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

I've fallen in love with this venue lately. It's big enough that you don't feel like you can't move around to the music and small enough that you still feel close to the musicians on stage. The balcony is awesome and it's (still) really easy to find nearby (free!) street parking. read more

Union Transfer - Mika at Union Transfer - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Best new venue in Philadelphia. Great sound system nice bars with good draft selections. The biggest ceiling fans I have ever seen.Only if they served some type of food.There was some sort of grease truck out front during the night if thats an option. read more

Union Transfer - Nice clean restrooms - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Went to see The Walkmen on Saturday March 3rd, it was a sold-out show. The venue is awesome. It held around 1400 people and it was very comfortable, not too crowded that you couldn't move. The sound was great and there did not seem to be a bad place to see the band. We hung out in the back bar area and had a few beers during the show, prices were very reasonable. It was easy to get to from the Spring Garden Septa stop, and with The Institute Bar right around the corner, it made for a nice 1-2 punch. I will definitely be checking out other acts at this place. read more

9.7/10.0 Union Transfer is a great venue. Have seen many shows here since they opened a few years ago and, along with Johnny Brenda's, is my favorite place to see a show in Phila. Has good enough beer options--not as exciting as what's at JB's, for example, but still, nothing at all to complain about. The place is always clean and they get some great acts that are up on the more widely-popular end of the respectable music spectrum (capacity 1000 I believe). They have a Little Baby's Ice Cream stand inside and have recently started peddling Bufad Pizza, so you have some fun options if you want a snack while you're at the show. Also, the architecture, at least up in the ceiling, is like that of an old church--really gets my rocks off. The cats of R5 Productions truly are masters. read more

This venue is excellent, Philly has always impressed me as a great place for local and big time concerts, but i always thought they needed more choices. Here comes Union Transfer, this is a really cool looking venue that has this whole wood & western looking theme. I've only been there twice but both shows i saw were great. I loved how the lights played off all the wood architecture, and the acoustics were real good. Venues always come down to how much you like live music, and who is playing but this is a venue to check out regardless of who is on stage. Great beer selection, and there is a back bar where you cannot see the show that offers chaperones, or tired guests to have a few drinks in a somewhat quieter area, while still being able to hear what is going on. Great place you just have to check out read more

By far the best place to see an ample sized show in the city. R5 and Four Corners have done it again with consistency, focused on laid back vibes with quality service. I have seen a number of shows at Union Transfer and think it will finally be the catalyst to bring this area of Spring Garden up to snuff w/ its neighboring locales. read more

If you want to feel the bass rumble your chest, watch a great light show, and stand within feet of the performing artist, this venue is for you. I went last night to see Crystal Fighters, a band my friend introduced me to, and though I was new to the music, I was amazed at how powerful the sound system really was. I'd recommend going to see one of your favorite artists there as long as your not afraid to emerge with ringing ears. The downside to this place is that if you buy a beer, you have to remain in the back of the venue. And if you didn't drive to your concert, it's tough finding a cab once you're out. Just be prepared to wait a while or walk to Broad. Overall, though, it seems like one of the best venues in Philly in terms of sound, atmosphere, and price. read more

Ice cream, try the ice cream. A great selections of bands, the staff is friendly, and on some night you can register to vote. The first show I went to I stood right up against the stage and the sound wasn't great. They may have fixed this, but now a stand a little further back and the sound is awesome. Bring some tissues in case the rock star lead sing breaks his glasses during the show and won't stop crying about it (true story). read more

Just attended my first show at Union Transfer and I can't complain about much. To start, I got to the venue an hour early and was able to park directly in front of the club, on the street. From my car to the main entrance was a five-second walk. We were off to a good start. The venue is really nice inside...really high ceilings, pretty wide open and very clean. There probably isn't a bad spot in the entire club to be watching the show. There are areas along each wall for 21-and-over, which stretch to probably about five feet of the stage. A friend and I snagged one of these spots, so we were close enough without having to worry about being on the floor (and being run over by people slamdancing). The floor area in front of the stage was smaller than expected, even smaller than that of TLA (from the looks of it), but that didn't bother me. It's an intimate venue...and that's not a knock, either. The staff are incredibly nice. The security guys checking us at the front door engaged everybody in some small talk, and the one complimented me on my Flogging Molly T-shirt. The bartending staff never got short with me, despite the fact that I needed the list of beers on tap repeated about 10 times over the course of the night. Bathrooms were remarkably clean. The sound was among the best I've heard at any venue. Things were well-organized. The first band hit the stage at 7:30 on the dot, just like the ticket said. Bands set up and broke down with a purpose, and the evening moved along at a brisk pace. Whatever this club is doing, others should take note. This was one efficient setup. Oh yeah...NO BARRICADE! This is the first show I've seen in AGES where a barricade wasn't separating the audience from the band. My only gripe (and one I wish I didn't have to deduct a whole point for) is that a couple of security guys were actually trying to stop people from slamdancing. I even watched one move into the pit a couple of times to shove away slamdancers who weren't even remotely close to him. Perhaps a little talk with security about exactly what to expect at these types of shows would solve this issue. I wouldn't say the pit security was particularly brutish...just an annoyance. To their credit, though, they weren't doing anything about the crowd-surfing or stage-diving. That was a breath of fresh air. If they take care of the one slamdancing issue with security, they're easily getting a five-star rating from me. But, as it stands, I'll be back. read more

I live in DC, but I will make the trip to Philly for this venue. It's exceptional, maybe the best I've ever been to. I saw Savages a few weeks ago, and had a memorable experience. It was easy to park--probably not super safe to walk back to your car alone, but I parked a block away and it seemed fine. The space is breathtaking--2 tiers, no space with a bad view, or, so far as I could tell, bad sound. It has the ambiance of an abandoned/converted train station, which makes the venture to the event or new place of a show feel even more exciting and accessible. I've never seen this before, but the floor space in front of the stage does not allow drinks. I like to drink at shows, but I love that. Makes you not worry about knocking into someone's beer and getting wet or getting them wet and makes the listening and viewing experience a lot more focused and freer. I didn't try the food, but it all looked great, and the beer/drinks selection was solid. But mostly, I just felt this space was revamped by people who really care about music and community, and you can feel that walking in. Feels less corporate, more communal. Could also just be the brotherly love of Philly ;) Definitely go here. The artists will likely realize the beauty and energy of the space too and you'll see them perform better than they might elsewhere. read more

UT is the place to be. Excellent acoustics, excellent sight lines, multiple bar areas, parking is relatively easy or cheap or free, some good grub is close by, easy access to the Interstate, no pretension, and prices are reasonable for the acts. This is the Indie lovers big stage for the move up from First U, Johnny Brenda's, Boot & Saddle, etc...R5 productions does a great job and should be supported for their efforts. Seen more shows than I can remember here and it is worth the road trip into Philly if there is a band you really want to see. read more

I think this is my favorite Philly concert venue. They get a great range of acts, the building is really beautiful, good sound, decent selection of beers... what really prompted the 5 star review was my most recent experience with a friend who just had knee surgery. The box office responded to my email questions within 48 hours and were very helpful with ensuring her a spot. Night of every single employee was super helpful and accommodating. They had a ramp set up and a place for her wheelchair app ready to go. Really excellent service. read more

Absolutely loved this venue. I was fortunate enough to be standing right at the stage at a Glen Hansard show, and it was incredible. The sound quality was amazing. Often times, being so close to the stage, you hear feedback or you can't hear the person singing etc., but not here. I can't stop thinking about this show. Union Transfer is an awesome venue, and I'd definitely look forward to seeing another show there in the future. read more

I have consistently enjoyed this venue. I go to concerts at Union Transfer quite frequently for someone living pretty far outside of the city, monthly at one point. I am not sure if people just don't like the same bands as I do, but I have never felt cramped which I am definitely not complaining about! It is super easy to get to the front row if you get there on time which is also nice. I've only had one annoying interaction with a drunk guy trying to mosh at a chill concert. Drinks are priced normally. Not that there is much interaction with the staff especially once the music gets going, but the bartenders have always been able to tend to everyone in a timely fashion and with a smile on their face. I am always eager to check out their lineup because there is always another concert that I am eager to see! read more

Such a unique venue with a lot of charm! I was surprisingly surprised when I walked in! The acoustics are amazing! Having the best night! Drinks are yummy too! read more

Union Transfer - Bar upstairs is so cool! - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Was here on 7/19 for the Walk Off the Earth show... was very pleased by the cleanliness of the place. Decent space, very reasonably priced, great sound... My complaint would be what would seem to be a lack of security staff during the event. I understand that with general admission, you are destined to have those in the crowd that will bully and push their way (roughly and rudely) to the front. HOWEVER: what I did not appreciate was the fact that there was a small group of concert-goers that were extremely intoxicated, that were shoving people repeatedly to get to the band members and to the stage. Over and over again. And no one in sight to correct the behavior. This was an "all ages" show. There were several smaller people present. One young girl got shoved quite roughly. I walked away with cuts and bruises from these individuals. I do wish there had been more staff members through the area to police this sort of thing. read more

I went last night to see Kevin Morby. I went outside to get some air after to opening act. The guy at the door wouldn't let me back in. I showed him my ticket and my hand stamp. He kept saying "if you leave you can't go back in." Total bullshit. I'm pissed. read more

Union Transfer has their own parking, which is very convenient for someone coming from outside of the city. The setup of the venue is pretty nice as well, with a merch/snacks area directly as you walk in, a bar further to the left, and the venue directly leading from the merch area. This is a small venue, but not too small. My favorite part about this place is the two raised sections on either side -- I was seeing Death Grips and was pretty worried about getting demolished in the mosh pits, so the fact that the venue had two little areas for people to gather really made my experience better than I thought it would be. A tip -- the front of these areas, especially the left one, provide a GREAT view if you don't want to fight your way up to the stage or if you're a short person in a crowd of tall people. The sound was EXTREMELY loud. I'm not sure if that's my fault because I was seeing the band I saw, but earplugs are offered in the merch area, so I'm assuming it's not just a one-band thing. If you're seeing any kind of aggressive band, you will definitely need ear plugs, at least until you can get acclimated to the sound. I couldn't fully hear until 3 days after the show. One last note -- getting out of the venue was kind of messy because the bar area was blocked off to anyone under 21 regardless of whether they were going to try to buy anything, so the only option was to wait until the rest of the herd awkwardly pushed its way around the railway leading into the venue. read more

this place gets some pretty good bands, but there's a couple things that bugged me from my first visit. I'll start with the positive though. It's a pretty good size, bigger than what I'm used to anyways, and it's got a pretty cool vibe to it, it looks great inside. There are only certain areas where you can drink, but that's probably for the best, it prevents a lot of beer from getting spilled on the dance floor. The bartenders were friendly and there's 2 or 3 different bars in there, so if the main bar is pretty crowded the one upstairs is a lot quicker. unfortunately, the bar prices are pretty high. a coors is like $5.50, but I don't drink that crap anyways, you're definitely better off going with a better beer. There was a Pale Ale that was $6, I think it was local. I ordered an IPA from another brand and it was $7.50. yikes. the security was pretty strict, but that's understandable for a venue of this size. the show ran pretty well, there was only 10 minutes between the first 2 bands, but then it took 25 minutes between the 2nd band and the headliner. The sound was hit or miss though. I was actually most excited to see the first band, and the sound was the worst for them, the kick drum was too loud and it wasn't EQ'd very well, it was really boomy and it lacked clarity. The vocals were loud enough but the guitars sounded really scratchy and the bass guitar was muddy and got lost in the mix. this was all before I put in my earplugs though, I definitely suggest you bring some because after I put them in the kick drum was more defined (although still too loud) and you could hear the guitars a lot better and you could actually make out the notes the bassist was playing. then the 2nd band came on and the sound was actually much better for them, earplugs weren't needed. so all in all, this wasn't the best venue I've been to, but I still had a lot of fun and it's far from the worst venue I've been to. read more

A F*@%ing plus. Great sound, decent bar areas and an awesome upstairs with enough space and incline for everyone to see. Screw you Electric Factory. read more

i have to say for mid-size spots union transfer is awesome and above average. the venue its self is cool looking and clean, there is a nice separated bar area, an upstairs w/ a bar and additional spots to watch the bands, the sound is great, and i have found the venue staff to be very nice and accommodating. i like how the merch area is outside the main room, and in the summer they have little baby's ice cream and in the winter a nice coat check. Vegan pro tip: every time i have been to a show at UT when the ice cream was there - they have had a vegan option available. the bathrooms are pretty clean considering its a concert hall. and the backstage little room has a couch and flat screen tv. not bad at all! read more

I spent the majority of my youth touring the world, playing loud music to those who would hear it. I now live in Phladelphia, and can say that without a doubt, Union Transfer is the BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE IN NORTH AMERICA. Take that, New York City and LA. read more

Was good as a spaghetti warehouse then it became the worst venue ever considering it's never even had one godd*mn show. R5 really botched the job on this one: I went here a week ago to get spaghetti under really f*cking bright lights while listening to sh*tty radio pop music blasted in my dingus ears all f*cking night but it was closed because R5 bought it and R5 don't know sh*t about spaghetti or warehouses. So I went back a week later to see a R5 show cuz it beats the sh*t out of radio pop blasting in your face while you're trying to eat Pop's Lasagna or whatever the godd*mn dish was called (RIP) but, lo and behold, no shows have ever been put on here so my first thought was that this place blows, gets one star, I'm hungry, break my life into pieces, this my last resort, yelp!, etc. But then I read an exceptional piece of contemporary journalism in the Philadelphia Weekly, which I wish I could review on here but I can't, and I learned that Union Transfer is the godd*amn best thing to ever happen to music in Philadelphia or anywhere else in the whole scheme of human history other than Bookspace. So the core of my consumer experience started off ~weak/terrible but is now and into the future just nothing short of Tiger Woods golf-quality, which is to say damn near perfect except when it sucks which is rare. read more

I'm obsessed with this concert venue. There's really no bad seat in the house. This venue used to be the old Spaghetti Warehouse and I think they did a great job turning it into what it is now, a concert venue. The vibe of the place is super casual and a total hang out place. I love what they did to the place by making it have the hipster vibe. The ceilings are so cool, I could stare up all day to admire the architectural building. The acoustics if you're on the balcony can be a bit off but otherwise, I can't wait to go to my next show here!! Other notes: they have decent drink prices and the place doesn't smell like old beer (aka a frat house; and hopefully it stays that way). BONUS POINTS: the floors aren't sticky! read more

If Johnny Brenda's and the Troc had the most gorgeous baby venue possible with their crossed genes, it would be Union Transfer. Once a warehouse specializing in the manufacture of spaghetti, this bold new hall has became Philadelphia's best music venue... upon CONCEPTION! Hands down, there is no place like it in town and no authentic nor justifiable competition. Sound is excellent, the decor is nostalgic and awe-inspiring and the bar in the back is just the perfect icing on this delicious rock cake. The staff is hospitable and aware, making each visit just that much better. Special props to R5 for booking a seemingly endless parade of perfectly-selected acts, from established to emerging artists. I'll go anytime! read more

This venue is ridiculously cool and has everything that I'm looking for in a medium sized venue. Huge open, airy space with really neat details showing off the old building that was originally the Spring Garden Farmer's Market in the late 1800s and has been a bunch of other really cool things as well (a spaghetti factory? cool). There are big, open exposed beams, open and spacious bar areas both upstairs and downstairs, a little booth that sells Little Baby's ice cream (pretty sure this isn't open all year round), and a bunch of other really cool details. The place is just pretty, and doesn't have that dirty, run down feeling that the Electric Factory or the Troc have. Personally, being a person facing vertical challenges, I have a fond love for the stadium seating thing all the way in the back of the top floor. Honestly great view, not cramped, and the sound is perfect from up there. This place makes me hope that all of the bands I'm hoping will visit Philly will play here. read more

Didnt know about this spot until my lady got tickets for a performer the other night. Shout out to artist Nai Palm. Killer vocals, star in the making. Now, back to my current review....UnionTransfer. Very adequate venue not too far from Center City Philadelphia. Nice mixed crowd, mostly young adults, college crowd. Great atmosphere, music heads came to show their appreciation for a lice vocalist this evening. Stage lighting with the performer displayed great and set the mood. Drinks were available and from what I could tell were decently priced. However, with this crowd, lets just say someone gave new meaning to "strong natural aroma." read more

Sick venue but the fact that they "cant give out set times" really pisses me off, as they clearly know (every other venue in town tells you) and use it as a ploy to get you in early to buy more drinks Weak read more

This place is pretty cool. I went here to see a band that I didn't really want to see, and whose name I don't remember. But apart from that, it's a neat venue. Unlike other places, there are a few rooms where you can hang out and lots of bars along the way, so the lines are never too long. The main floor is HUGE, and the balcony area is really cool for watching down below. The only weird thing is the stadium seating on the balcony, which is set so far back that I imagine it'd be hard to see anything. I liked leaning against the railing and watching from there, at the expense of standing the whole time. I'd probably like this place even better if going to see a band I like. read more

Came here for the Dan Deacon concert a few weeks ago, and was really surprised at how great this venue was. Vegan concessions from hipcityveg are much appreciated-my non-vegan friend and I loved the caramel popcorn and sweet potatoes we got. Although the top balcony was closed for the concert, the staff graciously opened it up when Dan Deacon asked making it one of the best concert experiences. Overall, clean venue, good food, and great music-can't ask for more! read more

Saw Beth Ditto the overall experience was excellent great sound friendly staff attentive bartenders and convenient location can't wait to come back again read more

This place made me feel like I was in an old bank that was getting robbed. I dig the atmosphere

Cool venue for artists! Came here to see Daley and it was fun. Bathrooms are easy access as well as the bar. Drinkers have designated areas altho some a-holes still bring drinks on the floor and throw their trash on the floor (i almost busted my ass because of someone's drink on the floor). You get a good view from anywhere you stand, unless you're right up front, you're neck will hurt a little from looking up (lol) Overall, a cool spot to enjoy a show! read more

Ive seen a good amount of shows here. Like to come early and have a drink at the bar and get a spot on the balcony. I was on the floor one time and it was way too crowded. I like that there's a cocktail waitress upstairs. Great sound. Comfortable. read more

Awesome place for a show, can't believe I haven't been here before. I've been to all the venues in Philly but this one is by far my favorite now. Easy to get to and park. read more

Union Transfer is what the Electric Factory would be like if it weren't such a dump. It's the perfect mid-size venue for smaller acts that have moved beyond cramped spaces like Johnny Brenda's, KungFu Necktie, or the FU Church basement. Within a few months, I have seen the same artist perform at Johnny Brenda's and then at Union Transfer. The difference was astounding. UT has a very large raised stage, great sight-lines, impressive lighting, and excellent sound. All of the staff members/bartenders that we encountered were friendly and helpful. The whole experience feels very adult and civilized--there is even a coat check. Union Transfer is a place that I might even consider going to just to hang out with friends, even if I didn't really care about the show. I will definitely be back! read more

I think this is the best venue in the city to see live music!! The sound is fantastic no matter where you are and the place looks really nice!!! I have seen Savages, The Stranglers, and Killing Joke amongst others there, with electric Wizard to follow soon!! Each time the sound has been killer. Even for the opening acts, they sound great!! I have never had a problem with anything or anybody. The security aren't violent A-holes like The Electric Factory, the bartenders don't suck and screw around with your money like JC Dobbs, and the sound is light years better then either of those places or The Troc or TLA. It's the best venue pulling in touring acts right now. There are no doubt some great local places pulling local bands, but if you want to see good touring shows in a medium sized venue and get your moneys worth, this is the place to go to. Let's hope they keep booking good bands/musicians as well! If your favorite band books there, go because they are going to sound fantastic!! I don't know why Dobbs got voted best venue in the city for live music, cause they don't have anything on this place. read more

Nice addition to the philly music scene. Spacious layout, reasonable ticket prices, good sound. My only complaint would be with the drinks. 7 dollars for a jack and coke in a small paper cup is a little ridiculous. Also, the bottle prices are a tad high as well. Guess they have to make up for the fact that it's an all ages venue, and rip off the people that are there and can actually drink? read more

Went to see JJ Grey- not only a great show, but excellent venue. Ample parking on the street, or a lot for $10 behind the venue. Inside, good setup with balcony and elevated seating on the sides and end. Only knock is rule about no drinks on the main floor. read more