, but the last time just pushed it over the edge for me. Right near the end of the concert, we get a call from the police saying someone had broken into our car... Our parking spot was literally one block away from the theatre. My partner left to check out what happened, and told me he'd be back. It turned out he couldn't leave the car after he got there, since the window had been smashed in. So I had just 1 block to walk from the theatre door to the car alone, and was harassed the entire way to the point that I almost had to turn back. I can't justify going to this theatre again if it means feeling like I will be stabbed or robbed before and after. It's really unfortunate, because this theatre is awesome otherwise. read more

This place reeks of smoke and booze. People spitting everywhere and fresh gum on the seats as well... um get some cleaners and become a real theatre, I dont care if youre on the eastside, tehere needs to be major work. Not funny, terrible experience. read more

Hope this venue lasts cuz this city loses decent venues too often. Big old theatre with tons of character and a balcony level, so it accommodate crowds of up to 700+ people. I love the fact that they can hold All Ages shows here yet still serve alcohol to those of legal age. That almost never happens here. Of course the neighborhood sucks, but its better than being located on douchebag avenue (Granville st). Sometimes the door staff can be a bit overbearing, but I guess you'd have to if you're dealing with the riff raff on east hastings all the time. read more

The Rickshaw is one of the loudest places I've ever been. The venue is fine, large space, and lots of seats remaining in the back from the movie theatre days. The sound quality might not be great, but it is not horrible, and it is outrageously loud. I'm not mentioning the loudness as a bad thing, but you definitely have to be prepared for it. What makes the place are the bands. Lots of really great bands play there, and the cover prices are very reasonable, especially compared with what you usually see in Vancouver. The people working there are also very friendly. On the other hand, the beer selection is not so great, and definitely overpriced. read more

A little dirty...A little Gungy...a great place to see a rock and roll show!

Really nice intimate venue for small gigs. I like the seating option and second level. Only downside is the bathrooms are kind of grungy but overall a good night out! read more

Great sound, nice staff...but I wish there was an accessible washroom on the main floor :(

Really great venue for a dance night - enough space for the crowd to dance, and awesome original theatre seating to chill out in and chat with friends when you need a break from dancing. The balcony seating area at the top adds a nice extra feature and cool place to slip away to and watch it all from above! read more

I went to this place expecting to here a good band and all I got was an ear full of SHIT !!! the live band they had was horrible. Also the drinks are expesive and you get ripped off. I waisted $10 but the theatre itself is nice. Your better off going to the SAVOY next door, ya its full of drunk indians but the booze is better and cheaper and the music they play is much better :) read more

Calexico, at The Rickshaw Theatre, Oct. 20 Loved "Calexico"!! Great musician, Great performers!! The sound/acoustics however were not good and should have been better. The higher tones that help with clarity of the vocals seemed muffled and unclear and/or even chopped-off. Problem with the facility or the "Sound Board" operator. ** I really hated the "Stage Lighting" (lighting ??) ** This was such an amateurish pre-programming of a series of strobe effects and swiveling, pivoting and gyrating lights that shone into the eyes of the audience. Just absolutely totally annoying!! The lighting potential never focused on the band, not even the simplest ambient stage lighting, not even the minimal use of a follow-spot to focus or emphasize the lead performer. None of the hyper-active lighting effects added any value to the themes, sentiments or moods of any of the songs performed. The lighting was a negative element working against the stage presence of a group of very professional musician and entertainers. They deserved better than this bad "Rave" light show. In future, please consider that your audience is more sophisticated than stoned. Would I come back? Only for a group I already knew and really, really wanted to see live. read more

Bathroom was horrifically disgusting and the overwhelming smell of urine soured an otherwise solid concert experience. Seriously, there's no good excuse for a washroom to be so foul - especially a women's washroom where fighting off the smell from urinals isn't even an issue. read more

One of Vancouver's last remaining live music venues. Lots of character and always a good time. The staff are so nice and chill! And the owner truly seems to care about music and the live music scene in Vancouver which is great! I've been going for years now. Some of the low reviews below I see are from years ago when it had different owners, and recently there have been many upgrades to the venue, including a noticeable improvement with sound quality. And $4.50 PBR is a steal of a deal for a bar! :) Note- cash only! read more