A lot of potential but this place is pretty awful as a music venue. I went to the sold out Iggy Pop show and the sound was horrible. The sight lines near the back of GA are horrible as well. You couldn't see a thing except the back of peoples heads (I'm 5'10''). The music sounded like it was being played through a tin can. If you want to actually see the band you could always pay a premium for the reserved seats but those are even further back in the venue and I imagine have even worse sound. Raise the stage? Figure out a better PA for the giant metal shell of a venue you made? I unfortunately already have tickets for Phil Lesh tonight and later Fever Ray, King Gizzard and Goose this year. I'll go to those shows but if the concert experience remains to be as crappy as last night I will not be going back. Additionally, show was way too oversold and you could barely physically move. It was overall a pretty terrible experience. It will probably only be worse once all the yuppies take over the "Lincoln Yards." On the bright side, the place was clean. I'll give it that. read more

New music venue in Chicago! Just saw Phil Lesh and looking forward to more concerts here. General admission floor can get packed. Would be nice if they added screens. Drink lines move pretty quickly. Parking is scarce. Most importantly, the sound is good! read more

The Salt Shed - Phil Lesh - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Loved this venue to be back "in" live music. From the way they handled safety and lining up to our time inside-nice job! Acoustics were great for our concert-Japanese Breakfast-handled the high and low notes as well as loud and soft. Would not hesitate to go back! read more

The Salt Shed - Front stage area - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Since opening, I've been to 4 shows at The Salt Shed during the month of August. Fleet Foxes, Andrew Bird and Iron & Wine, Lord Huron, and Mt. Joy First of all, I'm blown away by the top tier talent that was brought here for the opening month of the venue. It's an incredibly unique venue that is like nothing else in the city. I love how local artists and businesses are consciously being featured as well. I think it'd be cool in the future to not only highlight Goose Island and Lagunitas but also all of the other incredible breweries in our city too. As a shorter person, it can be a little difficult to see during the show since it's all standing room, but that wouldn't deter me from coming back to a show here at all. I'm mostly super excited to see how they continue to convert the space! Looking forward to more shows at this place! read more

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Super cool venue for a concert! We loved how there were different food vendors, plenty of drink options PLUS indoor and outdoor spaces (which came in handy when it started raining). Also, they have FREE water at the indoor bathrooms. No more paying $6 for a bottle of water, this venue offers clean cups next to a filtered water fountain. Would highly recommend this place to anyone, including families! read more

Great place except don't buy the premium tickets. They sell way more tickets than there are places to see the concert. If you do, get there way early or you will be surrounded by angry drunk people jockeying to see the concert they paid for. read more

The Salt Shed - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Aggressively kicked everyone out as soon as the concert was over. It was below freezing and they wouldn't let anyone wait for the Uber inside. I would think for as much as you would pay for a ticket there you'd be able to wait for your Uber inside, especially because they don't have any kind of ride pick up system. Extremely poor management of a venue that big. read more

I was super impressed with the salt shed. One it's such a cool venue, there is a section of food trucks to grab food, plenty of areas to grab drinks and CLEAN bathrooms! There was so much staff on duty constantly cleaning and it was just really nice to experience at a concert venue in Chicago. There were some small shops inside the venue too which were cool to explore. Over all, I had a great experience there. There is parking outside the venue, I believe two lots, so safe to park and even walk (like we did) THANKS SALT SHED! read more

The Salt Shed - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Salt Shed is a beautiful venue. Newly renovated, so restrooms and common spaces are clean and operational. I was there last night for a work event but I was also there last year when one of my musicians had performed there. And both times, I enjoyed myself. Drinks are as good as any large venue drinks and service is good, especially for the amount of people occupying the space at once. read more

Beautiful new venue. The Premium section is technically General Admission, at least for the show I saw it was, but the seating was nice and it was a lot of open space and there was a little bar just dedicated for our section. Great view of the stage. Very well done renovation. Highly recommend seeing a show there. read more

I've enjoyed several shows at this venue last summer for the outdoor series and so far I've been to 3 shows this year indoors with a 4th one coming up this Friday (Bright Eyes). As someone who is short and also does not like to arrive to shows super early for a decent spot, this venue offers a lot of great options. At Bikini Kill and The Flaming Lips, it was super easy to walk up to the side of the stage right before they started playing. Iggy Pop doubled as a tall person convention, so the 3rd floor standing room worked out perfectly for an amazing view. read more

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Love this place. Indoor and outdoor stages a great addition to the Chicago music scene

Not a good venue! we bought premium general admission tickets that sup have a separate entrance line. Well it does but that line moved slower than the regular GA line so finally after seeing a lot of people going through those lines they had us go through those lines too. We spent a good 15 minutes or more waiting in our special line when we could have gotten through in 5 minutes or less in the regular line. Then they only have one person handing out the wristbands --another wait. We've never been to this venue (we'll never go back) but did know it was a standing venue. We assumed premium tickets would give us a better view, but no, unless you're one of the first in you can't get by the railing thus you can't see except peering between heads. Some that had stools at the railing were kind and didn't stand up but those by us were not and by the time we knew this it was too late to move. I'm not sure why they didn't build the upper deck at an angle making the view easier for all up there. instead it run perpendicular to the stage making it near impossible to see the stage unless you're at the railing. yes we could hear the concert but I could watch better online -- this singer posts several concerts online. We saw this same singer at the Ryman and I would happily pay their costs then the wasted tickets at The Salt Shed. Don't go to this venue if you want to actually see the show. read more

As noted new venue, huge, the security means business so check the list of items you can't bring in, decent sound, comfortable seats and a huge GA area. Great lighting for the Bikini Kill show I attended. The issue is NO parking. I got there 1/2 hour before doors opening to snag a street spot, but if you're late it's gonna be a hunt for a spot. Huge lots nearby with no parking signs. Get there early or take public transportation. read more

The Salt Shed - GA area from grandstand seats - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Saw Marcus King last night- fantastic 10 piece band, but never saw more than 5 members because of the amount of fake smoke constantly being pumped on stage. Lighting didn't help as the smoke caught all the light. Lighting for the opener was worse, almost aggressive towards the audience making it impossible to keep your eyes open with spot lights slowly pulsing directly in your face. It's a great venue, wonderful space in a great location. Huge addition to Chicago showcases. They just need to do a better job of managing the stage aesthetics - all that smoke you'd think it was 40 years ago and KISS was coming out. It's a shame when you pay a good amount and the performers are blocked intentionally, doesn't do them justice up there performing and no visual contact. read more

This is a great music venue to check out if you're in the area. It's off the beaten path but oh so worth it! I love how they repurposed this space, complete with shops and food trucks too. There are plenty of restrooms and they are clean! The bars all move pretty efficiently and they even have bars placed inside the actual concert hall which makes it even better; you never have to miss a song when going for a refill! The parking situation is excellent too, if you choose to drive there. Of course, if you uber/lyft there is a nice drop off and pick up location as well. I hope I make it back to see another show here soon. read more

Great venue! Small but intimate but bigger than the Vic theater in Chicago, super clean and organized. Enjoyed our show and view!

I attended the Winterglow market at the Salt Shed in December. It was an outdoor art and vintage market with about 20 vendors. To my dismay, the vendors were mostly selling vintage clothes, mostly old tshirts and sweatshirts. I would have liked more artisans or just more of a variety. read more

Bought (expensive) tickets to the madlib concert tonight. He dropped out and now they won't give me a refund, can't even get anyone on the phone. Spoke with Ticketmaster and they won't give me a refund either. Update: I eventually got a refund through Ticketmaster thankfully. It's good to know that's an option, but I really dislike how challenging it was. The venue reserves the right to keep your money even if the lineup changes... yikes. The place is pretty nice but they need to review their policies. Hesitant to return after this experience. read more

One of the best venues to see music at period...And I've been to just about every single music venue in the city of Chicago...School of Folk music is still the best acoustic wise in the city but hey Salt Shed still does so many things right that it's a stand out and that view of Chicago skyline is awesome...Wish I could see more shows here and when im in the mood for sitting during a concert this place is fantastic with lots of leg room and comfort...Im getting older and standing for 4 hours is not such a fun thing anymore. Love this place read more

Cool concept, but sight lines are terrible. If you want to actually see the band get there early. The food and drink was solid, but they need to work on making the concert viewable read more

The Salt Shed - Sound booth blocking 25% of the crowds view - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Saw Iron & Wine and Andrew Bird. Sound was good. Nice food options. Excited to see it completed in 2023. read more

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Saw CAKE at this venue and was impressed with how welcoming it is. Great place to see a concert and a little bit of Chicago history as well. Will return. read more

Went to go see Jack White's show on 4/10/25. This is the third show I've seen here. The first two were when they recently opened so I gave them some slack. As I walked up to the entrance there was a cacophony of yelling. It was the first line of security. There was no unruly crowd but they kept yelling at people and giving stink eyes. I asked why all the yelling and the women said move along the other tried staring me down. Well great first impression for this night. Maybe they are going for an Ed Debevic's vibe here. Talked with three staff and they all said security is a third party hire. We can't do anything. Asked about a coat check. No coat check. We parked across the river because Salt Shed's uber and parking are terrible. The place just oozes of fire hazard. From the main floor everyone would have to go to the right because if you went to the left you would have to jump a rail and then the bar. It's too bad because they get some good acts but I think this is it for me. Thanks Dan read more

Very cool new venue in the city with great views of Chicago. Needs indoor restrooms and maybe more bar stations but otherwise we'll done read more

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Really enjoyed the first two outdoor shows at this newer venue! We loved the food court type area with multiple food trucks featuring different cuisines. Several beer, cocktail, water tents. You can bring your own water bottle in and fill it for free inside! If you buy a premium ticket, you get a wristband and get to go upstairs. There's not much benefit to having a premium ticket other than a great view of the Chicago skyline and a speedy bathroom line. We noticed that once the rail filled up along the side, the viewing wasn't all that different than the downstairs part. I think they've got room to grow regarding the seating - there was a bleacher section but it was small and filled up rather quickly. All things considered, this old salt factory space is really cool and I would love to see an indoor show this winter - we heard the sound is incredible! Lots of great shows coming this summer so if you get the chance to go, you should! read more

I was there for Bloc Party on June 8th, StubHub/TicketMaster was being terrible as usual, i wasnt able to get my ticket, and was on the phone trying to reach a real person to help me out. I not sure of the young man at the gate who I interacted with at first but that sir is a saint. He was able to take my phone confirm ticket purchase and see that StubHub/TicketMaster was being trash, He got the the attention of Hailey who did the same and was kind enough to let me use one of the extra tickets that haven't been used. THEY ARE AMAZING, the entire night was amazing , it would have been better if i were able to get to the arcade (no ticket to scan) and getting in and out of parking was rough, but eh I got to see my favorite band at my now new favorite venue (seriously this fuckin place is dope); If you guys read this please give your staff a raise every one of them but especially Hailey ( Hope I got the right Spelling) and everyone at ticketing who made the night amazing. read more

Unfortunately have to echo the negative reviews. This place has a lot of good things going for it but overall it does not provide a good concert experience (indoors at least). Have been to 2 shows here now and was extremely disappointed. They are overselling the floor there's no doubt about it. It is insanely packed with 1 entry point on the right side. Need to get a beer or bathroom mid set? Forget about finding your friends again. Both shows I attended the crowd was shoulder to shoulder all the way back and people were spilling into the entrance hallway. I honestly felt unsafe and that feeling ruined the shows for me. The acoustics are also not good. There is a ton of reverb and echoing off the concrete walls. Maybe it sounds good up front but if you are in the back half of the crowd it objectively sounds terrible which is not super surprising given the construction of the building. Hopefully they will make some adjustments I.e. selling less GA tickets (you might make up for it in increased beer sales) and figuring out some tweaks to the PA or wall treatments. read more

Beautiful space! It is so spacious and CLEAN and rustic. Fully equipped with AC and even an outdoor area. I just loved it. The acoustics weren't amazing, but pretty decent. I would definitely come back here. There is free waters. There is a bar and a store. Bathrooms spotless and plentiful. Their website says not to bring a car essentially. But I got here 2 hours before to grab a bite and I totally should have got my car to go to the burbs after, as ride shares after event was kind of a mess. All in all, great experience! read more

My favorite band is playing here, and they sold out so quickly during their artist pre-sale. I reached out to the venue to see if they could possibly send me their code for their pre-sale that was happening the next morning. Not only did they do that, but the responded so quickly and tried everything they could to help out. I really appreciate that and I hope to attend a concert there soon! read more

There's no purpose coming to a show here. If someone is taller than you can't see anything. I didn't pay $100 to see the back of 20 twinks' heads, I came to see Clairo. read more

Beautiful venue saw masego here. Entry was quick and easy, got myself a drink and a cookie, which the cookie was amazing as well. So good I went and bought 3 more. read more

We saw Jenny Lewis here in July 2023 and it was our first time at this venue. Sound was really good being that it was so cavernous. It's basically like standing inside a giant can, but with good lighting. Clean, service spots were plenty and that night was a pretty good crowd without being over-crowded. Looking forward to seeing more shows here to add to our concert-going experiences. read more

Large open venue that is roomy enough to feel like you're not right on top of the rest of the crowd. Fair food and drinks pricing for downtown Chicago. Easy enough in and out of the venue, expect some crowding but everything moves fairly well. Was first time visit, but will definitely not hesitate to return. read more

Love this place..great venue, great sound, great vibe, short bathroom and drink lines even with a sold out show; grandstand seating is great. The bad...the floor. Over crowded, takes forever to get off the floor, not very safe. I guess if you are a young buck go for it, try and ride that rail but good luck going to the bathroom, or getting a drink, and try not to pass out. Me, I'll pay extra to sit in the grandstands. read more

went to a concert in the outdoor part and there were so many people vaping but the area is nice and the security and staff were great. not enough hand dryers in the bathroom. the prices for food and drinks were surprisingly low for a concert venue read more

The Salt Shed - this guy stood so close to me - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great venue for Silversun Pickups/ Bush, awesome show, trippy lights, easy bar access, civilized bathrooms, staff were super friendly...

Very good place for a concert. My son and I had a good time, I only wish there were benches or seats to sit on in the entrance area.

Lot's of food trucks, good variety of drinks, and horrible staff. To be honest, we were running a little bit so then the staff told us to stop, but then when we stopped he said to do stop again! And that was fucking stupid. And then the lady was mad at me for going too early to the detector or whatever. And she was a total bitch about it. But we saw the band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and that was awesome! But not the best venue. read more

It is 2022. There must be a dozen materials that would make a better ground option for standing for 3 hours. You will be standing on unforgiving concrete, and it is quite uncomfortable after a bit. The rest of it is fine, as it is a work in progress. read more