Great place to see a show. The food is good and the drinks are reasonable and strong. All in all i really enjoyed this bar. Try it read more

The Showbox - In front of the Showbox - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

How can anyone not like the Showbox? If you're looking for the perfect venue for a concert or show, you will never be disappointed with this venue. Great lighting, Great space, great shows, and great staff. What else could you need? I have been here many times and never had a problem with electronic ticket or anything of that sort, they handles the lines really well and always open when they have the time posted. It saves a lot of frustration and confusion, which can happen at some other venues that are not as well orchestrated. This is the place to be! read more

I've been twice in the last couple weeks. The drinks are pricey, but I'll come back time and again for the great venue (5 stars for the Showbox). One complaint (hence the 3 star rating). If you dine/drink early in the Green Room, you get an early entrance card to beat the masses and grab a good spot to watch the bands. This system needs to be improved upon... just as they call early entrance numbers everyone is trying to cash out their tabs which put us at the back of the line. Next time I'll cash out early to avoid being delayed. read more

Love it here. Been going to shows here for 10 + years. Lot's of bars, great viewing and the sound is first rate for a club this size. Security knows that they are doing. Class act all the way ! read more

The best local venue for bigger shows, but where you still feel like you're close to and can see the stage easily. The staff are helpful and reasonable. read more

I love the Showbox! Great shows, nice and super fast bartenders (Ronnie), sweet and hugable security guards. (I'm looking at you, Whitey)! Plus the Green Room is really really convenient as a pre-funct meet-up spot. read more

My friends and I went to go see a concert last night and it was a decent place to go to a show. The sound was good. But the staff was horrible. It seems that we aren't the only ones who have had this experience there. They were hassling my friend and me about everything. Standing in the wrong spot, she couldn't put her head on my shoulder when we were sitting down, someone tried to buy me a bottle of water and the staff wouldn't let him give it to me. The list goes on. I watched them time after time hassle other people too about petty stuff; holding their drink in the wrong place, dancing too much, and kicking people out for god knows what. They were rude and frankly, they ruined the show for me and for my group of friends. read more

It's the best place indoor venue to see music in Seattle but the security and staff are the worst EVER! They will watch you in the bathrooms and look at your private parts. They claim they are looking for people doing drugs. I have seen them knock down people watching the concert to grab someone smoking in the venue. They have no regard for people watching the show or minding their own business. I have seen the yell at women to the point they cry. Its a great space but I don't think the management knows how bad the security treats people. I have gone to the green room before shows and watched security guards scalping tickets right in front of the venue. I do skip some shows because of this but I still go for the music. Just know that they are rude and could knock you down to get to a shady person. I am putting all of my experiences here into one review. This all didn't happen in one night but over the course of a few years. It has not changed at all over the years. Too bad its a beautiful space. read more

Officially the worst venue in Seattle. I've been there 3 times now but last night was the first time I've attended while being of legal drinking age. All these stories are just from one 3 hour period: Setup - Apart from the bars I quite like the setup. It's a big open ballroom that holds about 1000 people. The stage is big, high and easy to see from anywhere in the venue. However, the bars are a confusing maze. Not only are there 4 (really, 4 separate bars), they all have multiple entries and exits which just turn into a mess between bands. Sound - Simply awful. The sound guy had no idea what he was doing and all of the bands came out sounding muddy and terribly mixed. Heavy bass is expected at a concert, but when it drowns out the vocals and lead guitar, you're doing something wrong. Drinks - I'm not going to lie, I'm a poor college student so I'm cheap. And while I'm used to paying a premium for drinks at concerts, this was just ridiculous. The Showbox's cheapest drink: $4.50 for a can of PBR. The dude next to me ordered a jagerbomb and they charged him $9. Staff - Inattentive, rude and they even tried to steal from me. After ordering a pair of said PBRs, my girlfriend gave the bartender a $10. He rang it up on the register, which showed a big $9.00. He then took the $1 change out of the register and put it in his pocket! I always tip my bartenders, but if you try to STEAL your customers' money, you aren't getting anything. I called him out in front of everyone, took the $1 back and decided I'm never buying drinks at the Showbox again. After downing our drinks, we made our way to another one of the bars for a better view. While standing there, one of the security guards confronted my girlfriend, not believing she was 21. We had already showed our ID and had our stamps checked 5 times. She shows him the stamp (again) and he shakes his head, asking for her ID. For about 20 seconds he stares at her card while pointing a flashlight in her eyes. After going back to his post, he spent the next hour with his head turned 90 degrees, staring at her while bar patrons were brawling and others were sneaking in. If my favorite bands play here, I'm still going to support them. But I will never buy a drink or say anything positive about this venue again. If you're looking for a casual, stress-free night at a concert, avoid Showbox at the Market. read more

This venue is the latest in what I like to call the "Souless Money Makers" trend in music halls. It really isnt about the music or the fans but catering to a VIP clientele who dont give a shit who is playing. This place has layers of seating outside the floor and a resteraunt in the show area that combined with pillars block the view of anyone not in the "VIP" area. Imagine the worst House of Blues and you have this place. They also do "VIP" memberships where folks automatically get tickets to every show. As a result, their shows sell out absurdly quick for trust fund kids getting trashed on white girl drinks or aging hipsters who dont care what band is playing that night. Then a large amount of the tickets go on stubhub for huge markups. Last time I was there the band asked "who is seeing us for the first time?" and 3/4 of the place raised their hand. I had people asking me who the band was, i am just a VIP who gets tickets.. Sound isnt bad, but you cant see, and likely wont be around anyone who actually likes the band read more

Be prepared for solidarity among staff even when they lie or say things that are untrue. Looking forward to going back on my own time to look at footage with management to prove my point. Stay tuned,,, Staff who profiles those who they view as privileged because of their own insecurities and mistreated. What happened to accommodating the paying customer as opposed to the employee. Well it's gone!!!! read more

Wow. What a terrible place to see a concert. The sound quality was honestly so bad. There was annoying feedback coming through the speakers. The security guards were being extremely creepy. They were creepily hitting on girls and harassing them. Overall, the whole experience was horrible. If you're trying to see a show in Seattle, DO NOT come to this venue. It's a complete waste of money. read more

This is probably my favorite music venue in Seattle. I love that it's spacious and I love that there is more than one bar. Basically: multiple vantage points are possible, more so than at Neumo's or El Corazon. Showbox does attract an impressive variety of acts, I've seen The Roots and Handsome Boy Modeling School, as well as Blood Brothers and Slint (!). The Green Room is a decent bar, and how convenient, if you want to be AT the venue but not IN the venue. The bouncers don't f*** around, so don't have a fake ID or get too messed up! Some friends of mine got engaged onstage here which was pretty cool. Just thought I'd share. read more

If you want quality live bands, you are heading to the Showbox. A classic Seattle venue, this place delivers with sound and artists. Alcohol is expensive which is typical at places like this and they abandoned their food menu about a year ago which was super disappointing. However, compared to similar Seattle venues, The Showbox has them all beat. read more

I checked out the Showbox last night for the first time. I was there for the Les Claypool show. The place was big, packed and loud between band sets so it's not a good place to meet people. I prefer smaller, more quaint venues, but I guess that's asking too much for Claypool. There are bars on either side and my heffeweissens were $4.50 (for some reason the bartender kept thinking I was saying "Bud Light". ick! Do I look like that kind of girl?) The sound is good and stage visualization isn't a problem (unless you're on the floor and a super tall guy's in front of you, which was my case when I decided to relocate). I'd go back, but next time I'll try to take a friend. read more

Public Service Announcements: 1) If you are a Tall Person, you have perhaps observed that there are many people on the planet less tall than you. Let it be said I feel your pain when it comes to the remarkably un-ergonomic world in which we live. I once lived in an apartment where the showerhead was placed about five feet and six inches off the ground -- perfect for me, but made tall houseguests feel like they were in Tokyo, not the good old US of A. Not cool. HOWEVER, tall people of the world, let me tell you something. Your collective behavior in rock and roll clubs at other standing-room-only entertainment venues is UNACCEPTABLE. I came to the Showbox for Lebowskifest this weekend and my 5'4" self was barely able to see a damn thing. Or hear a damn thing, thanks to all the very chatty tall fellas standing in front of me. As it happened, I really wanted to hear Mr. Mumbly Jeff Dowd speak, and should not have had to tune out a bunch of loudmouthed fratties to do so. 2) And to those of you who talked through the Dude's speech (the Dude may not mind, but I do), booed the opening bands, and walked out during the movie, WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING THERE? If you don't like the opening band, FINE. Your wrist has been stamped, you can go have a smoke. That is why they have those stamps. If you don't like "The Big Lebowski," that's fine too (OK, really, it's not, but that's a subject for another rant), but I want your life, where I have $15 to blow on an event celebrating a movie I'm not into , and whose backstory and mythos (see The Dude) do not appeal to me. HAS THE WHOLE WORLD GONE CRAZY! 3) Very strong white Russians, very cheap oat sodas, and a beautiful venue, though it would have been nice (for aformentioned reasons) if there had been more seating, or if the film had been screened at a more traditional theatre. read more

One of the best venues I have been to both in sound quailty and atmosphere. I love the layout because if things get roudy on the floor you can move up and still see the show..might as well grab a drink while you are up there too. With several large bars you rarely have to wait long for a good stiff drink. Seen some of my most memorable shows here. read more

Worst venue I've been to in Seattle. We spent $50 to go see Greensky Bluegrass a couple weeks ago and were looking forward to the show for months. We stepped outside about 30 minutes into the first set and the 'roid raging bouncer would not less us back in. He claimed we were supposed to get a stamp, but the door we walked out did not have anyone giving out stamps or any signs indicating where we were supposed to get stamped for re-entry. We tried to explain this to the bouncer, but he would not listen to us and then started accusing my fiancee of being too drunk, which was not the case at all. We left sad and confused as to why Seattle is the worst. Absolutely fuck this place. read more

Fresh off the plane from ocs at Fort Bennings Georgia, I was looking forward to a fun night with my fiancé who I was excited to hear had acquired two tickets to a blue scholars concert at the Showbox. When we got there we were greeted warmly by the door men but that's were the fun ended. As my fiancé headed to the bathroom I told her I would meet her in the bar and order her a drink but as I attempted to enter the bar the brutish bouncer became very confrontational as he had made up his mind that my standard military issue id was indeed a fake, which he in a bellowing manner made clear to just about everyone in the club. Refusing to return my only source of identification I will now spend the next two days of my leave at MEPS rather than with my family. Thank you Show box for such a swell welcome home. read more

Seating is horrible, especially considering the long wait times. The next time I hear of concert here I will pass immediately.

Crappy, crappy, crappy door management at the Kaskade show last Friday night. Showbox staff continually blamed it on "the promoter".

Good acoustics. Super great venue. Except....oh wait. Yeah they are racists...so...don't expect to have a good time in the bar if you aren't white. I wish the workers weren't so rude and entitled. Then I'd give the place the five stars for the quality of shows. Last night was my final straw. I've gone to too many shows with friends who get their IDs checked way too much (like the 30 year old woman standing in front of you could possibly be underage), and the staring is intense. Come on. You're the most famous venue in the city and you gotta pull that crap? Please. Grow up. read more

Regarding last nights show. Some thanks are in order. Warning, novel ahead. First off I will explain the situation. I am 28, and I suffer from a condition called Vasovagal Syncope. Sometimes when I get injured or feel certain types of pain, I will pass out and my heart actually flatlines for about 15 seconds. This usually happens about twice a year. Right now I am actually 13 weeks pregnant. I bought my Infected Mushroom ticket before I found out I was expecting, and figured just sipping soda water at the bar would be no problem, (since usually I need some kind of injury to pass out). I have seen I.M. about 10 times since 2006, and wasn't wanting to miss this one, and was feeling really good. I ate a good dinner, had been plenty hydrated, and was well rested. Here is where things get fun. I was up near the left side bar, standing and sipping a soda/cran, just minding my own business. I have never had a problem standing in a crowd before. Infected Mushroom was JUST about to start their set, when BOOM, I start feeling a little funny. I figured just to be safe, I should step outside and get some air, even if that meant missing the first song or two. I made my way down from the bar and was walking with the line of other people trying to get around the main floor. I was about 10 feet from getting to where the crowd was cleared when I felt myself losing consciousness. I told the girl in front of me that I had a condition and was passing out, so she let me pass in front of her so I could push myself through the crowd faster. SO THANK YOU to that first girl for being polite and understanding. I heard literally TWO seconds of the first song before I blacked out and fell. When I woke up, I heard a young girl asking if I was ok and conscious. She was huddled around me as I lay on the floor. At one point I heard her telling people to watch out because someone was passed out on the floor. This girl then asked if I wanted to get outside, and I said yes. She was kind enough to walk me to the front entrance to safety, and away from the crowd. All I remember is she was taller, thin frame, bright orange t-shirt, and had her hair in two top buns. I was still pretty out of it at this point. I could hardly walk or talk. I am sorry for grabbing/crushing your hand as we walked and you held mine. THANK YOU whoever you are. You are so sweet, and I am thankful you kept me safe in that crowd of people. You didn't have to do that, but you did, not even knowing if I was just on drugs/drunk/whatever. Thank you. I was then handed off to the security and bartenders at the front entrance bar. I know I leaned back on someone for a minute, so THANK YOU to whoever let me lean on you. At that point I was able to explain to the staff about my condition. I told them I had to get my keys so I could get my heart monitor key chain. I have a little remote that I hold up to my chest, and it tells the Implant Loop Recorder in my chest to record what my heart had done for the last 6 minutes. I got that done, and was able to text my husband to come get me, as he was just a few blocks away. THANK YOU to Jerry (I believe that was the medic that I stayed with until my husband showed up). This guy is so professional, kind, and I am very thankful to him. I have seen him there before at other shows, and he is always acting in the same manor, no matter what type of people he is dealing with. So, it's a novel, but I wanted to share my experience, and give my thanks. The staff at Showbox has always been fantastic to deal with. I always enjoy being at this venue. Thanks to all of you for knowing how to do your jobs, and taking care of people who need your help. You could have assumed I was on drugs, or drunk, and been rude (I have seen this at other venues) but you are never like that. So THANK YOU thank you THANK you. Really. ...and again, those girls/whoever helped me when I was really out of it, you are amazing. We are all on this planet together, and we have to treat each other with respect and love. You did this last night. Be proud of yourself for your acts of kindness. I can't say I am surprised though. Seattle is a great place, and Infected fans are usually pretty united. I was in a safe place last night. I may have missed the entire show of my favorite band, and that really sucks, but I have nothing but the feeling of being thankful. My face hit something really hard and my jaw is in a lot of pain, my body is twisted and sore and I am physically exhausted. My heart is tired, but at the same time, filled with love. Thank you. -Sarah read more

The staff couldn't be much less on point. Don't bother asking questions if you can't appreciate being treated like the parent of a bratty teenager. Not only do you pay for your tickets, but you are required to buy a weak, overpriced drink in order to even receive your ticket and to proceed beyond the main bar and to the stage. Security is overzealous and I overheard more than a few altercations between customers who were clearly in the right, and staff who refused to bring over management. The venue itself is set up nicely, the lights were at least on key with the band. The PA system sounded about as good as a high school auditorium. Are they sponsored by crate or something? Better pre game if you don't want to liquidate your ira next week. read more

This is probably my favourite venue in Seattle. I've seen many, many shows here over the last 6 or 7 years, and I don't think I've ever had a bad experience. It's the perfect size and style for my musical inclinations. The floor is not so big that you can't see clearly from the back half, but not so small that you get too much personal contact time with Moshing Metalhead or Spastic Dancing Scene Kid. Same goes for the range of musicians the Showbox attracts: I've seen everyone from Mastodon to Minus the Bear to Maroon 5 here, and neither I nor the band has ever felt out of place. Once I was old enough to drink, I also came to appreciate the bar. There are two separate bar areas, both of which are elevated, which cuts down on crowding and ensures a good view from just about anywhere. Drinks are priced as they would be at any music venue, and they are strong -- this is the only place I've ever had to ask to water down my rum and coke because I got an 8oz glass of booze with a spritz of coke, which most would regard as worth the $7. Oh, and I am also told the backstage has pretty snazz showers. read more

Very mixed crowd of music and people. Sometimes they show off utter crap, and sometimes there's some of the best bands ever here. It's a really mixed bag. As far as the actual decor and surroundings, I admit I felt it was a bit stuffy and I didn't really like the lighting at all [it made it hard to see some of the artists] and the crowd is usually 20-something which is nice too. It's a great place to come if your favorite band is playing here. read more

This is the best place to see a small, mildly intimate show in Seattle. Hands down. It's big enough to house large acts and small enough so that you don't have to deal with too many people at those large acts. read more

I've been to two shows at the Showbox (at the Market) and sat in the 21+ section both times, the first time unreserved, second time VIP reserved table. I really love the acoustics and the small venue feel. A really great price for a wonderful venue and experience each time. read more

this is my all time favourite music venue in seattle! although i usually appreciate some of the smaller venues for their intimacy, i love the show box precisely for it's spaciousness, high ceilings and multiple bars. i always feel comfortable at the showbox and i can see the stage from any location...unlike many of seattle's other music venues. the showbox is also one of the few theaters that actually starts the show "around" the time it says the show will start. if i could ask for one small change, it would only be multiple bathrooms to go along with the multiple bars. read more

I love this venue, I have only been here a couple of times, yet I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Awesome lighting, good sound quality, Staff is friggin awesome. They have a ton of shitty bands play here, but when a good line up comes in its easily one of my favorite venues in Seattle. - minus one star Before and after shows, cracked out, smelly, stinky, dirty, grimy, nasty, METH HEAD, tweaker, asshole, homeless people are ruthless, and EVERYWHERE. I cant fucking stand it, being in line, being harassed by freeloading bums! "Spare some change" The last time I went there was to see SUM 41 and DEEZ NUTS! after the show I walked out and was grabbed by a piss stained stinky crazy bitch, who screamed "I DON'T LIKE MEN, I HATE MEN, GIVE ME MONEY, FUCK YOU I HATE MEN" I dont hit women, but I almost knocked this chick into next week. I HATE HATE HATE that part about this venue. now that my rant is over.... I Recommend this venue, as long as you carry a tazer. read more

The showbox is always a fun place to come for shows, though admittedly, WAY more fun for me when the shows are a little less packed. It can be a real chore trying to find space to dance. I love being close to the stage and really feeling like I'm there, a part of the show, but the only places to find dancing room are often in the bar. Which is sad. But that aside, the drinks are good (though expensive - be prepared to pay!), the staff is friendly, the venue is clean enough, and the sound system is crisp. read more

I love the Showbox Market. Good location, good size, plenty of room to boogie and plenty of bars that serve strong drinks. I've always had a good time when I see a band here! I also enjoy the fact that they have tables and chairs in the back for those of us that can't stand the whole time because they are carrying a big 'ol baby around inside of them! read more

Had my first experience here on Saturday night. It was a large venue, and certainly not packed for the particular show I was at. However I really like the set up. I love that you can hang out in the bar and still catch the show. Also the bar tenders were extremely attentive and poured a decent drink! I had a great time, and would certainly go back! read more

Don't come to this place for the food. This is an awesome concert venue and the VIP staff are great and accommodating. The sound is great and the atmosphere is fun. The bar that is connected had a dodgy bathroom, and the door guy was really condescending until he found out we had VIP tickets, which wasn't cool. Everyone should be treated with respect, no matter what ticket they purchased. Otherwise we had a perfect time! read more

Best place to see a show in Seattle. The layout is good with 3 bars, as is acoustics. There's also a separate bar next door (The Green Room) if you wanna chill to a quieter place before going to the show. read more

Went for Epica + Lacuna Coil show tonight. During both performances you could barely hear the lead singers behind low pitch instruments. Must be OK if you wanted to slam, cause bases were shaking the floor. Terrible experience if you came to listen to good music and vocals. Left in the middle of Epica's performance, as trying to catch the actual sound of songs from the new The Solace System album was close to trying to listening to it via very old landline phone with road repair happening just outside your house. read more

Simply said: a really great venue in a really great location that serves remarkably reasonable drinks. Came here for a friend's birthday for the MSI show and had a blast! read more

Great space. Saw the L7 show here. The design is much more conducive to music than the somewhat impersonal and sterile SODO location. The event staff is also friendlier. I really appreciate the kitschy 1960s lounge feel, the standing terraces, and the elevated bars. It's 60s to the extent that you are a little afraid of asbestos being in the ceiling. There seems to be a pretty good view everywhere and you never feel too far from the stage. The General Admission floor is like a shallow crescent, rather than the typical rectangle. I can't really think of what needs improvement, besides the crowd. Standing cross-armed in designer clothing staring stoically at musicians with feet nailed to the floor is not the point of attending a concert. read more

This is the friendliest place in Seattle to see an all ages show as an "of age" attendee. The two bar sections offer excellent views of the stage, have pretty good sound quality and usually aren't too packed. Keep an eye out for the cash bar at the bottom of the rear bar section, there's never a line. The staff can be dicks on the way in, but once inside things are usually pretty chill. No re-entry most of the time so smokers beware. As mentioned before be prepared to show your ID every time you enter the bar area. Overall it's a great venue. read more

Love this venue! Big and specious with good acoustics and very easy to get a drink. Crowd was a mix of all ages. They have a great lineup of talent. Can't wait to go back. read more