See a band at the Showbox, then hit the Vu for a nightcap and throw up behind the alley dumpsters. Just sayin'. read more

I go to a lot of shows and Showbox at the Market is by far the venue that is most satisfying. I will not go to an all-ages show unless it is here, simply because most of the other venues keep you from having from a good view while you are trying to enjoy your Vanil-Coke. The bar is either too high or not risen at all, or completely shot off from the stage. Showbox at the Market has two bars and they are both the perfect height. I've been to sold-out, limited-seating shows here and they pulled out folding chairs. It's like it became an entirely new venue. read more

I'm always overjoyed to find out that an artist that I really want to see is playing here. It is more expensive then some of the other "little" music venues in Seattle, but it's always worth it for me. I love how big it is, and that there is seating area in the bar and you can still see the stage. Drinks are average for that area of Seattle, security, bartenders, coat check... everyone is always pleasant to you. They are so professional, I'm always impressed. The two most epic shows I've seen here: Mike Patton in Peeping Tom and Pendulum. Awesome. read more

The old security guard at the door was a d**k. I came close to the exit door while dozens of people were still inside buying merchandise and he told me to step outside. I asked him why, and he just said to step outside again. I stepped over the door threshold and demanded an answer, to which he said "because there's no Re-entry." I said - I was never outside. My friends are still buying merchandise and I don't want to wait outside in the cold, all sweaty after a concert. But he just acted like his normal d**k self. Fat Asian security guard was a d**k too. After having a dozen people passed over my head while I was trying to enjoy the concert, I've had enough and started pushing those people overhead back. After second time, this guy grabbed me all furious and yelled in my face so hard that his spit was flying in my face, threatening to throw me out because I don't want people with their sweat and their boots on my head. Never mind that it was the same dozen individuals getting passed forward over and over. ---Here's a tip to staff: work on making it enjoyable for everyone. There should be a strike rule for overhead passed people. If someone ends up getting passed more than once or twice, they should be ejected. No need to anger a bunch of people who all bought tickets and came to enjoy the bands, not boots and asses on their heads. After this crappy experience I highly doubt that I will ever return there for another concert. read more

JUST AN AMAZING SHOW - Nonie and I went to see PRINCE and his proteges '3rd Eye Girl' at the Showbox At The Market/Seattle last night - the show started at 11:35pm and ended about 1:20am - the Showbox At The Market/Seattle is a very small venue - the ticket price - considering the proximity to the band - 'cheap' - standing room only - well drinks galore - JUST AN AMAZING SHOW - I am not the biggest PRINCE fan but this show knocked me out - not only was the band TIGHT (which is a given) - the new material - was a first-rate surprise - everything that PRINCE does is always virtuosi - but what was really, really cool - was his shredding a la HENDRIX everything on his playlist - it was all very classical and very fresh at the same time - high energy - be sure to see him when he comes to your town - whether you can afford it or not!! read more

I dont have anything bad to say about the Showbox (market), i've been there many times - its a great venue, nice setup, good sounds - you can sit/stand at a bar on either side and watch the show or rock out on the floor. BUT if you see a show here it is a MUST to grab a hot dog from the stand on the street right outside. Polish dogs with cream cheese and sauteed onions, WOWZA. An awesome show at a cool venue and then a cream cheese dog? Now thats how you experience seattle people. read more

Certainly a standard venue for Seattle; it fills that ~1000 person crowd size that is smaller than the Paramount and bigger than a neighborhood club. As of 2011, however, the 1st class service and help have been replaced. No more burgers in the Green Room attached bar/ kitchen; it's nuked tv dinners. No more wide liquor selection; now it's $6.50 for a well drink or $5 for a can of rainier. Eat and drink elsewhere. This club gets less of my money in the new year, for sure. read more

Great theater. We bought VIP seats and that helped us get early access to the GA floor. The VIP seats themselves were about as far away from the stage as you could get and also right next to the bar. Never used them. read more

Good venue, nice staff, and I enjoyed the show. The stage is a bit curved around, which is sort of cool as it gives more 'rail' room for people to stand at. The only thing was some feedback issues that I'm pretty sure had more to do with the sound board than the band. Lineup went smoothly for VIP and parking was okay about a block and a half away in a garage. Garage does close at midnight, so you have to be careful to get back on time if you choose to park there. read more

You know what? I really like the Showbox at the Market. It might be part nostalgia, but I don't care. It's a venue that has nice acoustics/sound during a show. The location is great, the atmosphere is great. And I've been to a lot of concerts here. Merch is usually in the foyer/walkway into where the show is. Usually the bartenders are on the spot. What can I say? I'm just a fan of this place. Yes, just yes. You really should go check out a show at the Showbox (at the Market). read more

The Showbox gets really great bands from across the music spectra (rock, punk, hip hop, metal) and has great sound, great sight lines and great lights. Also easy access to nice big bar areas for the grown-ups (most shows are all ages, which is GREAT for the music scene). Huge main floor area where you can stand back and watch or get up close and do that run-into-everybody "dance" thing that somehow is still popular after all of these decades. And the nice high ceiling usually means you're not going to roast while you're watching a show, even if it's sold out. Drinks are tasty and boozy and reasonably priced, and bartenders are friendly! Wow! That never happens at a rock club! Only knocks: it's right in the heart of downtown, which means parking is a pain in the butt, and ticket prices are generally pretty high. Not like Eagles Reunion Tour high, but certainly 2 or 3 times more than a show at the Sunset or the Crocodile. read more

Best music venue in Seattle and number two is not close! Note: Green room is definitely work checking out before the show. Plus, if buy a drink there before a show, you can enter before every one else. read more

Rude staff and security that like to push and yell at you. My advise to them is that if you hate your job, you should probably quit

This is not a review of the Showbox venue itself (which is still an awesome place to see live music), but of the attached Kern Music Shop bar/restaurant. In the past, we've been able to go there before a show, get some quality food for dinner, and get admitted early into the venue so we could grab a seat. But last night, before Kishi Bashi, we went in and were given a very limited menu, and told that 2 of the 8 items were unavailable. At that point, we were already scanned into the venue, so we didn't have a choice, and went ahead and ordered food. What we got was barely passable, and not even describe correctly on the menu (the "fresh curly fries" were obviously frozen ore-ida waffle cut), didn't come on plates or with utensils, and we got ketchup and mustard in the cheezy little condiment packets. No idea why the Showbox would change something that was working so well, but its really sad that this won't be an option before shows in the future. read more

F Seattle, And F the Showbox. I'm never coming back here in my life. I can't wait for this show to be over so I can go home to Pittsburgh . I traveled over 4000 miles round trip to come to the New Found Glory Show tonight because the show this night was very important to me. After the meet & greet I walked 2 blocks back to my hotel to drop off my autographed poster, when I got back they were supposed to let all the vip people right back In , But Because I'm extremely fatigued from not sleeping, I'm not walking perfecty, do to having a disease (MS) that badly effects my coordination & balance (much much worse when I'm tired) The doorman put me off to the side and treated me like a POS & drunk, and wouldn't let me in the show until I "sobered up" I've never been so embarrassed in my life. I tried to explain to him that I have a handicap that effects my balance, to which he replied "I don't give a $h!t what you have to say, stand there until I tell you" I've been to over a thousand shows in my life and have never had something like this happen to me. I never let my disese effect my life for 1 second in 10 over years living with it, And now tonight of all nights I spent well over a thousand dollars to be here and just want to leave & come home. Thank you very much to The Showbox for ruining a very important night for me read more

This is and has always been one of my favorite live music venues!! I love that you can watch the bands and enjoy a drink in one of the three bars(when they are all open). Most times only two of them are. The drink prices are more then normal bars. The staff is very friendly. read more

Pretty nifty venue. I saw Kishi Bashi play here and got my mind utterly blown. The place is nice and clean, the show was excellently carried out, and the Showbox has character. I'd recommend it. P.S.--Careful when utilizing the photobooth. It smells like they hooked up the bathroom pipes wrong and somehow they're funneling directly into it. read more

The best venue in Seattle. You can stand anywhere and see the band, but the best place - sound quality wise - right behind the sound board on the left hand side (during all ages show this area is restricted because its by the bar). I recently saw a sold out show, and it didn't feel really crowded, and it was one of the first shows in Seattle i've seen people dance at! Free water is cool too. read more

Given my general disdain for music venues in the downtown area of US cities, I wasn't sure what to expect at the Showbox. What it comes down to is I was in town, wanted to see Menomena and decided to get tickets. I think in the end I got much more. The Showbox has the feel of a small intimate venue type of place but I think if needed they can really pack 'em in. The tiered bar area is also a nice touch for when you're attending with short folks who always seem to get screwed out of witnessing their favorite bands performing. The beers aren't highway robbery and there are plenty of urinals and toilets in the place, I don't know that there's much more you can complain about. The bathrooms even have those nice little illuminated signs because nothing is worse than wandering around the venue holding it only to finally find the crappiest corner of the place has two toilets with 6 guys in line. The real clincher is the In and Out rule where if you're not feeling a certain band you can stumble across the street to Pike Place brewery and down a couple of their choice beers before coming back for the bands you want to see. I kind of want to give a little grief to the security as the guy who was carding and giving out the over 21 stamp was seriously worse than airport security, flashing his light in my face and on my ID a number of times. However you can't really complain, they did snag one underage person and caught some girl who was visibly way too wasted too be there. I know we've all been young but c'mon guys, do it like the rest of us did and get hammered BEFORE you come to the venue. Overall a great venue, with great sound and a great atmosphere. I swear if I was in town I would have gotten tickets for Screeching Weasel in a heartbeat. read more

Was curious why this place was closing down. Then I went and figured out the service is trash!!! Can't even get a drink at the bar with two slow horrible bartenders. Place is tiny and messy. Not sad to see it go. read more

This is a great spot for seeing a show, what an intimate feeling it gives it's viewers. I felt like I was hanging out with Peter Murphy (Bauhaus), which was such a memorable night. There's a few different places to stand, which allows viewers to see the stage at different angles (think stadium seating, without the seating). Great drinks, lots of bathrooms, good acoustics. Definitely recommend! read more

This is my favorite place to see shows in Seattle. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because about half the time, these shows are not 21+ and us big kids get chained to the bars. The kicker about that is the bars are these two "elevated islands" in the back and whenever I get a drink, I look up and all my friends are on the other island and I'm stuck by myself until I can down my drink. And I will complain that one time I was coming out of the girls bathroom with my friend and we were walking arm-in-arm (simply happy to be hanging out--you know how it is to be out with someone you haven't seen in a while!) and the stupid bouncer thought I was falling-over drunk and my friend was holding me up. They made me go outside and drink water and miss 15 min of the show. It was so dumb, even the bouncer outside said "why did he make you come out here, you're not even drunk?" That did piss me off... But, the reason I do like this place is the size is perfect. They attract big enough names to get some great shows but it's small enough to be able to really enjoy the music and feel like you aren't a million miles from the stage. And even though I complain about the bar islands, it's nice that they are elevated and you can see the stage over the floor. I just wish the bars were connected so you could walk back and forth.. read more

Over the years I have seen many shows at the Showbox at the Market and in my humble opinion , it is the best place to see a show. It is set up in kind of a circle , with 4-5 bars running along the walls in the back . They do have seating around the some of the bars, but I always prefer to go right down on the floor and stand and mingle and watch the show. No matter how crowded it gets, you can always manage to get close enough to see the band up close . Drink prices are reasonable and the staff does their job . The place has history , Duke Ellington played there . It is hard to find older places like the Showbox even around in Seatte anymore . Seattle has a bad habit of tearing down places . A few weeks ago , saw the Dandy Warhols , great show, they did a great job with the lighting and stage . It is a smaller venue , so if you like a bigger place where you have an assigned seat, then you probably will not like it . The newer Showbox in SoDo is not very good , but you can't go wrong with the Showbox at the Market . read more

Came here for the SOJA concert. Man what a great difference from El Corazon! This venue had everything I've always wished for in a bar/club. The bouncers enforced and unfortunately some dudes were kicked out for lightin' up the reefer. However, the way it was done was so much more seemly than any other place I've ever gone to. No doubt the fact that the bouncer towered over everyone by about 3 feet and had about 300 lbs on the next biggest dude in the crowd helped a lot, but damn! Very pleasantly surprised! The other thing I really liked was that they have a separate 21+ area for alcoholic beverages. This does wonders in allowing one to jam out without fear of having some fruity alcoholic beverage spilled on him. Overall, great place, great location (we found pay parking which wasn't too bad) and great staff! read more

Here seeing Blackberry Smoke. Fucking awesome concert, sound is great! But the only way you can sit down is to have purchased the VIP seats or In the bathroom. It is fucking hot in here, and it Is to damn painful to stand for 3 fucking hours. I just need to sit for a minute and I keep getting tossed out of the VIP section. The people Who reserved the table aren't sitting at their table. If they came back to their table, I'd totally move and give them back their space, but the waitress is a total bitch about it! Good thing I only paid $25.00 to be treated like shit!!!! Please when it's 90 fucking degrees out, turn up the air conditioning and put out folding chairs for us geezers to sit down in to cool off!!! Seriously!! If I hit the deck and crack my head, then what?! Blackberry Smoke your Rock!!! The Showbox can SUCK IT!!' read more

show up to the Green Room early and they now give you a pass, after you order food or drink, this pass will give you cutsies so you can get in the show before all the riff-raff lining up outside.. The Showbox venue is classic seattle hipster.. which btw.. good news grunge is totally hot again.. urban outfitters, gap, jcrew.. everybody is pushing grunge this season.. it's cool to be a seattlite again! read more

This is my favorite concert venue that I've been to. It's the perfect size for a concert. Spacious but not to big. Anywhere you stand, you'll have a good spot. They have seats on the far outsides which is nice if you can find a spot. They are mostly taken the whole time so if your legs are tired, I wouldn't bank on finding a seat. The 2 bars that they have are really nice. Prices are pretty reasonable for it being a bar in Seattle too. The ambiance and sound quality of this venue is incredible. Very crisp and not so loud that you feel like you've blown out your ear drums when you leave. If you ever get a chance to go to a show at the show box market, i suggest you go! You will not regret it! read more

This is the only venue in Seattle that I LOVE to go to. Since my first concert there i've been in love with it. Right in the heart of Downtown across the street from The Pike Place Market it is in the best location. Close to all the bus lines. The atmosphere is really nice. They have three bars in the back where you can buy drinks and food, and usually tables where you can sit and watch the concert. The showbox can hold about 1,100 people standing. Staff are respectful for the most part. One of my favorite things about the Showbox Market is how close and intimate you get with the djs/artists. The sound in the speakers are crisp and clear. You won't regret going to a concert here! read more

I love this venue. It has amazing acoustics (from what I could tell) and gave an extremely welcoming and intimate feeling. My party of 3 showed up about two hours before the show to get in line. We ended up on the right side of the stage, front row. Only downside: the issue of parking. read more

Decent venue for live music, though not the most comfortable of places for seating. If you like live music, this is a decent spot for loud, standing performances. There are practically no spaces to sit. Expect a lot of drunk people to bump into you through the night and even someone using the corner for a restroom - I've seen it happen. Expect to pay for water-downed drinks from bartenders that barely notice anyway who isn't exposing lot of skin. However, this is one of the few places that actually attracts national house acts like Pink Martini, Gillian Welch or Remy Zero. Personally, I think they're overpriced, but if it's the only place in town to see your favorite performers, you'll just learn to cope. read more

Dear Showbox, Thank you for having all the bands I really really wanna see come play your nice little venue. I really like the fact that I can actually SEE who's on stage, no matter where I stand, unless some really tall guy and his really tall friends are in the front row, exactly in front of me. I'm kinda short and this really makes it hard for me to see the pretty sweaty singer on stage. Could we do something about that? Thanks. read more

I appreciate The Showbox because aesthetically it's charming and has a nice set-up, but I have a few complaints. The bathroom is disgusting. I would rather pee behind the dumpster in the back alley then in those bathrooms. The last two times I was there they were out of toilet paper in one of the stalls. Lame. Other than that, I have seen so many good shows at the Showbox. One of my recent favs was Rancid. I wish there were more 21+ shows though since I feel like I always get thrown around in there. I want to be close to the stage, but does that mean I have to mosh around and jump on people like the rest of the 16 year olds? Mediocre/expensive food, but yummy drinks. I like how the bar and eating area is elevated so you can see the stage easily. The sound is decent, I wish the speakers were positioned a little differently but I don't want to get picky here. read more

Traveled a few miles from Oakland to be here tonight to see Angus and Julia Stone. Even though they did not perform the song that I heard two years ago on a Pandora station that made me realize that I was in love with my best friend who is now fortunately also my husband, this was a fantastically intimate venue with awesome views of the stage from the bar. Music also sounded amazing here. Thanks for not blowing out my ear drums. Now I just have to figure out a way to banish tall people from standing in front of me and annoying chicks from blocking my view with their cell phone so that they have film the entire song because they think they're going to watch the performance every night in bed but they ultimately will not. Also enjoyed how they have the schedule posted on the door so you can show up at the proper time. I'm surely just as thrilled as the Fire Marshall that it only takes a couple minutes to exit the building. Very organized! Kudos. Will definitely travel more miles in the future to enjoy this place. read more

Fantastic venue to see a concert. I love that they are able to get some big names in there, but not charge an arm and a leg for tickets. Most big shows sell out quickly so buy tickets fast. Don't be a chump and buy them online with those outrageous fee's, just go down to either the market or the sodo location and get your tix there. I have seen some amazing acts here, the sound is always great... and the lines are never to long to get more happy juice. Pro-Tip: Go for the tall boy PBR's for maximum efficiency. Consequently, I've never had to wait for the mens bathroom; another definite plus. Take the bus, parking is a biotch. Especially on the weekend. read more

Dope venue. I really like the 3 layer set up and the different bars strategically placed. The set up allows for you to have a good view no matter where you ended up and the bars around you ensured you stay hydrated. Sound was good. Saw security throw a guy out and exchange some vicious words-but hey, the guy was being a A-hole and deserved it. All in all, I thought the service was great and you get what you pay for with the drinks. I'll be coming back. read more

My favorite place for live music in Seattle. Great location with a great layout and great energy. Its the perfect size, making it both intimate and accessible at the same time. They also get great musical acts to perform here. Also, my wife recently went to a show in a wheelchair due to a foot surgery. The team at the Showbox practically rolled out the red carpet for her. They ensured she was comfortable, had a great seat and was well taken care. Very impressive service. You can't go wrong at the Showbox! read more

This is one of my favorite music venues in Seattle, by far! Things I love about the Showbox: Great bands Decent view from wherever you're standing You can escape the young'uns during all-ages shows at either of the two bars... and get a higher view The decor is dark and cool The Greenroom is attached so you can come early for a drink or a meal. The band is close no matter how far back you are. Great acoustics One suggestion: speed up the SLOW door process, please! I was very sad to miss an opening band once because i was stuck in the slowest line outside! You should not have to wait 45 minutes to get in once the doors have already been open for an hour! Also, would love to be able to enter through the Greenroom instead of having to go back outside to the main entrance. Otherwise, love you Showbox! read more

THREE BARS. I like this place because it is all ages but it also has three bars. Go figure. I took my younger sister here and we had a great time. We even got invited to the Talib Kweli after party. Totally did not go because I'm a good sister and wasn't trying to get fresh with rapper's delight. Anyway. The shows here are a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to my next one! read more

There are places where you go for a show and it's JUST A VENUE. And there are some places that give off this aura and you can just feel it as you walk into the venue. This spot definitely had that vibe coming out of its pores. Staff was well managed and definitely efficient. The bar was nothing spectacular but i have no complaints. I saw THE ROOTS here on a spontaneous night while I was visiting Seattle. read more

The Showbox - The Roots!!! - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Best concert of my life last night. Would've still been O-worthy if it was being held in a pup tent, but as luck would have it, The Showbox was a better choice. The sound was absolutely amazing. There really wasn't a bad 'seat' in the house as the venue itself is more wide than it is deep, therefore most anywhere has a great unobstructed view of the stage. At least 3 bars (from what I saw anyway) scattered around the perimeter to help wet your whistle before the screaming begins. Easy coat check to keep you from becoming a sweaty mess (though it cost $3.00, WTF?). And the people working there obviously love their jobs and it showed last night. The entire experience was freaking amazing. Heading back next month to take my sister to a concert for her birthday, and oddly enough this is one venue that I can't wait to return to. read more