This venue's awesome! Most venues around Philly are pretty bland and don't have as much of a concept going as union transfer. They have a great western saloon theme where they found nice opportunities throughout the venue to play up on this theme. The set up is pretty perfect for the amount of traffic/size shows they have as well. They don't have huge artists and usually pretty similar genre that I don't personally attend but the venue itself for when I have been there has been great. It's a very open, clean space. They have a nice drink/beer variety and even the snacks get innovative. My friends and I went for Aesop Rock and munched on some sriracha popcorn and had some tasty beers. I've been putting sriracha on my popcorn ever since ;-). read more

As a music venue it's pretty top notch. Beautiful interior. Lots of places to try to get a view including raised platforms on the sides and rear bar downstairs as well as balconies with a small bleacher at the rear of the 2nd floor. Great sound from what I've heard. As a bar... well, it's overly expensive. Cheapest beer is something like $4 for Coors and craft beer is $6+. Last time I was there I drank whiskey and cokes out of tiny plastic cups. They were strongly poured but ended up being $7.50 each! But, the nice thing is they have an upstairs and downstairs bar away from the music and a downstairs bar at the rear of the music room that will have your card on file, so you can order at any bar. Anyway, despite the expense of the liquor, can't downgrade it as a great place to see live music. read more

Definitely a cool place! This is a vintage style theater and I love it. Came here for a MOTH slam story event. They made us stand outside in the cold until ~7:15 which wasn't cool (especially given the ample space inside) but can't blame that on the venue. Upon entering you walk into a large vestibule type area which holds a concession area with scant amounts of food (more on this in a sec). When you walk through the interior doors you enter the amphitheater. There were rows of seats on the ground level, a U shaped balcony with chairs on the sides and a bleacher-type seating arrangement in that back. There are bars on both levels. They offer full bar service as well as wait staff. Given that the there is not many food options, they allow you to bring in outside food! We went across the street to a chicken joint and brought in a 6 pc chicken meal! I also noticed that someone ordered a pizza and had it delilvered! Thought this was awesome! read more

This place is great, beautiful inside. The staff is friendly and the shows are great. Oh and the bars are great also. Plenty of room to watch the show from various locations. It's been a while since I have been to the TLA on South street, buy this place blows it away read more

I love seeing shows here. There really isn't a bad view in the entire venue. I've watched shows from the balcony and at the bar area and throughly enjoyed my time at both shows. The drinks are decently priced and I like how they have waitresses and waiters walking around so you don't love your spot. The only con about this venue is that because of the weird location it is hard to walk right outside and get a cab after the show. read more

Excellent concert venue! It feels very intimate without needing to be climbing all over each other. Great sound system. Apart from one large pole on either side, it looks like there is good visibility of the stage from any point in the room. It is spacious and airy and not once did I feel even remotely claustrophobic. The best thing about this place is that the beer is not marked up like in other concert venues and is about $4-$6 for a bottle. I went to the Pentatonix concert there a few weeks ago and was surprised to see that folding chairs had been put in the main area and along the sides. I suppose they take them out or leave them there depending on the tone of the concert. One weird thing is that re-entry is only allowed for 21+. read more

I went here for a show this past Saturday. What an awesome space! This building used to be the dreaded Spaghetti Warehouse- blech! The kept the side bar room the same, and made it into a beautiful small music venue. You cannot see the stage from the side bar, but the space there is very nice, and it's perfect if you want to get away from the crowd for a minute during the show. The main floor is a great space. Our show was sold out, and it was not at all too crowded. People had room to dance, and even start a small pit. There is an upstairs balcony area, with bleacher-type seating, and the views were great. There didn't seem to be a bad spot in the venue. Very good viewing angles, good acoustics. The best part was, the beer wasn't too overpriced. $3.75 for a PBR (yeah a can, I know it's not Mako's $.50 PBRs but I'm stricitly comparing this to other venues, not too bad), and $5.50 for a PPA (a 16oz. even!). Not bad..not bad at all.. Thank you for closing, Spaghetti Hellhouse. read more

Saw Yelle at the Union Transfer at it was a lot of fun. The venue is pretty big and packed for the night. The big space and sound system makes it one of the best music venues in Philly for me. There's a coat check and everything which is great. The walk from Market East was not the best at night though. You have to go through this abandoned area. Good thing we got a ride back from a friend after the show. I'd try to avoid walking on my own at night from center city. read more

Came here tonight for the first time for the second night of The Wonder Years 10th anniversary show. I came in from New York for it and left my hard copy tickets back there. The box office was supper nice about hearing me out and the woman there offered to print me new tickets off my confirmation email if the people at the door wouldn't take my phone camera picture of the ticket but they did and made no hassle of it. I also lost my coat check ticket and the guy there was really helpful about trying to find it without the ticket. Bonus: Bartenders were also nice and the concession stand sells weird flavors of ice cream like sriracha and earl grey. read more

Union Transfer - The Wonder Years - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The best music venue in Philadelphia, hands down. It's perfectly sized, temperature controlled, and always has the best acts in town. Drinks can be a little pricey, but nothing too crazy. I'm here at least once a month, so you can guarantee I'll be back again soon! read more

I'm a huge music fan and go to concerts very very often and I get very excited knowing I'm going to Union Transfer. Not only is the bar the best priced I've ever seen at a venue, the staff is equally as great! For the 21+ shows, the back bar gives you perfect visibility to the stage. The sound engineers for their front of house always know what they're doing because every show I've seen has been better than the last. This venue also encourages concert goers to purchase their tickets directly from their box office, service fee free! That's huge since you're saving close to $12 per ticket! I hope this venue sticks around for the long haul! I love it. read more

Awesome sound in this venue. There are a few bars which is nice when one gets overcrowded. There's a lot of room to move around when you move away from the stage--it's amazing to have the option to step away from the stage and take a breather and still be able to hear the music or watch the performance on the TV screens. There's a parking lot right behind the venue, but free parking is available on side streets around it. read more

wow, great venue. really good acoustics, perfect layout. Having a bar area PLUS a bar by where the music goes down is fantastic. Good ventilation, which is really really nice when at a dance party... Top it all of, it was easy to park in the neighborhood around the venue. I highly recommend this place and anything an act I want to see plays here I will be there! read more

The acoustics in this venue make it ideal for concerts! I've seen at least a dozen shows here... usually tend to migrate upstairs bar for quick drinks. read more

I kind of don't want to tell you how much I loved Union Transfer, because I want it all to myself. It is so very awesome that I can scarcely stand it. The parking is close by, seemingly safe, and cheap! The show we went to charged only $10 to park which is unheard of for city concert venues! I also didn't have annoying scammers flagging me into competing lots like can sometimes happen at another concert venue just down the street ... The beer was a normal price! And they had variety! My husband and I each had a $5 Yards Pale Ale during the show. My husband, in fact, had two, but I opted for another cold one -- ice cream! They had ice cream! Seriously, find me more concert venues that serve ice cream -- and Baby's ice cream at that. I had never had Baby's before and was a little put off by the flavors, but when the scoop guy recommended the chipotle cinnamon, I was game. It was weird, for sure, but awesome. Spicy and sweet all at once. Finally, the viewing area of the concert was great. I would say it's set up similarly to the Electric Factory except you come in from the side rather than the back. It's also a little smaller than the Electric Factory while still being larger than the TLA. Can you say "just right?" I have found myself seeking shows to see there rather than just waiting for my fave acts to announce their playing there, and that says something. My visit there was top notch and I can't wait to go back. read more

My first (and currently, only) Philly concert venue experience - saw Charli XCX on 06.01.2013. For those familiar with the NYC music scene, Union Transfer is basically a cleaner, cheaper, and friendlier version of the Bowery Ballroom (UT is booked by Bowery Presents so they have pretty much the same acts). read more

This place blows every other venue in Philly out of the water in my opinion. It is the perfect size. I went to a sold out show and it held a good amount of people yet never felt packed. They have 2 bars with decent beer on tap (Yards, Slyfox, Magic Hat) for decent prices. You can watch the show from the the floor in front of the stage or from the huge balcony that wraps around the room. The sound doesn't get washed out either, the place has great acoustics. I would love to go back to see any band here, just to hang out at this venue because it's that nice, even if it were some crappy band like nickleback. I would recommend to anyone that they should see a show here. read more

It's weird to be at a concert venue in Philly that is actually nice. Don't get me wrong I like the TLA, Troc, NorthStar Bar, etc, but they all fall into the standard club/bar venue setting. Union Transfer is by far the nicest place venue in philly. What even better than the physical condition of the place is the set up of the actual concert venue. It's set up nicely for viewing and the acoustics arent bad. I havent been up to the balcony so I don't know what its like up there. i would like to see union transfer become the go to place for concerts in the city, whereas I still think the TLA and Troc hold that distinction. Pretty good beer selection...not super cheap but it is a concert venue so you can't expect too much. Special shout-out to the cleanliness of the bathrooms. its nice to be able to enter a bathroom during a concert and not have to put on a hazmat suit then go through a decontamination process once you get home. read more

A great not-too-big music venue. In order: it's easy to get to they have a lot (albeit a small one, but it's cheap) three bars, great selection, decent prices, great bar staff great sound and visibility. If I go to a show, I want to see the band Really what else could you ask for? read more

This is my favorite venue in Philly. You generally have a good view of the stage and has a great sound system. The tickets are never too expensive and the staff is polite. The box office has convenient hours. The neighborhood isn't that bad. Feel free to park your car (or bike) and enjoy the show. The temperature is always comfortable, you're never too cold or hot (unless you are in the pit). If you've never been there before, check out the website and see a show. What are you doing tonight? read more

This is one of my favorite places to see a show in Philly, and I've been to a number of shows here. They book a lot of great bands, and prices are reasonable. It's one of the most physically comfortable places I've been to see a show: the space is pretty open and well ventilated, with super high ceilings and fans. If you want to be in the very front, it's not usually difficult; you only have to show up a little earlier before doors open. They only allow re-entry for 21+'s (I'm not sure why), have a coat check, and sell Little Baby's Ice Cream during the summer months and through September (you have to try it!). They have a separate bar section toward the back of the venue. Sound is good. Sometimes the wait between bands can be a bit too long, though. Security is pretty attentive but they don't frisk attendees or check bags at the door. Bathroom (the women's, at least) has about a bajillion stalls and is clean. I I've only ever had one bad experience here, and I blame that on a few folks around me (apparently Grimes attracts kids who take MDMA/like dubstep/fist pump). But this was no fault of the venue. Union Transfer is a great place to see a show. If you're thinking about seeing a show here, do it. read more

I absolutely love concerts at Union Transfer. We went to see FKA Twigs on 11/7 and the line was wrapped around the building. Not ideal for November weather but once they opened the door, it moved quickly. This was the 3rd event i've attended there and have always had a great time. The venue is very large which is great because you don't feel smushed between other people (unless you're in front). The bar has a pretty decent beer selection but they won't let you take in on the floor. You have to stay in the designated perimeter, which isn't ideal but it's ok because you are allowed to take it upstairs (which oversees the event) and due to the size, it's not too difficult to get back in your spot (if you can work your way through a crowd). Their food selection is basic.. pretzels, little baby's ice cream, and pizza i think. so definitely eat beforehand. The only sore spot i have with UT is the coat check. Now, I'm not sure a better way to do this so it's not really their fault but of course in the winter everyone checks their coat and nobody is leaving the concert early to be first in line for their down jacket but because it's right by the door, when the concert lets out and line gets long, you're basically standing outside in line to get your coat.. inside. Could be managed better. read more

Well done Philadelphia. This is a FANTASTIC venue. Spot on with the sound, the views, the ambiance and the drinks. I particularly enjoyed that the bars were not crowded and drinks came very fast - a huge plus when you don't want to miss the show. And with reasonable ticket prices, it is worth going even if you don't know the band. If they still served pasta during the shows I would be in heaven. read more

Thanks to a yelp elite event I had the chance to check out Union Transfer. The woodwork in this place is fantastic. Large open truss's span the whole building and rough cut beams can be seen throughout the interior. There's a decent sized dance floor and several rooms make up the first floor. A catwalk rings the dance floor and its a great spot for people watching. I'm not sure if you can rent UT for a wedding but it would be a great spot for one. read more

Definitely one of my favorite concert venues in Philly! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that I remember the space being larger than TLA, and I definitely prefer more intimate environments. Even though the two venues are the same, Union Transfer is deeper and therefore you can still be decently far from the artist if you want space to move or just come late. The sound is great, and they book decent acts. read more

By far the best venue anywhere close to it's size in Philly. The staff here is pleasant, accommodating and helpful. At first I was confused entering, my id out and purse open ready for the strip search I am used to when going to jamband shows at big venues in Philly (I'm sure you know where I am talking about) but the staff just laughed, and told me to save my id for the bar. The drink prices are normal ($4-$6 for a beer, $7-$8 for mixed drink), the beer choices are many which is another huge plus for Union Transfer. They have a great selection of craft and "normal" beers to choose from, which seem to rotate fairly frequently from what I can tell. Inside the venue the sound is amazing, and you can still see some of the Spaghetti Warehouse details in the decor but they have worked them in nicely. So far they seem to be booking a wide range of great acts here, not surprising from the Bowery Presents and R5 crew but still refreshing. I can't wait to see more shows here in the very near future. read more

Saw Stars there a couple days ago and was super impressed by the venue. The building has really cool architecture (think old factory) with huge fans on the ceiling. The bathrooms were really clean. (No scary venue toilets here!) The staff was super friendly from the security guys as we entered to the bartenders, to the bouncers inside... They all seemed like they really enjoyed their jobs and passed it along to the concert-goers. Honestly the main reason I wanted to write a review was to praise Union Transfer for their air conditioning! I can't tell you how many times I've had difficulty enjoying a show because I feel like I'm going to die of heatstroke amongst the bodies in general admission. I was SO comfortable at this show. Unreal. I've never felt that good at concert. I know it seems like a weird thing to be all about, but overheating can really ruin a concert experience. Anyway, I would definitely see another show here. Everything about the venue helped contribute to a great night out! read more

Union Transfer - Stars 4/20/18 - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Very cool venue, with plenty of different areas for drinking, socializing, and, of course, raging on the dancefloor. Drink prices were reasonable, too, which is good considering the spotty quality of the bartenders. If you find a show you want to see, do go! You won't be disappointed. Oh, but I have to disagree with other posters who said the bathrooms are clean. Maybe it's a guy thing, but they were pretty rank. read more

I finally had a chance to experience Union Transfer, the former spaghetti warehouse, home of the Philadelphia Marathon pasta dinner. I bought tickets to see MIKA on a Monday night, which is a random night for a concert, but I was pretty stoked. The venue is open, and being 5'2 I had no problem seeing MIKA on stage from my spot on the +21 bar level. There's also an upper level where I'm sure you can see even better, but I wasn't sure if I could get an edge spot...since at my height I literally can't see a thing if someone stands slightly in front of me. You're able to get tix emailed to you or at willcall - pretty sure that UT only uses Ticketfly for their sales. You just hold your ID up for the grumpy dude in the window and he hands you your tickets, easy peasy. Soundwise, MIKA sounded great, and bar-wise the tap selection is nice and local, which you won't find at a large venue like Wells Fargo. You also won't find that unique acts that Union Transfer brings in at a place like WF. My only gripe, is that the security staff was kind of annoying with their flashlights on the wristband thing throughout the show. In a dark room, it stood out....and in an intimately quiet room the "KKRRHHHTTT OVER!" sounds from the walkie talkies were disruptive. What was more disruptive was when the security team huddled together for a loud chat and some drinks while MIKA was still performing. This probably isn't an issue for louder musicians, but it was for a three man band, primarily featuring a piano and some conversational moments. read more

I'm trying to remember all of the shows I have seen here... Sufjan Stevens, STRFKR, Asaf Avidan, of Montreal... probably others where I had too much to drink and can't remember. They consistently have a pretty great line up! It's a beautiful old space, drinks are reasonably priced, there are multiple bars inside, parking is easy in the neighborhood, and there are great spots to see the stage throughout (my favorite is on the ground floor in back, by the bar!) We always go to Prohibition Taproom for some delicious food and beverages before shows here, which only adds to my love of UT. read more

Loved this venue! It was my first time here a few weeks back. We waited in line before doors, and then it went pretty fast once they started letting people in. There was hardly any line at the bar, so we grabbed our drinks and explored before ultimately heading upstairs. We sat on the first row of the seating up there so when we stood up we could mostly see over the people standing along the railing. It provided an awesome view of the concert! I also love the architecture of the building itself, they kept a lot of character which I feel is rare for concert venues. Very cool! I would definitely come back in the future. read more

I moved to Philadelphia after the Spaghetti Warehouse was gone, so I'm not sure what the designers had to work with. But they did a great job. This is a fantastic space with great views from all over. Most shows are 18+, but you can actually see the stage from the drinking area, so it's not that big of a deal. There's also a separate area to sit and talk if you're not that interested in watching the openers. All in all a great new vene and I look forward to seeing more shows here. read more

I have wanted to come here since it opened, and thanks to a good friend, i was given a ticket to a recent show and must say this place is awesome!!! Thank you Reproductions for opening such a great place!!! I can honestly say, you can have a great time here even if you don't come for the band. The bars are spacious, the beers are top shelf craft brew (Troegs) is flowing at reasonable prices!! The sound system is effing great, and no earaches or ringing in the ears going on hear, only crisp clear audible goodness. The crowd as always with r5 shows, is very cool and everyone was having a great time!!. As always, they never over sell Sold Out shows. This is so important, there's nothing worse that being cramped at a show like so many places do. Union Transfer has jacked the bar up so high, this place is nice, hip and the talent on the calender for this year is just sick.....I can't wait to see M83 Hell yeah!!!! read more

I can't really think of anything negative to say about this place, it was just that good. I've only been here once, but was very impressed with the place. Great view of the stage from just about anywhere, and great acoustics. Private parking lot in back of the club for $10. Well worth it if you ask me. The line getting in was quick, and the staff are very good at keeping things moving along so you're not standing around waiting for too long. Overall great experience. read more

Union Transfer - Xavier Rudd - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I don't know why it took me so long to get here, but I'm glad I did! It's so exciting to find a "new" venue that you love. From what I can tell, there's not a bad seat in the house - we stood upstairs, right against the balcony, and had a great view. The sound was good as well; I always wear earplugs at shows but everything was clear. The inside of the venue is really quite pretty. There are a couple of bars - including one conveniently upstairs - and they have a good drink/beer selection. I literally can't wait to go back to Union Transfer. It's absolutely one of my favorites now. read more

Who doesn't love this place? They get great bands and have an awesome bar. Combine that with the old architectural features (stained glass and chandeliers) and balcony, and it's just all around perfect. read more

Union Transfer - Mothxr. - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Having been to all of Philadelphia's other similarly-sized concert venues, Union Transfer is by far my favorite to see live music. I have been to several music shows and one comedy show there, and I will say that they are not nearly as well equipped for comedy shows (dinky, twenty year old folding chairs do not adequate seating make - my back still hurts). At the music shows, you can see the stage from almost anywhere in the venue, even when you are a shorty like me. Upstairs, there are some risers where you can have a seat or stand for a better view. There are multiple bars, so you rarely have to wait a long time to get a drink. Beers are reasonably priced, and they have a nice variety on tap to choose from. There are areas with chairs and tables by the bar where you can relax and have a drink if you want to get away from the crowd, but you can still see what is going on via TV monitors. The bathrooms are nothing special, but well maintained and clean. The architectural detailing is beautiful, and I have never found it to be too crowded. And most importantly of all, the sound is lovely. Overall, I am extremely impressed with this venue, the talent that it brings in, and the way it is being run. Kudos to R5, who are clearly doing it for the fans as well as the $$. I already have tickets to 3 shows there in the next four months, and I am sure I will be adding more shows to that list. read more

Union Transfer is a flippin' awesome venue. I love the space. If you're not into the band too much you can sit up in the balcony and just chill. I really dig that if you open a tab then you can order from any bar without having to transfer your tab over or anything. Tons of room. We saw Kaiser Chiefs and Converge there recently and had an awesome time at both. B/c it's run by R5, ticket prices are reasonable. And since it's so close to my house, I will be checking their calendar often to see if I have a reason to visit again! read more

Quite possibly the best concert venue I've ever been to. The acoustics are fantastic as there is no problem making out any of the words from the bands or any of the instruments. I also don't think there is a bad view in the entire place. My girlfriend and I decided to head upstairs to the balcony and watch from there. We had a perfect view of the stage and it wasn't crowded at all. The shows are cheap, as are the drink prices (for a concert venue, at least...especially one in Philly.) I can't wait for more artists to come here that I like, hell I might even come to check out some random ones because I like it here so much! My only complaints would be a lack of seating options in the balcony/bar area. It would have been nice to sit somewhere and there was plenty of space up top where more small tables and chairs could have been placed (at least for this particular show). Also, our tickets and the website said they are supposed to have post show happy hours (with some really good deals) but when we went to the bars located in the back after the show they told us they weren't doing that tonight. Why have it on the ticket for the show if you aren't having it?! read more

I like seeing shows at this place. I like that it's big, but not gigantic. I like that you can see from pretty much everywhere in the place, and it's not crowded or jammed. I like that the bands are great. The building is cool, and the beer prices are reasonable for the kind of place that it is. WILL GO BACK. read more